sister in law week: lindsay

Welp....

I am not much of a blogger, in fact anything to do with the computer makes me frustrated and very confused. But I do love to type, thanks to Mavis Beacon, so I will enjoy this next half hour of tinkling the ivorys and sometimes erasing things just so I can retype them faster.

When Courtney suggested us Sisters-in-law pitch in for the week to share some of the things we love, I realized how pathetic I am. There aren't many things I am passionate about. I will eat any where and wear anything. So.... after some serious, serious thought, this is what I came up with.

1. Origins mascara, "Fringe Benefits" I have been using it for years and will never change.

2. Mint chocolate truffles. I don't care where they are from, they are always yummy.

3. Loreal infallible lipgloss. The best stuff EVER. You will never spend your money on any other lipgloss again.

4. There's An Alligator Under My Bed, by Mercer Mayer. One of my many favorite children's books. I like to make the crunching sound as the Alligator eats all the food.

5. Suave detangling spray "Double Dutch Apple" There is an octopus trying to jumprope on the bottle, I'm sold. Plus it smells really good in your kids hair that smells like their school lunchroom.

6. Anne of Green Gables, the movie. I just saw it for the first time a few months ago and fell in love. It makes you cry, laugh and want to be a better person. Plus who can resist that hunky Gilbert Blythe!

7. Speaking of double dutch, long recess jump ropes from the jumpropestore.com. You get to pick out the colors and the kids never get tired of jumping while you turn and sing, "Cinderella, dressed in yella..."

8. Vintage tin signs for every holiday at allposters.com. My favorite are the Halloween ones!

I really love Courtney. She always laughs at everything I say, and thinks that I should be on So You Think You Can Dance. I feel really cool after I hang out with her. I have never met anyone who can ask question after question and truly be intrigued by what I am saying, (except her brother). Who doesn't love it when someone is interested in everything that comes out of your mouth? You're the best court!

i am c jane and what lindsay
didn't tell you is
that she used to be a
cougarette.
contact me:
dearcjane@gmail.com

sister in law week: lisa

I can't believe Courtney asked me to do a guest blog! I mean, I really can't believe it because if you read her blog, you know that the sisters are the major players here, the brothers get some mention, and the sister in-laws (I majored in English, which prohibits me, by law, to omit hyphens) are mentioned in passing in a faint scent of a whisper way. You know, we might get caught in a picture because we're holding a cute baby or because we're standing behind Courtney. But I'm not bitter, even if I sound like I am, because it makes us all seem really mysterious, which I like.

And then I found out that it wasn't for her blog, it was for the other side blog, which made more sense.
The thing Courtney doesn't know (keep in mind, I'm very mysterious, so it's not her fault for not knowing), I don't like to push products I'm not getting paid for. As a teen, my father, the vivacious Robert Valentine abhorred us wearing t-shirts advertising stores like "Gap" or "Forenza" when I was little because it was just "free advertising" for some big company. So, you see, I carry that with me today which makes me reluctant to name a product without getting some sort of up front compensation. (Does that make me sound even more mysterious, or just poor?)

But here are some products that I really, really like and think you should buy even though I'm not getting paid to tell you. Because this is my chance. My one and only chance to post something on Courtney's blog, and I don't want to blow it (Maybe I already have. I'm sure this is too long already. Getting less and less mysterious by each. . . passing. . . word. . .)

1. I always visit this site when I want to know what to expect when I'm expecting to go to a movie. Eric D. Snider is funny and clever. AND IT'S FREE!

2. I am addicted to lipstick and never go without it. Here's a great neutral, if you're into that: It's Loreal "Silk" (best value for the tube). Me? I'm into every color ("Mica," "Mystic Mauve," and "Naked Ambition" are my go-to shades) of lipstick. I'm addicted. But I know that you're not, and that's okay, too. It's a great lipstick that doesn't feel too gloopy, which I'm told is one reason some people shy away from lipstick in favor for lipgloss. And it's reasonably priced so you don't have to feel guilty about buying more.

3. I think you should listen to Joshua James and buy his album on itunes. He's so cute and I used to babysit him in Nebraska which is weird. He's a Provo boy now, too! Which, technically, means I could post this on Courtney's other other side blog about Provo, too! And soon, sometime in the future, I might make it on the main blog. But I don't want to jinx it by writing it down! But I might as well dream big!

My name is Lisa and I'm Almost Famous.

i am c jane and lisa is so mysterious
that she mysteriously forgot
that she has written for my blog-you can read it here.
it's good.
contact me:
dearcjane@gmail.com

sister in law week

i am so excited because
my sisters in law
have agreed to post this week
on this blog.

their favorite stuff,
right here,
for us to enjoy.

plus maybe hopefully why not?
a giveaway
at the end.

who is excited?
besides me?

i am c jane
and i don't like putting the
hyphens in sister in law.
contact me:
dearcjane@gmail.com

. . . a sweet blog to add to my reader?

i have fallen in love with
the blog
the mom
created by
ruth shultz.

it's about ruth's life as a mom
of three handsome boys
and her new addition
davy.

sweet davy
was born with some complications
and it is completely captivating to watch her
grow and grow
(and get dressed up in some very
cool little outfits) .

dreamy photos,
funny captions,
it's a mommy blog to bookmark.

thanks ruth for letting us
in on your magic.




blogs like these make me happy.

chup's father's day gift guide giveaway winner!

What I expected: Good comments and lots of them.

What I didn't expect: Compulsively checking my phone, computer and laptop to keep up to date on....(oh, I promised myself I wasn't going to cry...) your comments. AND being directly affected by them. Getting all moisty eyed in the inconvenient-est of places. Phrases and and thoughts sticking around....

Thanks SO much to everyone for your comments, sweet stories, thoughts and tributes to the special husbands or fathers or brothers or sons or men in your life.

Incredible.

THE WINNER
of chup's father's day gift guide giveaway and one
Petunia Pickle Bottom Rubicon Rucksack
IS:

auburn and chris said...

My brother is amazing. Cliche, I know, but so true. He has endured it all- literally- and today he is the most humble, genuine and deserving person I know.

He is recently divorced, but through his 5 years of marriage he was the most loving, understanding, hard working husband and father I have ever seen. Being married to a woman with many psychological disorders and severe clinical depression made him not only the bread winner and sole provider, but also the sole nurturer and care giver for their sweetest son, Crew. Everything from breakfast, to laundry and house chores, to yard work and working 3 jobs to make ends meet, my brother has given the ultimate sacrifice for his family. As time would tell, the marriage wasn't meant to be and it was healthiest for he and his wife to part ways. Through all of this- divorce, financial instability, unemployment, several medical issues of his wife's, he is finally at a point in his life, where I have seen him free of worry, and despair after these past five LONG years. He is the custodial parent and cares for his son around the clock- with the help of his mom and sisters :). He works endless hours, is a dutiful scout master and loves Crew more than anything in the world. Crew, two years old now, absolutely lights up when he daddy comes home from work- they are best friends. I would LOVE on this Father's Day if you could find him a fantastic wife- cause let me tell you... he is an 11 out of 10- but since that might be a little difficult, I would LOVE for him to be the recipient of this stylish bag. He currently uses whatever he can find to throw all of Crew's necessities in, and the Scout would save the day.

Thanks for reading- I feel better even telling the blogosphere how great my brother is- I wish I could tell the world. Someday I hope to be as cool as he is.

June 19, 2010 2:20 PM

Auburn, if you'd drop me an email at chrismade at yahoo, we'll work out the details.

Again, my humblest thanks to everyone for sharing. And for making my first giveaway a success. I wanna do this again. Soon.

Ok, c'mon, let's hug. - ck

chup's fathers day gift guide - chup's first giveaway!!

A Petunia Pickle Bottom Rubicon Rucksack.

Derned if I aint doin' it up right for my first giveaway.

Petunia Pickle Bottom. If you haven't heard of them, well...that's a shame. Great company, amazing products, and they've been absolutely BRILLIANT to my wife (and myself, by association) for some time now.*

PPB (for those who know them) make baby chic products. The best of baby stuff; blankets, carriers and layette (huh?) and accessories. But their bags...their bags set them apart.

Diaper bags that even make guys go: "Huh. Cute bag."

So yeah, just in time to save our masculinity, they've started a new line, just for men - Scout by PPB - and they decided to send a Rubicon Rucksack my way to check out.

It's basically the coolest Daddy Diaper bag there is. Seriously.

Concept: diaper bag disguised as a leather messenger bag.

On the outside, you'd expect to see it slung over the shoulder of some hipper-than-you guy on his fixie.

Inside holds everything you need to for your babe. The bag includes a changing pad, tons of pockets and roomy compartments for toys, fruit-snacks, cheerios, and favorite books. There's even a color matched monogrammed wipey holder. Smirk.

You can even swap the snap-in linings out to convert to a dedicated laptop bag.

Like I said. It's pretty cool.

I may or may not have needed convincing to give it away.

But a conscience is a terrible thing to waste. And, as I said, PPB has been very generous and we already have some of their amazing products. So, after lovingly patting it's distressed leather-ness for the last time, I'll package her (him?) up to send to one of all ya'll. Lucky.

Just tell me in the comments why YOUR father/dad/husband/son/boy toy deserves the awesomest manly diapy bag on the planet. Go ahead, get all sentimental. He's worth it.

You have until midnight, Sunday the 20th. Ready, steady, GO!





*Just so you know, no one asked me or paid me or twisted my arm to write this review or give this bag away. I'm genuinely impressed with this company and their stuff. Just trying to spread the love. - ck

chup's father's day gift guide - Skullcandy

I've had several requests for "cheaper" options. I guess the $300 Bose QC15s and the $140 Blundstones were a little spendy. Good thing I didn't review the $400 remote control car. Narf!

So here's my recommendation for a little less cash. Around $30 to be exact, and if that's still too much, skip to the end and I'll try to take care of you for $10- $20 bucks. Coo?

Most of us these days have an iPod or some sort of mp3 player. Or a phone that does double or triple duty. Problem is, most OEM headphones...well, they make me think bad words. And we all know if you THINK it...

Anyways - Just before Christmas, I was talking to a guy at work:

Him: "Do you like Skullcandy?"

Since my experience with Skullcandy to that point ranged from indifference to mild annoyance with their branding, I said no.

Me: "No."

Him: "Oh, 'cause I can get them pretty cheap."

Me: "Oh SkullCANDY! I thought you said skull...brandy....and you know I wouldn't like any type of brandy...well, except for the singer Brandi, because she's awesome, but you know I don't drink, so no WAY on the brandy, but SkullCANDY...sure, yeah, of course, they're...awesome. So... how cheap? What?"

Turns out he knew someone who knew someone and could get a great discount.

Skullcandy Christmas, anyone?

I ordered a pair of the Full Metal Jackets for myself, my Mom, Dad and little brother. We all dig 'em.

1- They're comfortable. Most in-ear "bud" type headphones give me a headache after about 10 minutes. I can wear my FMJs for at least two hours. I've never had occasion to wear them longer than that. They come with several sizes and densities of silicone or foam "tips" to tailor fit.
2- They sound great. I'm no audiophile, but I can definitely tell the difference between these and "stock." Actually I am kind of an audiophile - my parents owned a car and home audio/electronics store for close to 30 years, so I AM qualified, darn it. Great highs and decent bass, not too heavy on the mids....
3- They control my iPhone. And my Blackberry. (I know.) Play, pause and skip forward and back. No volume control, but they do work perfectly well as a handsfree set.

When they were first introduced, they were $75-$80 bucks, and I've read several reviews saying they were worth every penny. Good news, then that Amazon or eBay have them closer to $30 now. When I ordered, the only option was black, but the website has some pretty awesome colors now. I don't know karate, but I know ka-razy! Watch out!

And now your even cheaper option:

My sister obviously need a Christmas present too, but she had no Blackberry or iPhone, so I ordered her this pair of Ink'd headphones. Seriously, half the fun was picking the color and style. LOTS to choose from. AND from $10 to $20, not bad...not bad at all. They've also got over the ear headphones, mp3 player headphones, fuzzy headphones, t-shirts, hats, blah, blah, blah. Check 'em out.

Skullcandy. Brandi never sounded better.

-ck

chup's father's day gift guide: walk a mile

These are my Blundstones. Blunnies if you know.

When I graduated from BYU, I didn't get the cap and the gown and I didn't attend graduation ceremonies. Instead, I got on an airplane and went back to Japan, where I'd served two years as a missionary. I made several life-long friends teaching English that summer, but one introduced me to Van Morrison, Barry White, and the best pair of shoes I've ever owned.

Will was a character out of a Hemingway or a Helprin novel. He'd lived everywhere, met everyone, and done everything. Like his name, he was more elemental force than human being. He was several, several sizes larger than life, and he was my roomate.

Will wore a Victorinox pocketwatch on a silver chain. And Blundstone boots.

He'd picked up his Blunnies in Australia, (their country of origin) during a tempestuous -- and ultimately ill-fated -- romance. He told me a little of Blundstone's history, and their ubiquitous popularity amongst the working class in Australia.

Of many things, that summer was this: Exploring monsoon-humid summertime Japan with Will, his girlfriend Yoshie and Michelle-a Dibella from Utica. Strange, exciting trains and stations, and the constant, droning summer cicada buzz. Bullfrogs' and their lulling call from the rice fields at night. Will wearing his Blundstones with shorts and a beat-up guitar slung over his back. He'd play Van Morrison and I'd speak Japanese, and we'd make fast friends with everyone we met.

Within a few weeks of meeting Will, I had a Victorinox pocketwatch on a silver chain, but I could find no Blundstones in all of Japan.

It took me a year to find a pair after returning to the States. There was no (that I could find) US distributor at the time, and I had to order directly from down under.

And then I wore them for 12 years straight.

Everywhere. With jeans or with slacks. Camping, hiking, biking. I've played tennis in my Blundstones. I've gone swimming in my Blundstones. I had a scene with Anthony Hopkins in my Blundstones. My Blundstones have actually saved my life two, maybe three times.

As you can see I need a new pair. But I'm finding that tough. That whole "replacing an old friend" line? True. I'm a sentimental guy, and each scratch and gouge and scar tells a great little "there I was" story. Shoe-goo holding the soles together and all.

Sigh.

There's a clever metaphor in that last line somewhere, but i've said my peace. Maybe some lucky father/husband/boyfriend/brother/son will start their own little journey with a pair of Blundstones this Father's Day.

Best pair of shoes they'll ever own.

- ck


www.blundstoneus.com is a good place to start as well as the usual e-tailers. Check out the Women's and Children's styles too.

chups' father's day gift guide: But soooo worth it.

Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise cancelling headphones.

I'm a test buyer. I'm not always proud of it, but there it is. Those of you in retail hate my type. I return things simply because I don't like them. Or to try something different. Or because I find a better price. Cameras, wafflemakers (thanks Nat!) GPSs, flashlights. Underwear.

I kid!

I may be the single reason Best Buy modified their return policy. It's a sickness. Buy, return, buy, return, rinse, repeat until I have EXACTLY the...thing...that I want.

Didn't have to return my QC15's though. Tried them in an airport once and immediately started saving my pennies.

And that's the problem. They're 300 bones. $275 ish on ebay for a nice used pair. I'm not normally one to swallow cliches like: "you can't afford not to buy them," or "how much is your sanity worth?" or "you get what you pay for," Howevers - I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say; "I know!" and "just about $300." and "I know!"

Normally, I snort derisively at Bose and their pricing. QC15s, however are within $25 - 30 of competitors top offerings.

I've tried Sony, Sennheiser and some other also-rans, but the Bose take the pie.

There are probably 75 million reviews online about these headphones, so here's my lists:

Pros:
- Noise cancellation is truly best-in-class.
- Over the ear form factor means they're Noise isolating too. Like the hearing protection you use at the gun range or, doing really...loud...stuff.
- Great carrying case is included. Form fitting case offers protection for your investment and has a little pouch for extra AAA batteries/airline adapters. A bag of skittles and a twix bar fit as well.
-Runs on one AAA battery for, ever. Like, 35 hours.


Cons:
- They don't work if the battery goes dead. Period. Noise canceling HAS to be active to hear anything through them. I've read several theories as to why, but I still think it's lame.
- Some people report vertigo or sea-sickness or a "feeling like being underwater"while using them. SWEET! That means the noise canceling is super-extra-A-plus-powerful, right?! I've experienced something similar, so I just turn them on BEFORE putting them on, and have no problem.
- Wearing them for extended periods = hot, sweaty ears. Now, normally that's a good thing, but not on the non-stop to JFK. You gotta take em off for a few minutes here and there.
- Price. BUT, if you or that special husband or father in your life spend a lot of time on airplanes, trains or buses, you may want to consider the expense. Then deduct them on your next tax return. Cha-ZING!

After all, you're worth every penny.

-chup

rocker roos children's shirts

today the chief wore his
rocker roo t-shirt
and it reminded
me of how happy it makes me.

soft material,
retro patterned
clothes with personality.

"yeah,
that's my kid.
the one with the guitar
on his shirt.
yep."

then i went their website
and saw that they had more options
this time around,
(like the one in the photo above
which also makes me giddy).

i am thinking of
this one
(tongue in cheeky)
for ever jane.

what do you think?







i am c jane
and i wish i had a
rocker roo of my own.
contact me:
dearcjane@gmail.com

chup's guide to father's day: the pillow tie

“Because sleeping in church is better than not going at all.”

Seriously.

Dubious logic / moral implications aside, I want a pillow tie.

It may be the novelty (which they freely admit) or the rotoscoped illustrations, or maybe that they’re made of silk and microfiber (drool proof..?) Or that they're cool enough to, ya know...actually wear.

Hrrrf!

It's a pillow, it's a tie. It's a Pillowtie! And I want one for Father’s Day.

Just sayin.

“Because most functions that require a necktie... deserve to be slept through.”

Hrrf!

See more here.

i am c jane
and i'm going to get
my dad one of these for his mission.
(and maybe one for chup in paisley.)

contact me:
dearcjane@gmail.com

deep discounts at zarahemla books

just got this email from zarahemla books
some of my favorite titles are
on sale for cheap!

see?


We’re overstocked on the following titles, so we're offering some deep
discounts. Now would be a great time to stock up for your summer
reading, future gift-giving occasions, book club, copies to donate to
your local library, etc.

Angel Falling Softly--60% off
Cover price: $15.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $6.38
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Angel-Falling-Softly-ISBN-978-0-9787971-6-4.htm

Hooligan--50% off
Cover price: $14.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $7.47
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Hooligan-A-Mormon-Boyhood-ISBN-978-0-9787971-5-7.htm

Hunting Gideon--80% off
Cover price: $14.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $2.98
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Hunting-Gideon-ISBN-978-0-9787971-4-0.htm

Kindred Spirits--50% off
Cover price: $15.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $7.97
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Kindred-Spirits-ISBN-978-0-9787971-2-6.htm

Long After Dark--40% off
Cover price: $14.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $8.96
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Long-After-Dark-ISBN-978-0-9787971-0-2.htm

On the Road to Heaven--40% off
Cover price: $16.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $10.17
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/On-the-Road-to-Heaven-ISBN-978-0-9787971-3-3.htm

Rift--40% off
Cover price: $16.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $10.17
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Rift-ISBN-978-0-9787971-8-8.htm

Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--40% off
Cover price: $34.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $20.97
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/Temples-of-the-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-Day-Saints-978-1592239900.htm

Timechart History of Mormonism--70% off
Cover price: $17.95
OVERSTOCK PRICE: $5.38
http://www.zarahemlabooks.com/The-Timechart-History-of-Mormonism-ISBN-978-1-903025-40-6.htm

Shipping is free for orders of $25.00 or more, only $3.50 if less than
$25.00.

on the night you were born by nancy tillman

my friend cari
gave the chief the book
"on the night you were born"
when he was a new to this world.

i couldn't read it without
getting that maternal
lump in my throat.

this book is sweet,
spiritual
and
gorgeously illustrated.

last night i read it to
both of my babies
--the chief and
ever--
and especially appreciated the line
"you are the one and only ever you."

it's true.

i am c jane
and this book
makes me love babies
even more.


contact me:
dearcjane@gmail.com

. . . song on nie's video?

many inquiries came in about
the song on nie's video
"my new life"

the song is called
"all about your heart"
and it is written and performed by
the beautiful mindy gledhill.

the song will be on mindy's new album
coming out august 4th
and will be available for purchase on
mindygledhill.com,
iTunes,
select walmart,
borders,
barnes and noble
and deseret book.

here is a sneak preview of the song:


and here is another song from the album with mindy in some delux eyewear:







i am c jane and i have sung with mindy on stage before. she likes my falsetto.
contact me:
dearcjanel@gmail.com

summer reading giveaway winner

mique as in mickey you win



congratulations,
it sounds like you deserve it!

email me?
cjanemail@gmail.com


(thanks everyone for entering)

. . . summer reading? plus giveaway!

i am proud to report
that i've got an essay
in the new
segullah-published
anthology
dance with them.

it is a collection of essays
from mothers about children
from toddler to high school graduate,
and is a companion to the
beautiful book
the mother in me.

i am honored to be published
alongside some of the best female writers
of my religion.

it is worth your reading time
(which no one has a lot of)
i promise.


along those lines . . .


my dear editor
--a beautiful writer in her own right--
kathy soper
wrote a book about
the year after her son, thomas was born
pre-mature and with down's syndrome.

it is an emotional,
insightful,
hopeful book.
bravely personal too.

perfect for new mothers
(i read it just after my firstborn was born)
(it was powerful)
or anyone who can appreciate
the surprises of the postpartum phase.

i said this about the book previously
"i was able to see myself in her journey.
every few pages,
i'd stop and stare at my son in his crib.
this book made me connect to motherhood
in ways i had not yet experienced.
an emotional read."

you can buy it now here
now available in paperback!


OR . . .

you can enter to win both books
to complete your summer reading schedule
by entering a comment in my comment section.

you have until sunday evening
6/6 at midnight mdt.

and while you are at it,
tell me why you'd love to read these books.

that would make my day.

. . .clark sister jewelry from crystal b?

emily cushing of
my give away today
is joining forces with
crystal b.
to host
a "clark sister giveaway"
tomorrow june 2nd.

crystal has created
earrings for all
of us clark girls
and is giving away
a pair of each
on my give away today.

1 page earrings
1 nie nie necklace
1 lucy earrings
and
1 c jane earrings

i am letting you know
early
because i really want you
to win.

click here to enter!

thanks crystal b. and emily
we are honored!

. . . ad space?

now accepting
new advertisers
on all three c jane blogs!

just what you wanted for summer!

interested parties
email my inbox:
dearcjane@gmail.com

the first year

The First Year from Julie Reneer on Vimeo.

we love the reneer family
who are our friends
and our neighbors
and we love brigham.

wanted to share.