Double Header Post Today!

So to start my post off today,

THIS IS MY 100TH BLOG POST!

Just a little excited. And I would like to say how thankful I am for all your comments that have been coming in. Especially about my 5K that was coming up.

Thank You!

Which leads into the double of this post...

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Pardon the chubby post baby belly. (My legs are looking amazing from running, not so much with the gut...) This is me right after my 5k on Saturday! It felt so good! I had to wait to take a picture until I got back to my friend's house to get my kids. I ran it alone, Steve had to work, but it was a totally great 30 degrees out, so I would feel really bad if someone was waiting there for me. 

I finished the race in 36 minutes and 14 seconds. Number 134 of 207. Kind of sad in a way, but I am so proud of myself. The day before when I did a practice run, it took me 39 minutes and 45 seconds. I shaved off 3 and a half minutes for race day! 

3 things I noticed:

-A man the same as my father (60's) passing me and finishing probably by 15 minutes faster. No exaggeration.

-Being passed by a 7 year old in the last mile. Seriously?!

-Being beaten by a whole 2 minutes by a woman who would stop and walk, then run, walk, run. I never stopped!

Either way I am proud of myself, and the run was so much fun. They had Powerade, Bagels and Kiwi Loco Yogurt at the end. And we raised money for Polio. Not too shabby.

And I saw that a lot of other people had races Saturday as well... way to go ladies! Nothing better than working up a sweat. 

My favorite quote they put up for us while running, "It will feel better when it stops hurting." There is a point where it does, when you see the finish line ahead.

Bethany

High Five For Friday!

I have had a rather calm and quiet week... happens a lot when you stay home.

1. Waiting for a dear friend to have her baby! She is due Wednesday but has been trying to walk her out.

2. Finding a new blog that I am totally in love with, The Mommy in Manhattan. I have always wanted to go to New York.

3. This dress for sale NOW at the J. Bella Boutique! I will have this in my hands next week! It is an amazing Mango color.

4. My 5k is tomorrow!

5. My husband is off all next week for vacation!

So a calm and quiet week. Who doesn't love those? Happy Weekend!

Bethany

Sittin' Pool Side

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Just wanted to point out that my printables were featured on The Kinch Life Blog yesterday! Check out the totally cool project she made with them here! 

(find my printables here)

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Isaiah thinking Lilly needs to be thrown from his four-wheeler to learn to stay off

 Who has not been loving this totally great weather?!?!? (If you are not having sunny, no rain, no wind, mid-70's weather my mistake) It just feels so good to not worry about snow!

So much cooler to let the water out of the pool than let it stay in

Oh pool side... how I have missed you! With my chipped nail polish. 

That hole in the fence back there was officially repaired yesterday... such an eye soar

And someone won the four-wheeler battle, and she totally owns it!

Bethany

Happy Summer weather!

April Birchbox

This month's Birchbox is kind of cool!

The first item that you do not see was these laundry detergent packs called Dropps. They worked really great in my laundry and dissolved quickly. 

2. Taylor Swift's perfume Wonderstruck. To be honest, not totally in love with it, but I have not actually worn it yet. 

3. Amika Nourishing Hair Mask, trying this tonight... and am a bit excited!

4. Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer is great! I got their blemish fighting serum a couple of months ago so I was really excited to see another one of their products.

5. Zoya Lotus color nail polish! It is a deep purple with a glitter in it and I love it! It is currently doing a double feature... toes and fingers! Can't remember the last time a color was that special?!

Bethany

Yum Yum, Brussel Sprouts!

Oh YES I did!

Has anyone actually tried Brussel Sprouts? They are mini cabbages and when prepared correctly, they totally rock. (This may in small part have to do with my mom being half Irish and cabbage was here and there regular in the diet)

All you need is to put down some foil on a cookie sheet or some kind of pan. Then drizzle them with olive oil, salt and pepper. For more flavor you could add some Parmesan cheese. Put them in a 350 degree oven until slightly crispy on the outside, roughly 20-30 minutes depending on size. Cut off hard bottom and enjoy!

So easy and great for summer. Weekly we do a Bountiful Basket to make our food budget more cost friendly. Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op that runs mostly in the Western half of U.S. and on Mondays you order your basket online. Then you pick it up Saturday afternoon. It is ALWAYS at least $50 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables (50/50) for $15 plus a $1.50 handling fee. (Your very first time there is a $3 fee for the actual baskets to hold your produce)

And there is never a guarantee of what is going to be in it. There has been items I have to look up on the internet what it is! But I have NEVER been disappointed. They also offer for extra bread at $2 a loaf and so good (5 loaf packs), cases of fruit or veggies of one kind, 7 dozen tortillas in a variety back for $12,  a Mexi-lovers pack with everything to make fresh guacamole and so on. I encourage you to check out the site. My children eat fruit like crazy and this way does not hurt your wallet. A lot of women wait to make their weekly meal plan until they get their basket then go to the grocery store to buy the rest of what they need.

If there is not one where you live, you can email the people in charge to try and start up your own pick up site. It is all volunteer based, no one is paid to be there. Some people have even had their homes as a site so their area can have a location. Usually it is at a place of business. 

You just have to take something to put your food in and take it home. Ours last about a week. We are now ordering weekly. Before Lilly was on solid food we only ordered twice a month. 

So go grab some Brussel Sprouts and shake up your summer cuisine!

Bethany

Versatile Blogger Awards

Happy Monday Morning to you!

I would like to start off by saying what great mood I am in this morning because Melissa over at Grin and Barrett has nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Awards! And I am so honored that someone liked my blog that much. Thank you, Melissa. And I love reading your blog as well.

Here is how the Versatile Blogger Award works:

1. Nominate 15 Fellow Bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award

2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award

3. Thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link to their site.

4. Share 7 completely random facts about yourself.

5. Include this set of rules.

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination.

 

My 15 blogs:

 

From My Grey Desk 

The Small Things Blog 

Hart to Heart 

IHeart Organizing 

Elle Apparel 

New York Fashion Designer, Taylor Morgan 

Nat the Fat Rat 

J. Bella Style 

Living in Yellow 

Running on Happiness 

The Daybook 

Mariannan 

Marci Coombs 

The Kinch Life 

Grin and Barrett 

 

 

Random Facts About Me:

 

1. I have never had a cavity. Or braces. Or anything wrong with my teeth

2. I was adopted at the age of 5 

3. I did not get my license until I was 18 and already graduated from high school

4. The reason the name of my blog says Goldylocks and I am a brunette is because when I started my blog I was highlighting blonde into my hair every 6 weeks

5. I dream of opening a cup-cakery someday (really just a dream)

6. One of my oldest sayings that always gets a look from the person I am talking to... "That is uglier than Sin"

7. I can eat 5 pancakes in a sitting and not blink an eye to it

Thank you again Melissa for nominating me! And please everyone, take a look at the blogs that inspire me!

Bethany

High Five For Friday!

1.

Making cute little manicure bags for the Young Women in my ward at church I have the honor or serving! We did a Dress, Grooming, Etiquette and Exercise night for them. And then gave them mani's! The quote on the paper says, "Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image." Joann Wolfgang von Goethe

2.

If my husband is home (due to his crazy work schedule) he is going to do this next week to benefit the Crisis Center here in the town we live in! I am just proud he wants to!

3.

We took a fun drive to try and find a location for Steve's immediate family reunion, and this is where we are going! (June 1,2 and 3rd) SO excited!

4.

Lilly can finally have a bow in her hair with it tied back!

5. I had a sale on my Etsy shop! I downloaded more printables yesterday! You can find them Right Here.

Bethany

Free Jewelry!

As all of you know, or should know, I sell J. Bella Clothing (found here). And I love what I do! There are so many great pieces to add to your wardrobe for Spring! 

But I wanted to let you all know I am now offering a a FREE JEWELRY code for purchases of $35 or more. Just use code BethanyFree in the coupon slot when checking out. I will select a piece to send from our ever changing inventory! And I still offer the Free Shipping code as well: BethanyShips.

But, I would like to high light some of our Spring collection!

Fabulous 3/4 Length Lace Jacket ($39) can be worn year round. Great for layering!

Spring colored Cigarette Pants (Like Audrey Hepborn used to where). Peach is only color in for now. ($45)

The amazing Flash Blazer above ($39), White is no longer available. We have it in the just above colors, Yellow, Aqua and Fushcia. It is a 3/4 sleeve and goes with Everything! Great layering piece year round.

Email me at Bethany@jbellashop.com with questions. And use your codes at checkout at J. Bella Boutique.

Bethany

When I Grow Up...

Today I am linking up with Kristen, From Kristen, With Love. It is a post about what did you actually want to be when you grow up? (Back when you were a kid)

As Kristen said, she always knew she wanted to teach. I never knew what I wanted for very long. It constantly changed!

I always loved planning things as a kid, like things that would never happen. The most amazing play-date, "penny" sales carnival to make a couple of dollars, that sort of thing. 

When I was about 11 I told my dad I wanted to be a lawyer so I could agree with people and win. He said he would never allow that because he did not want me to be a liar... squash.

Then, at the end of high school for my senior project I did a Graphic Design 10 hour work study. I wanted to do that! I wanted to create amazing pieces of whatever. I just wanted to make something totally cool. When I got to college in January 2004 I started thinking I did not want to work with computers that much. ( took a computer programming class for two years in high school and realized the $100 for the certification test was a waste since it would take me at least 4 or 5 tries to pass )

So I took generals for two years and decided I wanted to do Interior Design (still wouldn't mind). But I thought you had to have art work to show the acceptance board and after a couple of classes of art, I did not have anything great to show.

Starting to feel lost I saw a show on TV right before the end of my 4th semester when I was going to take out an Associate's in General Studies so I could take some time to think about where to go in life. I saw the show "Who's Wedding is it Anyway?" and decided I wanted to start my own wedding planning business. So, I switched my major to a Bachelor's of Business and graduated in April of 2009. (Had a year off in there). I was also certified as a Wedding Planner/Bridal Consultant through a college online. 

I tried to start a wedding planning business, even bought a Ford Explorer instead of a Mini Cooper to have wedding stuff hauling space, but no one wanted me. No One. I helped with a couple of weddings from the sidelines for some friends. 

So in June of 2009 I started working as the Catering Manager at a Holiday Inn and loved it. I planned meetings, conferences, weddings and high school reunions. 

So over all I did end up with a career I could "plan" at. But since December of 2010 I have been a Stay at Home Mom. I do love it and am so grateful my husband has an employer that allows for this, but at the same time, I can't wait to get back to the working world in a couple of years!

I still hope to plan weddings someday though... email me at goldylocksandthebarrows (at) hotmail (dot) com if you would like some consulting!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Bethany

Bring it ON!

I have something big, scary, amazing and out of this world to tell all of you...

I REGISTERED FOR MY 5K THIS MORNING! 

For the first time in 10 years I will be running 3.1 miles. And I am so excited. 

This is the logo for The Heart and SOLE of Rigby 5k/10k in Rigby, Idaho. The proceeds are going to extended research to find an end to Polio, on its way back. 

The Facebook page (here) says to walk, skip, crawl, hop or run this race. My family keeps telling me I need to train for it, I am! I still believe I will be the last one over that finish line, but I will cross it without walking, I assure you. 

I encourage all of you to maybe think about doing a race. They always (from what I have seen) benefit something. How can you beat that?

Happy Monday -- and Running! BRING IT ON!

Bethany

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday! Let's get to it, shall we?

1. My little goof ball Isaiah finding his Easter eggs with so much excitement! (Wearing plaid shorts--his dad's favorite)

2. The new show Scandal on Thursday nights! Totally love it!

3. Getting my first custom order for printables to design... so excited!

4. Peanut butter no bake cookies... enough said.

5. And the best thing of them all... 

My two new items to my wardrobe... Body By Victoria Full Coverage Bras! (found here) They are amazing! I was wearing nursing bras for 2 years... even though Lilly was done nursing 5 months ago. They both finally broke, and really broke. And I should have replaced them sooner, but you just kind of get in the mode of this is what I have so I will wear it. The ladies are finally where they are suppose to be. Thanks Vic!

Have a  great weekend!

Bethany

Product Review: Origins Sensory Therapy

My best friend is kind of amazing... like all best friends should be. 

Last year when I was pregnant with Lilly and running after a 1 year old, she sent me Origins Peace of Mind sensory relief. (Here) It came in handy to say the least after I had Lilly and Steve went back to work out of town and Isaiah had just started walking. 

It has Peppermint in it and you put the smallest dot on the tip of your finger and rub into your temples and the back of your head on your neck just below your hair line. When I have a headache or had a long tiring day I put this on and it helps so much. It is a natural rub that seems to "pull" the ache and pain out and leave you feeling relieved. 

Here is the online product description:

"When the world closes in on you and your head feels a size too small, apply just two dabs of Origins mind-clearing formula on the back of your neck, temples and earlobes. You'll feel a tingling sensation as pressure, tension and tightness begin to melt away."

And it is only $11! And honestly last for a couple of years I am estimated because of how little you use each time. 

Go out and order yourself one and feel the melting away as you fall asleep! (Found online or at Nordstrom's)

Bethany

Summer Time Yummm!

So the wonderful mid-60's we have been having here in South East Idaho make one thing happen above all else in my home...

Bar-B-Que

My husband decided when he was single and bought his first home (that I moved into following our nuptials a year later) he needed to get himself a house warming gift. A $650 grill. Any one else have this happen? All I could think about is how he did not have any curtains up...

But he is pretty handy with it and he truly feels like a Man's Man when he uses it. I even got him a apron and towel to clip to the grill in the theme of his favorite team: the Cleveland Browns. (It was for Christmas and at first he hated the apron because it was "girly")

He is the King of Marinades. And I informed him last week sometime that I had thawed out T-Bone steaks. (A luxury yes, but we split a half of beef with a friend last year and it was a part of it... a half of beef is a half of a cow we bought)

His basic marinade start like this:

Olive Oil

White Distilled Vinegar

A few drops of Soy Sauce

Tablespoon of Worchester

Chopped Garlic Cloves

And then a variety of spices per your taste buds. We like Smoked Apple-wood Sea Salt (Found Here), Pepper, a Costco BBQ mix and so on.

Look at those grill marks!

There are no specific measurements. He eye balls it until he feels there is enough to coat the steaks and then sit in it. Not submerge, the vinegar makes the flavor soak into meat. Just enough to come up the sides a bit of the meat. Make sure to rub it in allover before letting it sit for an hour or two.

This can be used for pork, chicken and in a rare occasion per taste, fish.

Happy BBQ-ing this summer and I hope this very simple and basic recipe helps you. Combine with some roasted veggies, cous-ous, lemonade and a table on the back porch. Enjoy!

Bethany

What is too young to have a Role Model?

Over the weekend my children, husband and I were with a good amount of family for Easter. It was fantastic! And there will be several post about it all and the detailing events.

Yesterday though, I was telling a family member I hold very dear to my heart that I am going to be running a 5k on April 28th and another in May. It will be my first one since high school. (10 years does *wonders* to a girl's body) She asked me why.

"Because I want to have goals to work towards, to get into shape, have a feeling of accomplishment and I want my children to see the importance of exercise from their mom."

In reply, "Their too young to even know what you are doing, whats the point?! It's not like they would care."

I honestly do not remember what I said after that but that I felt like a small slap in the face had been placed on my cheek. 

I fully think that they notice. Plus as soon as I get a jogging stroller they will be going with me.I know the importance of exercise and so does my husband. Our children will be constantly involved in sports.

So is it wrong to feel I am setting a good example for them now when they are only 2 and about to be 1 in a couple weeks? 

What are your thoughts?

Bethany

High Five For Friday!

Linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk today! Here is my Five for the week...

1. My friend who watched my kids this week, painted Lilly's toes Bubblegum Pink... Love it!

2. 3 days of warmish weather with nothing but sun! (Like 60 degrees, but no worries, it snowed today)

3. I won my very first blog giveaway from The Daybook this week, it was to IN Pink and I ordered these: 

These great earrings!

This fun stretch ring that will match the earrings. Nothing amazing, but I really like simple accessories since I have two babies to pull at them.

4. Going to a cabin in Island Park, Idaho this weekend for fun in the snow with my husband's family (Maybe... still trying to figure out how to get the kids up there since you have to snow mobile in, no electricty!)

5. And this new Backgammon Skirt from J. Bella! (I love what I sell!) Only $29.00, and such a cute Chevron for Spring and Summer!

Don't forget, when you puchase $50, I offer free shipping with this code: BethanyShips

Happy Easter! I am making my first Prime Rib Sunday for my family, wish me luck!

Bethany

Book Review--Several Ways!

So I recently finished reading a couple of books. I know, those of you with kids know that it is 10 times harder than before children. Not that finding time single isn't hard, it's just you can't totally space out and fall into the world of your printed words like before. 

The last time I was able to just read, I was pregnant with Isaiah. I had just graduated college a couple of months prior and had started at my career (that I later left after a year and a half to be a Stay at Homer) and had weekends free! (Every new graduates dream) I needed something to do since I was so sick all the time from morning sickness. All my co-workers were ranting and raving about Twilight, except for one. We were both a bit hesitant about the whole idea. We didn't want to get in on the Edward/Jacob freaks. Over 4 weekends in a row, I read each one of the Twilight books on a weekend. Staying up until 2 am and getting up early to do it again. Steve was kind of lonely. 

--That was the last time I was able to read like that--

Since then I have to read before the kids get up (after some chores), when they are napping (after doing laundry or gardening) and/or after they are in bed (after cleaning the rest of the house).  

See a trend?

My latest read was this: 

The Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham. I got it on Ebay for not even $10. It might have been like $6. 

If you know me well, I LOVE Victoria Beckham and really look up to her. I am slowing going to start using her for style inspiration.

But I loved it. I get into ruts here and there staying home with the kids. I forget to wash my face sometimes and there are some days the outfit I have on is the same as the day before. (Gasp... but every mom has done it)

She gave pointers on how to dress properly the whole way through for every period/event in your life and gave specific places to find great things. She did a beauty section as well, shoes, hats, vacation planning. It was honestly like having some "girl" time reading. And the pages are like reading a magazine, something they were trying on purpose.

Will you find a profound new something in yourself from reading it? No idea. But, the cold hard fact, it is a fun read. Happy Tuesday!

Bethany

My Etsy Shop

So I have decided to put together some of my wedding planning skills and limited excel skills and do an Etsy shop! I only have two items up today, but my goal is to have a few more up by the end of the week!

Here is what I have so far!

(Only $1.25)

I love all those cute meal plans with color and pretty designs, but I just feel that it is wrong to print them off to throw them away each week and waste all that ink. So mine is in Black and Grey. It has each day of the week and a slot for Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Dinner. And I will customize it with your family's last name. 

 (Only $1.50)

My second print out is using my Certified Bridal Consultant skills (yes, I have a certification to plan weddings) and it is a Maid of Honor Wedding Day checklist. It has a slot for things to bring that day and a helpful gift guide for you to help the Bride take care of all the loose ends. It is actually 6 pages long. 

             ----Did you know that there is suppose to be a Penny in the Bride's shoe for prosperity? A part of rhythm that was forgotten. (...And a six-pence in the shoe)

These items and soon to be more are available NOW in my Etsy show Here. 

But, one of you can win one of your choice by letting me know below which one you would like! I will pick a winner sometime Wednesday afternoon. 

If you would like something custom, please email me at bmbarrow@hotmail.com, subject line: PRINTABLES. 

Hope you are all off to a great start to the week!

Bethany