http://brandijayne.tumblr.com/

Wow. Just wow.

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:30:57 -0400

Wow. Just wow.

I made it back from Washington! There was a short period of time...

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:29:49 -0400

I made it back from Washington! There was a short period of time where my irrational side thought I would just stay forever but reality kicked in and I boarded the plane to head back to the land of corn.

I have so many updates and photos to post but they won’t make it online today. I will, however, leave you all with this little teaser photo of my handsome cowboy man roping steers. It’s beyond me how I managed to stay perched on the top of the fence rail while watching that man ride a horse. Something about the horses, the dust, and that sweaty cowboy roping steers makes me want to nearly pass out from attraction overload.

God Bless Cowboys.

Ranch Chicken Salad: my new summer staple This chicken salad is...

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:40:40 -0400

Ranch Chicken Salad: my new summer staple

This chicken salad is literally the best I’ve ever had. I’m addicted, I’ve eaten it for three meals in a row, and I don’t care who knows it. The ingredients are simple and I’m thinking some fun additions and tweaks throughout the summer will continue to make this recipe a staple in my life.

Ranch Chicken Salad
-3 large chicken breasts; cooked and cubed/shredded
-1 cup Roma tomatoes halved
-1cup fresh asparagus chopped
-1 cup mayo
-1/2 packet dry ranch mix

Mix all ingredients and serve!

I’m thinking the addition of cucumbers would be amazing, and depending on your love for ranch you could add an entire packet if you prefer.

Enjoy!

Somebody take away my plastic

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:38:29 -0400

I leave for Washington this Friday. It will be a quick little escape to spend time with my handsome cowboy Joe and I absolutely cannot wait. The original plan was to wait until June to see each other but love makes your head go fuzzy and it also makes flights at any price justifiable.

Even though we could have survived another month apart I’m so glad that we made the decision to just plan a trip. After all, life is short! We could be gone tomorrow! You only live once! (Do I need to continue spouting off positive, decision reinforcements??)

I’ve been mentally planning my wardrobe for the past few days and I keep encountering the same “I don’t have anything to wear” issue. This thought is absolutely laughable! My boyfriend lives in Washington. This man has never seen me in the same things twice and quite frankly he’s only seen me a handful of times to begin with! There is absolutely no reason for me to purchase a single item of clothing before this trip.

However, I’m still finding ways to justify new clothes for my trip.

“Well my style has matured.”

“I need something nice to wear when I meet his mother.”

“I need something comfortable yet show-stopping to wear when I get off the plane.”

The list goes on and on. I may need to beg my roommate to hide all my plastic so I am unable to go on a completely unnecessary spending spree. I should also remember my sweet Joe is a total man….he would be happy as a clam if I showed up in tattered faded jeans and a t-shirt. Yet, T-shirt or not I still want it to be the most flattering shirt of all time!

Being a woman can be so frustrating at times.

This Friday I decided it would be a perfect night to test drive...

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:01:43 -0400

This Friday I decided it would be a perfect night to test drive the lovely fire pit we Brett and my dad installed last weekend. I gathered wood, sticks, and a few dried leaves to start the fire. I carefully placed each log into a tepee as I’ve seen my dad do a million times and then stuffed the twigs and leaves inside. I took the lighter, lit the leaves and in seconds had a blazing fire……then my little fire slowly simmered to a dull glow.

More leave. More twigs. Instant fire. Instantly extinguished.

What in the world was I doing wrong?? This is how I’ve always seen people build a roaring fire! I called my dad for advice and he assumed the logs I selected were still too green and that I’d need a big hot flame to dry them out enough to burn. Obviously, my previous attempts were not creating the lasting flame I needed.

I ran inside, grabbed a few old socks, soaked them in a bit of gasoline and stuffed them in my log tepee. Instant flame and instant success! Forget this traditional fire building crap, from now on I’ll just have a gasoline can handy.

This Mother’s Day I gifted my mama with a family photo...

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:38:13 -0400

This Mother’s Day I gifted my mama with a family photo session. It’s bee nearly 10 years since our last professional group photo and, needless to say, we have all changed a little!

Mama and I debated back and forth on what “color scheme” we should all go with. Something bright but not too bright, trendy but not something too modern, and it had to be a color that we could get the guys in! (purple was not an option) We decided on coral and navy which happens to be a favorite combo of my mother’s at the moment!

I love the color scheme and I just happen to already own some fab coral pants but am still unsure what to put on top! Navy tank? Navy and white tank? Chambray shirt with navy under?? Ugh! Decisions, decisions!

Natural beauty takes time….

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:25:47 -0400

Natural beauty takes time….

Perspective.

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:31:40 -0400

Perspective.

In no particular order my Sunday included, but was not limited...

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:39:00 -0400

In no particular order my Sunday included, but was not limited to:

Walks with the puppies
Finishing a few pieces of art
Red velvet cake
Quality time tearing our fence with pa and the brother
More red velvet cake
The start of a new kitchen table
A few refreshing orange beers
A newly build fire pit

Sunday = Success!

16 days until I see this face. #misshim

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:33:16 -0400

16 days until I see this face.

#misshim

I cannot begin to describe how intimidating it was attending my...

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:31:43 -0400

I cannot begin to describe how intimidating it was attending my first art show this past Sunday. It is one thing to love to create and make things for your home, and it is a completely new ball game to bring those creations in front of the public eye surrounded by art gallery members and professional artists. However I slapped on a confident grin and walked through the doors repeating, “Do one thing and day that scares you. Do one thing a day that scares you.”

I was so glad I challenged myself to participate that day because it was such a success! Not only did I sell a few pieces I gained immeasurable insight from the other artists; many that have made quite a name for themselves.

I received wonderful, constructive criticism and left that day with a clear direction of where I could take this pastime. I also gained much needed confidence in my work. Like I mentioned earlier, it is one thing to have someone walk in your house and say, “Oh I just love that painting! Where did you get it?”, and it is something completely different to put it directly in front of someone with your name right on it from the start.

I’m looking forward to utilizing the advice and pointers from that day to see where if takes my art next. In the meantime, if you need a piece of art get in touch!

My summer is filled to the brim with weddings which also means...

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:16:18 -0400

My summer is filled to the brim with weddings which also means my summer is filled with bridal showers, dress fittings, and bachelorette parties. Although I adore the extra time with friends it never fails that I am operating in last minute madness to pull off the festivities. Thank goodness my mad dash at the last minute almost always comes together to create a fun-filled day.

Notice the lime photo: My friend JB was mixing up strawberry basil margaritas: “This recipe says it takes ten minutes total…..ten minutes my ass! I’ve spent 20 minutes trying to squeeze juice outta these bastard limes!” - tell us how you really feel JB.

It's not a good day

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:15:00 -0400

Today is just one of those days where the tiniest thing will bring tears to my eyes. Good, bad, funny, ironic, stressful….it doesn’t matter, I’ll most likely start crying. (The ugly cry no less. You know, the one where you wanna stop but trying to stop makes it looks worse….*sigh*… it is not my day)

Here’s a running tally so far today:

- I miss Joe. Crying over this simultaneously makes me mad at myself. Why can’t I just toughen up and be OK with our time apart?? My inner independent-side wants to start a fist fight with my inner romantic-side over being such a yuppie.

- Work is oh-so-stressful. A series of late nights and weekends has me in constant worry that I’m still forgetting something. Thank goodness my boss was happy to simply shut my office door after asking me a question that filled my eyes with tears.

- My friend is getting married. Just the simple fact that life is changing seems to be enough to get my waterworks going.

- Boston bombings. Seriously, world…..what are you coming to!? I’m not just shedding tears for those in Boston, I’m shedding tears for the whole of humanity. The world frightens me more each day. Holding a little more tightly to my Jesus today.

Pastels make me happy.

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:26:16 -0400

Pastels make me happy.

Working on some ideas for a bridal invitation suite….

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:34:31 -0400

Working on some ideas for a bridal invitation suite….

My collection of "stuff" grows!

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:11:34 -0400

I was pleasantly surprised with all the things I got accomplished this weekend while still managing to soak up some “me” time and relax. Heading into the weekend I was overwhelmed and to be honest just not feeling myself at all. I am bright and cheery most days and to have a few days of being grumpy just doesn’t suite me. I was also slightly annoyed to come to the realization that my funk was based on the fact that I was just really missing Joe.

The annoyance comes from the fact that he will literally be here in a few days time….I have absolutely no reason to be pouting over not seeing him! I attempted to blame my mood on the weather and my workload but the minute Joe called after I told him I was having a “meh” day I started crying. Oh yea, instant tears and shaky voice. I, of course, was trying to pull the “I’m not crying I just have to sneeze” card but Joe knows me all to well. Thank goodness he just took it in stride and had me laughing by the end of the conversation. He is such a good man.

After our conversation I was able to find a new outlook on my weekend and I enjoyed every second of it!

Before talking to Joe I had made a quick stop at an antique store. What can i say stale smelling antique shops soothe me! I came across a great collection of milk bottles that I thought mama Lori may need to ad to her collection.

Saturday I busted out some of my canvas and finished this pretty piece. I’m completely obsessed with it. I know I should sell it but it’s going to be very hard for me to let her go!

Sunday morning I slept in and decided to stay home to enjoy some reading and quality time with my pooch in our quiet house. Having a little time to myself was just what I needed to start my day!

My wonderful father collected a giant load of old lumber for me this past week and my mom and dad brought it down to unload on Sunday. It was really fun to just work in the shed with them pulling nails and throwing lumber. I’ll take and chance to have some good, quality family time!

On Sunday I also was able to see my dear friend Melissa for brunch and a massage! I just love how we can pick up right where we left off without skipping a beat. We met up with a few other friends for brunch and my stomach was in pain from laughter!

And I just had to add this photo Joe sent me for two reasons: 1) I mean look at how adorable that man is and 2) I want you all to note that he is fishing….in a sweatshirt……while we are in a freezing arctic in Nebraska. Not fair. As Joe would say, “One point for the Northwest!”

"…..Lord, fill my heart with your love so that I can give it away."

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:14:26 -0400

“…..Lord, fill my heart with your love so that I can give it away.””

- This was the last little snippet of an email devotional I had sitting in my inbox today and just reading fills my heart to the brim. Who’s ready to be showered with a little extra love today?

Stuck in my head.

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:30:05 -0400

Stuck in my head.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder…."

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:32:14 -0400

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder….”

- Although I wholeheartedly believe this to be true it doesn’t make absence any easier. Missing that man of mine…

My little craft heaven.

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:47:58 -0400

I had one crazy productive week that was fueled by my need to finally feel settled into our new home. Right after our move I packed up and headed to Montana for a week and then as soon as I got back to Nebraska I was swept up in a ton of projects for work. However, this weekend I ended up having loads of free time to get a few things finished…..and of course numerous other things started.

My initial project was to get our craft room organized and cleaned up. I actually started this Friday night in an attempt to be done by Sunday when we planned to have friends over. Thankfully, an impromptu snow storm cancelled the plans and I was left with more time for organizing.

This is what the room looked like to begin with and I started out just trying to unpack and put things away. I quickly realized that I had random items strewn throughout various boxes so I decided I should start making piles…..and piles, and more piles. This was also about the time that I started to realized I have a problem. I’m not necessarily at “hoarder” status but I have a need to save and re-use and the amount of stuff I’ve collected is ridiculous. I literally filled an entire box with types of adhesive. I felt like Forrest Gump rattling off the various options as I packed them away, “Elmer’s glue, wood glue, super glue, clear glue, white glue, mod podge, sticky tape, not-so-sticky tape, no-sew, velcro…..”. You get the point.

After starting and stopping over two days I managed to finally get everything in place and I now have a craft room that I could literally just sit in and stare at. Craft room = small slice of heaven.

Ok it’s sort of silly that I took a picture of this but let’s all appreciate how perfectly my twine ball fit into this little .10 cent jar. No more messy twine piles for this girl! Oh it’s the little things in life, isn’t it? :)