Classy or tacky?

Ok. A couple of weeks ago I had a birthday and turned...well...twenty something. I have gone shopping a couple of times to buy myself birthday presents with money people have so generously given me (thank you!!!). I have found myself in conflict. I keep asking myself, can I pull that off? Or is that too juvenile? I mean, I'm twenty something. Should I start dressing, older? Or mature or something? I don't want to look like I'm in high school, but I'm pretty sure I'm finding myself attracted to clothing that I would have picked out in high school!

Take this eyeshadow for instance. I bought this over Christmas break. I bought it because my 13 year old sister had one, and I loved it! The colors are a little bright and sparkly...am I too old for that?


And what about this. What if you have a shirt, some eyeshadow, and nail polish that are all the same color. Is that way tacky? Is that so Junior High? Or is it cute, like matchy matchy?

Here is an example. Tell me what you think.

Purple shirt.

Purple eyeshadow.
{I guess I'm not coordinated enough to take a picture of myself with one eye shut}

And purple toes.

So what do you think? Should I be struttin' my stuff, or should everyone I'm with wish they never knew me?

{Simplified version of the question: is it tacky and/or juvenile to be this matchy? And not just this example. Think in general terms. Is it more classy to switch up the colors in your look? Tell me what you think!!!}

Allison's haircut

As you all know, Allison has grown her hair long...for a long time! She is always beautiful. She recently got brave and cut off about 12 inches of hair which she is so generously donating to someone who needs it. I LOVE THE NEW DO!!! I took some pictures so you could all see.
She says that she may actually go a little shorter! Usually she feels sad about a hair cut, but this time she has had no regrets! And rightly so...it's such a good look on her. You're so pretty, Al!!!

Polka dot shorts

Cami bought these girls the cutest little outfits for Easter. I thought a mini photo shoot with them matching would be entirely appropriate! Unfortunately, Brenna wasn't feeling very good, so she isn't sporting her beautiful smile in these. Thanks Cami! Again!

P.S. It was my birthday last week and I realized I didn't post anything about it. I didn't really have any pictures taken of me, so there's really none to post. All I can say was that I was spoiled by EVERYONE and I just want to say THANK YOU! Especially Nate who sacrificed an entire day to take me for some shopping and sushi. (He really hates shopping...those of you who know him will realize what a HUGE sacrifice that was on his part!!! SUCH a good hubby! I felt so loved.)

Have a healthy breakfast

Breakfast is hard for me in terms of cutting calories and sugar. I mean, it's the first meal of the day, SO very important in starting out the day, and I have always been addicted to cold cereal. You know, LIFE, Cap'n Crunch, Honey Bunches of Oats, etc. Not to mention, it's a quick and easy breakfast...not a lot of effort involved. Well, since I'm trying to lose my baby fat, I had to look at some other options. So here's what I've come up with so far.

Egg beaters. These have ZERO cholesterol and ZERO fat! 60 calories for 1/2 a cup; makes a good sized omelet that fills me up. A great source of protein. It IS more expensive, but I say that healthy eating is an investment for the future.

Eat your eggs with 1 piece of whole grain bread with NO butter. 120 calories for the bread. If you've gotta use butter, use NATURAL actual butter instead of margarine. It's better than consuming those trans-saturated fats!


Instead of using salt (which used in excess leads to high blood pressure and other heart problems) use Mrs. Dash! ZERO salt, all natural herbs! I use these on my eggs every morning.

Whole wheat pancakes. I also mix some uncooked oatmeal into the batter. I really actually like these better than regular pancakes! They taste like they have more substance to them, and they are way more filling. Top these with some light maple syrup or fresh fruit, and you can eat pancakes guilt free!

Ok, these aren't the most healthy, but I love them anyway. Biscuits made from Bisquick! I like to make my own little "Egg McMuffin." Homemade is WAY healthier than McDonalds.

Oatmeal. I try to stick with 1/4 cup of oatmeal mixed with LIGHT brown sugar. The light brown sugar has fewer calories and less grams of sugar per spoonful. Or of course, fresh fruit!!!
If you have any other ideas for healthy EASY breakfast ideas, I want to hear about them! I am always looking for a new, healthy way to do breakfast!!!

Brenna's cheese

Baby girl cheesing it after pulling herself up to standing ALL BY HERSELF.

My pearls

My birthday was this week, and I have been spoiled ROTTEN! I have truly had so much fun this week! I thought it would be appropriate to show and tell my FAVORITE birthday gift.

My husband gave me this jewelry box right before we were married for my birthday, and I didn't really have an appropriate 'treasure' to store inside until now! This birthday he bought me a strand of pearls. {Real ones!} So here they are together sitting safely on my shelf. I find myself glancing over at them each time I walk by. They go with everything too. I love wearing them. They're so pretty! Ah, what a lucky girl I am to have a husband who knows how much I appreciate timeless treasures like these. THANK YOU HON!!!!

Paying it forward

Here is how it works: the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive at some point during this year a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment here write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or cut and paste... no one will judge you, 'cause that is what I did). Then come back and let me know you are going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift. You can email your address to me at sjbringhurst@yahoo.com. Remember only the first 3 will qualify. Good Luck!!!

Easter Sunday!!!!

Easter was a busy day, but not too busy for me to remember the real reason for Easter.



So the Easter Bunny did come, in modest fashion.

Kaylee in her Easter dress. I didn't take a picture of Brenna because she wasn't feeling well. Later during the day she spiked a temperature. Poor baby!

Grandma did an amazing job speaking in church. It was so fun to visit with family afterward! Once again, I was bad about taking pictures. I brought out the camera after most of the people had already gone home.


Bruce impressed all of us with his juggling skills. Yes, those are buns.

Damon volunteered to do the vacuuming!


Awwwww!!! :)

These pictures of Charise and Damon are SOOO cute. She is SUCH a good mommy!

Afterwards, we went to Nate's parents for a delicious Easter dinner and family home evening. Kaylee enjoyed watering the flowers out front with Grandpa.

Painting Easter Eggs....thanks for visiting, FAMILY!

My family came last week to visit for their spring break! I was really bad about taking pictures. I guess I was just living in the moment. It is always so fun when they come to stay! They have to sleep on air mattresses...so I'm sure they're glad when they finally get to go back to their normal beds.

I did manage to take pictures of our little egg-decorating party! Kaylee, Heather, and Breanne always have so much fun together.

Ooooo look at the pretty eggs!

Of course Brenna LOVED of all the attention she got all week. She's trained for smiling now...any time you say, "Give me your cheesy smile!" She does this:

I had to take some photos of Jake eating dinner. He opens his mouth SOOOOO wide, so cute!

Heather and Breanne together again!

Kaylee's favorite dye color was the green.