36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?  I really don't think it's possible. There are so many things in this life that are in between, that are gray. So many things are not black and white. Even something that seems absolutely good or absolutely evil may have a layer that will surprise you. I just don't think that anything is that simple.

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?  Yes. I mean, hello, I work as a server in a restaurant. Some days it's okay but I don't love it. HOWEVER, I'd find something else to do with my time. If I was married, I'd probably have children. I'd stay at home with them and I'd write. Or I'd find a job that gives me joy and I'd do that. Or volunteer. I certainly wouldn't be idle. That gets boring pretty fast.

38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?  Hm. On the one hand, having less work would allow me to do more things I love. But having more work that I actually enjoy would be something I love, right? I think I'd probably would rather have more work that I actually enjoy doing. Doing something you love is never wrong, right?

39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?  Sometimes. I mean, right now I feel like I'm waiting for something big to happen. Every day seems relatively similar to the last. But I still try to find something happy in each day. Just because a day isn't extraordinary doesn't mean there isn't something good to be found.

40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?  When I decided to end my marriage. That time was very dark for me, despite the fact that I tried to act brave. But I knew I deserved so much more and at the very least I deserved to be happy. Some days the only way I got through was the belief that I deserved better, the belief that happiness was not too much to ask for. Sometimes the glow was so dim for me. But it was always there.

The last time I was someone's girlfriend, I was a very different person. I've always been the type of girlfriend to want to be joined at the hip with whoever I was dating. It wasn't because I was jealous or needy, just because I always felt like a boyfriend and girlfriend should want to spend all their time together.
The last time I was someone's girlfriend, I'd had relationships that were always relatively dramatic. I'm kind of a drama queen and something in me always wanted to have dramatic relationships. Maybe it's because I read too many books or watch too much TV but to me I always thought that a good relationship had a certain amount of drama.

The last time I was someone's girlfriend, I let things slide in order to keep the relationship. Obviously no relationship is perfect but I allowed things to happen that should have been warning signals. I kept the relationship because I didn't want to lose the person I was with, because I was scared of the pain of breaking up, being alone and starting over.

Boyfriend will be moving out here in a month. Sure, we're already in a relationship now but something about him being so close makes our relationship feel more cemented. Because of this, it got me to thinking about the kind of girlfriend I am. About how I act when I'm in a relationship.

Obviously, I want to be able to spend more time with him, I  want our relationship to become strong and grow and I want to figure out how to compromise and love and have a good, mature, loving relationship. However, this time around I don't want to make the same moves that I did when I was younger.

Even though I can't wait to spend more time together, I've learned to really value my time alone. I'm finding that it's necessary to have time to yourself and I want to make sure that even though my instinct tells me I want to be around him all the time I also need to spend time with myself too.

I feel like I've grown up a lot and I think that I've realized that there doesn't need to be drama to have a good relationship. In fact, it's better when there isn't drama. I'm fairly positive that I have a good handle on that one but every now and again my inner drama queen does try to make a comeback. I need to make sure to tell her to go away if she appears.

Most importantly, this time around I'm not going to let things slide. My relationship with boyfriend is good, solid, but I am never again going to be the kind of woman to let things slide because of my fear of being alone.

The last time I was someone's girlfriend, I didn't know what I do now. This time around I plan on doing it right.


P.S. Don't forget to enter my 1,000th post giveaway!

Now, I know I complain about work. Sometimes a lot. And this weekend wasn't all happiness and flowers. Heck, getting triple sat after I was already overwhelmed definitely didn't make me smile. But now, sitting here and looking back over the weekend, it was actually kind of a good weekend! Work time fun included:

• Joking around with the busser about the unicorn tattoo we think that he needs to get
• Making up nicknames for each other (I am supposedly the Puppeteer and the Instigator)
• Nicknaming my work husband Sassy Pepperjack Burger (he was being majorly sass on Saturday)
• Finding out a certain fav coworker is engaged (but shh, it's a secret!)
• Getting tipped $10 on an annoying to go order (if you get something to go from a restaurant you should at least tip a little!)
• Key lime pie (it's new and I ate some and it was good)
• My coworker singing Bootylicious and getting it stuck in my head
• A $10 tip on a $21 bill
• Getting through Sunday with only one major stressful moment

I gotta say, if I had to be working the whole weekend at least I had a little fun.

How was your weekend?


P.S. Don't forget to enter my 1,000th post giveaway!

11. The character you relate to the most.



P.S.S. Don't forget to enter my 1,000th post giveaway!

I'm actually writing this on Thursday night because today I have to be up at 4AM so I can open. I tell you all what though, I much prefer opening to closing! I get to have a nice, clean quiet restaurant for a little while, free coffee and it means that I'll be done with work no later than 1PM. Nice, right?

So for this lovely Friday, here is the Fill in the Blank Friday from last week! If you want to play along, check out the little things we do.


1.  The love of my life is  maybe Boyfriend? We'll see!

2.   Falling in love is  a gradual process. I do believe in love at first sight but I think that you fall in love slowly, as you learn more and more about someone.

3.  Marriage is  not a fairytale. It's hard work. But when it works, it is one of the most worthwhile things in live.

4. The longest relationship I've ever had was  about 6 years.

5. The key to a good relationship is  trust and forgiveness.

6. I feel loved when  someone goes out of their way for me, even if it's something simple like doing my dishes (thanks Boyfriend),

7.  My favorite quote about love is  "If you want to know where your heart is look to where your mind goes when it wanders."

Happy Friday everyone!


P.S. The winner of the Scentsy giveaway is Krystal of Krystal's Kitsch! Krystal, please email me to claim your prize!


P.S.S. Don't forget to enter my 1,000th post giveaway!

1. You Need To Be Yourself - It's so easy to read other blogs and think "I want to be just like this blogger".  I do that ALL THE TIME when reading my favorite blogs.  In the end, your niche should be being YOU.  Just being genuine is what's going to bring readers in and at the end of the day it's going to make you a happy blogger.
2. Keep It Real - Life is not always puppies and rainbows.  While your blog shouldn't always be "woe is me" it also shouldn't be "my life is sparkly and perfect"!  My favorite blogs are ones in which the bloggers open themselves up.  And I do the same because I hope that maybe a blogger going through the same stuff as me is going to find strength in the fact that they are not alone.
3. Read Before You Comment - If you're going to comment on someone's blog, make sure you read what they write first.  There is nothing worse than writing some heart-wrenching post and then getting a comment like "Wow that is so awesome!  Follow me back!"
4. Comment Back - If you leave a comment on my blog I will return the favor.  If you take time out of your day to comment on one of my posts of course I want to do the same for you.  It's a respect thing and I want my commentors to know that I appreciate them reading and following along.
5. Tweet Tweet - Twitter is such an important tool for blogging because it allows you to network and interact with your readers.  PLUS it's great for when you're watching TV and want to freak out to others that are watching the same thing.
6. Take A Break - I have yet to go on a blogging hiatus but I know that sometimes you just need a break.  Whether life is too busy or you have blogger's blog it's best just to admit you need time off than to try to keep pushing on with lame posts.  I know if or when I get to that point I'll just take a break and take some time to rejuvenate.
7. Schedule - Try to blog on the same days at the same time, whether it's every other day in the evening or, like me, every single day in the morning.  Your bloggers will get used to your schedule and are more likely to frequent your blog.
8. Participate But Don't Take On Too Much - Whether it's guest posts, sponsors or link ups, participating can be a great way to make new friends and network.  Just remember to only take on as much as you can handle.  Blogging should be fun, not work! 
9. Be Careful What You Post - Although it's good to be honest and open on your blog, keep in mind that people from your every day life could find your blog.  Be careful what you post, if it isn't something you'd want your dad, grandma or co-worker to see then it's better of not being posted on the internet.
10. Get Together - I promise you, blog get-togethers are SO MUCH FUN.  If you have the opportunity to join in (or host one yourself!) then do it!  I promise you won't regret it.

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reading my humble blog and for being so supportive.  Stay tuned tomorrow for a very special giveaway!


P.S. I'm hosting a Scentsy giveaway! Check it out here, you know you want to!

A couple of weeks ago at work, one of my coworkers asked me a question that's been in my mind a lot.


I think this quote kind of sums up how I feel:

I tell you what, I could get used to having weekends off! Especially when this weekend I had Friday through today off.  Four day weekend?  Yes please!

Boyfriend showed up Thursday night. I'd already fallen asleep so I barely even registered him arriving. It was nice to wake up on Friday morning and have him there though!

We started the morning with presents. We weren't able to spend Valentine's Day together so Friday was our V-Day. He'd already sent me a darling little heart necklace but he also bought me cupcakes from our favorite Milwaukee cupcake shop and coffee from one of my favorite Milwaukee coffee shops. He obviously knows the way to my heart is through sweets and coffee.

Pink champagne cupcakes and cookies 'n cream cheesecake cupcakes

Us before dinner

Monte and me

Monte's big nose... this picture cracks me up

10. Pick one: Horcruxes or Hallows.

I don't know about all of you but I like my home to smell good.  I'm prone to buying scented candles, room sprays and heck, I've even been known to bake cookies or cinnamon rolls just to get a good scent going.

So you can imagine how excited I am to welcome one of my newest sponsors:

When it comes to school, I have mixed feelings.  It high school, I probably could have done really well except that I cared more about boys and friends. 

My first year of college started out like a lot of people's first year - I went to a 4 year college a few years away from home, I made new friends, a rushed a sorority and fell in love for the first time.  But I hated school.  I found any reason to not go to class, I stopped attending sorority functions, I pulled away from friends and my boyfriend broke up with me.  I failed out of school.

After that, I moved home.  I did well at a community college during my 2nd year of college but only because my parents made sure I went to classes.  During my 3rd year, I tried regular 4 year school again and yet again couldn't get myself to go to classes.

Finally, I realized I had a problem.  I was screwing up school, wasting my parents' money and I wasn't happy.  So I stopped going to school.  I started working and told myself I wasn't going to go to college again until I was ready.

Nearly two years ago I took the leap and went back to school.  This time I took out loans (much to my dad's dismay).  This time I researched colleges until I decided what was right for me and decided on Globe University's online division.  I realized that A) I wasn't going to take school seriously if it wasn't on my (eventual) dime and B) my social anxiety held me back from traditional classes.  And so although my online classes are more expensive, they have led me to several 4.0 quarters and a cumulative that is above a 3.5.  I don't say this to brag, I'm just so darn proud of myself.

When I decided to take a break from school I had people tell me that they doubted I would ever go back.  And now I am one quarter away from graduating.  It is an AMAZING feelings and one of my greatest accomplishments to date.

And to those that doubted me, I have just three little words for you:

31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?  This is going to sound incredibly weird but finally deciding on divorce made me feel more alive than I have in a long time.  I loved Dustin and I still want good things for him but our relationship was dragging us both down.  I started to feel trapped.  It wasn't an easy decision but when it was made I knew it was the right one.  And for the firs time in a long time I felt alive again.

32. If not now, then when?  There's no time like the present. I am someone that sometimes puts things off (homework, errands, etc.) but I keep telling myself I need to stop that.

33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?  Absolutely nothing. That is something I need to remember when it comes to my writing. I want to be a published author one day but I am so scared of the rejection. But really, I have nothing to lose and I need to keep that in mind.

34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?  Sometimes those are the best conversations. I certainly have and it's an amazing feeling to have people in your life that you know so well that you don't even need to say anything to have a conversation. That is one of life's beautiful things.

35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?  People are very passionate about religion and when passion is involved it can bring about very strong emotions. Not everyone agrees on everything, especially religion, and I think that's why there are wars. I think that is so unfortunate. I don't attend church, mostly because there isn't any one religion I identify with and I don't believe that I have to go to a building or believe in any one religion to have a relationship with God. However, I do think that God wouldn't want wars fought in His name. I wish that people could take their passion and put it towards something amazing and worthwhile. I guess until we can all learn to filter our passion into something positive then religion is going to cause wars.

So unfortunately, Boyfriend isn't able to come out here till Thursday because of his job.  So I'll be working tonight as well, but have been assured that one of my coworkers (we call him Creepy Kyle... no worries, he's actually a super nice guy) will be my Valentine.  Should be an interesting night.

In the spirit of V-Day, I thought today I'd tell you all some of my favorite all time TV couples.  I'm a big TV watcher and there are some pretty great couples that I just adore.  Some are from the past, some the present.  Let me know if you agree or tell me a few of your favorites!

When I was a kid, I sometimes had trouble sleeping (imagine that).  So I would sneak downstairs and camp out in my family's living room with Nick @ Nite on the TV.  Back then, Nick @ Nite played all the oldies - Dick Van Dyke, Dragnet, and my favorite - I Love Lucy.  I loved that show, mostly because of the relationship that Lucy and Ricky Ricardo had.  Lucy was always causing trouble and Ricky always loved her - not despite it, but I think probably because of it.  They were the perfect yin and yang and that's what made them a wonderful couple.  They were the perfect thing for my young self to watch in the middle of the night.

A few summers ago I got myself addicted to the show Bones.  I loved the mixture of science and crime and I loved the clashing between Bones and Booth.  Bones is so clinical and Booth is so real and together, to me, they make an amazing couple.  Add that to the fact that it took them till the very end of season 6 to actually get together and you know it's a mixture of good TV.  I think that what makes them work is that they just get each other even though they're so different.  And I love the fact that even before they got together they always looked out for each other.  They're definitely a couple you cheer for.

Gilmore Girls will always be one of my favorite shows.  Not only did I adore the mother/daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, I also loved the relationship between Lorelai and Luke Danes.  They were another couple that took a few seasons to actually get together but you knew from the start of the show that they were destined to be together.  When they broke up (not once but TWICE) it was horrible and when they finally got back together in the series finale I may have cried. A lot. If they ever make a Gilmore Girls movie Lorelai and Luke better be happily married, still living in Stars Hollow and still running the diner and the inn.  Because if any TV couple belongs together forever, it is certainly Luke and Lorelai.

Did you assume Ross and Rachel would make this list? Nope. On the TV show Friends there was another couple that I loved so much more. When Monica and Chandler got together in England I thought it was a match made in heaven. Unlike their friends Ross and Rachel, Monica and Chandler had this relationship that just had STAYING POWER.  They were goofy, quirky, often hysterical and they loved each other.  The proposal episode still brings tears to my eyes and I think that if people want to aspire to be like a TV couple then they should aspire to be like Monica and Chandler.  Because their relationship was so much more real than the Ross and Rachel relationship.  And that's why they will always be my favorite Friends couple.

She was the wacky girl with the big hair.  He was the curly haired baseball lover.  Together, they made my all time favorite TV couple.  Cory and Topanga from Boy Meets World knew each other from the time they were kids in the sandbox.  And Boy Meets World helped us to watch them grow up.  Cory went from wanting nothing to do with Topanga to having her be his first kiss, to falling in love with her and then marry her.  They knew everything about each other and that kind of love, that kind of knowledge of each other's pasts, is something that is very rare. No matter how many times I watch an episode from this show I find myself falling for Cory and Topanga all over again.  How can you not love their absolutely sweet love story?

So tell me readers, do you agree with me?

9. Your least favorite male character and why?

When I won a giveaway from Polly of This Enchanted Pixie I was so excited because not only does her shop has some amazing stuff but Polly is a total rockstar!  Polly sells super cute bohemian jewelry and I can attest to the fact that her stuff is a total treat to be able to wear.  Of course, I wanted to know more about Polly and her shop so I asked her a few questions.

Where did you come up with the name for your shop?  The name ‘This Enchanted Pixie’ just popped into my head one day. My husband used to affectionately call me his ‘pixie, and then at the start of 2011 when I was in the process of setting up shop, I was playing around with name ideas and this one just popped in there! It felt right so I went with it.

What or who are your inspirations?  My main inspiration is mother nature. I grew up in the countryside and spent my childhood playing in the fields, building dens and climbing trees. I love the beauty of the world around us, and take inspiration from the colours that nature shows. I collect feathers and leaves, and snapshots of beautiful sunsets. If I’m feeling stuck creatively,  a walk in the countryside always gets the juices flowing again.

My other inspiration comes from the treasures I find whilst thrifting. I love to collect old materials, old jewellery – anything that speaks to my heart. while they may not directly be included in my jewellery, they offer endless inspirations to me.

What are 3 of your favorite items from your shop?  Paris in the Springtime Necklace -- I’m something of an old romantic, and something about Paris just fills my heart with joy. I imagined walking along the banks of the Seine, hand in hand with my husband, the tress full of blossom and birdsong filling the air. Wearing this necklace allows me to make believe that I’m really in Paris.

Swallow Earrings -- I love birds – my house is in danger in being taken over by birdie items!! These little earrings sit just on the cute side of kitsch – they liven up an outfit perfectly and always get me a ton of compliments.

Lastly, the Little Knitted Bow Necklace -- These were born out of  winters evening sat knitting while watching a movie. I ended up making a dozen little bows, and while wondering what to do with them, I thought I’d try fixing one to  chain and seeing how it looked  as a necklace. I wore it to meet friends the next day and they loved it! I sold the first batch there and then – and ended up spending another night making more! They’re cute and make a great statement piece. 

Where do you see yourself and your shop at this time next year?  I like to think that I’ll still be happily making jewellery and coming up with new designs. I’m so excited to be setting out on this path of being self-employed. As my girls grow I hope to grow and expand this little business. I never expected to get this far, and I’m so thankful for all the support I've had so for I hope in a years time even more people are wearing my designs.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring handmade shop owners?  PLAN!! Before you set up shop, I’d suggest you make a plan of what you want to achieve. Little goals for the first year. Make sure you have a budget in place, you have an idea of products you’ll offer, how you’ll package your items, if you'll offer discounts, where you’ll advertise, etc. Having it all mapped out really does help. Do some research into shops offering similar products to get an idea on pricing. A couple of good books if you are just starting out are Craft, Inc. Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business and Craft Inc. Business Planner. But the most important thing to remember is to dream big and go for it!