Lets get personal; New Year's Resolutions

I have several New Year's Resolutions this year. I spend quite a bit of time contemplating my resolutions because I want to take them seriously. Even if I just choose one to commit to, I want to make sure that I do just that; commit.

Commitment: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.

Commitment however is something that takes patience and perseverance. By writing out my resolutions I am hoping that this will be one more way to hold myself accountable to my personal goals. My resolutions are by no means easy {for me} and that is why they are my resolutions. They will take great effort and time-perhaps even the entire year.

*I want to build my network. I love connecting with all of you and it truly brings joy to my day. I want to continue doing so on my blog but also connecting in other ways whether that be through handmade, creative outlets such as conferences or other in person meet-ups. I will also be planning fun series throughout the year. If you have not done so already, be sure to nominate your favorite blog of 2010 !

**I have never been taught how to save. My parents were not necessarily financially irresponsible, they just did not spend much time teaching my siblings and I the importance of saving money. Sure I learned about working hard to pay for things-but not saving. I want to learn to manage my money this year and save.

***I want to become more organized. I often feel all over the place and I think I talk about this often. In all aspects of my life-I am all over the place. I am extremely organized at work; however personally my administrative items are in a disarray in piles in my closet, my laptop bag, everywhere. It is hard to manage-hard to focus-and I really need to get it together as D would say.

****Gym. Since July I have not stepped foot in the gym. Such a disgrace. I love going to the gym. I am a different person since my attendance has dropped. I use the excuse that I am exhausted by my job and that I have no time due to work. I need to put the excuses aside and just do it...

I am comfortable stopping at 4 resolutions. If I can accomplish any or [all] of these, I would be proud of myself.

What are your resolutions? Do you typically stick to them? Do you take New Year's Resolutions seriously?

Let's link up and share!

Hiya Luv Blogs of 2010 {nominations}

As 2010 is coming to a close, it is time to reflect on the year.  You have heard radio stations play the top tunes of the year and you have seen pop culture television channels countdown the end of the year with recaps of popular tv shows.

I thought it would be fun to compile nominations for the best blogs of 2010! 

Nominate Here!

 I will announce Hiya Luv Reader's Choice Blogs of 2010 on January 1, 2011!

psst-votes are anonymous.

Why I would give *anything* to work from home...

Today was not extravagant. I didn't even shower. I gave our house a deep cleaning. Something that I have not been able to do since July {insert shame} when I started my new job. But it was a wonderful day, very much like the day that I had not too long ago when I stayed home from work and took care of household things and hung out with Polo all day long.

Having time off has been outstanding. It makes me yearn to work from home. I would give anything...well almost.

I started off my day by making breakfast and having coffee with D. Then I walked Polo in the snow and cleaned the bathrooms, kitchen floor, dusted, vacuumed, and did laundry. I scrubbed the showers and bathtubs until my back hurt and D had to help me up.

At 4pm I tuned in for a tweet chat with other lovely ladies at Crafterminds. We exchanged great ideas about crafts and blogging. Then I made dinner and chocolate chip cookies, watched a movie, and snuggled with Polo.

What I have cherished so much over this winter break is TIME. I realize that I have so little of it while I am working. My mind is clear and I feel so refreshed and at peace right now. It feels so good.

How am I ever going to go back to work? Do you stay at home and work? Is the grass really that green?

pupdates & updates

Why hello friends!

This week is super special because I am home {all week long} with both Polo & D. This only happens once a year so when it does I am giddy like a school girl and am on cloud 9.

I am busy cooking, baking, snuggling, playing poker {d's fav.}, and sewing.

& as we live on the east coast, we have been bombarded by snow! Polo is having a ball.

I am sewing.

Later this week I will be adding new items to my shop & I'm so excited to share them with you.

What have you been up to? How is the weather in your neck of the woods?

Have you started to think of your New Year's Resolution?

no pressure. *wink*

I should tell you...

Kara at Mine for the Making shared some fun tidbits about herself the other day and I thought I would link up and do the same.

The linky party is from Little Miss Momma's "Things you Should Know to be my BFF" post and I enjoyed reading Kara's so much that I realized that I haven't shared some of the in's and out's about me with you...

I am incredibly impatient.

I have a hard time focusing on ANYTHING if I haven't showered yet. I mean I can't even hold a conversation-yea I think there must be something wrong with me.

I would love to live in Southern California again one day.

I don't enjoy going to Disney World because I highly dislike crowds.

I really love going to the movies...by myself.

I have a list of New Year's resolutions because I am a perfectionist and really want to improve myself.

I am a learner and am constantly looking for new ways to grow and develop.

My dream is to have my own business and to work from home.

Managing money terrifies me although doing so makes me feel independent.

I am all over the place all the time-I wonder if it is possible to develop ADD as an adult.

I love garlic and onions and hate mushrooms.

I was a vegetarian for 4 months but still don't eat much meat as it makes me gag.

I want to make people happy-to a default. It gets me in more trouble than its worth most likely.

I believe in true love-through thick and thin and that compromise is sometimes a sacrifice.

On the Myers Briggs Personality Indicator I score highly as an extravert but I don't enjoy being around others for a long period of time. I need quiet, alone time. I would rather be an introvert and a hermit.

I highly dislike Valentine's Day but adore College Football Bowl Week, the Super Bowl, March Madness and Spring Training.

I am an Ohio State Buckeye. Phillies fan. Chicago Bears fan. and currently in the market for an NBA team.

I could go on for days about myself however I do not consider myself conceited.

I sometimes have a dry sense of humor.

I am the oldest of 5. My youngest sibling is 8.

I am an open book. Email me: gina at hiyaluv dot com to further the conversation

so...

how was your day?

I would love to hear all about it.

I was a bit under the weather so we had to change our plans.

Instead of traveling to visit my grandparents, we had to stay home so I didn't spread flu germs.

It was sad but we made the best of it by snuggling on the couch and watching Avatar.

What did you do? Was Santa good to you this year?

Evidently I was a good girl. I opened presents from Dave & Polo but not my family yet because of my friend illness.

So...how was your day?

Merry Christmas

One of my favorite memories growing up was watching the holiday specials during the evening with my family. I still get nostalgic when I see Rudolph or the Grinch on television and often stop what I am doing to sit on the couch for a few moments and allow myself to giggle like a school girl at the cartoons like I used to do.

{Okay-who am I kidding-I own these films on dvd.}

I rarely pop them into the dvd player and allow myself the pleasure of a good childish giggle.

{excuse me as I add this to my New Year's resolution list. Yes, list. }

One of my favorite holiday cartoons is Charlie Brown.

Poor Charlie Brown always seems so down and depressed.

{wah. wha.}

oh bother.

{but}

Charlie is uplifted by his pupster and his friends, isn't he?

Regardless of the amount of gifts with my name on them under the tree this season, I am grateful for you, my friend.

*You* are what Christmas is all about.

A Christmas Wish

Hiya luv! I wrote a guest post on Domestic but Not Martha the other day but thought I would share it here as well in case you were unable to come visit me on Crystal's blog.
I hope you will take a minute to reflect on the season with me.





I want.

I want.

I want!

I often overhear this statement from children, teenagers, and even adults while out Christmas shopping.

When I was younger, I used to be like that.
[I wanted everything.]

My wish list was a mile long and on Christmas morning I would make a mental note of all the things I didn't get.

{yea, huge brat I was.}

Good heavens, I spent so much time worried about what my cousins got or why I didn't get as much as my sister.
"Well they must be the favorite!"

{sulk.}

I'm embarrassed to admit that I was like this; but at the same time I am proud that I am no longer like that.

{Where do we learn behaviors such as this?}
My parents never gave me the impression that I would get everything {or even anywhere close} that was on my wish list. They always taught me to say please and thank you and to give to others. Is it human nature that teaches greed? Did I learn it from my classmates in school? Society? Commercials on television?
{Or was an evil force trying to ruin what Christmas is all about?}

Society entices us to put a price tag on the holiday.

To go in debt to buy presents for loved ones.

Sometimes I have even felt that I needed to spend a lot of money so my family would know that I loved them.

{foolishness.}

Now, I fret that I haven't spent enough but I know that my gifts are heartfelt and took precious time to make.

{Gifts that are expensive and rich with love.}


***

and that is of God's word.

How do you celebrate the season with your family?
How do you teach your children the true meaning of Christmas?

My new Domain!

Hello luv's!

I'm excited that I finally took the plunge to purchase my domain name!

{yee-haw!!!}

Please update your rolodex blogs to reflect my new home:

www.hiyaluv.com

If you experience anything bizarre on my site over the next couple of days, please be a dear and email me:

gina at hiyaluv dot com

Squee---i'm off to experiment!

daydreams and coffee

Hiya luv!

Today I will be at work

daydreaming 

until it is time to have coffee with my old boss.

I'm really looking forward to meeting up with her to catch up as it has been awhile.

All the while, I always have you in the back of my mind. 

I adore blogging.

Happy day! What are you up to?

{all photos are from wehearit.com}

girly girl holiday

Pink is my favorite color. Traditionally I have not decorated for the holidays with pink but this year in particular I have found many decorative items in my favorite hue. 

lovely pink snowflake door

or a more traditional door decked out with gifts

adorable crafty packages with pinks and reds

girly girl pink tree

and my favorite sugar cookies with frosting (even though they are not pink)!

Are you having a girly girl holiday this year? 

december, please be kind.

Today I woke up with feelings of sadness.

 Gloom. 

It didn't help that I was really cold. 

and that I didn't want to go to work. 

Do you ever have days that you just dread every bit of it? 

For no apparent reason? 

My day wasn't particularly hard; in fact it was quite easy.

I was able to accomplish a lot at work.

I came home to several packages from blog friends which uplifted my spirits immensely. 

I cleaned the house.

Wrapped presents.

and realized that I am sad because for the first time in my life I am not excited about the holiday. 

Something has happened; I'm consumed entirely. Too busy. 

Something has to give. but what?

Do you ever feel like that? 

Hiya Luv Handmade {New Item} GiveAway!

{Hello Friends!}

I am so glad you stopped by today. 

Remember the other day when I had that day off and I spent the day getting puppy kisses from Polo and baking chocolate chip cookies, doing laundry, cleaning, and enjoying zero stress?

{Yea, it was heaven.} 

I took a personal day from work and it was marvelous.

Dave came home from work, I had dinner made, laundry put away, and I was on cloud 9.

I'm not sure when I had last been on that cloud. 

So-

I also taught myself how to sew a zippered pouch on my day off and my first one came out [sew] cute. I plan to add some to my shop soon but in the mean time, be the first to have one!

You can win it over at Mine for the Making!

WIN: The Penelope zippered pouch with adorable luv blossom & luvly damask journal

What are you waiting for?

Click here!

won't you visit?

Hiya luv!

I am guest blogging about my Christmas wish over on Domestic But Not Martha's blog. Please visit me and check it out! Happy day!

holiday prep

Still a busy bee around here...

buzzing about doing the last minute holiday shopping...

cleaning the house...

wrapping gifts...

baking...

{or perhaps just starting?}

shhh-don't judge.

I can't wait for a break y'all! 

That's truly all I want for Christmas.

xo

Happy Friday Luvs

Have a happy Friday!

I'm so happy the weekend is here.

This picture gave me a chuckle and I hope it makes you smile too!

Do you have words for this?

I sure don't!

Just laughter.

cozy

'nough said.

These pictures feel so homey. Just like the holidays. 

I'm so looking forward to time off work to spend with family and friends.

far and few between

I took the day off on Monday.

Days like that are far and few between.

Dave had to work so Polo and I had the house all to ourselves.

{dance around the coffee table to jingle bell rock}

I work long days. Looonngg days. And my commute adds to that.

I wake at 5am and catch the train at 6:45am.

I get to work at 8:02am.

I walk 3 blocks to work and then get to my office at about 8:15am.

I work all day and leave the office [on most days] by 4:45pm to catch the 4:55pm train. 

I hightail it down the hill 3 blocks and run up lots of flights of stairs.

[you would think I would be used to the stairs by now; nope.]

I hop on the train at 4:55pm [if it is on time] and get to the train station near home at 6:20pm.

I drive home and walk in the door at about 6:30pm.

I walk Polo and then make dinner and do other household chores.

Most days I crash and am a vegetable. 

[no lie.]

I'm beat.

But Monday was glorious. 

I woke up at 8am and packed Dave's lunch.

Polo and I went on a long walk. A couple of long walks throughout the day.

We did laundry and read blogs.

We snuggled on the couch and I taught myself how to sew a zippered pouch.

{yep! I sure did.}

We baked chocolate chip cookies and

I took my car in for service and went grocery shopping.

I folded laundry and made dinner and then Dave got home.

Oh-but I didn't tell you about THE best part of the day.

Polo and I played outside in the backyard in the snow flurries! I took pictures {lots of them} too!

Oh my day was divine.

Until next time....

12 Days of Holiday Luv {Winners!}

Hiya Darlings!

Thank you all for entering in the lovely giveaways! 

I always enjoy reading all of your comments and comment when I can. If I didn't comment on your post, make sure that your email address is entered in the comment notification box.

Don't know how to do that?

In blogger go to Dashboard-->Settings-->Comments-->scroll down to comment notification email and make sure your email is entered in the box. Click save settings. 

Wah-la! 

Now you can receive responses to comments!

Okay-now for WINNERS!

Mandipidy-Suburban Sweetheart

Pixie Chicago-Emerging Em

Apearently Sew-The Sweetest Petunia

Satin Hands-Libby Bonjour

Cotton Lane-Sarah B. {Yes, Teacher}

Whimsical Winston-Brooke Anna

Good Gravy Designs-Emily{laceymaybelle}

Doodlebugs Paper-Ashley Hasty

Congrats and thank you once again for entering!

Starting a new tradition

Hiya Luv! I missed you so! 

I guest blogged over at A Hasty Life yesterday and had such fun. 

In case you didn't get a chance to visit me over there, I wanted to share my post with you.

I hope that you are enjoying these chilly cold December nights as much as I am-particularly the evenings snuggled up with some hot cocoa on the couch with my Polo!

{via}

I have such fond memories growing up of spending holiday evenings playing games and drinking hot cocoa by the fire with my siblings, grandparents, and parents. These game nights became a family tradition and is still an event that everyone of all ages looks forward to each year. 

candyland! my favorite!

What is your favorite holiday memory?

Do you have a special tradition that you just love? 

As you know traditions vary by family and they all have their own special twist. 

I did some research and found the most popular traditions to be as follows:

Christmas Tree, Christmas Cards, Yule Log [who has that these days?], mistletoe and holly, Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

okay-

duh!

I was looking for something deeper-more personal perhaps. 

I started to think about all of the Christmas's past and the variations of holiday dinners that I have been to. A few things were common throughout-food, drink, friendship, laughter. 

One thing really stood out-kindness towards others.

[via]

During the holidays, we give like no other.

Some families have even started a new tradition to include giving in all they do for the holiday season.

Here is an example.

Have a dinner party and incorporate community service into the party. 

Dave and are planning to have a party with some close friends. We are sending invitations along with a small paper bag and this flyer to help a great organization called the Pajama Program. We are asking for friends to donate a pair of children's pajamas or a children's book and to bring it to the party with them in the provided brown bag. All pajamas and/or books will be given to our local Pajama Program Chapter and donated to a local orphanage. 

Where the Wild Things Are

{one of my favorite books!}

We are hopeful about the possibility to make a small difference in the life of a child who may be bounced from foster home to shelter, etc. 

Do you plan to start a new tradition this year?

Guest Blogger: Ashley of A Hasty Life's Holiday Picks

Good morning luv's!

I am really excited to introduce you to another gorgeous blogger, Ashley of A Hasty Life. She has a special holiday post for you today and I will be visiting with her readers over at A Hasty Life. Please stop by and see me! 

Hello HiYa Luv Readers!

My name is Ashley, Regina and I are switching blogs for the day, you can find her at my blog: A Hasty Life. I’m so happy to be posting here. Guest posting is such a wonderful way to meet new bloggers and share new ideas! I’m excited to see what new relationships blossom through this guest post (for both Regina and myself!) Today I want to share with you a few of my favorite holiday decorations from Etsy. More emphasis is being put on small, local, and homemade businesses this year and I’m LOVING this trend! Hope you enjoy my picks!

Clockwise:

Bunting – Lady Goes to Market

Garland - Elduende

Poms – Pom Love

Acorns – Sewn Natural

Ornament - Lupin

Wreath – Head Full of Flowers

Stockings – Rik Rak

Clockwise:

Red and Burlap Flower Pillow – Livy Creation

Green Crocheted Doily Pillow – Ten Chi

Poinsettia Pillow – Bed Buggs

Clockwise:

Green cable gloves and scarf – Eveldas Neverland

Red Felt Hair Bow – Sandy a la Mode

Rosette Scarf – That Funky Boutique

Green Cloche Hat – MoJo Spa Style

It’s been a pleasure! I hope to see you around the blogging world again!

Sincerely,

Ashley

Thanks Ashley! Fun post. All of these picks are amazing and it is so hard to choose just a couple. I could go broke on etsy; seriously! I do adore red felt hair bows and of course anything to decorate the house! 

Have a gorgeous day luv's!

{day 12} of holiday luv: Doodlebugs Paper GiveAway!!!

This may be the last of the 12 Days of Holiday Luv giveaways but it is certainly [not] the least!

On {day 4} of Holiday Luv we visited with Kacey of DoodleBugs Paper. 

To revisit the feature, click here.

Kacey is giving one lucky reader a $20 shop credit to DoodleBugs Paper!!

I received some lovely comments during the Doodlebugs Paper feature about the items in Kacey's shop and if you have not purchased these items already, now is your chance to win some shop credit!

[yippee!]

Buy It!

The HUGE Inventory Sale is currently still going on! Surf on over to DoodleBugs Paper to check it out!

Just a friendly reminder that Kacey is unable to ship anymore holiday orders right now. 

Win It:

Mandatory:

Visit DoodleBugs Paper and leave a comment about what you would use your credit towards.

Extra Entries:

Follow the DoodleBugs Paper blog and leave a comment.

Follow DoodleBugs Paper on twitter and leave a comment.

Follow me on twitter and leave a comment.

Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Tweet, blog, facebook about the giveaway and leave a comment.

This GiveAway will close on Tuesday evening!

Good luck!

If you haven't done so yet, there are several other giveaways going on-be sure to enter to win! 

{day 12} of holiday luv: Good Gravy Designs GiveAway!

Good Gravy!

Remember the cute personalized stationary mentioned on {Day 7} of holiday luv?

If not, no worries, click here to go back in time.

Lelan is so excited to give away a 10 piece flat note card set {with} labels to one lucky ducky Hiya Luv reader!!! 

[jumps up and down]

**boo, I can't win.**

But YOU can!!!

Here is how!

To Buy Good Gravy:

Go to the supermarket.

OR

Visit Good Gravy Designs. Remember Lelan is offering free shipping until December 31st! 

There are also several items currently on sale!

To Win IT:

[Please leave your email address for all entries so that I can contact you! It is so disappointing when I can't find the giveaway winner. Bah-Humbug.]

Mandatory: Visit Good Gravy Designs and leave a comment about the stationary set you would choose and the labels you would choose.

Extra Entries:

Follow Lelan's blog. [you're in for a laugh.] Leave a comment.

Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Follow me on twitter and leave a comment.

Tweet, blog, facebook about the giveaway and leave a comment.

There are so many choices to choose from! Good luck! I hope you win!!

{day 12} of holiday luv: Whimsical Winston Giveaway

Today is the last day of my series 12 Days of Holiday Luv! 

I hope that you enjoyed the past 12 Days as much as I have. 

Thanks to my lovely shop participants and to YOU for reading.

Did you get a chance to check out the amazing ornaments from Whimsical Winston during {day 5} of the series? Mother/Daughter team of crafters are so talented at making gorgeous, detailed ornaments and they are giving ONE away to a lucky Hiya Luv reader!!!

{so pretty!}

If you missed {day 5} or would like to review, click here. 

Buy It:

Visit Whimsical Winston and check out all of the lovely handcrafted items such as but not limited to ornaments, hairpins, and snow people.  

Win It:

Mandatory: Visit Whimsical Winston and comment on your favorite item.

Extra Entries:

Follow Ruth on Twitter @Gingerlyspice and leave a comment.

Heart Whimsical Winston on Etsy and leave a comment. 

Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Follow me on twitter and leave a comment.

Tweet, facebook, or blog about this giveaway and leave a comment.

{night 11} of holiday luv: Cotton Lane GiveAway!!!

Good evening sweets!

I hope you are enjoying a lovely evening snuggled up with a warm cup of cocoa or maybe you are out and about with some friends enjoying a martini?

[via]

Regardless, I am excited to offer you a gorgeous GiVeAwAy by Caroline of Cotton Lane!

She also has an adorable blog. If you haven't checked it out, click below

She was featured in my Holiday Luv gift guide on {day 2} and was a big hit!

If you missed it or want to review, click here. 

Caroline is giving one lucky reader this beautiful navy felt rosette clip!

Buy It:

Remember, you can still shop Cotton Lane for 15% off with code LUV15

Holiday orders must be placed by December 16th! 

Win It:

Mandatory: Visit Cotton Lane and mention your favorite accessory. 

Extra Entries:

Follow Caroline's blog.

Follow Caroline on twitter.

Heart Cotton Lane shop.

Follow me on twitter.

Follow my blog. 

The giveaway winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 14.

Good luck!

{day 11} of holiday luv: Satin Hands Gift Set GIVEAWAY

Good Morning sunshines! 

I hope you are ready for this fantastic weekend; I know I am! 

Let's start off this lovely day with a giveaway from Laura's shop.

Remember how I wrote about all of the amazing beauty goodies that were great for stocking stuffers?

{click here if you missed it.}

Laura is generously giving away a set of one of Mary Kay's most popular products!!

Step 1: Use the Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Softener to help maintain skin’s natural moisture.
Step 2: Cleanse and exfoliate with one pump of Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Satin Smoothie® Hand Scrub and warm water.
Step 3: Apply a small amount of Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Cream for instant moisturization for up to 24 hours.

This giveaway is for a complete set of Satin Hands in a lovely gift bag as shown above.

Buy It: 

Visit Laura's Mary Kay Shop and check out all the amazing goodies that are under $10! 

There are 90 in fact! Remember, Laura is offering free shipping!

Win it:

Enter my giveaway to win a set of Satin Hands in a lovely gift bag as shown above. 

Mandatory: Visit Laura's shop and comment on your favorite item. 

Extra Entries: 

**Follow Laura on twitter and leave a comment.

**Follow me on twitter and leave a comment.

**Follow my blog and leave a comment.

**Make a purchase from Laura's shop and get [5] bonus entries. Just leave a comment.

**Tweet, facebook, blog about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so.

Good luck and happy shopping!

{day 10} of holiday luv: Apearantly Sew GiveAwaY!

{I told you that a girl cannot have enough zippered pouches and I meant it.}

I am thrilled that Alison at Apearantly Sew has generously offered one Hiya Luv reader a {$15 shop credit} to use in her shop!

{You can pick out your very own zippered pouch, wristlet, tote; or whatever your heart desires!}

Buy It:

Visit Apearantly Sew and remember to use the Hiya Luv special discount HOLIDAYLUV10 for 10% off at checkout.

Win It:

Mandatory: Leave a comment about your handbag collection. It could be anything; just something about your totes, pouches, purses, bags, etc.

Extra Entries: **Follow Apearantly Sew's blog and leave a comment.

**Follow my blog and leave a comment.

**Follow Apearantly Sew on twitter and leave a comment.

**Follow me on twitter and leave a comment.

Follow my facebook and leave a comment.

***Tweet, blog, facebook, and spread the word anyway you know how and then leave us a comment telling us about how you spread the word.

YAY for GiveAways! Be sure to check out the other 2 giveaways from earlier today featuring Mandipidy and Pixie Chicago!