When I Win the Lotto

Before you start reading - let's set this mood... 

So have you jumped on board the lottery madness yet?  Did you stand in line at 7-11 with a bunch of other crazy fools hoping to pick the luck 6 numbers?  Did you pick numbers that were significant to you, your family, or your favorite television channels to watch?  Did you have to go and get cash for the first time in a long time, because you can't play the lotto with credit or debit cards?

Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  And yes!  I have never played the lottery before.  Well, other than scratch tickets, but do they really count?!  With all this hype and the $500 million at stake, why not have a little hope?! I picked my numbers, said a prayer (yes, I prayed that if Jesus wanted me to win, I assured him the money would be used for good, not shoes), and gave the lady my $5 for 5 chances at more money than I can even comprehend.

So - to be fair to you, and to Jesus (remember, I promised him good things with this money, along with a few extra things for myself...) I decided I should share with you what I intend to do with $500,000,000 (look at all those zeroes!) if when I win tonight.  So here we go...

I would get myself, and my immediate family, completely out of debt.

I would invent a housing program for people, like me, who got stuck in crappy loans.  They must continue paying their bills on time, every month, like they have been doing for years.  But I would help them out a bit.  And give them hope. 

I would do something to help local, organic & clean farmers make more food, more available.  We all really should be eating non-processed foods... not Wendy's.

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Mission work!  Imagine the possibilities!  I know, right off the bat - money will be going to African orphanages, El Salvador missions, and to help folks domestically in places such as the Appalachia region of West Virginia. 

After working to build a church and then help run the clinic in El Salvador

Too many babys in one crib in the orphanage in El Salvador. 

I would build my dream home, on the water some where, probably local.  This is going to happen, whether I win the lotto or not.  The lottery would just make it happen tomorrow.

I would spend a bit of time in one of those houses over the water in a tropical location.

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The Project Glimmer would come back to life.

I would grant one wish/dream for at least 25 of my friends/family.

If I kept my job and didn't start up a huge wedding planning and/or marketing company, I would convert my company from a PC using business to a Mac using business.  iPads and MacBooks for everyone.  

I would hire someone to clean out the litter box.  Daily.  I despise that chore.

My 2 cats & Chloe might get a few new treats, tennis balls, and possibly a bit of catnip.

I would have a few terrific giveaways here on the blog.

I would continue to buy my clothes at Target.

Of course, I would travel.  On and off of mission trips.

I would save money... because the amount you would make on interest yearly is what most people make in one year total.

I would have one heck of a party on the River!

I would do something for my awesome neighbor.  He totally deserves it. 

I would help a girl who went to my high school adopt her second baby from Africa.

I would donate to James Madison University and to Campus Crusade for Christ.  Both made me who I am today.  

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I would continue the foundation my family started when my grandfather died.  The Sharing Faith Foundation - helping under priveldge kids go to college and experience new things.

Really folks, the possibilities are endless.  Well... I guess you could say there are about 500,000,000 possibilities.  How surreal would it be to win such a huge chunk of change?!  Again, I can't even comprehend it.  I just pray that if I don't win (there's always a chance ya know!) that whoever wins this money is deserving and doesn't spend it all in one place.  Good luck everyone! 

Hibernation, Caterpillars, Bananas, Topless, Beaches...

Hi-de-ho dear readers!  

I am absolutely slammed (should be with a capital S) with work and life today!  

I had all intentions of a quirky and witty blog post for you but...

 the phone won't stop ringing,

 the dog keeps on chewing/pulling her fur out,

there is a pile of laundry the size of my bedroom (not even sure if I have a floor anymore),

 the cat is snoring like a polar bear in hibernation (no joke),

 I have eaten all of my delicious frozen dark chocolate/almond butter/ banana bites,

 and there are caterpillars in route to take over my back deck.

  I have way to much on my plate (other than banana bites - there could be way more of them) to think up some amazing blog post that will keep you coming back for more tomorrow.  

When all I really want to do is...

plan activities for my Spring Break in Orlando in 13 days,

sit on my back deck without the fear of a caterpillar jumping (yes, they can jump if they really wanna jump) into my hair,

pack up the jeep and ride around topless for the rest of this sunny afternoon,

eat more banana bites because they are so incredibly delicious and practically better than ice cream,

win the lottery (but who doesn't?!  $500 Mill?  Don't mind if I do!),

surf around pinterest and drink wine, 

take the k9 for a walk,

and then settle in for a night of dvr and netflix (Survivor from last night and White Collar Season One.)  

Is that all too much to ask?  It's not like I am protesting work and chores because I have a dire need to click my heels and be on a white sand beach with a fruity beverage in hand... now that would be a crazy day dream.  :)

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Back to work.  See you tomorrow when I try to convince you that you all should be doing everything in your power to help me win the lottery...  Happy Thursday! xoxo

PS.  I know it's the last couple days of the month but does anyone want to do a button swap for April?  I am looking to get my button on a couple new blogs next month!  Would our blogs play well together?  Email me!

Pinteresting Wednesday: Weddings

Well how pinteresting is this?!  I spent, basically, my entire Sunday pinning things and watching Netflix.  For those of you who follow me on Pinterest, you know this is uncommon.  You also know I pinned approximately a million things in one day.  And you also might know that 75% of them were wedding and party related.  My neighbor asked me what I would do if he gave me $50k. (hypothetically, of course.)  I said I would throw parties!

I wish I could throw a huge party or wedding-type event every month and invite all of you to join me!  I would be such a happy girl.  In the mean time, I pin things about them instead. And link up with The Vintage Apple.

Today - for the pinteresting Wednesday link-up I am going to share party and wedding related pins from Sunday with you!  Hope you enjoy!

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A popcorn bar!  Perfect for any party or wedding, or heck... my living room.  :) 

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Colorful straws.  I am kinda in love.  And I want to have some all of them for a party.  Or smoothies.  Or craft projects.  Or to set on my desk and stare at how pretty they all are... 

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 When I get married... one day... can someone please remind me of this.  As much as I LOVE party planning, I want to enjoy the event too.  (Just as long as they let me do all the set up and decorations, I will be a happy camper bride.)  

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Pretty sure I need to have a party at my house this summer and offer beverages like this.  I love mason jars.  And lemonade.  And sweet tea.  :) 

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If only we had some redwood trees here in Virginia!  I would absolutely love to plan a wedding for someone in the woods like this.  I appreciate trees more than most... how awesome would this be for a setting?

 

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Simple.  Sleek.  Beautiful.  Cake.  I love this one!  What do you think?

 

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Pretty snazzy right ladies?!  Who doesn't love a guy who dresses like this?  Sweet vest.  Hot pants.  Nice jacket.  Is this wedding fancy though?  I know it's "White Collar" (the tv show) approved! 

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And just in case there is a certain guy reading my blog... These pop up all over when you are searching pinterest for wedding and event ideas!  Eventually you know I had to pin one!  :) How gorgeous is that ring ladies?  Yeah... Don't mind if I do.

Welp.  That's it from me today!  What do all of you lovely ladies think?  Tell me about your wedding!  Anything you would've done differently now?  Was there anything super fun and creative you did for your wedding?  I love event planning!  I want to hear your creative ideas!

PS.  Keep in mind I was linking up with The Vintage Apple for this post.  None of the pictures in this post belong to me.  They all belong to the sources listed below them.  Thanks to those sites for their beautiful, creative images.  

Adventuresome Tuesday: Salzburg

As I am getting super excited for my "Spring Break" in two weeks (Orlando!!  Here we come!!) I have been reminiscing about past adventures.  Keep in mind - I don't see Disney World as much of an "adventure" - minus the millions of strollers and the pushing and shoving to be first in line to meet Mickey.  For me, the whole concept of getting out of town is often just the start of any adventure.  Near or far.

I have also been recently jealous inspired by Bailey at Lost & Found.  She has just taken off on an adventure as an Au pair in Germany, right around the same part of the country Mike and I explored last summer!

What I am getting at - is I think I want to start some kind of blogging series here on 2 cats & chloe!  (We shall see how long it lasts...)  I am going to take you on trips around the world each and every Tuesday (or again, until I forget or get bored with it!)

So let's start out this Adventuresome Tuesday with Salzburg, Austria!  Close your eyes... click your heels... and off to Salzburg we go!

Now that we have arrived - we should start out journey out wandering around the Old Town area of Salzburg.  It's classic, quaint, and cute.  Stop in a shop and grab a souvenir, or a tour book.  Visit a street cafe for lunch.  Just take a minute to enjoy the town and the classics it brought us:  Mozart and The Sound of Music.  When you look up you see the big Salzburg Fortress towering behind you, protecting the city from years and years ago!

Take the funicular up the hill to the Fortress.  (Ride up, walk down... it's my go to motto when surrounded by Alps.)  Enjoy the view and some dinner at the cute restaurant up there.  And the local beer.  It's terrific!

Walk down the hill back into the Old Town and wander your way into the Salzburg Dom Cathedral.  I have been to a ton of European Cathedrals in my short 27 years of life - but this has been by far the most spectacular one I have seen.  It doesn't look too incredibly awesome from the outside, but the inside is pristine and beautiful.  Be careful.  Your jaw will hit the floor.  I could never go to church here.  I would be way to distracted looking around in awe.  (I could show you a million shots from the cathedral but I will save that for a rainy day...)

Head back out and get some sunshine!  I loved that we could walk just about anywhere!  Next on our list for today's Salzburg adventure, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.  We didn't actually go into the Palace.  Take 5 and enjoy the flowers.  Lots and lots of flowers.  If you're lucky, you might just see a group of Japanese Tourists singing "Do-re-mi!"  Or maybe that was just a one time thing... 

Did I mention that The Sound of Music was filmed here!?  Apparently foreigners are the only ones who really care about that fact.  The locals seemed to only appreciate it because it brought crazy people like me to town...

Now we are going to hop on a bus and take a ride out to the Hellbrunn Castle and "Wasserspiel" (water park!!) This was a fun little park and castle.  Back in the day the owner had a slight sense of humor!  And a jumpstart on places like Water Country USA.  There are a ton of trick water fountains all over the grounds.  It was a nice treat on a hot day.  And all the kids there LOVED it.  Of course.

After the tour - you absolutely have to take a walk around the park.  Because!!  You will find the gazebo from The Sound of Music.  Please take this opportunity to realize there are not hoards of folks rushing around you to see this.  (Why?! I don't know.)  It's just you.  So you must leap.  And sing "I am sixteen going on seventeen..." And if you are lucky and have great sales skills - your boyfriend will leap around it too! {and then kill you for posting documentation of it on your blog...}

So how did you like that 5 minute journey around Salzburg, Austria?!  It brought back some fun memories for me!  Salzburg was one of Mike's picks for our trip... it wasn't even on my radar.  But it turned out to be one of my most favorite cities that we visited!  I would recommend you take a day or two to enjoy the town.  If you are the type who wants to do a lot of group tours (there are a ton of Sound of Music tours) then you may want to plan to be there an extra day or two.

Have you ever been to Salzburg?  Tell me about it!  Also - you can pick the next stop on our series - here are your choices!  1.  El Salvador  2.  Belgium  or 3.  Italy

Hey! Meet some friends!

Oh hey Monday!  Since I didn't do anything over the weekend other than attend a couple Open Houses (dream homes I would love to move in to tomorrow if I won the lotto!), a tiny {read tiny not tiny} bit of work, and a whole lot of Netflix watchin' with Mike (we started watching White Collar.  Any comments on this show?)  -  Because of all that nonsense I don't have much of a weekend recap for you.  I decided it would be way more exciting to introduce you to a couple of my new blogging friends!  Take a few minutes to check them out, and then leave them some love on their blogs.  They are terrific girls!

Hi lovelies :) I'm Jessica & I blog over at Lovely LIttle Things! I blog to keep creative no matter how busy I get, to appreciate my life, and to meet other bloggers who inspire me. There really is no limit to what you’ll find on my blog. I like to share product reviews, inspirational quotes, organization ideas, good books I read or music I listen to, my triumphs and failures, fun pictures from my everyday life - anything and everything creative. I hope that by continuing with Lovely Little Things that I will discover lots of fun new things about myself (and the not so fun things, too) so that I can grow as a person, and maybe even inspire one or two people along the way! Let’s do life together!

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Hi! I'm Jenn, and I document my adventures at Passenger Seat Perspectives! The name came from me taking pictures from the front seat of our car, since my hubby likes to drive and I like to snap photos as we go. It’s also the way I look at life: I like being along for the ride and seeing what experiences life offers me!

Blogging started for me when I stumbled upon a bunch of fantastic blogs and just loved that such awesome women, ones not with lives not too different from mine, were sharing their ideas and opinions with the world. I definitely wanted to be part of it. I pretty much blog about whatever interests me - from photography to crafts and recipes, from fashion to home life, from daily adventures to what I think and believe, from my hubby to family to friends.

This year, I made a resolution to spend more time with the people I care about, do more of the things I love, have more fun, and just all around live life more to the fullest! I would love if you joined me for the ride. Come visit me, I love making new blogger friends! : )

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we're daniel and ashley. we met two years ago in sunday school; now we're planning on spending the rest of our lives together.  i like art and math, and he likes literature and chemistry. he's seen almost every old movie under the sun, and i'm catching up. we like food and nights spent reading and crocheting by candle light. we like the fall and and tea. we love being with each other.

So there ya have it friends!  A few more blogging friends for you to meet!  Like I said, show them some love.  Because who doesn't love some love on Mondays?!  

Don't buy a blow dryer - Buy a Jeep!

Last week my blow dryer decided to kick the bucket.  It's such a hassle because I haven't had time to get my booty to Target to purchase a new one!  My roommate has been oh so generous in letting me borrow her blow dryer BUT I've learned that certain people can use certain dryers, while others - not so much.

Let me explain.  I have super thick hair.  Like it's thicker than a rope when braided.  Yep.  That thick.  (Hence the reason why it was so much easier to control when short.  The boyfriend wants me to grow it out though... so we're giving it a good shot again. Until it is long enough to chop and donate again!)

Long v Short.  What do you think?

So anyway - like I was saying - I have learned that I cannot use the same blow dryer as someone with thin hair.  It took me almost 20 minutes just to get the top layer of my hair dry with my roomies blow dryer!  Hopefully I will make it out today to get a new one...

Yesterday I had to be somewhere though.  And I couldn't go with sopping wet hair.  So what's the solution?  JEEPERS!  I don't know?!  Ready for a photo montage?  Because I hopped in the jeep, set up the iphone, and started driving down the highway!  

It was 82 degrees and perfect jeep weather!  Naturally, this was the only solution to a broker blow dryer.

Not really sure why I was grinning so awkwardly weird the entire time my iPhone was snapping picture... I am going to blame concentration, maybe?  Driving, hair drying, snapping pictures... maybe it is just too much for this blond.  I don't know.  But I assure you, I don't awkwardly grin all the time in real life.

And the finished, unbrushed product?!  Not too bad!  It was dry and it looked like I just went to the beach!  Who is ready for summer?  This girl.

So the bottom line?  If you don't have a working blow dryer you should rush out, right this second, and buy a Jeep Wrangler.  You will not regret this decision one bit.

For real though, this girl needs a new, high powered blow dryer.  Does anyone have any recommendations?  I can't deal with one of those wimpy ones.  I need one that produces hurricane (or jeep) winds...   Happy Saturday!