Raspberry Lemonade... of the adult variety.

And just like that... summer came and went. Can you believe it?? It was like a whirlwind...

I'd like to say that I took a little summer vaca from the blog... and since it's back to school time for most... it should be back to blogging for me???

Works, right?

And what better way to welcome back blogging than with cocktail recipe?! I can't think of a better way, honestly.

We had a seafood boil this evening, topped off with my dad's homemade ice cream - of which we all dream about - and I volunteered to make the adult beverage... it only seemed right. ;)

And this is what I came up with...

Raspberry Lemonade... of the adult variety. 

Ingredients:

1 bottle of white wine - I went with Moscato because it's my favorite

2 cups Raspberry Vodka - or more if you're feeling adventurous

1 bottle of sparkling water

1 can of pink lemonade concentrate

1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries

juice of two lemons

Pour it all into a pitcher, punch bowl, mason jars... whatever floats your boat... and enjoy. I let it chill for about 2 hours before serving, but the drink police aren't going to come knocking on your door if you drink this deliciousness right away. I promise. ;)

We thoroughly enjoyed this punch tonight. Happy Labor Day to us! 

Well, Jenni has done it again... she has created another month of blogging so I think this is the perfect month to jump back into it. If you want, join in...

And guys, I just have to say it again... but I am blown away by all the love and support Nora & Jac has gotten this summer. I have loved seeing so many happy ladies, babes and in between rocking our headbands! Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! 

If you haven't checked out the store... you should... just click here. ;)

And... we're having a little Labor Day Sale... so snag those babies while you can! Annddd... we have NFL headbands available. For everyone... well, not Dad... or brother... they'd just look silly. ;)

Hope y'all are having a wonderful long weekend and are getting to spend some much needed time with family and friends!

See ya tomorrow, sweet cheeks!

It's been a minute...

So... it's been a minute.

Sometimes life happens and takes over your time. And that's the only thing I have to blame my absence on. Life. I don't know where June went. But July was full of family reunions, vacationing, and working 24/7... between work at the studio then work on Nora & Jac events.

Life happened.

But I'm not complaining... it's been a pretty nice summer and I cannot believe it's August already! Where does the time go???

What have I been up to, you ask? {Okay, so maybe you didn't ask... but I'm gonna tell ya!}

I started P90x in June and am now into my second phase of it. I really enjoy doing it - I'm not as regimented with it as I should be, probably - but I'm getting it done and when I'm having a day that I'm not feeling it - I try to get a run in. I've been really trying to make workouts part of my daily routine. I feel good when I do and I actually enjoy them. I feel like I've learned to not expect to see results after one day, that if I miss a day - it's okay, and stay focused and workout for myself. Those were important things I needed to get thru my thick skull.

In June, a HS friend of mine contacted me and wanted me to have my Nora & Jac products in her new local goods store in Lancaster {The Blank Slate}. I was thrilled! So I worked up a display and a lot of headbands, bracelets, and scarves and set up shop! Since then I've heard such great things about the response to my items. Which is exciting... baby steps y'all. Baby steps.

Last week we had a handmade affair at a local wine shop, Camelot Cellars - where a few of my crafty friends and I brought our goods to sell. We got to mingle, drink wine, and have a nice night of supporting local.

Two weeks ago I was laying on the beach of North Carolina... oh, how I miss it. It's one of those places that just feel like home to me. It's a simple life there. We had such a wonderful family vacation there. But I'm sure I'll talk MUCH more about that later. ;)

This week I'm getting ready for our Handmade Hop here at the studio. The first Saturday of every month the Short North holds a Gallery Hop where all the shops, resturants, bars, and studios stay open late for people to come enjoy. We decided to host a craft show of sorts during it this month. So me, along with 7 other insanely talented ladies are setting up shop! I'm debuting a few new headband collections and scarves. I'm really looking forward to it... we have such a strong support system here of handmade designers and the like.

And today begins the Clean Eating Challenge over at Get Fit with Nikki. I'm realllllly looking forward to this challenge. I need to get my eating back to a good spot. I've done a lot of reading up on clean eating information and recipes and I think this is beyond doable. It's not a diet at all, it's a way of life. I think this in conjunction with p90x and running... I'll finally get to see what I'm wanting to. But again, I've finally realized that it does take time. And effort. And focus... mainly focus.

Tropical Quinoa, Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Amaazzzingggg!

Whew... so... that's what I've been up to. What have I missed while I've been away??? I'll be honest, I have barely even read any blogs either. Ugh.

Thanks for sticking around! ;)

Happy Thursday, lovers!

I'm afraid... and a few spotlights.

Day 7: The thing (s) I'm most afraid of...

Let's start with the basics, shall we..
Spiders.
Tight spaces.
Heights {although I still ride roller coasters...}
Clowns. Seriously, how can one NOT be afraid of them.
Bees. I really, really, really hate them. Think shrieking and running when one comes around me.

But the real fear... the fear that keeps you awake into the dead of the night.

Fire. I used to be deathly terrified of it. My Dad was a volunteer firefighter/EMT growing up and I never really thought much about it until I saw the movie Backdraft. There has never, ever been a movie that scared me more. And I love horror flicks. After seeing it - the thought of something catching fire and people I love not being able to get out has always haunted me.

Losing someone. I think this is a pretty common fear. But it's one of those that pulls at your heartstrings every time you are watching the news and you hear of all the unfortunate situations that go on in this world. It makes you want to hold your loved ones closer, hug them a little tighter, tell them "I love you..." one more time... Life is precious. And fleeting.

What are you afraid of?




So recently, something cool has happened... a couple of my friends have decided to open up online boutiques featuring all kinds of things. And I think it's so awesome that we can all tap into our talents and share them with the rest of the world. I love being surrounded with creative people and always having someone to bounce ideas off of and gain support from. It's refreshing that we can all be so supportive of one another... 
Nikki {whom I've talked about several times} is first and foremost the most inspiring and motivating friend ever when it comes to working out and getting fit. And she just recently opened up her shop Nicole Hynes Designs to showcase her crazy cool graphic design skills. I mean check out this birthday invite... 

Amy, one of my dearest friends, who is the genius behind Amy Clark Studios {the photography studio that I work for} has branched out to create some adorable photography props. She has recently launched Bernie Bean Boutique where she sells super cute headbands for newborns, babies, and kids. {Although I'm sure an adult could wear them if they asked nicely ;)} This is one of my favorites... I could so see Miss Harper sporting this...

And my sweet friend, Beth is a party planning genius. She has been dabbling with party planning, felting, and wreath making for quite awhile. And after many times of saying and seeing other say on her instagram or facebook posts "You should sell this..." she has finally opened her online shop! Felt Wonderland is a nod to her love of Alice in Wonderland and her creative mind. I love this wreath... it's so fun and different from the run of the mill wreathes you see in stores.

All such wonderful things and so very different! Go... check them out, follow them, you know the drill!

Happy Tuesday, kittens! 

This is why I'm not a teacher...

First order of business...

I have finally gotten my new items in the shop! I'm loving the way they have turned out and am so excited to keep adding more!

Second - I was contacted by 20 best Twenty earlier this week and they wanted to feature/promote Nora & Jac for the month of May. {Pretty sweet birthday present, huh?!} It launched last night and I'm so grateful for the opportunity! So go check it!!!

Third - Today's topic is to educate y'all on something I know a lot about. And you know what, that's a hard thing to come up with. I've been trying to think of something since I saw this topic last week. I tend to know a little bit about a lot of things. I don't think there's anything that I'm really an expert in. So I thought to myself... what can you teach someone. {Meh, this is why I'm not a teacher...} I can sew. I can knit. I can style. I can do my hair... but I just do them. It's hard to explain how to do something that is almost second nature.

However, I did learn or teach myself how to cook. But instead of a long, detailed tutorial on how to cook - because let's face it - that's boring. And who wants that. I'll give you a little list of my tips and tricks...

1. Experiment. If something sounds interesting... try it. Last night I made an avocado/gouda pasta sauce. I had been wanting to try it for awhile, but hadn't. I finally bit the bullet, and it wasn't bad. But it wasn't amazing. I enjoyed it because it was healthy and full of things that are good for your body - and I enjoy knowing that. However, it probably won't go on my list of go-to meals. It wasn't that good.

2. Test everything. When I'm cooking, I'm always tasting. Not a lot... but a taste of the sauce, a little piece of the meat, a bite of the casserole before it bakes. {If it's a new a recipe} That way there are no surprises... you can adjust it accordingly while you're cooking instead of after the fact.

3. Don't restrict yourself to following the recipe. It's okay to color outside the lines sometimes. You never know, you may come up with the best recipe yet. Who knew throwing a little whiskey in with my ground beef when making lasagna would make it taste that much better... never know til you try. ;)

4. Indulge. I love eating healthy and cooking healthy. But sometimes homemade macaroni and cheese is just needed. And I shouldn't feel guilty about diving into a bowl of cheesy deliciousness. It's all about moderation, kids.

5. Have fun. Cooking should be something you enjoy - not a chore. It's a creative outlet, if you let it be. So go into that kitchen, pull out some ingredients and see what you can come up with!



I'm linking up with Jenni! {And patting myself on the back for completing Day 2! Baby steps.}
Happy Thursday, lovers!

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.

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!

Facts. {Cowboy boots don't have traction...}

Some of you reading this may know me IRL or have followed me thru my blog hopping days. {Which I hope this little piece of internet real estate is where I stay}... and then some of you may have just jumped on the Nora & Jac train. THANK YOU!

And for you lovelies... I'll let you in on a few secrets facts about me.

I work as an assistant photographer at Amy Clark Studios. Which I love. I have learned so much and love being able to feed my creativity everyday. 

My hair is SO blonde here! Clearly this is old! #rootsgalore

I am a bottled water snob. I refuse to drink "spring water." It has to be purified. There's a HUGE difference in taste - to me anyhow. 

I went to Bowling Green State University and majored in Fashion and Marketing. To this day {7 years since graduation}, fashion continues to be a passion of mine - which is why I'm so grateful to be in such a creative field.

I'm not a morning person. I'd prefer no one speak to me until about 10am. 

I always, always, always have my nails painted. Always. There are no exceptions. I probably own over 100 bottles of nail polish and am constantly in need of more. 

Cowboy boots. I love them. I'd wear them everyday if I could. {I can't because sometimes it snows in Ohio and those babies have NO traction and I'd bite it. I know this from experience. OUCH!}

OH! Last night on Instagram {are you following me? you should! well... if you want ;)} I mentioned having a "Brrr, it's cold, I can't believe it's February, but HEY it's the weekend!" sale... and guess what!?! I am... Head on over to Nora & Jac and enter code WEEKEND at checkout to receive 20% off cowls! Good thru the weekend....

Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend and don't freeze your little bums off!!!