Fantastic Finds: Internet

Pretty sure that I have just stumbled upon a new blog feature: "Late to the Party: Fantastic Finds." I am not sure if it's because I just spent the last three years in school and didn't have much time for internet browsing-OR-if this just started to happen when I thinned out my Google reader and embraced new blogs, but my radar is up and I keep stumbling upon fantastic things.  I wanted to share this find in case there are others out there that don't know about this fantastic site:: craftgawker

First let me say that the iPhone app for this site is fantastic.  Also- I like how the projects, tutorials, hair advice, etc. all take you directly to the blog where the idea originated.  Once you register you can save projects/images that you love.  It's like pinterest, but without all the repeated images and uncredited work.

Any fantastic finds you want to share with me?!?

Celebrating One Year on JenyPenny

Hello friends! I noticed today that I've had this blog for exactly one year & three days.  It has been nice to go back through my earlier postings and see the things that I thought were important enough to write about and features I tried to do on a regular basis. Umm...somethings I really haven't kept up with!

I am still trying to find my voice and a balance between being authentic/entertaining.  Thank you for sticking with me on this journey.  I am excited for this upcoming year- I have big dreams (although the biggest dream will be coming true at the end of next month!) I thought it would be fun to update my first posting and see what has changed.

I hope to participate in:
Wordless Wednesday- still would like to and would be happy to have a reason to really improve my photography (read: not be afraid of my camera!)
What I wore Wednesday- not really feeling like my fashion is anything to photograph on a daily basis.  So RETIRING this idea.
Recipe sharing- Love too! I already have a couple of post schedule to run!
Esty promotions- My own and others.  I think I will start with just sharing the things I "heart" on Esty.
and slice of life entries- YEP! I see this being a regular feature when baby bean arrives!

What are your top 3 favorite foods?

Watermelon, Beets, and Mexican- Still true!

What are your top 3 favorite places?

Tokyo, Japan :: Sullivan's Island, SC :: Any Ritz Carlton - Still true!
What was the last movie you watched and would you recommend it?

Sherlock Holmes- Probably not, but I do LOVE Redbox (I know- late to the party here.)

Where was the last place you went?

Doctor appointment to check on the little one.

Name 3 places you have never been that you want to visit.

Paris :: UAE :: Ireland- Still true!

Name 3 things on your bedside table.

My cell phone ::sketch book :: One Yard Wonders :: The Baby Manual

What are the top 3 things that your job requires you to think about?

I am a system engineer for NOAA so I have to think about security, software applications, and checking server event logs for errors. - Still True!

What was the last musical or theatrical event that you attended?

A Christmas Play at the Dock Street Theater downtown (Charleston, SC)

What are the first 3 things you would do if you won the lottery?

Pay off all our bills/house, help my family, and buy a Mercedes G500.

What are the top 3 things that you wish you could do?

Sing on Broadway for a season :: lose weight :: work as a full time designer :: get pregnant <---- HAPPINESS!!

What is the last thing that made you smile?

Seeing my husband sitting in the nursery and wondering what he was thinking about.  It's like we are waiting on the biggest Christmas present ever.

I want to share my:
Photos
Paper Projects
Small tutorials
Favorite quotes
Bloggers I <3....Still true!

What would you like to see? Do you think it is hard to find a blogger voice? Does one year seem like more than enough time?  Leave a comment and let me know!

A midnight snack

Very early in my pregnancy I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and I actually think it was a blessing.  I am now healthier and more educated about my body than I think- maybe ever.  In an effort to take the best care of myself and the little bean I have explored and learned about foods and food combinations with the help of an excellent diabetic counselor.  There are two things I've learned that will remain a part of my life even after the pregnancy:

1.  If you eat a carbohydrate- ALWAYS eat a protein with it. (read: apple/cheese, graham cracker/sunflower butter)
2.  The importance of protein!

Late night protein is super important to me as it currently helps with my fasting blood sugars in the morning.  This being said you can only eat so many cheese sticks and eggs before bed. (read: I am not sure when, if ever I will be able to eat an another egg.) I needed to find a new solution that would satisfy me, but also satisfy my protein requirement.  On a whim my husband picked up some Yoplait Smoothies at the grocery store.

Frozen fruit- perfectly proportioned with no added sugar. Just add ice, milk (read: protein) and blend- it is thick & delicious. The Strawberry, Mango, Pineapple is my FAVORITE. Although I haven't had one yet that isn't yummy.  It's usually on sale for 2 for $5 ( I bought some at Harris Teeter on Saturday) and yesterday I received an email with a coupon good for a dollar off. Perfect timing!  Just click this link and download.  Let me know if you try them! 

How about other suggestions for protein sources?
 
*I received this coupon offer from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Designer Crush | Color Crush

This weeks Friday's Fancies really got me excited.  There are three designer items that I've had my eye on.  A pair of Tory Burch flats (follow TB on Facebook and you will get notified of secret sales), a Fair Isle sweater, and a David Yurman link bracelet.  So when {AV} said this week is color crush- I was SO excited I knew the exact look I wanted to create.  *Also I can't wait to fit into some real jeans (read: with belt loops) and these from Anthro are AMAZING.

I am really starting to crush on ORANGE.  What about you?

Designer Crush | Color Crush by jenypenny

1.  MiH Jeans, $187 
2.  Matthew Williamson fair isle cardigan, $382
3.  Kate Spade shoulder handbag, $248
4.  Tory Burch ballet shoes, $235
5.  Roberta Chiarella coral drop earrings, $48
6.  David Yurman sterling silver jewelry, $250

PS.  Isn't that Kate Spade bag ADORABLE? 

PPS. I need help from the stylish Moms out there. I am in NEED of a diaper bag. Any ideas or suggestions?

One little word| 2012

For the past few years Ali Edwards has encouraged people to choose one little word that inspires/ignites you for the upcoming year.  I have done it for the last two years and it actually does serve as a reminder and guide as you move through particular life seasons.  My one little word for this year is: Begin.

Begin

verb

: to do the first part of an action  

: go into the first part of a process 

: to come into existence : to have a starting point

: to do or succeed in the least degree 

: to set about the activity of 

: to bring into being 

This is the year I will BEGIN to be a Mom for the first time. This is the year that I BEGIN to take JenyPenny Design & Shop JenyPenny to a place that I can support my family.  This is the year that I will stop being afraid of HTML and BEGIN to use the skills I have. This is the year I will BEGIN to use Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator like a master. This is the year I will get over any fears I have (read: quite a few) and just BEGIN.

Do you have one little word? 

Paring Down & Cleaning Up

In an effort to start the new year on a better foot I did two things:

1.  I decided NO resolutions. I have been in school for the last three years and I am currently pregnant- I feel like I deserve a little time to NOT have to think about change, practice, and the horrible side effect of failed resolutions- the guilt.

2. I also decided to get the house in order (It might be called nesting.) Our house has been in major disarray.  I have been working full-time, going to school full-time, and working on numerous side projects.  The house looked like it did when we moved in and it needed help. The biggest news here- we finally got adult bedroom furniture.  Oh Joy!

So these two things have led me to start quite a few pare down/clean up projects.  One project I took care of over winter break was to pare down my Google reader. My interest have changed and there are a few new blogs I have recently found.  This process led me to Mimi + Meg it's a gorgeous blog full of art, design and great ideas.  Recently they posted something called, " Get a Frest Start" and it ignited a FIRE in me.  I wanted to share this with you because I think you will be just as inspired to clean, organize, donate and trash. Click directly to their site (above) and you can download/print a copy for yourself, plus I am sure you will want to add them to your reader. I love how they decided 2012 would be the year to get shit done! Ha! I have already accomplished three things on the list and I am feeling lighter already.

via::mimiandmegblog.com

Let me know if you find the list helpful! I am curious...
Do you have a junk drawer? Do you think there is such a thing as being to organized?

32 Weeks

*Imagine my picture here*

I got this fantastic idea from Katie at "The Perks." She has been sharing these updates all along and I have loved reading them.  A bonus is that I just figured out that she lives in the same area as me!

Sex of baby: A beautiful little girl! She has a name with the initials of "EAT" or a monogram of "ETA." Hopefully she doesn't hate us for that! Her name is extremely important to us and I can't wait to share the story.

Size of baby: She currently weighs 4.3 pounds and is about 17 inches long.

Maternity Clothes: Very thankful for my skinny jeans, and Liz Lange Shirts from Target.  I haven't bought to much- Two pairs of Jeans, leggings and lots of great sweaters from Anthro.  Somehow I have made it work.

Sleep: Sporatic to say the least.  I am usually up at 3AM regardless of when I went to bed.  I bought the Snoogle Mini and that has helped some.  I am a tummy sleeper so this has been an adjustment.

Cravings: SPICY FOODS! I have always loved spicy foods, but now its a necessity.  Also milk has become a favorite thing to consume- especially homemade chocolate milk. 

Aversions: For the first two trimesters it was coffee and if you know me, you know that broke my heart- but I am happy to say that has passed! I am currently loving Lattes with 2% milk from Starbucks.  I have kept caffine intake to under 200mg a day and I feel comfortable with my decision to incorporate coffee back into my daily routine.

Symptoms: Terrible and I mean terrible carpal tunnel on my right hand.  In fact it has been so bad that I have been having nightmares that I can no longer draw, paint or write with that hand. In the last few days I have had some hand swelling, but that is about it! I can't complain at all.

Best Moment this week: Finally seeing her face! Every single ultrasound we have had she has been turned away from the camera- on this ultrasound (our last one) she finally turned and we saw her sweet face.  I pretty much floated on a cloud for the rest of the day.

We are just starting to get the nursery underway and I am having a hard time finding fabrics or inspiration for the bedding.  This is currently what we are thinking about doing with the bed skirt.  I am lucky that my Mom is good at sewing up amazing things.  The colors are Red, Green, and a wee bit of pink- Vintage Strawberry Shortcake!

Source: target.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Goodbye 2011 | Hello 2012 a year of BIG, awesome, exciting change!

My Mommy married my amazing Step-Dad in May 2011!

Graduated Magna Cum Laude in August | Commercial Graphic Design

My greatest wish & hope came true in July 2011 when John and I found out that we were expecting a little bean late Feb/early March 2012!

While I don't blame this on my lack of blogging it certainly has been an adjustment! I am use to running on unlimited energy and the little bean has been making sure I slow down. We are so excited and very much looking forward to 2012! Have a happy, joyful & fun new year! 

JenyPenny will be back in 2012 with lots more to share- that's a promise :)