Spinning Plates

Only three more days until Spring Break. It is amazing how much that meaning changes when you are an adult in college + working full-time. It will be just enough days to get me feeling a little rested until I am thrust into finals. To think this time last year I was in school, working full-time + planning a wedding!

I am totally, crazily, utterly exhausted. Its not the kind of exhausted you can sleep away. I am itching to start my business up full time so I am taking on clients and projects to help my portfolio grow. I am balancing more and more that I feel like a plate spinner at the fair. High on my tip-toes looking up + waiting for it to all.come.crashing.down.

Do you all ever have times like this? They ebb and flow I know. What do you do to cope when you can't get your mind to be quiet? Be still? This seemed like the perfect day to share these photos from Angel Oak on Johns Island, SC. Angel Oak is reported to be the OLDEST, LIVING thing this side of the Rockies. Rumored to be about 1500 years old, its twisted and bluging roots are beautiful. If you get there in the afternoon on a sunny day, the golden shards of light that stream through feel like heaven on earth. A perfect day to remember.

Ahhh...feel better already don't you :) I also wanted to share this. I have been reading Kayla Aimee's blog for at least 5 years.  She is HYSTERICAL and I have loved getting to know her.  Just like many of us her greatest wish was to be a Mommy and I felt overwhelmed with joy when she shared with us, her readers that she was pregnant...now she has Scarlette!  An adorable peanut that was born pre-term and is spending her fourth month in the NICU.  Kayla and her family were invited to participate in the "March of Dimes March for Babies" in April and she is looking for blog sponsors, owners of indie shops, or just kind individuals to donate. If you are a small business owner it's a win-win!  Exposure for you PLUS you are helping a worthy cause.   I have had her in my prayers for so long + am happy to pass her message along so that other can get to know her.  Visit her website for all the information! 

Friday's Fancies: Homework=Comfort Clothes

Hello!
So sorry for my lack of blogging this week.  With just one week left before Spring break school assignments are radipidly approaching.  I haven't had a moment to breathe between work + school work.  Crazy! So for my Friday's fancies I wanted the outfit to reflect my true weekend (including tonight) as it will be full of design homework on my Mac.  Do you have fun weekends planned? I want to live through all your excitement ;)
So happy to be linking up with {av} again. 





Homework Weekend by jenypenny on Polyvore.com

PS. I loved that bag after I saw it on Aria carrying it on "Pretty Little Liars." Do you think I should get it? Is metallic still OK for summer? I searched long and hard to find it!

PPS. If you leave a comment (PLEASE!!) let me know if you have a blog badge. I would love to increase my favorite blogs listed on my side bar. --->

Feburary Goals Round-up

I can not believe this is the last day of Feburary.  This month has flown by so fast! Has it flown by for you?   I am already jotting down my March goals, but before I get carried away I need to see how far I have come (read: NOT VERY FAR!)

February Goals

1.  Walk at least 20 miles.- I have walked at least 20 mins most days, but 20 miles I have not.
2. Plan a date night for John and I. -We have had a date night, but not to bottles & brushes. 
3. Plan my Mom's Birthday party.
4. Cut OUT un-nesscerary sugar (goodbye peppermint patties.)- FAIL.
5. Make 5 scrapbook pages using Studio Calico kits (December or January) -I think I have lost my scrapbook mojo.  *sigh*
6. Get my ETSY shop off of vacation mode- I don't think this is going to happen until May.  School is taken up most of my time. 
7. Finish sanding and painting the old school desk and chair.  Front hall make-over coming soon. 

Source: modernemotive.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Well that was depressing.  Are you still reading?!?

I think the message here is an easy one.  Eat less, move more (these are the words of the always inspiring Cathy Zielske.) This shouldn't be hard to do especially with daylight savings providing more light in the evening hours to stretch out the muscles and get moving.  Every little bit helps right?
For me the best parts of making a goal list is the freeing of my mind to actually complete something whether its within the month or not.  These are goals not rules and that helps me balance a very busy life! However, I need some accountability to get moving. So I am putting it out there. Ask me what's up if you don't read about any movement related activities here during the month of March.

Source: imgfave.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

What do you do to stay on track? Do you care to set goals or is it just added pressure?

P.S. Do you have a blog button? Please let me know in the comment section so I can add it to my sidebar!

Roosters, fresh air + Firefly

Hello friends + new followers, I am so happy to have you.  Just like my Friday's fancies predicted I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon on Wadmalaw Island with my husband + parents.  It was such a fun and relaxing day that when we got home we promptly took a nap for a couple of hours. Although it could have been the all you could eat BBQ buffet we stopped at on the way back ( a trip to JB's Smokeshack=heaven!) *If you are local to Charleston they will be at the food + wine festival this weekend in Marion Square.*  Firefly distillery is located on Wadmalaw Island in conjunction with Irvin Vineyards.  The grounds have a lot of character and the staff/owners are as warm as can be.  We were able to taste 6 spirits from Firefly and then we did a wine tasting at Irvin Vineyards of their award winning Muscadines wine.  Muscadines are grapes native to South Carolina.  The best part of the experience was tasting a new spice rum that isn't even on the shelves yet.  It was smooth with hints of vanilla and will be a nice addition to the summer spirits menu.   Since John + I both have several "favorite" flavors of Firefly vodka,  we ended up purchasing a coffee and chocolate rum called, "Sea Island Java Rhum." It taste amazing as it sounds!  It was an afternoon of great spirits + great Southern hospitality.  I can't wait to try some of these recipes. You should be able to enjoy these recipes too! Firefly is now offered nationwide.

Java Mojo

Muddle 6-8 mint leave and place in a collins glass
Fill with ice + add 2 ounces of Sea Island Java Ruhm
Add 2 ounces of club soda + a twist of lime

Southern Fly
1 part Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka + 1 part spring water + lemon twist

Lowcountry Mojito (this is what we served at our wedding!)
Half a lime + 1 part Firefly Mint Tea Vodka + 2 parts club soda
Muddle limes, add Firefly and club soda.  Stir gently.

::Muscadine Vineyards just harvested::

::Mom + SDad enjoying a chat::

::Me + John::

::Irving House Vineyard tasting::

How was your weekend? Did you have any fun mini adventures?  Have you signed up for Groupon? Tomorrow I am going to be reviewing my February goals sheet to see what carries over for the new month. March already?!?

Friday's Fancies: Sweet Tea Vodka

Hello friends! Today is Friday's Fancies! The day when money and size don't matter and you can choose your fantasy outfit. Its pretty much my favorite day! Linking up with {av} again this week.  Are you playing? Leave me a comment so I can visit your blog too!

You all have heard of Groupon right? It's this awesome program that delivers daily deals to you (via email, facebook, etc.) The deals are about 90% local and introduce you to things you wouldn't normally think to do. We have gotten some amazing deals from Groupon including a tour and tasting at the Firefly Distillery on Wadmalaw Island for only $6! Firefly Distillery is home to Sweet Tea Vodka (dangerous + wonderful all at once.) So my outfit inspiration for Friday's Fancies is the outfit I would wear tomorrow (read: if money and size are no limitations) when we use our Groupon and tour the plantation.  I am pretty excited and will be sure the share photos + sweet tea vodka recipes tomorrow.



A morning on Wadmalaw Island by jenypenny on Polyvore.com

Photo challege Day 2+3

Hello friends.  How has the week been for everyone?  I feel like I can't get enough sleep.  Also, it feels like everything on my plate is behind. Do you ever have weeks like this?
Anyhoo, pretty excited that tomorrow is Friday Fancies! I really look forward to getting my outfit together and I love using polyvore.  If you aren't already doing Friday Fancies,  join us this week! Now, onto the photo challenge. Yippee!

::Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest::

I am pretty sure choosing your family is obviously not the point of this photo a day, but the truth is aside from John (we met in highschool) there is only one person in my life that I have been continuously close with and that person is my sister.  I'm pretty lucky, no?  She really is my best friend.  There is no one on this planet that I can share a gut busting laugh, have a dance party, a quick inside joke, a cry, a fight, and celebrate with like my sister.  It wasn't always like this and we have had our share of rough arguments, but when it comes to each other we don't carry a grudge and our love is unconditional.  I carry her heart in mine and always will.

(random transition to day 03...did you know that Eric Clapton played guitar on "My guitar gentle weeps?" I just learned this today...TODAY.  I can't believe I call myself a Beatles Fan.)

::Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show::

Hard choice.  I feel that 90210, the OC and Friday Night Lights changed me somehow.  In the end Friday Night Lights delivered every episode and thus, they become worthy of favorite cast title!  I even fought to keep in on air after the first season.

What is your favorite show(s)?

The 30 day photo challege

Hello! Hope the week is going well for everyone.  Did you know that it is 31 days of Oscars on TCM? So many good movies over the past few weeks.  I love finding new favorites (best one I have seen in the last few days is the "Bad Seed.")  Anyhoo...one of my very favorite bloggers Christina (Hungry Meets Healthy) started a 30 day photo challenge a few days ago and I decided that I wanted in on the fun! Its fun to talk about yourself, no? I actually really like these kind of challenges because they not only help me organize my thoughts, but I get to learn and make connections with others.

Its not to late to join in the challenge.  If you participate leave a comment below so I can start following your challenge also! The challenges are as follows:
Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

::Day One::

Me at 4 or 5.  I loved this coat.

::Ten Facts::

1.  I do not like scones at all.  In fact I don't even like to hear the word.
2.  I drink my coffee black.
3.  I have had a denim sofa my whole adult life (there have been three.)
4.  I make up voices for everyone I know.
5.  I really and truly love Rap music and I don't think I will ever stop.
6.  If I was going to sing for a living it would be country music, but I don't really love country music.
7.  Pretty Little Liars, Make it or Break it and Secret life of an American Teenager are my favorite TV shows.
8. When I need a mental break I am a huge fan of made for Disney channel movies.
9.  Beets, watermelon, spinach and candy corns are in my top ten favorite foods.
10. The best job I ever had was working for a record store (we actually had records, cassettes and CD's.)

What are some random facts about you?

Presenting the the reason behind my lack blogs

I am a design student in the final semester(s) of school.  Of course I have a few electives remaining and thought that taking Flash would be no problem....WAS I EVER WRONG.  This class is killing me and the latest torture device was this small animation project.  Anyhoo, meet Mr. Hedgehog in his animation debut.  *finger crossed I can get back to normal posting tomorrow.* Also, please cross your fingers that i never have to animate anything ever again. *sigh*
(you can right click and unclick "loop" to stop the animation.)

Friday Fancies- Red Carpet Ready

It's Friday and that means time for another Friday's Fancies (thanks av!) This weeks inspiration was Red Carpet ready! I went all out with this outfit incorporating my favorite designers, jewelers, and make-up products that I love.  Matte black nail polish...yes please!  Also I can not get enough of the Y-Mail Clutch in Black Patent. This is the second week I have used it! Friday Fancies is getting bigger by the week and it is so easy to join in.  I use Polyvore to create my looks, but you could use picasa or photobucket! (---> there is a link to my Polyvore site in the sidebar.) Anyhoo, here is my Friday Fancies.

Red Carpet Ready by jenypenny featuring patent leather clutches

Very Privé black suede, $795
Y-Mail Clutch in Black Patent, $445
Atlas® bangle, 7.030 EUR
Tiffany Legacy® earrings, $8,000
Tiffany MetroHinged bangle, $3,000
Chanel - Hydrabase Lipstick - No.106 Sensation 3.5g/0.12oz, $38
Volume Lashes, $25
Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 Womenswear
OPI Nail Polish Matte in Black Onyx

Ok, that was a fun diversion, but now I have to finally FINALLY finish my animation project. It is supposed to be beautiful here. What are your plans for the weekend? Anything outdoors? Any projects? I would love to hear about them, so leave me a comment :)

Blogging lite

I know my blogs haven't been that thoughtful (I am noticing the lack of comments!) I am still trying to post a little something everyday until I can get through this crazy week at school.  I don't know how many of you reading have ever used Flash, but it is so hard to work through proper animation.  I anticipate better blogging on Saturday (+ Friday Fancies.)

So tonight I just wanted to list five current favorite things:

1. Pinterest- if you haven't visited pinterest you should.  It is a little mini visual vacation.

Source: etsy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

2.  Vintch- Her blog is so thoughtful and lovely.  I enjoy reading her insights everyday and secretly strive to be that transparent and honest.

3.  Stoneyfield Greek yogurt with caramel- Try it. It is a dessert packed with protein.

4.  Thinking about signing up for this indie business class with my Mom.  Lots of very talented women teaching. I have been thinking alot about what's next and

5.  Kate Spade sample sale.  ::THIS BRACELET:: Your first love never quite goes away :)

Currents

listening: My secret obsession (well, not secret now!) Beyond Survival with Survivor Man.  
eating:   Morning Star farm blackbean burgers. Very yum! Also sugar-free Boston cream pie pudding. 
drinking: Water with hint of orange.
wearing:Vera Wang cotton PJ's from Kohls.  The softest PJ's ever. 
feeling: like this was the longest day ever.  Also, that I shouldn't have procrastinated on my animation project.  Have I mentioned that in 2+ years of school this is my least favorite class (and that includes math!)
weather: B.E.U.A.T.I.F.U.L Bright blue skies (I call them Charleston blue) + in the 60s!

::Can't wait for this::

need: to start moving.  I am no where near my 20 mile goal for this month (read: zero.)
thinking: about old friends, Facebook, + why being an adult sucks :)
enjoying: my BRAND NEW iPHONE!! Cellphone nirvana.  I am a lemming and so happy!
wondering: how I am going to convince work to let me take my last two classes for my degree?  They are only offered during the day on Monday and Wednesday this summer.  I can't go through another semester. Must make this happen so I can graduate.
internet find:These shoes + these bracelets.

Source: gudrunsjoden.com via Jennifer on Pinterest 

Source: brigitte.de via Jennifer on Pinterest

Happy Valentines Day!

Hello friends :) I hope everyone had (is having) a fantastic Valentine's day. I was planning on posting a tutorial, but still haven't be able to finish up taking the photos. To be honest this week is going to fly by while I work on this animation project. Have hedgehog, must animate. So, I am going to leave you with a little visual love tonight. See you tomorrow ;)

Source: dustjacketattic.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest