A Little Announcement

Hi! If anyone is still hanging around here, I've got a small announcement for you.

What do you think of these?

Rose of Sharon Earrings

Well, it could be yours! Actually, you could choose any piece of jewelry from Cymbaline Designs if you're the lucky winner of this giveaway at The Sweetest Petunia! It's open for entries until next Monday morning, so if you're reading this, hop on over now!

Officially...

It's official. I've returned to The Sweetest Petunia!

Don't worry, I'm not deleting {This Time Around}. You know, in case you ever got the urge to read through the older (wonderful) posts. ;)

But I do encourage you to check out The Sweetest Petunia and follow me there. It'll be pretty similar, just moved to a different spot.

Thanks to all of you!

Oh, and, P.S.

The URL for The Sweetest Petunia is sweetestpetunia.blogspot.com, in case you need to update readers, etc. =)

Weekending!

Hello.

Friday afternoons find me tired, typically.

You see, I teach a history class at my local homeschool co-op, and then I take a few "just-for-fun" classes. So I leave the house about 7:30 and get back around 2:00.

And I'm tired.

But, this weekend should be fun. I'll be heading out tonight to spend the weekend at my sweet friend Elisabeth's, and I haven't seen her since...April? Or June. One of those.

So happy weekending!

Monday I will be returning to The Sweetest Petunia, but I'll post here, too!

What are your plans for the weekend?

Revealed!

The time has finally come.

Are you ready to see what my weekend of cleaning, painting and rearranging has produced?

(If you need a reminder of just how bad it was before, click here.)

Drumroll, please...

This is what you might see right as you walk into our room:

{I apologize if the beds look a little sloppy...have you ever tried to neatly make up a bunkbed? It's nearly impossible, and I'm not that patient.}

We never had doors for our closet. I'm not quite sure how that happened. So getting curtains was a must for me. And I love how it turned out. Now you can't see all my clothes and shoes!

{Don't the curtains look nice? I love the way it drapes.}

My poor piano, stuck in a corner.

I now have paisley sheets. I love it! And the bird pillow was not my idea. I love the pillow, but not the $30 price tag. My mom splurged and got it because my little sister loves birds. It really is a nice compliment to the room.

I tried something a little different here. Instead of hanging my mirror and picture on the wall, they're set on the dresser. What do you think of it? It's different than what I'm used to, but I like it. And don't worry, I made absolutely sure they wouldn't fall.

I love these butterflies. I'd had them for a looong time, but they never quite had a place before. I love how they stand out from the darker color.

{And guess what? I got them from our church's yard sale for like a quarter!}

This is seriously one of my absolute favorite parts of the redo:

{It's right by the door on the way out. The cute storage ottomans came from Target, and I've had the shelf for a really long time. It was always just hung somewhere random, but now I feel like it has new purpose. And I like it.}

Of course, pictures can't necessarily show the whole room...the sweetheart said I should take a video, but that would involve me being in the video, and I won't plague you so.

One of my goals it to keep the look kind of simple with clean lines. Before, I just had so much clutter. And then it looked kind of messy all the time. So I put away things that aren't important, and we'll see how it goes. I also like how the room feels light and airy.

So, what do you think? I really want to hear your input on my "design skills"!

Thanks

Just a quick post to say thank you SO very much to all of you for you sweet comments and kind encouragement yesterday. It really does mean so much to me. And since I've been told to follow my heart, I think I'm going back to The Sweetest Petunia.

Don't worry, though. I won't suddenly delete this blog. It'll still be hanging out here in case anyone stops by (or in case you have a hard time finding me!)

But yes, Monday should be D-Day.

I'll post here and on The Sweetest Petunia, so hopefully it won't be too confusing. Actually The Sweetest Petunia is already undeleted, so if you want to read more of my randomness, click here.

Once again, thanks you soooo much! Have I mentioned that you lovely ladies mean a lot to me? =)

In a Pickle!

Dear lovely readers and followers,

I am in a pickle.

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And I need your help.

I love blogging. It is such an outlet for my creative energies, and I love meeting new people. But {This Time Around} is not my first blog. My first was The Sweetest Petunia, and I'm missing it terribly.

I know it sound really wishy-washy, and a little ridiculous, but I'm considering going back.

**please, don't hurt me!**

You see, I loved being The Sweetest Petunia. It's kind of my unique identity in the blogosphere. And it's (hopefully) memorable. I liked that.

I deleted The Sweetest Petunia very rashly, without a good reason. Just kind of "Hey, I want to start a new blog and totally delete the other one!" Not good.

So, dear readers, if I went back to The Sweetest Petunia, would you follow me there, too? Would you still love my blog? I really hope so. Please, I need to know what you think. That's what comments are for, so please use them! =)

Sincerely,

Jacky

*the girl who (sometimes) acts without thinking and then regrets it*

This is Embarrassing.

I really contemplated not showing you the "before" pictures of my room.

"Before" as in before fresh paint, before new bedding, before curtains to hide the closet...

But especially before cleaning.

I will warn you now that I am not the neatest person in the world. And that tendency is often reflected in the state of my bedroom.

So when you see these pictures, please don't judge me too much.

(And don't look too closely, either.)

Oh yes. It was really bad.

Fortunately, spending a Saturday cleaning did wonders for it. As did a fresh coat of paint and new "room stuff". I'm still working on a few minor finishing details, but guess what?

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow you get to see the new-and-improved bedroom. Is anyone excited yet? =)

'Cause She's My Mom

October 20th is a pretty special day. Mainly because a special baby was born on that day a long time ago.

A baby that grew up to be my mama.

We don't always get along. It does bother me when she forgets something important or sings off-key. But I'll always love her a whole lot.

'Cause she's my mom.

Thanks, Mom, for everything you do for me. And have a very happy birthday.

{*This picture is actually about 2 years old. Neither have a love for having our pictures taken. =)}

Not Me Monday {10/19 edition}

Not Me Monday is certainly not one of the most fun blog carnivals around. MckMama is the amazing hostess of this weekly event, so please go visit her to see what the hoopla is all about.

This weekend, I was not up to my ears in a painting project. When I started out, it seemed an easy task. It did not take me much longer to clean and prep for the paint then to actually paint. My room would never be in that much need of a good scrubbing. Never.

However, I did not finish my painting in it's entirety on Sunday afternoon. And then the great furniture rearranging did not begin.

My piano is not shoved into an echoey corner, by the way. It is not so loud that it makes me not want to play. I am a sincerely devoted musician, and the thought of not playing would never cross my mind.

My bedroom does not look a million times better in it's Dinner Mint and Green River glory as opposed to it's former pink, purple and orange. I really won't be showing you pictures until later this week. There are not still pictures to be hung, beds to be made, piles of "stuff" to go through...

On Sunday, my sweetheart did not point out to me all the places where I did not properly blend my foundation. Never. I always do my makeup perfectly, if I wear any at all.

One of my good friends has not been waiting for an email for 3 weeks. My friend skills are not lacking. At all.

What have you not done this week?

Oh, Paint.

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Ah, weekend projects. I don't often plan a big weekend project, but today? Totally different story.

My younger sister and I are giving our room some TLC. It needed to be painted. SO badly! I've had the paint picked out for a few weeks, and yesterday we got everything we'd need.

This morning, I fought the urge to sleep in. I dragged myself out of bed and started cleaning.

I thought the big project would be the painting. However, I think it took about 3 hours to get everything cleaned up and taken out...And like an hour to paint 3 walls. =)

I'm not going to show you the colors yet. But Dinner Mint is going on 3 walls, with an accent wall painted Green River. I think it will look great, especially since the color of our walls before was a weird, cream-ish yellow. Not so nice.

Happily, it's a beautiful day outside, so all the windows are open. I'm just waiting for the paint to dry now. And then I'll be painting again later!

I'm planning on "revealing" the redo sometime this week, so be sure to come back soon!

What are you planning for the rest of this weekend?

Random News

I had plans for a different post today.

And then yesterday was super hectic, so I didn't take any of the pictures

I would have needed to post about the blanket I finished crocheting this week.

Oh well.

I was super excited when I opened my email yesterday and saw that

I made a sale from my Etsy shop!

Each and every sale is so exciting to me! Especially considering the fact that this is only like the 3rd sale I've made. Sometimes I get a little discouraged because I work so hard on the cards in my shop, and sometimes they end up just sitting there for a long time. And then each sale I make encourages me to keep going. =)

Also, if you click on over to Gussy's blog and scroll down a bit, you might see some

familiar cards. Can you spot me?

Today I'm planning on going to a fabric store. I've never been there, but my mom actually bought material for her wedding dress there like 20 years ago!

That being said, I have some sewing projects in mind...

I'd love to open a shop just for my sewing if I turn out to be any good at it.

I'll definitely keep you posted. =)

What have you all been up to this week?

This Kid Cracks Me Up...

Katheryn, the youngest of my 4 sisters, is only 5 years old.

And boy, does she crack me up!

She went to her swimming lessons yesterday, so of course, when she came back, she practically reeked of chlorine. When I told her so, she said she didn't think it was so bad. Another sister came over to say that she couldn't smell anything at all. Katheryn had the answer to this:

"She must be deaf in her nose."

(my mom has been reading to her from a book about Helen Keller, so maybe

there's a connection there?)

Yesterday she also decided that checkers was her favorite game. She begged me to play with her...but she hates to lose. It borders on ridiculous. As I jumped her second to last piece, she started getting upset. When I jumped her last piece, she started bawling.

And then she wanted to play again.

She's quite funny for being only 5.

{Bloggy Love}

I love blogging. Therefore, I also love reading other's blogs! And even though you're not supposed to play favorites, I have some.

{MckMama}

MckMama is actually one of the first blogs I started reading, before I even started my own blogging adventure. I think she is really funny at times, but she is also passionate about what she loves, honest, a great photographer, and she has 4 adorable kiddos. =)

{Jack and Mandy - The Blog}

I think I actually found Mandy's blog from MckMama's...and I think Mandy and I would probably be friends in real life if we ever met. She's a lot of fun.

And she shares my dislike of geckos.

{Erica's Bloggity Blog}

I always enjoy reading Erica's blog. From her Yays & Boos to Modge Podge Monday, it's always good. She is (also) a great photographer, and she has a pair of absolutely precious little girls. It makes me happy. =)

{Gussy has a lot to say.}

Gussy is one of my more recent bloggy finds, but I love it. Gussy (aka Maggie) is funny, sweet and caring, and I always look forward to her posts. AND, if that's not enough, she also sews some fabulous things, so you have GOT to check out her shop while you're there.

{Natalie's Sentiments}Natalie is one of the reasons I love yellow so much. I guess you could say she introduced me to it? She always has something pretty to see on her blog. And her "currently" sidebar makes me happy. =)

Now, I know there are other fabulous blogs out there that I have yet to discover. So you tell me. What are your favorite bloggy reads? Who inspires you?

{Gussy} giveaway!

I usually post about giveaways on my giveaway blog, but I had to share this one here. =)

Gussy is celebrating over 100 blog followers!

The prize is based on how many comments are left, so I'm helping to spread the word. Seriously, if you won, you would not be disappointed. =)

Just click here for all the details. Please help add to the fun!

{Like to Love} No. 1

Have you ever seen these before?

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That, my friends, is an eos smooth sphere.

Organic lip balm. In a sphere. I think that is pretty darn cool.

A Note About {Like to Love}

I've decided that every once in a while, I will post about something I "like to love". It could be anything. Lip balm, lotion, candles, ice cream. If I like it, it could show up here. However, it is not really a review, and I'm not being paid. I'm just sharing things I like.

{Typical Life}

Do you ever feel like your life is just typical?

Run of the mill? Maybe even boring?

I know I do.

And then I started thinking.

What really makes life exciting?

For some people, it may be landing a new job, getting married,

flying an airplane, maybe even bungee jumping!

But maybe typical life can be brightened by simpler things.

Things like a child's laughter.

A completed craft project.

A new piece of music.

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A call from someone special.

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Or maybe just a good cup of coffee.

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What simple things make your "typical" life more exciting?

The Game of Life {from the Archives}

I had planned on writing a scathingly brilliant post for today. However, when your brain is running on very little sleep? Plans are changed. Hope you enjoy this post from my Archives (as in resurrected from The Sweetest Petunia)...

{Originally posted 1/9/09}

So we were playing Life this afternoon. I taught my nephew to play baseball (in the game, that is), and he broke a neighbor's window. "It was worth it," I said. "After all, little Freddie is named after me."

But my name is not Fred.

And, in the game of Life, I changed my name to Frieda Frofmeyer. Don't ask. No idea how I thought of that one.

The game progresses, the years go by. I get married, have 3 set of twins. I decided to name them. First of, my husband's name was Fred. Fred & Frieda Frofmeyer. And then the twins...Fred & Frieda, Jr. Frederick & Frederica. And Bob & Jane.

Oh yeah.

Jessica and I were dying laughing. =D

Just a peek into my incredibly random, extremely strange mind. I have no idea how I come up with thing like that. I mean, sure, Frieda's okay, but Frofmeyer??

Goodness gracious. =)

Lip Gloss, Anyone?

Hey, ladies! Are there any fellow lip gloss lovers out there?

I will admit that I don't wear a lot of makeup. If I'm lucky, I've go foundation on my face. Otherwise, I'm probably just wearing lip gloss.

Kelli over at Unnecessary Drama is hosting a Lip Gloss Swap! She's got all the rules and such worked out, so if you'd like to join in on the swapping fun, you can sign up here!

And who knows? Maybe we'll end up as Swap Gloss partners!

{Autumn}

I know, I know.

I *just* posted some orange favorites to celebrate October.

But I have fallen in love with SO MUCH of the loveliness of Autumn!

{That is soap!! You could eat it. Seriously.}

Unfortunately, this Florida girl doesn't get to experience the changing leaves and chill in the air first hand. I have to live vicariously through you northerners.

Tell me, what is it like? Is it really as amazing as I've imagined it? The colors, the sights, the weather, the smells...It's hard to imagine when it's still so hot. In October.

{Loving this bag. Oh, the leaves!}

This morning, I scraped together enough change to go to Starbucks. I know, pathetic. But I had to try it! The Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Oh my. It was sooo good. I took a sip, and "Autumn" is what popped into my brain. At least, my idea of Autumn. But I think others would agree with me.

And Bath & Body Works? You have done well. Ginger Vanilla.

"Rich, creamy caramel, fresh nutmeg and delicious gingerbread are blended with candied apple, lemon zest and warm vanilla to create this luscious fall fragrance."

It does smell really good. If you were wondering.

What do you love about Fall? Help out a Florida girl who doesn't get to experience it for herself.

Are you "falling for Fall"?

{Orange}

In honor of the 1st day of October, how about some lovely orange?

Will you...

Mini Pumpkin Blossoms

Wear it in your hair?

Graceful Vines Pillow

Spice up your living room?

Harvest Orange Cloth Napkins

Set a lovely Fall table?

Autumn Sunset Coffee Cozy

Or have it to go with your Pumpkin Spice Latte?!

How do you take your orange? Are you including any orange in your Fall decor/wardrobe/lifestyle this year?

Happy October!

The Purse {I Didn't Really Need}

Dear readers, I have a confession.

I have a thing for purses.

I don't have 30 of them (as the sweetheart sometimes accuses), but I do have more than I need.

I have a deep love for Vera Bradley, and have not carried anything else in a while.

But then I went to TJ Maxx. And look what I found:

{except the one I love is a gorgeous, deep teal number. I just couldn't find the right picture. Click here for other stunning examples of teal.}

I tried to resist it. Really, I did. But that purse was seriously calling my name!

Jaquelyn...Jaquelyn...Jaquelyn...

So yesterday, I went back to TJ Maxx and bought it. Shelled out my $26 and walked out with a new purse.

I'm considering wrapping it up pretty (with a bow, of course) and saving it for when I really want to buy something. Then I'll just unwrap it and say "Happy Anyday for me!"

Or maybe I'll just break down and use it. You never can tell with me.

A Little About Me!

As I was doing a little brainstorming over the weekend, I realized that I should post about me. I've moved to a new blog, and will {hopefully} have some new readers. Readers who don't know anything about me. So, here you go!

{Me}

I'm an 18 year old born on Christmas Day. I have curly hair (which could be considered the bane of my existence), hazel eyes, and I like to wear skirts.

{My Family}

Our family consists of 7. My dad (a youth pastor and music leader), my mom (who stays home with the kids and is an amazing teacher in her own right), me, and my 4 younger sisters. My youngest sister is only 5 (Katheryn), and she's an amazing amount of fun. We are a homeschooling family (I graduated May 2009) who loves laughter and our evenings around the dinner table. And we are very, very far from perfection.

{Music}

I have been playing the piano since I was 9, and I love it. I started playing the keyboard at church a couple of years ago, and I sing when begged. I love movie soundtracks, classical and celtic, but really anything well done.

{Crafts}

I would consider myself a very crafty person. My favorite medium is card making, and in January 2009, I opened my own Etsy shop, The Art of Paper. I've also discovered a love for crocheting, blankets and (more recently) washcloths being my specialty's. I'm always looking for new ideas and fun projects to try. I'm dipping into sewing, but don't feel fully confident in it yet...

{Love}

I do have a sweetheart. And I love him very dearly. The name "Hayden" will probably be mentioned frequently throughout the course of this blog. We've been together since January 2007, and we'll someday get married someday, when the time is right. =)

{This picture is from 2007, so we look younger}

{Anything Else?}

I'm sure there's much more I could say about myself. But I shan't bore with all the details. =) Please, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd love to answer your questions!

Weekend Plans & Cravings

Sometimes I am just in the mood for a certain food. It doesn't happen all the time, but when I think of something I really want, I really want it!

Sometimes it's soft pretzels...

A lot of times it's a luscious fruit smoothie...

But today, it's chocolate graham crackers. With peanut butter. And a glass of milk.

That is my on my lunch menu today, for sure.

Other plans includes folding a huge basket of laundry, organizing my crafting supplies, finishing up a custom card order for Aunt Spicy, and preparing to teach the preschool class at church tomorrow (which I have put off for too long!).

What are your weekend plans?

{Teal}

There are really no words to describe how I feel about teal...

Night on the Town Flutterby Necklace

Hand Painted Sock Yarn

Meredith Double Strap

Autumn Romance Earrings

Peacock Clutch

How do you feel about it?

If you want to see more loveliness like this, just go to Etsy and type "teal" into the search box. I guarantee you'll find something you'll like. Unless, of course, you hate teal. Which would be ridiculous.