Inpiration

What I'm listening to: Angus & Julia Stone - Silver Coin [ALBUM]

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Heard the rattle from the train
Sounds of a hundred people,
Maybe more
Cut through the ropes before you came
I had a dream that you were gone.

I'm in the days of throwing rocks
When I saw your picture on a silver coin
Stole a kiss through your golden locks
I had a dream that you were gone.
Woke up and you were gone

All the love has gone away
Cos I didn't have the heart or strength to say
I'll miss you when you're gone
I'll miss you when you're gone
I'll miss you when you're gone
I'll miss you when you're gone

Heard the rattle from the chains
This goddamn room it gets so small sometimes
I had a dream that you were gone
Woke up and you were gone

Daddy's Birthday Present

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My dear, sweet hubby is turning 36 this week, and I have been on the search for a cute, personal gift to give him from our 5 year old.  After many hours on my favorite new addiction, Pinterest (well, it would have only taken ten minutes but I kept getting distracted by pictures of puppies and recipes for cowboy casserole) I found this "Daddy questionnaire" from Daffodil Design.

To be honest...though I loved the questions, I felt that the final product was a bit boring. So I took the questions/answers my sweet boy gave me and printed them on some pretty scrapbook paper (you can't tell from the picture, but it has a filigree design.)  Then I bought a small canvas, which I painted black, and mounted the questionnaire on it using some cute photo corners.  And finally, I made it perfect by having my boy frame it with his cute handprints!  Here is the final product:

I ABSOLUTELY ADORE the answers my kiddo gave me, and the fact that he took it very seriously, thinking through each and every answer.  I just love how his answers sound just like him.  My husband will be able to look back at this gift years from now and remember how our boy is right now.  Happy birthday my love, may we have many more years to marvel at the life we have built!

What I'm listening to: Mumford & Sons - Home (NEW SONG HQ)

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What I am Listening To: Mumford & Sons - The Enemy (for Wuthering Heights)

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I wish the whole song was on here.  Love it!

Thanksgiving Wreath DIY

Lately I have been completely, totally, over the moon infatuated with Pinterest!!!!  If you haven't been on this site before, I can only tell you that it will change your life!  :) 

The only problem with Pinterest?  You tend to find things that are so amazing that you start to obsess over them.  You can't stop thinking about making your own, or finding it somewhere.  And for the past several weeks, my preoccupation has been with fall wreaths. 

I know, it sounds weird. The thing is, I have wanted a nice fall wreath for years now, yet every time I find one I love I balk at the price (those things are out of control expensive!) So naturally when I saw all the gorgeous DIY wreaths on Pinterest, I was in heaven!!  I spent several days looking through all the amazing wreaths, like these:

Found HERE

Found HERE

Found HERE

Finally, after much deliberation, I realized that the best thing to do was to take the things I love about my wreath choices and make my own,slightly unique, wreath!  Here it is:

(Sorry, not the best picture)

I have to say, I am totally pleased with the way it turned out! I got everything I needed at Hobby Lobby, and because the flowers and such were 50% off, I ended up making the whole wreath for about $13.00! Can you believe it?  I would have payed at least $60 retail for that. 

I apologize, but I didn't get the chance to take pictures of my supplies, or of how exactly I made it, mostly because I have NO patience and couldn't take the time to get my camera. 

But I basically cut all the stems apart and hot glued them into the wreath.  Then I simply painted the "S" (it took three coats), added a coat of Mod Podge, and hot glued it as well.  Not too shabby for the first time! 

Don't be intimidated.  I was for a long time, since I don't consider myself really artistic.  Just buy the things you love and go for it!  And let me know what you think of mine.  :)

The Truth: Life

Product of the Day, Revisited

Several months ago I featured Michelle V custom leather jewelry as one of my first C2O product features.  At the time a hadn't yet ordered my own, mainly because I just couldn't decide which one I wanted! Well, after many sleepless nights (ok, maybe I exaggerate a bit) I finally ordered my own, and I have to say, I am IN LOVE!

 I am so pleased with my bracelet that I wanted to share it with you all. I ordered the triple wrap leather bracelet in blue with my favorite bible verse on it (Proverbs 3: 5-6).

Please excuse my old lady hands. What is up with that???  I had no idea they looked like that!

 I pretty much only wear black and I worried a little about getting it in blue (that it wouldn't go with a lot of my stuff) but I could not be more pleased! The distressing makes it look like denim, so it actually goes with pretty much everything.  Bonus!  It fits perfectly and is only getting more comfortable the more I wear it.

 If you saw my post about this product, but hesitated to actually order it, I can assure you that it is totally worth it.  And, what a great christmas present it would make! Remember to visit my original post to retrieve the exclusive C2O coupon code!

What I'm listening to: Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

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Quote of the Day

So true!!  I never realized this until I had a son...but I lucked out anyway.  :)

Product of the Day: Porcelain Jewelry

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I haven't featured a product here on C2O for several weeks, but trust me when I say...the wait was SO worth it!  This week I am featuring an Etsy shop called MaaP Studio, and I am, in a word, obsessed!!


 Monika Skrzypkowska is a genius with porcelain, making the most unique and intricate pieces in beautiful yet subtle colors.  Here is a peek:

This ring is amazing!  I love the color and delicate flowers.

What a beautiful and unique piece.

And my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE:

These braille rings and cufflinks are just amazing! They say "love" in braille, and she will do the dots on the ring in a variety of colors.    So simple, yet personal and unique.
What a great gift this item would make!  Take some time to browse her shop and you will be obsessed too!  :)

What I am listening to: All I Ever Wanted

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I can only say these things to you when you're sleeping
I hear the hum from the wires and the sounds of the morning creep in
I lie awake and pretend you can hear me

And you tell me that you're scared your turning into your mother
And I feel myself turn into my father
As we lie to each other like they do and say so happy
It's easy when you're young and you still want it so badly

I turn over again and I feel my heart beating faster
I stare out the window and I think that I might scream

I can tell you that you're all I ever wanted, dear
And I can utter every word you've ever hope to hear
But I shudder when I think that I might not be here forever, forever, forever

And the time we were alone together at the station
you were so quiet like a child and you told me you want to be taken
I never thought you as the kind of girl that would do that
And you suddenly seem like some faceless thing in my grasp

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't find it exciting
Your eyes all wet and your face so warm and inviting

I can tell you that you're all I ever wanted, dear
And I can utter every word you've hope to hear
Shudder when I think that I might not be here forever, forever, forever

I'd tell you that I'm always going to love you the virgin bride you were that night
But I'd be lying
Love is defying

All I could think is that there must be a kind of rebellion
So on these fears like soldiers and slay them.

I can tell you that you're all I ever wanted, dear
Through the dead while you breath sleeping in here
Waken and you ask me if I'm going to be here forever, forever, forever

Your face so twisted and your eyes are light
I want to tell i can save you when you cry at night
But I'd be trying
Love is defying
Won't you stop crying

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Quote of the day

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“Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect.”

― Margaret Mitchell

This quote struck a cord with me, so I thought I would share!

Life Lessons from The Lion King

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My husband and I recently took our four year old son to see the re-release of "The Lion King." That movie has always ranked high on my all-time favorites list, especially after seeing the Broadway production years ago.  But since it has been out of circulation, its been years since I have seen it, certainly way before I had a son of my own.

I sat in the theater, with tears in my eyes, amazed by the subtle lessons that hit me for the first time...all because, for the first time, I was watching it as a parent. It was a whole different experience this time around. And so I wanted to share some of my feelings about it.  Call it life lessons from "The Lion King." :)

1. Mufasa's sacrifice hit me like a ton of bricks when I watched it again.  For the first time I could sympathize with the sense of desperation, the focused determination that nothing else mattered but saving his child.  I know, I know people, it's just a cartoon, but as a parent I just totally GOT IT. Before becoming a mom I never understood exactly how easy it would be to make that decision, to sacrifice yourself for you child.  But I get it perfectly now.

2. We parents must remember to "teach Simba a lesson."  This line struck a cord with me, because I think that, as parents, we often forget to embrace the punishment, the scolding, and turn it into a lesson for our children.  No matter how you discipline, it can always be a teachable moment. When Simba disobeyed and wandered off, Mufasa took the time to explain why he was mad, and was quick to forgive his child.  Smart Lion!  :)  I need to remember this.

3. "Hakuna Matata" is great in theory, but just like in the movie, duty, responsibility, and LIFE eventually came  calling...and that wasn't so bad.  Because of the catchy song, I (and millions of others) missed the fact that Simba just used that motto to avoid growing up.  Yet it was when he finally did "grow up" and go back to face his duty, that he was able to forgive himself and find some pride (no pun intended) again.  Society is all about no worries, no responsibilities...but taking pride in being the kind of person who doesn't run away, that is what I want to teach my son.

The next two points are not about this specific movie, but are important non-the-less.

4. EVERY PARENT needs to, at least once, experience the moment of sitting next to their child in a theater, quietly observing their huge grin and uncontrollable giggles while they are completely focused and enthralled with what's in front of them, not even knowing that you are watching.  My son's laugh and the way he just beamed pure happiness was one of the best moments of my motherhood so far!

5. We as parents should take every opportunity to look at the world through our young children's eyes. I discovered that 3D movies are a great way to do just that. My son loved the special effects, and so did I! At one point the grass and dust that Simba disturbs flies through the air. At the exact moment when, as an adult, I was ready to overlook the cool special effect, my son reached out his hands and tried to grab the particles that appeared to be right in front of our faces.  When he did, something clicked in my head and I was actually able to really marvel at how cool it was! And how amazing it must seem to my 4 year old.  Thanks for allowing me to appreciate that moment, my sweet boy.

Too many serious, deep thoughts about an animated movie?  Maybe. But I don't believe so. After all, it allowed me to appreciate a moment in my life that would probably be forgotten otherwise.

Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons - Jolene (Dolly Parton cover)

Nissan and The Art of Customer Service

I've noticed that my blog has started to reflect my mind....random and chaotic!  I have decided that I am going to embrace this instead of fighting it, and in the spirit of that decision, I am writing today about:
customer service and automobiles!!  :) I told you it was random.

For years now I have been lamenting over what I call the death of customer service.  I believe that great customer service is an art, and that this art is truly dying. The adage "the customer is always right" has become a thing of the past. It is now the age of "I can't do anything for you." Nothing lasts, companies are about the bottom line and not about quality products, and customer service "reps" are given no real power to actually help customers.  It saddens me, and frustrates me. So when I find a company that is actually trying to keep the "art" alive, I am always eager to give them my business, and to spread the good news! That is the main reason I now own a Mac, and why I tell people about it.  They are not perfect, but I believe that Apple has one of the best modern day customer service setups around.  For a long time it was the one and only company on my list.  But I am happy to say that Nissan has recently been added!

I have only owned 3 cars in my life, and 2 have been Nissan.  The little truck that was my first was as reliable as they come.  I sold it after about 8 years and well over 120,000 miles, and not ONE trip to a mechanic for anything other than a checkup.  I now own a Nissan Armada that has also been very reliable, save a recent issue with the brakes.  I won't bore you with the details, mostly because I have no  clue what they are, but I will tell you that when we took it to the dealer we discovered that it was a problem with the brake booster, and that we were only about 3,500 miles out of warranty (of course). The best part was that it was going to cost about $870.00 to fix.  Ugghhhh.

My husband decided to look online before authorizing the work and discovered that this was a common problem in Armadas, so he decided to call the national office and see if they would be willing to cover some of the cost.  Really??!!? I thought to myself, there is NO WAY they are going to help us.  I was wrong.

My husband got in touch with a very helpful "case manager" who took down our information and said that she would talk to the mechanic at the dealership and see what she could do.  Now, I will be honest, it took about 5 days to hear anything, during which I didn't have a vehicle, but the wait absolutely paid off.  We received a call from the mechanic stating that Nissan was going to cover 100% of the cost!!!!!  Seriously.  100%!

 The next day we picked up the car, fixed (including some minor recall stuff we hadn't had fixed prior) and sparkling clean, and we didn't even have to pay the diagnostic fee. I was amazed that a major car company would be willing to at least look at the situation and try to remedy it.  I am not naive...I realize that there was probably a manufacture defect involved, and that they took it seriously because brake issues = lawsuits, but I was still impressed by how little we had to fight for help.

 I will tell everyone I know to buy Nissan, and I will be a lifelong consumer because of this.  See, that is what companies don't seem to understand.  The real purpose of great customer service is to show loyalty...and that as a result, customers will be loyal back.  Everybody wins in the end.

Alexander - Truth

The truth is that I never shook my shadow
Every day it's trying to trick me into doing battle
Calling out "faker" only get me rattled
Want to pull me back behind the fence with the [cattle]
Building your [lenses]
Digging your trenches
Put me on the front line
Leave me with a dumb mind
With no defenses
But your defenses
If you can't stand to feel the pain then you are senseless

[Since] this
I've grown up some
Different kind of fighter
And when the darkness come let it inside you
Your darkness is shining
My darkness is shining
Have faith in myself
Truth

I've seen a million numbered doors on the horizon
Now which is the future you choosen before you gone dying.
I'll tell you 'bout a secret I've been underminding
Every little lie in this world come from dividing
Say you're my lover, say you're my homie,
Tilt my chin back slit my throat take a bath in my blood get to know me
All out of my secrets
All my enemies are turning into my teachers.
Because, lights blinding, no way dividing what's yours or mine when everything's shining
You darkness is shining my darkness is shining
Have faith in ourselves 
Truth
Yes I'm only loving, only trying to only love
That's what I'm trying to do is only loving
Yes I'm only lonely loving feeling only loving
Till I'm feeling only loving
Ya say it ain't loving ain't loving my loving
But I'm only loving only loving only loving
Only loving the truth.

Recipe of the week: Green chili pulled pork

My husband and I are big college football fans...okay so we are big ASU fans. :)  We always plan our day around watching the game on TV, and in the past always ordered pizza and wings or something like it for game days, so that I wouldn't have to cook.

This year, however, in an effort to save money and calories (15 lbs. down, by the way!!) I've decided to make game day, "crock pot meal" day!  I've been scouring the internet for fun and healthier crock pot recipes, and every game day we are going to try a new one.  We just started last weekend, and I have to say that the first recipe was a gem!!!!!! Green chili pulled pork, which I used to make tacos, was a super easy recipe and turned out to be delicious.

Green Chili Pulled Pork

1 small pork shoulder/butt

1/2 to 1 8 oz jar of green salsa ( I used about 3/4 of the jar)

1 small onion chopped

1 cup cilantro (washed) chopped

2 cans chopped green chilis (or fresh roasted)

Dump all in crock pot. Cook on medium all day. Serve as soft corn pork tacos with mexican rice. 

Could it be any easier??  I was lucky enough to get to use fresh roasted hatch chilis, and it was wonderful!  I served it on low carb tortillas with fresh cilantro and tomato, and a little fat free sour cream.  SO yummy! One word of caution, the recipe doesn't say how big to get the pork shoulder, and the smallest one I found was 7lbs! so I cooked it on high for about 4 hours then turned it to low for 3.

Its been a ton of fun trying to find new recipes that may be a little splurge (enough to feel like we are having a special game day meal) without all the calories.  We have a whole list of recipes that we are going to try out, and I will be sharing the memorable ones with you guys!  

September: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is childhood cancer awareness month.  Why should you care? Besides the fact that its killing our CHILDREN:

pediatric cancer is the #1 disease killer in the US? Pediatric cancer kills more kids then AIDS, Asthma, Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy COMBINED and the really sad part of this is that no one knows this. Doctor’s do not educate parents about this. And to top it off, pediatric cancer research gets the least financial funding. Please help spread this info and save our babies!!!
(taken from rockstarronan.com)


Please, Please, PLEASE take some time out to spread the word this month, and also please spread the word about Maya and her campaign to bring awareness to the world.