Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl: January 2012

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win this

Click on the link below to enter!!

http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/2012/01/giveaway.html

Easy Valentine's Ice Cream Sandwiches

Here is an easy idea for a sweet treat this Valentine's Day. Instead of cupcakes this year, why not make Valentine's Ice Cream Sandwiches!

Mr. and I decided that one of things we would this Valentine's Day would be to make some yummy Valentines Day treats together!

I am usually a homemade cookie kinda girl but when I saw these Pillsbury Ready To Bake Hearts cookies in the store the other day I couldn't resist! I thought that they would be perfect for making Valentine's Ice Cream Sandwiches.

To make, I simply baked the Hearts cookies according to the package directions and let cool completely.

About 1 hour.

Once cooled, take a scoop of strawberry ice cream, place it on the bottom of one cookie, and gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich. You can use your finger to run along the sides of the ice cream and cookie to make it smooth and to remove any ice cream overflow. Place the sandwiches in the freezer for about 30 minutes to harden before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and freezing for storage.

Yummy!!

Glamour on Wheels/Fun Girls Hairstyles

Do you sometimes feel  like you are like the energizer bunny? You keep going....and going....and going.... 

I would have to confess that I feel like that most of the time.

I am one busy woman!

What keeps me going and going and going:

-Work full time at a Law Firm in Scottsdale

-Work parties and events for Glamour on Wheels http://glamouronwheels.com/

-Work parties and events for Open Air Photo Booth http://openairphotobooth.com/

-Serve at my church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

-Crafting My SHOP

I love my chaotic schedule. I am able to learn and experience a lot, meet new people and have fun!

Working Glamour on Wheels is a fun part time job and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work the parties and events.

Glamour on Wheels is a life-time experience for little girls. The birthday parties consist of dancing, singing, crafts, hair, makeup, glitter tattoos, crafts, and a fashion show.

I love kids and being around them. They make me laugh, smile and they are so funny! 

When I got hired to manage the parties and style hair, I was really excited. I found this website with these great girls hairstyles and taught myself how to do them.

 http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/

She is so creative and comes up with these girls hairstyles that are so unique, fun and different.

Double Twist Hearts

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/twists/double-twist-hearts-valentines-day-hairstyles/﻿

Spiral Curls/Waterfall Braid

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/braids/spiral-curls-waterfall-braid/

Egg Tails

**This is a fun hairstyle to do around Easter time**

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/ponytails/egg-tails-easter-hairstyles/

Triple-Flipped Ponytail

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/category/flips/

Side Pony Tail Combo

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/5-minutes/side-ponytail-combo-teen-hairstyles/

Crimped Strands/Water Fall Braid

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/french-braids/crimped-strands-waterfall-braid/

Knotted Braid Updo

Tutorial: http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com/braids/updo-hairstyles-knotted-braid/

One thing is for sure. If I have a baby girl, I will definitely know how to style their hair!!

What keeps you going and going and going?

Living Life

Living Life

Life is not a race-but indeed a journey.

Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy.

Say "thank you", "I love you" and "great job"
to someone each day.

Go to church, take time for prayer.

The Lord giveth and the the Lord taketh.

Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper.

Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental.

Search for your purpose and do it as best you can.

Dreaming does matter.

It allows you to become that which you aspire to be.

Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.

Some of the best things in life are free.

Do not worry, everything always works out.

Forgive, it frees the soul.

Take time for yourself and God-plan for longevity.

Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know.

Live for today and enjoy each moment.

Tease Your Toes: GIVEAWAY

(I want this Vintage Necklace) LOVE!!

Tease Your Toes is having an awesome GIVEAWAY!

Go check it out and enter to win!!

http://teaseyourtoes.blogspot.com/2012/01/100-followers-blog-giveaway.html?showComment=1327627353336#c1293992252174477218

Be Still.

One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”......

It's a beautiful hymn that has so much meaning and brings peace and joy to my heart whenever I am listening or singing it. It makes me realize that will all the hustle and bustle of this fast paced world, that we should take time for ourselves to slow down from life and “Be Still”. It's very important to take life day by day as it comes and take every situation step by step. 

I love President Uchtdorf's talk on “Of Things That Matter The Most”. It goes right along with the words in this hymn. Be still, slow down and steady lives course and think of things that really matter the most in this life.

He explained that if life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most. He also gave an example of an airplane when it encounters turbulence. The common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the plane to pitch, yaw and roll. So what do they do when they encounter turbulence?? Slow down or increase speed? We might think that it would make sense to speed up to get through it faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. By reducing speed and slowing down there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. This example can also apply to speed bumps on a road.

I am always on the go and feel like I have to-do lists in my head that are miles long. But, I know in my heart that none of those things really matter. It's not a life or death situation if I can't clean and organize our house, finish building our entertainment center, do laundry, go grocery shopping, etc. 

As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships: with our God, with our families, with our fellowman, and with ourselves. As we evaluate our own lives with a willing mind, we will see where we have drifted from the more excellent way. The eyes of our understanding will be opened, and we will recognize what needs to be done to purify our heart and refocus our life. 

I feel happy and at peace when I am able to Be Still and spend quiet time with myself and Heavenly Father and be able to talk to Him and tell him all my desires, hurts, frustrations, and worries. 

I know that I will always have trials and situations that I might not understand, but I know that the Lord is faithful, merciful and wants the very best for me. I can take rest in Heavenly Father and know that everything will work out no matter what the situation is, and it may not be the way that I want it or in the time frame that I want it to happen.......but I know that if it's Heavenly Father's will and in His timing, then I wouldn't want it any other way :)

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart

And all is darkened in the vale of tears;

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.

Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Link Up: What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday my fellow blogging friends!!﻿

Here's what I'm loving on this beautiful sunny day in Arizona...

Subway Art

My friend/co-workers bedroom with her new piece of Subway Art. LOVE this!!

Designer and creator: My Sister-In-Law Karen from http://apurpleprincess.blogspot.com/

Subway Art for Thanksgiving time!

Now it's your turn........

Link up your favorite crafts, ideas, recipes, posts, or other fun ideas that you would like to share with your fellow bloggers!
Visit some of the other links.
Have fun!

GIVEAWAY: Jewelry by Sebastian Design

You can win a cute baby headband from Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl OR

14 other GREAT prizes over at

Jewelry by Sebastian Design today!!

Help her celebrate 800 (almost 900) Fans!! Wahoo!! Hurry and get your entries in for a chance to win!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER TO WIN!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.331639020192857.82249.141938212496273&type=3#!/media/set/?set=a.331639020192857.82249.141938212496273&type=3

BELOW I HAVE DISPLAYED ALL THE
WONDERFUL PRIZES THAT
YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN!!

You can win a $20 shop credit to Beck-a-boo Crafts! She makes the most FABULOUS baby boots.

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/beckaboocrafts?ref=ss_profile

3} Join her blog at http://beckaboocrafts.blogspot.com/

Looking to promote your business? And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson is providing a free large ad space on her blog!

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Join her blog at http://megancamille.blogspot.com/

Crazed Momma Creations is providing you with a set of three necklaces! These will be great gifts for Valentine's Day.

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrazedMommaCreations?ref=ss_profile

These Swarovski crystal earrings from WiredOut Jewelry have so much shine and sparkle. To make them yours:

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/WiredOutJewelry

These fabric covered earrings from Hello Wallflower are fantastic! If you can't live without them, enter below!

1} Visit their FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of their Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelloWallflower

This flirty flower fabric ring is definitely a statement piece! To win this prize from Tinkeranniebelle, here's what you have to do:

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinkeranniebelle?ref=si_shop

3} Join her blog at http://tinkeranniebelle.blogspot.com/

Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl is one of the featured vendors!! Wahoo!

This felt fabric headband will look so cute on your little girl! Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl donates portions of her profits to the Make a Wish Foundation.

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Join her blog at http://diaryofabrwneyedgirl.blogspot.com/

Yours truly is providing a beaded pendant necklace!

1} Make sure you're already a follower :)

2} Add one of my Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SebastianDesign?ref=si_shop

3} Post about this giveaway on your FB wall

This fun ring from Heather's Blossoms will be perfect for any time of year, but especially Valentine's Day!

1} Add her Etsy shop to your favorites or circle at http://www.etsy.com/shop/heathersblossoms

2} Add one of her items to your favorites

This stunning necklace is from Petals, Lace and Pearls. Isn't it sooo pretty?!

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/petalslaceandpearls

3} Join her blog at http://www.petalslaceandpearls.com/

This gorgeous three-flower headband is being provided by the lovely Brielle Photography and Design. To make this beauty yours:

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/brielledesign?ref=ss_profile

3} Join her blog at http://briellephotographyanddesign.blogspot.com/

Rhi's Designs is offering one lucky winner a $15 shop credit! Go check out her beautiful necklaces.

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower
2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RhisDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more

These lovely sterling silver earrings are made by Simply Me Jewelry by MJ. Don't you LOVE them?!

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyMeJewelrybyMJ

Sunshine Girl Jewelry is giving away these elegant sterling silver disc earrings. They are long, lovely, and lavish!

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunshinegirljewelry

Whose little girl wouldn't love this headband from Moonbeam Headbands? It will snazz up any outfit for sure!

1} Visit her FB page and become a follower

2} Add one of her Etsy shop items to your favorites at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonbeamHeadbands

Liebster Blog Award

I was slightly shocked and deeply touched to find out that Carlie over at The Duplechin Daily
took the time to nominate me for this award:

This award is given to blogs with less than 200 followers that you think deserve a little bit more recognition.

This is my first nomnation and award related to my blog and it really made my day!

I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to Carlie! I look forward to getting to know you Carlie and reading your wonderful blog!

The Rules:

1. Show your thanks by linking the awesome person who nominated you.

2. Leave links to 5 of your top blogs and leave a comment letting them know!

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Enjoy the love!

Now I just need to choose 5 blogs that I love and think deserves a bit more attention and definitely a visit. The hardest part is to only choose 5!

Here are the blogs that I would like to give the Liebster award to:

Erynn from Little Blue Eyes

Erin from Sweetness Itself

Heather from Perpetuity Style

Carlie from Duplechin Daily

Aimee from Dreams Into Plans

I have really enjoyed reading these ladies blogs. So what are you waiting for?

Go check 'em out and show them some love!

BTW..... The word Liebster is German meaning "favorite" or "dearest"

What I Wore- Sunday's Best

I believe that the way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influences the way you and others act. That is why I choose to dress modestly and wear outfits that are not revealing or inappropriate. Some may think that dressing modestly means that you have to be covered up from head to toe and that you cannot be fashionable and look great at the same time.

Banana Republic Skirt: Thrifted. Top: F21. Necklace: F21.
Betsey Johnson Purse: Ross. Tights: Kohls. Shoes: Payless.

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come"

-Proverbs 31:25

Tires.

I cannot begin to express how amazing God is!

Just thinking about his infinite love and grace brings warm goosebumps all over my body.

Mr. and I have a GMC Sierra 4 door truck. We love it.

It's big.

Spacious.

Can fit A LOT of stuff.

Perfect for our little future family.

Almost paid off. No more payments! Whoot Whoot!

When you own a somewhat older car (2009 you can tend to run into problems. Just the way it is.

We have had really good luck with our truck (knock on wood)

So far so good.

Until.....

Mr. and I took it into the shop to get an oil change and checkup.

Turns out our tires are balding out to the point where in a short time it will become unsafe to drive our truck.

We have to replace all 4 tires ($$$$$$$$$$)

"Where are we going to get the money to pay for this?"

We left the dealership, got some lunch and spend the day just being together. It was wonderful :)

That night....

We prayed....

We expressed to our Heavenly Father that we didn't know where the money was going to come from but that we loved Him and trusted Him that He would help us either way.

2 days later...

We got a call from his Dad....

His Dad and brother have been in the car business for years and years.

His Dad told us that the lease was up on his truck and he is going to be leasing a new truck and wanted to replace the tires on the new truck with other tires that he wanted.

Prayer answered.

New tires.

God is SO AMAZING!!

I love this quote from President Uchtdorf about God's love. He puts it so perfectly...

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."

— Dieter F. Uchtdorf

If you haven't stopped by Crowley Party..

You're missing out!!

Her blog is amazing!