A little of this... a little of that...

On Saturday we went to the new Hollywood Casino for my brother's birthday. So. Much. Fun. None of us won anything exciting... but it was something different, and I'll tell ya what... people watching, at a casino... it just doesn't get better. Just a little of everything. 

I had no idea what to wear to a casino, so I went with a good go-to outfit... skinnies+wedges+blazer = can't go wrong. And let me take a second to talk about these skinnies... the major perk of being relatively pocket size... is that I can wear kids clothes. Well bottoms and shoes. At Target they had these pants in the women's dept for $30... or $14 in the girls section. You better bet your bum that I got the girls pants. And they fit quite well... a bit shorter than I had wanted, but I could rock it. Admittedly, a large majority of my sandals and flats are also from the kids section. I just see it as I have more options when shopping... and I love it. 

So I realize I've been a bit absent - Thursday evening after work I got a phone call that my roommate had been attacked by a pit bull while walking her dog. This dog chased her down and attacked her from behind. Very scary. So I spent all of Thursday night at the hospital with her. The dog had gotten her real good on both arms and her hip. But she made it out with a few stitches - no broken bones, or surgeries to speak of. And I'm happy to report that after resting for the past 4 days, she's getting back into the swing of things. 

I'm the absolute worst person to have around if there's blood. Like a lot of blood. I can not handle it. And for that I apologize to those around me for that. So I did my best at just being there for moral support. 

And with that I was having a bout with some swollen tonsils. I've finally gotten that under control, but the sore throat, wasn't making me want to do much of anything. 

Tea can cure all, I believe.

I was busy working on orders and a getting a few new fabrics actually in the shop... and my sewing machine decided to bite it. So I'm working on fixing that so I can get back to the list of orders I have. 

Such is life, right?!

Happy Tuesday, kids. Hope it's a good one!

Just keepin' it real...

Headband: Nora & Jac // Army Jacket: Marshall's {years ago} // Polka Dot dress:  Marshall's // Fringe Booties: Target

...i forgot my smile. I was obsessing about standing and sucking in.
...my legs are disgustingly pasty.
...i've been criticizing myself since taking these pictures.
...that's normal, right?
...there were 30 taken... I barely liked two.
...Rachel Zoe is MAJ. Yea, I've said that before. Probably last Wednesday night... while blogging.
...peanut butter Snickers are my new guilty pleasure.
...lime in my water trumps lemon. By a lot.
...i'm as obsessed with the way I package my items as I am with the items themselves. Normal? No?
...this week has felt way long.
...i haven't ran all week... and really, really planned on it. Tomorrow, after work, I will run... for Boston.
...have you?
...i'm all about pointless, list posts this week.
...so. tired. I think there's a cold trying to take over my body, but I'm trying to fight it.
...blow out bar. Who's been? I want to go. Like yesterday.
...i need to do some major organizing of my sewing area.
...i just hit 100 likes on my Facebook page. I think that deserves a giveaway... who's game?

Have a fabulous Thursday, lovelies. I hope to come back tomorrow with something more thought provoking.  Please cross your fingers for me.

Right now...

I'm excited for this coming Saturday, we're hitting up the new Hollywood Casino for my brothers birthday celebration. {Happy Birthday, Bubba!!!!!!}

I've been loving those flat pretzel cracker things...seriously, why haven't I tried them before? And I took everyone's advice and got veggie cream cheese to dip them in. DELISH!

I'm beyond grateful for the love and support I have gotten for the new Nora & Jac products. It means the world. {So thank YOU!}

I'm missing Harper and can't wait to see her soon. Right now I'm just living vicariously through pictures I'm sent. 

I'm wishing there were a coffee shop next door to the studio. Or my apartment.

This weather is making me incredibly sleepy but I love it at the same time. Especially the storms. 

I'm loving the Mommy & Me sessions we are doing in the park. Makes me want my Mom to get her bum up here so we can do them... you're never too old!

I've posted a couple new headbands on my facebook page and instagram! 

I'm linking up with Shanna and Lauren.

Happy hump day, kids. 

Ohhh, Monday.

I don't have much to say today... I'm tired. Uber stuffy. And just have a case of the Mondays. Why, oh why is my Red Bull empty already?!

Just an FYI -

If you don't follow me on Instagram, you should - I have posted new sailors knot headbands. {That aren't in my shop yet} So head on over there and follow me or go to my FB page and see the new pretties and snag yourself a few before they make it to the shop! Instagram. Facebook.

White/beige stripe headband.

Dark Mint. Coral. Lime and white stripe. Can be made for newborn, baby, child, or adult!

Nora & Jac's cutest little model!

And I'm so thrilled to be spotlighted on the Amy Clark Studios blog! {Yes, I work there, and usually do the blog posts - BUT today, I didn't. And was thrilled that Amy decided to feature Nora & Jac as a Vendor Spotlight!}

I hope y'all have a wonderful Monday... I'm working on it. 

I'm linking up with Sami.

Snickerdoodle Smoothie.

I'm watching this new dating show... Ready for Love - are you watching it?? I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, I'm a huge fan of The Bachelor... so it's interesting to watch another dating show with a completely different philosophy. And sometimes I just feel so bad for these girls... they get so into the dude on Day 1. Tears and all... already... and it's the first episode. 

I finally turned the sewing machine off and decided to pack up shop for the evening. Sewing is my happy place. I hate when I neglect it for so long... 

And - I completed week 1 of Couch to 5k tonight. This is only the 4th time I've started it... but baby steps, guys. I'm hoping I can actually stick to it this time around... 

Anyways...

That delicious smoothie up there... that's really what I'm here to talk about...

I am obsessed with green smoothies. They have become my breakfast go-to for the past few weeks. And honestly, I think they keep me fuller and have helped me stay on track with healthy eating. There's something to be said for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast to start your day off with!

This is one of my favorites...

Snickerdoodle Fake Out - Green Smoothie

What you need:

A handful of baby spinach

1 frozen banana

1 c. vanilla greek yogurt

1/3 c. ground oats {I grind mine in my coffee grinder - works amazing!}

Truvia to taste

Cinnamon to taste

1/2 c. soy milk

few ice cubes

Throw it all in the blender and let it go! I like a lot of cinnamon flavor so I add way more than necessary... just add as much as you'd like. Smoothies are so easy to make and adapt to your palate. I make this one without cinnamon too and it tastes so much like a sugar cookie. 

Have you tried a green smoothie yet? What's your favorite combination??

Linking up with Shanna.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

They make life wonderful...

{via}

A cupcake that lasts for days...and days.
Uncontrollable laughter that causes snorts and tears.
Kind words about the scarves and headbands I've made.
Ice cold water.
Sweet pictures of my darling niece.
The windows open and a nice breeze filtering through.
Untouched fabric... with endless possibilities.
Quiet mornings of working from home... in my PJ's.
Caramel. Everything. Cupcakes - coffee - candles...
Washi tape.
Super supportive friends and family.
The threat of a rainy day.

What are the little things you're savoring these days?

P.s. I've added some fun new headbands to le Shop - I can safely say, they're super comfy and won't cause headaches! Win!

I hope y'all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Infinity Scarves and My weekend...

My infinity scarves are officially live in the shop tonight! I so excited to finally show y'all what I've been working on. I'm so happy with how they have turned out - I may or may not have already claimed a couple for myself. ;) 

 I've had quite the productive Sunday - finishing up these babies. AND I went for another run! Thank you spring for finally sticking around - at least for a couple of days! Totally helps my motivation!

And the rest of my weekend looked a little like this...

1 //I found these bright yellow flats at Kohl's. Thank you to the Easter Bunny for bringing me a gift card! You can find similar flats here.

2 // Amy and I set up our boudoir stuff at the Women Hack Life event Saturday morning. Such a nice morning and I even scored a cute headband for Harper and one for myself from Hound Dog Designs!

3 // I had my first Blue Moon - how sad is it that I haven't had one before? I typically just order a Bud Light... I have been missing out. 

4 // FINALLY made myself a pin cushion instead of having pins just loosely hanging around. It's about time. 

5 // Tric thought I needed his assistance... or he just wanted to look at himself in the mirror. It's hard to tell with him. 

Not pictured // I got my hair trimmed for the first time a year. I know, I'm a slacker. And yes it feels SOOOO much better and looks so much better. But I was having anxieties that it was like 6 inches shorter. I know it isn't, but it definitely felt like that's how much she took off. 

Happy Monday, kids! Hope y'all have a wonderful week! 

And don't forget to check out the Nora and Jac shop and snag yourself an infinity scarf for spring!!!! 

Linking up with Sami, Molly, and Carissa!

Friday's Letters. Round 3.

Dear Friday - where the heck did you come from??? I swear just yesterday it was Monday...not that I'm complaining, but seriously - where'd the rest of my week go? Dear Spring - THANK YOU for making an appearance. I've been able to wear dresses, go for a run, not freeze my bum off, and have my window slightly cracked. Tric and I thank you. 

Dear JCrew dress - I really like you - but not with booties. You're too long for that business. But I tried... so that's worth something, right? Dear Bud light - you are totally hitting the spot right now. Beer and blogging... that's pretty legit. Dear Motivation - Loved that you kicked in and I got a good run and workout in. Please don't go away. Pretty, pretty please. Dear Hair - I'm thinking about spicing you up a little... maybe bleaching the bottoms and underneath and putting some light highlights in the top - keeping with the ombre - just freshening it up a bit... ala Lauren Conrad. 

{via}

Dear all of you - have a wonderful weekend!!! 

Linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters and Casey. 

Lemon Spinach Pasta Salad. {She cooks}

Pasta Salad. One of my favorite foods in the world... but I rarely make it anymore. However, for Easter dinner, Mom whipped up an orzo pasta salad and it was delicious! And orzo is delicious, why have I never had it before??? I can't wait to get a bag and make some. Sometimes my cooking nerdiness really needs to take a chill pill. ;)

Anyways, this orzo salad had awakened my pasta salad craving and I decided I'd make some of my own. I used to just mix a balsamic dressing with some Italian dressing. But, I didn't have either of those. Nor did I have an balsamic vinegar... so, I just threw something together and it turned out so good.

Lemon Spinach Pasta Salad.

What you need:
Box {or bag} of pasta of your choice
bag of frozen peas {I only used half}
1 cucumber
{any other veggies you may want}

Dressing:
Juice of 1 lemon
large handful of spinach
1 tbsp honey
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1 minced clove of garlic
salt
pepper
chili powder

The best part of this pasta salad was how easy it was to make... cook your pasta according to the directions on the package. Chop the cucumber into bite size pieces. I used a bag of steam fresh peas so I popped that into the microwave while the pasta was cooking, then poured them into a strainer when they were finished and ran cold water on them to chill them a bit. Rinse the pasta with cold water then combine the veggies and pasta in a bowl.

For the dressing, I put all the ingredients into a blender and let it go until the spinach was blended well with the liquids. Season it to your taste... then pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies - give it a good stir, season more if needed. Serve immediately for a room temp salad or pop in fridge. Mine made about 4-6 servings since I used gluten free pasta and it tends to have less pasta in the boxes than regular. {Why is that?}

This is perfect for an easy, healthy, veggie packed lunch.

What's your favorite pasta salad recipe???

Have a fab Thursday, kids!

Better late than never...

I feel like it's been far too long since I've sat down and wrote a blog post. And I can't believe it's Wednesday already! {I know - I say that way too often, but seriously... the weeks and days just fly by sometimes}.

So let's play catch up and chat about my weekend... we'll pretend it's Monday but it really won't be... that works, yea? ;)

I went home on Friday and it was nice to get to spend the whole day with my Mom and Harper...

She's doing SO good at tummy time already!

I seriously just die over her cuteness every time I'm around her. She's growing sooooo much and soooo quickly. And she's just so dang adorable. I had no idea what being an Aunt would really be like until now... and I love every second of it and there are few things in this world that can brighten any of our days like this little face. 

My Aunt had texted me the day Harper was born and said "Congrats, Aunt Jackie - I know you are as excited as I was when my first niece was born..." now, 3 months later, I totally get what she means. So thank you Bub and Hollie for bringing this ray of sunshine into our lives. 

We also went out Friday evening for our friends' Dad's birthday. Such a nice night... good beers, good friends, good times. Can't beat that. 

Saturday was my Momma's birthday and we just hung out for the day, watched Harper for a bit, then went and did a little shopping... of course she buys clothes for H and not herself. She's silly. 

Y'all, how gorgeous is my Mom? She's so cute. We had decided to go in together and get her a ring for her birthday... so after researching for awhile I found one on Etsy that was perfect. They were stack able birthstone rings {I'm a dummy and didn't get a picture of it on her} but we got 4 of them for her and she LOVED it! 

Here it is on my pinky bc I have such fat fingers. But it turned out beautifully! 

I ordered this from Intentional Stones and Simbelmyne was a doll to work with. We chatted back and forth for a week about what I wanting and how quickly I could get it since I was on a bit of a time crunch and once I finally placed the order it was in my mailbox 2 days later. That is some amazing service. And it was such a gorgeous ring and Mom loved it! 

We had made dinner for her that evening and the six of us just sat around the table eating, talking, drinking cocktails, and laughing. It was another great evening. There so much to be said for quiet evenings. 

And well, the Easter bunny arrived on Sunday and we ate lots of delicious food, flew kites while drinking watermelon vodka punch {amazing}, and spent more time with family. 

So that was my weekend... in a few snapshots. How was yours?? I can't believe it's Wednesday and I'm talking about my weekend...smh!? 

I'm linking up with Shanna! 

Happy hump day!