P is for PJ's

Today is Target Tuesday and I'm so happy to be linking back up with Tara.

For the letter "P"

I decided to feature PJ's.

I love PJ's!

They're my favorite clothing item.

Too bad all clothes aren't as comfy as PJ's

Hello Kitty and Friends Screen Print Crop Pant/Tee Pajama Set - 

Nick & Nora® Womens Fancy Feather Pajama Set - Blue 

Gilligan & O'Malley® Womens Pajama Set - Gladiator Gray

Gilligan & O'Malley® Womens Pajama Set - Navy

gilligan by Gilligan & O'Malley® Womens Floral Tapset - Jamestown

Nick & Nora® Womens Trunk Show Pajama Set - Pink/Multicolor

I don't think I can pick just one favorite this week!

Can You??

T.

E is for Earrings

I love jewelry, and earrings are my favorite. 

Big, small, dangly, gold, silver, shaped, doesn't matter because I love them all.

Seeing that earrings can fall out rather easily, I don't like to spend a ton of money on them,
so I tend to buy the cheap less expensive ones. 

My birthday was in February for those of you who didn't send gifts,
so let me know if you need my address

{wink, wink}

And to the guys, don't forget earrings always make great gifts!!

* next to images indicate my favorites

*Topaz Diamond Earrings {price unlisted}

Janet Fraile-14KLove Earrings $900

*14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearl & Multi-Color Stone Dangle Earrings $472.44

Aztec Ice Earrings $10.50

Harry Winston, Diamond Drop Earrings

$8.5 million {whew these babies are love-lee, but where would ya wear 'em?}

*Zebra Earrings $19.99

Violin Earrings $9.95

*14k White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Earrings  $ 1175

*14k White Gold Colored Quartz Earrings $785

*TIFFANY & CO. Paloma Picasso® Loving Heart earrings $225

*Amey Jewelry-Seeweed Earrings $140

Spike Cuff Earrings $23.50



Chanel Earrings {price unlisted}

 And these are my absolute favorites.  

Who doesn't love Chanel?! 

Which ones are your favorite?

T. 

Target Tuesday #3

 It's Tuesday and you know what that means.

TARGET TUESDAY LINK UP W/ TARA!

Seeing that I've had a challenging past couple of weeks, I've decided to go on a little shopping spree!

Ok not really {you caught me}

 but if I did here's what I would buy:



Mossimo® Women's Tissue Tee - Fresh White

Merona® Collection Women's Lindsay Dress - Plum Passion

Women's Zebra Rain Boots - Black/ Silver

{I really, really, REALLY, want these!}
Merona® Water Repellent Short Trench Coat - Brambleberry Pink

Mossimo® Women's Boyfriend Premium Denim Crop - Dark Wash

Merona® Women's Utility Crop Pant - Tinted

Sterling Silver Earrings - Turquoise

Starfish Drop Earrings - Gold

Merona® Collection Women's Tahira Top - Jade

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Short-Sleeve Wide Scoop Tee - Rocket Red

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Short-Sleeve Wide Scoop Tee - Lemon Ice Print

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Short-Sleeve Wide Scoop Tee - Peaches n' Cream Print

And this completes my splurge. This week I found a lot of items I would like to have. 

I think those rain boots are calling my name!

Stay Sweet My Lovelies.

T. 

Target Tuesday #2

It's Tuesday, and ya know what that means...

Target Tuesday with Tara! 

So here is my list for the week. 

And don't forget to check out Tara's blog to see who else has linked up this week.





#1.) Classic Home Pinch Pleat Faux Silk Panel Collection - Rocky River
{love the color}

#2.) DwellStudio® for Target® Foliage Comforter Set
{reminds of spring and fresh air}

#3.) 21 , Adele

{love her voice}

#4.) Uplight Lamp with Crackle Glass Shade
 {i love lamps}

#5.) JK Jemma Kidd Strike A Pose Swivel Palette
 {like i need more eyeshadow}

#6) Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device with 6" Display and Free 3G + Wi-Fi (Latest Generation){should have bought this when i had the chance, maybe next time}

#7.) Xhilaration® Zebra Shag Rug - Black/White
{i really, really want this rug seeing that it matches the black and white theme of my bedroom}

  

#8.) Stick Leaf Carolina Fleece Rug Collection - Beige
{would save this rug for the fall}

Can you believe i don't have any clothing items on this week's list?!

Stay Sweet!
T.  

Music to My Ears

In a previous post, I mentioned that I had some new tunes.  I love music, what it represents, and how it makes me feel.  The reality of a complete stranger, from a seemly different world, relating to my unique experiences.  Oh, the joy that music brings. 

So, here’s what I’ve been listening to…

1.) Kandi Koated, Kandi Burruss.  Kandi is one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and she’s about as real as they come.  This album is one of my favorites because there are a variety of songs that range from heartache, to cheating, to being a single mother in search of love.  If you check out her website, here’s a hint: scroll to the bottom of the page and pause the Google Ads.

2.) Mission Bell, Amos Lee.  This album is sweet and mellow, with strong, powerful lyrics.  I stumbled upon Amos Lee while listening to music on Pandora, and after hearing one song I was completely hooked!



3.) Kaleidoscope Heart , Sara Bareilles.  Kaledoscope Heart sums up the entire album. 

4.) Hundred More Years, Francesca Battistelli.  This album reminds me that there is nothing that can ever separate me from the love of God.

5.) God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise, Ray Lamontagne.  Soulful and sultry.  Anyone who is familiar with Ray Lamontagne understands the aesthetics of his music.

6.) Move, Third Day.  Wonderful praise and worship music.

7.) Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj.  My very favorite album!! I'm a HUGE Nicki fan, and I love the album's mix of rap and R & B.

8.) Tonight, Toby Mac.  I bought this album thinking it would be awesome, but unfortunately I'm not all that impressed.  There are literally only 2 out 14 songs that I like.  I didn't realize the songs would be mostly hard rock.  Oh well.

So that completes my music list.  What have you been listening to?

T.  





 



Target Tuesday Link Up

Today I am following in the footsteps of a lovely blogger named Tara, who is the author of Fabulous but Evil.  Each Tuesday, Tara features what things she wants from Target.  Now we all know Target is my happy place, so when Tara offered her followers the chance to link up and follow suit you know I had to jump on board!  So without further ado, here is my very own Target Tuesday.

Merona® Women's Sleeveless Dress w/Drape 

Merona® Women's Sleeveless Dress w/Drape - Vintage Khaki 

Mossimo Brown Crossbody

{I actually bought this bag and I love it!}

Zebra Shower Curtain

Medallion 16-pc. Dinnerware Set

@tract Floral Stretch Bracelet - Goldtone

Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Ruffle Ballet Flats - Blush Patent

So this completes my very first Target Tuesday.  Make sure you check out Tara's blog, as well as the other bloggers who linked up to Target Tuesday.

T.

Heartbroken, but Happy…I Think

I can't seem to escape him. When I open my eyes in the morning, and when I close them at night, he's on my mind. I can't escape him while dreaming, because he's there too. How am I going to heal when I can't move past what used to be? I miss him, his voice and his laugh. The phone calls in the middle of the night because of the 6 hour time difference.

He was supposed to be here with me this week for my birthday, but I'll be celebrating without him.

I've had break ups before, but they never hurt like this. I love this man with my soul, and I want to be with him-I still want to be his wife. If he showed up at my door and asked for us to be together again, I'd say yes. I don't want anyone else, I want him! I keep praying that God will show me what's supposed to be, but I'm not open to hear what He may be saying. I'm scared that God will say I have to live my life without the man I love, and that terrifies me. My bestie reminded me that I once lived life before the relationship, so I can live it again. So true, but so hard to breath in. The concept seems toxic.

                                                               -----------------------
Onto some better news. I would like to introduce the latest addition to my family.
Here she is….

                                                                           
                      
Her name is Poppy. My good friend Gwen loves handbags, and she always names her bags. So, I decided to follow in her footsteps, hence the name Poppy! Poppy makes me happy and I sit and pet her often. I know, I need help J

On Friday's shopping trip to the mall, I got some other {needed} stuff too. Then we went to Target {my happy place}, and I got some makeup.  I'm not sure how I feel about the Cover Girl Nature Luxe Gloss Balm.  I bought it in a brown/plum color, but it doesn't really moisturize my lips like I was hoping.  This freezing cold Western, NY weather keeps my lips so chapped and dry, that I was hoping the gloss would help.  I've only worn it a few times, so I'll have to try it out some more before I can really state my opinion.

I also got this nail polish.  It's Opi, and the color is Glitz and Glisten.

I didn't know it at the time, but the name brand nail polish in stores is not the same as the ones you can purchase at a nail salon.  My friend/hair stylist informed me that the polish in the store is actually a watered down version.  I figured it was no big, but I painted my nails last night and it literally took 5 coats before you could even see the purple!  My nails still don't look like the picture.  Oh well, lesson learned.

We were lucky on Friday because the snow held off until we got back home{we went to Buffalo to shop}. However, we're supposed to get a ton of snow tonight, and Nehemiah is hoping for a snow day! Oh, Miah got a pair of overalls and he looks so stinking cute!!! I love this kid!

Stay warm, and stay safe if you're in an area that is expecting snow.  And always stay sweet!

T.

Unclear

I don't want to wallow on-and-on about this breakup, but there's more. The ex and I knew each other for years, and getting married was in our future {or so I thought}. There was even a ring. He purchased it, but luckily I didn't get or see it. It would have destroyed me. This leaves me wondering how you can love someone so much, and then turn around and let them go; all while professing your love for them in the same breath.

I know this was about him and not me, but I'm left feeling like something is wrong-with me. I asked my family/friends if I'm really some awful person, but no one has the guts to tell me. But then logic sinks in, and I realize that I have a good heart. My pain management therapist is very wise, and she told that if I could attract such a great guy once, I could do it again and this time he would be even better. Hopefully he'd be the one.

I feel like my clock is ticking. I'll be 29 in a few weeks, and I'm still not married! I'm not sure if I want more children, but that decision needs to be considered rarely soon, especially because I'm high risk due to the Fibro and seizures. I know there's no written rule that you have to be married in your twenties, but I never expected to be single in my late twenties. I was comfortable being single, but then I got used to being with someone, although we didn't get to see each other often due to his career.

The good thing is I can't cry today; I have a cold and my head is full and stuffy, so if I cried my head probably would explode!!

Enough about the breakup. I have some rather good news to share-I checked my grade book {I go to school online}, and my average so far for my public speaking course is a 94! Woo Hoo! I'm praying I can keep this up. I'm also praying that this head cold clears up because I have an awesome weekend planned. Retail therapy with my mom!

By the way, I was able to import my past posts from thinkpink247, so if you're new to the blog check out the old posts!

Happy Thursday everyone, and remember to stay sweet!!
T.

Winter Favorites

Spring is here, and I am so happy. Hopefully spring means no more snow, ice covered vehicles, wet pant bottoms, and cold nights. I am ready for flip flops, pedicures, and capris. Nehemiah is enjoying the park once again and going for walks to find secret treasures. We are very excited to be welcoming spring.

My good friend D, over at Design Your Life had a great post today on winter favorites. So reminisce with me down winter memory lane, as you take a look at a few of my favorite things. I had pictures posted, but for some reason, they would not show up. Sorry.

Favorite Memory:

1. My favorite winter memory is when Nehemiah and I watched the first snow fall of the year. It was in the evening, the sun was setting and the air smelled so clean. I held Nehemiah as we looked out the window and enjoyed the tiny snowflakes. The serenity on Nehemiah's face was priceless.
   

Favorite Song:

1. Breakdown, by Jack Johnson. Love the lyrics to this song! Ever feel like a song was written just for you? That's how I feel whenever I listen to this song.
   
2. Come Away with Me, by Norah Jones. Very melodic and relaxing.
   
3. Need You to Love Me, by Barlow Girl. By far, my favorite song. This song reminds me that no matter what I've done, I don't have to hide my face from Jesus.
   

Favorite TV Show:

1. Project Runway (fabulous)
   
2. Glee (hilarious)
   
3. Golden Girls-I know, I need help!
   

Favorite Food {Out}:

1. Stuffed Chicken Marcela, from the Olive Garden. Yummy.
   

Favorite Food {Home}:

1. Broccoli and pasta with parmesan cheese. It's super easy to make, and it's quick. Nehemiah loves it!
   

Favorite Purchase:

1. My Hyundai Santé Fe. Love my SUV. We get a ton of snow where I live, so 4-wheel drive is a must.
   
   

   2.) My Gateway laptop. I didn't want to spend the money, but it makes online education so much easier.
   

3.) My new Smartphone. I absolutely love it. I got a really great deal on the phone, so I couldn't resist.

Favorite Drink:

1. French vanilla cappuccino from Tim Horton's. This gets me going on those cold winter mornings.
   
   

I Couldn't Live Without:

1. Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie in Rhubarbie. This stuff keeps my lips hydrated against the tough winter wind.
   
   

Favorite Winter Event:

1. Decorating the house for Christmas. I love how warm and cozy the house gets during this time of year.
   

So, here is my list dear friends. I'm interested in your favorite things, so don't forget to share!

Happy Spring!

Some of My Favorite Things

I'm still not feeling well today, but I was able to take a very long and much needed nap. But...I'm still fatigued. Maybe one day (sooner than later) I will be able to feel rested. Nehemiah didn't get to bed early last night, but I figured that he would at least sleep in this morning. That didn't happen; he was up at 6:30. He also got into my bed some time during the night; tonight, the gate goes back up.



A few months ago, I did some shopping and got some amazing things, so I decided to share them.


Here are some of my favorite things:


My first favorite thing is this lamp. The picture just doesn't do the lamp justice. I have two of them in my living room, and they're great because they give off just enough light to make the room feel cozy. The lamp uses a small bulb (similar to a night light bulb), so in order to have a well-lit room, you need a lamp with a regular bulb. I'm not sure how well you can see the picture on the table, but the picture is of my best friend Mary and I. Mary lives in Georgia, and I miss her very much.





My next favorite item I recently purchased is this end table. This is the same table that houses my lamp. I have two of the end tables (I needed one for each lamp-duh), and they're perfect for my living room. The dark wood goes well the color scheme in my living room. The glass jar you see in the picture holds the sand from my trip to Hawaii that I took last May. I have a piece of Wikiki right in my living room! The little doll is from Russia, and it was a gift I received many years ago. The clock was my grandmother's.









And these are my boots, that I love so very much. I needed some stylish boots to wear with leggings, but all the boots I found had heels, something I cannot wear (thank you Fibromyalgia). I found these boots at a mall in Buffalo. The boots were normally $150, but here's the best part; they were marked down to $29.99! I got the last pair that the store had, and they just happened to be my size. I wanted to buy the boots in black too, but they were all sold out. At least I got the brown ones!

My Weekend

My weekend started on Friday and ended on Saturday for this week. This is because I woke up Friday and couldn't get out of bed. It looked like someone kicked me in both knees and stepped on my feet while they were at! I had the most horrible pain in my back, so bad that my mom didn't want to leave me alone! I'm blessed to say that the swelling is down and the pain is gone, so I'm working today to make up the missed day on Friday.

Yesterday was quite a busy day for us. In the morning Nehemiah had to go for his flu shot. He was a bit freaked out about getting a poke, but it did help that Raheem (my nephew) had to get one too. Nehemiah really started to freak out when I had to break the news to him that our regular nurse was no longer there (I found this news out when I was signing Miah in). However, our other trusty nurse was there, so all was good. The boys did awesome with the shots! No tears or screams. The nurse said she had experienced her fair share of freak outs when giving shots. For example, an 11 year old kicked a hole in the wall and had to have 2 people calm him down. Two thumbs up for my boys being soldiers!!!

In the afternoon I had to go to the mall in Rochester to find shoes. I can only wear shoes that have rubber soles or it throws my alignment off, which throws off my balance, which results in swollen knees and bad back pain. I wasn't sure how this trip was going to go seeing that Miah had just gotten a shot, but he was fine. My 7 year old niece spent the weekend with us, so he was happy to have someone in the back seat with him. Not to mention that my 15 and 18 year old nephews joined us (can you tell that my nieces and nephews love their aunt).

After going into about 4 stores and trying on countless pairs of shoes, I was frustrated that I could not find one pair of shoes that didn't hurt my feet. I decided to try one more store before heading back home. We went into Lands End and I found a cute pair of shoes with rubber soles that didn't hurt my feet and didn't look like old lady shoes! I'm quite happy with my purchase, not to mention how well behaved Nehemiah was in each store (maybe the french fries I got from the food court helped!)

Last night we went over to Lisa's for our usual Saturday night dinner. The kids were all playing when all of a sudden Nehemiah started screaming at the top of his lungs. I went to see what happened and it turned out that his finger got pinched in the door. It took a good 10 minutes to calm him down and to get ice on the finger. He was able to move his fingers and the swelling went down with the ice. He does have a blood blister on his nail bed that freaks him out whenever he looks at it. My poor little guy.

So this is the conclusion of my weekend. Oh, I did find Nehemiah a doctor costume for Halloween. He can't wait to go to the Big Top party at his school on Saturday. Also, I received the results from Miah's evaluation and the greatest news, his behavior is normal for a 2 year old! He does qualify for speech and will be starting next week.

Frustration

Last night I went to Target to get some basic things; toilet tissue, paper towels, shampoo, Pull-Ups, kitty litter and so on. I promised Miah that we would look for a drum for him to take to Church, and we were lucky to find one. He was so excited because the drum came with real sticks, a tambourine, and a harmonica. He needed a new pair of summer shoes so we got those too. He picked out these shoes all by himself. What a big boy.

My only splurge was a $16.99 slouchy hobo bag. I'm very particular about the types of bags I carry, and seeing that right now I cannot afford a name brand bag, this would have to do. I am very pleased with my purchase.

I also got the latest issue of Cosmo. I searched 2 other stores during my lunch break and they were both all sold out!. Because my mom is unemployed during the summer months, I also got her some basic household items as well. Mom was gracious and took Nehemiah out to the truck for me so I could pay.

When I progressed to the check out line, the woman in the next line was conversing with my cashier. She was stating how she dropped 3 pant sizes in a few short months! I was flabbergasted!

Being as bold as I am, I turned to her and asked her what she did to lose the weight and how is she keeping it off. She replied by saying that she runs each and everyday. She explained that she gained a ton of weight during her pregnancy and couldn't manage to take the weight off. Once she started running, the weight melted off and she is seeing amazing results.

I have been living a healthier lifestyle since June 1st and have lost 10lbs. I have not gained anymore weight, but I still have 20lbs to go before I get to my recommended/goal weight. I already felt like my weight loss was at a stand still before speaking to this woman, but the end of this brief conversation just made me extremely jealous.

To make matters worse, my bill totaled $220.00! Yikes. I knew it was going to be a lot because when the cashier rang up the 2 packs of Pull-Ups, diaper wipes, toilet tissue, and paper towels I had already spent nearly $100.00. After swiping my bank card, I gathered my bags and got into my truck where my mom and Nehemiah waited for me. I told mom what I had spent and she made a very good point. "You got what you needed. At least you didn't waste that amount of money on useless items from the mall!" I love my mom.

Now here's where my frustration comes in. I am a single mom who has to live pay check to pay check in order to survive. By the grace of God and with the help of supportive parents, Nehemiah has never had to go without the best of anything. I work full-time for a non-profit agency, so my salary is minimal. And as far as child support goes, ha that is a joke. The monthly court-ordered support is for a whole whopping $50.00! Yes, that's right $50.00. The last time I received support was in March.

I don't mean to complain, but household items and a few extras should not have to break my bank. I know life is not fair, but I don't appreciate when Miah's father comes to visit and has to insist on showing off his new IPhone. Or how about when I drive Miah to his father's house for a visit and he shows me his new flat screen! I'm not asking for these fancy things, just some help with the neccessities. Grrrrr. Any advice?