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!

Homemade Brownies. That's why I run.

The world must be better upside down.

Dear Couch to 5k - Only two more weeks to go and I have successfully finished you. To have just made it this far is impressive enough! 7 weeks of solid running is more than I ever imagined I'd stick with. Thank you for keeping my legs nice and toned this spring. Dear Sweet tooth - I totally negate aforementioned run when I come home and need my sugar fix... and decide to make homemade brownies. {I only made a half batch though...}. I run so I feel less guilty about these brownies... screw getting skinny. I'm 75% serious. Dear Blog Everyday in May Challenge - I almost don't know what to do without mind boggling prompts this week. I've got to get back in my blogging routine without someone else doing the thinking for me. Next week, guys. Next week. Dear everyone who has supported Nora & Jac's bracelet launch - thank you. Thank you for the countless retweets, comments, messages, and just the love you have shown me. I love this little creative outlet that I have found and without the support of all of you - I simply couldn't do it. Dear Brownies baking in my oven - you smell damn good.

I'm linking up with Ashley today for Friday's letters.

Happy Friday, sweet cheeks. I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

Candy and Birthdays.

The arm candy collection has finally made it's way to the shop! And I'm so excited that they are finally in there and for the overwhelming support I've been shown with them! 

I have over 12 fabrics available for you to choose from and right now I'm offering a special of buy 2 get 1 free! And it's always free shipping! 

Follow me on instagram to see them being worn!

Well kids it's time to head off to work - busy day today with shoots and a brainstorming meeting this evening! 

And... I want to wish a most wonderful birthday to one of my dearest, sweetest, best friends! I hope 29 is better than you can ever dream of and that this year is full of fantastic surprises, silly moments, and amazing experiences! Here's to being on the brink of a new decade... be sure to live this last year in your twenties with style and grace! Love you always, Miss! 

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day, lovers!

I get so weak in the knees...

Day 29: Five pieces of music that speak to me or brings back memories. 



Jason Aldean. Anything... Somehow he just can't do wrong in my eyes. His albums have gotten me through some rough moments and when I'm having one of those days... he's my constant playlist. It's my comfort zone. 


Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow - "Picture" - this has become the ultimate road trip song. Whenever Amy, Missy, or I hear it we BELT it out... and so dramatically. 
Kate Voegele - "Hallelujah" - I've heard all the other versions, including the original - and I love them all. But I love this one the most. 
SWV - "Weak" - this song will always, always, always  take me back to my childhood. My friends Jenny, Stephanie, and I would sing this song like it was going out of style. And I don't think we had a clue what we were singing about... we just loved it. 

Blake Shelton - "Sure be cool if you did" - only because I can not get the song out of my head. It's my jam right now but it also won't leave my head. Although I'm not complaining... yesterday I had "Grandpa" by The Judd's stuck in my head. #thankstothevoice 
It's seriously hard to come up with five songs... I could think of a million different ones that have meant something in my life... but for now, we will go with these. 

I woke up this morning to see Illy sporting my leopard headband on her blog. And I was sooo happy... first she looks amazing in it - second, I kinda geek out a bit because she's hands down one of my favorites. I've followed her blog/shop for so long and own quite a few items - it was really cool to see her wearing something of mine. If you don't follow her blog {seriously, who doesn't?} you should. She's one of the most genuine and real people I've met on this blogging journey. 

And TODAY ONLY I'm offering the Leopard Sailors Knot headband for 20% off.. head on over to the store to scoop up this deal! That makes it $8 with free shipping! 

Happy hump day, kittens!

Mother's Day.

Day 12: What do you miss? (a person, place, thing, time in your life...)

Missing is a weird thing... it's hard and it's painful. But it's intense and one of the most raw emotions - I think. I've always kind of thought that missing someone is the true test of a person's feelings. That ache for someone or something when they're gone - when you are thinking about them when they aren't around. That's something. That's when you know they mean something to you. That's when you know you must hold on for dear life.

But I guess this post isn't about my thoughts on the emotion - now is it? Got a bit off subject...

What do I miss... {and because I clearly only write in list form lately... we're going to go with that.}

My blonde hair. {two more weeks... two more weeks...}
The beach.
When things were simpler.
My family when I'm away.
Watching Harper grow and change.
Snickers. {cat not candy}
Summer vacation.

And countless other things, I'm sure. But I have other things to tend to...

Like... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my wonderful Momma.

This woman is incredible. She is my best friend, the most honest person I know, and she believes in my brother and I to depths of her soul. There aren't enough words, or time to thank her for everything she done for me.

I love you, Mom and feel blessed that I am lucky enough to call you my Mom and best friend.

But instead of spending my time writing about her... she and I are heading out to the antique stores today. And then we are cooking up a delicious dinner for her tonight!

And I'm feeling generous... it's Mother's Day and a week until my 30th birthday.. enter code MOMMA to save 30% at Nora & Jac. ONE DAY ONLY! Ends tonight at midnight!

Hope y'all have a wonderful Sunday!

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!

The Story of My Life... and Hello, May!

So I've decided... that in loo of me not blogging much lately... I would challenge myself with joining Jenni - along with lots of other bloggers and do this...

And, HELLO BIRTHDAY MONTH!
I'LL BE 30 IN 19 DAYS!
HOLY CRAP!
Okay, I'm finished now. 
Onto the topic of the day...
The story of my life {shortened. By a lot.}

I was born during this wonderful month - almost 30 years ago. I was supposed to be born in April, but thought I'd stay an extra month in the womb. Hey, why not?! I grew up in small town USA. We didn't have a stop light, a gas station, we went to the same school from K-12. And I graduated with about 52 people. Everyone knew everyone. And sometimes that's a blessing... sometimes that's a curse. I have a younger brother, who's become one of my best friends in the world. And we were raised by two of the most amazing parents. After high school I went onto to Bowling Green State University and studied Apparel Merchandising and Product Development. I absolutely loved my college days. And there are days that I miss them. I went on to work for Abercrombie & Fitch for 3 years and when enough was finally enough {it takes a special  soul to work there} I began working for an amazing, local photographer. I started as a nanny for her two boys {in which I learned more than I ever thought possible} and am now her assistant in her Short North studio. I have loved learning about photography and am so happy that I'm still embracing my creativity every single day. And just recently I have opened up my own little online boutique, Nora & Jac. 
I wish I had a fabulous love life to write about - but I don't. I've had some amazing loves. Some heartbreaking ones. And some damn good times... but right now - my life, my friends, my family, my adorable niece, and my cat are the loves of my life. And I suppose that isn't such a bad thing. ;)
Was that 250 words? 
I'm excited to get back to blogging again, I tend to take these little breaks. Eh, life happens, right?!
P.s. There are some exciting things happening for Nora & Jac soon. Make sure you "like" my facebook page to stay up to date! 

Custom Mother/Daughter infinity scarves.

Sneak Peek of the new headband collection going into the shop.

Linking up with Shanna and Jenni!
Happy Wednesday, kittens!

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.

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.