This video is of The Lumineers song “Ho Hey”, a song a kept hearing on my local radio station 1077 The End and I never knew who it was. This morning I searched the web and FINALLY found it and I think I’m in love with the band even more. Of course, their Seattle show is sold out. Their new album is out on April 3, and I really can’t wait! This song is going on my spring playlist.

I didn’t take any pictures recently, so I’m putting up a funny picture of Mikey the cat giving us his toothless grin. He had a tooth pulled mid-February and still doesn’t know what to do with his mouth. It’s cute/sweet/funny.

So! I’m here, promise! The past few weeks included me accepting a job, attend training, and start my first day. I’m extremely happy to have a job that I like (again, I’ve had it before) selling my favorite…lingerie! I’m planning a few posts here about lingerie and how beautiful it is.

Whenever I have a big life change, I want to clean and get organized. I started my spring cleaning by doing all the normal things like donating junk, sweeping, cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, etc and somehow got it in my head that I can’t do anything else until it’s done. So now my part of the house is squeaky clean and I’m even more excited for spring. I guess it’s a little weird that I feel better when everything is clean and organized but it really is a relief.

I have some ideas for the Etsy store as well as the blog. I’m getting going on the planning and coming up with some cool new features. Also, where did my crafting go? That kind of fell out of my daily life. I’ll have it make a come back.

I was introduced to Instagram about two years ago and I’m still obsessed with it. It’s become another outlet to share what I see with my friends – so fun! My feed, just like my blog, is all about my cat, pretty stuff, me, and food. Ha! I guess that’s my life. Here’s what I’ve been up to (mouse over the image for caption).

If you’re on Instagram, follow me! Username: sixonefour
Also, I upgraded my Flickr account, it’s fun to see those pictures again!

Here it is…it’s the beginning of March and it’s almost spring. I’m looking forward to many things but I can’t help to feel sad about a huge thing in my life: my career. After being laid off from two marketing jobs last year, my hopes of being a marketing guru have disappeared. The weird thing is, I’m okay with that. I am able to use my marketing skills for myself, keep updated with social media and technology, and use these skills towards whatever I may do.

I have been back and forth about going back to school. I thought about getting another associate’s degree in a field that needs specialized training (such as something in health care) or finally getting certified in cosmetology. I thought about what I really enjoy and what I would have fun doing. Before I decided to get my business degree, I considered going to cosmetology school. After discussing with family and taking a hard look at my finances, going back to school was not a smart choice for myself. It came down to the fact that I need to be able to take care of myself and be able to live comfortably, save money for my future, and create new career goals.

For the last 8 years, I was focused on completing my business degree with a focus in marketing. I worked full-time in retail, then landed my dream job in the music industry. After a short two years having the time of my life, it was time to trade in part-time work and school (and no real chance in the music industry) into a grown up job. I was lucky to get a job in marketing right away and I learned so much. But now what? The marketing industry here is very competitive and sometimes discouraging.

I am currently waiting to hear back about a position that I had previously had, and I enjoyed it very much. Thinking about the possibility is exciting and there’s so much opportunity. Fingers crossed! It is very important for me to not get into a negative head space and remain positive. Honestly, there are days where I just cry and feel sorry for myself. I let myself go into the negative and then areas of my life start to suffer, for example, my blog. I promise myself this is not going to happen anymore.

(Source.)

Looking forward,
Reyna

Happy birthday to my mom! We’re spending the day out in sunny (and cold) weather but I’m excited for it. I have a special day planned – she deserves it. I know it’s not Hawaii, but hopefully we’ll make it there in the fall!

Source

I have always had great memories of Valentine’s Day. From elementary school “mailbox” Valentine’s Day parties to heart candy to the color red and LOVE. I’m lucky to have a Valentine again this year and I gladly give in to the holiday.

We found this awesome tile wall that was perfect for a self-portrait. Downtown Tacoma.

We had to stop at hello, cupcake for a chocolate and red velvet! mmm

I made my own Valentines for my mom and Gibson. It was fun making glitter hearts!

We spent the day at home lounging and drinking coffee in a coffee shop. Later, we’re going out to eat at my favorite Thai restaurant tonight. Nothing too fancy for us, but just perfect.

Download my February 2012 playlist on Spotify: HERE!

I’m really excited about this playlist, it’s my first one since July 2011. I used to be inspired and on top of music, making playlists every month. I’m looking forward to some new spring music to inspire me this year. The songs on this playlist are a few new songs, new artists (new to me), and some songs I’ve enjoyed that never made a list or I forgot about.

Also, I’m trying this out using Spotify, I hope it’s easier to share!

I was pleasantly surprised to find the Chairlift song “I Belong in Your Arms” as a free song on iTunes a few weeks back. One listen and I was HOOKED. It has a nice retro yet modern sound. It’s refreshing to hear a female vocal too.

Ben Kweller has a new album out called “Go Fly a Kite” that was released on February 7 – I haven’t listened all the way through but “Jealous Girl” is already a stand out to me. Another just released song is the All American Rejects song “Beekeepers Daughter” – let’s just say it’s super catchy, as all of their music is. It’s so great to hear new stuff from artists that I listened to even 10 years ago!

Here is the music video for Of Monsters and Men’s song “Little Talks.” I’ve been obsessed with this song!

Listen to the whole February 2012 playlist on Spotify: HERE!

Lately, Mikey has been enjoying this “fake spring” we’ve been having. This means tons of sunlight in the house and warmer temperatures. Mikey gravitates toward the warmth of the sun, as any cat does. I’ve noticed his mood has been happier, even with his bad tooth. I love taking his picture…can’t resist a cute cat!

Mikey is glowing sun out of his belly.

I swear my Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feeds are all of this cat. I can’t help it!

I found these fabulous heart beads that have a velvet feel to them a couple weeks ago – perfect for Valentine’s Day! I love pink and red together (actually, the color red in general) and I had a lot of fun pairing different textures and colors together to make these.

The Heart Valentine Necklace is made of the fuzzy heart beads and a selection of red and pink glass beads. I like beads that don’t quite go together at first but at the end it seems like they’re meant to be.

The Spring Heart Valentine Necklace combines new and old beads. The gold beads are from an old vintage necklace, they’re beat down but I think it adds character. The heart pendant is light and spring-like, it’s also from an old necklace I wore out a few years ago.

The necklaces were fun to make and I’m already planning my outfit to wear on Valentine’s Day!

Over the years I have had a lot of picture frames pile up, a lot of plain and boring frames that I set aside to use someday again. I wanted to create a unique and colorful floral photo frame (say that 5 times fast!) to decorate my home. These are also a wonderful handmade gift to give. Here is a colorful picture frame tutorial to show you how I made mine!

Supplies: plain picture frame, Mod Podge, scissors, foam paint brush, printed paper (I used scrapbook paper)

Step 1: Cut out round or square shapes that will fit on the frame. Make sure you test it on the frame and trim the edges if needed. You don’t want any extra paper on the ridge where the photo will be placed (it can make the photo stick out or not fit).

Step 2: Use the foam brush to paint on a layer of Mod Podge on the side you want down on the frame. Put enough so that the paper will stick to the frame. Hold it down to secure.

Step 3: Repeat by placing paper pieces around the frame. When the frame is decorated the way you want, do a final coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal.

Today is Gibson’s birthday! It has been a crazy year, starting with his birthday party last year. It’s so amazing to see how much of a difference it is (it’s a good thing). Here are some pictures from this year.

Gibson, 23 is going to be the best! I love you.