Tuesday.....

In lieu of my Video Blog this week (because, lets face it, me live and in your face every week is just a wee bit too much)(or I could be super honest and say today was not a very good hair day for Vlogging)(or I could be really honest and say my face is broke out, I'm tired, my hair is greazy, and you folks don't need to know me THAT WELL) I'm giving you this:

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Yuk it up, kiddos, this is my life.   I would love to say that the girls (my precious lovely angels) have never done this.  That would be an outright, bald-face lie.  So I won't say it.

I'll just be rocking in the corner with my bowl of green jell-o.  (who else sings along when they have to type out the word Jello?  Anyone?  No?  Just me?  Fine.  I see how you are)

If you need me I, like the true social butterfly that I am, will be playing Song Pop ... or Bubble Blitz ... or pinning everything in sight on Pinterest. 

Monday's Musings...

So, it's definitely Monday and in honor of the first day of the week, I shall do a listy list (trust me, it's better than me trying to convey what my day/weekend was like through interpretive dance):

1.  I broke down at bought this song off of itunes.  While I will admit that I am not a TSwift fan by any stretch of the imagination, I like it for some reason.  Who knows, right?

2.  I just got done going over History homework about Booker T. Washington with the boy.  I think while reading through excerpts from his book that I enjoyed his statement of 'Cast Down Your Bucket Where You Are...' [sic] is pretty damned profound and moving.  While I hate trying to interpret another author's words, I enjoy the simplicity and moving statements of being able to 'grow where you are planted' type of statements.  

3.  The weather today was something else.  Uh, Mother Nature let's not have it pissing down rain during my commute the rest of the week, kk?  That'd be amazeballs.  Thanks.  Luv, Hez

4.   This made me laugh (also, you're welcome):

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5.  I might try and break out the Little House on the Prairie books for Ms. Sadie again and see if we can give 'em a whirl.  They were some of my fave books as a kiddo and I'd love to be able to share them with ONE of my kids.  

6.  Had an amazing time at the winery yesterday with my step-daughter and some other gal pals and I'm reminded again that it's so fun/healthy to sit around and just laugh for the sake of laughing.  Also, cupcakes never hurt.  And neither does John Denver's Country Roads.  Just saying.  

Also, making new friends?  Lots of fun, too.  

7.  Is it Tuesday yet? No?  Guess I shouldn't ask about Friday neither then.  *sniff, sniff*

8.  Had a doctor's appointment this morning and got some things talked about that have been weighing on my mind and that, my friends, felt pretty good.  Will elaborate more about that at a later date. 

So, for right now, I'm gonna faff about on the 'Humor' tag on Pinterest and giggle at naughty humor ('cause I'm 12) and put the kiddos to bed and put this Monday in the record books.  

Hope y'all had a good one and here's to a Great Tuesday!  <3 br="br">

Week in Review....

Just a rundown of things at Chez Hez this week:

Monday brought my thoughts about Minimalism and how it might apply to our lives here in the Fleming household. 

Tuesday is all about Opinions ala Heather via my latest Vlog.  Hope you enjoy my crazy midwestern accent!

Wednesday (HUMP DAY YO) was about sharing things that I lurve at Chez Hez.  Linda Trent's jewelry on Etsy is full of the beautiful and whimsical.  Check her out.  You won't be sorry!

Featured on this week's Thursdays Tunes was the British Sensation Ed Sheeran.  Two words:  Love. Him.

Friday was all about Fashion inspiration's with names like Hepburn, Hepburn and Williams (although, after today I should add Kennedy-Onasis to it, too). 

Saturday's version of #instagramiowa was courtesy of Bunny Foo Foo in the Pediatrics department at work.

We're off and running for another week but tonight was a great evening filled with old friends and making some new ones at the local winery with my lovely step-daughter, Tara. 

Have a great week, my friends.  <3 br="br">

#instagramiowa

I was pretty horrible with the instagram this week in that I took ONE picture.  So, without further ado:

I had to run across the hospital yesterday and while waiting for an elevator, I spied this little guy.  I absolutely ADORE the artwork that is in the Children's/Pediatrics part of the hospital.  You can always tell when you're getting close as the artwork changes to the more whimsical and fanciful. 

When I used to work for Pediatrics, we were given the opportunity to tour the PICU and NICU.  I can still remember feeling very nervous about the whole thing.  Because as a Momma it's difficult to watch anyone's child going through what a lot of those kiddos were going through.  But, lemme tell you right now, that place rivals Disneyland in the happy department.  Their physicians and nurses are amazing and those kiddos are in a place that is ultimately for healing, but in addition to their health needs, there are so many other needs being met, too.  Fun being one of them. 

Some days I really really love my job and the place where I work. 

Fashion Friday....

Well, it's Friday, gang!!!

We've made it!! Hell to the yeah!!

Alright, I've been pouring through pinterest today to try and nail down some fashion icons that I absolutely adore.  I must admit that my icons - the people that I love and drool over - are from another time alltogether. 

And the three women I adore were from some of Hollywood's absolute golden days.  Their style all their own and uniquely them, I think it's their unapologetic nature that attracts me more than their simple and classic styles.  They were intelligent, athletic, beautiful and each one inspirational in their own right. 

First up:  Audrey Hepburn:

Audrey is the epitome of classic.  Everything highlighted her slim stature and regal stance.  She's the woman who coined the phrase "I believe in pink" and "the happiest girls are the prettiest girls".  Not only was she someone that I looked up to from a clothing standpoint, but also in life.  She was about simplicity. 

Next up:  Katharine Hepburn.

Oh, this lady, oh this lady!  With her tailored pants and button up shirts, she was wonderfully fashion forward to her time.  Wearing pants long before it was stylish to wear them, she eschewed skirts and conventional femininity for the sake of comfort. 

And please don't get me started on her attitude.  She's what I like to call a 'corker'. 

Lastly, Esther Williams:

I covet this woman's swimwear.  I had a framed photo of Esther in my room growing up and when AMC came along to our little town, I loved watching all of the old movies with Esther in them. 

So, there are just a few women who I think have wonderfully simple and classic style and taste.  The mavens of the 40's and 50's are where it's at for me evidently.

Who inspires you?

Thursday's Tunes....The Mister Ed Show

No, this isn't about a talking horse (or a mule.  If memory serves, there was a big stink about Ed being not a horse or summat).

Instead, I will be hopefully talking to you today about another British Import (Please see last Thursday's Tunes for Adele) that's become uber popular in the states:  Ed Sheeran.

If you've followed my personal facebook, you'll know what a big fan of his "Lego House" I am.

(The video features Harry Potter star Rupert Grint who plays a stalkerish fan that breaks into Ed's flat & tour bus only to be apprehended by the coppers at the end, passing by Ed)

Part of the reason why I enjoy listening to Ed, obviously, is his voice.  It's almost like really smooth whisky.  The other is his songwriting abilities.

Lego House includes lines like this:

I'm out of touch, I'm out of love
I'll pick you up when you get down
And out of all these things I've done I think I love you better now
I'm out of sight, I'm out of mind
I'll do it all for you in time
And out of all these things I've done I think I love you better now

Guh, right? Words that were meant to melt butter.  

I'm a big fan of imagery in writing as much as the next girl, but I can also appreciate a man putting words to music and keeping it so very honest and simple.  As Mr. John Keating says in Dead Poets Society that language, poetry, communication is meant to woo women. 

In this case, I'm not going to sit as a doubting Thomas.  Nor look a gift horse in the mouth.  

Another favorite of his is A-Team: 

This song is gut-wrenching but so wonderfully written. 

The worst things in life come free to us
And we're all under the upper hand
Go mad for a couple of grams
And we don't want to go outside tonight
And in a pipe we fly to the Motherland
Or sell love to another man
It's too cold outside
For angels to fly

Give Me Love probably stands as my favorite Ed song currently: 

Give a little time to me or burn this out,
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around,
All I want is the taste that your lips allow,
My, my, my, my, oh give me love,
Give a little time to me, or burn this out,
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around,
All I want is the taste that your lips allow,

Um, just all of the yes.  

If you're still not sold, here's Ed covering one of THE best love songs around, Chasing Cars (including Snow Patrol's singer (IRISH DUDE), Gary Lightbody): 

Or Oasis' Wonderwall (another personal fave): 

So, that's what going on in the world of Heather's Itunes (such as it is).  Who are you guys digging on right now? 

What I love Wednesday....

Okay friends and chickadees, we are back to What I love Wednesday....

This week I'm talking about Linda Trent Jewelry on Etsy.  I spied Linda's shop on Etsy earlier this year and absolutely fell in love with her jewelry/designs. 

For instance, I'm still coveting these cascading garnet berries earnings (which are on sale today, I just noticed!) along with lumens cascading glass earrings and don't even get me started on the purple rain cascading earrings.  Also, there is this amazing cascading seafoam necklace.  (does anyone sense a theme here?  No, me neither)

Her pieces all have a touch of whimsy and are enough to make any gal feel uber feminine. 

Give her a looksee today.  Do some window shopping or stock up now for that hard to get person on your Christmas list.  I might see if I can talk Kenny into springing for those garnet berry earrings.  They're gorgeous. 

And it's just occurred to me that some of you might not know what Etsy is.  Well, to put it plainly, it's an online shop where people can sell their homemade and handmade wares along with all things vintage.  It's not a glorified ebay by any stretch of the imagination (which makes me happy), but instead, folks who are honing the time honored traditions of knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, jewelry making, and etc. 

Cool, huh?

Go hit up that home page and stroll around and window shop for a bit while you're enjoying your morning break or evening tea.  They have some absolutely amazing things there.  Plus, you're supporting someone who is honing their craft and to me, that's priceless. 

Opinion Tuesday.....

My second vid blog!  Enjoy my take on Bernard Pebo, what I think of myself, the story of the mystery duck, and my fave curse word.  :)

Minimalist Monday....

I'm at home today with Ms. J who spent the night coughing and has her little sad sick face on.  So, we're on the couch today, snuggling, while she watches Nick Junior and I faff about on the internets. 

Normally, on a Monday, I'd share things that I love and today is no exception, but instead of disgruntled kittens or cute puppies, I'm going to share a blog that I've been following along and reading with: The Minimalist Mom. 

I think I've talked about her on here before but I thought with the holidays fast approaching, it's a great reminder for 'doing' instead of 'buying'. 

Plus, I've noticed lately that my weekends lately are being ate up with taking care of 'stuff' instead of the people that I love.  While laundry and keeping house are important, there is nothing more important than shaping the lives of those short folks in my life and recently I've been relegated to the Laundry Room with increasing frequency. 

In short:  I've been buying into the hype of MORE is BETTER.

When in reality, pals, MORE is just MORE. 

My daughter's rooms are taken over by clothes that they have no hope of ever being able to put away in some sort of order let alone their toyload. Holy buggering bajeezus. 

I'm setting those short folks up for failure before they even start. 

So, it's time to start reigning it in and reassessing what's important to them, to me. 

Who honestly needs 42 blankets for Baby Alive?  No one, that's who.

And I, as their mother, am probably the most guilty about adding to their load.  My nostalgia button gets pushed every single time when I see some adorable Strawberry Shortcake doll or Raggedy Ann and I add this to their load.  How am I supposed to teach them to take care of their things when their things are taking care of them instead? 

Their rooms are rarely played in because they're often too cluttered with a floor full of bits and bobs. 

It's too much. 

So, in short, I'm hoping to start slowly and pull back on the reigns and get this under to control.  We've recently swapped clothes for the season and both of my girls had laundry baskets overflowing with clothing for the next season when in reality they don't need that much.  Yes, the outfits are cute; yes, they all fit; but, do they NEED all of the above?  No.  No, they sure don't. 

Tonight will see me on the dining room floor surrounded by sweaters and jeans and sweatshirts, but we'll be going through these with a fine-tooth comb.  I'm going to wear my 'reality mom' hat and be unrelenting (well, not so much truthfully. I'd be a horrid ring-leader unless we were invading Starbucks). 

I'll keep you guys posted on my journey (little by little, yes?).  This didn't happen overnight and it'll take longer than that to get this under control but we've begun.  So, there's that.

Tell me what you think of the 'Minimalism' life.  Is it for you?  Do you feel overloaded with everything that's going on in your house?

P.S.  Later in the week, I'll post some links about a 'homemade holiday'.  Yes, it's all on our mind even if Halloween hasn't past yet.  But, there are some projects that we can all do together and still spend relatively little money and make memories in the process.  Look for this on Wednesday!

Sunday - The week in review....

So, here's what you missed at Chez Hez:

On Monday there was a picture of a disgruntled kitten, A boy band vid, a golden retriever puppy, and Red Forman's version of Dr. Suess.  It was epic, lemme tell ya.

Tuesday brought my very first Vlog!  It was a learning experience all around but I'm thinking it's going to be an ongoing thing.  'Cause obviously, people need to hear me being ridic live and in-person. 

Wednesday wasn't exactly about what I love as it was more of a State of the Union at Chez Hez (or how I'm going to go crazy sitting in the laundry room eating green jello while rocking back and forth hoping that it all ends soon enough)(or I get lucky and Dobby, the house-elf comes for a surprise visit). 

Thursday had me waxing lyrical (literally) about British Songstress, Adele. 

Friday was my version of Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy.  :chinhands:

My Aunt Helen's Dumpling recipe was the subject of Saturday's #instagramiowa.

And that very nicely rounds us out to Sunday.  Here we are, sports fans, at the end of another fun-filled week.

I'm still in the Laundry Room.  I doubt this will ever ever change but I'm getting used to my four walls now and they know me by name here.  Plus, they love my particular brand of crazy. 

So, I'm hoping you're having a great day and let's start this next week off with a bang (proverbial, not literal....don't want anyone to get their eyebrows singed.  We're nothing if not safe around here.  I hear you laughing. Shut it.)!!!

Saturday = #instagramiowa

Sorry so late in the evening for posting.   We had some surprise guests last nite in my nephew and my brother-in-law.  Had a lovely time by the fire with our full mason jars and laughed a lot.

It was a great time. 

So, in keeping with the 'family' theme, I'm going to post a picture of a recipe I found in a local centennial cookbook from my Aunt Helen. 

I love so much about these old books other than every woman in it over the age of twenty is listed as "Mrs. Such and So". 

I also come from a long line of good cooks.  Which reminds me, I should be off baking something or other. 

Review of the week is up tomorrow!  Until then, sweet dreams!!!

Friday.....

I'm hijacking Fashion Friday because I want to.  MWAAHHAAHA

Seriously, it's nothing too nefarious.  One of my work pals set this sheet of paper on my desk with a quote and I've been thinking on and wanted to share with all of you:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."


I could break this down and suss it out and let you know what it means to me but honestly, I'm more curious about what this says to YOU.  Thoughts?

If nothing more, go out and think about this weekend and let your light shine on someone.  You never know how much they might desperately need it. 

Thursday's Tunes - The Adele Chronicles

I'm pretty sure you'd have to have been living under a rock to not have heard of Adele by this point, but for those of you who haven't heard, hold onto your seats.

Adele came rocking into the US with 'Rolling in the Deep' and everyone (and I do mean, everyone; yes, you, sir in the back row, I'm talking about you) loved it:

Her badass lyrics kind of took the nation by storm for not long after Someone Like You was released and hit the tops of the charts:

Her throwback style to some of Hollywood's classiest icons made us admire her not only for her gutsy hand-written lyrics but for her sheer and utter style.  She smokes, she drinks, she curses and she's unapologetically herself.

In other words, this chick is right up my stinkin alley. 

She covers songs like The Cure's Lovesong:

and Bob Dylan's (which was almost made new again by Country Legend Garth Brooks) Make You Feel My Love:

My favorite however is Turning Tables:

Every single time she gets to "So, I won't let you close enough to hurt me..." I get freaking goosebumps.  I don't know if it's the music build up or the emotion in her voice....but it gives me the good kind of chills every time. 

So, if for some reason you haven't been privy to this Brit import, give her a listen.  She's freaking awesome. 

Wednesday - Not exactly what I love....

This Wednesday I was lucky enough to stop on the way home to pick up a Pumpkin Spice Latte and in the midst of all of my daily grind, I've been working on a story.  No, I doubt it will ever see the light of day, but I'm sort of in a groove with it but didn't wanna bust away from my goal of blogging.  I do realize that it's important to keep up with these things and when you make certain days about themes that you should stick with 'em, but alas, I've been busy. 

So, in lieu of writing about loving on things, I'll just use this to update you folks on life at Chez Hez:

1.  I'm making breakthroughs in bedtime routines!  You have no idear how relieving this is, honestly.  Got both girls in bed at decent times and in their rooms.  I call that a win-win.

2.  Work has been busy.  Oy vey!  It's a nice new set of skills I'm learning right now but like with anything, there's always some nerves.

3.  Thanks for all of the video blog lurve!  Got got the most hits on my blog yesterday than I've ever got before.  Pretty cool for me.  So, thanks again!

4.  The weather is definitely changing!  Frost on the car this morning, but I'm loving on fall.

5.  Words, words, words.  For you writers out there, you feel me.

6.  I've got two lone skeins of sad cotton yarn sitting on my dining room table waiting on me to knit them.

7.  For those of you who have never listened to Adele, please remedy that, stat!  (I might cover her for tune Thursday)(she's friggin awesome)

8.  Thanks again for reading and following along with my crazy antics.  You guys are the best.

Okay, I need some zzzzz's.  Will see y'all on the flip side.

Opinion Tuesday!

My very first Vlog!  I requested some questions from everyone and here's my response:

Hope you enjoy my take on my life right now and the silly answers I have.  LOL  Have a great Tuesday, everyone!  Also, Happy Birthday to my Momma!!! <3 br="br">

Merry Monday....

Firstly, Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Cannucks!!!!  Hope you have a lurvely turkey day up there and staaaaaaaaaaaay warm!


I know y'all feel like this when you wake up (and seriously, this is totally me before my first cup of coffee):

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But, it's my first Merry Monday here at Chez Hez and I think I've found a couple things to make everyone happy today.

Firstly:

I listened to the following song on repeat (as we come to know each other better, you'll understand that I have a high tolerance for song repetition.  In fact, I encourage it.  It drives my hubby bazonkers tho. ;) ):

Okay, first rule of thumb:  Boy bands are peppy.  Their music makes you wanna dance.  OR at least be semi-coherent on your commute to work.  Ergo:  One Direction tuneage on my way in.  I also listen to New Kids on the Block or New Edition when I'm cleaning house sometimes.  Everything is just better when it's set to music, in my humble opinion.  And nothing, I repeat nothing, is peppier than Boy Bands.

It's a fact.

Boy Band music also cures the common cold and depression.

It's a fact. 

No, not really.  But it sounded good, right?

Here's a good example tho:  I normally have road rage at all times of day.  I actually called someone 'babe' in traffic today under my breath.  And there was not a note of sarcasm whatsoever.  See?  The power of the Boy Band.  ;)

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It's a puppy.  A seriously cute, golden, brown-eyed puppy.  I dare you not to say 'Awwwww....'  I double-dog (hahaha- the pun) dare you. 

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Whatever you do, don't laugh, 'kay?

If there's something tickling your funny bone today, lemme know about it!!!  I wanna hear how you're actively making your Monday better for YOU!

:chinhands:

Sunday: A Week in Review....

Sunday's are for many things but a lot of times around here they're all about catching up on things that have gone by the wayside during the week.  I'm so far behind on laundry.  So, I imagine, the bulk of my day will be spent in the laundry room washing, sorting, and folding.  Oh joy.  And don't lemme forget to start swapping out the girls clothes for wintertime snuggly stuffs.  And there's beds to be made, floors to be swept, and maybe, if I'm lucky, there will be a bit of a nap with Ms. J. 

Let's see how it goes.

But for those of you who might've missed all the shenanigans this week at Chez Hez, here's a rundown:

Monday, October 1st:  I blogged about my girls and their lack of bedtime routines and/or how I'm slowly going crazy being their mother.  Or that I love it all at the same time.  But there's always time to weigh in on what works for y'all.  Also, it was my first post in the 31 days of blogging challenge that I had set for myself via the Nester (if you haven't visited her page, go do so.  She's stellar). 

Tuesday, October 2nd:  Blogging is hard, yo.  Especially when you run out of anything particularly verbose to discuss.  But I made up a listy list to help guide me along.  It's not set in stone but it will hopefully give me something to talk to y'all about.  :)

Wednesday, October 3rd:  Love, love, love is all you need.  I highlighted Gnome Acres and Posie Gets Cozy on my version of things that I love. 

Thursday, October 4th:  It was all about The Lumineers.  If you haven't heard their single 'Ho Hey' please to be getting to your nearest youtube and listening. Kthnx.

Friday, October 5th:  I whipped out one of the cutest and most me outfits from my pinterest board to share with y'all.  If only out pinterest closets were real, yes?

Saturday, October 6th:  My best picture highlighting Iowa via Instagram for the week.  Fall has arrived. 

And that, my friends, is a week in review for Chez Hez?

What're you all doing today?  Any fun festivals or are you sitting in front of the tv snuggled in with some loved ones watching football and/or movies?  :chinhands:  Do tell. 

Instagram Iowa....

I didn't break out my camera phone a lot this week but this is probably my favorite picture that I did take this week.  Iowa is ambling into Fall and leaves are on the ground and pumpkin recipes are everywhere.  I've broke out my sweaters and tomorrow I'll go through the girl's rooms and swap out summer for winter.  Jeans and hoodies are spotted everywhere and today was overcast and windy.  It was a perfect Fall day. 

I picked up a couple skeins of cotton yarn to begin knitting on holiday gifts and scored 44 canning jars at a garage sale.  It's definitely going to be a DIY holiday ahead.  I can't wait. 

Also, there was Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer at Aldi.

And costumes on the racks of Goodwill.

Fall has come to Iowa. 

Fashion Friday....

Firstly, let me welcome you to the almost weekend. 

Are you excited yet? 

God knows I am.  I've eaten a scotcheroo in almost celebration.  There's a smile on my face that even my semi-toddler couldn't remove with her Scrooge McDuck attitude this morning. 

So, we're starting with another new installment this morning called 'Fashion Friday'.  For those of you that know me in real life, you are well aware that I'm all about the baseball caps, small earrings, jeans, and hoodies.  I am definitely not anyone's role model for couture.  I wear what is comfy because I've got enough things in my life causing me ills and I don't want my shoes to be one of them, ya know?  But, I thought we'd take a gander at what I've got in my Pinterest closet (and if y'all are on pinterest, come and friend me up). 

Okay, the first outfit I've taken out of my virtual closet just screams me from head to toe:

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I should actually do 'comparison' shopping in my closet to see if I have anything this cute.  I've got a hoodie (or six) but nothing purple and nothing this cute.  I do have a pair of blue chucks that I adore and could be incorporated into this.  Okay, now honestly, I'm going to have to comb my closet at home tonight and see if I can come up with 'outfits' for myself by shopping my own closet or doing something to keep the cost to a minimum.  Or 'personal shopper' up in our local consignments/Goodwill.  Yeah, might do that and see what happens.  LOL

I love when ideas happen while I'm writing.

It's the best case of lightning striking. 

Because, you know, lightning striking is not normally a happy occasion.  Unless it's in like Sweet Home Alabama and you get really cool glass sculptures out of it...and Josh Lucas, too. 

I'm rambling.

Is it five p.m. yet?  No?  Dang. 

So if y'all have pinterest, lemme see some of your fave 'you' outfits!  And dudes, no fibbing, 'kay?  Don't just link to the outfit you think everyone would think you should wear....keep it real.  If you wanna schlepp around in a Ramones tee with cut up jeans, link me to that.  Although, if you love sporting a Burberry scarf (if this is you, can I be your friend?  Will you adopt me?) and heels, link me that, too. 

Okay, rambled on enough now.  Link me up and have a great day out there!  And tomorrow is Instagram Iowa.  Must take phone pictures.  I think I've got like one.  LOL!

Thursday's Tunes

Okay, if you've been hanging out on my facebook at all during the past week or so you'll know that I've been digging on this song and this band's vibe. 

The Lumineers are a trio from Denver Colorado and currently on tour with The Civil Wars (and if you haven't heard of them, google 'em and give them a looksee, too - they're great).  I could wax lyrical about them but it won't be anything that you can't read on their website or on their facebook or on their twitter (I personally love their 'profile' on twitter.  It reads:  Nice girls don't kiss in bars you fool.).  So, like I said, I could go on and on about information but that's not really what music is all about, in my opinion.  It either 'speaks' to you or it don't. 

This?  Yeah, this speaks to me. 

Give it a listen.  Tell me what you think. 

Wednesday, What I Love....

Well according to my list that I made up yesterday, today is What I Love Wednesday.  Which means, in shorthand or small talk or Hez speak, I will be featuring fellow bloggers and crafters that I happen to lurve.  I think in this day and age of immediate attention that the internet garners, it's important to stop and recognize people who are getting it right or doing it well.

Also, I'm not sure if you are aware or not, but October is National Bullying Month.  So, if a month was ever more appropriate to highlight things you love, now is it.

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It's all about the love, folks.

And here we go with my first feature blogger:

Posie Gets Cozy is a comfy corner of the internets that I love visiting as much as possible.  Alicia Paulson has been doing this blogging thing and doing it well for many years now.  Her site includes gorgeous pictures of her pets and hubby, Andy, along with her sewing/knitting/crocheting projects in addition to the many home improvement projects that they have done to their cottage-like home.  Though she lives in the Pacific Northwest, their world is far from gray and dreary.

She bakes. 

She sews.

Her sewing haven. 


I am absolutely in love with those red gingham curtains and valances.  They just ... I just can't even.  I can imagine that lovely shade of blue on the walls in my home in maybe one of the girls' rooms.  Eitherway, Alicia and Andy have made a haven in their Portland home (In and Out of doors - check out her garden and back yard - amazing).

Stop in and visit her site.  It's like knocking on the back door of a good friends home, peeking your head in, and being waved in for a cup of coffee while a corgi and kitties dance at your feet.  You're greeted with a smile and maybe some pound cake.


And now, onto my Etsy Feature Artist:  Gnome Acres.


The thing that sucked me into this etsty web shop was the beautiful coloring of her hand-dyed yarns.  If you knit at all, you quickly understand quality yarns and are supremely thankful that there are men and women who are still doing this time-honored art.


And then, then oh then, you take a peek at the names of her skeins of yarn.  I about died when I started recognizing characters from a series of books that I happen to love.  Such as:
Tonks.
Dobby.
Bertie Bott's.

And then tripping across names from a familiar television series that has long since been canceled but still manages to have a cult following:
Kaylee.

I love supporting local - and by local in this case, I mean the mid-west - artisans.  Shopping locally benefits everyone and I try to do it as much as feasibly possible.   So, if you get a chance, bop into Gnome Acres and take a look around.  I know we hate to think of it, but the holidays are coming soon and if you have a 'knitter' on your Christmas List this year, I can guarantee they'd be tickled to death to receive something from her store.


Let me know if there's someone who you think is awesome at this blogging thing or someone I should be taking a looksee at crafting-wise!  Thanks, y'all, and have a great Wednesday!

Patches? We don't need no stinking patches!

Day Two of Thirty-One Days of Blogging:

I've consulted every online website known to the internets (or Google - I freaking LOVE Google) to look for post ideas.  There's only so much I can write about before I start giving myself a headache or feel like I've written it before or feel like that the lovely people who read this blog are sitting there going "Really, Hez?  Really?"

So, after waffling back and forth on this and that (because that is how I roll - I'm frigging horrid at decision making sometimes), I've come up with a list of topics for the following weeks that I'll be blogging:

Monday:  Merry Monday - Honestly, these will just be things that make me happy.  Whether it be songs, pictures, pins off of pinterest, my children's silly faces or any and all of the above.  Because who doesn't need more love of a Monday? 

Tuesday:  Opinion Tuesday - This might cover a range of topics also.  It might be global or local or having everything to do with how I feel about Nutella.  You can never tell with me.

Wednesday:  What I Love Wednesday - Now, you might sense a broad generalization theme going on but hold up, pardner.  I'm going to scour my fellow bloggers/crafters/etc and give someone a highlight feature.  (If anyone is interested in this, hit me up at chezhez at gmail dot com)

Thursday:  Thursday's Tunes - Here I will highlight music that I'm really into right this second.  Fair warning, it could be anything from Al Green to Blaine Warbler to the Lumineers. 

Friday:  Fashion Friday - I know, I know, y'all have seen me dress in real life.  These posts will be part of my imaginary closet that I've compiled via Pinterest. 

Saturday:  Instagram Iowa - Imma highlight some of the best features of living in my beloved state via Instagram and then post them on the blog.

Sunday:  A Week in Review - I'll pick this and that from my blog from the previous week and give y'all a rundown.  It'll be like the Reader's Digest version of Chez Hez. 

So, what do y'all think?  Good?  Bad?  Happy?  Sad?   (I love rhyming.  And alliteration.  I'm weird like that.)

Rockabye, Baby....

ETA:  Day One for 31 Days of Consistent Blogging.  I'm issuing a challenge to myself to blog about my life, thoughts, and write for 31 days solid.  Here's Day One!

Have you met my youngest girls?  No?

Well, I'm quite surprised you haven't heard them shrieking and cavorting in the back yard.  Honestly.  They're bazonkers, those two are.

Sadie, our eight-year old, is my 'Luna Lovegood' (aka she's sharp and witty but easily distracted by shiny things like tinfoil) and then Jude, our five-year-old, is our little 'Leo' (aka I wish I could say that she wasn't as stubborn as a mule, but that'd be a lie...a great big fat lie).

Source


Either way, temperaments aside, Jude thinks that she and Sadie are the same age and therefore must do everything together. 

Seriously.

I wish I were lying about this or fudging the truth just a smidge but kids this ain't even close to fibbing.

They want to both sleep out in the living room so they can be together.  They fight at the dinner table.  They fight in the back yard.  They fight in the bathroom.  They fight in computer room.  (Side note:  Our house is small.  You'd think they'd run out of rooms to fight in.)  And when they're not fighting with one another, they're shrieking at the tops of their lungs.  Or making noises that only dogs and birds can hear.

I've tried putting them in the same bedroom.  I've tried separating them.

Nothing is working and soon, it's going to be crunch time.  Which means I need to decide which is the lesser of two evils:  Bunking together or separately?

When they want together and they're apart, I literally have no downtime as someone always needs a drink of water or whatnot and they have a minor competition to see who can get the most hugs and/or kisses along with drinking enough water to float a boat. 

I have zero point of reference for this other than watching my three girl cousins as a kid.  The eldest had her own room and the younger two bunked together until the eldest left the nest.

Which, in my opinion, would be fine with me, but I just would love for them to stay in there and sleep now and again.  LOL

Any opinions on this?  Or should I just give up now and get my prescription for horse tranquilizers?  Bueller?  Anyone?