Well, another weekend is indeed here and seriously still can not believe how quickly this past week just flew by. Between the snow and the freezing cold, I am trying daily to find all the good I can right now during this bitterly chilly time of the year.
First Snow of 2014
With that said, I wanted to share with you as always, my 10 Things of Thankful for this past week.
So sit back and enjoy.
1. Bitterly cold last week with a blizzard hitting at the end of the week, but having a Keurig, hot chocolate k-cups, Bailey’s White Peppermint Coffee Creamer with whipped cream and cinnamon to keep me warm.
2. Snow days! Kevin having off and after we dug out going grocery shopping when the store was open and hardly anyone there, where I actually got to have a funny conversation with the dairy worker about how the days leading up to the storm everyone went to buy eggs, bread and milk. He wondered out loud, “Did everyone come to make French Toast?” Yes, totally made me laugh and needed that after the cold, miserable weather.
3. Playing around with my nail polishes to come up with a cute and creative manicure while being stuck inside.
4. It being way too cold for the kids to go out after the snow cleared, Kevin decided to do paper puppets with them to go along with the Melissa and Doug puppet theatre they got from Uncle Michael this past Christmas.
5. Finishing another book with The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, which was definitely as amazing as the reviews and the recommendation the came from Sandy over at The Mother of Imperfection, which I even got to review this past week. Yes, I seriously I a loving reading again and the cold and snow have helped to keep us indoors allowing for more downtime to do more reading indeed!
6. Downloaded the Frozen soundtrack for the girls and they can’t stop singing the music now and even made me record them while attempting to sing, “The First Time in Forever” in between giggles!
7. Sunday morning indoor winter soccer. Both girls had fun and bonus they both have it at the same time, but on different teams, so it is only one hour of hanging out a weekend.
8. Having our niece and nephew over. Kevin and our nephew played play station, while our niece showed the girls and how to use the Crayola Marker Airbrush kit.
9. The commercial for Flutterby Fairy is a lie! by Emma after the one I bought to replace the original was flying lower then she thought it should! Can’t make this stuff up!
10. Lily telling me she needs her bathing suit, while being in the backseat in the car in her carseat. I told her that no she didn’t, but she refused to and told me that yes she did. By the end, she told me that I should laugh and it was funny! My comedian in training for sure!
My Comedian Lily Pretending to Be A Ghost!
*A side note by the way, I am on Instagram here and my hashtag to follow me is @jnine0712. Most of the photos above were indeed posted on there and trying to make an conscious effort for 2014 (one of my goals for the new year) to use Instagram more then ever and hope you will follow me over there if you haven’t already!*
Now if you missed a moment of this week’s blog articles, here is a recap~
On Monday, I cheerily showcased my undying love for Pandora charms and bracelets that was a long time coming, here.
My First Pandora Bracelt – Back in 2011On Tuesday, overzealously shared the week’s PINcentive Blog Hop, which has the best of the best as far as posts this side of Pinterest. For more, click here. I also happily posted the first Twitter Hop for 2014 here.
On Wednesday, loved being able to post up that I am indeed back not he reading horse, having joined the Goodreads challenge and also reviewed my latest read The Fault in Our Stars, for more on this click here.
On Thursday, I was able to share that some New Year’s Cleaning tips on getting rid of unused items around your home click here for more.
On Friday, back with another FTSF with the sentence to finish being, “If I had a million dollars, I…”, to link up please click here!
And as I mentioned previously, I am now a proud affiliate marketer for Pandora Towson and will be sharing more about Pandora this upcoming weekend in the months to come now. So stay tuned.
Please Visit my Sponsor of The Month:
One Click Is All It Takes!!
Want to Survive the Winter?
Subscribe to get our FREE Winter Survival Planner now.
eddy says
Another great post and loved the pic of your little one as a ghost. We haven't had snow here only torrential rain and gale force winds which have caused so much damage to some over the UK. Luckily we were not affected. Thanks again for this post Janine and enjoy your weekend.
Eddy.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Eddy and so sorry about the nasty weather you too have been experiencing and just hope things calm down a bit for all of us now. Also, sending you tons of love and wishing you a wonderful weekend now, too!! 🙂
ginnymarie says
It's been raining here, and while I'm grateful for warmer weather, I'm sad to see the snow melt! We had so much,though, that right now the ground is still covered. I'm not on Instagram. 🙁 I really want to be, but I don't have the right phone. Maybe someday!
My recent post My Word of the Year
Janine Huldie says
I totally hope that you do someday soon. Seriously, having so much fun over there. But we have had so much rain now, too and all that snow this weekend is now gone and a thing of the past! Crazy, but I guess we take what we get 🙂
Cyndy Bush says
I soooo want a Pandora bracelet!
I loved The Fault in our Stars too, I'm a read-a-holic.
Going to follow you on instagram, I'm bushbaby11.
Janine Huldie says
Hope you get a Pandora bracelet soon. And The Fault in Our Stars was seriously so good and just so glad I finally got to read it, too. Let me know if you find me on Instagram, if not will look for you 🙂
Rosey says
A comedian in training is a good thing. 🙂 And it is funny how eggs, bread, and milk are always the first to go. 🙂
Have a great weekend, Janine!!
My recent post It's the Weekend!!
Janine Huldie says
I totally agree with you on that Rosey. And I know those things always do go first, but love the dairy guy's take on it! Wishing you a great weekend again now, too!! 🙂
massholemommy says
Awww, I have a similar nail polish with those sparkly things in it LOL. Your nails came out awesome and I totally want to hunt down that creamer for my coffee.
My recent post Game Room Fun
Janine Huldie says
I know I am seriously loving the sparkly and glittery nail polishes right now. So much fun. And they were out of it at my supermarket last weekend and hoping that they get more in this week, because seriously so delicious 🙂
writingpaddad says
Love that you're finding the bright side in all the cold you guys have been having! I had forgotten all about paper bag puppets. My son would love those! Awesome that you guys have been enjoying your time together!
My recent post I Don't Know, Ask Jenny McCarthy
Janine Huldie says
So trying to Justin, because I really am not a fan of cold or winter, but still just want to not be such a downer about it. And the girls had so much fun with the pupets, they even made one for me, too 🙂
karenssoiree says
Love your snow day activities! I'm going to have to remember the puppet idea to do with my daughter. I think she would love that! Oh and love your nails too! Mine are an unpolished and non-filed mess!
My recent post Soirees & Sangria| She Said Yes Engagement Party
Janine Huldie says
I hope you the puppets with your daughter. And I am finally doing my own nails after about 3 years of not looking at them. Having fun catching up now 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
I am literally singing "For the First Time in Forever" in my head as we speak. We were just watching that part in Frozen five minutes ago!
My recent post When Co-Authors Team Up!
Janine Huldie says
I know I keep getting asked by Emma when we can get the DVD. Secretly can’t wait either and love the music just as much as they do, too 🙂
Billybuc says
Not even a hint of snow here and for a snow-lover like me that is hell. 🙂 Have a restful weekend Janine.
Janine Huldie says
Bill, we no longer have any snow either, but a week ago, I would have gladly traded places with you if that makes you feel a bit better. But seriously have a great weekend now, too!! 🙂 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
Your girls are so cute!! Funny about the commercial being a lie – I have thought the same thing myself a few times!!! And needing a bathing suit in this weather?! A true comedian!
Love the nails!!!
Enjoy your weekend!!
My recent post Sleep-Overs: Love Them or Hate Them?
Janine Huldie says
I know between the commercial being a lie and the bathing suit in this weather, I really couldn't help, but get a good laugh at both my kids senses of humor this past week! And definitely enjoying my nails and have a wonderful weekend now, too Kim!! 🙂
Brittnei Washington says
Speaking of Instagram, I convinced myself to get on for my blog. What can another set of followers on social media do but help me right? LOL. The paper puppet idea looks so fun. I love seeing all the pictures of the snow. It looks so pretty. Keep in mind I said "looks." I hate the cold and I hate the snow because I hate the idea of driving in it and getting stuck. :-/
My recent post My First Appointment
Janine Huldie says
Brittnei, I know I had joined awhile ago, but realized for my blog I was truly missing out, but now I realize even more for the interaction with my favorites and their photos, I was so missing out. So, happy I am more active over there now and will be this year now for sure. And as for the snow, I am with you on hating it. Only wished during this time of the year that I did live some place warmer! 🙂
susanzutautas says
Please stop the snow 🙂 We have enough to do us for 3 winters. It was so cold here the other day they closed the ski hill. I've never seen that happen before. I do like the way you warm up with the Hot Chocolates though 🙂
Janine Huldie says
The amount of snow we have been getting and the cold temperatures are crazy. Seriously, though the hot chocolate is a must right now! 🙂
another jennifer says
That video is just too darn cute. And I totally want some of that hot chocolate right now! We're having such a dreary day.
My recent post Sponsored Video: Dreaming Through Art
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Jennifer and got to say we are having rain all day and already had one cup today alone 🙂
dianeroark says
Janine,
I just love your sweet girls. They are so precious in the video. I am sure their is NEVER a dull moment in your home.
I do not understand how you have any time for blogging.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Diane Roark
My recent post Saturday Dishes Blog Hop #2
Janine Huldie says
Never is a dull moment and Diane, I just keep on going and I think if I ever truly shut down or stopped for a minute everyone around might think I am just not me!! Happy Weekend again 🙂
realhousewife says
The video is so cute!
I'm thankful you reminded me about Instagram again too…Maddy and I read your post together and then she helped me set up Instagram:))) LOL LOL. TY!
Janine Huldie says
I just friended you back and am so excited that you joined. Thank Maddy for me that she set you up, because now we can totally shares tons over there, too!! 🙂
stephanie2006 says
How adorable your two little girls are!! Love the video 🙂 What a bummer that it was too cold to play in that snowy goodness!! Love that Kevin made those puppets with your girls, I bet the shows were awesome! Have a great weekend, Janine!
My recent post Million Dollar, Baby!
Janine Huldie says
I know total bummer, but seriously I was in the single digits and just too cold to send them out in that. So, I loved Kevin's idea and so did the girls. They had so much fun making those puppets. Have a great weekend, too now Stephanie!! 🙂
lrconsiderer says
Ohhh the video of Emma singing made me smile SO MUCH. She's totally adorable.
I wish you warmth and de-frosting and SNOW-BE-GONE! I don't do well with cold, and I hope this vortex thingy lets you all free soon!
Peppermint. In coffee? Really?
AND cinnamon?
Is that not a bit too much flavour??
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Lizzi for you kind words about Emma and your thoughts about the cold being gone now may have worked, because it is 50 tray, but pouring, rain all day. Never thought I would be happy to see rain, but after snow and single digit temperatures this past week, I am elated with all this rain! And the peppermint and cinnamon is so tasty, but I put it in hot chocolate (not coffee). Not a huge coffee drinker, but hot chocolate I can't live without this time of the year 🙂
lrconsiderer says
I'm glad it's warmer. YAY!
I think both your girls are smashing, you know that, and I'm so happy that you share them and their sweet little characters through your posts.
Is it? I get that more in chocolate. but still confused on the together thing. That's a lot of flavours going on. I might give it a try…I think we have those things around…
Janine Huldie says
I know I was never so happy to see rain as long as it was above 50 degrees!! And the hot chocolate, I know has a lot of flavors going on, but you just sprinkle the whipped cream on top with cinnamon if that helps make it sound less flavor crazy. The cinnamon and whipped cream are more garnish then anything. I hope you do try and seriously let me know what you think, if you do 🙂
lrconsiderer says
Ah. I have no whipped cream. Forgot that bit. And I have packet hot choc with mint (no idea if it's peppermint) but I'll give it a go, with the cinnamon, and maybe add a little milk to make it taste creamier. I'll do it later and let you know 😀
Janine Huldie says
I think that can totally work and definitely let me know how it turns out 🙂
anothercleanslate says
Okay, I definitely need to see the movie Frozen- I have heard SO many good things about the movie and the soundtrack. If i can't borrow a child, I might go alone.
My recent post Time for ten things of thankful
Janine Huldie says
I would day you could take my girls again if we lived closer, but seriously you need to see this movie and hope you do soon!! 🙂
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
I found you on Make My Saturday Sweet! Loved that you found so many fun things to do in the snowy weather. We didn’t get that much snow here (which I am thankful for!) but it’s always so much better when there are fun things to do and play! Will have to try a few of the ideas with my kids next snow storm!
Janine Huldie says
So glad you did find me Jenny and will be stopping by your blog in a few minutes. But so happy to help give some snowy day ideas! 🙂
clark says
staying inside because of snow can be fun, provided there are things to do and resources available and all the things that make the difference between, "when can we go outside!!!" and "yay! it's snowing we get to stay indoors!"
love your photos on these Posts…and you need to join us one of these Friday nights for the vid chat! (stop for a minute…hangout for an hour…no rules just a lot of people that you will, 'hey! I know you! you write….'
lol
My recent post TTOT Saturday the Wakefield Doctrine (‘a little advice? ..better go ahead and read the text before viewing the vid, no! nothing bad! just a little…confusing’)
Janine Huldie says
Clark, I promise to stop by soon with the video chat. sundays are so hard with the girls and soccer and then Friday nights I have to be honest, I am a total bum, but so tried after the whole week and TSF linkup, too. But I totally do promise to show up one of the days and surprise you all!! 🙂
Mike Abitabile says
The puppets came out great. As for the lying commercials, MANY years ago, when I was younger, I used to love watching this show that I think was on HBO (but I could be wrong) where they showed how toy and food commercials “exaggerated” stuff and nothing was really like what you saw in the actual commercial. I think Mom used to love that I watched this show too because I ended up asking for less stuff…
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Michael. And I think anything that would have made us not want mom and dad to buy more toys and such would make them both happy then totally!! 🙂
Kim Tobin says
That hot chocolate looks delicious! I have everything to make it, I think I'll do that right now!
Janine Huldie says
Yay and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 🙂
Sandy_Ramsey says
I love reading the posts this week from everyone that's been stuck because of the Polar Vortex! You surely made the most of it. I love the manicure…very creative and so cute. I never get enough of seeing your girls! They are so cute and I see definite performing potential here 🙂
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful: New Girl Edition
Janine Huldie says
We so tried to make the best of it. Sorry, I know how much you loathe nail polish, but I make sure to keep my stash high on my bathroom vanity shelf out of reach from little prying hands. So enjoying playing around though now with different color looks with glitter and designs 🙂
christinemhutchinson says
Could your girls be any cuter, Janine? I think not! The weather definitely had me a little crazy this week–throwing off my schedule with unexpected school closings and delays. I'm grateful to be back on track this week…and can't believe that all the snow has melted around here today!
Janine Huldie says
I know crazy, Christine. All our last amounts of snow melted here today with tons of pouring rain. Just hope we can keep the cold temperatures at bay now even though it is only the second week of January. And my girls definitely kept me entertained this past week through all of it though 🙂 🙂
gigigirl says
Thanks for such a fun time! Can't believe that first snow…..so glad I missed it! You and Kevin are so creative with the girls and it all looks like fun. God bless your energy! Loved the girls' performance of the song from "Frozen." I will be sure Auntie Anne gets to see all of this. That hot chocolate looks yummy….great way to perk up the spirits and warm the body! Our love to all…..keep warm xxxxoooo
Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and was so happy to be able to share that video here and hope both you Auntie Anne enjoyed it. The girls kept telling me to take a video. They so wanted to see themselves singing (or attempting to sing this). We are totally keeping warm up here now. At least the snow all melted and we had two separate above 50 degree weather days to do this after having single digits earlier this past week. I tell you 50 felt like a heat wave after that! Oh well, just need to get through January and February at the very least now. Love you too and xoxo!! 🙂
gigigirl says
Auntie Anne got to see the blog and video and got a big kick out of it. Enjoy your Sunday and the nicer weather….I hope. We are having a good day here. Love to all……xxxooo
Janine Huldie says
Awe, so happy that she saw this. And we too are having a great day here so far. Love you both and xoxo 🙂
Kristi says
The French toast comment made me laugh! Maybe I'll have to revise my grocery list from "milk, bread, eggs" to "French toast."
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful: Even With Computer Problems
Janine Huldie says
Kristi, totally made me laugh when he told me this, too and couldn't resist sharing here! 🙂
Michelle Liew says
Kevin is creative as usual and WInter Soccer! Wow! Great ways to cope with the cold, J9, and hope it'll warm up soon!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Michelle and we are so trying to keep warm here. thankfully it did warm up yesterday into the 50s with rain, but still felt so much better then the single digits we had earlier this past week!
rmemommy says
Sounds like a great weekend! I agree about the Flutterby Fairy – My youngest go one for Christmas and has played with it about three times, I think! 🙁
My recent post If I Had a Million Dollars . . . .
Janine Huldie says
I know that toy was a real bust and seriously a total hit or miss from what I have seen and even heard, too. Sorry you too were disappointed in it.
Kaylee Farnes says
Almost all the bloggers I follow have been reading The Fault in Our Stars lately, which means I'll have to check it out soon. Snow is so beautiful!
http://whenthecowscomedancinghome.blogspot.com/
My recent post Pinterest Sunday: DIY, Foods, Neon, Cruel, Disney, Pink, Pinwheel, Roadtrip, Scriptures, Disney Parks, and Phoebe
Janine Huldie says
Totally hope you do and guarantee you will enjoy it if you do.
froginparis says
Frozen is on constant play in my house. I even know all the words and can sing along. What great things for a snowy day, pretty nails, a puppet show and warm yummies to drink. Thanks for the book suggestion. I am so behind and for whatever the reason avoiding curling up with a book. Now I have another one on the list.
Stay toasty.
Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and hope you get to read it soon. And I know same here with the Frozen music (not that I am complaining) and we are just loving it!! 🙂
Chris Carter says
I want that hot chocolate NOW!!! YUM!!! And those nails are sooooo cute! And the girls? ADORABLE!!!! Our snow is all melted now- crazy inconsistent weather!!! Snow storm one day- 45 degrees next- then -25 degrees the next-rain the next… WHAT THE???
My recent post Devotional Diary: The Chosen People- Judaism
Janine Huldie says
I know Chris the weather has also been all over the place here too! Just crazy. And hope you also get to have hot chocolate soon 🙂
Amanda Love says
Our snow is melting away so I feel a lot better now. I hate when there's snow outside and I can't go out and do what I need to do. Madison doesn't like the snow either. I'm loving these 10 things to be thankful for as well. I hope you had a relaxing weekend!
My recent post Look Adorable in Kidorable Accessories #Review #Giveaway
Janine Huldie says
Our snow all pretty much melted, too this last weekend. We had temperatures in the 50s and pouring rain, so it had no where to go, but to melt away. And Lily and I both are not real fans of the snow (having to go out in it) either. So, we can totally relate to you and Madison!! 🙂
MelChi says
You've got nice nails. I tried to take a picture last week for a January challenge on instagram of my nails and they looked awful, LOL. Needless to say I didn't post it. But you've reminded me that I really need to stock up on some new colours of nail polish. I'm on a reading mission right there with you. Just finished one and now started "Safe Haven" by Nicolas Sparks. So excited because I just watched the movie and loved it and the book is 9/10 almost always better. 🙂
My recent post 50 Awesome Monday Quotes to Kick-Start Your Week!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Melanie. I have a post going up soon about how much I always loved to do my nails and had lost that being so busy being a mom to two small babies, but slowly I am getting my groove back here on that and so much more now!! And will have to try to read Safe Haven soon. Read The Notebook and saw the movie, too and loved it. I know Nicholas Sparks is an amazing author and should totally read more by him now! 🙂
dramaqueensmum says
Love the nail polish & the bracelet.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much dramaqueensmum!! 🙂
dishofdailylife says
You definitely got more snow than us! This weather has been so weird! Snow, then rain, cold then it warms up. The black ice scares me more than anything!
My recent post Meet ‘Em Mondays
Janine Huldie says
We totally got a ton, but you would never know it by looking outside now. The snow totally melted after it was over 50 degrees and raining hard this past Saturday. But I am so with you and hate the ice more then anything else to be quite honest, too!
Karen says
so funny Anthony said something similar to me. He said mommy, I'm just joking, just want to make you laugh." amazing hwo they can catch on to that and understand.
I LOVE the cold and the snow…I hate the heat, so the more cold we have the better it is for me…AHHHHHHH….LOL
I wish I had nails…mine are all dried out, cracke and chewed, I am so rough.
My recent post Meal Plan Continued
Janine Huldie says
I know I love that they realize that they can totally make us happy and laugh, too. And you know how much I hate the cold. Oh and amazingly after years of acrylic on my nails, they are still in pretty good condition and just glad that I don’t have the acrylic on them any more.
Lanaya says
Oh the girls are just too cute!! And that snow, oh mama — I wish I could send you some warmth. It's supposed to get up into the high 70's by the end of the week. I'm not complaining — trust me!
Wish you were here to enjoy it.
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
It actually got warmer here this week and we got into the 50s somehow. rising today, but still not freezing. Better then single digits, but no 70 degrees! Wish I was there, too!! 🙂
[email protected] says
Love the paper puppets! My kids had a puppet theater kind of like that (it's up in the attic now). They had a lot of fun with it. It had a chalkboard marquis on it, and it still says something on it about a cat show, and that was probably 10 years ago that it was written. They grow up fast!
Your show is beautiful! You got more than we did.
My recent post Baby, It's Cold Outside
Janine Huldie says
Time really does fly Diane and still can’t believe Emma will be 5 in July and starting kindergarten next year! And our snow is now gone, but it was a ton before warmer weather and rain hit off and on for the latter part of last week and this week, too.
Kenya G. Johnson says
Being trapped inside because of snow is foreign to me. I can count on one hand how many times that's happened in my life and it's never been too cold too out. That video was too cute. I can imagine what your house sounds like especially on a shut in snow day. LOL!
My recent post Whose Science Project Is It Anyway?
Janine Huldie says
Being trapped with 2 kids and my husband, because of snow it absolutely a real riot! Not, but at least we had power. God help me when it was the hurricane and we were trapped with no power, internet and such. That was a true nightmare!
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says
Stopping by from #LOBS! I think I said the same thing on your actual book review, but John Green is awesome. Put 'Looking for Alaska' on your reading list. It's a tear jerker too. Love the puppet show pics. What a great way to spend a snow day!
My recent post One Thing I Won’t Do For My Daughters: Guest Post at Kiss My List
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Nicole and I know I do have to add Looking for Alaska on my Goodreads reading list and you just totally reminded me to do that 🙂
writermomangela says
Great post! There is always something to be thankful for, even when snowmageddeon makes me want to lock myself in the bathroom and never come out. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I am so with you on the snowmagageon! Seriously just trying to find the good in it was hard for me who hates this weather! 🙂
katbiggie says
That is a GREAT list! How cool is it that your girls have a puppet theater! And the nails look so cute!
My recent post Lying Cold and on the Floor
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Alexa and the girls just love that puppet theater. So, I was glad Kevin thought quick on his feet about making the puppets. And been having so much fun doing my nails now, too 🙂
catherine gacad says
i was drinking peppermint hot chocolates from starbucks all throughout the holidays. yes! i keep thinking when this baby comes out, it'll be one big peppermint stick. also, i love your manicure! so fun.
My recent post Being Pregnant
Janine Huldie says
Catherine, I ate tons of oranges with Emma and probably why she loves orange juice now!! 🙂