Featured Friday! Meet Jennifer!!

 

Today I want you guys to meet Jenn of My Dear Jenn. I am proud to call Jenn my in real life friend as well as a bloggy friend. She’s sweet, she’s funny, she’s gorgeous and I adore her! I know you guys will too!

Hello to all of Amber's bloggy friends! I'm Jenn from My Dear Jenn. Amber and I know each other IRL because our families are both stationed here in Alaska. What an adventure it is here, I must say. With that said, I am currently preparing to spend the next months in Texas while my husband spends his in Afghanistan :( This is deployment number 3 for me and my little family. They are exhausting us so much, my husband is taking a deep consideration in to getting out. Obviously, that's another life changing adventure awaiting us. For now, I'm a 25 year old with no license and a beautiful toddler on my hip. I'm so thrilled to be moving back to the city for a few months and burning my flesh in the barely tolerable Texas sun.
I started blogging (publicly) last year when I moved here. I was on LJ for awhile, before that Myspace blogging and before that good ole' Xanga. I love blogging. I love writing in general. I spent some time in the Army Reserves and was happy to get out because the Army and I didn't share the same beliefs. I thought I was rid of the military but ended up marrying a soldier. We met on HotOrNot.com & married 4 months later (on Halloween!), a few weeks before he deployed. We are the proud parents to a wonderful little boy. We don't have any future plans for another and are pretty comfortable with our tiny little family.
I take a lot of pictures. I don't think I'm a photographer but I've been snapping away since 1999. It has ALWAYS been my hobby and I'm not sure I'll ever stop. My blog will consist of the changes going on in my life with this year and beyond so feel free to stop by!

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Amber’s list of things to DOs & DON’Ts.

DON’Ts

Do not invite yourself over after I say I’m trying not to puke.  And do not get butt hurt when I tell you NO you can’t come over after I just said “trying not to puke”.

Do not get rude with me & expect me to continue to be nice to you.

Do not knock on my door to tell me your dog dropped his favorite toy in my backyard of ice and ask me to get it in the early morning.  <—I threw on two different shoes and nearly busted my ass trying to get that damn soaking wet dog slobbered toy.

Do not compare my husband with yours. In any aspect. Two different people. Two different jobs. Two different hobbies. Two different lifestyles. Just don’t.

Do not place blame on me when you find yourself in an awkward situation, brought on by yourself when all of that mess was YOU to begin with.

Do not stare at me and my family when we are trying to enjoy a family outing because we dress “normal” but have weird tattoos and odd piercings. RUDE!

Do not charge $15 for a small sponsor spot on your blog if you have less than 215 followers. <—that is outrageous.

Do not drive around in a big truck covered in flames. Especially if the flames are all chipped and look awful!

Do not assume you know things about me based on my friends or husband or family.  I am my own person. I CAN think for myself and I do not always agree with everyone around me.

Do not post pictures on facebook of half your boobs hanging out if you’re married with children. Actually, don’t anyway. TACKY.



Ok, I’m pretty sure I could keep going with that. But lets be happy now, shall we?! Ok!

DOs:

Do smile at a stranger. You never know what a small smile will do.

Do get to know someone and decide whether you like them based on YOU and THEM, not others.

Do always tell the people you love that you love them.

Do surround yourself with happy, upbeat people.

Do put yourself out there and meet people. You will get burned, but you WILL meet some amazing people at the same time.

Do put your laptop down when your child wants to climb on you. Hug them! Love them! Kids before technology.  <—It took me FOREVER to type this cuz baby girl couldn’t decide if she wanted to sit with me or not. Haha.

Do take time out to check on your family/friends. Put forth some effort. Show you care.

Do always try to treat people like you’d like to be treated.

Do always be respectful of others.

Do take lots of pictures!

Do enjoy the little things.

Do try to spend more time laughing & smiling then angry or cranky.

Do take the time to enjoy your kids and raise them up right.

Do take the time and make a list of your own and be sure to send me the link! 
GO! GO! GO!

After nine to five. An upclose and personal look at the lady behind the shop.

This weekend, I had the privilege to sit down and interview Mrs. Ashley of After nine to five.
I simply adore this lady in case you guys didn't know.
If you guys don't know her, you should.
She's pretty much just awesome.



Now guys, I need you to picture me sitting
in a chair and Ashley sitting across from me.
Picture me all dressed up and journalist like.  Ok?! Thanks.

Hello Ashley! I am so glad you were able to join me today.

please tell me in your own words why you created your shop After Nine to Five: Honestly? By accident. I went to the craft store with my now husband one day and found myself in the jewelry aisle. Probably $100 later, I walked out with enough supplies to make a couple of necklaces for myself and family. I liked it so much I wanted it to be my job, not just a hobby. And within a week of the purchase, After Nine To Five Designs was launched and I was so happy I just continued to expand it. :]

Are you loving your new life as a self-employed lady? Oh my, yes! SO much. It has required extra motivation and hard-work, but it's all worth it at the end of the day when I get to make my own schedule.

What does the near future hold for you? Settling into the shoes of being a newlywed. Expanding my shop. And truly exploring the ups and downs of being a self-employed wife.

And the far future? Hopefully a move to someplace warm!

If you had to be a color, what color would you be? Green. Or blue. Probably aqua.

Favorite book? Any of the Sookie Stackhouse novels.

Day? Yes, I asked day. Most people say "friday" cuz it means the weekend and off work for them, but being self-employed is Friday the same for you? Friday is awesome, but it is just another day for me right now. I work 7 days a week, but I definitely enjoy more time off on Saturday and Sunday. I would have to say Sunday or Monday right now. I used to hate these days when I worked in the corporate world - Sundays meant returning to work, Mondays meant dragging from over the weekend. And now? Nothing. :]

If you had to chose someone to play you in a movie, who would you pick and why? Ooh, TOUGH! But I will go with Anna Paquin because I'm obsessed with True Blood, hence the Sookie Stackhouse novels. She's cute and quirky and a little on the dark side which is pretty much like me. Or so I like to think.



Once again, thank you for taking the time out to be a part of my little goofy interview.
Readers, check out her links.

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Also, if you haven't liked my facebook page, please do so. Especially if you are on my personal facebook page and that is how you see the latest posts. I'm about to stop that from posting on my personal page.
Thanks.

Featured Friday! Meet Jessica!

Today I would like to introduce you guys to my bloggy friend, Jessica. I came across her blog through Jenn’s blog one day and quickly became a follower.  (In case you didn’t know, I have a thing for people with tattoos) But the more I got to reading, I realized that I just love her!! Her daily flicks are my favorite!  AND she has the cutest son so seeing his cute pics is just a little bonus.
So guys…

MEET JESSICA!!!!

Hi Guys and Dolls. I'm Jessica over at Its a Freckled Kind Of Life. The blog is still pretty new but I've been blogging for about 10 years now. My blog is a personal, honest lifestyle blog, and it can get super personal, sad, happy, and sometimes a little crafty. I'm really enjoying dipping my toes in the big bad world of public blogging, and so far so good. I was really excited when Amber asked if I wanted to be a part of her Featured Friday. Her blog is becoming a favorite and its been awesome getting to know Amber through her blog/twitter, seeing her little ones and her eye candy of a hubby! Haha!

A little bit about me:

I'm 24, I'm a Mother of 1 shining little light, named Andrew Marley (3yrs). I'm a total Momma Bear. I'm really into raising my son in a way that won't require a huge therapy bill later. I love coffee ice cream even though I'm constantly dieting and trying to live healthier. I really love pretty, feminine, romantic girly things. I'm a total romantic, and I fall in love at the drop of a hat. I'm an Ex Marine's Wife and although there are aspects I miss about being a military family, I am loving the civilian life. I take a lot of pictures but in NO WAY think of myself as a Photographer. I have quite a few tattoos and am currently in the creative process on my next! I want to be the Tattooed Soccer Mom

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Breakup season in Alaska.

Breakup season means melting slush one day and frozen gunk the next. Got to love Alaska.
Picture five is a total puddle!! Half of town is full of giant puddles!! I wore moccasins on this particular day and still slipped and my poor shoes ended up half soaked.  *sigh*
I am VERY anxious for warmer weather and less snow/slush. BUT I am SUPER excited that it’s melting! Don’t get me wrong, I love snow… but when winter lasts longer than any other season—I am most definitely thrilled to see giant puddles and slush.

I think I need to change my blog’s name.

I think I need to change my blog’s name.
It suits me.
One me, two monsters.
Well, it USED to suit me.
Until I peed on a stick and it showed me this.

Yup. Then I went to the doctor and peed some more and they called me a few hours later to confirm it.
I had my first appointment on Friday. According to them and my guessed first day of my last period, I’m due December 3rd.
So today I am 7 weeks and 4 days pregnant with baby number three.
So now do you see why I need to change my blog’s name?!

This is all you get for now.
I’ll update you  more on my life later.

Oh but to hold you over until then:Nausea sucks ass.
Deployment is quickly approaching.
I may or may  not be freaking out.
My friend, Sarah is amazing.
I want hair extensions cuz Jenn makes them look SO pretty!
Have you met, Kindle? If not, you SHOULD
And last but not least, you should check out my friend, Ashley and her Etsy shop. Cuz she pretty much rocks.

Ok guys. I <3 you all.  I hope you’ve been having a pretty much kickass weekend/week/morning/afternoon/evening. (all depending on when you read this of course).

Featured Friday: Meet Kindle.

GUYS!!!!! Today I am BEYOND excited about FF!!!!!  Now, I KNOW I say this every week, but today is extra special.... I'll let Kindle explain.
But before I introduce her, let me tell you guys.... Kindle is amazing, not afraid to be her, intelligent and all around beautiful.
So guys.... MEET KINDLE!!!!
 
 
 
Hello, all of Amber's beautiful readers! How are you today? I hope you're doing fabulously! My name is Kindle, and you can find me blogging every single day over at 365 Days and Counting. Amber and I actually know each other from high school! (in the smallest town Tennessee has to offer) She was a year or two ahead of me in class, and we were even in band together! She played the flute and I was a lowly flag girl. Haha. I haven't seen her since those days. One time, she did come back on a visit from college and crashed my classroom. I think it might have been a French class, now that I think about it. The school's French/Senior English teacher is one of their most popular assets. Anyways, Amber came by to see the teacher, gave her life updates, and then bounced out to see other teachers. (Amber has always been very funny, lively and, well, bouncy!) Amber stumbled across my blog a couple months back, and the internet suddenly became a very small world! Imagine the odds of two kids from high school finding each other again through the blogosphere! It's been wonderful reading her blog, and, when she asked me to participate in her Featured Fridays, I was so happy to say yes! So now the question is - Why should you care to know me? The answer is simple.


I'm awesome.I'll try and keep this short. ONE. My blog is about my side of the deployment while my beautiful girlfriend serves in Afghanistan. That's right. I said girlfriend. I call her "Zee." I usually don't make a huge deal about all the gayness in my life, but, living in the South, I've learned that people like to be cautioned... To make things even more interesting, we met on Craigslist. Gay AND Super Classy. Anyways, my girlfriend is absolutely awesome, and I do talk about her sometimes. I wish I could gush about her more, but, unfortunately, the worst policy in the world Don't Ask Don't Tell is still in effect... Sadly, this means you won't get to see any pictures of her for a while. But you can still see me!! P.S. If you've ever had questions about teh geehhness (translation: homosexuality, lesbianism, gayness), then should totally check out my series, The Lesbian of Love. TWO. I have a diverse view of religion. Okay, so maybe this mght not be included in your list of "Top Reasons Why I'm Awesome." But I happen to be passionate about religions, and I think that's pretty damn groovy. And that's all I'll say, because no one likes to listen to (or read), "Blah blah blah blah GOD blah blah blah GOD blah..." THREE. I love Bollywood! "What is Bollywood?" you ask. It's the largest film industry in the world. And it's incredible - always guaranteed to make my day better and brighter! Which is critical when you're suffering through a deployment state-side, right? Why do I love it so much? I found Bolllywood through my love of Middle Eastern & Asian music. It's the perfect love-child of the two. So I love the movies for the music in it. I enjoy Bollywood as a student of movies and writing. The films might be three hours long on average, but they flow so well. And Indians have a dedication to the film industry as entertainment that is enjoyable and refreshing. I love Bollywood because I love India. I really think I must have been Hindustani in a past life. And I've already told Zee, if I have to go through another deployment, I will spend that year living in India, auditioning for small roles in Bollywood films. I think I would blend in just nicely.Well, there's the briefest introduction to who I am. I'm almost half-way through this year of blogging, and that means I'm a half a year closer to my boo. If you would like to know more, please visit me! I would love the chance to get to know you as well! Have a gorgeous day!






Also, this was my 100th post. YAY me!  :)

Hamburger helper burritos.

Yup, you read that right. HAMBURGER HELPER BURRITOS. And they are KICKASS!! For real, I’m about to go eat another one!! Kids loved them. Hubby loved them. I loved them. WIN for mommy AND daddy’s brains combined! (ok, mostly his but I won’t admit that to many!)

Cook the hamburger helper like the directions said. -Oh of course it should be the kind that meshes well with burritos. I don’t think lasagna would make a good burrito, but hey…if YOU wanna try it… by all means…  

Tortilla shell, loaded with sour cream and cheese, I topped mine with lettuce and hot sauce (OMG!!)
Then add the hamburger helper.
EAT
ENJOY
DELICIOUS.

tada. 

<3 yous!!!

Be original.

Click the picture.

How exciting! I won a bloggy award! YAY! 
Thanks so much, Amber

• Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their site in your original post.
• Tell us seven things about yourself.
• Pass along the award to fifteen newly discovered bloggers.
• Contact these bloggers and let them know they got this award.

Amber over at Sanity’s Overrated tagged me.  Thanks so much!

Seven things about me:
1. My middle name is Nicole.
2. My natural hair color is unknown. Kidding, it’s dark brown.
3. My favorite thing to drink is water.
4. I am 95% sure I have a sunglasses addiction. Is that possible?!
5. I am horrible at these things. 
6. Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons.
7. My hubby WoWs.  <—bet that one shocked you, huh?!

I'm not gonna tag anyone. Too lazy at the moment.  :)

it’s raining candy.

I got my hair cut. You likey?!
Honestly…. I don’t care if you do.  I likey.
And I loves you and I know yous loves my hair.
(wow how do people talk like that all the time?! hurts my brain!)

Secondly…. how cute is my baby girl?!
She’s a silly baby girl
But she is the most awesomest baby girl in the world.
Argue with me… I dare you!
Ok… don’t really argue with me. I’m sure your baby girl is awesome too.
See how lazy my men are?!
lazy lazy men.
*sigh*

He’s handsome.
She was seeing if he was “healthy or sick”
haha. two seconds after I snapped this, she gagged him with it.
Poor handsome man. He’s a trooper though and told her it was OK.

Baby girl TOTALLY took this pic. Along with about 100 blurry pics.

Then we played tag. “get me mom!!” I chase. She runs. She screams. I catch. She laughs hysterically and then says “get me mom!” and the cycle starts all over again.

Also, don’t you wish you could make funny faces like me and look as awesome?!
(or dumb. probably a bit of both)

While I have your attention, you should check out these sites.

Danielle does a Guess who feature. Check mine out.

You should check out THIS etsy shop cuz she’s just awesome and I said so.

You should click HERE for some AMAZING recipes!

Here for a list of amazing bloggers. More to be added.

My bloggy facebook page.

I think that is all for now.
Goodnight bloggy friends.
or evening.
or day.
or morning.
Not really sure when you’ll read this.
But it’s totally NIGHT for me.
So goodnight bloggy friends.

Love love.

Featured Friday:: Meet Lydia!!

Good morning/afternoon/evening/insomiacs. I hope this post finds you well.  Today I wanna introduce y'all to my friend, Lydia! Lydia is so so super sweet. She's an army wife living in Alaska. She has the cutest puppy I've ever seen.  THIS post of hers is probably the first post you should read and it'll pretty much sum her up.  I adore her and I am just sure that you guys will too!
So guys, meet Lydia.



Well hello there, my name is Lydia and it’s very nice to meet you! I am so excited to be on Amber’s Featured Friday. I mean this girl is amazing if you ask me. Not only does she have two of the cutest kids out there, but she’s pretty freakin’ awesome.

So this is the part where I say a little bit about me. There isn’t much to know about this girl. I was born & raised in the great northwest. Yep, you guessed it, I’m a typical Seattleite. Coffee drinking, leaf licking, typical bad driver. Whom could quite possible lose her mind without rain and local sports teams (I still stand by the fact that the Seahawks were gypped out of winning the super bowl). Ok not really into sports but figured I’d put that one out there while I was at it. I am currently 24 but I’m still trying to figure out how exactly I got here. Last I remember I was only 21. I am married to a man who happens to be a soldier for the US Army. I honestly can say I’m not your average “army wife”. I’ve never been to an FRG meeting (although I’ve heard the ones where I live are quite entertaining and informative). I don’t know many acronyms, I’m always calling the Class A’s dress greens and mistaking the lanyard for my hookah hose.

I started blogging after I moved to the interior of Alaska because everyone I know would tell me that I needed to find a hobby. I finally took the hint. I also wanted to meet some awesome people. My track record for friend findings while living here hasn’t been that promising. I blog about life in general. I may happen to rant about my old man being deployed or unfortunate predicaments I may have gotten myself into accidentally of course. You can find me over at withlovelydia or tweet me!

 

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I was tagged. Did I tag you?!

10 Things I love

The rules are as follows:

1.- State who tagged you.
Danielle of Positively Positive

2.- State 10 things you love.
Ummm.
Husband.
Toddler #1.
Toddler #2.
Sunglasses.
Coffee.
My blog.
My followers.
My Kindle.
Baby clothes.
Pictures.

3.- Tag ten friends at the end of the post and notify them through a comment.

Hmmm.....
Jenn @ My Dear Jenn
Sarah @ Fortune Favors the Brave
Melissa @ A day in the life of a mom & a wife.
Ashley @ Divorced & 21
Hayley @ Goose & Lovie
Lydia @ With love Lydia
Amber @ Life in the last frontier
Amanda @ Mandy Mouse Creates
Rachel @ Grown up Rachel
Kindle @ 365 days and Counting

I’m gonna photo bomb you.

This past Saturday, my handsome man and I participated in the March of Dimes. 5k. 3 miles. Go us. Of course after the first couple of laps, he wanted to be held. Thank God for the nice people there, they offered me a stroller (cuz I’m dumb and didn’t think I would need it, even after hubby said I should bring it.  I hate when he’s right).   Then when we got home, we took naps. He fell asleep eating a bowl of much deserved ice cream.  Poor thing was worn out. Then Saturday night, hubby & I had a date night. YAY! We saw Sucker punch. Ok it was stupid. Usually when we see movies that HE picks, I walk out of there saying, “ok… you were right…it was good!!” this one… Nope. Dumb. Just dumb. Hubby loved it. I didn’t.

If you follow me on instagram (iphone photo app—I am “ambermack”-feel free to follow me. You’ll need my permission, just like my twitter.  reason for protection), you’ve probably already seen some of these.



1. he said these were his friends.
2. monkey see, monkey do.
3 & 4. sleepy heads.
5 & 6. baby outfit posts.
7. me.
8. hubby and dog the day after our bbq.
9. pretty princess tried to share with me.
10. I organized my jewelry. (horrible mess+command strip hooks+bathroom cabinet=tada!!)


Hope you guys had a great weekend.
I <3 you all.


Oh…. WAIT…
I got THIS camera which is AWESOME.
hmmm. I had something else…. but I forgot. Sorry.
(also, my brain is DYING. I swear)

Featured Friday::Meet Danielle!!!

Since Danielle and I are both writers for Love without training wheels, I was bound to discover her blog and when I did, I fell in bloggy love.  She’s cute, sweet, creative and a complete busy body!! I was super excited when she said she’ d be part of FF. So guys…. I present to you…… DANIELLE!  (round of applause)

Hello lovelies,

I’m Danielle. The smiling face behind Positively Positive. I am a wife, mother, daughter, twin, friend and giver. I am a huge believer in fate and positive thinking. I try my hardest to think positively all the time, even on the most difficult days. I love music, tattoos, art, rock shows, reading, playing with my beautiful little terror (my daughter,) and crafting. I crochet, sew, and am a master of the hot glue gun.  I have just recently joined in the Etsy madness by opening up my own shop. I am a passionate person and I hope it shines through.

A few fun facts

1. I’m a twinnie and we are mirror twins. I’m left handed and she is right handed.

2. I am in the process of learning Spanish. My husband speaks it fluently and we want to raise our daughter in a bilingual home.

3. Smiling is my ultimate favorite thing. It might be a bit creepy.

4. I’m afraid of the dark...or what lingers in the dark.

5. I love love love blogging and meeting new people!

Have a fabulous day friends!!

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