Wanna Meet Mark?

So, as I believe I said in my last post, I am giving my mark. business a little reboot!

My eBoutique is here: http://ccornell.mymarkstore.com

Here are a few items you can find in this month's Magalog!!

Skincare for everyone! That's Deep really gets a great clean feeling!! 

Holiday Fashion

Bath & Body (even a Lemon Sugar scented candle, so yummy!)

The lastest in fasion! 

Hair care, curly of straight mark. has you covered!! 

Make-up tips from mark. artist Mai

m.powerment is breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence! It's a great cause, and great for gifting. All proceeds go to support this cause!! 

Very Sassy is the new fragrance by mark. and it's getting rave reviews!!  

So many choices, and most are under $40!! 

I love this♥ gorgeous Vintage Violet Ring

i-mark wet/dry shadows, seriously stays put and lasts the whole day!! So many beautiful colors it's hard to choose a favorite! But if I had to ;) I usually go for Corset, Lotus or Fairy Dust!!

This is NEW!! Talk is Chic all-in-one wristlet!! It holds your phone and important cards, which is PERFECT for a night out! And BONUS it comes with my most favorite shades of  glow baby glow lip gloss: girly girl and sweet talk!!

mark. get in line, liquid eyeliner is my ABSOLUTE favorite thing ever!! 

Here I am -pre-hair being done ;)- wearing Min-A-Real foundation in very light 1, get in line liquid liner, Scanda-Lash mascara in Blacklash, and lip stain in Bare. Mark is very simple, clean and light and there's tons of colors/shades to match your style!! 

And Speaking of style, mark. also has great clothing, shoes and accessories!! 

The Cap it Off Hat is so on trend!!

the Wrap Star Dress is perfect for the office or a weekend date!!

These Straight Up Sassy Heels have purple snake print heels, and would be perfect for a Halloween party and all through Fall!! These are definitely on my wishlist!! 

Ring Me Up Stretch Ring, tiger's eye and you can put it on whichever finger you want! Always a plus ;) 

So now that we have taken a good look at mark., what do you think? What's on your wish list? 

Let me know at My mark. by Corinne on facebook

and 

Shop my eBoutique at http://ccornell.mymarkstore.com

Thank you for reading! I hope you like want I have shared for today!! 

♥Corinne

What's going on...Only Everything :)

So, I am trying to juggle a lot right now. I've been ever so busy with CKC's Crafts. And that is great!! I was homeschooling my 3rd grader and my Kindergartner for the first quarter of this school year, but I am in the process of getting them enrolled at a local charter school. (We thought we were moving, but we're not really moving as far as we thought, another story for another day). It was fun to have them home, and seeing my 5 yr old learning to read is an experience that cannot be replaced, but we are heading on to a new chapter of life: The Civilian Chapter.

Hubby's army contract ended on August 3rd, and he decided to enroll in college to get a degree and a new direction. It's hard to get hired when all you have done for 8 years is army infantry, not much of a job market there. So, he is going to medical assisting school, and I'll be going too in another 3 weeks. He also got a part-time over night job at Home Depot, his schedule is crazy and I am so proud of everything he's doing! I am trying to get kids situated prior to my start date.

I am also starting my mark. business back up. As Hubby and I juggle kids, school, work and everyday life I thought that it was a perfect time to breathe new life into this great opportunity. If you don't know mark., it is an Avon company, so you know it's great quality products! It's a fun and fashion forward line of on trend clothing, make-up, skin care, and you name it-everything Fashion and Beauty!! It's a great product, my favorite items are the eye shadows because they always have bright, fun, and classy options for anytime of day or night ;)

This is where you can find my eBoutique! And I also just did a mini revamp of the My mark. by Corinne facebook page. So those are there for you to check out.

Also, don't forget that CKC's Crafts is also on facebook here: www.facebook.com/CKCsCrafts  and we are really close to the 200 fans mark, so look out for the giveaway/contest rules as soon as that happens! I'm also on pinterest now, just search ckc's crafts! And I'll be using the #ckcscrafts hashtag on Instagram to share new photos of projects. Getting the word out ;)

So, I am busy to say the least, but that's the way I like it!! Oh, and I'm trying to learn how to knit ;)

And, that's my little update!! Hope everyone is doing well!!

Getting to Know You...Well, Me!

I thought it might be fun to post some getting to know you questions for anyone who has come across my blog, facebook fanpage, or my etsy. So let's see how it goes, and feel free to comment your own answers back!! It's nice to know how's out there :)

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I was actually! Corinne was a character from a show from the 70's called "Soap." You can actually find the videos on youtube! My mom spell checked the name in TV Guide...True American story ;)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Oh Geez, I have been taking these estrogen pills and yeah, I actually had to stop taking them I was crying so much at the most random things!

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Well, I am left-handed so I do the hooking thing. My writing has a weird slant, but its ok.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
I like Oscar Mayer Deli Roasted Turkey. Hard to get me to eat anything else!

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
I do. Three of them (so far!) My oldest son is about to be 8 this August, my daughter just had her 5th birthday, and my baby Bear is 3.

 
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
If I could find me, I'd hang out with me. But I tend to be a hermit (a friendly one!).

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
I have a Ph.D in it!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Never in a million years!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Oatmeal is my buddy.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, and I rarely wear shoes anyway.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Not anymore. I used to be very active before the kids and being an Army wife. I stopped playing, and I need to get back in it.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Mint Chocolate Chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Teeth and eyes usually

15. RED OR PINK?
Can I have both?

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Currently, my hair. I'm growing it out and it's just a mess!

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Grandma. I wish I saw her more.

18. COKE OR PEPSI?
Coke, hands down!

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Barefoot for the win!

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
I'm having cheesecake...chocolate cheesecake :D

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The 9pm News...it's depressing.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Yellow!! I'm shiny!!

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
All the baking and cooking smells of Thanksgiving and Christmas!!

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law, who I LOVE!

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Beach House all the way!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
FOOTBALL!!! Almost time!!

27. HAIR COLOR?
The real one? I assume it's brown lol

28. EYE COLOR?
Dark Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
I actually had LASIK eye surgery May 2011. Best thing ever!!

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Italian, since I'm Italian ;)

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
How about scary movies with happy endings...I say yes!!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Ice Age 4

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I cannot wait for Winter!!

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
I love hugs, especially from my babies

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Ice cream

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio.

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
The 3rd Hunger Games book

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
A college I briefly thought about attending, they sent it for free.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
"I love you Mommy" coming from one of the kids, gets me every time!

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Stones!

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Home is where you make it. I've been (+ or -) 2000mi from where I grew up.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Being a total geek, and yes I get very special when I want to!

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Los Angeles

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Phoenix, AZ

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Tan, the same color EVERYTHING is in Phoenix!!

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Gold

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
Certainly gave me something to do! Hope you enjoyed getting to know me, and I hope to get to know you too :)

READY TO SHIP ITEMS Posted

I have added a new section to my Etsy shop CKC's Crafts! It's called READY TO SHIP....Simple enough, right!?

There I will list any and all pre-made items; such as item I make as samples and so forth.

I noticed a have quite a bit of craftiness just hanging out, so why not put them out there...and at a discounted price!!

Now: The reason for the discounted price (because I was asked about the quality of the pieces by a customer, so...) I marked these items down because, they are pre-made/non-custom/no chance you can ask me to change it to a yarn color I have to go out and purchase...Make sense? You get it faster and at lower cost (win-win!).

Also, back to quality. These are very bit as good as anything else I make! Remember, these are the items in the pictures of those custom listings you're buying ;) I have the same work ethic and commitment to quality for everything I make.

You won't find my handmade work in any store, and every purchase helps me grow my business-and in turn helps my family!! So thank you for your support!!

Sock Monkey Hats! Cute and Fun!!

I've been working on a lot of new types of hats, but really, the Sock Monkey is one of my favorites to make! There are any number of ways to customize your monkey!! Different colors and styles make every one unique. I just finished the Girly Monkey this morning! I think she's super sweet :) I love how cute the flower turned out. I can also make roses or a "hair bow", if you prefer. You can pick between the ear-flap style with the tassels, or the more simple skull cap/beanie style! I have tons of colors, and chances are I have what you're looking for. Just ask! These hats come in all sizes (o-3 months to Adult) To order yours visit: www.ckcscrafts.etsy.com

Pattern by CrazySocks Crochet

Birthday Sale: 40% Off

Anniversary/Birthday Sale 40% off Coupon Code: 4THBDAY All June save big at www.ckcscrafts.etsy.com Or email me at corinnekcornell@yahoo.com for custom orders, and mention the code to redeem savings!!

80% off Summer Fasion Sale!!

Summer Fashion Sale at ccornell.mymarkstore.com Up to 80% off of mark. fashion!! Seriously awesome prices, if you ever wanted to give mark. a try, this is the perfect time!! Thanks for stopping by!!

20% off For President's Day!!

***COUPON CODE***HAPPY PREZ DAY!!!
Use coupon code: PREZDAY20
Get 20% off orders Today!!
Including custom orders!!!
www.ckcscrafts.etsy.com

CKC's Crafts Continues!!

Hello All!!

Just wanted to do a quick update :) CKC's Crafts has been on Facebook for a while now, BUT I have made many updates!!

First off, you can go directly to the fan-page by going to www.facebook.com/CKCsCrafts

Secondly, I have added the option of being able to order through e-mail, no etsy account required!! Just email me at corinnekcornell@yahoo.com with CKC'c Crafts in the subject line, tell me what you want me to make (include sizes, colors, or anything else applicable!) and I will respond ASAP, once we (me AND you) agree on what the finished item will be, I e-mail you the paypal invoice! As soon as I receive payment conformation, I go to work!!

Also note, you can pay by debit/credit card through paypal, you don't have to sign up for an account!

There are lots of photos of my work up on the facebook page, as well as on my etsy site (www.willngingersmom.etsy.com) Go ahead and take a look!!

Thanks for all your support!!

So, you mean it's not my fault I'm tired, hairy, and fat!?

So, I am sure after seeing my many attempts to lose weight you might think I gave up or just gave in. On the contrary! I went to my doctor because I felt that my Mirena IUD was the root of my issues.

And by issues, I mean my incredible ability to grow a beard, gain weight even when dieting and exercising, have crazy/angry mood swings, and my most irritating ability to pass out and sleep at any moment!

Like I was saying, I went to my doctor because I thought the Mirena was causing more side effects than I cared to have. Being as lucky as I am, the strings (to remove the IUD) were not visible. Yay! Well, she wanted to do blood labs and send me to a "specialist" just because if it wasn't the IUD, maybe I wouldn't want to remove it. Sure, whatever you say.

So, I get to the lady doctor...I guess she's more of a specialist than my family doctor...and she attempts to get the IUD out, even when I am telling her you can't see the strings, and Behold! She can't seem to find the strings! Oh My! I never saw that coming!

She wants an ultrasound, but my insurance won't let me have same day ultrasounds, so I wait a week. The ultrasound tech is a real sweet lady, and shows me my IUD, but turns the screen when looking for my ovaries...OK, whatever blows your dress up!

Two weeks after my first visit with my new lady doctor, I go in again. She has my blood results and ultrasound results. She's talking very fast, but I hear "PCOS" and "Let's make sure there's no tumor." I started tearing up, #1 I have this ailment I don't really know much about, and #2 I have to be on medication and go see yet another "specialist" to make sure that's all that is going on inside of me.

Wait, it gets better.

I tell her that I still want the IUD out, so she looks over the ultrasound pictures and goes for it. Armed with medieval hooks and tools, she still cannot get the stupid thing out! So she runs out to the hall and grabs another doctor, some dude who's face I never saw! He tries, briefly, and then says to her to stop trying and schedule me for surgery, he is the "boss" of this clinic. He apologizes to me and walks out. Soon I am left alone with a medical assistant to sign surgery papers and one that says I am aware of hemorrhage risks, and I'm not feeling too good about the situation at this point.

I wasn't able to do the surgery that day, because I was alone. I'm sort of glad I was alone. Sort of.

I gave the girl at the desk my paperwork, and she said an endocrinologist and the hospital will call me for my appointments/surgery. That was Friday. So I am waiting for those calls.

So, PCOS. I am taking Metformin and attempting to follow orders to "eat like a diabetic." I am reading about PCOS and trying to do what I can while I wait.

I know it's not pretty to throw it out there that these things are happening, and just like any other issue I've read people being mean and hateful posting comments to other people's blogs, sites, or videos.

I'm not happy about it. My health affects my husband and my children. I write things down when I am looking for support. That's what I need now; support and help. Please do not be hurtful. I can't do anything if you are, but why be a turd?

School Daze

Well, I am on my 10 day break from school. William has taken a two day break because he was bored. See, he tested into 3rd quarter 1st grade, but when we went to go get his materials they gave us 1st quarter. I hadn't noticed until we got home, and the school is in Mesa, AZ. And that's kinda far, so I thought 'hey, it won't hurt him to start at the beginning.' Oh, how wrong you can be...

Sometimes, I think he is just so dang smart and it's amazing. I mean, my brain thankfully didn't transfer to him! We're waiting for the verdict on that one for Ginny and Ethan! ;)

So, tomorrow we will be driving out to Mesa to get his new books. Then up to Sun City to drop the kids off with my friend, so I can go down to my Physical Therapy in Phoenix. Then I pick the kids up, then back down to Litchfield to meet Tiger Scouts for the first time!! Will is so super happy, and I'm happy he wanted to do something social. It's good to get out, every now and then :)

I bought some fabric yesterday (like I needed any!!) to make Ginny's Halloween costume. I think she she gonna be super cute!!

Speaking of sewing, I'd really like to get to it while I'm on my break. I think I'll make it a point to get some work in each day. Life gets a little busy, but you have to learn to juggle (and not drop!) everything.

Week 1...Do over!?

Ok, so as quite I few people pointed out, starting a new diet/workout plan 2 days prior to your birthday = not such a hot idea! This past week I did great until about half way through Tuesday. And Wednesday, for my birthday I ate 2 pieces of cake (hey, who else was gonna eat it!?).

So I say Let's start over!!

I'm not the first and I'm not the last person to struggle with getting on the right track. I don't feel incredibly bad for not making it this week. I did have days when I felt just terrible about what I was doing or eating. But the good part is that I see that I don't like certain behaviors, and I can change them!

Today's weigh in: 244lbs
Change: +1
Goal for 9/27: -2

Dr. Oz says...

So I was watching Dr. Oz last night, and it was about losing weight. He had a short checklist of things to do to aid you in your quest. The one that sticks out most is "weigh yourself daily".

For years, I thought I was doing something bad or wrong! I am a compulsive weigher!! I weigh when I wake up, and pretty much every other time I go to the bathroom!! I'm sure that Dr. Oz didn't have that in mind, but I feel better about it!!

**I was 240 this morning, which is a good decrease from this weekend when I was topping off at 249 (yikes!)

Today is the Day!

Today William started homeschool officially. I want to keep up on that! He is in First Grade!! Over the summer, everyone had their Birthday. Ginger is now 3, and Will is 6. I will be 27 on the 15th-this Wednesday!!

Today I am also starting a new health program! It's called iCanChange, and I stumbled upon it while on the Military OneSource website. It is a free program (for MilSpouses and MilMembers) that aids in weight loss! I have a health coach who will call me periodically to make sure I am on track. Accountability is why this time I'm sticking to it! I don't know who reads my posts, hopefully someone does, but I'm putting it out there for everyone! I will update my progress each Monday. I still have a goal of losing 50-80 lbs.

So here we go!
09/13/10
243.7 lbs
waist 43"

Wish me luck, let's do it!!

**EDIT** I should note, I am not taking any pills or supplements!! Just Living Healthier!! It worked for me before, it'll work again!!

A New Goal

So, it's just about May. My 27th birthday is September 15th. I have a new goal in weight loss. I want to lose 61lbs. After having Ginger I lost 60 lbs, bringing me to my current weight. After having Ethan I lost all that baby weight plus 15 lbs (thanks to breastfeeding!) but since stopping that, I've gained that 15 back.

I am 5'5" and I weigh 236 today. I want to be 175. I am going to do this! I have been eating healthy, and I ride my bike to my job (that I just started Monday!) I'm going to be active everyday for 30-60 minutes. So when I am done I will have lost 121 lbs! That's a whole high school kid! ;)

I AM GOING TO DO THIS!!

April is FLYING!!!

April is going so quickly!! Ethan had his Birthday! I can't believe how time is flying, and how the kids are GROWING!!

Ginger is...wait for it...TOTALLY OUT OF DIAPERS!!!

Oh my, thought it would never happen!! But wow, she goes to the bathroom climbs up and down by Herself!! Oh, I am happy!!

Will and I go to the library now, and I think there is nothing better than the sound of him reading to me :)

I start working at Fresh & Easy next Monday. And Josh starts school again May 10th. It really feels like things are coming together.

A Quick Update

Well, I guess it's been a while.
So today the baby, Ethan, is 11mo. Oh Man, what a ride! We just ended breastfeeding about 5 days ago. It was an amazing run, and I'm so glad and super proud we did it. He started walking a couple weeks before 10mo, and he just popped his 1st tooth about two weeks ago.
Ginger will be 3 in 4 months. Still not potty training. She has a language barrier that I am trying to break, and since losing my call center job I've notice her open up tremendously in the past 2 months. William PT'ed at 3, and truthfully I'm not that worried about that anymore.
William is doing amazing in school. He can read, write, do math, count to 100, tie his shoes...I mean wow! It's crazy what makes me happy these days. I am having to spend more quite time with just him, but its worth it. I'd do anything for him to be happy.
So, my kids are amazing marvals :)
On to us grown people...Josh is still trying to get back over to active duty. Paperwork isn't getting done by so and so, and time is short for his conditional release from the guard. He lost all the weight they told him to, and goes wherever they tell him to, but no one really seems to know why this is taking so long (or really what to do). So as of March 4th he has been out of a full time job for a whole year. It has been incredibly hard, but we make due. We had help from a handful of Angels, and by sheer luck we are not homeless right now.
I have another job starting tomorrow. It's my 3rd since coming to Arizona last August. The laptop died and I had to get another, thank goodness I did our taxes! It seemed like God knew we had money, so things were breaking, children grew out of their clothes, homeowners didn't pay their bills sending us-the tenants-into a forced move.
Ah yes, We are in the 5th home of the year. Luckily Will gets to stay at his school, but he doesn't get to ride the bus anymore. Kinda of straps us for job timing having to drive him back and forth, because we only have 1 vehicle, 3 kids, and not enough time in a day. I was thinking of getting a bike to ride to work, I think my job is only like a mile or 2 away, can't be too bad.
I'm still in school, but taking a break until April 4th, due to the comp breaking down. I'm on the Dean's List! Never in my life, until now have I given two poo's about school. It's nice to get good grades. I do want to take Medical Assistant classes though. I think that's what I really want to do. Someday.
Josh's birthday is in a week. I want to do something special but still have no clue what to do. I have a list of people/babies/kids who I am sewing things for. If I could thing of something to make for Josh life would be easier!
A Quick Update...yeah that ought to do it.

I made Dresses!

I made 3 dresses for Ginger last night. And mostly just guessing! From bottom to top, the first a Pillow Case Dress, which I found the pattern from cozycabinmom-who is on here, etsy, and cafemom. The second is a panel dress, which I bought from Joann's. The last is an old skirt of mine, which is now a dress of hers :)

Working on it [Life]

So, all right. We moved to AZ, and we got a place to live. I got a job on weekends, at a local church nursery. I live with a bunch of kids, why not get paid to do it 10hrs a weekend, possibly more?

End of week 3 of Kindergarten for Will. His pants were scribbled on with pencil and marker. Can I just say that I love how the uniform is khaki pants? Not black or anything. It was picture day, and his teacher did not take the check out of his backpack. Ugh, ok. So now I have to mail it off myself. Fine. Its Friday lets just relax.

William will be five on Tuesday. I'm not ready to ask if I can bring something for the class. I did that for him in preschool...it was a mess. I am making a cake for home and he will have his choice of dinner/takeout/restaurant. We have presents ready. Should be nice :)

I am going to do some sewing this weekend. I need to make some fleece aio's for Ethan. The wraps are best for him. Ginger needs something a bit slimmer these days. Potty training has taken a backseat to the move. Someday.

Daddy does Diapers

Since coming home from Iraq, Joshua has been very serious about his daddy duties. He is even on board with cloth diapers. Something I hear a lot from other women is that dads are just not willing to deal with cloth. Well, let me tell you...life in cloth is easier then life in disposables.

Number one reason I switched, cost, (money)! We are a military family and when you are just starting out in the Army your paychecks aren't much. With our first, William, I found myself out of diapers and out of money every month. And little Will would be in kitchen towels for a while!

Number 2 reason, Cloth diapers are CUTE and ECO-FRIENDLY!!! What more do you need!? A cute soft bottom or an expensive yet cheaply made plastic diaper you'll throw away in a matter of hours, possibly minutes? You're doing laundry anyway, so you'll never be out of cloth!

Joshua says for times when he flies solo with the kids, his favorite dipes are prefolds with covers and pocket dipes. Its easy. It saves us at least $80 a month! That is reason enough in itself!! Josh even used the word "Amazing!"

So come on Dads, give cloth a chance!