Corner News-January 2, 2016!

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Welcome to the first official post of 2016!  2015 was an amazing year, but we want to make 2016 even better.

But, before 2016 even got started, we took a family vacation to Morro Bay.  This beautiful beach destination is only about 2 hours away from us, so it’s nice for a day trip.

After we arrived and had lunch, we started walking down the street for some shopping.  But before we could get anywhere, we saw some seals sunbathing on a deck.  Why not take a picture of them?

Sunbathing Seals

Next, we did some store looking.  It’s like window shopping, but we actually go into the store and look around.  This particular store always has these star lights in it, so Haley and I like to look at them.  Of course, I took a picture of the pink ones.

Star Lights

Next, we went to mom and my favorite store.  It is called the Garden Gallery and it has some beautiful items that it has for decoration.  They had a lot of Christmas Trees up that had different decorations.

I also saw this adorable old fashion car in The Garden Gallery.  How cute is it?

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So after all of our hard shopping, we had to go get candy.  There’s a great little place called Kelly’s Candies that we get all of our sweets from.  Haley decided to pull an Ariana Grande and “lick” the candy before taking it home.

Jelly Belly

But the staple of the store is the Dutch mints.  They are hard candy shells with a soft mint inside.  Mom and I always buy a bag or we will be sad.

Pastel Dutch Mints

And finally, we made it to the beach!  It was an absolutely beautiful day, so why not make a video to document the day?

I hope that you enjoyed our little mini vacation.  It was a great way to spend our New Years Eve and it was a great way to start off the new blog year!

sparkle

Organization for the New Year

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Wow! Christmas is over! Can you believe it!? We had a wonderful family day on Thursday, just the four of us. On Christmas Day, we spent the morning at the animal shelter helping out and then spent the rest of the day with my husband’s family. On Saturday, we went to my parents for the afternoon and evening. I got to spend time with my 2 favorite great-nieces (Hi girls!!). I had so much fun playing with them and reading books with them. The 3 year old was so excited about one of her presents, she actually squealed! So fun to have little ones around again!

But now, back to reality. Time to get organized! At least this is when I usually tackle it. I leave my Christmas decor up until New Years Day, so I have these few day to get all my paperwork in order. My husband and I already went through our files of documents, such as warrenties,  policies and receipts. Now on to my overstuffed cupboard!  See all those papers piled there? Yeah…I have my work cut out for me.

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Once I get the papers separated, they will go into these binders. I know most things are on the internet and Pinterest now, but sometimes I just like to sit and go through a book of ideas. I guess I am old fashioned that way. I have a binder for  crafts, travel, recipes and parties, and decorating.

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I have these fancy schmancy dividers!! I am just so fancy like that!

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Ugh! This is what I pulled out of the cupboard and a few other random places. I divide it up by categories as best as I can. I have a few pieces of chocolate to help me get through! We do what we have to do!!

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Now it looks even worse, but I have gone through it and divided it up into categories and placed the papers that go into each binder, together.

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I pull out each binder, 3-hole punch the paper and then place it into the correct spot. This year I really went through the old stuff and cleaned it out. Anything outdated, or I know I will never do or try, or it’s just not my style anymore, got thrown into this huge pile on the floor. Hello recycle!

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So my binders are all updated and placed back in the cupboard. It really feels good to get that done.

One last tip to show you. If you have pets, which we have several of (ahem), keeping a pet medical file is a huge help. I used to have to go through the file cabinet to find when they last had shots or other information, but then a fellow dog person in 4-H showed me this wonderful idea. Take a 3-ring binder and divide it up by each animal. Hole punch each paper that goes with that animal and put it behind their name. Ta-da! No more searching. I have all the vaccine information, micro-chip numbers, any meds they take, all at my fingertips.

Here is the front. Duke is no longer with us and I have to add Scamp and Rozy.

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Here is Ezzy’s section. Behind her picture are all her medical records, starting from when we got her through today.

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Even the micro-chip records are in here. Putting in a plug for micro-chips. Get it done!!! It helped us find Chica once when she was lost.

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So there you have it! Just a couple of tips to help you get organized for 2016! I hope you all have a safe and happy new year!

Sunshine and Blessings

 

Our Holiday Fashion Show

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Just a few more days till Christmas!! Aahhh! Are you ready! I think I am set. Just have to get the food for the parties, but I didn’t want to buy it too early. Now that the present shopping is done, the house is decorated, the cookies baked, it’s time to think about what you are going to wear to the get-together’s. What? You don’t know yet? Well, Lauren and I are here to help! We put together a few different outfits that will hopefully inspire you with pieces you already own.

First, we took the same black skirt and styled it two different ways. I wore it with a blue and black print flowy shirt, black tights and boots. I added this blue/black tweed jacket which I found for $7 at a local thrift store. Lauren is so jealous!

Fashion 2015 Pam Black and Blue

To style, take a basic black skirt, black tights and boots, and match it with a print top and cute jacket or coat. I chose blue and black because I wanted to use my ‘new’ jacket, but you could use any color combination.

Fashion 2015 Pam Blue and Black Coat

 

Here is Lauren in the same black skirt.  Hello.  Lauren speaking.  I took this black skirt and added a cream lace top that I purchased from the coast.  I put a cream tank top under the top and a chain and rhinestone layered necklace.  To finish the look, I wore my black quilted boots that I absolutely adore!  This look is young and cute and I could wear this to every party that I go to.

Fashion 2015 Lauren Black and White

My second look for Christmas is a little more casual. I paired white jeans, (yes, you can wear them after Labor Day :)), with a soft grey sweater. I like how this sweater has a drawstring to gather the top and also ribbing around the wrists and waist. I gives it a little dressier look. I added a pearl and silver long necklace and grey flats. By the way, this is where Chica starts photo-bombing all my pictures. LOL!

Fashion 2015 Pam White Jeans and Grey sweater

If it’s too cold for flats were you live, try skinny jeans and boots.

Fashion 2015 Pam Grey and White

My second outfit is a blue dress that I bought from Forever 21 early last year.  I love how it looks and it is really comfortable.  I added some brown boots that I bought from a local store that look very similar to my black boots.  They are so comfortable!

Fashion 2015 Lauren Blue Dress and Brown Boots

Also, is it time to open presents yet?

Fashion 2015 Lauren Blue Dress and Boots

This look is a red shirt-dress from Walmart. It is still available online and it’s only $10! Here is the link. It has tiny white polka-dots all over. I actually found this one in the store, but when I asked, the salesperson told me it was a return from an online order. I paired it with black footless tights and black flats. I think the red makes it more festive.

Fashion 2015 Pam Red Dot Dress

Fashion 2015 Pam Red Dot Dress Black

My third outfit also includes the color red!  I have a pair of red skinny jeans that I wear with just about anything that I can match them to.  I wore this with a cream shirt that has black lace on the sleeves that was originally Haley’s that I took when she didn’t want it anymore.    I wore it with my favorite black boots and a black and silver flower necklace.

Fashion 2015 Lauren Red and Cream

Here are a couple more just so you can see Chica! This is simple too. Grey jeans and a white sparkly top. Again, you could use boots instead. I would use my grey boots, except they are wrapped up under the tree right now! A silver bracelet and earrings and you are set!

Fashion 2015 Pam Grey Jeans White Top

My final outfit is one that is full of comfort.  I have a pair of jeans that I purchased from Maurices and a grey shirt.  I added grey shoes and “borrowed” Haley’s grey backpack to complete the look.

Fashion 2015 Lauren Grey Top and Jeans

And why I am laughing so hard you may ask?  Kiara, the cuddly cat if you remember from an earlier post, was standing on an end table and I was calling her.  Well, mom snapped the picture as I was calling her and the picture turned out funny and the picture that you see before you is the result of us laughing.  LOL!

My last one is a long grey sleeveless dress with a turquoise sweatshirt over the top. The dress is actually for summer, but with the dark color, it works for winter too. This is a bit more casual, but oh so comfy! Black boots and a big black bag finish the look. (Do you see the other photo bomber in the corner?)

Fashion 2015 Pam Grey Dress and Turquoise Pullover

Well, I hope this gives you some ideas for festive outfits for your holiday get-togethers! Maybe you will find a new favorite outfit! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, for unto us a Son is given.

Isaiah 9:6

Sunshine and Blessings               sparkle