As a blogger, I am always looking for things to try and review. I have a four person family. Myself, My husband and My children. We are always up for trying things. We do have a youtube channel and we do post a lot of things on there. We just did the Bean Boozled challenge. Yikes! That was scary! Let me tell you a little about each of us in case you ever have a product you want us to try!
Me!!! - I love crafts. Anything crafty. I also love to bake and cook. I also love things that solve problems. And pretty much anything to do with jewelry, candles or girly stuff. Big back yard person and love to do gardening and love to read. I like all kinds of music.
My Husband Mr. J. He is an avid outdoorsman. Loves to hunt and fish. Makes his own lures, reloads his own bullets and melts his own lead to make weights etc. He also has gotten into making fishing flies....(You know that one on youtube with the straw. He watched that video twice and made it). He also likes to do blacksmithing, woodworking and anything he can build or create. He is not a music buff.
My son Ken - Well he is just out of the Army. He loves anything asian. Also, he is into video gaming and woodworking. He likes to create things and likes to read books but only ones that have to do with gaming or military. He likes metal music or techno.
My daughter Tay - She loves anything to do with Hair, make-up etc. Loves to craft and loves to listen to all kinds of music. She is going to be a psychologist. She also enjoys reading, cooking, baking and anything asian. She is a gamer girl. She is in love with Sailor Moon since child hood, also is a big Harley Quinn fan as well as Harry Potter and well, lets just face it, I am part of a family of geeks and nerds. Its ok we like it that way.
We love to visit local places and go to local events. So whether it is a concert, a fair, or just a store, we enjoy it immensely. We will be reviewing some other places in the area as we hit them and I will be starting a series on the local pawn shops and antique stores etc.
So that is a little about us. If we aren't home and we aren't at work.....we are hitting the beach or trying something new! Maybe you don't have a product for us to review specifically if you are from this area or visiting this area and want us to check something out for you LET ME KNOW! We are always up for a challenge.
Feel free to email us at lynnjansen14@gmail.com. We will respond within 5 business days!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Crazy times!
So I got on a roll. Got daily posts going out (which is my goal) then poof insanity took place. Just a lot going on with church and getting our house in order for company in 2 weeks plus my daughter had company for a week. AND My son is home! Woohoo! So now we are back to a family of four. Funny how when your kids grow up and move away and then move back, it is wierd to get a normal. Well that being said, this blog post will be a little meandering, please forgive me.
Lately there has been a lot going on. With my son going home I have had to meander that whole thing again of him and I and the fact that we sometimes are too much alike. But so far, we are ok. No major rows. And he seems to be adjusting to our new location well. He still is looking for a job, but, I don't know how hard he is looking. Im sure soon he will be looking a little harder. The army gave him a smoking thing so...........he needs smokes and with me not working full time either, I can't budget his smokes.
So my opinion of the army an their policies. My son got the shaft. With all of this downsizing thing, my son (who was injured) got a regular discharge. Lost half of his 9/11 benefit. He was told he was being med boarded out meaning he would keep 10% of his pay and keep his Post 9/11 benefit for college tuition. Nope. So, here we are. I really feel like if a soldier gets injured they should not be screwing them out of their benefits to 'save money'. It is not acceptable. Just my opinion no hatemail please.
Also, trying something new. It is a product called Tru. Helps with weightloss. I just finished day one on 3/30/15. So we will see as I go forward. I also gave up SODA! OMG> WHAT WAS I THINKING!?!?!?! I quit smoking myself because I can't quantify that into our budget and then no soda........and starting a new pill to lose weight. But on day 1 my energy level was soo high. I was like surprised. I mean I have not been low energy persay but, I feel a marked increase in my energy level. I like it. I will keep you in tow on that one too. I took before pics and measurements. I am not using my scale because I definitely think something is wrong with it. NO Im not saying there is no way i weigh that much. What i am saying, is that it says i gained 60 lbs since we moved here. But a lot of my clothes from up there are fitting looser. So..........not really possible to gain that much weight but have loose fitting clothing...just saying.
Our house! Well my living room is DONE!!! ZMy Kitchen is DONE! My dining rom is 98% done. My craft room 98% done. Today, craft room will be finished and my green room will be in progress and hopefully my dining room will be done. I want to start peeling wallpaper this week.....sooo.....we will see.
Ok so this now ends the meandering of my post for today! Have a great one and God Bless!
Lately there has been a lot going on. With my son going home I have had to meander that whole thing again of him and I and the fact that we sometimes are too much alike. But so far, we are ok. No major rows. And he seems to be adjusting to our new location well. He still is looking for a job, but, I don't know how hard he is looking. Im sure soon he will be looking a little harder. The army gave him a smoking thing so...........he needs smokes and with me not working full time either, I can't budget his smokes.
So my opinion of the army an their policies. My son got the shaft. With all of this downsizing thing, my son (who was injured) got a regular discharge. Lost half of his 9/11 benefit. He was told he was being med boarded out meaning he would keep 10% of his pay and keep his Post 9/11 benefit for college tuition. Nope. So, here we are. I really feel like if a soldier gets injured they should not be screwing them out of their benefits to 'save money'. It is not acceptable. Just my opinion no hatemail please.
Also, trying something new. It is a product called Tru. Helps with weightloss. I just finished day one on 3/30/15. So we will see as I go forward. I also gave up SODA! OMG> WHAT WAS I THINKING!?!?!?! I quit smoking myself because I can't quantify that into our budget and then no soda........and starting a new pill to lose weight. But on day 1 my energy level was soo high. I was like surprised. I mean I have not been low energy persay but, I feel a marked increase in my energy level. I like it. I will keep you in tow on that one too. I took before pics and measurements. I am not using my scale because I definitely think something is wrong with it. NO Im not saying there is no way i weigh that much. What i am saying, is that it says i gained 60 lbs since we moved here. But a lot of my clothes from up there are fitting looser. So..........not really possible to gain that much weight but have loose fitting clothing...just saying.
Our house! Well my living room is DONE!!! ZMy Kitchen is DONE! My dining rom is 98% done. My craft room 98% done. Today, craft room will be finished and my green room will be in progress and hopefully my dining room will be done. I want to start peeling wallpaper this week.....sooo.....we will see.
Ok so this now ends the meandering of my post for today! Have a great one and God Bless!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Dapne Gator Walk - Daphne, AL
Daphne, Al. A gulf coast town right over the bay from Mobile, Al. Just off I-10 it offers lots of opportunities to shopping and much more. But, right off the main drag of route 98. You will find a little gem of a walking route. It is called the Gator Walk. The day we went it was in January so the gators, if they were there, were probably still hibernating. We did however, get to see some turtles and a bird. It was beautiful still even without the gators being there. But we are hoping it warms up soon so we an go see them some more!
It is a leisurely walk. You will often walk past people fishing or other people hoping to spot a gator. (Its a big deal down here). There are 2 parts you may have to play a little frogger to get over to the other side which is where I took the picture above and the next photo.
It really is gorgeous there. Not a long walk so great to bring kids. But don't go in January. Definitely no gators were present to view at that point, but my understanding from locals is they are there when it warms up. An older gentleman was walking past and was talking to us. He told us one day there was a guy fishing on the side where the above two photos were taken and he watched as the guy pulled in a fish, well started to. Till the gator popped up and grabbed it. Yup. Gotta be careful. note to self.
People around here seem to be pretty relaxed about gators. Which I find amusing I think. For example, one woman told us, 'we use to swim around them. They won't bother you.' Um ok. Not trying that just saying. One of my husbands coworkers says he kayaks around gators a lot and if you go to the bay area people feed them so they will come right up to your boat you just tap them and move on. (Guess who isn't getting in a kayak in the bay. (I am however dying to go on an airboat ride. That will happen when it warms up a little more. )
I will withhold my rating until we can go down in better weather for gators. I am sure the presence of gators will up my rating. So be watching for a follow up on Gator Alley!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Selfish Plug - But really they are great shoes!
So, I recently started to do home parties for a company called Fibi and Clo. They sell sandals. First of all what drew me in was...they were having a shoe sale. Living in Alabama now, things like sandals are way more appropriate more of the year. So, ok cool. I can sell these I live in the Gulf Shores area. Why not.
I spoke with my friend who was already selling them. She told me the story. I am going to tell you the story now. This whole company started because the married couple that started it fell in love. Ok well that sorta started it. Michael and Analiza are husband and wife. She decided to design shoes. Well, actually sandals. They had 100 pair made to see what would happen. They just sold like hotcakes. Their family and friends loved them. And so a brand was born.
(By the way these photos are mine. I took them when I got my new shoes. I was so excited.) My biggest question was ok great they are blingy. I love them but I always hit my feet and when I have bling on my shoes poof gone. Well I noticed when I got my sandals they came with replacement small stones. Which is awesome. But what about the big ones? Well then I find out you just call your rep or call the company they will mail you out stones to replace the ones in your shoes. Um yes please! That is awesome. That is great my shoes will be good as long as I own them. You can't get that anywhere else.
I absoutely adore these shoes. The best part is...they are made not to be clunky. A good fit will have your heel towards the end of the shoe and your toes maybe half an inche from the other end. The top of the shoe is what people are seeing. And comfortable. Definitely yes. So very comfortable. These styles were made so you can wear them just shopping or out to a formal event. They are literally an everywhere shoe.
If you want to check out what they have, go to www.fibiandclo.com/lynnjansen
From there you can email me with any questions you may have about how styles run etc. I hope to hear from you soon so we can make your feet half as beautiful as you!
I spoke with my friend who was already selling them. She told me the story. I am going to tell you the story now. This whole company started because the married couple that started it fell in love. Ok well that sorta started it. Michael and Analiza are husband and wife. She decided to design shoes. Well, actually sandals. They had 100 pair made to see what would happen. They just sold like hotcakes. Their family and friends loved them. And so a brand was born.
(By the way these photos are mine. I took them when I got my new shoes. I was so excited.) My biggest question was ok great they are blingy. I love them but I always hit my feet and when I have bling on my shoes poof gone. Well I noticed when I got my sandals they came with replacement small stones. Which is awesome. But what about the big ones? Well then I find out you just call your rep or call the company they will mail you out stones to replace the ones in your shoes. Um yes please! That is awesome. That is great my shoes will be good as long as I own them. You can't get that anywhere else.
I absoutely adore these shoes. The best part is...they are made not to be clunky. A good fit will have your heel towards the end of the shoe and your toes maybe half an inche from the other end. The top of the shoe is what people are seeing. And comfortable. Definitely yes. So very comfortable. These styles were made so you can wear them just shopping or out to a formal event. They are literally an everywhere shoe.
If you want to check out what they have, go to www.fibiandclo.com/lynnjansen
From there you can email me with any questions you may have about how styles run etc. I hope to hear from you soon so we can make your feet half as beautiful as you!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Winterjam 2015 - Volunteering for Building 429
So, my daughter LOVES (yes it is capitalized for a reason) Building 429. She saw online where she could volunteer for the band and get to meet them. She begged us to please let her do this. So we agreed. We were just going to hang out in Mobile maybe wander town a little etc. Well, then she told them we would also volunteer if they needed someone. And guess what...as luck would have it they did.
This is my daughter in her Building 429 volunteer gear. Looking like a minion. We sold CDs that were only available at the concert. (Yes we bought one too!) So, we sold before the show then we got to go in and watch the show. Amazing. There were so many good groups. We were in back....but still got to enjoy it. Here are a few pics.
Yes amazing! We had a blast. Then we got to go meet the band for a few minutes. Probably the coolest part was the singer, Jason Roy, walked by us. I saw him and was like he looks familiar. (ya know they look different in person). He stopped turned around and shook our hands and thanked us for being there. It was very cool. When we met them they were so sweet. Jason spoke about how people told him to give up so many times. Said he would never make it but look at him now. They also debuted their song Impossible at the show.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvmAqN4FCrI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It was really uplifting. And an amazing event. I was so touched. We then wandered the halls checked out the different performers tables. Got a few CDs (hey they were $5 or $10.) Then we met this guy. Told us that the lead singer wasn't very nice. I said hmm..you look an awful lot like him. Definitely the lead singer of About a Mile. They are so awesome.
Winterjam was amazing. It was great to be surrounded by other Christians enjoying the music and celebrating faith. Sincerely. I was humbled. The man who spoke Tony Nolan. Said something I think everyone should think about. He said, everyone on social media is posting selfies of what they want the world to see. Just remember God sees through your selfie. And he does.
Winterjam gets a 5 star rating. If you have the opportunity to go to this any time you should really go. It was an awesome experience.
This is my daughter in her Building 429 volunteer gear. Looking like a minion. We sold CDs that were only available at the concert. (Yes we bought one too!) So, we sold before the show then we got to go in and watch the show. Amazing. There were so many good groups. We were in back....but still got to enjoy it. Here are a few pics.
Yes amazing! We had a blast. Then we got to go meet the band for a few minutes. Probably the coolest part was the singer, Jason Roy, walked by us. I saw him and was like he looks familiar. (ya know they look different in person). He stopped turned around and shook our hands and thanked us for being there. It was very cool. When we met them they were so sweet. Jason spoke about how people told him to give up so many times. Said he would never make it but look at him now. They also debuted their song Impossible at the show.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvmAqN4FCrI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It was really uplifting. And an amazing event. I was so touched. We then wandered the halls checked out the different performers tables. Got a few CDs (hey they were $5 or $10.) Then we met this guy. Told us that the lead singer wasn't very nice. I said hmm..you look an awful lot like him. Definitely the lead singer of About a Mile. They are so awesome.
Winterjam was amazing. It was great to be surrounded by other Christians enjoying the music and celebrating faith. Sincerely. I was humbled. The man who spoke Tony Nolan. Said something I think everyone should think about. He said, everyone on social media is posting selfies of what they want the world to see. Just remember God sees through your selfie. And he does.
Winterjam gets a 5 star rating. If you have the opportunity to go to this any time you should really go. It was an awesome experience.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Build a Bear - Spanish Fort, AL
So, I know my children are grown. But that doesn't mean that sometimes it isn't fun to go to Build-A-Bear. It was really fun. It was neat to see all the new ideas they had for bears and animals. It was the Friday before Valentines day. My husband, my daughter and myself said ok lets do something cool for valentines as a family. My daughter said what about Build-a-bear? And we were off.
The store is in this cute little mall area that feels more like a big city open mall. We walked in and saw all the possible stuffing options. My husband did not want to make a bear. But we did. I got the pink camo bear. My daughter has an obsession with Pandas. Has since she was like 3. Its wierd. But I digress. Anyhow, she got a rainbow panda! Too cute for words!
There is my bear getting stuffed. I didn't do the dance thing, but since my husband had never been to a build a bear, I did make my daughter do it. Poor thing. She is my guinea pig. But she had fun. We opted out of clothing, shoes or accessories. Just got the bears. Off we went. Happy with our bears and then out to dinner. Her bear has joined her papasan chair full of pandas. (At some point I will take photos of her chair. You have to see it to believe the amount of panda's that she has collected over time. She is just addicted to them. She can even go to a machine that has a single panda option put in a quarter and get whatever panda item they have in there haha.
So we took home our bears. We didn't name them or anything crazy....well not yet. That may happen. Who knows. Here are our complete bears.
Aren't hey cute! We love them. So it seems build a bear is cheaper than I recall. I remember them being much more expensive when my children were small. These bears were only $20. And you can get clothes as cheap as $5. I was very impressed with the prices and the variety. Even for adults I give Build-A-Bear a 5 star rating. The employees were amazingly friendly. The store was very clean and organized and they really have a great variety for everyone!
The store is in this cute little mall area that feels more like a big city open mall. We walked in and saw all the possible stuffing options. My husband did not want to make a bear. But we did. I got the pink camo bear. My daughter has an obsession with Pandas. Has since she was like 3. Its wierd. But I digress. Anyhow, she got a rainbow panda! Too cute for words!
There is my bear getting stuffed. I didn't do the dance thing, but since my husband had never been to a build a bear, I did make my daughter do it. Poor thing. She is my guinea pig. But she had fun. We opted out of clothing, shoes or accessories. Just got the bears. Off we went. Happy with our bears and then out to dinner. Her bear has joined her papasan chair full of pandas. (At some point I will take photos of her chair. You have to see it to believe the amount of panda's that she has collected over time. She is just addicted to them. She can even go to a machine that has a single panda option put in a quarter and get whatever panda item they have in there haha.
So we took home our bears. We didn't name them or anything crazy....well not yet. That may happen. Who knows. Here are our complete bears.
Aren't hey cute! We love them. So it seems build a bear is cheaper than I recall. I remember them being much more expensive when my children were small. These bears were only $20. And you can get clothes as cheap as $5. I was very impressed with the prices and the variety. Even for adults I give Build-A-Bear a 5 star rating. The employees were amazingly friendly. The store was very clean and organized and they really have a great variety for everyone!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Let go and let god they say.....I am OCD and that makes me a planner.......so....hows that working out for me?
In May 2014, I found out by an urgent news update from the local news station in Quincy, IL that my husbands plant would be closing 150 people would be losing their job. My husband wasn't even given the chance to tell me himself. (Not my husband at that time but...). We talked about it. We prayed about it. (Yes I pray and I am a Christian although I am sure some people will think I'm not based on the way I think). I said well God has a plan for us. We just have to wait and see what it was.
We urgently moved up the wedding. Lost our deposit on our dream reception hall. Downsized the wedding to just family and went for it early. Had to let the church pick a date because we needed to move it up significantly. But we didn't know if he would have a job. They were talking about layoffs starting in September. So August it was. Praying that we would find a job for him. Praying that things would work out. He started asking around, I did too. Did anyone have openings. What we got back is well this company is hiring but, they are also stating that there may be layoffs and those positions may not be filled. We heard sure we will hire you for half what you make now.
Yes the prospect of any job should have been good. Here in lies the problem. My job ran anywhere from 8 am to 6 pm. My schedule changed weekly. I had already been trying to find a second job so that we could try to do the debt free thing using my second job but no one could work around my schedule. We had a house payment, we had just bought a van a few months before the announcement and it would ruin our credit to lose it. It just all seemed too much. But I just kept praying.
Then we got the moving information and the offer to move to Alabama. I felt like it would be easier for me to look for a new job than it would be for him. I didn't have 17 years invested with a company that I would lose. And although probably a pay cut, the cost of living is a little lower and I just prayed. I told my husband whatever decision he made, I would follow him or I would stay there with him and we would figure it out. He decided we would go to Alabama.
This was going to be hard. I had already moved away from most of my family but, I had only in the last few years developed a relationship with my brothers and my mother (that is for another post). My husband had always lived with his parents till I met him. His entire family lives there and he doesn't have any family anywhere else really.
So we agreed to move. My husband came down here and picked out a house for us. We moved down here lived in temporary housing. None of our stuff was with us to speak of. Alone, no vehicle for some time and just lost. Then we got to the new house. We started unpacking. We tried to get out and about but it has been hard. I can't tell you how many positions I have applied for. And nothing. I get calls from Monster.com. Positions that are in Mobile. In and of itself that doesn't seem bad, however, the closest one is about 40 minutes away without traffic. So that could lead to an hour to an hour and a half each way if there is an accident or traffic. I really was not wanting to do that. I sincerely would prefer a 15 - 20 minute drive. Plus there are bridges so many bridges and well, to be honest bridges petrify me.
So I wait. My son comes home on Sunday because he was injured while serving in the army. We will be a full house. And I am not able to sleep and feel like I am functioning on borrowed energy. Just stressed out at this point. I really need to find a job. Have social interactions.
And then there is the whole find a church thing. Oy sincerely, the way some people in the south think just scares the bejeebers out of me. I had posted that I felt like it was a good thing that they were going to allow gay marriage in Alabama and I was literally attacked by 112 people telling me I was going to hell. I was a horrible person. No way I was a Christian. I was like where have I moved to that they have twisted the bible so much. My bible says to love one another. Love the sinner not the sin. In no way should I judge anyone else just myself. And I will continue to live that way. Period.
Well enough complaining. I am letting go. I am letting god. But that rock bottom looks pretty close. I am praying he finds me the right job so that I can start contributing to the household. I sincerely do not wish to just be sitting here not contributing financially to my family. I have always worked since I was 15. So although I am kicking and screaming I am trying to let go and let god. It is just getting harder while pushing in on a year.
We urgently moved up the wedding. Lost our deposit on our dream reception hall. Downsized the wedding to just family and went for it early. Had to let the church pick a date because we needed to move it up significantly. But we didn't know if he would have a job. They were talking about layoffs starting in September. So August it was. Praying that we would find a job for him. Praying that things would work out. He started asking around, I did too. Did anyone have openings. What we got back is well this company is hiring but, they are also stating that there may be layoffs and those positions may not be filled. We heard sure we will hire you for half what you make now.
Yes the prospect of any job should have been good. Here in lies the problem. My job ran anywhere from 8 am to 6 pm. My schedule changed weekly. I had already been trying to find a second job so that we could try to do the debt free thing using my second job but no one could work around my schedule. We had a house payment, we had just bought a van a few months before the announcement and it would ruin our credit to lose it. It just all seemed too much. But I just kept praying.
Then we got the moving information and the offer to move to Alabama. I felt like it would be easier for me to look for a new job than it would be for him. I didn't have 17 years invested with a company that I would lose. And although probably a pay cut, the cost of living is a little lower and I just prayed. I told my husband whatever decision he made, I would follow him or I would stay there with him and we would figure it out. He decided we would go to Alabama.
This was going to be hard. I had already moved away from most of my family but, I had only in the last few years developed a relationship with my brothers and my mother (that is for another post). My husband had always lived with his parents till I met him. His entire family lives there and he doesn't have any family anywhere else really.
So we agreed to move. My husband came down here and picked out a house for us. We moved down here lived in temporary housing. None of our stuff was with us to speak of. Alone, no vehicle for some time and just lost. Then we got to the new house. We started unpacking. We tried to get out and about but it has been hard. I can't tell you how many positions I have applied for. And nothing. I get calls from Monster.com. Positions that are in Mobile. In and of itself that doesn't seem bad, however, the closest one is about 40 minutes away without traffic. So that could lead to an hour to an hour and a half each way if there is an accident or traffic. I really was not wanting to do that. I sincerely would prefer a 15 - 20 minute drive. Plus there are bridges so many bridges and well, to be honest bridges petrify me.
So I wait. My son comes home on Sunday because he was injured while serving in the army. We will be a full house. And I am not able to sleep and feel like I am functioning on borrowed energy. Just stressed out at this point. I really need to find a job. Have social interactions.
And then there is the whole find a church thing. Oy sincerely, the way some people in the south think just scares the bejeebers out of me. I had posted that I felt like it was a good thing that they were going to allow gay marriage in Alabama and I was literally attacked by 112 people telling me I was going to hell. I was a horrible person. No way I was a Christian. I was like where have I moved to that they have twisted the bible so much. My bible says to love one another. Love the sinner not the sin. In no way should I judge anyone else just myself. And I will continue to live that way. Period.
Well enough complaining. I am letting go. I am letting god. But that rock bottom looks pretty close. I am praying he finds me the right job so that I can start contributing to the household. I sincerely do not wish to just be sitting here not contributing financially to my family. I have always worked since I was 15. So although I am kicking and screaming I am trying to let go and let god. It is just getting harder while pushing in on a year.
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