tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90969142153479894242024-02-07T14:09:44.261-06:00my iLifeThis blog follows a Gen-Yer leaving the comfortable world of education to enter the workforce in turbulent economic times. With the idealism of Obama and the values of a conservative, she epitomizes her generation by searching for purpose and meaning in whatever she finds herself doing.BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-61164934239279626822011-07-15T01:49:00.005-05:002011-07-15T02:13:15.525-05:00Ready for Harry Potter's final chapter!I had been wanting to try freezer paper stenciling for a long time. I had seen so many great projects and tutorials online I knew this was something I wanted to attempt. Currently, I'm visiting the good ol' USA I can actually FIND freezer paper, so now is as good a time as any!<br /><br />Over the past few days my little cousin, Rhyder, and I have been consumed with playing wizards due to his new found love for Harry Potter. I couldn't be more excited to finally have someone to share my love with. And with the opening of the final movie just around the corner I found a great subject for my first foray into this new craft.<br /><br />I began by reading lots of tutorials in particular these on the <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/08/tutorial-freezer-paper-stencil-makenna.html">basics</a>, and on using more <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-posterized-image-stencil.html">compelx images.</a><br /><br />Then I searched the internet for the perfect images and fonts to create my shirts. I wanted to stick with a more graphic, simple, look. I think the images are picked were unmistakeably Harry Potter without being cheesy. I even chose to omit some of the details in the original images. Finally, I found the "Harry Potter" font and used it to add some text and a little "P" to the sleeves"<br /><br />All in all I love the outcome. Excuse the poor photos, its late and all I have is an iPhone.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGn_1Ycr8WAtz94Ic9hwO_JUBl7W4R2z7E8nrefnEyl91PaJF5h4t_FN9e1MsbWPz5Yv4cIfz5Rx9LznR66yHl1CIGAUImYW7g8f86mk8ZSXfzK7mnBojo00lAoINvdiYesG7fUn5y10M/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGn_1Ycr8WAtz94Ic9hwO_JUBl7W4R2z7E8nrefnEyl91PaJF5h4t_FN9e1MsbWPz5Yv4cIfz5Rx9LznR66yHl1CIGAUImYW7g8f86mk8ZSXfzK7mnBojo00lAoINvdiYesG7fUn5y10M/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629472406415440994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdduthauahCLoMwr9wOv9AS_p4P9zqc2nj13eIFlmy1C5aUoxHVk5zel40j3jbtibpm2gfLRNJq4CY36OVW1Dws__E1mHhr_alxtkJWL0DXzd9Q-DxRI-srZZ_fW1yloJGuvcLMV3RSG-6/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdduthauahCLoMwr9wOv9AS_p4P9zqc2nj13eIFlmy1C5aUoxHVk5zel40j3jbtibpm2gfLRNJq4CY36OVW1Dws__E1mHhr_alxtkJWL0DXzd9Q-DxRI-srZZ_fW1yloJGuvcLMV3RSG-6/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629473025060992802" border="0" /></a><br />For my other cousin who is not a huge Harry Potter fan I made a shirt about her love, running! I wasn't thrilled with this one at first, but added a zebra print to the hart and touched up the shoe by hand to fix what I didn't like.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3MDbangiAYNC4QuiGnxRoeKHqPfeU6slfXvI8Y1NfFHZFO-k_cefIYX1VSAqRXAsEGqVzazB_82cxWK2UmnogMDBzlJJSFZ5H9whzL_kaldECRBdalnzp117-syvSvHP5_UAsdSWk1GL/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3MDbangiAYNC4QuiGnxRoeKHqPfeU6slfXvI8Y1NfFHZFO-k_cefIYX1VSAqRXAsEGqVzazB_82cxWK2UmnogMDBzlJJSFZ5H9whzL_kaldECRBdalnzp117-syvSvHP5_UAsdSWk1GL/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629473461034692482" border="0" /></a>I will definitely be trying this again soon!BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-52205964062226076622011-06-07T19:46:00.002-05:002011-06-07T20:00:28.065-05:00Let's Get Organized!<span style="font-family:georgia;">So it has been a very long time since I've posted on this blog but I just had to share what I've made for my Dad for Father's Day!</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Following the trend of Subway art, I used a this tutorial fr</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">om <a href="http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-create-your-own-printables-using.html">I Am Momma</a>, <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a>, and funny sayings from my dad to create the ultimate personalized father's day gift.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HIqCFXgRMEteDjgn6uSbEScrVApAp8DDFOWQBiOEc-YZL5i4YIpLorDy-HKuqD-2EsA27E_Yan4czqWnMtaaJ6T1kmWDc0Hedff3ie3GBu_nPo9-fFYe_DRbGAd7Yzzir5CKL0HUPD-w/s1600/Dad%2527s+Gift+Final+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HIqCFXgRMEteDjgn6uSbEScrVApAp8DDFOWQBiOEc-YZL5i4YIpLorDy-HKuqD-2EsA27E_Yan4czqWnMtaaJ6T1kmWDc0Hedff3ie3GBu_nPo9-fFYe_DRbGAd7Yzzir5CKL0HUPD-w/s320/Dad%2527s+Gift+Final+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615647119692067074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /></span>The best part is that I was able to include my siblings and step-mom in on the fun as well. I contacted them and asked them to send me their most memorable Dad phrases.<br /><br />I also added little stickers that fit the sayings. My favorite is the little duck. My dad has always called us mallards, I have no idea why.<br /><br />The next step will be to print it out and put it in a frame! However, since I'm still in Guatemala I'll wait until I get back to the good ol' USA for that part. I'll post a final picture with when its all done.BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-3436860970893961272010-01-23T17:21:00.004-06:002010-01-23T17:39:53.864-06:00Long overdue....<span style="font-family:arial;">I know that this post is long overdue, but on a lazy Saturday afternoon I have finally found the time to blog.<br /><br />A quick update on life. Luis and I are enjoying our fourth month of marriage. I'm still teaching 3rd/4th grade. My class has grown to 8 students and I now have three girls. We just finished learning our multiplication tables, and it is one of the few times that I felt like I have actually really taught them something. I really like teaching, but I am reminded daily that it is not in my own strength that I'm doing this for sure!<br /><br />In December Luis was promoted! He is now in regulation at Union Fenosa. Its been a great new challenge and he really likes his work<br /><br />We got to go back to California for Christmas. It was really nice to see family and friends and just relax for a couple of weeks.<br /><br />Well, the real reason for my post is that I finally got to do some crafting today. I would love to eventually make a small business out of sewing and embroidery so I thought I better take a shot at it.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CyXIpn7DdmMWndRffsgWaSmIX7Ujxzu-yeAMGjn_8EZ7udwR059HkoFEGXV_OSvqMlTKZjwvJHKrB9BLvMpl4spMmTA4fQbp6ygQIZOTyQg0xVbHQQphS7FuaJAUKHvgUWTWjLT6fch5/s1600-h/Embroidery_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CyXIpn7DdmMWndRffsgWaSmIX7Ujxzu-yeAMGjn_8EZ7udwR059HkoFEGXV_OSvqMlTKZjwvJHKrB9BLvMpl4spMmTA4fQbp6ygQIZOTyQg0xVbHQQphS7FuaJAUKHvgUWTWjLT6fch5/s320/Embroidery_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430082887322930098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeF5NJ3jYKwT5N1769z81oyrhWtzI4NBuzPogC612N0Zd2mkxBb3vnrBIn3NMnM0yQJq9tjtXgT8YeuUsIJGsEI-fhh2aJBcG45cNpk3UoRZ010KwvMMSQegz3vQTY3wt7L5oDXPZuBXB/s1600-h/Embroidery_02.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeF5NJ3jYKwT5N1769z81oyrhWtzI4NBuzPogC612N0Zd2mkxBb3vnrBIn3NMnM0yQJq9tjtXgT8YeuUsIJGsEI-fhh2aJBcG45cNpk3UoRZ010KwvMMSQegz3vQTY3wt7L5oDXPZuBXB/s320/Embroidery_02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430083880388791794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Now this is not some secret code that we are expecting or that I even have baby fever :P! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So what do you think? And it only took me a couple of hours! I've got to find a better way to transfer patterns though. Anyone have any tips? </span>BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-81570457778373854772009-10-12T21:39:00.000-05:002009-10-12T21:39:14.596-05:00How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!<a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-much-fabric-card-guest-giveaway.html">I want this!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-much-fabric-card-guest-giveaway.html">How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!</a>BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-68349782829415828822009-10-01T13:06:00.012-05:002009-10-01T15:53:48.846-05:00Hello Brittney, I'm the real world. Welcome.The past few weeks have been filled with more changes than I have probably experienced in the last few years combined.<br /><br />First, on September 12, 2009 I married my best friend :D! You may remember that we had a civil ceremony in Guatemala in June, but this was the real deal. We were married in my home church in Bakersfield, CA. It was a wonderful weekend that allowed us wonderful sweet time with friends and family. It was beautiful. My only regret....I didn't eat cake.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAocys66JCvkP0ikFy3yZTumzUmk1rhtZuyjsU8TwwprWfQUz_1aOjubtl4VqVEQuubhO59W0y31r0-Ri8MYIkrMApOHBcWgkbp3B1TnBPfyhwwuQa91HhaXK15FrSoI6bQHgLJprXO9Q/s1600-h/profile+pic"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAocys66JCvkP0ikFy3yZTumzUmk1rhtZuyjsU8TwwprWfQUz_1aOjubtl4VqVEQuubhO59W0y31r0-Ri8MYIkrMApOHBcWgkbp3B1TnBPfyhwwuQa91HhaXK15FrSoI6bQHgLJprXO9Q/s320/profile+pic" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387696723795655874" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuOMuhoIu5m3UYwxbdd-O5Ozl318IdgE7inam4it0SzfTLu6Obs_ysElCRAC9RK9G4y6LyI3CGpIMu65Y4IwpgqNc42Y8XJIeOBZrUI5zIaoByBmr-htquJlg3G-jvYRKpWPasehhE3vp/s1600-h/IMG_0967.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuOMuhoIu5m3UYwxbdd-O5Ozl318IdgE7inam4it0SzfTLu6Obs_ysElCRAC9RK9G4y6LyI3CGpIMu65Y4IwpgqNc42Y8XJIeOBZrUI5zIaoByBmr-htquJlg3G-jvYRKpWPasehhE3vp/s320/IMG_0967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387697909234411730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyjm_sm9AnLpdPar_ytSrZxdvN3yeNiouT0mNQx5fzx65MosCrpy2vyrJWemZprBBA0-ZsWZw2SGFsicfS3cbDZY2XOGs2i1NHVJoW0x3WSGuw2lkQI_F0O-MPRFkhXW-Y1AMe2RvLoVd/s1600-h/wedding+part"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyjm_sm9AnLpdPar_ytSrZxdvN3yeNiouT0mNQx5fzx65MosCrpy2vyrJWemZprBBA0-ZsWZw2SGFsicfS3cbDZY2XOGs2i1NHVJoW0x3WSGuw2lkQI_F0O-MPRFkhXW-Y1AMe2RvLoVd/s320/wedding+part" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387731079838092866" border="0" /></a><br />From there we went to Mexico where I am convinced we had the most incredible honeymoon anyone has ever had. When we arrived at the hotel they were doing a little bit of construction. To make up for this "bother" they sent us on two days of free tours. During this week I conquered two of my biggest fears. Well maybe not conquered but...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLw8zkP2RuHzJhq_V5pGt_m5LlkdNKftFZ1CKcLKXhgn1dk6r1yTmEXNa1oBKwplLZ05mOvQG_lgpThEaxN3R4wlDCH17fXD037GSTkOj8DdV7J_0w0aX3Xemp7lSXa-5fwJFtsx8CyPu/s1600-h/IMG_1186.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLw8zkP2RuHzJhq_V5pGt_m5LlkdNKftFZ1CKcLKXhgn1dk6r1yTmEXNa1oBKwplLZ05mOvQG_lgpThEaxN3R4wlDCH17fXD037GSTkOj8DdV7J_0w0aX3Xemp7lSXa-5fwJFtsx8CyPu/s320/IMG_1186.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387732241996370514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4mOxTEPE92i-Ry6qFpdgke8le-i-sPtGGfu9SOXqah2-uc41CV4y6JANNK3MAVZbdip6PiMrF_MR30sblZiGIHJI8GozrpWiiWIk1yijNma5Tjp_aCxg6arueBb0K4_25e6GptOIaxvD/s1600-h/IMG_1248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4mOxTEPE92i-Ry6qFpdgke8le-i-sPtGGfu9SOXqah2-uc41CV4y6JANNK3MAVZbdip6PiMrF_MR30sblZiGIHJI8GozrpWiiWIk1yijNma5Tjp_aCxg6arueBb0K4_25e6GptOIaxvD/s320/IMG_1248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387733055798754226" border="0" /></a>And this was the view from our room...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCMLuw9SOvyhDhvwdqJP7vS0MY8TEbfanXC9VQ92p2Uq4lLzb5-MXaI12Gois5woklCmhWEvhl8i6PX7ASuurst9z7PFiF1NFuXt-c_rWWZsoK9vcbyAVNaApX-eD5rNof4a6RfbhnH9p/s1600-h/IMG_0999.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCMLuw9SOvyhDhvwdqJP7vS0MY8TEbfanXC9VQ92p2Uq4lLzb5-MXaI12Gois5woklCmhWEvhl8i6PX7ASuurst9z7PFiF1NFuXt-c_rWWZsoK9vcbyAVNaApX-eD5rNof4a6RfbhnH9p/s320/IMG_0999.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387733776457553250" border="0" /></a>So after two weeks of bliss in Fantasyland during the wedding and honeymoon the real world came rudely knocking at my door.<br /><br />The day after we got back from the honeymoon I began working at Colegio Han Al Americano. I teach 3rd/4th grade. I have 6 students, 5 of which are boys. Most of the students at Han Al are Korean, so this makes for an interesting classroom dynamic. It is a struggle, and I often question whether or not I am a good teacher, but I really do enjoy it.<br /><br />The best moments are when I see those eyes light up with understanding when they finally get what a run-on sentence is or remember who fought who at the Alamo. I have learned that 8-9 year old boys think anything is fun if you put crazy motions to it.<br /><br />The funniest moments are when I get questions like, "If water floats in space, what do they do when they have to go to the bathroom?"<br /><br />These kids really do bring joy to my heart everyday, even if they are getting on my last nerve. They are already gone for today, but I will post a pic of their smiling faces soon.<br /><br />Life outside of school has been good. Luis and I have enjoyed putting our apartment together. Its about halfway there now, and still lacking furniture, but its on its way.<br /><br />We got a another blow from Mr. Real World again last night. On our way home our little car decided to start having problems. We knew the car would have to go sooner or later, but we were hoping for a little later. Thankfully our great friend, neighbor and my coworker Linda lives in the same building and was able to give us a ride today. This weekend we'll look for a new car. This has its own set of challenges in Guatemala, but we are trusting that God is going to lead us to the right car.<br /><br />I'm hoping that once life gets settled I'll be able to get back to the things I love, like sewing, baking, and crafting. I know it would be such a great stress release, but right now there just aren't enough hours in the day.<br /><br />Please pray for us. We are doing well. God is good and has provided us with many blessings. But, there are always challenges and we just need to wisdome from above as to what to do.BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-24560490774491389092009-08-24T11:55:00.002-05:002009-08-24T11:59:45.544-05:00Another great giveaway....So I have been following tons of craft/sewing blogs in the last few weeks. One of my favorites is <a href="http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/">Little Blue Boo</a>. Today she is doing a giveaway from an adorable fabric store called This and That from Japan. These fabrics are so cute and retro, but also so expensive :P. So hopefully this extra blog post entry might win me some. I will also have a post soon showcasing all my sewing exploits and my new baby :P. Check back soon!BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-13363485439070637422009-08-07T02:51:00.003-05:002009-08-07T02:56:42.976-05:00More totes!So I know that I promised pictures of curtains next....well with all the running around for the wedding I haven't gotten to them yet. However, I did sit down tonight and whip up two more totes. I'm particularly happy with these because I adjusted the pattern a little bit. Messing with a recipe that had worked felt a little risky, but I'm glad I did it. They came out so cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0HwtraHDYwaS7tU0Tr1qfsENPDc5BARLFkvJCfcnuygf1O_pgcujXO9IZazuQ8f9j21dlLN6qMFYbZf1kc8vNDhqD2Jq8pyzQmYkzEt1aYF4OY5G3NIANHUw-Wwtjdl53o61aHvvvrQK/s1600-h/IMG_0331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0HwtraHDYwaS7tU0Tr1qfsENPDc5BARLFkvJCfcnuygf1O_pgcujXO9IZazuQ8f9j21dlLN6qMFYbZf1kc8vNDhqD2Jq8pyzQmYkzEt1aYF4OY5G3NIANHUw-Wwtjdl53o61aHvvvrQK/s320/IMG_0331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367127339570378386" border="0" /></a>I think they will make the perfect gift for two little flower girls, don't you?BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-33444427593303894142009-08-04T23:15:00.002-05:002009-08-04T23:29:24.847-05:00Great Give-Away!A post two days in a row. I have to say this post is a little selfishly motivated. I was perusing my ever growing list of must-read blogs (which I found the greatest thing I never knew about, the Google blog reader. Check it out!) and I came across a new blog and a great give-away.<br /><br />It's called The Lovely List (http://www.thelovelylist.com). It's a great collection of really inspiring blogs that give great ideas for anything and everything you can think of. Right now they are giving away my dream....an adorable white and pink beach cruiser, with the basket in the front. For those of you who knew me in Arkansas you know how much I loved my bike and how sad I was to leave it behind. I don't know how I would pack this one up and get it down to Guatemala, but whatever I had to do it would be worth the effort!<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/Britt/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/Britt/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />Go check out the blog!BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-78677555414206139082009-08-03T22:34:00.010-05:002009-08-03T23:44:47.211-05:00Martha wanna-beSo, I know its been a long time since I've been disciplined enough to collect my thoughts and put them into words on this blog. I guess nothing that exciting has been happening. Oh there was that one thing....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoya4btjAZKvlZqoDpX1X_470lDVuOj9AyNzKxH0jq7IHjyU0DH0jIYHlmnNnzN6TMkDNqn1RRbD4BPdeThl2cCt9jXY_jshvPGCsz6xCIrzoEGxqly1EujF6SAKenlNUDNLUE5-T0VjLe/s1600-h/Boda+Civil_20090620_30.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoya4btjAZKvlZqoDpX1X_470lDVuOj9AyNzKxH0jq7IHjyU0DH0jIYHlmnNnzN6TMkDNqn1RRbD4BPdeThl2cCt9jXY_jshvPGCsz6xCIrzoEGxqly1EujF6SAKenlNUDNLUE5-T0VjLe/s320/Boda+Civil_20090620_30.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365948771376461426" border="0" /></a>We got married! Well at least in Guatemala. It was a beautiful service thanks to our wonderful family and friends who were so sweet and gracious to make this nice for us. My mom and step-dad got to be there, and we proved that smiles and love are a universal language.<br /><br />While in Guatemala I got a job! WOO HOO! Rachel Castlen-Estrada helped me find it. I will be a teacher at an American style school, with 90% Korean students, in Guatemala. Go figure....I got to substitute for about a week while I was there. I think its going to be a great fit and never leave me lacking interesting stories to tell people back home. We also found and apartment! We'll be living in the same building as Rachel and her husband Jose (another JBU alum). Here's a pic of the apartment and our view.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyBwV6ylbA98SnG7yKn2Yc1e1KWt1pz-xEEBz18a7LdLi8tzluZe22tO764zXG9FQERX0uPBlLUtQPdAngLiE9rv9W2ix9Wlp_BaGb1FIsdGMC2IhpGQRDrkIyrkU-UR26VN4jncvkb-y/s1600-h/Apartamento_02.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyBwV6ylbA98SnG7yKn2Yc1e1KWt1pz-xEEBz18a7LdLi8tzluZe22tO764zXG9FQERX0uPBlLUtQPdAngLiE9rv9W2ix9Wlp_BaGb1FIsdGMC2IhpGQRDrkIyrkU-UR26VN4jncvkb-y/s320/Apartamento_02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365952450264721938" border="0" /></a>I am going to love living closer to the equator....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59Wkp4jdDyBIjuSZjhD6YJ6w5RmDVcpPn_7jaTGdbu2MIpAHDbam1XDzhbWBs4eLdt6CrCg9rrS4yOJDGIKBtLhN0U0pQt68gPRSJe2ze0dZ6XlcnfTchqG3Ks2TJ_Pr1oQGxloqgqgMF/s1600-h/living+room1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59Wkp4jdDyBIjuSZjhD6YJ6w5RmDVcpPn_7jaTGdbu2MIpAHDbam1XDzhbWBs4eLdt6CrCg9rrS4yOJDGIKBtLhN0U0pQt68gPRSJe2ze0dZ6XlcnfTchqG3Ks2TJ_Pr1oQGxloqgqgMF/s320/living+room1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365953025401888802" border="0" /></a>Our first home...awwwww :P.<br /></div><br /><br />I came back to the States July 3rd. Just in time for my last 4th of July in the good ol USofA. Since then I've been up to my eyeballs in wedding planning and life stuff, getting ready to move to Guatemala. I've been enjoying spending time with my family and just relaxing.<br /><br />I've also become mildly obsessed with the idea of DIY. I'm reading lots of blogs and itching to get to Guatemala where I can decoupage and refinish furniture to my heart's content. As of yet I've taken on various sewing projects. See below....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo55lG7Hvx2f91WwGeZ1CcWlGOSgtJpLZCGy-HNtPVxwRw5WFB4_vQ4UOF4qJ5Vj85vPn_20PsRCuvJnjhmmYbnF0uYtlaYuGCGi39TfGrkNB9xY8BWVZm8rlr4vt5sPY91TNK4EHsO1TV/s1600-h/IMG_0299.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo55lG7Hvx2f91WwGeZ1CcWlGOSgtJpLZCGy-HNtPVxwRw5WFB4_vQ4UOF4qJ5Vj85vPn_20PsRCuvJnjhmmYbnF0uYtlaYuGCGi39TfGrkNB9xY8BWVZm8rlr4vt5sPY91TNK4EHsO1TV/s320/IMG_0299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365962364986700370" border="0" /></a>This was my first of many tote bags and a coin purse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJmBXpU4GhuFWuQ-m3F9V6QtZ9k6gDKjwcFfgKqbfkD1vMlqwWzRCiDS30dvQkb3HE6PzKFv-b6bRfx0avrug66tGNEO39lhJWsA7Qm3Jbgm4clpa98Shpthhbn4_na4cIQhVLkyQ3gh1/s1600-h/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJmBXpU4GhuFWuQ-m3F9V6QtZ9k6gDKjwcFfgKqbfkD1vMlqwWzRCiDS30dvQkb3HE6PzKFv-b6bRfx0avrug66tGNEO39lhJWsA7Qm3Jbgm4clpa98Shpthhbn4_na4cIQhVLkyQ3gh1/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365962909090380930" border="0" /></a>This is a closeup of the coin purse. I love this vintage fabric. This was almost my first attempt at using a zipper. Not perfect, but ok for my first shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbDBuTJC9hIPJ_cu9LGmugEssFYRVPFAbC4tb9ajgoqMKnjripv0k2YrqORgPMlzTtJ946mpY3J5qI2h5yKFzyUCGLnddJOESmW9vx9ZXQR1_aTrQJlb5um49UfF5Zj1Cru8tJjSxPOOh/s1600-h/IMG_0305.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbDBuTJC9hIPJ_cu9LGmugEssFYRVPFAbC4tb9ajgoqMKnjripv0k2YrqORgPMlzTtJ946mpY3J5qI2h5yKFzyUCGLnddJOESmW9vx9ZXQR1_aTrQJlb5um49UfF5Zj1Cru8tJjSxPOOh/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365963698897852306" border="0" /></a>More totes...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My next challenge is going to be dressing my new nest. I'm taking on making a bunch of curtains for our apartment. This is the fabric I got today to do that<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8yIDRxDCZ8_m1TAnO2sAfjGfnJo6hXufELmXV5znqNvsKmXQ_OFzfRKuWr41rZZ80Gtoe-CQnZkNniocZcML8QG3-qgWCwbig6Q3MLD8oDUyjIcT6S15-b7C0MjRmKoXa31VzMtLxMQq/s1600-h/IMG_0307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8yIDRxDCZ8_m1TAnO2sAfjGfnJo6hXufELmXV5znqNvsKmXQ_OFzfRKuWr41rZZ80Gtoe-CQnZkNniocZcML8QG3-qgWCwbig6Q3MLD8oDUyjIcT6S15-b7C0MjRmKoXa31VzMtLxMQq/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365964277303663010" border="0" /></a>Check back soon for the finished products.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-36293142718608045292009-04-24T10:48:00.005-05:002009-04-24T11:15:16.254-05:00Once....Since watching Kris Allen's performance on American Idol's Songs from the Movies episode a couple of weeks ago I have been dying to watch Once. I shot it right to the top of my Netflix queue and was delighted to see the red little envelope in my mailbox yesterday. Let me say it did not dissappoint. <div><div></div><div> </div><div>The film follows a young Irish guy who fixes vacuum cleaners for a living, but is really a brilliant musician. He meets a young girl from the Czech Republic who encourages him to quit selling him self short, to put himself out there with his music and his love life. Besides being impressed with the soundtrack I was also captivated by the storyline. I think the reason I liked it so much is because the characters did the right thing, even if it was hard. There was obviously feelings between them, but they didn't go down that road. It was realistic. I think its probably one of the few movies that didn't lie about love, but showed the good the bad and the ugly. </div><br /><div></div><div>Anyways, I would highly reccommend this movie. DISCLAIMER, this takes place in Ireland and they have pretty colorful slang if you know what I mean. So, don't say I didn't warn you. </div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328292079844580482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTUOYq6augyYIzAA_47qLT4JflJkkwTJlxfCY4L4pYrHorf4FsOWYFwwjwiE8hsPzWHw9Y3pC2LO-1YA8bNbzqpcmElZw-1F64UVfD82hdogO1VmzUS2wp2D6GnR3OzDSB4yixqCheUZq/s320/Once.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div>BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-7922298466959733202009-04-14T20:46:00.014-05:002009-04-14T21:54:34.212-05:00Silverware and GroceriesAs I was unloading/reloading the dishwasher tonight I realized something funny about myself. When I put silverware into that little basket I must put like utensils together, so spoons must be in the same section with spoons, forks with forks, etc. It doesn't bother me if other people mix them up, but if I am loading dishes I will always separate...isn't that weird?<br /><br />Another little quirky thing of mine....when I load my groceries onto the conveyor at Wal-Mart I load them by where I will put them away (all the frozen stuff together, cookies and chips together, and don't forget the bread goes in the fridge so that's gotta be with the cold stuff too!)<br /><br />So yeah if you wanted to know if I have some weird neurotic things beneath my laid back exterior there is your answer....<br /><br />In other news, this Friday and Saturday we're having a garage sale. It's amazing how much stuff I have accumulated in 5 years.<br /><br />I'm finally feeling a few twinges of sadness about leaving. Luis was here this week, and last night he was commenting on how it was sad that after so much time, so many memories and friends, that we were finally moving on with no real reason to come back.<br /><br />He's right. So much has happened in this little Arkansas town. When I think back to the girl who moved here five years ago I can't believe how different I am. I was insecure and unsure of my direction in life and really toying with my faith rather than making it my own. While I can't say that I have all the answers or even have my faith journey totally figured out I can say that the people and experiences that started here have set me in the right direction. Wow, I'm so thankful, so very very thankful to the professors, friends and others who made this experience possible. You know who you are...thank you!<br /><br />In two weeks I will drive away from JBU, maybe for the last time, but the memories will always be here. Check out the pictures below for a walk down memory lane!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ECoZVNFh4Ut6L0T4jn6cHyqt0n9PNjxX2AWLzN-ruMFc3xgSEd6v0bWdV0acI-ir852Uhq3_9qG3h5ygGzI7Z2Ab7VKJyy5oh1nvSWqMSxOAnn1Bhi0WpPf3S2C4OeYQ9u4qBHT1L5uV/s1600-h/Brit,+Rik,+Dave+BBgame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ECoZVNFh4Ut6L0T4jn6cHyqt0n9PNjxX2AWLzN-ruMFc3xgSEd6v0bWdV0acI-ir852Uhq3_9qG3h5ygGzI7Z2Ab7VKJyy5oh1nvSWqMSxOAnn1Bhi0WpPf3S2C4OeYQ9u4qBHT1L5uV/s320/Brit,+Rik,+Dave+BBgame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324733683332905218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VBV1hg8S1qT8-JxuFH1O-mceACs_ecv4lsYD5Boa30uLJgecy5TKLBiIxKhBJMfnOJE8NNoGMOvcj7Gp-fiVA-JUqddrpgBMgQovRHT7oAfuiCZn7lf_h4j5YtKkCnthARRcxFXorJg9/s1600-h/Attack+of+the+chocolate+monsters.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VBV1hg8S1qT8-JxuFH1O-mceACs_ecv4lsYD5Boa30uLJgecy5TKLBiIxKhBJMfnOJE8NNoGMOvcj7Gp-fiVA-JUqddrpgBMgQovRHT7oAfuiCZn7lf_h4j5YtKkCnthARRcxFXorJg9/s320/Attack+of+the+chocolate+monsters.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324736565188632114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHNF56g5Q0dg1ixXDJu3fr5brLae2OSbx2EEJr7ln8QdqrJFeONiBWBADNuke1jTb8nRm3OuFF6SdIxBCj_klOj9949wQcncvGAm_6wSCm2uyHyhrWSIpeH-f39D1lhjVNMQgkf0ctrRk/s1600-h/Ohh+boys%21.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHNF56g5Q0dg1ixXDJu3fr5brLae2OSbx2EEJr7ln8QdqrJFeONiBWBADNuke1jTb8nRm3OuFF6SdIxBCj_klOj9949wQcncvGAm_6wSCm2uyHyhrWSIpeH-f39D1lhjVNMQgkf0ctrRk/s320/Ohh+boys%21.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324739602642685794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnonN0w4jsVitoG0XFUfvA5pTO918eGHo2IZWm0EZ31zaHjI0EEJPwGhKuDRXMPGpFfPZ8PngVDk7sHFthgFF5uNi-nIvpxihDh85Zijo3FtLmskDL6DDNNlCWPg32OibKiWO87MJM_Rj/s1600-h/Jumping+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnonN0w4jsVitoG0XFUfvA5pTO918eGHo2IZWm0EZ31zaHjI0EEJPwGhKuDRXMPGpFfPZ8PngVDk7sHFthgFF5uNi-nIvpxihDh85Zijo3FtLmskDL6DDNNlCWPg32OibKiWO87MJM_Rj/s320/Jumping+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324740937539023010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFZEuNKBgapciOMNTJE63lHuDHiuCxp1LBbzd1zMkoYmxV7SX8huiGxp5kxBIzls6PR0GbZEwcIrtOeVQdBKWVEo1c_bwoe0gntHtcnupl5Gxd9I-8-XxyHG2ezD55vDCcg74OBOX31F5/s1600-h/IMG_1583.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFZEuNKBgapciOMNTJE63lHuDHiuCxp1LBbzd1zMkoYmxV7SX8huiGxp5kxBIzls6PR0GbZEwcIrtOeVQdBKWVEo1c_bwoe0gntHtcnupl5Gxd9I-8-XxyHG2ezD55vDCcg74OBOX31F5/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324742017785692322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMrvgF2cvsR92Fnpge4vOodBqFomZMnuAd3g9E5efiITg5CxGA-m_yEEC2TzRzqo_R4AFa5EuY7eNL2yvSlMgFD9AwSu8uH1_8XiEZFJ3UgfHN4z3JAyWzLjx9OwvRHeuymCauoQvO1xn/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMrvgF2cvsR92Fnpge4vOodBqFomZMnuAd3g9E5efiITg5CxGA-m_yEEC2TzRzqo_R4AFa5EuY7eNL2yvSlMgFD9AwSu8uH1_8XiEZFJ3UgfHN4z3JAyWzLjx9OwvRHeuymCauoQvO1xn/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324744677030259794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS_b2EPf6GTzmejfRXu4RcS4Jd8aJNSv76KpjeHnUZr1wM8fcRZ66tWor_onKhyphenhyphenneuhWemttK0PpYd-lYa9APmp1qnaM5Pp5Bdi08e1cMAb7JFMNr9RSTA2upHcYoQBE5fSW6oewdVgMV/s1600-h/IMG_4609.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS_b2EPf6GTzmejfRXu4RcS4Jd8aJNSv76KpjeHnUZr1wM8fcRZ66tWor_onKhyphenhyphenneuhWemttK0PpYd-lYa9APmp1qnaM5Pp5Bdi08e1cMAb7JFMNr9RSTA2upHcYoQBE5fSW6oewdVgMV/s320/IMG_4609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324745168238260066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMFsuffJhBj46sZp3wKIEz8uAOFXBSSyDm4NAiuhQet8PK71jbXHvtKgyo2ry-tdTI2cxa6Uf_4z7p-Ss8aLjv0XH8r2SelyfpQ-6u1hO-NeFUl7Z5GHi_GR7PUzvPaGlSSx4LY7Q8Ad3/s1600-h/Decorating_16.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMFsuffJhBj46sZp3wKIEz8uAOFXBSSyDm4NAiuhQet8PK71jbXHvtKgyo2ry-tdTI2cxa6Uf_4z7p-Ss8aLjv0XH8r2SelyfpQ-6u1hO-NeFUl7Z5GHi_GR7PUzvPaGlSSx4LY7Q8Ad3/s320/Decorating_16.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324745636644452802" border="0" /></a>BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-7375165326489620912009-04-05T22:45:00.004-05:002009-04-05T22:54:01.382-05:00Sweet Sunday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9iUC890IrVc8nmD_Yjf8K1mX9rHKiVvkGxWILCoIYxs_M7nQHGhrVSqZBr6e0OGw3HQvWzyK4iOSEJLgOg8Np6Kc0OXBYIrhr_YvrLUEgRFeh8-XT0-pMBOsdaPqPzQ1eZaNNt4To8P-/s1600-h/Cupcakes_20090405_01.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9iUC890IrVc8nmD_Yjf8K1mX9rHKiVvkGxWILCoIYxs_M7nQHGhrVSqZBr6e0OGw3HQvWzyK4iOSEJLgOg8Np6Kc0OXBYIrhr_YvrLUEgRFeh8-XT0-pMBOsdaPqPzQ1eZaNNt4To8P-/s320/Cupcakes_20090405_01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321421022975769090" border="0" /></a>So after a really long week I promised myself that Sunday I would do my new favorite thing BAKING! So I kinda got a late start and ended up rushing towards the end, but I think they turned out cute. If you can't tell they're grass with Easter eggs and little rabbit rears and feet :P. I made something else, but they are a surprise for Luis who is coming on Tuesday!!!!!!! So I'll upload pics after he gets here. Tomorrow is going to be a super long day but after that I think that things are really going to start winding down...I can't say I'm not ready. Home sweet home very soon!BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-69827075368058939262009-03-28T19:39:00.012-05:002009-03-29T00:33:51.732-05:00Seriously????<span style="font-family:verdana;">Every year when the daffodils bloom around Siloam Springs I</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwEGd-4HhpRKarAUeoygtIgAY6t4FzvTX0dGkiQrq7UvRkybgKGz4tO0jQRzRI6i7EjMW5HyoXJMEGj5BiMc0AH5XBTlzwAw9Y8e1IHPIoaKCIqJFGz3YqN64THrNmFCFv-q5jUGiANzw/s1600-h/Daffodils_20090308_08.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwEGd-4HhpRKarAUeoygtIgAY6t4FzvTX0dGkiQrq7UvRkybgKGz4tO0jQRzRI6i7EjMW5HyoXJMEGj5BiMc0AH5XBTlzwAw9Y8e1IHPIoaKCIqJFGz3YqN64THrNmFCFv-q5jUGiANzw/s320/Daffodils_20090308_08.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318410162760607490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> tell myself I'm going </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">to take pictures of them. But since daffodils are not a very lon</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">g su</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">ffering flower, I </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">usually never get around to it. But this year was my year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here is a couple</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> of shots of these beautiful flowers!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrevMk3vy_qcaaITUwdF-PJea2F_UE0V9LLmdQB0fWREFMGcO9w-Po3uibFy1tMprUwrw5CdIlHNbZh4GW9Vhk5Xh55d9YfD1HidmVsPnqGhndvIjALkBDq9i5bvOgbR6Ap3qJnRRNUrBA/s1600-h/Daffodils_20090308_06.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrevMk3vy_qcaaITUwdF-PJea2F_UE0V9LLmdQB0fWREFMGcO9w-Po3uibFy1tMprUwrw5CdIlHNbZh4GW9Vhk5Xh55d9YfD1HidmVsPnqGhndvIjALkBDq9i5bvOgbR6Ap3qJnRRNUrBA/s320/Daffodils_20090308_06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318415297429285378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3jtJko_Ts0X1QSmqmIMRfSR0m230E5-on9iyzCInKgkYUsTGm9Xv7d4Ae4S7o6XkB2OtUUgQnzy6vpGIlfiOTT1Cg3N0Nvy-t-7Cb5W8QAe4k5y8w3fPkjS4Ad15DUEgle78F_PX-STO/s1600-h/Snow_20090328_03.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3jtJko_Ts0X1QSmqmIMRfSR0m230E5-on9iyzCInKgkYUsTGm9Xv7d4Ae4S7o6XkB2OtUUgQnzy6vpGIlfiOTT1Cg3N0Nvy-t-7Cb5W8QAe4k5y8w3fPkjS4Ad15DUEgle78F_PX-STO/s320/Snow_20090328_03.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318409314896777026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So how did it go from Spring to this view out my window????? That's right....I woke up this morning to big fluffy snowflakes creating a blanket of white. As you can see it has quickly dissipated, but regardless, it's almost April and it's snowing. That is pretty ridiculous in my book.<br /><br /><br />But even more than trading in Winter for Spring, I'm ready to trade this view <span style="font-style: italic;">(above)</span> for this view <span style="font-style: italic;">(below)</span><span>. This is the view from The Cafetalito, a coffee shop in a mall in Guatemala. What you can't see are the beautiful green mountains. I couldn't get enough of the sunshine and the warm air (not to mention Luis :)). I'm ready for this! </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1lBI7QgzqGVgcwGBiEcmxSo9IpvLgPO6u7A7uaQHVuntefSX31mYbvDhSOpDmsMANlc8v_oLytCpPZcCYBEp1k7vTnSeqnlWTVq7aWM6BX0m073ZqmUIAHw1PrnJNou7rzQZUgR6oqGM/s1600-h/Photo+32.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1lBI7QgzqGVgcwGBiEcmxSo9IpvLgPO6u7A7uaQHVuntefSX31mYbvDhSOpDmsMANlc8v_oLytCpPZcCYBEp1k7vTnSeqnlWTVq7aWM6BX0m073ZqmUIAHw1PrnJNou7rzQZUgR6oqGM/s320/Photo+32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318416886200864146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096914215347989424.post-90825646987020596102009-03-14T00:23:00.006-05:002009-03-29T00:34:31.908-05:00iTrendI have never been one to fight being "trendy." At five years old I had New Kids on the Block bedsheets even though I could not name one of their songs. In Jr. High <span style="font-style: italic;">I Kissed Dating Goodbye</span>, so as to keep the youth group status quo. So, I guess that at 24 it is only appropriate that I love ironic humor, own a Macbook, and now am starting a blog.<br /><br />I'm not quite sure yet what this blog will turn into. Maybe it will chronicle the upcoming changes in my life, maybe it will be an outlet for my opinions, or maybe I'll just post my favorite LOLcatz. Keep coming back though, I hope to post something interesting on a fairly regular basis. If you think of a blog niche I can fill I'm open to suggestions.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKeQwogQog9McLROQuDAzm3CEPru2KvahzkKY1BY-t_da74J-H9okg6BbqgPRV6OZJyZEO7pxdQYlGT6Ne9hQemIMXJbuZXi9aIO-ipZmgLkWSHBn9HCpTa9vCpsGEYJGMav4ZPzqRP_d/s1600-h/30+Rock+Ipod"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKeQwogQog9McLROQuDAzm3CEPru2KvahzkKY1BY-t_da74J-H9okg6BbqgPRV6OZJyZEO7pxdQYlGT6Ne9hQemIMXJbuZXi9aIO-ipZmgLkWSHBn9HCpTa9vCpsGEYJGMav4ZPzqRP_d/s320/30+Rock+Ipod" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312914214498512578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tip for the day....Watch 30 Rock. It's that comedy that has never really caught your attention, but wins all the awards. That's because it's hilarious! Watch it, you won't be sorry you did.BrittNealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715476255271450371noreply@blogger.com1