just for fun

Just wanted to share a few things I found (or was introduced to) on YouTube that I thought YOU TOO might find fun!

This one is for Katie (I hope this is the one she remembers). We first saw this one back in High School and it's interesting to go back and watch and remember how FUNNY and HILARIOUS we thought it was. 

This one is from the college years. My sister found this one, and we could NOT stop watching it and laughing hysterically (to the point of SERIOUSLY annoying Scott). Did I mention her name is Jackie, and my mom's name is Debra. Funny stuff!

This one is a video I found on my own. I just love the end of the song and the background SO much. I won't say I'm a fan of country music (not really at all), but a selct few songs I do enjoy... watch and maybe you will too! 

(so apparently the "embedding" code was disabled from this video on YouTube, but you can still go and watch it HERE )

Hope you enjoyed! If you have a favorite you tube video, feel free to share (I'm always up for a good laugh!).

from jessie (MyTube)... with love 

habit forming

My marriage is a picture perfect example of how opposites attract! Because we are opposites, we each have habits (both good and bad) that differ from each other. 

Now, upon careful reflection, I'm CERTAIN there are good habits that we have influenced in one another. However, the other day, I realized (like a slap in the face) that I've picked up a HORRIBLE habit that my WONDERFUL husband displays: cluttering! Cluttering includes, but is not limited to, the following: making piles, leaving dishes unattended in the sink for long periods of time, not returning things to their rightful spots. I'm not perfect (I"ll be the first to admit that) but I prided myself for a LONG time on being neat. When things would get out of order, I'd quickly swoop into action and make them right again. Lately however, the stress of cleaning up after two people has caused me to stop trying as hard. It's one thing to pick up after yourself knowing that its YOUR good habit that's being perpetuated; it's another thing to clean up after yourself and another person who doesn't necessarily conform to the same "tidy" ideals. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't hold it against Scott that he doesn't have the natural inclination to get up and clean, but it definitely makes things a little more difficult on my end! I want to commend him, because when I agree to humble myself and ASK for help, he's right there. But in the realm of cleaning it's SCOTT'S BAD HABITS:1 and JESSIE'S GOOD HABITS:0 . 

So think to yourself... what habits (good or bad) have I been influenced into thanks to the one I live with?! Just wondering. 

from (messie) jessie... with love 

opposites attract

This is a reality that comes to my attention often in my married relationship and I thought a blog post about it was overdue. Yesterday sparked the inspiration for this post because while at the pool Scott and I unintentionally laid our identical towels in opposite ways. Picture it: our towels are light blue and white. If faced one way you get a light blue background with white waves on it. If faced the other way, white background with blue waves. THIS is how we laid our towels out at the pool; not only then, but when we laid them out on the balcony to dry, we did the same thing! 

There are many opposing characteristics that come along with our personalities and our relationship. Here is a SHORT list to give you an idea...

• HE loves junk food :: SHE loves sweets
• HE is a pack-rat :: SHE is a cleaner
• HE is obsessed with music :: SHE loves dancing
• HE dreams of the mountains :: SHE dreams of the ocean (although we both enjoy aspects of each)
• HE listens to NPR :: SHE likes to scan the "hip" stations
• HE gets politics :: SHE doesn't
• HE has no problem meeting new people and making friends :: SHE likes to stick close the the ones she's already made
• HE likes to work out his mind :: SHE likes to work with her hands
• HE likes to wade in the pool :: SHE likes to lay in the sun

Honestly the list could go ON and ON! So it got me thinking: Why are we drawn to individuals that are our opposite? I figure the answer is pretty simple. Foundational items normally bring us together (i.e. beliefs), but the opposing characteristics are what make us vital to one another. Marriage is all about growing together, and what better way to grow then to learn something that's not naturally in your tendency to do?

Scott balances me out. He has taught me to listen, talk about my problems, and meet new people in circumstances I would have normally shied away from. Likewise,( I think) I have taught him to look for the good in situations, find joy in small things, and put items back in their place (although we are still working on this last one). I love that we balance one another out. We are constantly working on being selfless, and putting one another's needs before our own. Don't get me wrong, we no where NEAR have this down pat, but we acknowledge that it needs to be done and attempt to do so on a daily basis (successful or not).

to be continued...

from jessie (ying to his yang)... with love 

Berry Body

Thought I would share a fun little stop with you that Scott and I visited yesterday. 

After visiting County Grill in Yorktown a while back I mentioned to Scott that there was a frozen yogurt shop in the same shopping center. This comment peaked his interest for one very special reason... ((flashback)) Where Scott and I used to live in Hampton, there was this lovely little mom and pop shop called Yogurt International. Scott has fond memories of summer visits, eating chocolate-vanilla frozen yogurt swirl. I have fond memories of walking over there with my older cousin Adam and having him buy my sister and I cones of frozen yogurt! Around the end of eighth grade year, Yogurt International closed down, McDonald's went up next door, and the shop was abandoned until SEVERAL years later when it became a Dairy Queen ((but that's another story)). Scott has been reminiscing ever since about how yummy and how good the yogurt was and what he wouldn't give for another delicious swirl cone of chocolate and vanilla. This explained the twinkle in his eye when I mentioned the frozen yogurt so close to us in good old Yorktown! 

Last night was our first chance to make a stop at Berrybody... the much anticipated frozen yogurt stop. I will be honest and say it was NOTHING like what Scott was expecting. The frozen yogurt was delicious, but it was NOT the sugar filled chocolately-vanilla goodness my husband remembered from yogurt international. The frozen yogurt at Berrybody is literally FROZEN yogurt... it defiantly carries that same tangy tart taste. From what I gathered (this being our first time and all) there are three flavors made for the day and several varied fresh and natural toppings to choose from. Yesterday's flavors were original tart, green tea, and strawberry (although we were promised that they do make chocolate fairly regularly). 

I got the strawberry with FRESH strawberry, mango, and kiwi pieces (I looked prettier before I took this picture and several bites!). Scott opted for the strawberry-original tart swirl with fresh strawberries, sprinkles, and chocolate chips. Despite the fact that it was definitely "different" than yogurt international, I think we both enjoyed it (I know I did). Part of me couldn't help but thinking that they were modeled after the acclaimed "PinkBerry"... but I've only ever seen that on commercials and I'm taking a wild guess. 

Yummy, simple, goodness.... I recommend Berrybody if you're looking for something refreshing and naturally sweet this summer! 

from jessie (berry pleased)... with love 

REALLY!?

Upon arriving home from church yesterday, Scott and I were greeted by quite the sight in the lawn adjacent to our apartment building. Nothing shocking, scandalous, or gross, just something that made me say... REALLY?!

One of the latino families in the apartment building next to us had taken it upon themselves to gather on the lawn for a cookout. This scene in and of itself is not what caused the reaction... what DID catch my attention was that the family had "resourcefully" relocated a couch that was sitting next to the dumpster onto the lawn as seating for the gathering. This couch had been sitting next to the dumpster all week long, through rain, sun, and stinky garbage. REALLY?! A part of me wanted to laugh, but a greater part of me wanted to cry due to the understanding that a sterotype was being perpetuated. I'm all up for family time, but I wish they would have let the couch be. 

from jessie (why, oh why)... with love 

and the third winner is...

Congratulations to commenter number 2! Thanks to RANDOM.COM ... the wonderful Bethany is the winner of the third and final giveaway this week! 

I cannot thank those of you who participated enough! You all ROCK and keep me doing what I'm doing! I'll be back tomorrow with an all new (soon to be) reoccurring post titled "REALLY?!" or (alternatively) "OKAY or NOT OKAY"... trust me, you'll want to stay tuned! 

from jessie (gave it all away)... with love 

WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS :: coffee coasters

gives goods to you all week!

Alright everyone... it's the LAST GIVEAWAY of the week!!! I decided I'd save something special for last (not that the headbands and the fabric basket weren't wonderful). I haven't yet put these up in my shop, because I'm not sure how big of a seller they would be, but I couldn't resist making some for fun! 

This giveaway is for a pair of "coffee coasters". I named them such because of the colors I chose and also because that's what I'll be using mine for... but they'd be great for whatever beverage you so choose to utilize them with! Perfect for the office, these coasters would add a bit of personality into an area that can otherwise feel drab! Not to mention you're getting two (perhaps you'll consider sharing with a coworker or friend?!).

Entering the giveaway is simple: leave a comment in the comments section and check back in Sunday afternoon to see if you are the winner! Charlsie took a chance and left a comment and now she's the proud owner of one of the fabric baskets!

As always, please help me promote this giveaway on my blog as well (as my etsy shop) by posting links in your own blogs and Facebook pages (thanks to Bethany, Katie, and Agatha who have been helping me out so far!). I consider it a personal favor!

from jessie (let the comments commence!)... with love 

and the second winner is...

Again with the help of RANDOM.ORG, I have chosen the second winner for the "week of giveaways" here on my blog... number 8 was the lucky number! Congratulations Charlsie! 

Round three is soon to come, but not quite ready yet. Check back in towards the end of the day today and tomorrow to get in on the LAST GIVEAWAY of the week. Don't miss it! 

from jessie (don't give up, you could be next!)... with love

WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS :: medium fabric basket

gives goods to you all week!

Round two of the giveaways this week features two of the fabric baskets I've been making for my esty shop! The winner of this giveaway will get to choose one of the two baskets pictured below to display and utilize in their own living space! This giveaway is gender neutral... so girls and boys... i want to see you BLOW UP the comments section!

Fabric baskets are completely reversible and washer-machine safe. Not to mention, they look great on display! 

Entering the giveaway is simple: leave a comment in the comments section and check back in Friday morning to see if you are the winner! Caley left a comment and won the last giveaway, what's stopping you?! 

As I stated before, I hope you'll help me get the word out about the giveaway and my etsy shop by referencing a link on your blog, your Facebook, or simply by e-mailing a few friends. I would consider it a personal favor... and really, who DOESN'T want to know when free stuff is being given away?! 

from jessie (shares with others)... with love 

and the first winner is...

With the help of RANDOM.ORG and their random number generator... number 15 is the winner!

Congrats Caley, you've won the Megan Headband Duo! Get in touch with me at jessie.minter@gmail.com and we'll work out the mailing details so you can start sporting your new accessories.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all of you who left a comment! I'm so pleased with the response. Your chance to win isn't over; check back in around lunch time today for the second giveaway of the week! 

from jessie (giveaway girl)... with love 

WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS :: megan headband duo

gives goods to you all week!

You read right... I'm doing my own week of GIVEAWAYS here on my blog. The goods up for grab you ask?! A variety of items that are for sale in my Etsy Shop at www.jessiemint.etsy.com ! Each giveaway item will be posted for two days, after which I'll pick a winner and post the next lovely item up for grabs.

The "Megan Duo" (so named after my wonderful sister-in-law) is the first up this week. Like all the adult headbands in my shop, this stylish duo is made from cotton fabric sewed and secured in the back with an elastic band (to minimize pesky headaches normally associated with wearing headbands). Megan wore her own version of the black and white headband to a party this past Friday and received a number of compliments; I have no doubt you will achieve the same results if you win this headband duo!!!

  

Entering the giveaway is simple: leave a comment in the comments section and check back on Wednesday to see if you were the winner (and also to sneak a peek at the next item up for grabs). A quick note to my gentlemen readers... consider leaving a comment to win this duo for the lovely lady in you life!

Help me get the word out about this week's giveaways here at fromjessie...with love by posting a link in your own blog (if you have one) or referencing a link on your facebook page. Why keep the free goodies all to yourself (okay, so fewer entries does increase your chances... but be nice)?! Tell a friend, a neighbor, the cashier at the checkout counter... just help get the word out!!!

from jessie (I'm GIVING THIS STUFF AWAY)... with love 

Bag Ladies

Why am I doing a post about homeless women?! Well, I'm not... just read on, you'll get it!

Last night the FABULOUS Bethany P. (as she will be referred to hence forth) hosted a Thirty-One Party. Not only did I get to hang out with some of the most enjoyable, entertaining, genuine women around... but I also got to look at drool over bags and purses. Did I mention I won a prize?! It would have been difficult for the night to be any more enjoyable.

The Thirty-One company was found on Proverbs 31 and what it means to be that type of woman. There mantra is to celebrate :: encourage :: reward ; a beautiful company philosophy that I might be adopting as a personal philosophy! All women deserve something beautiful, and Thirty-One offers just that in tasteful and fun bags for babies, children, teens, and women alike! I'd buy from them on that reason alone!

Tonight I purchased a houndstooth print wristlet and address labels. In all honestly, I held out because I REALLY liked the "fall line" of items. My wonderful sister-in-law, Megan, and I are planning on hosting our own Thirty-One party in the Fall, during which I might throw down on a new purse and other such wonderful items! 

Special thanks to Lindsey Brooks (our consultant), the fabulous Bethany P (for hosting the party), Kaite (for going everywhere with me and enjoying it still), Megan (for coming out and laughing along), Kim (for sitting with us and helping me make choices), and Julia and Chris (for boosting our self esteem!). 

from jessie (bag it up!)... with love

Share and Tell

I started to write a post previous to this one, and realized I had all kinds of fun thoughts I felt like sharing. So once again, here is a LIST for your reading pleasure:

• I am the proud new owner of a Blackberry Curve (it's pink). This thing is INSANE (although I'm sure those readers with iPhones would be unimpressed). I can now access Facebook, email, and internet wherever I go. It kinda freaks me out, but in a good way! 
• Last night, Scott and I joined the WONDERFUL Katie and Jake at the County Grill in Yorktown to watch The Muckrakes. We had an English-pub-sing-along-be-jolly kind of night. Despite the fact that I'd never heard their music before, the Muckrakes were very entertaining and I would recommend that you check them out here and here. 
• I finished making some child sized headbands last night for my Etsy Shop. It's my goal to make some fabric baskets today and get all items posted and up for sale by this evening.
• Tonight I'm going to a 31 Bags party at the fabulous Bethany Poteat's house. I'm really excited about hanging out with wonderful people and purchasing one of the many CUTE things the company has to offer.
• I've got two Target gift cards that a burning a hole in my pocket. I'm trying to resist the urge to go spend them on a bunch of piddly things simply because I know there will be something in the future I might NEED to use them for. Resistance might possibly be futile (it is Target!). 
• Scott and I are moving in August. Excited and nervous about this... but the time is quickly approaching and I need to get the ball rolling.
• Got to spend the day with Scott yesterday. It's fun having time just to run around and do as you please with someone you love. I think couples so rarely get that time though. Have you spent quality time with those YOU love today?

I think that's all I got in me. HAPPY FRIDAY and EVEN HAPPIER WEEKEND!

from jessie (speaking her mind)... with love 

Thorn Rose Jewelry

College provides a wonderful opportunity to meet a varitey of people, and my college experience was no exception. One of the lovely ladies of CNU I was fortunate enough to meet was Laura D. We lived close to one another, ate meals together, and conqured Radcliff Hall and the English Department together. Now, both of us are attempting to succeed by putting our crafty talents to work in an Etsy Shop together!

Laura very recently opened up Thorn Rose Jewelry, her shop on Etsy. Her eclectic tastes are reflected in beatuifully paired beads and pendants. Necklaces and bracelets are both available for extreamly reasonable prices! Here are a few of my favorites ready for purchase immediatly in her shop:

Porcelain Tree Pendant Necklace:

A bold and beautiful display mother nature would be proud of

Circle Medallion Necklace:

A zen like display of beads and pendant that harmonize together for a beautiful look

Amore Bracelet:

Shades of romantic reds come together lovingly in this accessory

What's not to love! Laura is a wonderful and talented lady and I hope you'll check into her shop to see the other accessories she has for sale (and perhaps purchase one for your own wearing pleasure). Did I mention Laura and I are BOTH on Etsy? If you haven't visited my shop yet, make it part of your TO DO LIST!

from jessie (with a little help for my friend)... with love 

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!!

It's official! I've got my own shop on Etsy now! I'm so excited about the prospect of what this shop may bring that I'm almost at a loss for words at the moment (weird huh?).

The name of the shop is "With love... from jessiemint" and you can find it at http://www.jessiemint.etsy.com . If you visit now you'll find adult headband trios in a variety of patterns and colors. In addition to these lovely accessories, I'll be making headband trios sized for children, some of my wonderful framed jewelry organizers, and for FALL I'm planning on making some mini fabric baskets for organizing. I'm hoping to have alot of these completed and listed by the end of this week. Once I've got the shop set up to my liking, I'm planning on doing a giveaway or two on my blog here... so check in often! 

I hope you'll take a moment to stop into my shop over the coming days and look around (and possibly purchase something). I've been working hard to put this together and it would mean a lot to me. Tell a friend!

from jessie (lil' entrepreneur)... with love 

worth sharing

I feel as if I have  just one more Minnesota blog post within me, but something else was biting at me today and I just had to share.... because it's just TOO DARN PRECIOUS not to share!

Scott and I have had the WONDERFUL privilege of meeting some amazing people at the church we currently attend (shout out the Water's Edge!). Two of those amazing people are Dave and Angela, who will be getting married at the end of this month. It's refreshing to see two people so comfortable and wonderful in and of themselves come together and blossom into a loving relationship like these two have. I simply cannot wait to see what the future has in store for them!

Recently Angela and Dave had their engagement portraits taken and I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful photos of such a lovely, picturesque couple in my life. PLEASE take a moment and look at the pictures the talented Dana Duncan took of them HERE. I know these two, and it would have been hard to take a bad picture of them, but these just turned out SO good! Then if you're left feeling squishy, and charmed check out Dana's site HERE for additionally artsy, inspired photos of couples, babies, and students. When I'm impressed by something I can't help but share!!!

Enjoy your Monday and check back in throughout the week... heck, the coming MONTHS for some exciting updates and insights!

from jessie (awed)... with love 

try, try again...

The Barta family is fortunate enough to have family members who live on a beautiful, large lake in Minnesota (hello Irene!). We are equally as fortunate to have another family member who owns a fast boat and water skis. An opportunity to attempt water skiing arose when these two family members, along with others, came together on the Forth of July up in Minnesota. Along with LOTS OF EATING (seriously, that's what we do), Brian (Boat Captain) and fellow experienced skier Mike (awesome guy), took groups of people out on their fabulous boat to brave the lake and SKI. Since this opportunity doesn't happen every day, I said, "sure, I'd love to try"(special thanks to Yes Man for this wonderful life philosophy!). 

My sister Jackie, who learned to ski years before while on vacation with her best friend, picked right back up where she started. I think she may have had one bad go before she pulled herself up on the skis and went flying across the water and wake with ease. Check her out...

After watching that all I could think was, "oooooo.... easy and fun!"(even though I knew better). Brian and Mike, along with Scott, Joe, and several children, accompanied me out on the boat for my first attempts at skiing. My instructors were great and very patient, always giving me advice. Even the kids chimed in with such insightful advice as "hold on next time", "just stand up", and my personal favorite "don't fall down so much". But over and over again, this is all I achieved...

Some would look at this and say "I accomplished nothing! I give up! Stupid water skiing!". Not I. My inability to stand up on the skis was not a failure, but a near success! Call me an optimist, I'll say the glass is half full, because I gave it my all and actually had fun doing it. I'd love to be able to look back and say I stood up my first time around, but I didn't, and life doesn't afford you success at everything you try. I think that's an okay lesson to learn! I'm proud of what I did accomplish, even if I didn't achieve my ultimate goal. When life hands you opportunities... give it a try (and have FUN with it)!

from jessie (i've fallen and i can't get up!)... with love 

YUMMY or YUCKY:: Minnesota Edition

I told you I'd be on this Minnesota kick all week, and that includes incorporating it into one of my favorite posts: yummy or yucky. 

At one of the many family gatherings my dad's cousin Jenene brought out a plate full of "pig lickers". I have to say I was caught off guard at first and thought they were a joke, but after seeing everyone else start grabbing, I figured there had to be something to these delicacies. Apparently they sell these at the Minnesota State Fair and Jenene took it upon herself to create TWO WHOLE PLATEFULS of these beauties. So...

YUMMY or YUCKY?

Pig Lickers

(aka Chocolate Covered Bacon)

everyone loves bacon and chocolate from Jenene (in the green)!

I have to say I found them curiously tasty, but my limit was two. It's the whole sweet and salty mix that makes it so scrumptious. At that, I have to propose a formal apology to my sis-in-law, Megan, who suggested two years ago or so (while working at a "whole foodish" type store) that the candy bars with bacon pieces in them that they carried were tasty. So Megan, I'm sorry I ever doubted your taste buds; you'd fit right in in Minnesota! Your turn: decide if you'd eat this item (YUMMY) or pass it up for fear of gagging/barfing (YUCKY) and post your response in the comments section. SO EASY a caribou could do it! 

Aili and I chowing down!

from jessie (pig licking)... with love 

haha... that's just funny right there! 

After The Gorge, the boys took us to one of the MANY mine pits near Grand Rapids to do some PIT JUMPING! Jackie (my sister) and I were lucky enough to have gone pit jumping during our last visit to Minnesota. I talked it up big time to Scott, so he was insistent upon going. We took a short trail down to the mine pit, climbed a few hills (with the help of a rope), dodged a few branches, and arrived. 

Despite having been there before, I was still dumbfounded at the clear aqua-blue water. The pit is hundreds of feet deep, so the bottom never gets stirred up enough to muck-up the water. After a few gasps at the scenery, it was immediately evident how popular this particular spot had become since our last visit. There was carpet lining the "run way" along with a dock and set of stairs to aid the climb once in the pit (last time my feet were stained red from climbing up the iron ore side to get back up to the the jump off point... i approve of the upgrades!). 

The water at the pit was even colder than at The Gorge and I thank Toffer and Jackie who fearlesslesly jumped in first to discover this! I hadn't planned on jumping, but after watching everyone else, I couldn't resist. Scott documented for your viewing (read laughing) pleasure. 

Everyone continued to make jumps of the pit ledge, which got progressivly more creative. A few of the guys did cannon balls, Jeremy did a combination dive/face-plant, and Scott and I tandem jumped. Check out (from left to right) Nick, Toffer, Jackie, and Jeremy as they made a SPLASH!

It was breath-taking, awe-inspiring, and just as exhilarating the second time around! We momentarily contemplated making our way to the 30 foot jump spot, but decided not to due to time (MUCH to Scott's dismay). I guess we have a date with destiny next time we visit!

from jessie (jump on in)... with love 

Wild Boys: Part 1

Thursday of last week's vacation was deemed "Kids Day" by the adults. All us young adults had the day to ourselves to plan a day in Minnesota. My three awesome cousins, Jeremy, Toffer, and Nick, were in charge of plans. Originally we thought about taking a day trip to the town of Duluth an hour away. Duluth sits on the shore of Lake Superior and has fun shops, museums, and "touristy" type places perfect for staying occupied. However, upon realizing that Jeremy would be in the car for 3 hours straight that same night heading back to the twin cities (Minneapolis and St.Paul), alternate plans had to be made. It was decided that "explration and adventure" were the name of the game.

After sleeping in (an adventure in and of itself), we took off on a .75 mile hike to a place called "The Gorge". For those of you unfamiliar with Minnesota's landscape there is a lot of water, countless pine trees, a variety of trails, and all sizes of mine pits (some active, some filled in with rainwater). We parked and walked a nice paved trail up to the "spot", along which the boys pointed out (and picked) wild strawberries. 

They were super tiny, so you had to look close. We had to find some for Scott since his red-green color blindness was no help in spotting the ripe red berries on the small green bushes. In addition to the strawberries, there were GIANT dandelion seeds growing; I mean GIANT! I told everyone we should have picked a few and donated them to the "make a wish foundation". Perhaps the bigger the wishy, the better the chance you have of your wish coming true. 

We sidetrecked down a dirt trail to the spot the three boys had visited before, and proceeded to jump into the CHILLY waters of the river. The temperature was a SERIOUS shock to the system, but was tolerable over time. We swam across, climbed rocks only to jump off again, and did some trekking along the river side. All in all, the gorge was an energizing experience.

Minnesota's landscape was BEAUTIFUL and defiantly worth seeing, especially if you have wildboys as guides! Next stop... PIT JUMPING!

from jessie (one with the wilderness)... with love 

Home, Home in VA

HELLLLOOOOOOOO ALL!

Scott and I are officially back from our Minnesota vacation. I have so many pictures, so many happenings to share, and no clue where to begin! General thoughts? Let's see...

• vacation is nice, but I wouldn't want to live there. there is defiantly something to be said for routine. Although it's fun to take a break sometimes, body and mind both appreciate normalcy as much as spontaneity. 
• I like flying! I feel so luxurious (even in coach) flying to a destination; not to mention the "free" soda, peanuts, and cookies. 
• Wish I could have caught more fish. Only one of my four fishing excursions was successful, but of course one is better than none. 
• Minnesota was fun to visit, but something about the humidity and warmth of Virginia was calling me home by the end of the trip (Scott would disagree)
• vacation provided alot of inspiration to get crafty and hands on, so I've got lots to keep me busy this summer.

Certainly I have more thoughts than this, but my brain is like soup right now; a soup with lots of ingredients floating around. I'm having a difficult time picking out and eating just the "vacation" pieces! 

It should go without saying that (again) I'm happy to be home and can't wait to share some more specific details about my trip with you ALL THIS WEEK (yes.... there was THAT MUCH!).

from jessie (home sweet home)... with love 

ATTENTION BARTA FAMILY MEMBERS WHO READ MY BLOG: keep an eye out, I might be posting pictures and talking about you! And don't be afraid to show the love and leave a comment every once in awhile. XOXO