Gentri Lee

Esthetician or Aesthetician? Pt. 3

2012-02-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

It seems like you guys really like these posts. Last weeks esthetics post received double the views my normal posts do. haha! I guess that means I should keep them up? Ok. :) It's nice because I write these the night before my weekly test and it helps me remember everything. So, thanks friends!! haha!

Acne-
This week we learned about extractions. I'm sure a lot of you know this, but I thought I'd just reiterate it. People always say don't pop your zits, you'll just make it worse. And they're right, to an extent. You can pop zits, black heads only, and only when they're ready. DON'T pop the ones that are under the skin and hurt. I know they drive you crazy, but don't do it. Wanna know why? Remember this:

If it's not exploding out, it's imploding in!

That means that all the junk you're trying to get out of your face is just spreading to the inside. Nasty and not fun. You can pop black heads. Simply pull the skin tight and then push firmly from the sides. (pull out, then push in)

Another thing about zits is that oil does not cause zits. Bacteria causes zits. (people with dry skin get acne too!) So if your hands are dirty- don't touch your face! If you just put lotion on- don't touch your face! Hormones also cause zits. If you are having breakouts on your chin and around your mouth- it's hormonal. (pregnancy, PMS, etc) Dirty makeup brushes can cause acne, wash them at least weekly. Also, diet can affect your acne. Obviously.

Pores-
They can't shrink. Sorry. But you CAN minimize the appearance of pores. That usually takes an esthetician, but it can be done. Oil is what makes your pores appear large. Hence why those with oily skin always think they have such larger pores. It's because the oil is expanding them. But with the help of an esthetician they can, over time, reduce the oil produced which in turn, minimizes the appearance of pores. :)

via

Healing Time-
Did you know that babies get a new top layer of skin every 14 days? That's why they have such perfect skin and it heals quickly. For those in their teens and twenties it takes 21- 28 days and for those 30 and up it takes 28-40 (probably more as you get closer to age 60). Take care of your skin!

Cellulite-
Cellulite is not a fat disorder. It is a skin disorder. Crazy huh?? That's why even skinny people get it. They are created from toxins (all you soda pop drinkers...). It's not proven, but high frequency treatment has been known to reduce cellulite. I'm not saying go do it, but you can try it. :)

Digestion-
Did you know that rubbing your belly COUNTER clockwise can mess with your digestive system?? Crazy , right?! I think it has to be pretty firm rubbing, but still! Maybe you could even try rubbing it clockwise to improve digestion?? Try it! (that last part is totally my own thought. Don't go saying it's proven or anything.)

I hope you learned something new and that I got everything right. haha! I have my books and notes sitting right here, so it should be. But if not, feel free to kindly let me know. :)

Happy Friday! And remember to wear lots of sunscreen!!!
(Yes, even though it's winter. Yes, even though it's cloudy. Yes, even though your covered in clothing head to toe!)

Looking Up

2012-02-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Salutations!

(like that?? haha!)

Everytime I walk, hike, or run I find that I am looking at the ground. Mostly so I don't trip on anything. Well the other day as I was standing on the beautiful red rock, looking down over the view, I took a second to look up. I was suddenly overwhelmed and dizzy. But I had to do it again... So I raised my head and opened my eyes. I felt like I had to steady myself so I wouldn't fall over, or worse, off the cliff. All I could see was sky. And I felt like I was flying.

Have you ever done that? Lifted your head so all you could see was the sky? I felt like a little kid again. Where you do something so much you feel like you might throw up. haha!

Thanks to my cousin, I was able to get a picture of that moment. The sun warming my face, the vast expanse of the sky, the wispy clouds slowly moving with the breeze.

And then yesterday I read THIS post from Katie. I thought to myself- I know exactly what she's talking about! Her words are beautiful, but here's my version... I know this might not make sense to everyone, but this is what I got from that moment when I stood on those rocks and let the sky fill my view.

I spend a lot of my life looking down. Looking at the current path I am on, making sure I won't trip, and that the path is safe. But what could I be missing by keeping my eyes on the ground? Answer- So much! Lately as I've taken this big leap of faith to move to a new place, start a new adventure, I've been reminded to look up. I remember that I'm not in charge and that sometimes it's ok to not know what your next step is going to be, to let it all fall into God's hands. It will probably be the best decision you'll make in a while.

"But when you look up... There isn't just one path any more; only infinite sky and your soul with wings. So look up more. Up is Hope. Up is Light. Up is Happiness." -Katie, Running on Happiness

Suitcase Makeover

2012-02-08T07:00:00.015-07:00

Hey guys!

(I need to come up with a new welcome... Howdy? Hey Ya'all? Greetings? Hello? Welcome? Salutations?)

Today I'm going to share with you my suitcase makeover. Ok, so I only made over the inside, and I still plan on doing more to it. BUT I thought I'd show you all the same. So enjoy this un-finished, half project. haha!

As you can see in the "Step 1" picture (below), this suitcase's inards were not pretty. Unless by pretty you mean pretty gross. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I just tore it all out.

Step 1- tear everything out. If you want to make a pattern out of the backing that is already inside- go for it. Mine was so torn up and complicated that I just threw it all out.

Step 2- Sand (if it's a wood suitcase), clean, and remove all rusted hardware. Yours might be in better condition than mine was. But I'd still start as fresh as possible. You don't know where they've been.

Step 2.5- (no picture) Measure the inside of your suitcase and cut fabric and batting to fit.

Step 3- I contemplated many ways to do this and in the end decided the trusty hot glue gun would be my best option. I laid the fabric and batting in the suitcase and glued the center and base first. Then I moved to the walls of the suitcase. I folded the top edges over and glued them so it gave me a folded edge. It left me with a nice, crisp, fluffy edge. I did that on each straight edge and folded the corners in on themselves as I went.

Step 4- I had enough fabric left over for a pillow. It's just a basic square pillow with a strip of fabric tacked on and tied in a knot.

What do you think??

Now I'm not worried about touching the inside, or embarrassed about leaving it open and spilling over with blankets! Plus the makeover got rid of that old, musty, grandma smell. haha!

I hope you enjoyed and that it made sense! I know I'm no good at these tutorials. I never have patience for "during" photos. :P

Pin It

Gunlock

2012-02-07T07:00:00.005-07:00

Hey guys!
I hope you're having a wonderful start to your week. Since I don't have school on Mondays (I have it on Saturdays instead) I was able to take the day off yesterday and relax (thank goodness). Courtney from "from here to eternity" recently moved down here, and while she might not be completely thrilled about it, I know I am! Goodness knows I need more friends down here. haha!

I was so excited that we were able to spend a little bit of time together yesterday. She's from here and was able to take me to one of her favorite spots, a lake called Gunlock. It was beautiful and I can't wait to spend more time there!

I am so happy to have a blog friend nearby. I took for granted the fact that I had so many close to me up north.

She actually lives about 30 minutes north of me, but she's down here for the week babysitting for a family she knows. This is her and their little boy. It was a sweet little moment I had to capture. :)

2012-02-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Hey Guys!
Today we have the guest post from this week's Blog of the Week! Now, I know I said I only pick bloggers with 400 followers or less, but I felt like this was a special situation that needed to be shared. This week's blogger of the week is Tahnie from her blog "A Happy Girl". Tahnie has a rare disease and has an even rarer daughter. You see, her daughter has defied all odds, just by being born. Tahnie has to fight every day to stay alive- for her little girl Sookie. In honor of Sookie's 2nd birthday Tahnie is raising money to help with research for this disease she has and has a goal of $2000. I KNOW that I have such awesome readers that can help her reach that goal. BUT, why am I telling you all of this when I have Tahnie, right here, to tell you herself?! Take it away Tahnie!

***

Hi Gentri Lee gals! My name is Tahnie and I blog over at a happy girl

I am beyond blessed to be here today. I adore blog land and the incredible people I have met through this fun little world. Gentri is a true gem and has a heart of absolute gold!

To give you a glimpse of my daily adventures, first and foremost I am a momma to our miracle girl, Sookie Sierra who just turned two on February 1st! I live in a little house of dreams in Utah with the two loves of my life. Mr. Happy Girl and I met through match.com and I never would have thought that would be where our story began, but it is. Life is crazy like that. ;)

I am:
A Redhead

A dreamer.

A fighter.

A writer.

A momma.

Someone who chooses JOY,

Knocking down walls

Saying YES, when doctors have insisted no.

LIVING with a disease (cystinosis) that only affects a very small group, about 500 in the United States.

I am here to suck the marrow out of every day of this wild and precious life.

My life has been full of health challenges, to say the least. When I was diagnosed with Cystinois at 18 months, doctors basically told my parents to take me home to die; that I would not live past my 10th birthday. I am 28 today. Cystinosis has taken the lives of many of my friends, before their 30th birthdays. The disease causes my body to make too much cystine (an amino acid) and therefore it builds up in every cell in my body, creating crystals and causing cell death. Renal failure is often the first major complication of the illness; I had a kidney transplant when I was 11 years old. Crystals build up in my eyes as well and I need to put special eyedrops in my eyes every hour I am awake in order to prevent blindness. These eyedrops are not yet FDA approved and it is incredibly complicated to acquire them. I cannot just go to Walgreens and pick them up. ;)

There is no cure for Cystinosis. The only treatment available is a medication that causes side effects that echo those of chemotherapy and this drug must be taken every 6 hours, of every day.

I do not like to use the word "suffer" to describe my life in any way, shape, or form. While there has been tremendous amounts of pain, this disease has given me so much more than it will ever take away from me. I chase joy. I create joy. I choose joy. I truly believe happiness is always an option, no matter what you are going through.

Because it is so dangerous for a woman with Cystinosis to go through a pregnancy, our sweet Sookie is 1 of about 10 in the world. There are only a few other women (with Cystinosis) who have been through the journey of an incredibly high risk pregnancy and have survived. We thank God and the stars above for each and every minute we have had as a family of three. (And that my transplanted kidney survived the pregnancy! Which is an entirely giant miracle in and of itself!)

Recently, I wrote and published the most difficult blog post I've ever shared. It was tough, but necessary.

In honor of Sookie's 2nd birthday, we have created a wish page through the causes organization. Muscle wasting is a severe complication of Cystinosis and because in the past, adults with the disease generally have not lived as long as adults are now, there has not been any research conducted on this issue. Well, I don't want to accept things the way they are, so I am ready to make a change. All funds gained from this endeavor will be put toward muscle wasting research. Muscle wasting caused by Cystinosis is complicated, but I believe there are answers if we seek them! A friend of mine, who is only a few years older than I am, has been told he needs a feeding tube, due to muscle wasting in his esophageal muscles. This is NOT OKAY. I want to create some massive change in our community and the quality of life for those of us living and thriving with the illness. Because we are such a small population, fundraisers like this are the only way we will discover new treatments and help people with Cystinosis live bigger and better lives. If you would prefer to donate through another avenue besides the causes page you can also contribute through Paypal right HERE.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity!

So, I guess you could say, I am a girl who enjoys the little things; dancing in the kitchen with my little family of three, sour patch kids, sidewalk chalk in November, movies that inspire you to throw all caution to the wind and chase your passions, toddler laughter wafting through the air, a really comfortable pair of sweat pants, a delicious bag of salt & vinegar potato chips, and the noise and chaos of a life created on dreams and wishes. A momma to a little ball of light who will fight tooth and nail to be here on earth with her while she is growing up, no matter what odds we have stacked up against us!

A giant thank you to Gentri for letting me share my story about this crazy, bittersweet, gut wrenching, beautiful ride called life!

-Tahnie

***

Now, if you have a second please go visit Tahnie and her blog. :) Her outlook on life is beautiful and she truly is a Happy Girl!

You Asked, I Answered

2012-02-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Q: Who's your BFF and why?
A: I have about 10 BFF's. haha! 4 from my childhood and 4 since high school. Plus my two sisters. So, ya, 10. But I could count a few more on that list too. I consider them my BFFs because we never loose touch (at least not for too long) and we are so similar or just really understand each other. I know I could count on them for anything and they hopefully know that it's the same on my end. :)

BFF Leslie and myself

Q: Who's your favorite singer?
A: Hmmm... You'll quickly realize that I don't play favorites. haha! I always have a bunch that I consider my favorites, in any situation. So, favorite singerS would be... Brooke Fraser, Cold Play, First Aid Kit, City and Colour, The Paper Kites, and Lenka... That's just a few of my favorites. There are too many wonderful artists to narrow it down. :)
(i picked this one to share because it kind of looks like the scenery surrounding my new home. haha!)

Q: What's your favorite food?
A: How about we narrow it down to my favorite restaurants?? Those I can at least count on one hand... Costa Vida/ Cafe Rio, Zupas, California Pizza Kitchen, Blue Lemon, and Kneaders.

My sister and I eating at Blue Lemon on NYE

Q: How many siblings do you have and where did you grow up?
A: I have two sisters, one older and one younger. They both have red hair and are very alike while I'm a dirty blonde (the color!) and am pretty different than they are. I grew up in Utah right up against the rocky mountains and LOVED it!

I didn't have a picture of my sisters and I all together (sad!) so here's one of the mountains. :)

Q: Can you tell me more about your religion?
A: YES! But, I don't know how to narrow that down to one answer... SO if you have a question for me about life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or a Mormon, please feel free to email me or go HERE for more answers. :)

Q: When will you be doing another blogger gift exchange?! I want in!!
A: (for those of you who don't know, I started a world wide blogger gift exchange called Package Pals. It was super fun and you can read all about it HERE) UG! I don't know! I think about it all the time, don't you worry. How about I aim for April?? :D

Q: How did you get your blog to look so nice? I love it!
A: First- Thank you!! Second- "I" didn't. But miss Lula did. haha! She's an AWESOME and talented graphic designer who understood exactly what I wanted. :) Although, I've been thinking about changing it up... Yes? No?

Q: Where do you like to shop while on a budget?
A: Uuuumm... I'm not very good at budget shopping... I believe that you get what you pay for and I like to have my clothes for a long time. However, I have a shirt I got at DI (like salvation army) and it is one of my favorites. So I know I need to start thrifting more like a good blogger. I do try to keep my prices as low as I can though. So I always check the sale racks.

Q: Do you pick out random blogs of the week or do I have to enter something?
A: I like to pick them out. I always pick the bloggers who- 1. blog frequently 2. post nice pictures 3. speak to me... Ok, so that last one sounds way weird. But sometimes I'll look at a blog and just think "Yep, they're the next blog of the week!". So if you want to be blog of the week, catch my eye with lots of pretty posts about YOU! Your life, your thoughts, your pictures (not pinterest-full posts), etc. And check your email, because it might just be you and more than once have I had bloggers not email me back.

Q: How did you get such a loyal following?
A: I'm not here to gain readers, I'm here to make friends. You get back what you put out. If you only visit blogs to get them to visit yours and leave comments like "if you follow me I'll follow you" or even "love your blog! follow back?" you're not going to gain readers. Plain and simple. Unless you're a celebrity. Also, reply to their comments (fyi: if you want a comment reply PLEASE make your email public on your blogger profile!!), visit the blogs of those who are kind enough to follow you, leave MEANINGFUL comments that let them know you read their post. I can't say for sure if that's how I've gained such lovely followers, but I know that they've been so good to me and made me a faithful follower of all of their blogs. :)

Q: Why would anybody wax their nose?!
A: (if you're lost, they're referring to THIS post) Ok, so this was kind of a rhetorical question. But so many of you mentioned how you'd plucked a nose hair before or that you just think it'd hurt and I have to tell you something... IT. DOES. NOT. HURT! haha! Of COURSE it hurt when you plucked one nose hair! That's like ripping a bandaid off slowly pulling on each hair individually, but if you just pull it all at once it's no big deal! Ripping a bandaid off hurts worse than waxing your nose. No joke.

Hooray! I finally did a Q&A post! Haha! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments or email them to me at gentrileeblog(at)gmail(dot)com! :D

Have a great Sunday!!

Esthetician or Aesthetician? Pt. 2

2012-02-03T07:00:00.046-07:00

Hey guys!

It's Friday, which thanks to you guys and your requests, has become the day that I will share what I found most interesting from that week in school (esthetician school)! Hooray!

Now, know that I am NOT a professional (yet). I may get something wrong, you can kindly tell me if that's the case. :) I'm just repeating what I hear at school.

This week was full of interesting things! Like...

Nose waxing...

Why yes, I just posted a picture of myself getting my nose waxed... You're welcome

Contrary to what you're thinking- waxing your nose is NO big deal! Seriously! It didn't hurt at all! I will for sure be doing this again! We also waxed- eyebrows, lip, underarm, legs, and... downstairs. The ones I will TOTALLY be doing again are: nose, eyebrows, lip, underarm. I will NOT be repeating: legs and downstairs. The downstairs didn't really hurt so much (except for when a chunk of my skin was torn off) but I am so not someone to share that with other people. haha! The legs on the other hand KILLED! It hurt so bad that I only made it through the front of my legs and had to quit after that. But it's different for everyone!

Every week we have a business class. It helps us prepare for the business side once we graduate. Our homework for this last week was to research how much it costs to advertise. She had a list and we all were assigned a specific one to research (tv, radio, etc). I of course chose blogging/ internet/ facebook. I pretty much owned the business class yesterday. Bloggers rule!! haha!

Ok, on to the stuff that will really interest you...

Have you ever bruised after being waxed?
If you bruise during a waxing it's because your esthetician (or whoever you have doing it) didn't pull correctly (remove the wax). They should be pulling it parallel with your body. When you bruise it's because they are pulling it up which yanks the skin with it. Of course some people are just easily bruised or the bulbs of the hair could be really large making it harder to remove. But for the most part- it's because they're not doing it correctly. (I will admit- I am not good at this yet. I need a lot more practice.)

If I told you that I could reduce your skins aging by 85% what would you say??
Well, here's how you can do that- STAY OUT OF THE SUN! 85% of the skins aging is caused by damage from the sun. 85%!! That's HUGE! We had a nurse give us a presentation on wounds, which included skin cancer. Some of the most common places that get skin cancer are your hands and ears because you don't really think about them. But they sit in the sun every time you drive- even if it's cloudy. Clothing does not protect you from sun exposure. You can pretty much get skin cancer anywhere. Start protecting yourself! It's NOT worth it to tan and it's never too late to start saving that precious skin! (spray tanning is great! I learn how to do that tomorrow.) The best way to protect yourself is to butter up before you even get dressed in the morning, apply it everywhere! And don't forget your scalp. That beautiful head of hair won't protect you either. I seriously need to do an entire post on this when I learn more. Even now there's so much more I want to share and make you aware of!

You can actually clean a wound too much. Did you know that? Cause I didn't.
The main thing is to keep a wound moist (who would have thought?). So next time you accidentally cut yourself, or scrape your knee, or whatever, here's what you do:
For the first two- three days use an antibiotic ointment (like neosporin). Don't use it for longer than that because it will stop working and can actually cause reactions. After that- just use petroleum jelly to keep it moist. It's not good for a wound to dry up and scab over. It increases the risk of re-injuring or re-opening (picking at it, snagging it on something, etc) which just does more damage to the skin and most likely leaving a scar. Also, leave it alone as much as possible. The less you mess with it the more opportunity it has to heal.

Smoking slows the healing process.
You can't smoke and heal at the same time. The chemicals from the smoke will hinder or stop the healing process from major surgery or injury

Next time you get a pedicure...
watch to make sure that they completely disinfect the tub before they fill it again. Those are a breeding ground for bacteria. "In 2000 over 100 clients of a California spa developed a serious skin infection on their legs. The infection was resistant to antibiotics and caused stubborn, ugly sores that lingered for months. In some cases it even caused scarring" (that's from my school book)... Yuck, right?! You also can not receive a pedicure if you have a wart... sorry. :/ Just get it taken care of and then you can get one. :)

I hope you found these as interesting as I did!

P.S. If you have something you've been dying to ask me, leave a comment HERE and I'll answer them in a post soon! :D

Speaking of Being a Slacker...

2012-02-02T07:00:00.015-07:00

So, a few MONTHS ago I said I was going to do a Q&A post. Did I ever do it?? No.

Do I remember the questions people asked? Some.

Am I going to search through my posts to find the rest? No.

So, here are the answers to the questions I can remember, and if you have any other questions go ahead and ask them in the comments (or email me directly at gentrileeblog(at)gmail(dot)com). I promise I won't take 2 months to answer them this time. haha!

Q: Love your name, where did it come from?? (I get this a lot)
A: My mom had just heard it from a friend once and liked it. Most of the time you'll see them spelled with a J or a Y (on the end). My mom thought the G and the I were more feminine. And Lee is my mom's middle name, so that's where that came from. "The Gentry" is actually a term for people of noble birth or high social class. That explains why I'm so fancy! haha! jk.

Q: What is the "Gentri Lee's Blog Award"?
A: That is a button reserved for those picked as "Blog of the Week".

Q: What is "Blog of the Week"?
A: BOW is something I started to introduce my readers to other bloggers who I feel deserve a little spotlight time. I always pick those bloggers who post often, post lots of nice pictures and interesting posts, and have under 400 followers.

Q: How did you get into blogging?
A: Well, I actually have had this blog for... 3 years (wow) but I didn't really get into blogging or know what it was all about until last Spring (2011) when I was introduced to craft blogs, then fashion blogs, and then it just exploded from there. My BFF and Sister are the ones who told me to start one and basically did it for me. (Who knows if I'd be here today without them.)

Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Right now?? Tangled. Seriously. I loved that movie from the very first time I saw it. I was a nanny before I moved (two weeks ago) and the girl I nannied watched Tangled pretty much every day. You would think I would have gotten sick of it. Nope. It just made me love it more! haha!

So, that's all I can remember. If you have ANY other (appropriate) questions please ask in the comments or email me at gentrileeblog(at)gmail(dot)com! :D

January Photo a Day Pt. 3

2012-02-01T07:00:00.004-07:00

So I feel a little guilty. I became a complete slacker for the last week(ish) of the January Photo a Day challenge. I mean, I was able to snap most of the pictures, but I was either late or forgot to do the whole "#" thing that said I was participating.

(I still think those things are silly. Hashtags?? #youcanbasicallysaywhateveryouwantandjustputthepoundsigninfrontofitanditlogsitawaysomewhere,whoknowswherebecauseIsurelydon'.tlikewhenpeopledoitonfacebook?doesthatactuallywork?becauseIcan'tclickonit.arewejustdoingittodoitnow?what'swhithallthehashtags,people??)

So, I'm missing a couple of the days, but most are here...

1. Sweet- My sister bought me some ice cream the night before I moved. Not only was the ice cream sweet, but so was the gesture. :) If you haven't tried the red velvet Ben and Jerry's ice cream before, go do it now.
2. Someone You Love- After much contemplation, I decided to limit it to my family. I couldn't pick just one, so I did all of my immediate family... and a little extra. (Chablis, BIL, nieces & nephew, Grandma, Mom, Dad, Me [because I love myself. Except when I'm getting on my nerves], Kenna)
3. Reflection- This is me, my friend Sierra, and Kenna (sister) sitting on a bench waiting for our table to be ready at a wonderful breakfast place.
4. Your Shoes- Ok, I'm aware that I wear these practically every day (except today! Hooray!). I can't help it!
5. Something Old- I dug this necklace out of my Grandma's jewelry box and she let me keep it. :)
6. Guilty Pleasure- Ice cream (in general) with rainbow sprinkles!! Some people may think that's an absurd amount of sprinkles... I say, add moooooore!
7. Something You Made- It's not finished yet, but I thought I'd give you a sneak peek
8. Color- My poor colorful clothing items are being neglected since my school dress code doesn't allow them to come. :'(
9. Lunch- So I don't eat very exciting lunches... I thought I'd show you breakfast from the other day. I had to eat it with a fork since all the spoons were dirty. But THIS CEREAL is THE best! It's good for the environment, YUMMY, pretty good for you (only 4 ingredients!), It's cheaper than most other brands, and has the prettiest box on the cereal isle!

10. Nature- I actually took this on the correct day! Hooray! Or, I guess my cousin took it...

Have a great day and check out my beautiful new sponsors over there ->->->->->->->

Exploring

2012-01-31T07:00:00.011-07:00

I spent the day yesterday exploring my new home with my cousin, Alexis. I have a bunch of pictures, but until I can get them uploaded (having difficulties) I only have a few that I stole from Lex.

It feels like it's been forever since I've explored, it was so refreshing to get out and just wander around.

The scenery here is beautiful and I can't wait to have more opportunities like this!

We even walked through some of the narrows... I thought I was going to get stuck and die, for sure.

I hope you all had a LOVELY weekend! What did you do??

Oh!

and don't forget to vote for me (or your favorite blog) in the Blogscars!

Best Blogtress (equivalent to best actress)

Best Blogture (equivalent to best picture)

Blogger of the Week: Mus·ing(s)

2012-01-30T07:00:00.055-07:00

Hey lovelies!
Today we have the guest post from this week's "Blog of the Week"! This week is Lena from Mus·ing(s). She's new to this blogging scene and already blogs like a pro! We only found each other's blogs around the beginning of this month and she's already one of my favorites. Plus she goes on THE best adventures (seriously, she's traveled more in one year than I could ever hope to travel in my lifetime) and posts THE most beautiful photos! So read her guest post then pop on over to her blog and give her some love!

***
Hey there ... you wonderful and amazing readers of one of my most favorite blogs! I'm so excited to be a guest of Gentri Lee's.

I'm Lena. The mountain loving, rainbow sprinkle covered ice cream eating, and sometimes crazy writer of Mus·ing(s).

I like this guy a lot. Which is why I married him. I've loved him since the fourth grade. He likes Swedish Fish and skiing a lot faster than me and is my very favorite.

On an average day you'll usually find me sipping a hot cup of tea, educating myself [be it school or elsewhere], exploring the outdoors, or dreaming of my next big adventure.

My blog is where you'll find my thoughts, ideas, excitement, and adoration for this little thing called living.

You see, I've been captivated by life's joy. Whether it's the bliss of falling in love, dreams of exploring a faraway land, or simply enjoying a spoonful of Nutella ... delight is everywhere.

I intend to celebrate it. And I'm inviting you to come and join the celebration.

-Lena

***

SEE?! She's got this blogging thing down! You HAVE to go check out her blog. I know you'll love her as much as I do.

Esthetician or Aesthetician?

2012-01-28T07:00:00.047-07:00

*NOTE*
this post contains things I've been learning in class. It may be boring to some of you. But if you're at all interested in skin care, beauty, and or history, this post may interest you! :)

Well, today is the last day of my first week in my Esthetics course. Long way to go still but I feel like I've already learned so much! My classes are 5 days a week from 8am-5pm. That's a full time job! I am tired, already, but I'm loving what I'm learning. Suuuuure, there are and will be those things that won't be too fun, but so far? It's a blast! Here are some things I've learned...

-Esthetician and Aesthetician are both correct. Aesthetician is more often used in the medical realm and is in reference to the original Greek word aesthetikos. While Esthetician relates more to the newer spa culture and is a more modern term. Sorry if that was boring to you. It was something I had wondered so I was happy when I finally learned the difference.

-I can't quite get over some of the beauty rituals from the Renaissance. They used to shave their eyebrows and pluck their hairline to give themselves a larger forehead. They thought it gave them a greater look of intelligence... YIKES! I seriously have to touch my hairline every time I think about this to make sure it's still where it's supposed to be. It hurts to think about. haha!

-When Queen Elizabeth I was... well, queen, men and women would adorn themselves with lead and arsenic powder... because it was the trend. I'm SO glad we don't have trends like that these days... do we? I guess tanning could fall into that "dangerously trendy" category. But lead and arsenic powder right on your skin? Can't be good, right?

-During Marie Antoinette's time, women would use small silk patches to conceal blemishes. We didn't really expound on this in class and I really wanted to, so I looked it up. Thanks to Wikipedia my questions were answered: "Tiny pieces of fabric, known as patches, in the shapes of dots, hearts, stars, etc. were applied to the face with adhesive. The fashion is thought to have originated as a way of disguising pox scars and other blemishes, but gradually developed coded meanings. A patch near the mouth signified flirtatiousness; one on the right cheek denoted marriage; one on the left cheek announced engagement; one at the corner of the eye signified a mistress."

and thanks to ANTM I think I've found the closest thing I can to an example. So glad I remember things like this... haha!

-I've learned how to give a bunch of treatments so far and have already learned how to tint eyebrows and eyelashes! We have to receive every treatment we learn to give, so that means I've had my brows and lashes tinted too. My eyes didn't like the lash tinting so much... But I'm sure I'll be doing it again and just have to deal with it. haha!

-I've had a facial basically every day this week and can already see the evidence. You would THINK that getting a bunch of facials would help your skin... well it does... but it also either stimulates your skin and/ or brings all of the gross stuff underneath to the surface. Apparently we're supposed to just expect major breakouts... awesome.

Well, I hope this wasn't too boring for you. I just wanted to share things that I find super interesting in hopes that some of you may too. It's also a good way for me to share that info with my family without having to try sharing it over the phone only to have them say "ya, not that interested". haha!

Have a great Saturday!

P.S. If you would like to sponsor Gentri Lee, you can find more info HERE! :D

First Week Down!

2012-01-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
Just popping in real quick to say a couple of things.

First...

I haven't had a ton of time for anything other than school (and watching my aunts dog). But now that my first week is out of the way (almost) things will calm down and I'll get a rhythm going. :) More fun blog posts to come, I promise! In the mean time, these are the only photos I've been able to snap since I've been here (besides a few "january photo a day" photos).

1. A piece of the beautiful scenery that now surrounds me. I feel like I'm living in "Roswell"! :D
2. A school where I get daily facials, pedicures, and massages= my kind of school! LOVING it!
3. (I know this one is awkward. I only took it so I could show my sister how I'm wearing one of the necklaces she gave me for Christmas. haha!) We have a dress code of black, brown, tan, cream, and white + no blue jeans. I'm pretty sure that my closet only provides enough outfits to get me through one week (if I stick to this dress code). haha! Kinda worried... I'll have to keep being really creative... Thank goodness blogging has already taught me that! :)

In other news:

If you would like to sponsor Gentri Lee you can find my info HERE (or click on my "Sponsor" banner- look to your right and scroll up.) and email me at gentrileeblog(at)gmail(dot)com. :D

and last item of business...

Don't forget to vote for me (or whichever blog you prefer) in the BLOGSCARS!! :D

The Poll for the Best Blogture
(equivalent to best picture)

The Poll for the Best Blogtress
(equivalent to best actress)

And the Nominees are...

2012-01-26T07:00:00.025-07:00

GUYS!

The sweet and lovely Janette of Janette the Jongleur is hosting the "Blogscars" (blogging oscars. How fun, right?!) and I've been Nominated for Best Blogtress (equivalent to best Actress) and Best Blogture (equivalent to Best Picture)!

GAH! I am honored and amazed! The other nominees are practically perfect and indeed some stiff competition. I love them all so much and have been a loyal follower to each of them for a long time. I can't even put into words my love for these ladies! They have some of the most beautiful and inspiring blogs around!

So, if you think I deserve to win either or both of these categories I'd love for you to pop on over and vote for Gentri Lee! Eeep!

VOTE HERE

Thank you all for being so wonderful to me. I really don't feel like I deserve it and I couldn't ask for a better blogging experience. :) I think Megan said it wonderfully in her post yesterday. My favorite quote was "In our sorrow, joy, and top buns... we've found friendship.". How perfect is that?! Blogging is seriously the best thing that has happened to me in a really long time and I love knowing that I will know someone practically anywhere I travel to. Haha!

So again, thank you for all of the love and support you've given me. I hope you feel like I've been able to give that back to you, even if it's only a small fraction of what you've given out. You are all amazing, incredible, kind, caring, understanding... Ok ok. I'll stop. :) But seriously... LOVE YOU GUYS! *groupbloghug*

So for whatever reason the best blogtress poll won't show up on janettes blog so she sent us all the code so we could post it. :) you can now vote right here!

Best Blogtress in a Leading Role » make web polls
Tags : blog

And the poll for best blogture

BEST BLOG for 2012 Blogscars » poll maker
Tags : blog

First Day of School!

2012-01-25T07:00:00.025-07:00

Well, I survived my first day of classes! Ah! Not that the first day is ever hard. It was all just talking and orientation. They did give us our school t-shirts though, that was exciting...

(don't mind my boring bathroom and bad quality photos...)

We were also asked to make Dream Boards. (if you've seen "The Secret" you'll know what I'm talking about.) They gave us some colored paper, glue sticks, scissors, and old magazines (I'm talking 2005)...

(this picture doesn't even deserve to be full size. That's how much I dislike it. Yuck) Well, I don't know about you bloggers, but that did not cut it for me (pun inteded). So I made one... to pass the time and stay on task,

But as soon as I got home I made one the blogger in me would be proud of...

Better??

I think so.

In other news, my car problems were minimal (knock on wood. I'm a big believer of knocking on wood), thank goodness. Apparently one of the fuses came loose and kept disconnecting. But it's all fixed now. Whew! The toilet is still clogged, but my nose has, for the moment, stopped bleeding. SO that's a plus. haha!

I think that this will be a great place for me at this time in my life. Obviously someone (points to Heaven) wanted me here at this time and I'm excited to see what is in store. I do miss home of course. The scenery is different here. Still mountainous... just a different kind of mountain. Definitely one I love, I've just never LIVED around it. I can't wait until I have a chance to go out and snap some pictures for you all! It is a very beautiful place. :)

I also guess I should stop being so cryptic and tell you what type of classes I'm taking. haha! Sorry about that. I never like to share too much until it's set. And you never know who's reading... creepy. Anyways, I'm taking some Esthetician classes and I'm super excited about it. I've always been the makeup artist of my friends, health and beauty have always fascinated me, so why not make it a career, right?? :)

I hope you are all having a lovely week and I can't wait until I have a chance to catch up on your blogs!! Thank you all for the SWEETEST comments ever! I love knowing I always have my blog friends. :) You guys sure know how to make a girl feel loved!

I Made It!

2012-01-24T07:00:00.053-07:00

Happy Tuesday every one!
So I've made it safe and sound to my new home, I'm all settled in, and today I start my classes (so nervous!). I was so lucky to have my family and friends help me move and take care of me. I'm so grateful for all they've done for me. I cried all weekend.

1. I'm going to miss that view back home.
2. and that view
3. The mountain that looks like a volcano... but isn't.
4. Sun rays
5. Driving
6. Holding a baby snake!
7. Eating Frozen Custard as requested by Stephanie. SO GOOD! Seriously the creamiest thing I've ever eaten.
8. Sister's mountainous french toast!
9. My ginormous crepes! I didn't realize there were half and full orders, and no one said even just a half order would be the size of my face. So when my FULL order AND side of scrambled eggs came out... I died.
10. Two cousins, Aunt's BF, Aunt
11. My friend Sierra and I
12. Friend Sierra, Sister McKenna, Mom, Grandma

So my road trip had a few interesting events. Nothing crazy, but a couple of things that made us laugh...

My car was so stuffed (my dad sure is good at packing) that my mom and I barely had room in the front seats and looked pretty silly. We came to a light that was about to turn yellow so I so stupidly sped up to make it in time, only to realize a little to late that I would be going over some railroad tracks followed by a sharp dip in the road... Well, that led to us flying and bouncing through that intersection like a... something... picture two ladies stuffed in the front seat of a small SUV that is overflowing (literally) with items bouncing through an intersection... you'll laugh.

When we brought my mattress up to my new room I noticed a burn on it. I know for a fact that wasn't there before. I couldn't think of anything that could possibly burn my mattress! As we all debated this mystery, my cousin, being the 15 year old genius that he is, suggested that the light on the ceiling of my car had burned it...

oooooooooh...

So when you move, and there is so much stuff that you have to leave your back window open, make sure you turn your light off... or it could burn your mattress...

I'm lucky my battery didn't die since it sat that way for two nights, or that a fire didn't start. Wow.

I will be back tomorrow to let you know how my first day of classes went!

Have a great day!!

*UPDATE*
So I am having car trouble... awesome. Last night two different lights came on but I don't have a manual so I don't know what they mean, and my car started seizing up. I was luck to get over to the side of the road. After I put it in park it was ok and the lights went off. I was also able to make it home... but I have strict instructions not to drive it until I get it checked out... Thank goodness for great roommates who will take me to my first day of school and an aunt who's house I can walk to afterwards. :P

It's funny because as I was talking to my dad on the phone about it I was laying on my bed with a nose bleed... and my toilet is clogged (TMI? We're all friends here, right?). Bad things come in 3's right (unless you count my mattress... then it's 4's)? I should be good from here on out... RIGHT?!!

Blogger of the Week: Little Somethings by Little Lo Hood

2012-01-23T07:00:00.005-07:00

Hey guys! Just a quick update- I made it to my destination and am just getting settled. :) I will be back with regular posts probably by tomorrow. Taking over for me today would be this week's Blogger of the Week- Lo. She blogs over at Little Somethings by Little Lo Hood. I have loved her blog for a while now and am so excited to finally have her as blog of the week! She's super talented and is always sharing amazing DIY's. You'll love her, I just know it!

***

Hi lovely Gentri Lee readers! I'm Lo of Little Somethings by Little Lo Hood

I blog about some of my hobbies like crafting..

I love finding new purposes for old things and blog about green DIY's, like this appliqué dress...

I also blog a bit about my Etsy shop, Printed Peaks...

I love nature and am inspired by it daily

I also love taking pictures using my DSLR, toy camera, polaroid, Diana, or iphone with instagram...there's just something magical about it

Thanks for visiting with me today and to Gentri for featuring me! How sweet of her! Come check out the blog and leave a comment if you'd like, I love meeting new people and finding new blogs! :)

-Lo

***

See?? Love her! Now go check out her blog and give her some love! She deserves it and you won't regret it. :D

January Photo a Day Pt. 2!

2012-01-21T07:00:00.015-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone! I will be spending all day moving into my new apartment (fingers crossed!!! Wouldn't hurt if you crossed yours too. And maybe some toes...) so I'm going to leave you with the second set of my January Photo a Day Instagram shots!

1. Childhood- I still remember this moment so well. It was pre-school picture day and I was NOT ok with that rubber chicken. My friends, teacher, and the photographer tried everything they could think of to get me to smile... nothing.
2. Where You Sleep- Well, this is were I used to sleep. By tonight (are you still crossing your fingers??) I will have a new bedroom! I don't think it'll be near this cute though. I will miss that room.
3. Close-Up- I was loving my new shirt, new hair, and my favorite lipstick.
4. In Your Bag- First of all, I am so in love with my bag it's not even funny. Thanks again Chablis (my sister)! I like to keep my bags small because a. I'm not a purse person and b. It keeps me from stuffing it full of junk.
5. Something You're Reading- I didn't read much that day. I did however read class information. I'm so excited aaaaaaaaaand super nervous!
6. Happiness- On Sunday night, anytime I had to get from one spot to another I did it by sliding there in my socks. So fun. :)
7. Morning- It was a cold and gloomy Monday morning. Blech. :P
8. Water- It's basically the only thing I drink and THIS water bottle is THE best! Not kidding. Buy yourself ten.
9. Something You Bought- The last thing I bought was this fabric for a project (which became two, sorta) I am working on. :D I can't wait to share it with you! (it's a lot more tangerine than orange. I'll have to take better pictures.)

Have a great weekend everyone! Keep your phalanges crossed for me, please!

Moving Day

2012-01-20T07:00:00.026-07:00

Today is the day! Ah!

Today I will be taking the next step in my life and I am very excited! If you missed it, I'm moving to the southern part of my state to take some classes I've been wanting to take for a very long time.

I was so swept up in the quickness of this decision and making things happen that I didn't let my emotions take over... that is until last night. Yup. I had a slight breakdown. haha! (ashley- you are a brave woman for always being able to move like you do!) But I'm feeling much better now and I know it'll work out how it's supposed to.

Photos c/o Ashley Eliza Photography (more to come! Sorry the first one's blurry, I had to steal it from her site)

Cape c/o Minimalist Knitter (seriously wear this all the time. and the quality= amazing!)

I hope you all have a LOVELY weekend! I will be spending all day tomorrow moving in (Please keep your fingers crossed that it all goes well and I can actually move in!) but I've got a post lined up. I'll hopefully be back with a full report on Sunday! If not then I'll be back on Tuesday... Well, I'm not going to give you an exact day... It'll be a surprise. haha! (for me too)

P.S. The winners of the January Group Giveaway were announced HERE! Be sure to email me if you've won!

January Group Giveaway...

2012-01-19T15:13:00.001-07:00

The Winner of their choice of a VWB Single Rosette Necklace iiiiss...
Alynne Leigh from her blog
Pink Lemonade!!

The Winner of the Large Sponsor Spot for The Curious Pug iiiiiss...
Felicity from her blog
Pursuit of Felicity!!

The Winner of the Glitter Necklace from The Owl's Den iiiiiss...
Stephanie from her blog
Stephanie and Such!!

The Winner of the Featured Sponsor Spot with Awesomely Awkward iiiiiss...
Megan from her blog
and here's to you, Mrs. Robinson!!

The Winner of the Vintage Tea Cup and Saucer from Our Favorite Things iiiiss...
Drew from her blog
Open Ended!!

The Winner of the Blog Makeover from Every Day is a New Adventure iiiiiss...
Amy Lynn from her blog
Life As I Know It!!

The Winner of the Baby Blanket from Bearing Fruit iiiiss...
Shalyn from her blog
Laugh Until Your Cheeks Hurt!!
(this is perfect since she's expecting a little one soon!)

The Winner of the XL Sponsor Spot from Sea of Blooming Dreams iiiiss...
Eryka from her blog
ABCDE

The Winner of the Headband in their choice of 4 colors from Sprightly So iiiiss...
Gina from her blog
All The Pretty Things!!

The Winner of the Sponsor Spot from Boyish Chic iiiiss...
Chelsea from her blog
Sunny With a Chance of Sprinkles!!

The Winner of the Clinique Lip Set from Amanda K. By the Bay iiiiss...
Meg from her blog
The Happy Hour!!

The Winner of the Feature Sponsor Spot from Hollie Takes Notes iiiiss...
Elizabeth from her blog
Until Only Love Remains!!

The Winner of the Handmade Wallet and Two Pairs of Earrings from Katie Sews It All iiiiss...
Brooke from her blog
Intelligent Ramblings!!

Congrats winners!
Email me ASAP to claim your prize!

Vintage Wanna Bee

2012-01-17T07:00:00.024-07:00

Hey guys!

I hope you're all having a good start to your week. :) Today I'm going to share with you some amazing products. These beauties were sent to me by the lovely Nichelle of Vintage Wanna Bee. Not only are they oh so pretty but the quality is superb!

I've worn this twice already and received multiple compliments each time. I think this one's my favorite. :)

These necklaces are SO cute! I haven't worn them yet, but I'm super excited to!

PLUS

Look how cute they are on the back!

This flower is absolutely beautiful! It's perfect, really.

and last but not least,

the headband. But not only will I be wearing this as a headband, but also as a collar of sorts.

I suggest you all check out her SHOP immediately and take 25% off your order using the code "GENTRI"!!

Oh! Speaking of shops...

You may have noticed that new little button on my left sidebar. Well, I've got some things I finally decided to part with up for sale. Some are really nice pieces and some are not as exciting. But they're all for sale! So check it out if you have a second!

Blogger of the Week: Mrs. DTF

2012-01-16T07:00:00.019-07:00

Hey guys! Today we have the guest post from this week's Blog of the Week. This week is Mrs. DTF. She's super cute and I love her blog and style. Don't ask her what DTF stands for, cause she won't tell ya. Although she gave some pretty good hints HERE. haha! Read and enjoy her post then go tell her hello!

***

hi there.
i'm mrs. dtf & i blog over here.

i met mr. dtf in art class last fall...
i bought black vans to match him,

& we totally fell in love.

we got married 8.5.11...

our hipster wedding bands even say so on the inside.

i blog about fashion.

& wife-like stuff.

& becoming a teacher.

& all things hipster.

you know, bikes & glasses & the like.

oh ya!

& i blog about being young & in love.

come say hello.

i think i'm pretty funny.

& gentri thought i was cool enough to be blog of the week...

or ran out of blogs to choose from... either way! ha!

love,

mrs. dtf

p.s. mr. dtf says hi too.

***

WHAT?! I don't think I could EVER run out of blogs to chose from- first of all. haha! Second of all- She totally deserves to be Blog of the Week! Don't you agree? :) Now, go give her some love!

The Weekend

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a great weekend! I was able to see a few of my favorite bloggers including Megan from and here's to you, Mrs. Robinson. On Thursday I went over to her apartment and spent the evening with her and her family. We made (she made) BBQ Pizza, which was delicious!

Then on Friday, one of the studios I used to teach for was having their concert. So Megan and I went to that which was so fun. I LOOOOOVED catching up with all of my old dancers. Miss them more than I can even say and they all did such a great job! The show was Mary Poppins which was very fun. :)

As wonderful as all of the dancers were, there was one moment that completely stole the show and had Megan and I in tears. One of the little 3-4 year old dancers (maybe 5??) had cerebral palsy and was still able to do her dances with the help of her walker and her teacher. You could tell that she absolutely LOVED every minute of it and she knew the dance probably better than the other students! Aw, I still get emotional thinking about it. Stephanie, the owner of the studio, is always so good about including those dancers who may not have had the opportunity otherwise.

After the concert we headed to Yogurtland and sat and talked for hours. It was so fun and I love being able to talk "blog" with someone who understands and doesn't get sick of it. haha!

1. The BBQ Pizza! SO good!
2. Hanging out in the car and talking talking talking.
3. Best photo I could get of the show with my phone. :P
4. The girl behind the teacher is the one I talked about. :') You can see her walker.
5. Yummy yogurt with strawberries and bananas.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the January Group Giveaway!! It ends in a few days!

P.P.S. I guest posted over at Life as Twiggy yesterday. Check it out!

Weekly Favorites #3

2012-01-13T07:00:00.008-07:00

Hey guys! I hope you are all excited and ready to have an awesome weekend. :) First- start the weekend off right by entering my January Group Giveaway! It's a good one!

Now, on to some of my favorite things I've seen around Blogland this week. Ok, this post should really be titled "favorites of the past 24 hrs" because that's all I could remember! This week has been so crazy (if you read yesterday's post you'll know why) and I've been so busy that I can't remember anything before yesterday... haha! But there were some beautiful things just within the past 24 hrs, you won't be disappointed!

This T-Shirt makeover by Renee is AMAZING! I had seen it all over Pinterest and hadn't realized it was her until I visited her blog!

I am absolutely LOVING this outfit by Maria Elyse! Really, all of her outfits are amazing.

Kara has been writing her and her husband's love story in little bits and pieces on her blog for the past while and I know my life will not be complete until I hear the end! We've been graced with THAAAREEEEE parts just this week!

I loved the Accent Vlog that Megan tricked her Irish BF into doing the other day. Hilarious. :)

Ariel just moved to England and I'm literally ooooozing jealousy! And she's only posted about it once so far!

Ashley and her hubby recently (and suddenly) moved across the country to Beverly Hills. I love hearing all of the crazy stories she's already shared! (and I'm super jealous of the gym she gets to use- pic below)

I love this picture of Ashley!! That is all. :)

I love the way Gaby spent her Birthday (which also happens to be Christmas). She lives in New Zealand where it's Summer right now. Makes me feel warm even though I know it's only 10 degrees outside.

I've always loved Brooke's puppies- Molly and Fynn. They're adorable and get me longing for a puppy every time I see them!

I'd love if you shared some of your favorites with me!!

Hair Do? Take Two!

2012-01-12T07:00:00.005-07:00

Soooo...

I ended up lightening my ends like I wanted to, the other day. And i'm so glad I did!

What do you think??

I know I promised a sunset post the other day, but I had forgotten about the giveaway (duh! haha!) aaaaand I figured my hair was more important. haha! The sunsets will come tomorrow... maybe...

Also, I am just going to apologize ahead of time for being a bad blog friend. I have been trying my VERY best to be a good blog friend (visiting your blogs, commenting, etc) but it's hard. If you read THIS POST by Miss Jenni it explains it perfectly. It's finding a balance between real life and blogging. Unfortunately that balance doesn't allow me to visit everyone's blog every day. Plus, its just going to be getting harder.

I was going to wait to post this until things were a little more final, but I can't wait any more. I'm moving. Yup. I'm moving to the southern part of my state to take some classes I've been looking into. When I decided it was what I wanted to do I had planned on January. But as January has arrived I had decided to wait for March. Things have been tough and I thought giving myself some more time would help.

Then on Saturday night as I was laying in bed thinking about completely unrelated things I was given the DISTINCT impression that I needed to start classes ASAP. So with two weeks left before the January classes begin, I started figuring out what exactly it was going to take to get me there. So far things are working out so wonderfully (KNOCK ON WOOD!). I got the last spot available in the class (for full time), found the perfect apartment, and my sister and friend are able to help me move, even though it's 4 hours away (my friend is from there, that will be a big help in finding a job). Even if things start to go... not so great, I know this is what I need to do right now and it will work out for the best.

I know many of you are in school, have jobs, live in the real world, and balance blogging. I bow down to you and will hopefully become just like you. But this will be a new thing for me, and right now blogging is acting like it's own part time job. If I could have it my way we would all live in an actual "Blogland" where everything was perfectly vintage, photo opportunities around every corner, and we would all have brunch together every day. haha! But it's not. (terrible way to end that)

So I wanted to tell you all that I will still be here in blogland as much as I possibly can. I am in love with this blogging world and I love you all so much and wish I could explain to you what a great influence you've been in my life. But that's another post all in it's own. So PLEASE please stick with me! I will do my best to continue being there for you. :)

P.S. Like I said, I wanted to wait to post this until things were more final. But I didn't. So if I come back in a few days and say "Just Kidding!" please don't judge me... haha!

P.P.S. Did you enter the January Group Giveaway yet?! No?? What are you waiting for?!?!

January Group Giveaway!

2012-01-11T07:00:00.067-07:00

Helllloooooooo everyone! We have another AWESOME group giveaway today! Get excited, because I AM! I'm going to jump right into showing you what's up for grabs then explain everything at the bottom...

Your choice of a Single Rosette Necklace from Vintage Wanna Bee!

Blog/ Shop/ Facebook

Large Sponsor Spot from The Curious Pug

Blog/ Bloglovin'/ Twitter

Your choice between the "Silver Lining" or "Gold for the Holidays" Glitter Necklace from The Owl's Den

Blog/ Shop/ Flickr

Sponsor Spot with option for Guest Post or Giveaway from Awesomely Awkward

Blog/ Shop/ Facebook

Vintage Bone China Tea Cup & Saucer (by Colclough made in England) from Our Favorite Things

Blog/ Shop/ Personal Blog

Blog Makeover from Every Day is a New Adventure

Blog/ Facebook/ Bloglovin'

Designer Print Lovie Blankie (perfect for your little one!) from Bearing Fruit

Blog/ Shop/ Facebook

XL Sponsor Spot from Sea of Blooming Dreams

Blog/ Shop/ Twitter

Headband in your choice of 4 colors from Along Abbey Road

Blog/ Shop/ Facebook

Sponsor Spot from Boyish Chic

Blog/ Shop/ Facebook

Clinique Lip Set from Amanda K. By the Bay

Blog/ Bloglovin'/ Pinterest

Feature Sponsor Spot from Hollie Takes Notes

Blog

Handmade Pouch Wallet and Two Pairs of handmade Earrings from Katie Sews It All

Blog/ Twitter/ Flickr

To enter you MUST be a follower of Gentri Lee via Google Friend Connect.

This does not count as an entry!

Entries:

Visit the blog of one of my sponsors and follow them. (each sponsor your follow counts as an entry)
Visit the shop of one of my sponsors and come back to tell me what your favorite item was. (each shop you visit counts as an entry)
Spread the word about this giveaway via any social networking site that you belong to

For ONE extra entry:

Follow me via Facebook AND Bloglovin'!

This giveaway will run until January 17th at Midnight and winners will be announced Next Wednesday! So enter enter enter!

January Photo a Day

2012-01-10T07:00:00.011-07:00

I'm participating in the January Photo a Day challenge on Instagram (an iPhone app). Each day we're given a different topic and we're supposed to share a photo based around that topic. Here are my photos from the first 9 days...

1. You- I know, I've already shared this picture. But I happened to take it the same day the challenge started. So I just used this one. Oh! And I know my bangs need a serious trim (this was over a week ago, they're now side swept bangs), it's happening today.
2. Breakfast- I make a meeeeeaaaaan french toast!
3. Something You Adore- Well, I do adore this silver tea set that I snagged for $15 at a thrift store (I know it's tarnished, I kind of like it that way). BUT there are other things I could have done that would have been better choices. I'd just already shared them or wanted to save them for a later date.
4. Letterbox- This is my mailbox, it's a lot cuter from the front, but it also has our addresses on the front and I didn't feel like ruining the photo w a cover up.
5. Something You Wore- You see, I was sick all last week (feeling better, still sniffling) and I happened to be wearing the warmest thing I could find this day, my fleece jacket (I also had a long sleeve shirt underneath and was still freezing).
6. Makes You Smile- My long conversations with my sister who lives far away. :) I hadn't found anything "challenge" worthy to share, and then my sister called.
7. Favorite- This happens to be my favorite cupcake ever. It may not have cured my sickness but it made me happy. :)
8. Your Sky- Usually my sky is BEAUTIFUL, (you've seen plenty of proof, and I'll share more tomorrow), but all that day it was gloomy and grey. This is the only time I saw anything other than clouds.
9. Daily Routine- Mon- Fri I drive the same construction filled road to and from work. What makes it enjoyable is good music and spectacular views. :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Oh!! P.s. If you follow me on instagram (gentrilee) please introduce yourself so I know who you are! Sometimes Im not sure if it's a blog friend who found me or a random instagram user. :)

P.P.S. I'm sorry that this is the most interesting thing I have to share right now. Remember how I was sick and didn't do anything all last week? ya. And now I've been working on something that is taking up all of my energy. Hopefully I'll have fun things for you soon.

Blogger of the Week: An Eclectic Heap

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Today we have the guest post from this week's Blog of the Week- Rae Veda from her blog An Eclectic Heap! Rae has a beautiful blog, awesome style, amazing photos, and an adventurous life that she shares with all of her readers. :) So read her guest post then head over to her blog. You won't regret it!

***

Hello Gentri Lee readers! I'm Rae Veda and I blog over on An Eclectic Heap. I'm so honored Gentri choose me as her blogger of the week this week! I adore Gentri's blog. It's so creative and funny! Funny blogs get me every-time.

You may have guessed by the title that my blog is very eclectic as is my life. In my book, eclectic is a synonym for messy. And some days that's just how my apartment looks. I try to keep it clean and organized but sometimes life happens and those things are thrown on the back burner.

I would consider my blog an eclectic lifestyle blog.

I typically blog about:

What I wear... I have a love of clothes... Actually I'd rather buy clothes than food. Come to think of it I'd rather buy clothes than a lot of other things. Mainly pay my electrical bill.

The food I cook... I love to cook. If I wasn't in school I'd cook every night. I'm an always vegetarian and sometimes vegan girl. I'd like to be completely vegan but that just isin't practical with my lifestyle right now. Maybe someday, when I have more, free time?

Books I read... I love to read! I have something on my blog I call the virtual bookshelf were I review the books I have read. Reading helps me calm down at the end of the day and also keeps me up to date with world happenings. Thanks, iPhone apps. You have saved my life many times.

Things I like... My Sunday Swoon feature varies from week to week. Some weeks it's what I'd like to own from Etsy and other online retailers and other weeks it's homes, outfits, or patterns I'm swooning over. It's one of my favorite features to write.

I also love to craft! I blog about my craft projects as well.. I wish I had more time for this crafting really does make me so happy. The feeling of being able to say you made something yourself is so much fun.

Last but not least... Being a student. I am a sophomore in college and love learning but am always amazed with how much time school takes up. My Wednesday Workspace feature has helped me tie school into blogging. This feature, which is currently down for Christmas Break, Whoo!, is typically about my school workspace. Wherever that may be.

The rest of the time I blog about my daily life and fun little things I do. I would love for you to come over and say hello. Blogging is my favorite hobby and I just love meeting new people from the interwebs. It really has brought so much joy to my life.

xo,
rv

***

What'd I tell ya?? :) I knew you guys would love her! Now head over to her blog and say hello! Have a great Monday, everyone!

Sicko

2012-01-07T07:00:00.004-07:00

Hey guys!
I'm sorry that this week hasn't been toooo exciting around here. I literally haven't done anything all week. I've been sick and barely had energy for what I needed to get done. I'm feeling much better now and plan on spending my entire (most of it) Saturday inside resting, just to be sure. I did try really hard to visit most of your blogs. I know I haven't been as good as I used to be about commenting, and I apologize. But it'll hopefully get better! Other than that, I've got nothing to tell you about. Aw the life of a sick person.

Watch this video if you need a little entertaining. And remember, it's cool to be good!

Weekly Favorites #2

2012-01-06T07:00:00.016-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! It's time for my favorite things I've seen in blogland this week. I got the idea from Busy Bee Lauren and her "Totally Rad on Tuesday" series. It was one of my favorite posts to read each week and so I decided to start my own. Here we go...

These photos from Just Us are absolutely STUNNING! Katrina's a great photographer!

This photo of Polly is perfection!! Not to mention the song she has you listen to during this post is a new favorite!

Lena and her husband went on an AMAZING adventure for her hubby's bday. I'm oozing jealousy.

Out of all the amazing year in review posts, my favorite was done by Piril. All of her photos are so bright and pretty and I loved the organization in her post.

Christen is one of the MANY bloggers I've seen rockin' this coat (I'm super sad I never joined the party), and i love the way she styled it.

Katie pulled off the faux bob PERFECTLY (lets be honest, what can't she pull off?)! Didn't work half as well when I tried it, she's given me inspiration to try again.

Kaitlyn teamed up with Kate Gabrielle to honor "National Letter Writing Week" (January 9th-15th) by creating these limited edition flapper stationary sets. They're adorable and there's so much more!

I love this outfit by Kendra. That hedgehog t-shirt is adorable!

Alana's dream catcher collection is... well, dreamy!

Sydney shared this WONDERFUL product with the blog world the other day and I can't wait to order some of my own. 20% of the profits go directly to an anti-trafficking organization. Trafficking is a big problem (like 2nd biggest soon to be 1st) and it's nice to be able to help. They talk all about it on their website: Radiant Cosmetics.

And last but not least...

Lex shared an adorable chair makeover she just completed. Makes me want to paint something...

What were some of your favorites from this week??

Live, Laugh, Love- 3

2012-01-05T07:00:00.005-07:00

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts and I've missed them! Here we go:

Live-
"The Lord doesn't do anything in a rush. If we rush our lives we may miss some of the blessings the Lord desires to give us."
-Not Sure... It was in Church a little while back.

Last year my main New Year Goal was to enjoy the little things. I'm proud to say that I've become REALLY good at this! The little moments are my favorite and I love blogging because it helps me notice them. By enjoying those small moments we will become more aware of what the Lord has provided for us, more aware of all the little blessings, and more aware of the "Tender Mercies" of the Lord.

Source: peasinourpod.com via Gentri on Pinterest

Laugh-
This is sorta amazing. haha!

For all of you airport fashionistas

Source: designstiles.me via Natasha Louise on Pinterest

Saw this a little while ago and I still laugh when I think about it.

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Kylee on Pinterest

Love-
This is Kate the Great Dane and Pippin the deer bonding after Pip's mom got scared off by neighboring dogs. The owners waited 3 days before they rescued her. They couldn't stand the crying anymore! Kate adopted her right away and they've been best friends ever since. They even sleep together. Pip was bottle fed but Kate tried to nurse her even though she has never had pups and is spayed. Pip now lives in the bush with the wild deer but visits every day.

New...

2012-01-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't hear back from all of the winners for the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza, so we have some new winners! :D (I gave them much more time than I said I would)

The Winner of the $30 Shop Credit to Lil Noodle Bug iiiiiss...
Mrs. DTF!!

The Winner of the Hue & Hum Christmas Album iiiiss...
Heavens to Betsy!!

The Winner of the item of their choice from Squidflex Shop iiiiss...
Sunny With a Chance of Sprinkles!!

The Winner of the Fox & Owl Feather Necklace iiiiiss...
The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart!!

PLEASE contact me ASAP so I can get you your prize! :)

Blogger of the Week: Roots, Wings, and Other Things

2012-01-04T07:00:00.022-07:00

Hey guys! Today we have the guest post from this week's "Blog of the Week". This week it's Daryl from her blog "Roots, Wings, and Other Things". She has such a cute blog, great style, a beautiful story, lives an adventurous life, and designs blogs on the side. haha! So read, enjoy, then go check out her blog!

***

Hello fantastic, wonderful readers of Gentri Lee! I am so happy to be Gentri's blog of the week. Gentri is one of my favorite bloggers, this is SUCH an honor!

My name is Daryl, and I write over at Roots, Wings, and Other Things. I'm a young, loud, slightly crazy American living in Frankfurt, Germany with the love of my life.

I'm nineteen years old. Wait, only nineteen you ask? Isn't that a wedding picture? Yes. Yes it is. I refer back now to the part where I'm slightly crazy. I met my now-hubby when I was working as an Au Pair in - you guessed it - Germany. Which, by the way, I did when I was only 17. I know, ridiculous. But like Dustin Hoffman said in one of my favorite movies: "Let's start with ridiculous and move backwards." (Name that film! Anyone? Anyone!?)

SO. A whirlwind romance, a proposal, and a wedding later, I find myself back in good old Deutschland. My husband and I have developed quite the sense of adventure as we set out to explore this wonderful continent upon which we live.

My blog is a tool through which I document the notable moments of my creative life. I blog about fashion, I blog about cooking, I blog about my observations of German culture. I tell embarrassing stories and share photos of my adventures and travels.

Wuerzburg, Germany

The North Sea, Denmark

Montpellier, France

I dream of becoming an event planner, of using my attention to detail and creativity to bring people's visions to life. I didn't realize my passion for planning and events until I planned my own wedding in under five months. Now it's like crack to me. You'll see this passion of mine reflected in various posts throughout my blog as well.

I named my blog Roots, Wings, and Other Things for a specific reason, and that reason is this: I refuse to accept the notion that if a person wants to settle down - to put down roots, so to speak - they must let go of their dreams and settle for something less satisfying. People told me that by getting married so young I was sacrificing the fun and the freedom that I apparently needed and deserved. No. Absolutely not true.

Right now, as we start off this beautiful new year, is the time to follow your dreams, accomplish your goals, go where you want to go and see what you want to see...and the best part is, you don't have to let go of your roots to do it.

Each day is an adventure as I try to find my wings.
Join me?

***

Lovely, right?! So go check out her blog! :D You won't be disappointed.

Some Favorites

2012-01-03T07:00:00.036-07:00

Lately I've had a lot of clothing/ accessory items that I've been snapping pictures of (on my phone of course, I need to be better about using my camera, but my phone is so much easier and it isn't a battery hog). So I thought it'd be fun to give you guys a peek into my wardrobe.

1. That's what I wore to an ugly sweater party the other night. Awesome sweater and a vintage necklace that used to be my grandma's. :)
2. My MK Rose Gold watch... Mmmmmmmm. I can't even describe my love for this watch!
3. The scarf I received from my Secret Santa. And yes, I'm quite aware that my bangs need a trim... desperately.
4. My new Fossil bag c/o my sister. :) It was just what I wanted for Christmas.
5. Rust colored tights, sparkly heels, and a pretty chiffon pleated skirt. Busy Bee Lauren Instagramed a pic of her rust colored tights and sparkly gold oxfords she was wearing on Sunday and I happened to be wearing a very similar combo, so I had to share. :)
6. Pretty mint earrings also c/o my sister and my mint green Christmas PJ's. :)

So there you go, a little peek into my wardrobe. :) OH! And this incredible sunset took my breath away the other night...

Happy Tuesday!

P.S. BACHELOR! Did anyone watch it?!

The Beginning

2012-01-02T07:00:00.007-07:00

Welcome 2012! I have a feeling you will be a great year. Unpredictable and a little scary (no, not because I think the world will end), but great.

I had a lot of fun ringing in the new year with family and friends. Before heading to any parties, my sister and I had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants- Blue Lemon. Their butternut squash soup is AMAZING!

We were originally planning on spending New Years Eve at home since my sister was in a car accident the other day and is still healing. But she decided she felt well enough, so we headed to a party! Friends, dancing, and speed dating...

Yes, you read that right- SPEED DATING! What?! I was forced into it... twice. My wrist had the hand print to prove it. I met some... interesting guys... One said my lipstick was "risky" (I hope he didn't mean risque because that would be even worse), one was a professional clown (I HATE clowns), and one had a chin- puff goatee (need to know what that is?? Click HERE. Just not my style. Totally cool if that's your style though). There were some ok guys as well. We'll see on Wednesday if any of them said "yes" to me! hahaha! Pretty sure I will not be heartbroken if I don't hear from anyone.

There's also this tiny tradition that my family has of setting off a cannon that my dad built YEARS ago. It's little, but LOUD! Wanna hear?! :D

Obviously it's much louder in person, but I did what I could for you. :) I had to shoot it off by myself for the video, I didn't think I'd get another chance. Turns out we set it off again tonight and I'm sure a video filled with other people cheering would have been much more fun. Oh well, at least you hear half a giggle from me...

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe new years (eve)! Did anything crazy happen? I'd love to hear about it! Or I'd love to hear your not so crazy stories too. :)

Have a great Monday everyone!

P.S. My January sponsors are up and running! I know they'd LOVE it if you paid them a visit. :) (if you're supposed to be one of my sponsors and do not see your button on my sidebar- please contact me!)

The Best of 2011

2011-12-31T07:00:00.011-07:00

I've seen some other bloggers doing this, and I wanted to join in the fun. :) I'm going to share your favorites from this here blog. The good, the weird, and the funny.

Top 5 Blog Posts:

1. Mason Jar Snow Globe Tutorial
This post won by a landslide. I'm not really sure what that means, but I'm sure that it doesn't even describe how much this post beat out ALL of my other ones. It's not even funny. haha! Jk, it is. :)

2. Winter To-Do List
Not sure why, but it's in second place (when you don't count all the giveaway posts)

3. Successes and Failures of Pinterest
This was a fun post. I've been meaning to do it again, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. All in good time. :)

4. Hair Do?
This either means you guys really like my new hair... or... No, we'll go with you really liked it. :)

5. These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

This was also a fun post that I plan on doing again. :)

Top (or most funny) Key Word Searches:

1. DIY Mason Jar Snow Globes

told you that won by a landslide.

2. Tom Hanks Sparkle Time

Oh boy! I'm so excited, because this gives me another excuse to share this video (for the 3rd time this year)!! It's so great. :)

3. Alexa Chung Hair
That would be from when I cut my hair at the beginning of this year. She was my inspiration.

4. Arizona
That would be from THIS post. It's weird that that silly little post would bring such traffic.

THE REST OF THESE WERE JUST FUNNY TO ME. ALL THE OTHER "TOP" SEARCHES WERE BORING.

5. "Believe your hair""So Long""Looks Great"
What does that mean?!

6. Am a real redhead with lots of freckles
No, I'm not.

7. Bike Chain Embroidery Throws
Not sure what those are, but I'm thinking biker gangs??

8. Freckles of the Week
I should start a series about people's freckles. I'm sure that'd be a big hit.

9. I am here for my future
Welcome... Hope I can help?

10. I am working oh so hard
Good for you!

11. Why did we lose ancient?
Ancient what?? I don't know why we lost... ancient. I hope you find... it...

Awesome. :) Happy New Years Eve everyone! Be safe and have a great time ringing in the New(and last?!)Year!!
I'll talk to you NEXT year! teehee!

Ready Or Not...

2011-12-30T07:00:00.011-07:00

Here it comes!

2012 that is.

And like all of you, I've got some goals that need accomplishing.

My list includes goals that are personal and goals that are for fun. here are some of them...

1. Take a hot air balloon ride. I've wanted to do this for years. This better be the year!
2. Serve others more. I used to be so good at that. Then things happened and I just needed to think of myself for a while. But I'm sick of that and ready to get back out there.
3. Visit my sister and her family in St. Louis. What a fun city that must be!
4. Build a good amount of savings. Again- something I'm not very good at...
5. Run a race. I don't care how long it is, I just need to do it.
6. Take an adventure. At least one.
7. Take better care of myself. In every aspect. I tend to ignore things that need to be fixed.
8. Be more outgoing. I can be really good or really bad at that. It all depends on the situation. I'd like to be good at it in any situation.

I hate ending on #8. I'd like to at least make it an even 10. But the rest of my goals are more personal, things that only I will know. :) You understand.

So this weekend, as we ring in the new year, I will be excited to leave 2011 behind (even though it was a good year overall) and start fresh. What are your top 3 goals for 2012??

Have a Happy new year everyone!

P.S. If you are a winner of the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza today is the last day to email me to claim your prize! Otherwise I'll be drawing new winners.

Blogger Secret Santa Gift Exchange

2011-12-29T07:00:00.007-07:00

This Christmas I participated in the blogger version of a "Secret Santa"!! Melina from Only a Flight Away and Summer from Famous In My Own Mind organzied this and it was a BLAST! I was paired up with Kylee from 2Anchor and it was so fun shopping for her!

We were asked to secretly give little hints of things we liked so that we had some help shopping for the other person. I said that I liked mountains, pendants, and foxes. Kylee said she liked sparkles, owls, and anything. haha! So here's what each of us sent each other...

The first few photos are what I sent (I went a little owl happy. They're everywhere right now, I couldn't resist!):
1. An anchor necklace (sparkly!) and an anchor pin. Because her blog's name is 2Anchor... I thought it was clever. haha! Plus both of those items are so unique AND who would have thought I could find such awesome anchor things in the winter?! I sure didn't!
2. An owl flashlight keycap. haha!
3. The card I used c/o Let It Be Raw
4. Owl socks! I love fun socks and these were perfect!
5. A pair of owl earrings and two owl necklaces. I LOVE the one on the right!
6. Sparkly nail polish. Perfect for the holidays. :)
7. My presents all wrapped and ready to go. I had to get real creative with the wrapping because I didn't have any little jewelry boxes. It ended up making it a lot more fun. :)

The next photos are what I received from Kylee!
1. My gifts all in a pile
2. A beautiful flower pin/clip. I wore this to church and received a bunch of compliments!
3. A friendship bracelet and a leather cuff
4. A beautiful pea green scarf (I actually thought it was mustard when I opened it. Must be the lighting)
5. An intricate and unique pendant.
6. I forgot to include the pic of the little Karma necklace. You can kind of see it in the group pic.
7. She said she's sending another gift that has to do with foxes! I'm being way too spoiled! I'll be sure to share it with you all when it arrives. :)

It was so fun opening this on Christmas morning! Everything was wrapped so perfectly, I'm sad I forgot to take a pic before everything was unwrapped. :P I was too excited. haha!

Thanks so much to Melina and Summer for organizing this! It was WAY fun! And thank you Kylee for all the wonderful gifts! It certainly made Christmas morning a little more special. :)

Did any of you participate as well??

P.S. I have two guest posts up today! One over at the ever fabulous- Awkward Girls and one over at my friend Aaron's blog- And then he came home. I'd love for you to check them out! :)

Blogger of the Week: Pinker on my Side

2011-12-28T07:00:00.028-07:00

Hey guys! Today we have the guest post from this week's "Blog of the Week". This week it's Meg from her blog- Pinker on my Side. She has AMAZING style and photos, I know you'll enjoy her blog as much as I do!

***

I'm soooo excited to be guest posting on Gentri's blog. I love reading her blog--she always has such great, fun shtuff on it. Speaking of which, as I sit here and type, I'm remembering that I totally forgot to enter her Christmas giveaway extravaganza--BAH BAH.

I blog over at Pinker on my Side...

So why the title?

I don't really know. Haha

I guess cuz grass is green in the world...but in my world, it's pink? (Totally made sense in my head at the time of blog conception.)

I'm a single student trying to survive in this jungly world of dating. It is just so jungly isn't it my single friends? My blog is about mine (and others) seemingly soap operatic life of interacting with the mind boggling male.

So besides the fact that I am DATE CHALLENGED, here are some other random facts about me.

1. I'm loving leopard print things right now.

2. I'm deathly afraid of moths. Bugs who eat wool? whoa.

3. I played with barbies til like seventh grade. hahaha....uh I think I still had friends.

4. I LOOOOOOOOVE to dance. As in like, if you take it away from me, it's like you're ripping a part of my soul away from me. How's that for cheese?

5. I eat wintergreen lifesaver mints by the bag full. Oh my gosh they are goooood.

6. I just got 2 butt load expensive parking tickets paid for....for Christmas. Thanks Santa BABY.

7. I play the Djembe AKA- An African drum.....What? I would date me.

8. I'm the worlds WORST procrastinator. Example: I put off my online physical science class last semester UNTIL finals and had to learn a semesters worth of material in 3 days. NOT FUN. I was eating my anxious feelings A LOT in those 3 days.

9. I love bright pink lipstick

10. That should be enough

I get my pictures taken by my beautiful roommate who is a photography major. Unfortunately, during the Christmas break you don't get to enjoy her pics, but rather my lame instagram pics. But we'll reunite for some awesome pics soon.

Visit her blog here

Thanks so much Gentri for letting me guest post!

Love,
Meg

***

See?! Love her! Now go visit her blog and give her some love! :D

I Love Christmas!

2011-12-27T07:00:00.026-07:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas weekend. :) Here are some snipets from mine...

1. Yes, I'm in my twenties and got a doll for Christmas. But this doll has a story behind it. My mom had dolls like this when my older sister and I were really young. We both loved them so much, but my mom sold them when we built our home. We've talked about them ever since, but didn't know what kind they were. So my mom surprised us this year by finding out what they were and ordering one for my sister and one for myself. :)
2. My dad also got a toy for Christmas. haha! He received a remote control helicopter. He was so excited! Five minutes into playing with it and it was already up a tree. haha!
3. Fun socks by the tree.
4. I made Christmas sugar cookies the other day! Want the recipe? You can find it on my guest post HERE! It's the best recipe in the world. :)
5. The shadows of my sister, mom, and I walking home from church.
6. Those would be Juicy Moon Boots... :P
7. More fun socks!
8. Watched lots of Christmas movies this weekend! So fun!
9. These may just be the biggest grapes in the world!

Remember how on my Christmas Wish List I said I wanted a new bag/purse?? Guess what I got?! And it's even better than the ones I had pinned! My sister (and miss angela) is amazing!

I wanted to have a different way of saving my Christmas memories this year. So I took videos here and had my sister take videos of her little family in Illinois. Now it looks like we were together this Christmas. :)

song- I Love Christmas by The Girls With Glasses

Now everyone tell me, please-

1. what was your favorite part of your Christmas weekend??

2. What was the favorite item you received??

3. What was the favorite item you gave??

My answers-

1. My favorite part was seeing my family be completely happy Christmas morning, even though it was a much smaller Christmas than years past.

2. I have two- the doll because it's sentimental and the purse because it's exactly what I wanted.

3. My favorite item I gave would be taking my sister to see The Nutcracker (post HERE). She is also in her twenties and had never seen it!!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

P.S. the WINNERS of the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza were posted yesterday!!

First Song From The Hunger Games!

2011-12-26T17:50:00.002-07:00

Taylor Swift is pretty good normally (The Civil Wars are a little more up my alley), but she's AMAZING in this song! She needs to do more like this! I think it's safe to say that not only will the movie be perfect, but the music as well!

The Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza...

2011-12-26T07:00:00.123-07:00

This is so exciting!! Lets just jump right into it!

The winner of the $25 Shop Credit to Vintage Wanna Be Shop iiiiiss...
Kristen from her blog:
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

The winner of the item of her choice from Bobonne Julie iiiiiiss...
Amber from her blog:
The Party Bird!

The winner of the headband of her choice from La Plus Belle iiiiiiss...
Eryka from her blog:
ABCDE!

The winner of the Book Garland from Yellow Bird+Yellow Beard iiiiiiiss...
Kimberly Bonham from her blog:
Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl!

The winner of the $10 Gift Card to My Remedy iiiiiiss...
Joann from her blog:
Move With Grace!

The winner of the $30 Shop Credit to Lil Noodle Bug (shop may appear empty since she took a break for Christmas) iiiiiis...
Ashley from her blog:
Vanilla Tulip!

The winner of the Hue and Hum Christmas Album from Lady Hue iiiiiis...
Aimee from her blog:
Someone's Gotta Pay!

The winner of the Key Necklace from Our Favorite Things iiiiiiss...
Madison from her blog:
Yours Truly, Madison!

The winner of the item of her choice from Squidflex Shop iiiiiiss...
Jess from her blog:
Drops of Motherhood!

The winner of the item of her choice from Breezy Days iiiiiiss...
Ashley from her blog:
Sunshine. Life. Love!

The winner of the 2 month Large Ad Space from And Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson iiiiiiiss...
Jenni from her blog:
Jenni Austria Germany!

The winner of the Frankie Magazine from Foxy Whiskers iiiiiiiss...
Rachel from her blog:
XOXO Rachel Sayumi!

The winner of the Feather Necklace from Fox and Owl iiiiiiiss...
Hannah from her blog:
Hannah's Corner!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the winners! Please email me at gentrileeblog(at)gmail(dot)com ASAP so I can help get you your prize!

IF I do not hear from a winner within 48 hours, I will draw a new winner!

Thank you so much to all who entered! It was such a fun giveaway! :D

Happy Monday everyone!

Christmas in the Ancient Americas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.007-07:00

It's funny that we have to "find" Christ in Christmas. Why did we lose Him? Without Him- there would be no Christmas. We get so caught up in the gift giving that we forget the most important gift that was ever given- His life, for ours.

I am a Mormon- a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We believe in the Bible, but we also believe in The Book of Mormon. It is ANOTHER testament of Jesus Christ- another witness that He did indeed live. Have you ever wondered what it was like in other parts of the world? In the Book of Mormon we learn from Nephi, an ancient American Prophet, what the first Christmas was like in the Americas.

Christs birth had been prophesied by many Prophets. In the 3rd book of Nephi, we learn of one- Samuel the Lamanite, who told of Christs birth 5 years before His coming. He stood on a wall and preached the words God had commanded him. He told of how on the night of Christs birth it would be as if it were day and that a new star would rise. As he stood on the wall and spoke these words men cast arrows at him- but they could not hit him.

Heleman 14: 2-3 & 5
"2. And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on His name.
3. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of His coming, for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before He cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.
5. And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you."

5 years had almost passed and those unbelievers began to rejoice. They set apart a day where all those who believed Samuels words should be put to death- lest the signs should come. The believers were steadfast, and Nephi began to pray to the Lord in behalf of his people, and the Lord answered him...

3rd Nephi 1:13-15 & 21
"13. Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I unto the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.
14.... And behold the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.
15. And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.
21. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word."

Christmas was celebrated all over the world then, and is celebrated all over the world now. Let us remember WHY we celebrate. It is because our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer came to earth to redeem us from our sins. To show us how to live, and to die so that we could live with Him forever.

Let us be like the Wise men of old- and seek Him out this Christmas season, and always. For "wise men still seek Him."

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL time with your family, friends, or however you celebrate this special time of year.

(just a look at some of my Christmas' past. The big one includes myself in the white t-shirt, my two sisters, two little cousins, and my Grandpa as Santa. The top little pic is me as a baby, aw! And the bottom little pic is me in my Christmas ball gown when I was 6ish)

I will be spending the day with my family, seeing a couple of movies, and playing games. Then tomorrow will be filled with friends, family, great food, skyping Christmas morning with my sister, BIL, nieces, and nephew, and Church. :)

How are you going to be spending your weekend?? I'd love to hear. :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Remember- the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza ends tonight at Midnight! Enter now if you haven't yet. :D

P.S. I'm guest posting over at Someone In Mind today about finding Christ in Christmas. :) I'll be posting the same post here tomorrow if you miss it. But I'd love for you to read it and check Erin's blog out. It's a good one!

These are a few of my Favorite Things

2011-12-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I hope you are all having a jolly Holiday season! I am on break for the next few days (from work) and am super excited to sleep, watch THIS show, and hang out with the fam. What are you excited for??

Busy Bee Lauren has been doing a series called "totally rad Tuesdays" where she shares her favorite things she's spotted around blogland that week. I kind of love that idea and decided to do my own "favorite things" post today. :) So, here are some of my favorites I've seen this week in blogland.

Kate from "From the Guest Room" shared this video the other day and it literally brought tears to my eyes. SO sweet!

Polly from "The Littlest Polly" makes THE cutest bow ties in the world! I basically NEED one now... One of her bow ties was even featured in Frankie Magazine!

Bri's Christmas photo shoot from "The Secret Life of Bee" was so cute. Look at this photo! Amazing!

Brooke and Summer from "The Girls with Glasses Show" shared their AMAZING and FREE (for a tweet or fb post) Christmas song! It's seriously a new favorite of mine.

Sarah's year in review post over at "A Lost Feather" was filled with gorgeous photos. She always shares the best adventures.

Lex shared her CUTE Christmas card the other day over at "He and I" and I had to pin it. Loved it too much!

A few bloggers got together and wrote a Blogger version of "The Night Before Christmas". So great! Especially loved the part about Santa doing a Fashion Post. haha! (I found it on The Shine Project, so I'll link you there, but all the links of the blogs that participated are included in the story.)

Twas the Night Before Christmas
{blog style}

Twas the night before Christmas, while scheduling posts on the blog
Not a child was stirring, they were bumps on a log.
Facebook was quiet no updates to see,
I sure hope Santa remembers presents for me!
{Michelle @ the Momma Bird}

Oliver was chewing his bone by the fire,
his eyes were heavy, he was so very tired.
I had on my onesie covered with penguins you see,
hoping that under the mistletoe Mike would meet me.
{Ashley @ The Shine Project}

When out on the web there arose such a clatter,
from the Duggars &cloth diapering, to family matters.
Away to my laptop I started typing away,
25 blog posts to schedule before Christmas day!
{Lacy @ Living on Love}

The room was a mess and life was on hold,
as the luster of my screen showed I had one more post to go.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
{Melanie @ Catelmo Family Blog}

With a plump red belly and a white beard to boot,
I knew it was Santa Clause delivering his loot,
With a voice that sounded much like Tom Hanks,
He shouted out to his flying ranks:
{Kendra @ Our Little Almanac}

Can you hear that baby?! Happy, now sad, now laughing, now crying!
Little girl don’t you know, tonight’s the night in which I am flying!
From the boppy to the bed, all in one fell swoop. Let’s scurry off to bed, for your mommy is pooped!
{Alexandra @ My Blog Kip}

As the wind picks up and the snow is falling,
We are met with deadlines and emails are calling.
So up to the house the laptop now closes,
With a sleigh full of Giveaways and cheeks all a rosey.
{Beth @ Through the Eyes of the Mrs.}

And then as I took a sip of my tea
I heard, on the roof, someone louder than me.
I quickly grabbed my flask to spike my large cup.
Oh phew, it’s just Santa, here to make my pageviews go up.
{Niki @ NoVa Mom Blog}

He was dressed all in red, it was a nice little look,
And a noticed in his bag, a little silver Macbook.
He took out his Mac, took a seat in a chair,
Then connected to the web, and said, “I like to share what I wear.”
{Lacey @ Little Miss Nerd Girl}

His Iphone did twinkle! His Ipad did glow.
His fingers like ice cubes, his pointer like snow.
He looked for his warmers, they went on with a pop,
he could text and browse thanks, to the Hollie Rogue Shop!
{Andi @ The Hollie Rogue}

The click of the mouse beneath His forefinger,
As upon another blog post his eyes did linger.
But alas he grimaced in pure consternation
As he saw that dreaded prompt “Word Verification”
{Misty @ Through A Photographers Eyes}

He was savvy and smart, a solo Geek Squad in red,
And I followed each detailed instruction he said.
And my blog design problems were through, I could tell,
For Santa, it seems, sure knows html.
{Cat @ Stuff I Love}

I sat at my desk, typing away with a smirk,
choosing words and pics to display all my quirks.
Each word and sentence slowly turns into prose,
the night ticks away, as the bright screen still glows.
{Mary @ Lily White}

I sprang to my laptop, not a moment to lose,
and feverishly typed while G continued to snooze.
I looked out the window, as he disappeared into the night,
wishing Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”
{Jac @ BabEblessings}

Well, there are my favorite things from throughout the week. I'd love if you shared some of your favorites with me!!

P.S. have you entered the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza yet?! It ends tomorrow- Christmas Eve at Midnight MST! Go go go! Win yourself an extra Christmas present! :D

So um, I'm about ten years late on this one...

2011-12-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

But my sister just introduced me to this series... And she regrets it. I watched it so much tonight that she had to kick me off, and I mean that literally... We had quite the struggle... and I lost. She told me to go blog. So I did... and this is all I can think about. How sad am I?! haha!

Have any of you watched this show? I never thought I could like a show about aliens... Especially one that aired 10+ years ago. I was VERY skeptical the first time i watched, but I was hooked within the first few minutes.

In other news-

The Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza ends Saturday at Midnight!! Better enter now! There are a ton of opportunities to win yourself an extra Christmas present! :D

and

I shared my AMAZING sugar cookie recipe HERE yesterday. I mean it when I say it's THE best. Let me know if you try it out! :)

Holiday Decor

2011-12-21T07:00:00.002-07:00

Here's a look at what my home looks like around this time of year. I grew up in this house and my mom does a wonderful job of decorating each holiday. But Christmas is the best. It's beautiful, cozy, and magical. I hope you enjoy the little tour...

Here's a view of the daytime...

There's actually a funny story about our tree. You can read that in my guest post over at Nat the Fat Rat. It's a good one. :)

And a night view...

This is a music box I got for Christmas a long time ago. It was one of those things I wanted so badly. I was so excited when I got it. It's no ordinary music box. It has 4 different scenes from The Nutcracker, the curtains open and close in between each scene, and it plays 8 different songs from The Nutcracker. :)

Every little detail is taken care of. There are things to see everywhere you turn. It sure made Christmas memorable growing up here. :)

Do you like decorating for Christmas? Do you go all out or keep it simple??

P.S. I'm doing a Christmas guest post over at Mrs. DTF today! Check it out if you have a sec.

P.P.S. Be sure to enter the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza if you haven't yet! It ends Christmas Eve at Midnight!

Year in Review

2011-12-20T07:00:00.017-07:00

For some reason I thought I wasn't going to do this, why? I don't know. But then I got to thinking about how great of a year it really was. I've come a long way from where I was at the beginning of the year. And while you won't really see it in this post, I see it in myself, and I'm so grateful for it.

As New Years is approaching I'm starting to wonder what 2012 will have in store for me. Will it be a good year? Will it be a hard year? Will I accomplish a goal? Will the world end? ;) I have this weird thing where I can tell how the year is going to be before it happens. Maybe it's just me being strange, maybe it's me taking a thought and making it happen, maybe I really do have psychic abilities (something I've often told my family I have. haha!). Whatever it is, I've never been wrong.

Last New Years I knew that this was going to be a good year, and I was right. Yes, this has also been a challenging year. My family's gone through some difficult things and I know that there's always bad with the good. But the good far outweighed the bad this year, and for that I am truly grateful.

I had many moments this year where I literally had to stop and take a mental picture. It was too wonderful, too important to let slip by. Things that I knew I needed to remember for as long as I live.

This year I:

Rock climbed! While it wasn't anything serious, I was terrified. I DO NOT (did not?) rock climb for real. Give me a fake wall- sure. But the real thing always seemed too unpredictable. Well, I did it anyways! And without a lot of fancy equipment too! Just a rope and the know-how of my dad. :)
Met bloggers in real life! Not only did I meet many amazing ladies, but we still get together! I've made more friends this year (from all over the world) than I have ever before.
Rode (is that right? it suddenly looks wrong) in a "cage" across a canyon! Using nothing but a pulley system, my family and I crossed a canyon on one of the best hikes I've ever taken.
Flew over the tallest mountain in North America! While it did make me sick (what can ya do?), it was amazing. I'm so glad I seized that opportunity.
Saw the most amazing lake in the world! Seriously, someone take me to a lake that is more perfect than Lake Louise in Banff National Park. If there are any bloggers that live there or in Jasper, make room for me, because I'm moving there! Jk, but I would consider it!
Learned about photography! While I am NO expert, my photography skills have GREATLY improved.
Walked on 5(?) glaciers! Each one was different, and each amazing.
Drove from Anchorage, Alaska to SLC, Utah! That was actually my second time doing that. Except the first time it was the other way around.

I could go on and on about 2011. The couple years before this one weren't the easiest. I was happy they were over. While I know I'll be sad to see '11 go, I'm excited to see what 2012 has in store. :)

What about you? Did you have a good year? Or are you ready to move on?
(you can actually read about some of my travels in my guest post over at A Dreamer's Daze today!)

P.S. Enter my Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza HERE!

P.P.S. If you would like to sponsor Gentri Lee, check out my sponsor page HERE.

Calling all January Sponsors!

2011-12-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I just updated my sponsor page. If you are interested in sponsoring Gentri Lee, please email me at gentrileeblog(at)gmail(dot)com. I would love to have you! :)

CLICK HERE
for sponsor info

Blogger of the Week: Running in Heels

2011-12-19T07:00:00.043-07:00

Hey guys! Today we have the guest post from this weeks Blog of the Week- Nicole from her blog "Running in Heels". She has such a fun blog and inspires me all the time with her love of running. So read her post then head on over to her blog and give her some love!

***

Hi there, Gentri Lee readers!

I'm Nicole & I blog over at Running in Heels

Yup, that's me. Although it's a little bit mis-leading. Because I only look like that once every few weeks when I decide getting ready is necessary (that photo was taken on Thanksgiving, hence me wearing makeup). Most of the time, you'll spot me looking like this:

Because I'm a runner. And between attending class to become a Physical Therapist and running to stay active, my wardrobe consists mostly of those fabulous drifit running clothes. So if you're looking for a fashion blog, I'd recommend you continue your search elsewhere, unless of course you find spandex and sweaty hair fashionable :)

Being the health & fitness nerd that I am, I blog a lot about living healthy and you guessed it, running. I also blog about my life, which is crazy at times, and my adventure of returning to college after taking 2 years off. Who would have guessed it. Not me! Anyway, I've been running for about 12 years now, so it's safe to say that it has become a part of my not-so-normal, everyday life. I ran my first half marathon when I was in college, and my first full marathon the very next year. Since, I've become an addict, what can I say.

I also have an addict dog. Dakota was welcomed into my life when I lived in Colorado after I graduated from college, and quickly grew to love running just like her mama. The minute she sees me putting on my running gear, it's all over. And those days when I don't want to run, well, just imagine saying no to this sweet face:

Doesn't happen much. And since I treat her like she's my baby, you'll see a lot of her on my blog.

She kind of tends to steal the show.

I'm also a country girl at heart, even though I grew up and currently live in the city. It's kind of weird if you think about it. But I have this desire deep down inside to be a true Southern Belle. I want to be able to say "bless your heart" on a daily basis without getting looked at like I've lost my mind. I also want to drink sweet tea all day everyday. Northerners just don't know how to do sweet tea, or bless people's hearts. Another reason I want to be a Southern Belle and live in the country is because I'd like to have the option to do this:

Even though Southern Belles probably don't do that. Can't please 'em all. But you definitely can't be pulling that thing out in the city. That was the first time I ever shot a gun by the way, and it just-so-happened to be 3 short months ago while visiting family in Missouri. I screamed directly after I pulled the trigger because that thing almost blew my shoulder out. Maybe I should just stick to running. And keeping spandex and sweaty hair fashionable!

Love,
Nicole

***

I absolutely LOVE Nicole! So please go check out her blog right HERE!

P.S. Have you entered the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza yet?!

Daily Life pt. 2!

2011-12-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

How has everyone's weekend been? Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? I decided to try and get one more small gift, so I guess technically I haven't finished. But I did send off my Secret Santa gift (which I happen to know was received), my presents to my nieces and nephew, and wrap the ones I had for those I'm closer to (geographically speaking).

1. Presents all wrapped and under the tree! Tags c/o Wonder Forest. (it's a free printable! Took my presents from drab to FAB! haha! Find them HERE.)
2. I will never tire of that view.
3. Miss Elizabeth took pity on the fact that there's no Trader Joe's here and sent me some of the peppermint cookie sandwiches! Yummy AND festive!
4. You can't tell, but that's a picture of my breath. It's SO cold, I don't know if I'll make it through another winter. Although today is supposed to get up to 40! Celebrate good times.

One more thing. Remember that hat that I wanted so badly but didn't buy?? Well, my sister was so kind and bought it as a late (like 6 months late, but I don't care) birthday present for me! What do you think?!

If you want one of your own you can find it HERE.

Have a great Sunday everyone! And if you haven't entered the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza yet, well, I just don't have anything to say to you...

Jk, ENTER!

We're Back!

2011-12-17T09:00:00.005-07:00

Remember the little Halloween Blogger Rap I shared? Well here's the Christmas version... non-rap version. :)

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

This video includes: Ashley, Emma, Alexis, Lauren

*note* I used these girls because I already had their "heads" made from the Halloween video and they had photos that worked for what these videos require.

Have you entered the Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza yet?? You should! There are SO many amazing things up for grabs!

P.S. I had a couple guest posts publish this week. One at Hudson's Happenings, Young and Naive, and one at La Vita e Bella. My mason jar snowglobes were also featured this week over at Good Magazine! Check em out! :)

Daily Life... and a winner!

2011-12-15T07:00:00.021-07:00

Happy almost weekend, everyone! Can you believe Christmas is only 9 days away?! What?! Speaking of Christmas, did you enter my CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY EXTRAVAGANZA yet??? No?? Well go go go! There are so many goodies up for grabs!

Wanna know what's been going on in my life lately?? I'll tell you!

1. See that cute bunting banner?? Won it from Miss Lo's giveaway. It's from Miss Romi's shop! I love it and it came SUPER fast even though it was sent from Australia.
2. I haven't had a pair of legit snow boots since I was a kid. If I plan on snowshoeing soon, I better have a decent pair. So I bought these ones. What do you think?
3. LOVING Mindy Gledhill's Christmas album "Winter Moon". Do yourself a favor and listen to the entire album HERE. OR visit the post I did a few days ago about my favorite Christmas songs, if you're looking for something different to listen to this year.
4. I can't do a picture post without including a pic of my beautiful mountains (yes, they're mine).
5. Finished my Christmas shopping!! :D
6. I spent the other night curled up in bed reading the Frankie Magazine that was sent to me by Miss Lou. Want a copy? You can win one in my CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY EXTRAVAGANZA!
7. New socks and new snow make it feel a lot like Christmas.
8. Last few apples hanging in an orchard.
9. Didn't buy this hat... should I go back and get it? Or no? Be honest. I know I'm small, so is it too much?

What's been going on in your lives lately?! Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet??

P.S. The winner of the Dave Owens Music Giveaway iiiiiiiiiiiiis...

Miss Emma Frances from her blog:
Race & Emma!

Email me please. :)

Merry Christmas To My Bloggy Friends

2011-12-14T07:00:00.152-07:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!

I've got a present for you today! My lovely sponsors have donated WONDERFUL items for you to win! There are so many goodies up for grabs today, I can hardly stand it! Eeep! So lets get started!

$25 Shop Credit to the Vintage Wanna Be Shop

Blog/ Shop

Vintage Item of Your Choice (excluding new arrivals) from Bobonne Julie

Blog/ Shop

Headband of Your Choice from La Plus Belle

Blog/ Shop

Vintage Book Garland from Yellow Bird + Yellow Beard

Blog/ Shop

$10 Coupon to My Remedy from Boyish Chic

Blog/ Shop

$30 Shop Credit from Lil Noodle Bug

Blog/ Shop

Hue & Hum Christmas Album from Hue & Hum

Blog/ Shop

Key Necklace from Our Favourite Things

Blog/ Shop

Item of Your Choice from Squidflex

Blog/ Shop

Item of Your Choice from Breezy Days

Blog/ Shop

2 Month Large Ad Spot from And Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson

Blog

*Frankie Magazine from Foxy Whiskers

Blog

Feather Necklace from Fox and Owl

Blog/ Shop

*YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF GENTRI LEE VIA GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT TO ENTER*

Entries (the more you do, the better your chances!):

:::Spread the word about this giveaway via any social networking site you belong to (leave a comment for each re-blog/tweet/facebook/etc)

:::Follow the blogs of my sponsors (leave a comment for each blog followed)

:::Visit one of my sponsor's shops and tell me which shop you visited and which item was your favorite (leave a comment for each shop visited)

:::Leave a comment for anything extra of mine you follow (facebook, bloglovin', etc. Leave a comment for each one)

BONUS:

You can all be a winner!

Jamie from Jamie B. Designs is offering a 30% discount to all those who use the code "GENTRI" at checkout!

This giveaway will run from now until Christmas Eve- December 24th at Midnight MST and a separate winner will be drawn for each prize!

*she sent me one, I LOVE it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My Christmas Playlist

2011-12-13T07:00:00.044-07:00

Hey guys! I pretty much have the best Christmas playlist ever, and decided it was time to share it. :) haha! Jk. But it is PRETTY awesome. I love the classics- OF COURSE! But I really love finding new Christmas songs. So here is my list of the best NEW Christmas songs. Some are full albums, some are singles, some I only like the one song on the album. You know how it goes.

I also know that this post is kind of a mess, but since a lot of these aren't super well known I couldn't make an online playlist (to my knowledge. you know? help a sista out!), and I wanted you to be able to check out a piece of each one right here, so I decided to post videos from youtube. (except for number 3, because they don't have any videos on youtube.)

1. Mindy Gledhill's "Winter Moon" Album (there's a regular non-puppet version too)

2. The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs (most of the album)

3. The Lower Lights "Come Let Us Adore Him" Album
<p>&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thelowerlights.bandcamp.com/album/come-let-us-adore-him"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Come Let Us Adore Him by The Lower Lights&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

4. A Fine Frenzie "Oh, Blue Christmas" Album

5. Cold Play "Christmas Lights" Single

6. The Weepies "All That I Want" single

7. Meghan Smith "Wish Upon A Star" Album

8. Enya "And Winter Came" Album

9. She & Him "A Very She & Him Christmas" Album

10. Hue and Hum "Hue & Hum Christmas" (Pst! Hue- Caitlin, blogs over HERE!)

BONUS:
You can download a free track from Hue & Hum by Liking and visiting their Facebook Page! :D

P.S. You only have until Midnight tonight to enter the Dave Owens Music giveaway! Go go go!

P.P.S. something VERY exciting will be happening here tomorrow! So be sure to check back!! Eeep!

Blogger of the Week: Life Like Honey

2011-12-12T07:00:00.003-07:00

Hey guys! First- a few days ago I shared a funny Christmas Tree story over at Nat the Fat Rat. Some of you may have already seen it, but if not- go take a look! :D

Today we've got the guest post from this weeks "Blog of the Week"! This week is the lovely Teaka from her blog Life Like Honey. It's a beautiful blog and she posts about a variety of things. She's studying fashion design, has a twin, and lives with her hubby in Canada. Read and then go say hi to Teaka at her blog!

***

Hi all you Gentri Lee followers and new viewers. I’m Teaka from over at Life Like Honey. What an honor that you’ve taken time out of your incredibly busy day to read up a bit about who I am and about my small bit of space in the vast world of blogging.

My blog is a place where I write about the sweeter things in life that I love and see. This includes things like sewing, DIYS, personal relationship, design, fashion, food and so forth. Some of my reader’s favorite items on my blog include random, easy DIY and new recipes I’ve found or made up. I love to sew so I try to show case new things I’ve sewn or designed that you may find interesting. There’s also a weekly feature called Marriage, Love and Fun feature where I get a friend or a guest blogger (maybe it could be you next time!) to answer a few question about their married life and pass on some fun hints to keep the passion/love going on or any tips they have. Bust mostly, like I said, I write about what I love and see.

In my personal life I’m married to a handsome man named Jonathan and together we live in a cute little city in Alberta, Canada. He works a full time job while I go to school and work part time. I go to school as a fashion design student (hence loving to sew) and though I’m so thankful to be in school I also can’t wait to dip my toe in the big world of design and starting my own seamstress business.

Other random things about me, I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan so my heart will always long for the prairies. I’m a twin (Shout out to my sister Elizabeth) and I’m sure that having a twin is the one of the greatest experiences on earth. I also quite enjoy mustard yellow, chocolate, skirts with sweater tights and one day I want a tall, brown poodle.

Thanks for taking time to read a little bit about me and my blog. I hope you can stop by some time to check things out and drop me a message. I’d love to meet you and come over to your blog space.

-Teaka

***

Lovely, right? So hop on over to her blog right now and give her some love!

Sister Date- The Nutcracker

2011-12-11T07:00:00.005-07:00

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend! Last night I took my sister to see the Nutcracker for her first time ever! She's in her twenties and had never seen it... Being dancers (well we used to be), and since schools will often go see it for a field trip, you'd think she would have seen it at least once before, nope. So for part of her Christmas present- I took her to see it.
*NOTE* I forgot my camera... my iPhone had to do.

We first showed up at the wrong theater (doh!), but luckily the correct theater was a short walk away.

It was beautiful and the dancing was superb.

Needless to say- she loved it! We had a great time and enjoyed talking "dance" for a little bit after.

How was your weekend?? Did you do anything fun??

My Christmas Wishlist

2011-12-09T07:00:00.026-07:00

And it's a long one... Good thing I've been EXTRA good this year! I decided to make my wishlist on Pinterest. That way it would provide easy access to the particular items I am craving, for my sister- who "has me" for Christmas (we drew names this year). Maybe it'll help you find that particular item for someone you're shopping for!

How amazing is this vintage picnic set?! I found it on Fossil's website, but it's gone now. *tear* Although it said "not recommended for food and drink storage." What does that mean?!

Source: fossil.com via Gentri on Pinterest

I would love a NICE camera. But until that happens I'd love a vintage (style) camera!

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Gentri on Pinterest

How fun is this?! You get to cross stitch your own pattern! I'm very picky in my iPhone case choices, so this would be perfect!

Source: purlbee.com via Gentri on Pinterest

I've wanted this for a while now... Not that much would be scratched off, but I still want it just the same. And maybe one day it will all be able to be scratched off. :)

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Gentri on Pinterest

I NEED these for winter running!! Seriously. I usually opt to run without music in the winter since wearing headphones under a hat, earmuffs, or headband- hurts! This solves all my problems. haha!

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Gentri on Pinterest

This pillow is from my friend Savannah's shop. So beautiful.

Source: etsy.com via Gentri on Pinterest

I've also wanted this for a while.

Source: romwe.com via Gentri on Pinterest

I am not a purse person. I'm VERY picky when it comes to bags. I won't carry around a big, bulky, flashy bag that I loose everything in. I like small, satchel, rugged looking bags. This one from Fossil hit the spot (there's also another one I like). And I'm in desperate need of a new bag! I mean DESPERATE!

Source: fossil.com via Gentri on Pinterest

What's on your Christmas Wish List??

Hopefully you wont have a disappointing Christmas morning like this little one...

Oh! Want something totally random, totally addicting, and totally fun to do?? Totally?! Then click HERE! (thanks Emily for that one!)

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Dave Owens Music Giveaway for a chance to win his SIGNED album! SO GOOD!

P.P.S. You guys convinced me. :) I am going to leave my new hair as is- at least for a few weeks. :) Why damage perfectly good hair?? Thank you for all of your wonderful insight!!

Hair Do?

2011-12-08T07:00:00.014-07:00

I got my hair done Tuesday night.

wanna see it??

I like it in the pictures, and then I see it in person and feel it's too brown. Haha! It's melted/ ombre with a darker version of my natural color on top to a caramel color on bottom. My stylist said it will get lighter on the ends- fade, but I'm still worried. I think I want it more dramatic/ noticeable.

*NOTE* I am in NO way saying my stylist didn't do her job. She's FANTASTIC and did an amazing job, I just wasn't clear or sure of what I wanted. It's all my fault.

What do you think?? Should I keep it as is or should I go back and lighten the ends some more? It WILL dry my ends out to do that. But is it worth it?

P.S. Be sure to enter the Dave Owens Music Giveaway for a chance to win a SIGNED album! I have it and LOVE it!

Dave Owens Music- A Giveaway! Plus a Winner!

2011-12-07T07:00:00.007-07:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!

Happy Wednesday everyone! I've got a really fun giveaway for you today. :) Ever heard of Dave Owens?? Well, he happens to be Miss Mallorie's hubby (she blogs over at "Home is With You"), as well as an awesome music artist! How do I know? I have his album- and I love it! That's how I know. :)

This is my favorite song on the album... have a listen!

I'm so happy that Dave and Mallorie are experiencing such success with Dave's music. Not only is it played on the radio internationally, but it's been picked up by television networks such as MTV, VH1, E!, Discovery, and Oxygen!!

Dave and Mallorie are graciously giving one lucky winner a copy of Dave's album!! Here's what you have to do to enter:

Mandatory:

Follow Dave on Twitter

Extra Entries:

Join Dave's mailing list on his Website
Like Dave's Facebook Page
Follow Gentri Lee (you are here)
Follow Mallorie's blog "Home is With You"
Like Gentri Lee on Facebook
Follow Gentri Lee via Bloglovin'
Like Home is With You on Facebook
Follow Mallorie on Twitter
Make up a "Sneaky Dance" to go along with "The Sneaky Song" (listen HERE)

That's 10 possible entries! You have until next Tuesday- December 13th, at Midnight to enter! Go go go!

***

We also have a winner from the "Rolled Up Pretty" giveaway!

And the winner iiiiiiiiisssssss...

Chelsea from her blog

Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles!!

Congrats Chelsea! Email me ASAP so I can get you set up with Savannah to claim your prize! :D

A Look Back

2011-12-06T07:00:00.012-07:00

Hey everyone! Are you having a good start to your week? Already ready for the weekend? haha! I'm guest posting over at A Lost Feather today. Sarah's blog is one of my favorites, so I highly recommend you hop on over!

Lately as the seasons have changed from Autumn to Winter, I've been daydreaming of warmer times. It's been so cold here, bitterly cold. I can hardly stand it, and I'm reminded why I don't love Winter. So today I'm going to step back to this past Summer. A time that seemed so perfect, adventurous, and warm. Well, as warm as you can get in Alaska. Which is where I spent a good part of my Summer.

If you weren't following me back then (most of you weren't) here's a summary:
My sister and her family lived in Alaska, but they were moving to the lower 48 in August. I knew it would most likely be the last chance I had to visit Alaska for a while, so I decided to put my life on hold and spend two months with them- then help them pack up and drive through Canada back to the USA. My parents even came up and stayed for a couple of weeks. Here are some of my favorite shots from that experience:
I'm just going to let the pictures do the talking... because there are a lot of them...

Mmmmmmmmmmm... Good times. I'm feeling much warmer now. :) And if that wasn't enough for you, go ahead and enjoy this video I made of my trip. I still watch it on a regular basis...

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Rolled Up Pretty giveaway! It ends tonight at Midnight!

Blogger of the Week: This Little Port

2011-12-05T07:00:00.007-07:00

Hey guys! Today we have the guest post from this week's Blogger of the Week- Gaby from her blog This Little Port. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her blog and I know you all will too! It's full of wonderful and pretty things. So read, enjoy, then hop on over to her blog and say hi!

***

Hi everyone! I'm Gaby and I blog at This Little Port. I was tickled when Gentri asked me to be her blog of the week because I think she has one of the cutest blogs around. So thanks Gentri for thinking of me!

My blog is my creative outlet and it's where I like to share stories about my life, crafting, Sydney, baking, cooking, yoga, and outdoor adventures.

A little about me: Originally from Vancouver, I've lived in Sydney with my Aussie husband for the last 3 years. I blog a lot about this adoptive country of mine, from funny stories about being an expat to photos of my frequent trips to the shore.

Other things I like to write about include:

Crafting! I love, love, love to make things. Like the skirt I'm wearing and the mini quilt I'm holding in the photo below.

Baking and cooking vegetarian food. There are lots of photos of sugar because let's face it, who doesn't love sugar?

Outdoor adventures. Especially rock climbing, which is something my husband and I do together. It's how we met, in fact.

Yoga. I'm a longtime yoga practitioner and a fairly new yoga teacher. But don't worry, I definitely don't take myself too seriously :)

(photo by Sonja Sipala)

Travel. One of my greatest passions in life, I adore seeing new places and exploring my adoptive country and the world. I just got back from Bali so there are plenty of tropical photos making their way onto my blog right now...

Me in Darwin.

I love making new blog friends so feel free to hop on over to my little corner of the blogosphere and say hi! And thanks again to Gentri for making me her blog of the week.

Gaby

***

Um, ya. Amazing right?! Now go go go visit her blog!!

Ice Skating- Check!

2011-12-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to check off the first item on my Winter to-do list this past Friday. A group of friends went ice skating and we had a blast!

I'm actually not a bad ice skater. Remember when I posted about roller skating?? Ya, ice skating is WAY easier. Maybe just because I've been ice skating more than roller skating, but I'm pretty comfortable on the ice. (not triple lutz comfortable, but you get what I mean)

I know I have crazy/ squinty eyes in this pic (I was trying to keep the boys from photo bombing us), but I like it anyways. This is my younger sister and myself.

It was so fun and I suggest you all get yourselves to an ice rink- stat!

Catching Up With Instagram... again

2011-12-02T07:00:00.013-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!
Here's what's been going on in my life lately...

1. Bought the most adorable and soft hat for my friend's baby shower. :) It was so fun catching up with all of the girls that attended
2. My shadow
3. A Christmas puppet show
4. Ordering lunch.
5. This is a photo from this last Summer up at my cabin... oh how I miss those warm sunny days.
6. Sunrise and Sunset- taken the same day
7. Found out from Pinterest (gotta love that site!) that if you place a wooden spoon over a boiling pot- it won't boil over! Totally worked.
8. Another sunset. You see a lot of those shots around this blog. 1. because I love sunsets and 2. because I live in the land of the most beautiful sunsets
9. My new hat. (I know that's kind of an awkward picture. It's the best I've got... sorry)

Now for a get to know me...
Melissa over at My Soul Is The Sky tagged me in a little get to know you questionnaire. I decided to participate because I feel like I'VE been slacking from the blog lately... here we go:

#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?

Eh... I really only have one nickname- Gen (sometimes Gent). And anyone who wants to calls me by those.

#2. What's a weird habit of yours?

I like to do things in certain orders (the way I eat my food for example)

#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?

Whatever I'm currently listening to. I don't have a "go to" song.

#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

Loud chewing... drives. me. crazy.

#6. What's one of your nervous habits?

sweating? hahahaha! I don't know. Biting my cheek?

#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

Um, I sleep on a twin... it doesn't really have "sides". But it's ok. I'm little (4'8") so I don't need much room.

#8. What was your first stuffed animal & it's name?

Oh goodness... I don't remember my first. But I remember my favorite. It was a cocker spaniel and I named him Trusty. I even scratched the name into his collar.

#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?

Well, I don't drink coffee and I know how horrible the other drinks are for you. So I try to steer clear of Starbucks... haha!

#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?

uuuuum... Sunscreen I guess. I know I should wear it, and I want to wear it. But I hate how my skin feels and smells when I do wear it.

#11. Which way do you face in the shower?

Do you guys really care to know this?? Haha! Out of course. I'm short, I'd drown if I faced the other way.

#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?

Not really. I have an awesome point (foot. I'm a dancer. Well, I was.)... I guess that could be a weird body skill... I CAN'T cross both my eyes. So it looks like I've got a weird body skill, but really I just can't do it.

#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?

Haha! This list could be a mile long. Oreos, cheetos, Costa Vida, ice cream... Oh dear... I'm drooling.

#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?

"LOVE it!" you may have noticed... haha! I know it's annoying. But it's how I feel!

#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

Summer- shorts and a tshirt

Winter- sweat pants and a sweatshirt, with 4-5 blankets.

and none of them are pretty... in the slightest.

Now- I tag ALL of you! I mean it!

Have a great weekend everyone! Tonight I should be going ice skating! Exciting! I get to cross the first item off my Winter to-do list! What are you doing this weekend?? :)

Winter To-Do List and a Winner!

2011-12-01T07:00:00.007-07:00

Hey guys! Happy Thursday! Aaaaand Happy December 1st! What?! I am pretty sure I just wrote the post about November 1st- yesterday... Who is speeding up time?! Seriously, stop it!

Well, since It's now December and "officially" Winter (I know it's not really official until Dec 21st or whatever. But I like to go by month.) I thought I'd share my Winter to-do list! Remember my Fall to-do list?? Pretty sure I accomplished everything on that list. :) So, I thought I'd keep up the good work and go for a Winter to-do list. ESPECIALLY since Winter is my least favorite season. It's too cold, lasts too long, and the snow?? Only OK until Valentines Day. So hopefully this list will help me enjoy the winter a little bit more.

Here we go...

1. Go Snowshoeing (I'm planning a trip that may kill me... wish me luck...)
2. Go Ice Skating (going Friday!)
3. Build a Snowman
4. Go enjoy the festivities Downtown
5. See the Nutcracker Ballet (taking my sister as part of her Christmas gift. We're a family of dancers and she's NEVER seen it! It's a crime, really.)
6. Attend a Holiday Party that I have to dress up fancy for
7. Take a Sleigh Ride (horse drawn- of course)
8. Make either Sugar Cookies, Ginger Bread Cookies, or a Ginger Bread House

Next- Rach from Family Ever After is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party on her blog. I couldn't resist entering this lovely gem.

And yes, those are bell earrings, yes I was that blonde, yes this picture is slightly awkward. What picture of an ugly Christmas sweater isn't though?

We also have another winner to announce! Thanks to all who entered the TJLundin&Co. giveaway! The winner iiiiiiissssss....

Memory (is that right?? I had to do some blog stalking to find it...) from her blog
Lowercase Letters!!

Congrats lady! Email me asap so I can get you in contact with Tiffany!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Rolled Up Pretty Giveaway!

P.P.S. I am guest posting over at Eclectic Snapshots today for Amanda's Birthday! Check it!

Rolled Up Pretty Giveaway and Poshlocket Winner!

2011-11-30T07:00:00.009-07:00

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Hey guys!

We have another AWESOME giveaway happening today! Whoop whoop! Today's giveaway comes from someone I not only consider a great bloggy friend, but also a great real life friend! Yep- we've met in real life. I am super lucky!

Meet Savannah from Rolled Up Pretty. She just opened up the PRETTIEST pillow shop on the block! The Etsy block that is.

Rolled Up Pretty

(on Etsy)

"I have always loved pillows. I think they are the easiest and best way to brighten up any space. I started making pillows for myself about five years ago, and just recently decided to sell them. Unlike a lot of shops, my pillow prices include the cover AS WELL as the faux down pillow insert which is a very nice pillow that feels a lot like a real down feather pillow. This is a GREAT deal considering you get both the fun cover and the insert. I hope you like what you see and please don't hesitate to email me at savannah(at)rolleduppretty(dot)com if you have any questions. When I run out of pillows in my shop, I can still make more. Just contact me and let me know which one(s) you would like. Have a great day and happy shopping with the 25% off code. I think these pillows would be a really fun Christmas present for a loved one! Don't you?! :)"

-Savannah

So first- not only are you going to have the chance to win one of these beauties BUT Savannah is also offering a 25% discount to ALL of you! Just use the code ROLLEDUPPRETTY25 at checkout! :D

Now, if you live in the USA and would like to win one of these pretties here's what you need to do...

Mandatory:

Follow Savannah's BLOG via GFC (google friend connect)

Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each thing you do. Makes my day so much easier):

Follow Gentri Lee via GFC (you are here)
Heart Savannah's Etsy Shop
Follow Gentri Lee via Bloglovin'
Follow Savannah via Bloglovin'
Follow Gentri Lee via Facebook
Follow Savannah via Facebook
Follow Savannah via Twitter
Follow Savannah via Pinterest
Visit Savannah's shop and Heart your favorite item- then come back and tell me which one it is
Blog about the giveaway
Facebook about the giveaway
Tweet about the giveaway
Spread the word about this giveaway via any other social media site you can think of
Wish someone Happy Holidays while doing "Double Dream Hands" (people always ask if my "fun" entries really count. OF COURSE they really count. And they make me happy. :))

That's 15 Possible ways to enter!! Go go go! :D

Also! We have a WINNER for the Poshlocket giveaway! Hooray!

Congrats tooooooooooooo...

Annika from her blog
A Sweet Release!

Email me so i can set you up with Poshlocket!

And don't forget to enter the TJLundin&Co. Giveaway going on right now!