tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89798097786874322502024-03-14T00:47:13.819-07:00Visions of SugarplumsSugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-86733805053589492172013-09-08T20:34:00.002-07:002013-09-08T20:34:54.991-07:00Jumping on the Advocare Bandwagon and Trying the 24 Day Challenge!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a very long time since I blogged here (any blog time I have
lately has been dedicated to my <a href="http://www.sugarplumgarters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">business blog</a>), but when I decided to try
AdvoCare's 24 Day Challenge, I knew I would want to document my journey and
this lonely lil' blog seemed as good a place as any!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">I'm starting the challenge tomorrow, along with my live-in boyfriend,
Babe (obviously not his real name - he's über private and doesn't quite
"get" why I need to post all this in cyberspace) and my mom (Mom, of
course!). We all have different goals (hopes?) for the challenge - I'm hoping
to shed those pesky 5 pounds that my body thinks it needs that I feel better
without; Babe has 15-20 pounds he's hoping to get a jumpstart on losing, and
Mom is looking to get off the plateau she's hit in her weight loss. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i85cGGMq70qQ1WOeT22XRh_5WtdGVBtMUDNJyHTWCthyphenhyphenxSEgzG4RhTWXjnY6e0eTz1A3RyY8LLjkxF7c9k9pP7nnmzrRnHNnHWHQl75o0EjlZqBrawprNMoGXfTkYwBfCFlYi2aie1U/s1600/advocare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="advocare 24 day challenge" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4i85cGGMq70qQ1WOeT22XRh_5WtdGVBtMUDNJyHTWCthyphenhyphenxSEgzG4RhTWXjnY6e0eTz1A3RyY8LLjkxF7c9k9pP7nnmzrRnHNnHWHQl75o0EjlZqBrawprNMoGXfTkYwBfCFlYi2aie1U/s320/advocare.JPG" title="Advocare 24 Day Challenge" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our Advocare 24 Day Challenge gear!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">What first turned me on to AdvoCare was the rave review a girlfriend from
junior high gave after completing the challenge about 6 months ago. She had
struggled to lose the last bit of baby weight from her third son, and like me,
had some very unhealthy eating habits. The challenge was tough, but when she
was done with it, her cravings for carbs and sweets were completely gone! Also
gone were the intense migraines she'd suffered from since her teenage years. In
the months after completing the challenge, she has been able to maintain the
healthy lifestyle the challenge helped her achieve - still no more migraines or
cravings!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm fortunate to not suffer from migraines or any other health issues,
but I crave carbs like nobody's business, and I generally have the eating
habits of a six-year old. I routinely count calories, and almost always manage
to stay within my allotment for the day - I try for a net of 1350-1500, after
taking into account the calories burned during my workouts. (My Fitness Pal is
excellent for food tracking, btw.) But I've never concerned myself with the
quality of the calories (and in turn, the food) I'm consuming. I eat a ton of
processed and prepackaged foods - Lean Cuisine and Smart Ones frozen meals,
Fiber One brownies, Goldfish crackers, Skinny Cow ice cream cones, Special K
crackers, tons and tons of Honey Nut Cheerios. These foods sustain me, and for
the most part are low-caloried, but they are certainly not "clean"
and filling up on them often leaves little room in my daily calorie allowance
for fruits and vegetables. I'm so ready to change up the way I eat, and am
excited for AdvoCare to help me do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We hit up Costco and our local Co-op yesterday for lots of fresh fruit
and veggies, nuts, and organic chicken and ground turkey. The fridge and pantry
are stocked, and we're all ready to get started!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLA5-md7RB6oW7D3wP43ehtL-H_va-9y3lT5LytMfCtD2fdb3YLsVjr5A6xjR1syat-gGcTCS4hTqAxVipeqmM-z83wGN67LRQsMiPw1TAlZQMIZW5jsVa8jOHm4uco2QTFCpjGRadvo/s1600/grocery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLA5-md7RB6oW7D3wP43ehtL-H_va-9y3lT5LytMfCtD2fdb3YLsVjr5A6xjR1syat-gGcTCS4hTqAxVipeqmM-z83wGN67LRQsMiPw1TAlZQMIZW5jsVa8jOHm4uco2QTFCpjGRadvo/s320/grocery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wish us luck!<br /><br />~Heather</span></div>
Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-79095939332845330782012-05-13T21:13:00.001-07:002013-09-08T20:38:00.536-07:00FMM: All The Single Ladies (and Gents)<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's been FOREVER since I've blogged but Kenlie posted today's FMM topic on Facebook yesterday, and I knew it was one I couldn't pass up! Visit her <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> to join in the fun!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Here we go!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. What is your current relationship status? Are you happy with that status? I'm single. Am I okay with it? Umm, not so much... It's been about six months since I've been in a relationship. I've dated a little bit in that time, but nothing serious, and I am definitely ready to find Mr. Right!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. Do you find it enjoyable to take care of someone in addition to yourself, or do you prefer to be responsible only for yourself? I've enjoyed being responsible for only myself for the past few months, but I love spoiling and taking care of my man when I'm in a relationship so that's something I'm ready to be able to do again {hopefully soon!}.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. What's the most important physical characteristic in your mate/potential mate? I love a man with muscle. My favorite is a "V" shaped back. =)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1aLgYLPYeCk33AavyhNLZxE4dPL28-aDKxV3VE6l176SPVpPMXVv1OA8zk0tpuyaUiRBJ_yhU3uhAWXHpxk-KsfeXZ2ZR_aUSssylzWy8NvX9pMZJr2RzGDgE9wXENJe-LigRBzX1e4/s1600/back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1aLgYLPYeCk33AavyhNLZxE4dPL28-aDKxV3VE6l176SPVpPMXVv1OA8zk0tpuyaUiRBJ_yhU3uhAWXHpxk-KsfeXZ2ZR_aUSssylzWy8NvX9pMZJr2RzGDgE9wXENJe-LigRBzX1e4/s320/back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. What's the most important (non-physical) characteristic in your mate/potential mate? I can't limit this to just one! I'm looking for a man who is intelligent, driven, compassionate, financially stable, loyal, passionate, and affectionate. Really the list goes on and on...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Is it important to you that your significant other have the same hobbies and interests as you? Not really. It would be nice if we had a few of the same hobbies, but I also think it's important to have separate interests. I do love to dance though, and hope to find someone who enjoys it too. =)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6. If you could go out on a date with a celebrity who would it be? I have a major crush on Charlie Hunnam, who plays Jax on "Sons of Anarchy." He's definitely my top pick for a celebrity date! And really, can you blame me?!? He's gorgeous!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFjt_iYcoNV97NG-mICwMt9mg8w_BwOiBCgt-UzbxdMc3ftKAgkRd9WfohzHwSgWyPZK3LkzHQF2Gi_MrsFzBtvwFmxwxRM6awG4Irc_aYAW6NVTGF2zVSvhtTJOsVmkFnhG9SKgVM1o/s1600/600full-charlie-hunnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFjt_iYcoNV97NG-mICwMt9mg8w_BwOiBCgt-UzbxdMc3ftKAgkRd9WfohzHwSgWyPZK3LkzHQF2Gi_MrsFzBtvwFmxwxRM6awG4Irc_aYAW6NVTGF2zVSvhtTJOsVmkFnhG9SKgVM1o/s320/600full-charlie-hunnam.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">7. What's your idea of a good first date? I like something simple, especially if it's someone I've met online and our first date is also the first time we are meeting. Coffee is a good choice ~ it's fairly low-key and coffee shops are usually quiet enough to allow for easy conversation, and if things aren't going well, you can escape after 20-30 minutes! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. Are there any traits/habits that you'd consider a deal breaker? I won't date a smoker or a man who is not interested in having children. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9. Okay ladies...Facial Hair: Yes, or No? I like a little scruff but it always seems to leave me with whisker burn after a good makeout session... </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10. Would you marry someone who is opposed to diamond engagement rings? Yes, but only after I convinced him that a diamond engagement ring is a must! I ADORE diamonds ~ they really are a girl's best friend!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">11. What do you wish you could do differently in your next relationship? I have a tendency to let past hurts and disappointments impact my relationships... I'm hoping to nip that in the bud the next time I start dating someone new.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">12. Is there anyone from your past that you'd like to date again now? There is one guy from my past that I kinda consider "the one that got away" but there is a huge difference in our ages (18 years, which was the primary reason we stopped dating the first time around), so I'd only like to date him again if we could somehow make him 10 years younger. =D</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">13. Describe your worst first date story ever. Let's just say that it started with him telling me about his complications from bladder reconstruction surgery and ended with him accidentally showing me a picture of a body part that's generally covered by a bathing suit. WORST FIRST DATE IN THE HISTORY OF ALL FIRST DATES.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">14. Describe the perfect date with your significant other. I had an amazing first date with a guy I dated for 2 1/2 years starting the beginning of 2008 ~ I'd say it was as close to perfect as you can get. We'd known each other {and had crushes on each other} since 7th grade, so I was really comfortable with him and we'd already shared our second "first" kiss {we dated briefly in high school}. We met up early in the day on a Saturday and heading down to the Pike Place Market in Seattle {which is my favorite "tourist-y" thing to do downtown} ~ while we were there, we took silly pictures in a photo booth, held hands and enjoyed people watching. We then went to lunch/dinner at the Spaghetti Factory, where he made me put one end of a piece of spaghetti in my mouth while he had the other, so we could have a "Lady and the Tramp" kiss. After that, we went dancing at the country bar where we had reunited. He made me laugh the whole time, and it was just a perfect date! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">15. Would you date someone shorter than you? I'm barely 5'1 ~ they don't make guys shorter than me! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">16. Share one (or a few) bonus traits that would be fun to find in an significant other (even if they aren't as important as other traits.) I would love to find a guy who already ballroom dances. It's something I would love to do with my future partner, and it would be awesome if he already knew how so I didn't have to patiently wait while he learns!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">17. What's one thing you'd like to do with a significant other that you've never done with another? This sounds really cheesy, but I want to be in love and have a healthy, happy relationship! I've been in love before, but the relationship was far from healthy and happy, so that's one thing I really would like!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">18. PDA: Yes, or No? Yes, but only if it's tame enough that it won't offend others. I love holding hands and kissing, and generally am always touching my partner in some way when we are out together, whether it's actual hand holding or body contact, or just my hand on his leg.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">19. Do you kiss on the first date? It's been known to happen... ;)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">20. Who, if anyone, makes your heart flutter? Okay, again this is really cheesy, but the thought of my future hubby makes my heart flutter a bit. I spend a lot of time thinking about him and praying for him, as I truly believe God has picked him out for me and we're just waiting on the right time to meet. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy FMM!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~Heather</span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-30188433100883111802011-06-19T21:45:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:23:16.294-07:00Friend Makin' Mondays ~ Yes or No?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFhJy9Wql0lndMfMjMOnmT8wb_R5mrgcfM684nBp_qPndhGDf7CbM9gX4yTX32tcFmldclfFM8Om1dWNA1DM_iqwJiGISmZgeLUyDdxlxVwbqbg6JoiMD-PWcP-Kl7U7vDH2RnVjrAMI/s1600/FMM1.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFhJy9Wql0lndMfMjMOnmT8wb_R5mrgcfM684nBp_qPndhGDf7CbM9gX4yTX32tcFmldclfFM8Om1dWNA1DM_iqwJiGISmZgeLUyDdxlxVwbqbg6JoiMD-PWcP-Kl7U7vDH2RnVjrAMI/s320/FMM1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620163793519712466" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><p style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 22px; text-align: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; ">It's been months since I've participated in Friend Makin' Mondays or even written a blog post... Today seems as good a day as any to jump back in so here we go! To join in, visit the fabulous Kenlie at <a href="http://www.alltheweigh.com/">All the Weigh</a>!</p><p style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 22px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">FMM: Yes or No?</strong></p><ol style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17); line-height: 22px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em; "><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you use coupons?</strong> Yes! I'm just starting to learn how to use coupons combined with in-store specials to maximize my savings. I absolutely love Extreme Couponing, and while I don't see myself ever having a stockpile that takes up my entire basement, I do think there is a lot that can be learned from the show about saving money!</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you like football?</strong> Umm, not so much. But don't tell my boyfriend! =)</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Are you in a relationship?</strong> Yes. I've been dating an amazing man named James for about four months. I'm completely crazy about him. It took us a long time to find each other, but he was so worth the wait.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Is your phone always within arm’s reach?</strong> Almost always. The only time I don't have it on me is when I take Daisy on walks, which is probably really silly because I should have it in case of emergency... It's just nice to feel "not connected" for a little bit each day though.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you like thunderstorms?</strong> Yes, as long as I'm inside and don't have to drive anywhere!</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Can you cook?</strong> No, not at all. James is a fabulous cook, which doesn't give a lot of incentive to learn... A couple only needs one cook between the two of them, right?</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Are you – or have you – lost weight? </strong><span style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Yes.</span></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you know how to read a map?</strong> Not really. That's what my former Eagle Scout beau is for! =)</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you wear makeup?</strong> Yes, almost every day, but if I'm feeling lazy, I'll skip the eyeliner.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you read regularly?</strong> Yes. Since I quit my day job and am fully self-employed, I've had so much more time to read. I love it!</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Are you publicly affectionate?</strong> Yes, very much so.</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you like picnics? </strong><span style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Yes, but it's been years since I went on one.</span></li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you have a/c?</strong> In my car, yes. In my apartment, no. In the Pacific Northwest, there's really only one week a year that we even need a/c, so most houses and apartments don't have it. We just suffer majorly that one week when it's actually hot here!</li><li style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Have you ever been out of the country?</strong> Yes, but only to Canada and Mexico. Kinda lame... We have big dreams of honeymooning in Europe. We'll see! ;)</li><li><strong style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Do you know how to ride a bicycle?</strong> Yes, but I haven't been on a bike in more than 20 years. Long story, but I was in a bad bike accident when I was nine and lost my permanent front teeth as a result. It kinda soured bike riding for me!</li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Happy FMM to all!</span></span></span></span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-74892005343937359272011-04-11T17:49:00.000-07:002011-04-11T17:58:53.413-07:00Friend Makin' Mondays ~ Everyday Things<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U1Acoi1L3-qaDzm6wDAgNfkAiOWBf767QguoN2E3ss290hntq2m8nSMmwGl5wJR7RmyvKMTDlTBbWC2Sh89yBaLIHQnT2ceI2UXIKuVu_jGhJthX5zuqQQz4FkfK4MBtnMJSGq6t1bM/s1600/FMM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U1Acoi1L3-qaDzm6wDAgNfkAiOWBf767QguoN2E3ss290hntq2m8nSMmwGl5wJR7RmyvKMTDlTBbWC2Sh89yBaLIHQnT2ceI2UXIKuVu_jGhJthX5zuqQQz4FkfK4MBtnMJSGq6t1bM/s320/FMM.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594493066101737330" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">It's been a LONG time since I've done a FMM, but this one was short and sweet, and it seemed like the perfect way to rejoin the party! Visit <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/">Kenz</a> to learn more!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Here we go ~ Everyday Things!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">1) <b>What is your favorite part of an average day?</b> My favorite part of the day is when I get a “good morning, baby ” text from my sweetie ~ usually between 7:45 and 8:30.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctY7k_jjEEB2OCpPDV57JLonkx588nVImeg68D_Tmhnl-cKCTFCcSH84I6KW38-cv6Tvc27VoDhV1vlqUHflpEBIyN8CJBpouVNJNbC-6XdWKxYtjirpcivenveCCR4il_xttewQsD0E/s1600/good+morning.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctY7k_jjEEB2OCpPDV57JLonkx588nVImeg68D_Tmhnl-cKCTFCcSH84I6KW38-cv6Tvc27VoDhV1vlqUHflpEBIyN8CJBpouVNJNbC-6XdWKxYtjirpcivenveCCR4il_xttewQsD0E/s320/good+morning.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594494789497413554" /></a><br /><br />2)<b> Is there one food that you eat every single day?</b> <b>If so, what is it?</b> I have some sort of chocolate every day ~ I usually start the day with a chocolate Vitatop, which is surprisingly filling! And I always have <st1:place st="on">Andes</st1:place> mints in my pantry, so I munch on two or three of those every day too. I’m a certified chocoholic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5lLcjo5Z0-wSy-4yN4-f9ZuV6XdbZcA5RO6IEVGk0qWgr67ySEPYBsWb23DbrSUhKPSBejTwEvX4xvpHEqHz2x_nOHFRJqydIvVlNhyR29JATS90n9KPrWaxCaMNyJxZj94enJkiQMU/s1600/vitatops.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5lLcjo5Z0-wSy-4yN4-f9ZuV6XdbZcA5RO6IEVGk0qWgr67ySEPYBsWb23DbrSUhKPSBejTwEvX4xvpHEqHz2x_nOHFRJqydIvVlNhyR29JATS90n9KPrWaxCaMNyJxZj94enJkiQMU/s320/vitatops.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594493776713057250" /></a><br /><br />3) <b>Are you an early bird, or do you prefer to sleep in late?</b> I’m an early bird ~ usually up by 7:30 on the weekends. Lately, I’ve been up pretty late on Friday and Saturday nights though, so if I can, I sleep in until 9 or so. But I always feel guilty when I get up that late ~ it feels like I’ve wasted part of the day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E3xQx3KlBfw4tSynM8xE18z58XR_D72I-gvi5RFR03vw_cJdqappjU9-SdfsoAcZJiSArx2em5LqLTPl8iph0bctfuFEbom7k2gfcIjGxwq84fotwUtGrd6Lm5GCmgkBxP3DZyYn97g/s1600/early+bird.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9E3xQx3KlBfw4tSynM8xE18z58XR_D72I-gvi5RFR03vw_cJdqappjU9-SdfsoAcZJiSArx2em5LqLTPl8iph0bctfuFEbom7k2gfcIjGxwq84fotwUtGrd6Lm5GCmgkBxP3DZyYn97g/s320/early+bird.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594494994701707138" /></a><br /><br />4) <b>Share one thing that you're looking forward to doing this week.</b> My new beau, James, and I are going salsa dancing Saturday night with two of our good friends who recently became a couple. It’ll be a nice change from our usual Saturday night out at the country bar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPiLC5O5ZJL6_A-2DszQp7n8rpXwffmEcZVWVdEc2Y2WwFiWgJq5hO6YXiN8Pnd69SSZdSjvwfQuBQExB0MzoXhO_EPj7r2cIs7p_UY-JYDfirnJ2FWT4Bou8XnRAhODEVVyCRnOQPww/s1600/salsa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPiLC5O5ZJL6_A-2DszQp7n8rpXwffmEcZVWVdEc2Y2WwFiWgJq5hO6YXiN8Pnd69SSZdSjvwfQuBQExB0MzoXhO_EPj7r2cIs7p_UY-JYDfirnJ2FWT4Bou8XnRAhODEVVyCRnOQPww/s320/salsa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594494361224296850" /></a><br /><br />5) <b>What's for dinner this evening?</b> I have a ton of orders to work on tonight, so dinner will be simple ~ Red Baron’s cheese and garlic French bread pizza (which is really just fancied-up cheesy garlic bread) and salad. I love a meal I can just toss in the oven ~ pizza is a definite staple in my diet.</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PCMJTuFSk6rhYAvcP2oyNnI-mQdbWKsQOEOrPdIMbb2LeeWWbKH0hyphenhyphenU79kgc0YTxp7Bzn2lw05ZYngT9aMnbYi5R8mH3gebumuWHcfboJ1lRwgQ_iXw_0DknimFHRjo-emd0CHKUA7A/s1600/red+baron.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PCMJTuFSk6rhYAvcP2oyNnI-mQdbWKsQOEOrPdIMbb2LeeWWbKH0hyphenhyphenU79kgc0YTxp7Bzn2lw05ZYngT9aMnbYi5R8mH3gebumuWHcfboJ1lRwgQ_iXw_0DknimFHRjo-emd0CHKUA7A/s320/red+baron.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594495190824464002" /></a><br /><br />Happy FMM, everyone!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-4746323949351768862011-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:002011-02-14T20:15:41.837-08:00Garter of the Week ~ Gorgeously Glam Garter in Petal Pink and Hot Pink with Swarovski Crystal and Marabou Feathers<span class="Apple-style-span" >I thought it would be fun to start a new post featuring a new garter every week. Each week's garter might be one of my bestsellers, a new design, or a personal favorite. And best of all, the featured garter and its set will be 10% off in my Etsy shop for the entire week!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This week's garter is my Gorgeously Glam Garter in Petal Pink and Hot Pink with Swarovski Crystal and Marabou Feathers. Pink, pink, and more pink ~ it is one of my absolute favorites. I don't think a garter could get more girly than this! It was originally designed as a custom order for a bride in Pennsylvania in April 2010.</span></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu8BdK7-csLJuUOgD8b_uG_1JuzeLcMtJF7xQVLZJbTetNXA8aIRWrrEKjnCrpbmqChB7v-r8r_4ZRgMW9e82Y9FsmKkhhmA9FoWl1UzyZUVwsV-vsfTMNKCIuxG-QDEtrZfril_FgHc/s320/petalpink-petalpinkhotpink-crystal-feather2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573761538729471586" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboQlZfUF2KIAPNeqIAtilgpVFYBfH6US9fE2h8kFtImiZDOFqbsnCEISGPXbbIRPUaM3dVOBPm0kM8JpmQS0OKpT6AF-GNCshiAtr201_1NXRIs2WS0UU-fVqPIPer2Docto-S169Nc4/s1600/petalpink-petalpinkhotpink-crystal-feather-set2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboQlZfUF2KIAPNeqIAtilgpVFYBfH6US9fE2h8kFtImiZDOFqbsnCEISGPXbbIRPUaM3dVOBPm0kM8JpmQS0OKpT6AF-GNCshiAtr201_1NXRIs2WS0UU-fVqPIPer2Docto-S169Nc4/s320/petalpink-petalpinkhotpink-crystal-feather-set2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573761544094137026" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The garter is available <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48552084/gorgeously-glam-garter-in-petal-pink-and">here</a> and the set <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48046448/gorgeously-glam-garter-set-in-petal-pink">here</a>; both will be 10% off through next Monday.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I would love to hear what you think of this garter ~ love it or hate it? Would you like to see it in a different color? Tell me what you think!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >And be sure to check back next week for a new Garter of the Week!</span></div>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-131918746625142042011-02-13T17:32:00.000-08:002011-02-13T17:48:23.236-08:00Taking a Leap<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"">I come from a long line of non-risk takers. We don’t bungee jump or sky dive ~ generally, the McCormicks and Woolslayers {my mom’s side of the family} play it pretty safe. And while I’m not much of a risk taker, I am definitely a dreamer. I dream about my dad walking me down the beach to marry the man of my dreams in a beautiful, intimate wedding in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:state>. I dream about what it would be like to be married to this man and to have two beautiful children with him ~ will our kids look like me? Or will they have the dark hair and dark eyes of the typical man I am attracted to? Will I love these children so much I’m afraid my heart will burst? And I dream about the day that I will be able to support myself fully with <a href="http://www.sugarplumgarters.etsy.com">my garter business</a>, the day that I will be able to give notice at my day job and <i>hopefully</i> never be employed by someone else again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; ">To be able to focus 100% of my “work” attention to my own business, instead of working for “The Man”? To dedicate 40+ hours a week to working on new designs, cranking out existing orders, doing what I can to be a part of so many brides' big days? To be my own boss, to answer to no one but myself {and the occasional bridezilla}? That is my dream.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; ">Tomorrow, I'm taking a huge step toward making that dream a reality. Starting this week, I will no longer be a full-time employee but instead will be working 32 hours at my day job. I'll still be working five days a week, but every day except Wednesday I'll leave at 2:00. I am over the moon at the prospect of having an extra 8 hours every week to work on garters {and hoping that the extra garter time might mean the end of the 80 hour work weeks that I've been plagued with since Christmas}. It's scary but very exciting ~ on the one hand, I'll now be relying more than ever on my garter income for my monthly expenses, but on the other hand, it was something that I had to do if I ever want to grow my business to the point where I can be self~employed <i>and</i> financially secure.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; ">I’m hopeful that my new work schedule will allow for more time for blogging, which I truly do enjoy and really miss. I envision this blog becoming a blend of all aspects of my life ~ my life as an artist, the growth of my business, fun time with Daisy, and maybe even the occasional post about my search for love. I hope you’ll join me as I continue my adventure! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p></div>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-3102095551006070042010-11-22T19:58:00.000-08:002010-11-22T20:45:34.564-08:00Back to Blogging...<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I have been away for far too long, and I can honestly say that I've missed all aspects of blogging ~ writing posts, leaving comments, receiving comments, and just connecting with people who I will probably never meet in real life, but feel I have come to know so well through our online connections. I'm anxious to get back to this!</span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Life has changed a lot since my last post, which is mainly why I've been away so long... Nate and I decided to end our relationship shortly after I posted last, and while the time after our breakup was very difficult, I am happy to report that I have recovered fairly well from it all and that Nate and I continue to be very good friends {he actually came over tonight for a lovely dinner of fish sticks and pizza rolls ~ in case I never mentioned it, cooking is not a skill I possess...}. Daisy and I are now living in a cute little two-bedroom apartment, and are adjusting to single life rather well. The garter business continues to grow, and I continue to remain hopeful that one day I will be able to support myself fully this way. I'm going to keep this post short and sweet because my sewing room is calling, but I do want to share a few sets from my new line of sports garters...</span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dallas Cowboys Garter Set</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3VbxJIG8Cx8ZdJHoxp7TfTDpp_AOrHx7vEEbvyg8VrSKO4Wjmio4iR8c0wIKigv9U5J62iLfwPTPfcKbcWzGKz38U8wE8b6PxKSmrKRFD1SkELhs-gSyTkZXG3btfJgm15mdovfLjVY/s1600/navy-whitesatinnavy-crystal-cowboys-set1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3VbxJIG8Cx8ZdJHoxp7TfTDpp_AOrHx7vEEbvyg8VrSKO4Wjmio4iR8c0wIKigv9U5J62iLfwPTPfcKbcWzGKz38U8wE8b6PxKSmrKRFD1SkELhs-gSyTkZXG3btfJgm15mdovfLjVY/s320/navy-whitesatinnavy-crystal-cowboys-set1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542595135981880514" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">University of Alabama Crimson Tide Garter Set</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXEIUh4A0YxY0Z_fl9MZ2PU5wJMWVJNxlh4hD7XxNgZQyUiWLSIef47LfR0L7lEX1ugN4Ii8Nth7IMd3rwrOIvSQ8rWT4grjGldI0J3U6vHLC-zLUbyUBXQvOS5dIPfsyb1wpx8cqMvk/s1600/red-whitesatinred-crystal-crimsontide-set1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXEIUh4A0YxY0Z_fl9MZ2PU5wJMWVJNxlh4hD7XxNgZQyUiWLSIef47LfR0L7lEX1ugN4Ii8Nth7IMd3rwrOIvSQ8rWT4grjGldI0J3U6vHLC-zLUbyUBXQvOS5dIPfsyb1wpx8cqMvk/s320/red-whitesatinred-crystal-crimsontide-set1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542595126248575842" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">And of course, a Seattle Seahawks garter set...</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0vsMzuBZ9nSy5BWyERwOMO6AZcfbvE-uoGi2B4-ALzYPFPha-GyD-TBXmlVPt2eSbFARcvNRHCJSe0PC0hAgnet5d7kaRjoWo8RBF1Nt1UDVRfSnDbFFjrEKM0_ZtjNYEgFQo_HttK0/s1600/antiqublue-navysatinapplegreen-crystal-seahawks-set1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0vsMzuBZ9nSy5BWyERwOMO6AZcfbvE-uoGi2B4-ALzYPFPha-GyD-TBXmlVPt2eSbFARcvNRHCJSe0PC0hAgnet5d7kaRjoWo8RBF1Nt1UDVRfSnDbFFjrEKM0_ZtjNYEgFQo_HttK0/s320/antiqublue-navysatinapplegreen-crystal-seahawks-set1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542595107985686386" /></a><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I am really excited about these garters, and hope to eventually have all the NFL, MLB, and major NCAA teams represented in my <a href="http://www.sugarplumgarters.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>. I would love your input ~ what do you think of the new line? What teams should I do next? Would you consider getting a garter inspired by your man's favorite team for your wedding? Or if you're already married, do you wish a garter like this had been available for your big day?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Until next time...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">~Heather</span></span></div>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-30898151748105721612010-06-08T20:58:00.000-07:002010-06-08T21:22:25.958-07:00B~U~S~Y<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just thought I would fill you in on what I've been up to lately...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">A little bit of this... </span><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFBjxl7p4sdXcyEyJTDX6cbxrJcnWQpYUXBdgiJ6wTNZMNGxEKJOevKiU9AUn-GTL14bXd5UJJIPlGgXoyELJvvK7n1KfMPvwpK5-RPR3qaAr7siubkYgLkpfK1rEAL6ZUCa7gOgR9Ms/s1600/choir.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480619285920251074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFBjxl7p4sdXcyEyJTDX6cbxrJcnWQpYUXBdgiJ6wTNZMNGxEKJOevKiU9AUn-GTL14bXd5UJJIPlGgXoyELJvvK7n1KfMPvwpK5-RPR3qaAr7siubkYgLkpfK1rEAL6ZUCa7gOgR9Ms/s320/choir.gif" /></a><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:78%;">My high school choir teacher started an adult choir that Nate and I are both participating in. Rehearsal takes up our Monday nights.</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And some of this...</span><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRSRjbl0JhGsdj2opQ-ydvhlbf7xy9dJyYtzyMrxkAvfiBqVDrS6yyR9gONgOn09USCiujuA51JXrq4pWsNDH9TGC9KIZ3hd_N8ODTK9F_SiDYkRjwvnNSWkjF8AXoEy1Lc9ECwDd_Q4/s1600/dog_training.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480620510592206642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRSRjbl0JhGsdj2opQ-ydvhlbf7xy9dJyYtzyMrxkAvfiBqVDrS6yyR9gONgOn09USCiujuA51JXrq4pWsNDH9TGC9KIZ3hd_N8ODTK9F_SiDYkRjwvnNSWkjF8AXoEy1Lc9ECwDd_Q4/s320/dog_training.gif" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">We have puppy class for Daisy on Wednesday nights.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And my favorite: this...</span><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqtMgrJtpSxVDnL-yV6bWczptKkoz__0e9XvNKu5o-HLaa8IaLUbcsu51gwbtR__6AvZal2zcO2gSCv1YIG-AcYKm7qFWDqfjDwHUvVEMPABbf0Ykm5mq-pPWs3_dYIQ1f0-WBkZqJRs/s1600/west_coast_swing.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480621356412919858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqtMgrJtpSxVDnL-yV6bWczptKkoz__0e9XvNKu5o-HLaa8IaLUbcsu51gwbtR__6AvZal2zcO2gSCv1YIG-AcYKm7qFWDqfjDwHUvVEMPABbf0Ykm5mq-pPWs3_dYIQ1f0-WBkZqJRs/s320/west_coast_swing.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">We are onto our third month of West oast Swing classes on Thursday nights and are going to our first convention this weekend.</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Throw in A LOT of this...</span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlat-wJdIQGKY-b_Mo3TUk0N4KZojO05HhUV8FeZZoFFnNWLxWWw023uItR8i5Spk0D1Q3-QBD5DU9GudjWP8KMB4aFmLetr558-HUgMSLz4inkQAphQAwHrqm5OB_zZEOi-3VcdOmLeY/s1600/start-sewing-business.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480622274534542946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlat-wJdIQGKY-b_Mo3TUk0N4KZojO05HhUV8FeZZoFFnNWLxWWw023uItR8i5Spk0D1Q3-QBD5DU9GudjWP8KMB4aFmLetr558-HUgMSLz4inkQAphQAwHrqm5OB_zZEOi-3VcdOmLeY/s320/start-sewing-business.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and this<br /></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHsW7eF4R7drE8HwpX0T5AvgyFA1l4TBX6FjOziwgm_vEjqwbrHwcrqerx75P7XOxLIvuT2XilTofCTheBvvgnHGPKjt2sNtMPR-bSOO0Ko8Gum83wVJglG5wv0azQlOjYfustriLhBE/s1600/kmfamilytimec.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480622647153758626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHsW7eF4R7drE8HwpX0T5AvgyFA1l4TBX6FjOziwgm_vEjqwbrHwcrqerx75P7XOxLIvuT2XilTofCTheBvvgnHGPKjt2sNtMPR-bSOO0Ko8Gum83wVJglG5wv0azQlOjYfustriLhBE/s320/kmfamilytimec.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and a teeny bit of this...</span><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfGGMEDIZS0rV8eMWMlN3SQOioQnUMfRUu81QxizKl8PIALSyxdYOuo1nWEG5xSp6ZA33-kOuXKco9tNnczhPVJRB-e8gu4gO08Ux2Mo8RJTg22qPtoubA03Zr7FKhYJ77j9hY9jh7jE/s1600/walk.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480623145507613186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfGGMEDIZS0rV8eMWMlN3SQOioQnUMfRUu81QxizKl8PIALSyxdYOuo1nWEG5xSp6ZA33-kOuXKco9tNnczhPVJRB-e8gu4gO08Ux2Mo8RJTg22qPtoubA03Zr7FKhYJ77j9hY9jh7jE/s320/walk.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And you've got one busy Heather!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Hopefully someday soon, I'll have more time to dedicate to blogging. Until then, you know what I'll be up to!</span></p>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-77033821592111534202010-05-13T22:21:00.000-07:002010-05-13T22:22:15.428-07:00These are the ABC’s of Me, Baby<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A few of the bloggers I follow did this fun little meme last week, and I thought it would be a great way to jump back into the Land of Blog. Here goes:<br /><br />A. Are you a PC or a Mac? I’m a PC girl all the way. But I couldn’t live a day without my Ipod, so I guess Macs aren’t 100% evil. :o)<br /><br />B. Best current show on TV: The Biggest Loser. I just discovered it this season and am completely in love. If I had to pick just one show to watch, this would definitely be it.<br /><br />C. Chore you hate: Picking food out of the drain in the kitchen sink. We are sans dishwasher AND garbage disposal at our house, and I sorely miss both. I’ve gotten used to doing all the dishes by hand, but I really really hate having to dispose of the food remnants that don’t make it into the garbage before the dishes make their way to the sink.<br /><br />D. Dogs or Cats? Both. Until last year, I was 100% cat person. But after we got Daisy and I started to realize just how much more dogs offer than cats, I moved over to the dark side. Both are pretty fabulous in their own way.<br /><br />E. Essential "start the day" item: Breakfast. Is that too cliché? I can’t really start the day without it, although I usually don’t actually eat it until an hour and a half after I wake up.<br /><br />F. Favorite color? Pink. It’s always been pink, and I have a sneaky suspicion that it always will be!<br /><br />G. Gold or Silver: Silver. I just can’t do gold with my skin tone.<br /><br />H. Height: 5’ ½”. I’m a shorty. And the funny thing is that I usually forget how short I am until I see myself in a mirror next to someone tall!<br /><br />I. Instruments you play: I played the piano when I was younger but stopped after a disastrous piano recital. I don’t think I’ve touched a piano in about ten years.<br /><br />J. Job: Two ~ I am an accountant at a bank, and a seamstress/garter designer.<br /><br />K. Kids: None at the moment, but I’m hoping for at least two in the future.<br /><br />L. Living Arrangements: Nate, Daisy and I live in a cute two~story house circa 1940 in a suburb of Seattle. We’re pretty lucky with work commutes less than five minutes each.<br /><br />M. Mom's Name: Laurie<br /><br />N. Nickname: My mom calls me “H” sometimes, which I am not overly fond of, but that’s about it… There aren’t many things you can do with “Heather.”<br /><br />O. Overnight Hospital Stay: I think I stayed overnight one night when I was born…<br /><br />P. Pet Peeve: Socks with sandals is the first one that comes to mind. It’s a pretty big fashion trend her in the Pacific Northwest.<br /><br />Q. Quote from a movie: “If you want to live, never leave my side.” ~ The Saint {back when Val Kilmer was still hot and adorable}<br /><br />R. Righty or Lefty? Righty<br /><br />S. Siblings? Nope, I’m an only.<br /><br />T. TV Shows: Oh wow, the list could go on and on here. Nate and I are big~time TV junkies. The Biggest Loser, Castle, House, Survivor, Weeds, Big Love, Dexter, True Blood, Celebrity Rehab, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, CSI, Parenthood, The Good Wife. The list goes on and on…<br /><br />U. Underwear: I worked at Victoria’s Secret for six months after graduating from college, and thus have a panty collection that can rival no other. If you can believe it, I actually have a panty DRESSER because I have too many to fit in just one drawer. I wear all different kinds, depending on the time of day {generally I wear thongs during the day, and some sort of full~bottom panty in the evening and at night}, although you’d be hard~pressed to find a pair of “granny” panties anywhere in my collection. :o)<br /><br />V. Veggie you dislike: I dislike most veggies except for leafy greens, corn, and carrots {raw only} :o)<br /><br />W. Ways/reasons you are late: I’m late because I always seem to underestimate how long it will take me to get ready. In fact, I’m ten minutes late for work almost every day, but when I’m laying in bed, hitting snooze, it never crosses my mind that if I get up when my alarm goes off, I’ll actually be EARLY!<br /><br />X. Expiration dates – do you keep or toss? Depends on what it is. If I keep it, it usually goes uneaten anyway, so I’ve been trying to be better about tossing.<br /><br />Y. Yummy food you make: We have two new favorite dinners that I make ~ pita pizzas {just like they sound ~ pizza made on whole wheat pitas, cooked for six minutes at 475} and shrimp scampi {I serve it over whole wheat pasta and It. Is. Fabulous.}. Here is the recipe:<br /><br />Ingredients<br />~ 8 large frozen shrimp {the peeled & deveined kind}<br />~ ½ cup chopped baby spinach leaves<br />~ 1 teaspoon olive oil<br />~ 1 clove garlic, crushed<br />~ ½ teaspoon dried basil<br />~ hot sauce, to taste<br /><br />Mix all the ingredients in a microwavable bowl, tossing well to coat the shrimp. Microwave for 1 minute. Remove and toss again. Microwave for another 1 minute and 15 seconds.<br /><br />Nutritional Values ~ Calories: 103, Fat: 6 g, Carbs: 1, Protein: 12<br /><br />Z. Zoo animals you like: pandas {although our zoo doesn’t have them}, snow leopards, giraffes<br /><br />I would love to hear the ABC’s of you ~ if you do this little meme also, be sure to comment here so I can come read yours! </span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-84437219788062447882010-05-05T12:29:00.000-07:002010-05-05T12:30:32.606-07:00Struggling to Find Balance<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It’s been over a year and a half since I started my garter business, and as business has improved and sales have gone up, I have found it harder and harder to keep some semblance of a normal life. The demands of my business, combined with choir practice, Daisy’s obedience training, and dance class, means there’s little free time to be had. It’s hard to believe, but I spent TWENTY-SIX hours working this past weekend. I feel like I struggle on a daily basis to balance it all, and many things, including blogging, working out, and just relaxing, have fallen through the cracks.<br /><br />I’m hoping to make a change in the coming weeks, starting with blogging more regularly {and commenting on my favorite bloggers’ posts}. I’ve also closed my Etsy shop up for the next two weeks to get caught up on orders, work on some new designs, and just plain relax before the madness that is the summer wedding season starts in June. Nate and I have set one night a week to have a date night, and I’ve committed to taking Daisy on daily walks {weather~permitting} after work. It’s going to take some effort and re~prioritizing on my part, but I’m confident that I will find balance. So keep an eye out for more frequent blog posts, as well as pictures of new garters, coming soon! </span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-65731987319051391372010-03-11T12:30:00.000-08:002010-03-11T12:37:03.609-08:00Twenty Questions<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It has been SO long since I’ve blogged, and it would be an understatement to say that I’ve really missed it and all of you. Garter sales have been out~of~control lately, which is great for business, but means I have little to no time to do anything else in the evenings and on the weekend. And I have a hard time letting myself blog when I don’t have time to do a lot of blog reading and commenting. I don’t see that sales will be slowing down anytime in the future, so for now, I’ll just blog and comment when I can. :o)<br /><br />Kenz @ All the Weigh {who I really adore by the way} did this little 20 questions meme this morning. Seemed like a great way for me to get in a post, so here we go!<br /><br />1) <strong>What is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday?</strong> I love to get up early and go hiking with Nate. Our hikes are usually between 3 and 5 miles, which takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the intensity of the hike. That much physical activity usually means I can eat whatever I want for dinner Saturday night guilt~free, which is pretty fabulous in my book.<br />2) <strong>List your top three favorite TV shows...</strong> Big Love, The Biggest Loser, and Castle<br /><br />3) Would you rather be in pictures or take them? I’d rather be in them, but I really wish I could figure out how to keep my eyes open when the flash goes off…<br /><br />4) <strong>Why do you blog?</strong> Because I love to write, and I love making connections with women all over the country through this wonderful little technological advancement we call the World Wide Web.<br /><br />5) <strong>Share five websites that you visit everyday...</strong> MSN.com, Etsy, Facebook, Google, and PayPal {to print out shipping labels for garter orders and transfer $ to my business checking account}<br /><br />6) <strong>If you could have lunch with one person from your Twitter list who would it be?</strong> Mrs Soup. She is my best online friend.<br /><br />7) <strong>List a few of your favorite snacks...</strong> Skinny Cow ice cream cones, pretzels, baby carrots, mandarin oranges<br /><br />8) <strong>Do you have a pet? If so, what kind?</strong> Yes, I have a beautiful little Papillon named Daisy. She’ll be one next month and I love her more than I ever thought was possible. She is T~R~O~U~B~L~E most of the time, but we absolutely adore her.<br /><br />9) <strong>Which three material possessions would you struggle to live without?</strong> My cell phone, my iPod, and my computer<br /><br />10) <strong>What's your favorite drink?</strong> Alcoholic: Lemon Drops; Non-alcoholic: Cherry Pomegranate Crystal Light<br /><br />11) <strong>Do you enjoy cooking?</strong> Nope, not so much. My idea of cooking is turning the oven to 475 and throwing in a pizza made on a whole~wheat pita. Pretty yummy and low in calories. And it only takes six minutes to cook!<br /><br />12) <strong>Do you have children?</strong> Not yet. Someday I hope. Actually someday soon, hopefully. I would love to have two children by the time I’m 35, and I’ll be 30 in May, so we’d better get started soon!<br /><br />13) <strong>What are your favorite hobbies?</strong> Sewing, crocheting, reading, spending time with my sweetie, walking Daisy<br /><br />14) <strong>Would you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?</strong> Depends on the environment, but I’d have to say I probably tend to be more shy than outgoing.<br /><br />15)<strong> If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?</strong> I wouldn’t mind being a little bit taller so I could wear ballet flats without my legs looking 2 inches long. I almost always wear heels to add whatever height I can to my 5’ frame.<br /><br />16) <strong>Who is your favorite actor/actress?</strong> Right now I have a bit of a crush on Zachary Quinto from <em>Heroes</em> and <em>Star Trek</em>…<br /><br />17) <strong>What's the silliest thing you've done this week?</strong> I left a garter set halfway boxed up on the floor of my sewing room. {It was wrapped in tissue paper but the box hadn’t been taped shut.} Daisy managed to push the door of the sewing room open and found one of the garters, which had marabou feathers on it, and took her new find into our bedroom where she proceeded to chew all the feathers off. I should have known better and am kicking myself because now I have to redo the bow and feathers.<br /><br />18) <strong>Do you live near your family or far from them?</strong> Close to immediate family, but pretty far away from all extended family. Nate and I see both sides of our immediate family on a weekly basis, and he sees my dad every day at work :o)<br /><br />19) <strong>List three of your talents...</strong> sewing, singing, crocheting<br /><br />20) <strong>What is your greatest attribute?</strong> My passion. I am a very passionate person, and have a tendency to immerse myself whole~heartedly into anything I feel strongly about. This is not always an attribute though, as it sometimes gives me tunnel vision.<br /><br />I would love to hear your responses to these questions!<br /><br />Happy Thursday!</span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-35302092274559635262010-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:002010-02-02T12:31:42.226-08:00Today I…<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I “borrowed” this little idea from Kenz at <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/">All the Weigh</a> ~ she did it yesterday, and it seems like just the perfect way to get in a little blog post on this busy busy Tuesday.<br /><br />Today I… will not get buried in the ever~increasing piles of paper that are threatening to take over my office. I will get file folders made this week and finally get my filing done!<br /><br />Today I… will pray for my almost~mother~in~law who is taking the next step in her reconstruction process this morning. {She had a double mastectomy in November as a preventative measure after testing positive for the breast cancer gene. Today they are putting in expanders to make room for the implants she will get in four to six months.}<br /><br />Today I… will get a good start on my garter orders for the week. Business has been growing and I HAVE to stay on top of orders or things will get really ugly really quickly.<br /><br />Today I… will spend some much~needed cuddle time with Nate and Daisy on the couch.<br /><br />Today I… will complete at least four circuits on Jillian Michael’s <em>Blast Fat, Boost Metabolism</em> DVD ~ it’s even better than <em>30 Day Shred</em>!<br /><br />Today I… will give Daisy a good brushing which she so desperately needs {but with seriously hate}.<br /><br />Today I… will add salad back into my diet. I’ve been horrible about eating my leafy greens lately.<br /><br />Today I… won’t go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. {My new plan is to wash them every night so they don’t pile up and take over the kitchen counters. It’s been known to happen…}<br /><br />Today I… will celebrate Day 2 of employment with Nate ~ he started his new job yesterday!<br /><br />Today I… will drink 48 oz. of water. I got close yesterday, but will get there today for sure.<br /><br />Today I… will enjoy life! </span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-31548578977942341862010-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:002010-01-25T16:44:00.494-08:00Friend Makin' Monday ~ The Simple Woman's Daybook<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It has been a LONG time since I participated in <a href="http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/2010/01/friend-makin-monday-my-daybook.html">FFM</a>, mainly because I can no longer access Blogger at work, which makes blogging and commenting next to impossible as my time in the evening is mainly taken up with garter orders, couple time with Nate, and play time with Daisy. But I decided to carve out a few minutes during the workday to do this little meme with the intentions of posting it when I get home from work. So here goes!<br /><br /><strong>The Simple Woman's Daybook</strong><br /><br /><strong>Outside my {office} window...</strong> is the light blue cubicle wall of my sweet, sometimes annoying coworker. She’s a squealer and a loud talker, which tends to grate on me. But she always offers an ear when I need to vent and we have a pretty good working relationship.<br /><br /><strong>I am thinking...</strong> of finally placing an order for some of the beautiful ribbon I’ve been drooling over for months. The higher expense will mean I have to raise my garter prices, but I think it will ultimately be worth it because the ribbon is leaps and bounds above what I have been using and will mean my garters will be higher quality. More about that later this week…<br /><br /><strong>I am thankful...</strong> that I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and a job to go to every day. During these difficult economic times, I thank God for these things every day.<br /><br /><strong>I am praying...</strong> for the people of Haiti, and for a strengthening of my relationship with Nate. I am anxious for us to take the next step in our relationship, but know that we are not quite ready for it yet. We decided last week to really focus on strengthening our relationship and working towards marriage, and I am praying that we will get there sometime this year.<br /><br /><strong>I am reading...</strong> Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner and <strong>listening to...</strong> Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon {the fourth book in the Outlander series}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNujrmTfrJsxdVamu0RS17lrKyAh-wYRpucn64Z3QjKPkcjMFIr9KbtRQ4eONPao52wiH_f5Xwl5pfS4vGLf1Ak60oYHQRjaeyAxD4MqgDzKlR2xNdzW99NnH83ptPj7G_fliS-Jxyf10/s1600-h/41q5IqzRlML._SS500_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430841382900775842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNujrmTfrJsxdVamu0RS17lrKyAh-wYRpucn64Z3QjKPkcjMFIr9KbtRQ4eONPao52wiH_f5Xwl5pfS4vGLf1Ak60oYHQRjaeyAxD4MqgDzKlR2xNdzW99NnH83ptPj7G_fliS-Jxyf10/s320/41q5IqzRlML._SS500_.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_BhUn9YOXoZ1qFPerCeh5UXbfy0TwAa6rKSbCTxP0lT9RA3gfb6QO6WOMpYMm4Wi-Kh3duv3vqWXpEpALRxJIVTsUgj_vZGUql2DcKyCWP6CSgZk_TiD2RRG6Mv8UceazmCCvvcOKxg/s1600-h/Drums-of-Autumn-M5R452L.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430841372710950482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_BhUn9YOXoZ1qFPerCeh5UXbfy0TwAa6rKSbCTxP0lT9RA3gfb6QO6WOMpYMm4Wi-Kh3duv3vqWXpEpALRxJIVTsUgj_vZGUql2DcKyCWP6CSgZk_TiD2RRG6Mv8UceazmCCvvcOKxg/s320/Drums-of-Autumn-M5R452L.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>I am creating...</strong> Garters, garters, and more garters! I wouldn’t say it’s wedding season quite yet, but given the number of orders I’ve been getting lately, it must be right around the corner!<br /><br /><strong>From the kitchen...</strong> Ah, if only I had more to share in this section. I generally avoid the kitchen at all costs, but am planning to tackle my favorite recipe, Chicken Giardino from the Olive Garden this week. The dish is no longer on the menu, but I was able to find the recipe on the restaurant’s website. I know that it was one of their healthier choices, so I’m excited to make it and figure out how many WW points are in each serving.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwpqd4pjYR7Oj_xog4RpBISj_70vH8LZf0HqZdfOyzCXhR9ZwpIrtwH53vVC_ahPHZX5zwV7Bm__o-jIOIgzVyI3l_ySzMs90hLlQ1-vzOUk4Y8j4Haz_53bRQGmn8vHeFoIOTnpJMnE/s1600-h/IMG_5684.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430841711377366322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwpqd4pjYR7Oj_xog4RpBISj_70vH8LZf0HqZdfOyzCXhR9ZwpIrtwH53vVC_ahPHZX5zwV7Bm__o-jIOIgzVyI3l_ySzMs90hLlQ1-vzOUk4Y8j4Haz_53bRQGmn8vHeFoIOTnpJMnE/s320/IMG_5684.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Around the house...</strong> I am really enjoying the Shark vacuum my mom got us for Christmas. Our entire house is hard-wood, and it’s been such a pain to keep clean. I HATE sweeping, and have found that the Shark is a nice substitute for a broom and dustpan. I love having clean floors!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYZNFizPLpRJpZjHjb9x7R3xsv8JTbiireWji1fr7Xjly3wcbX4LeGftiLADXo-Mf_PjH1yjm6U-0Q8uI6vvKeQkgbjLh7YGFzjHelJjDCLG_IpsTKJiNKmh4e-5uDQvUbIUHDfEnm7Q/s1600-h/1213044692-90586_full.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430841854454612290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYZNFizPLpRJpZjHjb9x7R3xsv8JTbiireWji1fr7Xjly3wcbX4LeGftiLADXo-Mf_PjH1yjm6U-0Q8uI6vvKeQkgbjLh7YGFzjHelJjDCLG_IpsTKJiNKmh4e-5uDQvUbIUHDfEnm7Q/s320/1213044692-90586_full.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>One of my favorite things...</strong> This week, it’s having a full staff in our department. In addition to <a href="http://sugarplumgarters.blogspot.com/2010/01/sadness-celebration.html">our boss leaving the company</a> a few weeks ago, we’ve had two members of the department lose parents in the past week and a half. This has made for sad and stressful times for everyone ~ it’s hard to know that people you care about are hurting, and it’s a very stressful time to be covering for someone who is absent as this is our business time of the year. I have fallen behind in a lot of areas and am hoping to finally get caught up this week.<br /><br /><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week...</strong> I’m planning to finally take down the Christmas decorations {yes, I know I’m horrible} and put up my new Valentine’s Day decorations; I’m also hoping to get caught up on garter orders and get a few new styles listed on <a href="http://www.sugarplumgarters.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>.<br /><br />Have a happy Monday!</span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-82293504015310136532010-01-21T16:18:00.000-08:002010-01-21T16:24:55.143-08:00Do You Shred?<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMbOOIkP7Tg-a7UMGH6kLwPyhKMbHqeoP8DI77GFTXXfufExSZdmB7oM3UfC-nyoiMhZeBE5gx6kGRYErZTPJG3eYs2XX6eQvNlJ1ZD0MLEMq2RaC6l1QVaMu0SudtNFlKOnlOaK8Odw/s1600-h/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429353305636608722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMbOOIkP7Tg-a7UMGH6kLwPyhKMbHqeoP8DI77GFTXXfufExSZdmB7oM3UfC-nyoiMhZeBE5gx6kGRYErZTPJG3eYs2XX6eQvNlJ1ZD0MLEMq2RaC6l1QVaMu0SudtNFlKOnlOaK8Odw/s320/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Inspired by Kenz at <a href="http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/">All the Weigh</a> {if you haven’t stopped by to visit her yet, you MUST do so now ~ she is a fabulous inspiration to any and all who are unhappy with their weight}, I decided to join many others in BlogLand and try out Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. I think there a quite a few of us out there “shredding” at the moment ~ <a href="http://amberfilkins.blogspot.com/">Amber</a>, <a href="http://jennykate77.blogspot.com/">JennyKate</a>, <a href="http://rhondas3boys.blogspot.com/">Rhonda</a> and <a href="http://familyofshorts.blogspot.com/">ShortMama</a> are just a handful that I am aware of.<br /><br />I have to admit that I bought the 30 Day Shred DVD about three weeks ago {I found it at Fred Meyer for $9.99, and I believe it’s the same price at Amazon}, but only just started it this week. Today will be Day 3, and while I’m not entirely looking forward to it because I’m a little sore and tight from yesterday’s Shred, I don’t think it will be incredibly difficult to motivate myself to get my workout clothes on and let Jillian kick my butt for 20 minutes. I mean, c’mon, isn’t Jillian’s body motivation enough?!? :o)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iIuyZLSa6kTq_MhyhVrmGQ1Caqg3zJKAtMzI-xaeVTdsPrIMpFa-hW3aXrvZKw3sb1LLtUR_aMZbE3lLyHIMPR5Zt349hKQFB_yRxj8-BQJh3hTfpYARh1iGA9bH76_g_yZ2ABtmQsY/s1600-h/jillianmichaels.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429353409656060626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iIuyZLSa6kTq_MhyhVrmGQ1Caqg3zJKAtMzI-xaeVTdsPrIMpFa-hW3aXrvZKw3sb1LLtUR_aMZbE3lLyHIMPR5Zt349hKQFB_yRxj8-BQJh3hTfpYARh1iGA9bH76_g_yZ2ABtmQsY/s320/jillianmichaels.jpg" /></a><br />My goal is to complete the program by the end of February. I don’t believe that the 30 days need to all be in a row in order to be completely effective ~ I think it’s good to give your body a day or two off to recover, and I know that if I try to make myself do the workout every day for 30 days, I’m setting myself up for failure. I don’t even think I’d make it a week! Five or six days in a row with a day off to rest sounds great to me.<br /><br />Have you tried the 30 Day Shred? Thought about it? I’d love for you to join me ~ we can share our progress and successes! </span></div></div>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-84260058696069133732010-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:002010-11-22T20:48:20.407-08:00Sadness & Celebration<div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After coming back from my last <a href="http://sugarplumgarters.blogspot.com/2009/11/since-ive-been-gone.html">bloggy break</a>, I was sure that I wouldn’t stay away for long again. Well, I called that one wrong. It’s been over six weeks since my last post! Craziness! I’m hoping to be more diligent about blogging regularly in the future because it is such a great outlet for expressing myself and my feelings, and because I have lots of new things to share with everyone! But before I get to <em>that</em> sharing, I need to share a few other things...<br /><br />It has been a week of great sadness at my work. Our CFO and my boss, Lars, had his last day with the company last Friday. The official word is that he stepped down, but regardless of how it happened ~ whether it was his choice or someone else's ~ he's gone and we weren't given a chance to say goodbye.<br /><br />Lars wasn’t just a great boss ~ he was also a great man. In my life, I have met few people who are as selfless and caring as he is. Several years ago, when I was dealing with legal issues with my ex, Lars not only accompanied me to a law office to talk to a lawyer, but he also paid my legal bills. Knowing how much strain I was under, he asked me every day without fail how I was doing and what my stress level was. He was always there to listen and offer advice; to this day, I don’t know if I could have gotten through that time without his support. I would venture to say that he had similar special relationships with each of my nine coworkers who worked under him ~ that’s just the type of person he is.<br /><br />And now he’s gone. All of us in the department are grieving for our loss. All evidence of him is gone ~ his office has been ceremoniously cleaned out, his name and picture have been removed from our website, all the locks and key codes have been changed. We weren’t given time to mourn for him ~ the attitude has just been “Soldier On, and Don’t Look Back.” And I’m miserable about it. I feel so sad that I feel like I might burst. I can’t sleep without dreaming about the whole situation; I worry about how he is doing almost non~stop. I want to send him a note and let him know that while he may be gone from the company, he is not gone from the hearts of those who worked with him, but I’m not even sure how to put that into words.<br /><br />THIS. JUST. SUCKS. I miss my boss. And I want him back.<br /><br />On a happier note, Nate received a job offer last night! After nearly nine months of unemployment, this is truly a blessing. He will be working in a call center at Verizon {where my dad works ~ my dad was instrumental in getting Nate connected with the right people in order to get this job} as an independent contractor. It’s not his dream job by any means, but the pay is reasonable, he’ll be working hours similar to mine, and it’s less than seven blocks from our house. We are both very excited that he’ll be joining the workforce again within the next week or so, and I’m hopeful that we can finally start preparing more seriously for our future now that will be a two~income couple once again. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><br />It's odd to be feeling sad and rejoiceful all at once, but I guess that's life!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><br />Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!</span></div>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-10051156934742675952009-12-01T13:54:00.000-08:002009-12-01T18:01:09.748-08:00I've Said Goodbye to Counting Calories...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And hello to Weight Watchers!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I’ve blogged often about my desire to lose the weight I gained shortly after Nate and I started dating. I don’t have a lot to lose ~ only ten pounds ~ but have been struggling with little to no success for over a year and a half. A week and a half ago, I decided that it was time to try a new approach, and within twenty minutes, I was all signed up for Weight Watchers Online and on my way to thinking in terms of “Points” instead of “Calories” and “Fat Grams”.<br /><br />At first, I was freaked out by the idea of only getting to eat 18 points a day {plus my 35 weekly points that can be used all at once or throughout the week and any activity points I earn through exercise that can be transferred to food points}. But I’ve been surprised at how full I can feel after eating smaller {and healthier} sized portions, and I’ve actually only used a few of my weekly points so far. And I’ve found that just taking a different approach to eating ~ counting points instead of calories ~ is making a huge difference in my outlook and my hopes for success this time around. I haven’t seen much of a change on the scale yet, but I’m staying positive and feel confident that I will get the results I want with this program. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />What’s even more exciting is that I’m not alone in this endeavor. I was talking to my boss yesterday about joining Weight Watchers {she has been struggling to lose a little extra weight for months also} and we decided to see if there was enough interest in our building to have Weight Watchers meetings here. She sent out an email and got an overwhelming amount of immediate response. Out of 120 employees, a whopping 25 have expressed interest so far! That’s 20%!!! We have an informational meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, and hopefully we’ll get started the week after that. I’m ecstatic that so many of my coworkers are interested in doing this together and am really looking forward to the support we can provide one another!<br /><br />Have you tried Weight Watchers, or are you a current Weight Watchers member? Have you found success with this program? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! </span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-42245828792634439262009-11-30T10:48:00.001-08:002009-12-01T06:37:29.777-08:00Friend Makin' Mondays ~ Survey!<span style="font-family:Arial;"> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It has been WAY too long since I participated in Friend Makin’ Mondays {I’ve been in a bloggy rut} but I just couldn’t pass up on today’s survey brought to us by Amber at </span><a href="http://www.amberfilkins.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{aefilkins}</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. I’m emailing my post from my work email because I can’t log onto Blogger from work, so I apologize for any weirdness in spacing and display. <span class="466073918-30112009">I'll fix it all when I get home from work. :o) </span>Here goes…<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1. Favorite website ~ </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Etsy</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. My garter business wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it’s been without it, and I love browsing through other crafters’ creations for inspiration. Although it does make me wish I could spend all my days crafting rather than stuck behind a desk at work…</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2. Favorite color ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pink!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">3. Facebook? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Umm yes. I’m a bit of a Facebook junkie. You can find me at hmccormick3 at gmail . com ~ I would love to be your friend!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">4. Favorite Christmas song? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Nat King Cole’s <em>Buon Natale (Merry Christmas to You).</em> I discovered it in college on Napster {back before it was a pay~only site ~ yes, I illegally downloaded music back in the day. Whoops.} I’m not sure if it’s one that even gets played much, but I love it {and pretty much everything else Nat King Cole sings}. It’s about a town in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region> where Christmas is celebrated all year. Who wouldn’t want to live there?!?<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">5. Christmas tree: Real or fake? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Fake. In my experience, going with a fake tree is the only way to guarantee a decent~looking tree. My last experience with a real tree was years ago with my parents ~ they decided to cut down a dying tree from the yard and use that instead of forking out some $ for a REAL real tree. It was, by definition, a Charlie Brown tree if ever there was one. I bought my own fake tree a few years ago, complete with lights, and I love how easy it is to get the tree set up and start on the best part ~ putting on the ornaments!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">6. Hottest celebrity? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I’ve got a bit of a Zachary Quinto crush at the moment… Even as the evil villain, Sylar, I find him completely irresistible! <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0E2XGdN5YiqF6JGrnyJiy5Z8L6AFuF4ACBPfXDNqbr4rnMYHY_mK86ziY9aw2AmgsSeniicF9MZ_r0Ar21jgqFcBtfr8rjTvjFvyTtf-QsLNOJZUCwaIEtjQhTvyYccyLNn3hYo7vsk/s1600/zachary-quinto.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410128266785948274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0E2XGdN5YiqF6JGrnyJiy5Z8L6AFuF4ACBPfXDNqbr4rnMYHY_mK86ziY9aw2AmgsSeniicF9MZ_r0Ar21jgqFcBtfr8rjTvjFvyTtf-QsLNOJZUCwaIEtjQhTvyYccyLNn3hYo7vsk/s320/zachary-quinto.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">7. Favorite restaurant? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Olive Garden. Incidentally, the O.G. is also my favorite place of employment. I worked there for three summers and two Christmas breaks during college, and it was the best, most fun job ever. Plus the pasta is absolutely delicious and the breadsticks are to die for!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">8. Favorite magazine? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Any bridal magazine. I’m a glutton for punishment, as I’m beginning to think that I am NEVER going to get married… But they sure are fun to browse, and I like to get garter ideas from them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">9. Favorite thing to drink around the holidays? ~ </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I’m not a big eggnog or cider person, but I never say no to a lemon drop…<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">10. Favorite Christmas movie? ~ </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>A Christmas Story</em>. And <em>Scrooged</em>. And <em>Twas the Night Before Christmas</em>, a cartoon my dad taped for me back in the ‘80s that I still love to watch. And I do have a soft spot for <em>Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer</em>.</span> </span></p><p>Happy FMM!</span></p>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-39428469633476828872009-11-18T16:43:00.000-08:002009-11-18T22:31:59.463-08:00Clean the House in 30 Minutes?!?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am 100% embarrassed and ashamed to admit that I am the world’s worst housekeeper. At present, our house gives a whole new meaning to the word “filthy.” There are 3+ days worth of dishes piled up in and around the sink {life without a dishwasher really is the worst}, pine needles from the shedding tree outside all over the floor, and puppy toys and treats scattered everywhere. A clean load of laundry sits in a basket waiting to be folded; another is still in the dryer. Our bed hasn’t been made in weeks, and I’m sure that my sewing room should be declared a national disaster area. And the only reason I can stand to bathe in our scummy shower is that I always shower sans contact lenses and thus can’t see exactly how disgusting the walls, curtain and floor of our shower really are.<br /><br />I grew up in an immaculately clean house ~ my mom is borderline OCD when it comes to cleanliness {don’t get mad at me for saying so, Mom ~ you know it’s true!}, so our carpets were ALWAYS vacuumed, the floors were ALWAYS scrubbed, the toilets were ALWAYS cleaned, and so on and so forth. And to be honest, I miss being able to eat a cookie or cracker that’s fallen on the floor without a second thought about exactly how dirty the floor it fell on really was. I hate that our bathroom sink almost always has toothpaste stuck to it somewhere, and I am tired of the bottom of all of our white socks turning brown the instant we take a step on the floor. Plus it’s getting really old having to do a speed clean of the whole house so it is somewhat presentable if a family member or friend calls to let us know they’re on their way over for a quick visit. I know that I will never been the housekeeper my mom is, but I also know that I can keep a whole lot cleaner house than the one I’ve been keeping.<br /><br />My new plan is to do a little bit of cleaning every day. Amanda at <a href="http://imperfectlybeautifulms.blogspot.com/2009/11/clean-your-house-in-under-30-minutes.html">Imperfectly Beautiful</a> had the same idea, based on a 30 minutes a day checklist she discovered <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/daily-cleaning-checklist-00000000000953/index.html">here</a>. It sounds AWESOME! The basic idea is that by doing maintenance cleaning in the main areas of the house on a daily basis, the mess won’t get away from you. We’ll see if I can actually stick with it, but it’s definitely worth a try!<br /><br />Do you have any special tricks you use to get the house cleaned in a jiffy? I’d love to hear them!</span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-284601248051765922009-11-17T19:54:00.000-08:002009-11-17T20:00:43.561-08:00New Garters!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just wanted to share a few of my new creations!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4bHRJ_N8E1lAu_oLSgJxF8TUzlwWx2xFhyAP_i0ujd6T9JZi4obDgTVia_jH0H9aL2fDCvRw9eZ-1kGd01iPPGNRLVAfhrdi3hfT-fWw9h3ali1MQPpSwlm05xtQb09SojngZXuyqWg/s1600/turquoise-whitepolkaturquoise-58rose-set3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405287768938394610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4bHRJ_N8E1lAu_oLSgJxF8TUzlwWx2xFhyAP_i0ujd6T9JZi4obDgTVia_jH0H9aL2fDCvRw9eZ-1kGd01iPPGNRLVAfhrdi3hfT-fWw9h3ali1MQPpSwlm05xtQb09SojngZXuyqWg/s320/turquoise-whitepolkaturquoise-58rose-set3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4BVofE_MOr3xHa0LFheYnc3evH9L6ZZ39CdWH7B3ymQbkJT2GhzhfatvA6ZtNsXXcEYhA0lykuyguiTrjb8QWEe4tvfi7zxxrjlxo3ZKMd8B6RpJJzqoFASBzl73PtWekqSWnDOypjQ/s1600/white-dblwhitesatin-58rose-set1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405287765828310114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4BVofE_MOr3xHa0LFheYnc3evH9L6ZZ39CdWH7B3ymQbkJT2GhzhfatvA6ZtNsXXcEYhA0lykuyguiTrjb8QWEe4tvfi7zxxrjlxo3ZKMd8B6RpJJzqoFASBzl73PtWekqSWnDOypjQ/s320/white-dblwhitesatin-58rose-set1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcle8facEvLsdP4mHdM9EYIq-y-A9FC_uI4mQXII1DZOESdR1Wnrxzx7pGWn1Mylxi86ffGfjUuyG3CRo_otXQl06fiQsEVM6dk_UY9a8vyPaJaNpWNDT_0dFM0KZ2g3rx3w1xDfX30M/s1600/silver-lavendersatinsilver-crystal-multiribbon-set1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405287759708291922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcle8facEvLsdP4mHdM9EYIq-y-A9FC_uI4mQXII1DZOESdR1Wnrxzx7pGWn1Mylxi86ffGfjUuyG3CRo_otXQl06fiQsEVM6dk_UY9a8vyPaJaNpWNDT_0dFM0KZ2g3rx3w1xDfX30M/s320/silver-lavendersatinsilver-crystal-multiribbon-set1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7SbKOad-FFa2_NwghGz30RCv9FjU-x8QYVpVBNSUKjsoHvnhGGMTYGzIKST3Jgv88SMSoMLrIN6a1Di-pFoIUp6pegfwE8GQswrdjMwv1IWeQSRAK2a67L9mVMh4SHmDB6khu1u63EM/s1600/hotpink-dblwhite-pearl-feather-set1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405287751970291682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7SbKOad-FFa2_NwghGz30RCv9FjU-x8QYVpVBNSUKjsoHvnhGGMTYGzIKST3Jgv88SMSoMLrIN6a1Di-pFoIUp6pegfwE8GQswrdjMwv1IWeQSRAK2a67L9mVMh4SHmDB6khu1u63EM/s320/hotpink-dblwhite-pearl-feather-set1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVscqkzRNzIXKuKOw9x5H8Ry5OJ0QdyVmcJklk7nPgj979UC1YFCqpL1nBUlh7ktYkUid_0wrCwW47PAtuGYkM5hMiZh2bp_wv8HNLNeQNuLXyHa8DDOnVKC1_1G1wglCiiS7eFCiZTYU/s1600/white-blacksatinwhite-58rose-set2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405287749408307202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVscqkzRNzIXKuKOw9x5H8Ry5OJ0QdyVmcJklk7nPgj979UC1YFCqpL1nBUlh7ktYkUid_0wrCwW47PAtuGYkM5hMiZh2bp_wv8HNLNeQNuLXyHa8DDOnVKC1_1G1wglCiiS7eFCiZTYU/s320/white-blacksatinwhite-58rose-set2.jpg" /></a>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-27715663529739348582009-11-16T19:45:00.001-08:002009-11-16T19:58:54.632-08:00Since I've Been Gone...<div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've been in a bit of a blogging funk lately. I've composed multiple posts in my head but could never find the energy to write them down. I've read many of my favorite bloggers' posts but just couldn't seem to find it in me to leave any worthwhile comments. And I've missed it. I've missed having an outlet to share my thoughts and feelings, and I've missed the interaction with my fellow bloggers. I think I'm finally ready to get back into the swing of things, and wanted to do a little recap of the things that I've been up to in the last month or so...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~ I got my first haircut in 6+ months and decided it was a fabulous idea to get bangs. It wasn’t. ~ I started growing out my bangs. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~ Daisy got her girlie parts removed and we had to deal with two weeks of sleeping with a cone~headed puppy.<br />~ I was a beer wench victim to Nate's vampire for Halloween. {Somehow we forgot to take pictures, but this is the costume I wore. :o)}<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eO1ZkiHdE3RQ_ANDW7-5O2hTTVIqAi-EyESNf3L4sCZSwQYw8aDe5WocpqZF97wmeFyIG2k31aw_JgqoT7Q3Gav8nPlTkAYU_EJnt0F62Qi8WZfCqzprAZ1dPGxTyZT0_A9NaXvUpJ4/s1600/german-beer-girl-costume.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404916399770294370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eO1ZkiHdE3RQ_ANDW7-5O2hTTVIqAi-EyESNf3L4sCZSwQYw8aDe5WocpqZF97wmeFyIG2k31aw_JgqoT7Q3Gav8nPlTkAYU_EJnt0F62Qi8WZfCqzprAZ1dPGxTyZT0_A9NaXvUpJ4/s320/german-beer-girl-costume.jpg" /></a><br />~ I took <a href="http://mrssoup.wordpress.com/">Mrs. Soup</a> up on her book recommendation and FELL IN LOVE with Diana Gabaldon’s <em>Outlander</em>.<br />~ I admired the photos from Nate’s first <a href="http://www.sadophotography.com/p836619000">maternity shoot</a>.<br />~ I finally figured out how to make ribbon roses and started adding them to my garters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrTsgAizX1aO8SsLW2W0nNSZjP4Sjlezsb4k4yhDgFILyiTCXaQOjRR3q4ejfYWnw7_BOTucI6emvUBmvB_OXdILo4_ap_j9faSWWdWN-iJjHO6k5XU6V-U9BvWeSgIw0duZtqOcnjW4/s1600/redwide-whitesatin-hmrose2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404915850127785106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrTsgAizX1aO8SsLW2W0nNSZjP4Sjlezsb4k4yhDgFILyiTCXaQOjRR3q4ejfYWnw7_BOTucI6emvUBmvB_OXdILo4_ap_j9faSWWdWN-iJjHO6k5XU6V-U9BvWeSgIw0duZtqOcnjW4/s320/redwide-whitesatin-hmrose2.jpg" /></a><br />~ I gained two pounds. :o(<br />~ I rejoiced with the rest of the blogging community when <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/11/its-going-its-going.html">Stellan’s second ablation</a> was successful.<br />~ I celebrated Veteran’s Day with my favorite vet. {Not sure if I’ve shared, but Nate spent a year in Iraq as Intelligence for the army. His older brother was there at the same time as a Scout. I don't know how his mom got through that time without going mad with worry.}<br />~ Nate and I woke up to puppy poop in bed no less than four times. After the fourth incident in seven nights, we decided to take her into the vet, who determined that she had some sort of gastrointestinal problem. After two days of antibiotics, she seems to be feeling better and we have had two poop~free nights. Hooray!<br />~ I discovered a fabulous new workout program. {I will share more about it later in the week.}</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~ I began a quest to find new white polka dot organza ribbon. My favorite vendor stopped carrying it, and as it is a ribbon I use for many of my best~selling garters, it is a MUST HAVE for me. Fingers crossed that I can find a decent replacement! </span><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">~ But most of all, I missed all of you!</span></div></div>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-34502685136840994182009-10-15T12:28:00.000-07:002009-10-15T14:53:45.038-07:00Dear Someone: To My Fifteen Year Old Self<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This week for Dear Someone, <a href="http://familyofshorts.blogspot.com/">ShortMama</a> has written a letter to her ten year old self and invited us to do the same. I started writing that letter, but then decided that while there are things I really wish I had known, I would probably want to protect my ten year old self from those things, so I decided to write to my fifteen year old self instead. She would be a little better equipped to handle all the important stuff than my ten year old self would be.<br /><br />Dear Fifteen Year Old Self,<br /><br />It’s hard to believe that almost fifteen years have past since I was in your shoes. If I could, I would tell you everything I’ve learned in those fifteen years in the hopes of preventing my mistakes and protecting you from getting hurt, but knowing you, you wouldn’t listen to me anyway. {We sure can be stubborn, can’t we?} But I will tell you a little bit, and maybe you’ll surprise us both and for once, actually listen to someone who has more life experience than you do. It really is okay to learn from others’ mistakes and to take others’ advice.<br /><br />You are beautiful, inside and out. Don’t ever forget that. I know you wish you were a little bit taller and that your thighs were smaller, but you are perfect just as you are. When you look back on pictures from your high school days, you’ll be surprised at how thin you were ~ don’t spend so much time worrying about your weight. A little word from the wise ~ step aerobics twice a day will make your thighs bigger, not smaller. {You will soon learn that you put on muscle FAST without even trying, especially in your legs.} Oh, and laxatives are evil. Don’t ever, ever use them as a weight loss tool. They’re highly addictive, and if you take them too much, you can’t even poo without them!<br /><br />I know that right now, you really want to be a cheerleader for football rather than for wrestling, but know that you will have AMAZING memories from three seasons spent with the wrestling team and your fellow cheerleaders. You don’t even like football {and wrestling is actually pretty cool}. Plus wrestlers make way better high school boyfriends than football players do.<br /><br />Stay away from that dark, handsome cowboy you’ll meet right before you turn 23. Yes, he’ll look amazing in his cowboy hat and Wranglers, and you may think you have great chemistry, but he’ll break your heart as many times as you let me. {And believe me, that will be A LOT.} He is not the One. You may think he is the One, you may want him to be the One, but be thankful that he isn’t. You will be a million times happier and life will be much more enjoyable without him in it. And if you do find yourself in a relationship with him, for goodness sake, don’t be silly enough to buy a house with him! Nothing good will come of that!<br /><br />Enjoy life. Enjoy high school and college. Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up, and don’t spend so many hours in front of the mirror wishing your legs were a little bit thinner or that your skin wasn’t so pale. Treasure your relationships with your girlfriends, and don’t spend so much time worrying about boys. I don’t want to tell you too much about how life will turn out ~ not knowing is half the fun ~ but I will leave you with this little tidbit: you already know the boy who will turn out to be the love of your life. And he’s not that scrawny little Mexican who wrestles at 115.<br /><br />Good luck, and remember to enjoy each day, each week, each year. Time flies by so fast, and before you know it, you’ll be me!</span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-75797256880544584552009-10-13T16:29:00.000-07:002009-10-13T16:30:47.680-07:00Job Update<p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers last week regarding Nate's <a href="http://sugarplumgarters.blogspot.com/2009/10/prayer-request.html">job interview</a>, and thought I'd offer up a little update. The interview went well, and Nate was asked to come back for a second interview today. He thought about the position, and we discussed the impact it would have on us and our relationship, and he decided not to pursue it and ended up canceling his interview. It turns out that the available position is part-time to start, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm five nights a week. After months as a part-time instructor, he could get bumped to full-time, which would be noon to 10:00 pm four or five nights a week. As I work 7 to 4, those hours would mean we would see each other just in passing during the week, and that's not enough for us. And it would mean we'd probably have to give up Argentine Tango (our classes are during the week), which is something neither of us want to do. Plus, the studio was really looking for someone who has a desire to be a dance instructor for a career, and while Nate enjoys dancing and teaching, he doesn't see himself doing both for years and years. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And so the search continues. We both remain thankful that Nate is eligible to collect unemployment, and that he will be able to apply for an extension if it runs out before he is able to find something more suitable. I will be sure to keep you all posted on how the search is going. :o)</span></p>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-17948687125164879432009-10-08T22:21:00.001-07:002009-10-08T22:23:43.531-07:00Dear Someone ~ To Our Economy<p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It's Thursday, and time for Dear Someone with ShortMama. Stop on by her <a href="http://familyofshorts.blogspot.com/">blog</a> to read more letters and to join in the fun.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dear Crappy Economy,<br /><br />Enough is enough. You have made us all suffer for far too long, and I think it’s high time you start to make some improvements. We are all sick and tired of living in a state of fear about what the future may hold ~ sick and tired of worrying that we may lose our jobs if we are fortunate enough to still have the, sick and tired of worrying that we will never find another job if we are among those who have been laid off during these difficult times.<br /><br />You are causing a strain in my relationship with Nate and are making it nearly impossible for us to move forward with our relationship and achieve our goals for the future. Because of you, he has been out of work since April. Because of you, my once~happy~go~lucky boyfriend has become somewhat withdrawn and depressed. Because of you, we can’t even think about planning a weekend away or mini~vacation. And we desperately need to get away, even for just a night or two. Because of you, my left hand remains ringless and I fear that we will never have the money to start the wedding venue that is a big part of our future dreams. In case you didn’t know, I will be turning THIRTY next year, and it is just about time for me to get married and start having babies. YOU are making it very difficult for this to happen.<br /><br />That being said, I expect to see some positive changes soon. Or else.<br /><br />A concerned {and suffering} citizen</span> </p>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-62880253777077496242009-10-07T08:13:00.000-07:002009-10-07T08:13:00.375-07:00I Think I May Be the Last Person in BlogLand to Jump on the “Target is Fabulous” Train…<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But I am on board now. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have gotten some absolutely adorable sweaters and dresses at Target over the past month, and cannot believe that it took me so long to find this fabulous source for cute new clothes! I found no less than three fun summery dresses on the clearance racks for around $10 each, and have bought more sweaters than I care to admit ~ how can you not when they’re only $14?!? {I am a huge sweater junkie ~ I just always feel so snuggly and warm when I’m bundled up in a sweater. Pulling out my sweaters each fall is by far my favorite ritual of the season.} And I love that I am buying Mossimo brand clothing again ~ Mossimo was one of the “cool” brands to wear when I was in junior high and high school, and I think it’s hilarious that the line is now available at Target. {And at much cheaper prices, I might add ~ I had a pair of Mossimo jeans back in the day that I’m sure were no less than $50 or $60.} </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I haven’t tried on any jeans or pants yet, but I’m about due for some new work pants and can always use new jeans, so spending some time in the dressing room trying on some different styles is definitely on the agenda for our next trip to Target. I can say that I probably won’t be buying shoes there though ~ my short, fat feet are difficult to fit, and I haven’t had much luck in the past at Target. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I’ve also found great deals on food, hair products, and workout videos there. And who doesn’t love the fun $1 bins that are right there when you walk into the store?!? The only thing the store is missing is a craft section ~ if they add that at some point, they will definitely become the most perfect store ever in my eyes! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">What about you? Are you a Target shopper? </span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979809778687432250.post-72594323038244467932009-10-06T06:53:00.001-07:002009-10-06T22:18:28.130-07:00Prayer Request<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I haven't said much about this, but Nate lost his job in April right before we moved and he hasn't had a lot of luck finding something new. He's going in today to apply/interview at Arthur Murray for a position as a dance instructor. I know that he would be amazing at this job, and we really need for him to find something soon, so this could be perfect. If you get a chance, please say a little prayer for him at noon that the application and interview goes well.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Thank you, and happy Tuesday!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">UPDATE: It turned out that today was just an application day ~ Nate got that all taken care of and is scheduled for an interview on Thursday at noon. Fingers crossed that it goes well!</span>Sugarplum Gartershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05948592700110599622noreply@blogger.com5