Leap Year Fun

An extra day for the year. An extra day for fun activities. Spontaneous trip to DC was great. I didn't get lost. Thank you gps! If I had used a map, like in the olden days, I would have had to park once or twice due to unforeseen construction. After a short DC adventure and relaxing at home for the rest of the day it was time for classic movie night. Bring on the lemonade and buttered popcorn! (odd combo but it's what's in the fridge/pantry)


Audrey Hepburn is Awesome! I have yet to finish watching all of her movies. Any recommendations?

Decision made

I've decided that changing the name to something just doesn't fit for what this blog is about. I'm writing to get my thoughts, adventures, and ideas out there. I'm keeping Featherd Arrows exactly the way it is...okay, maybe not exactly but the important bits will stay the same. Oh, and I know that featherd is misspelled it's intentional. I know how to spell it correctly and the correct spelling wasn't available. :( Anyhoo, I am changing blog platforms for more on the go blogposts because sometimes a good post comes to me while I'm at work or on the road and I can't just log in, type it and not include a photo or two. Thank goodness for cloud services! 

Right then, have an awesome weekend friends! 

keep checking in to find in more of feathered arrows in other social media platforms :)

Just a letter

Have you ever wondered what happened to the art of sending a handwritten letter or card in the mail? Well, I have and I'm going to do my best to send them to family and friends at least once a month rather than texting or calling them. I bought some blank colorful cards and decorated ones too. Writing the message took me longer than expected but I did get them finished and they are to go out in the mail tomorrow morning. 

Next set of cards will have more pizzazz to them. :) Short post, I know and I'm sorry guys but I can't seem to get the blogging brain juices flowing. This weekend is supposed to be gorgeous with lots of sun. 

Words.Many words

"Going to the library, Going to the library!" I love hearing that phrase with smiles on students' faces. We continuously remind them to read and look for books that "fit" them; not too hard or too easy to read and understand. Whenever I get the chance to join my little gremlins I turn into a kid myself, absolutely overjoyed to see a new picture book on the shelves ready to be checked out and read. Recently I joined a Kindergarten class in the library and had a blast :) I found some great books on the top of the bookcases and some that were hidden treasures, tucked away between two newer books just waiting for someone to read them again. Yes, I give books life. (insert teacher hashtag here, lol)

A book that two students were anxious to read was a book called, Sparky. That book made the list of books I'm buying for the kiddos I'll have one day. So, here's the list I have of books that are on my "must read" list. By the way you can totally find these at your local/school library, amazon, or barnes and noble...Staying in touch with my inner kid self.

1. Sparky! by Jenny Offill and Chris Appelhans

2. The Adventures of Beekle: The unimaginary friend by Dan Santat

3. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

4. What do you do with an idea? by Kobi Yamada

5. Curdoroy by Don Freeman

6. If you give a Mouse a cookie by Laura Numeroff

7. Skippy Jon Jones by Judy Schachner

8. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom byBill Martin Jr. 

9. Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

10. The tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

11. Snow by Uri Shulevitz

12. Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

-- fyi this is not an ad. Totes my own opinions :) --

Name Change to...

Hello there :) 

I'm so happy and many times in awe that you are reading and commenting on my little corner of the internet. It feels weird and sweet knowing that there is someone out in the world taking an interest in what I wrote. Many times I double check the graph to see if the line moved up to create another little mountain of love. hehe corny, right? yea well that's just little weird me there. Anyhoo, I thought about branching out to more social media platforms and maybe change up the website to represent me and my silly thoughts, but I've come to a small road block and would love your input about it all. So, here goes. I was trying to expand to other social media platforms but found that Feathered Arrows is taken in both Instagram and Twitter. Total bummer! But I knew there was a way to pass that road block and move on. I also knew that it wouldn't be easy and I may lose some of you who already follow my blog by e-mail or in bloglovin', and I really hope that I don't. I've been mulling over what I should name my blog now. Here is a list of names that I've come up with and are not taken on social media platforms. 

1. Winged Arrows

2. Karina.Julia

3. A dash of Gold

4. Leuzure 

5. A pen and a candle

6. Feisty Fox

7. & Nina

8. Sassy & Foxy

9. Inked feathers

10. Mia Chiquita 

11. Classy & Sassy
12. Rosey Lion
13. Wings and a lion
14. Just Karina Julia

If I come up with more I'll update this post. Let me know what you think. The change will happen by the end of the month and I'd love to know your thoughts, ideas, comments etc. xoxo

Valentine's day gift ideas

Valentine's day is approaching which can only mean that it's about time we get started on the gifts that we will give to our loved ones. For starters you can never go wrong with a home cooked meal, candles, flowers, chocolates, ice cream, movies and/or video games. 

Need gift ideas? I found some on pinterest. That site helped me out a lot; it's like a black hole once you're there its very difficult to leave. Here are a few things that I found and am giving to the peeps that I hearts so very much :) Hope they help you out!

1. Creative cards- Geometric heart cards by North Story

2. Something as simple as a key chain (found on Etsy)

3. Mug for me and for you by Lovilee

4. Candy galore by Mom on Timeout

5. Homemade shaving cream by Coupons and Freebies Mom

Winter Blues

Well, here it is. That time of the year when you are tired of the short days and would like to see sunlight when you leave your job. I reached that point about two days ago. I wanted to hibernate until spring arrived; very tempting too but there's work to do. So, its out of the question.  

I am missing the warm rays of the sun, seeing the flowers bloom and leaves on trees, the refreshing taste of iced coffee on a hot summer day, and the long days with beautiful views at dawn and dusk. <---who writes dawn and dusk anymore? welp, that confirms it. I.need.sun!

Miami trip '15

So, what am I doing to keep my sanity...I'm looking back on my trip to Miami. Ah, yes :) That's where the sun is taking a vacay from those of us who live up in the northern states. Now back to reality, exercising helps some and it definitely keeps my knee injuries from flaring up. Writing down ideas for muh blog, updating planner, reading, and when my sewing machine wants to work I sew. It has a little attitude problem but I love him. Yes, my sewing machine is a him. Coffee and donuts/bagels/any pastry to keep me awake and thinking that it's still go time. The one thing that's always kept me sane during the winter blues in need of spring hues funk is TV. I watch classic films, classic TV shows like "I love Lucy" on DVD, new shows or movies. It all helps but there's nothing compared to the feeling of the spring sun on your skin.

Miami trip '15

So, What are you doing to keep yourself at bay from the winter blues?

January favorites

January arrived a mere 31 days ago...it feels too soon to say its February tomorrow. The first month of the year just flew right past me, arrgh. As far as favorites for this month I have... We had a major snowstorm stroll through the east coast where and it took a week and a couple of days to cleanup. Of course the first day snow fell like crazy and it was beautiful but the next day we shoveled about a couple hours through the day to clear the driveway and most importantly the cars. However, I did have a blast playing good 'ol monopoly with my brother and sister, and shoveling the snow which then turned into a family snowball fight. Sadly no pictures of that because we were too busy throwing snowballs at each other :) The great thing about snow days is that after we clean up comes a delicious cup of hot chocolate with homemade bread. Yum! Oh, a little favorite that kept my skin hydrated and is a favorite of mine is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, great for combination to oily skin types. It's been a lifesaver in this particularly cold dry winter month.

from left to right: Toothless (my car) during snowfall, first cleanup, ten minutes later.
(why'd I bother cleaning it in the first place lol)

My beautiful little monkey all tuckered out from playing in the snow :)

Winter storm ready

So, many of us on the east coast are seeing snow pile up faster than we've seen in a couple of years. Almost like the time we were hit with snowmageddon and snowpocalypse. Here are few things that I am using, wearing or doing to keep myself sane and warm in this winter storm. Ha almost rhymes lol.

 

A must are my fleece snowflake jammies from Target last year :) A delicious cup of hot chocolate. Movies/TV shows either on Netflix or DVDs. A good book or books to read. Toradora Manga and Calvin and Hobbes It's a Magical World comic book. The laptop is a black Macbook 13". Sadly they don't sell MacBooks in black anymore but I can always find a cover on Amazon if I ever need one.  Candles burning in the background & Doggies playing in the snow or resting after playing in it. 

Stay safe and warm out there friends! It's snowzilla! 

What's in my bag?

I'm such a sucker for the "What's in my bag" videos or blogposts. Curiosity gets the best of me to know what we carry on our bags on a daily basis. So, I got this lovely, fits everything I need bag from Le Tote. I first got it in one my Tote boxes, returned it but then realized I missed that bag because it just fit my lifestyle. It's a BCBGeneration Tote bag with long shoulder straps and a rather spacious zip pocket inside. Great for days when I am too much of a hurry to put a pen or lady item in it's own small bag. 

I have my iPad and a Star Trek cover my awesome mama made for me with the names of our dogs  and favorite movies sewn on. The composition notebook is my planner, Ray Ban sunnies, Sweet Pea travel cream, Tokidoki zip bag, Totoro zip bag, Toradora manga book 1, handkerchief from my lovely grandma, a lollipop and a mint chocolate bar. 

Planner looksie and the collection of Paper Mate pens that I use to keep it colorful and organized. :) 

Tokidoki bag contains the YesTo facial wipes for those days when I need to freshen up, a glasses lens wipe, Burts Bees lip balm (great stuff!), Avon lip gloss, Nars lip pencil, Olive oil hand cream, and sweet pea hand sanitizer. The cough drops are a must in my bag whether I have a cold or not because laryngitis sometimes sneaks up on me and its adios voice for the day or week. A girl doesn't leave the house without her clippies or hair ties, it's a must in every handbag. The small bags I got a while ago and I'm not sure they have them in stock anymore. If I find them I'll be sure to link them here. Till next time! :)

Travel list

found pic here

There are so many places I want to visit and feel like there isn't enough time for it all. Here is a list of the places I want to visit this year. Oh, I should probably mention that these places are all in the USA for now. I've been to many states and a couple other countries. I just want to keep it the traveling I make somewhat budget friendly this year. (school is not cheap)

1. San Francisco, California

2. Chicago, Illinois*

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

4. Boston, Massachusetts  

5. Atlanta, Georgia*

6. Miami, Florida*

7. Montpelier, Vermont

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

9. Salt Lake City, Utah

10. Portland, Oregon
11. St. Augustine, Florida

The asterisk next to the city and state means that I've been there before. So, before going back to those places I'll do my best to hit the new ones first. I hope to get to most, if not all of these places :) 

December Monthly Favorites

December favorites... Well, my only, and all encompassing favorite for the month of December is hanging out with my family. It's the time of the year when we're all together for more than one day. My little sister and I spent the most time together :) We watched a lot of shows and movies. We played video games on the wiiU and tried to play on the PS4 but it didn't work out. We also had our small shopping spree moment when we got bored at home. My (not so) little brothers and I had some chill time during the holidays. One of them took me to watch the new Star Wars movie and we got popcorn and soda. I felt like a little nerdy girl going to the movies with her big brother. He's taller but not the oldest of us four, I take that place. My other brother and I chilled at home watching some tv shows and eating ice cream. We definitely gained a pound or two eating all that ice cream sitting on the couch covered with fleece blankets. Oh well. My Mom, Dad and I re-watched our favorite NCIS episodes. We limited ourselves to three episodes a night otherwise no sleep would've happened. Eek. We also watched the Star Wars trilogy.

After all that couch sitting we got ourselves ready for Christmas eve at grandpas. We do this every year but this year was very special because my grandpa beat lymphoma. Yipee!! We ate a lot of food, watched A Christmas Story while passing out the presents, and took a few family photos. For the first time in my life were we so tired that we didn't open our presents at midnight, we opened them Christmas day. I was so happy to see my family open the gifts we got for each other and I was so very happy with I got too. If you want to know what I got you can read about it in this blogpost. Happy January all! :)

Happy New Year!!!

Hello hello

2015 went and 2016 is here! 

Another 365 adventures to happen 

I hope that this year will be better than the last. 

More smiles, more laughs.

May we overcome our fears

and embrace them with 

bravery!

May we make our 

dreams happen!

Let's make our plans

work for us not the

other way around.

Believe in yourself.  

You can do it!

Let's make this year

just as memorable as the last.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

What I got for Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! This time of the year is so special and I feel so very blessed to spend the holidays with my family and friends that are close by. Although, I do miss seeing everyone in my family; like my grandma, uncles and aunts, cousins, and nephews & nieces. I got so many great gifts from family and friends :) I got a chance to use them this week and each one is as awesome as the next. 

Our beautiful Christmas tree with all the trimmings and presents under it! 

 

Awesome Batman shirt from my lovely little sister. She knew that my old bats shirt received too much love and it was time for a new one. Mom and Dad got me a New Year's champagne glass sweater. I glanced at it at the store andI guess they saw my "oh I'd like that" smile and got it when I was looking around elsewhere. They know me so well. In the words of mah bestie, "It's a Star Wars kind of year." How did he know I needed a new Star Wars shirt, I don't know but he got it for me. The force is strong! :)

So, Funko Pop makes characters from movies and shows into adorable bobble heads/figures and I happen to have a few of them already. I foresee my collection growing but I will try not to get too carried away...who am I kidding. I have to have the Star Wars Pop collection. R2-D2 and BB8 for the win! Now, Chewie has a new friend, Poe Damaron, and a rather small TIE fighter from mah bestie.

So, my uncle asked me what I would like for Christmas and I said I really need a watch. He asked me some of my favorite watch brands and I did. The first one that popped into my head were the Daniel Wellington watches and then I said pretty much anything else that isn't too big, like Micheal Kors big.    Much to my surprise he went with the Daniel Wellington Sheffield watch with the black wristband. It's beautiful!

Stocking goodies included a dual bite lipstick set, scarlet and mulberry, and the Benefit Porefessional primer. I so wanted to give these try and now I can. Yahoo!

Chocolates are a must for the holiday season and I snagged this picture before sister and I ate everything. We have Lindt Lindor truffles from mah bestie :] and Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates from a coworker. (oh and I'm not bragging just very blessed and thankful)

Breakfast Meeting

Early meeting at work with breakfast and a gift exchange is ten times better than a professional development workshop. Just saying...

I took bacon, egg and cheese mini quiches. It was the first time I made them and I was so scared they wouldn't taste as good as they smelt. I used the recipe from another blogger : Mother on a Mission.
It was so delicious that I am making them again for the family :)

We had a great gift exchange! I had a great time looking for a gift for my friend. I received beautiful gifts from a coworker whom I don't see very often. I got a necklace with a heart charm and a pair of earrings, a very soft infinity scarf, and French Lavender & Honey body cream. It's been a little chilly in the morning so the scarf comes in handy. I wore the jewelry already and they were just my style. The cream was so lush that it became one of my favorites for the month of December.

Four days till Christmas!!!

Cookies!!

Cookie exchange at work and it was awesome!

I took the Snickerdoodles pictured here and below :)

Oatmeal raisin cookies brought in a lovely platter that changes with the seasons. What?!?! The Christmas tree can come out and you can put it a birthday cake, pumpkin, wedding cake etc. to make it fit any occasion. 

Beautifully decorated Gingerbread cookies!

The scrumptious chocolate dipped cookies were...scrumptious!

By the end of the cookie exchange all cookies were gone and half were eaten by lunchtime. At least mine were. I took the rest home and they were eaten up by the next morning. I am so participating next year! 

What are you doing to celebrate the holidays at work?

Also, five days till Christmas!!

Candles galore!

So, I might have a slight obsession with candles. Hehehe. I buy these candles every year from Bath and Body Works. I hope they don't retire any of them ever. 

Marshmallow Fireside~Fresh Balsam~Sweater Weather~Flannel

~Marshmallow Fireside has smells a little sweet but the woodsy smell tones it down some. I like to light this at night to give my room a sweetish aroma.

~Fresh Balsam is Christmas in a candle! It smells like a freshly cut Christmas tree with some eucalyptus. 

~Sweater Weather also has some eucalyptus but this blend adds some sage and juniper berry. This candle just asks you to get in your cozy PJ's and drink some warm hot chocolate while watching a movie.

~Flannel has a stronger aroma because of the mahogany, musk and bergamot (I don't know what that is but it smells good) This candle is rather fall-y but I like it even in the winter. 

Christmas Decorations

Slanted star = a curious tree

Christmas decorations are up and looking loooovely! 

I'll let the pictures tell you a story rather than me. Some of our decorations are old, new, handmade, and some bought but each one has a story to tell about a previous Christmas. 

Made by my Uncle

Light up village and people

Tree with an attitude ;)

Snowmen and kissing angels

Nativity given to me by my mom

Pinterest idea for holiday cards

We might have a slight snowman obsession haha :D

November Monthly Favorites

November's been a roller coaster kind of month in every possible way. A cup of coffee helps most of the time but when I didn't have it close by or when I reached the bottom of the cup, I looked for these items.

Forever Nude palette from BH cosmetics

First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser

Lush Cosmetics massage bar 

Bath and Body works Stress Relief lotion

Bath and Body works Sweater Weather candle

Starbust candy 

Time to get ready for December shenanigans :) Our Christmas tree is up and it is beautiful! Can't wait to share our Christmas decorations and funsies with you!

Post Goble Goble

Turkey day was fantastic! When the rest of the family arrived, which was late. Our hunger beat the camera. No picture of Dad or Grandpa carving the turkey at the table. No instagram-y "look at my plate of food" picture. None. We just ate it all!

It's Black Friday! The day where many great deals appear before our eyes and we impulse buy because "it's on super sale and I just might need that." I'm pretty sure we've all fallen victim to our shopper self think that phrase above. I know I have, but this year I stayed away from the stores. Most of the sales were online anyway and some were better than in store sales. Besides I'd much rather shop at the comfort of my own home, in my Pjs, and a warm cup of coffee to sip on.

Temptation to put more things in your cart is possible but thank goodness for that remove button or the error message when we mistype our card number. It has saved me a few times from buying things that I just don't need but needed to make it to the free shipping minimum. I had to figure out if the item was truly worth it or not. If it wasn't then I removed it but if it was there had to be a very good reason. Many stores include shipping because they figured you wouldn't just buy a sweater for your brother or a scarf for your best friend. Although the deals were pretty spot on in some stores I stuck with good ol' trusty Amazon. I finished my Christmas shopping and stayed under budget, way under budget. Go me! I did some shopping at Nordstrom too; spoiling the family a bit and myself.

Continuously thankful for each and every one of my blessings!
Hope you guys had a great shopping experience in store, at home or both :)