And They Lived Happily Ever After...

New Blog Sites

2010-11-06T01:03:00.000-04:00

You can now find me at the following sites:

Personal Blog: http://juleen76.wordpress.com/
Business Blog: http://salonjuleen.wordpress.com/
Business Website: https://sites.google.com/site/salonjuleen/home

10 Things I Am Thankful For Today 10/28/10

2010-10-28T21:52:00.001-04:00

1. Zoey is home from the vet (getting spayed) and appears to be recovering quite nicely.

2. Got my room cleaned and organized and setting up a nice little office space for myself.

3. I created an awesome website for my business this week for free on Google Sites.

4. We had a great talk with my parents the other day and they were very encouraging.

5. A friend loaned me The Mortal Instruments Trilogy so I didn't have to buy it!

6. I got a new coat from Kohl's that is really cute and keeps me nice and warm.

7. Finally killed the fly that has been buzzing around the bedroom since yesterday.

8. We cancelled comcast yesterday and are getting ACD.net hooked up tomorrow.

9. Went to Cancun last night, love me some Chicken Chimichangas and Margarita!

10. Saw the movie RED last night and absolutely loved it AND got free popcorn.

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2010-10-28T15:31:00.001-04:00

Check out the updates to the SalonJuleen website! http://ping.fm/6fV4G

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2010-10-28T15:22:00.001-04:00

"When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other." - Chinese proverb

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What I Wore Wednesday

2010-10-27T23:32:00.001-04:00

How it began: http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/page/14/

Most recent post: http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2010/10/what-i-wore-wednesday-6/

This sounds like fun, so I am going to give this a try starting tomorrow with my first WIWW post arriving next Wednesday, November 3, 2010. I'm curious to see how often I wear the same things. I don't have a whole lot of clothes that fit me right now, so probably a lot.

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2010-10-27T17:44:00.001-04:00

Check out the new SalonJuleen website!
http://ping.fm/HNGyW

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Who is Reading?

2010-10-27T14:09:00.001-04:00

I'm really curious about who is actually reading my blog! I've been getting tons of views lately, but never any comments. Please let me know who you are and what you think! :)

The Big Breakup

2010-10-27T13:49:00.001-04:00

I have finally broken up with Comcast. It's really quite a relief! Honestly, it's been a long time coming, but I just kept thinking that things would get better, and worrying about the lack of other options out there. I did it by phone, isn't that terrible of me? He cried, and promised that we could fix things, and pleaded with me to change my mind... but I stood my ground and told him that it was time we finally ended this long and miserable relationship. And I'm bouncing back too, I've got a date with ACD.net on Friday!

I Have No Will-Power!

2010-10-27T10:17:00.001-04:00

I finally caved and let the cats in the bedroom this week, apparently now they'll be sleeping with me too! :)

See the full gallery on posterous

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2010-10-27T09:16:00.001-04:00

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent van Gogh

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Fashion & Modesty

2010-10-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

Modesty by Noel Heikkinen

2010-10-25T10:49:00.001-04:00

I am reposting this blog from Noel Heikkinen, one of the pastors of Riverview Church where my husband and I attend. I really appreciate and agree with this message! Be sure to click on the links included in the text.

It seems like the topic of modesty has popped up several times recently in conversation. I also mentioned it in passing a couple weekend’s ago at Riv. Then, I stumbled onto this post on Pete Wilson’s blog referencing a “Modesty Survey” which interviewed a bunch of people about what is modest in women’s clothing. I suspect the author of the study (which is a tad weird to be honest) focused on women because this is typically more an issue for women than men. Men, however, can struggle with modesty as well.

Because of all of this, and because Halloween is this weekend (ahem), I figured I post a list of things to think about regarding the topic. First, a few verses:

…women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9–10)

Now this verse is not saying women should never braid their hair or wear nice things. Rather, Paul is saying that appearance / clothing can become the things that cause us to stand out, rather than “godliness and good works.” We see this in a second passage:

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:3–4)

With this said, here ‘s a great article with particular thoughts regarding Halloween: Dignity has place on Halloween

(Photo snipped from “Amish Paradise“)

Online Booking

2010-10-22T18:43:00.001-04:00

You can now schedule appointments with me online! Click HERE to schedule! Or go to the Changes Hair Design website.

My New Coat

2010-10-22T14:19:00.001-04:00

I've been needing a new coat as my husband utterly despised the oversized fuzzy/puffy monstrosity I was wearing last year, so last night we went shopping at Kohl's with my 20% off coupon. Combine my coupon with the stores major discount, and this lovely little jacket was only $36.00! I absolutely love it (and HE likes it too... he actually picked it out)!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

No More Fat Talk

2010-10-22T12:03:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Cakie Belle for posting this video! Check out her post. We’ve missed the “Official Fat Talk Free Week”, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make EVERY WEEK Fat Talk Free!

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts

2010-10-22T12:01:00.001-04:00

How delicious does sound? Perfect for a chilly fall morning. I’m gonna have to put my apron on (yes, I do have one thanks to Grandma Kenney) and spend some time in the kitchen!

http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/10/pumpkin-pie-pop-tarts-with-maple-glaze/

Amy Rahme, Esthetician

2010-10-22T11:59:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to post a little shout out to my friend Amy, who works at Changes Hair Design with me,and let you know that she is a fabulous esthetician. I got a facial from her yesterday and it was devine. Such a relaxing experience, and so great to be pampered (especially when I’m usually the one doing all the pampering). Give Amy a call at Changes, the number is 517-339-2275.

Changes Hair Design
1640 Haslett Rd, Suite 6
Haslett, MI 48840

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2010-10-18T10:33:00.001-04:00

‎"Success in any endeavor does not happen by accident. Rather, it's the result of deliberate decisions, conscious effort, and immense persistence — all directed at specific goals." ~Gary Ryan Blair

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2010-10-15T16:57:00.001-04:00

"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more." - Jonas Salk

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Mmmm...

2010-10-13T19:07:00.001-04:00

I just had a Mac & Cheese Bagel from Panera! Oh... my... word...! That thing was amazing!

Bridal Open House This Sunday

2010-10-13T18:11:00.003-04:00

Photos by Mikenna White Photography
If you're planning a wedding, or even just thinking about getting married, this is the event for you! Come to a Bridal Open House at The Atrium Event Center across from Okemos High School, 2685 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864, on Sunday, October 17, from 1 to 3 pm.
I will have a table there to promote both my salon and Mary Kay business. Many other venders will be on display. Please spread the word!
This event will be repeated on the 3rd Sunday of each month. The next two dates are November 21 and December 19.

A Simple Definition of Marriage:

2010-10-13T17:16:00.001-04:00

"This is what marriage really means: helping one another to reach the full status of being persons, responsible and autonomous beings who do not run away from life." - Paul Tournier (1898-1986)

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2010-10-13T08:04:00.001-04:00

"The biggest mistake you can make today is to live as if tomorrow is already written."

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2010-10-13T08:03:00.001-04:00

"You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated." - Maya Angelou

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The "Right" Person

2010-10-12T17:53:00.001-04:00

“I have no way of knowing whether or not you married the wrong person. But I do know that if you treat the wrong person like the right person, you could well end up having married the right person after all. It is far more important to be the right kind of person than it is to marry the right person.” - Zig Ziglar, Author and Motivational Speaker

4 Things Pets Teach Us About Marriage

2010-10-12T17:31:00.001-04:00

Take a minute to read this article, it was very eye-opening for me!

http://lifegems4marriage.com/2010/10/04/4-things-pets-teach-us-about-marriage/

Juleen's Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

2010-10-11T19:33:00.001-04:00

1 (12 oz.) Package of Oven-Ready Lasagna

2 (10.5 oz.) Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup

1 (16 oz.) Jar of Alfredo Sauce

2 Cups of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

2 Eggs Slightly Beaten

1 Tsp. Dried Basil

1 Cup Chicken Broth

4 Small Chicken Breasts Cooked and Cubed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth, and Alfredo Sauce with Parmesan Cheese, Eggs, and Basil, mix well. Spread sauce to lightly cover the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan. Place a layer of the Oven-Ready Lasagna over the sauce. Spread another layer of sauce on top and evenly distribute half of the chicken over the top, then sprinkle with Mozzarella. Repeat layering once, then add another layer of Lasagna, sauce and Mozzarella, omitting the chicken this time. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Max needed some alone time tonight

2010-10-11T18:59:00.001-04:00

-- Sent from Juleen Kenney's Palm Pre

Selling Sex To Women

2010-10-11T17:06:00.001-04:00

Read THIS article and then watch the following video!

Love is...

2010-10-11T16:18:00.001-04:00

"Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses." - Ann Landers

Bowlin'

2010-10-11T15:21:00.001-04:00

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2010-10-11T15:13:00.001-04:00

"You can't use your obstacles as a reason to be a victim." - Dave Ramsey

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2010-10-11T14:39:00.001-04:00

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mohandas K. Gandhi

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2010-10-11T14:22:00.001-04:00

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mohandas K. Gandhi

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And MORE Turtle and Cat

2010-10-11T13:39:00.001-04:00

Someday, Little Sheldon, someday...

10 Things I Am Thankful For Today 10/07/10

2010-10-07T22:08:00.001-04:00

1. My husband who has been very patient with me lately and has been a really good listener.

2. A busy week at the salon, with several new clients.

3. Finally getting to watch LOST Season 6.

4. The kitty's who are getting along and have become good friends.

5. Getting the opportunity to encourage and bless an old friend.

6. A fun dinner and date night with my hubby this week.

7. The Millers for inviting us to their home to watch Dexter with them every week.

8. Making several good Mary Kay sales this week.

9. The book Lies Women Believe: And The Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss that I am studying with a group of women.

10. The surprise of some unexpected money appearing right when we needed it.

The Turtle and Cat

2010-10-07T21:41:00.001-04:00

I hope that someday our Turtle and Cats will play like this!

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2010-10-07T21:13:00.001-04:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - JFK

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15 Movies

2010-10-07T20:59:00.001-04:00

I got tagged for this on Facebook so I just thought I'd share it here for fun!

Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen films you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall -- they don't have to be the best films of all time. Tag 15 friends, including me because I'm interested in seeing what films my friends choose. (To do this, go to your Notes tab on your profile page, paste rules in a new note, cast your 15 picks, and tag people in the note -- upper right hand side.)In no particular order...

1. The Last Unicorn

2. P.S. I Love You

3. The Notebook

4. While You Were Sleeping

5. The Prestige

6. Star Wars (Trilogy)

7. Shawshank Redemption

8. Annie

9. Thank You For Smoking

10. Meet Bill

11. Hitman

12. Lord Of The Rings (Trilogy)

13. Chronicles Of Narnia

14. The Hangover

15. Sliding Doors

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2010-10-03T15:12:00.001-04:00

"That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful" - Ninon de L'Enclos

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2010-10-01T10:19:00.001-04:00

"I always try to believe the best of everybody -- it saves so much trouble." - Rudyard Kipling

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2010-09-30T15:57:00.001-04:00

"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins

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2010-09-29T13:15:00.001-04:00

"Knowledge is sometimes painful, but ignorance is never bliss" Dr. Mike Vickery

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2010-09-29T09:36:00.001-04:00

"Worry is like a rocking chair: It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere."

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Best Friends

2010-09-28T21:35:00.001-04:00

The kids are making friends, just hanging out in the kitty condo.

Marriage Quote

2010-09-28T20:27:00.001-04:00

"Marriage doesn't create self-centeredness & immaturity; it reveals it." - RickWarren

Photo Postcard

2010-09-28T19:37:00.001-04:00

This is a postcard I made to advertise at some upcoming Bridal Shows.

The lovely photo is of my beautiful nieces Emily Moore and Lauren Beauman from Emily's wedding, taken by Kristy Photography

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2010-09-28T12:30:00.001-04:00

"Patience is the ability to let your light shine after your fuse has blown."- Bob Levey

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2010-09-28T12:19:00.001-04:00

‎"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

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7 Days of Sex Challenge

2010-09-27T20:04:00.001-04:00

7 Days of Sex Challenge

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2010-09-27T08:20:00.001-04:00

"There is always a way to be honest without being brutal." - Arthur Dobrin

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10 Things I Am Thankful For Today 9/27/10

2010-09-26T23:18:00.001-04:00

1. My new kitty, Zoey, who is so cute and cuddly!

2. A very profitable work week last week (and hopefully another one this week).

3. My in-laws for bringing over tons of canned tomatoes for us. Noob made chili with some this weekend.

4. Gilded Lady where I find great ideas and inspiration.

5. An opportunity to really see my husband's soft side as he loved on baby Zoey cat!

6. The reminder at church this weekend that I am more valuable to God than the birds of the air, and the flowers of the field.

7. A Hair-cutting Class I will be attending today.

8. My sister for giving me a sweet cup with a lid and straw (sippy-cup) so I can stop destroying our carpet.

9. My husband for ferociously scrubbing stains out of previously mentioned carpet over the weekend.

10. Jesus, because he should always be included on any thankful list! :)

Zoey

2010-09-26T22:22:00.001-04:00

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and votes on the kitty's name! We've settled on Zoey, although I'm sure it's still subject to change for the time being. Several other names were eventually eliminated because we decided we'd prefer to use them for an actual human child if we ever get around to having one someday!

See the full gallery on posterous

Steve Jobs’ 12 Rules of Success

2010-09-26T17:35:00.001-04:00

1) Do what you love

2) Be different

3) Do your best

4) Make SWOT analysis

5) Be entrepreneurial

6) Start small, think big

7) Strive to become a market leader

8) Focus on the outcome

9) Ask for feedback

10) Innovate

11) Learn from failures

12) Learn continually

Little-Kitty-Needs-A-Name

2010-09-25T20:52:00.001-04:00

We just unexpectedly acquired a little kitty today. She is very sweet and gentle, and she loves to cuddle. She is trying hard to make friends with Max right now, but Max is not too sure about her just yet. We are working to come up with a good name for her and have narrowed it down to:

Zoey

Lucy

Molly

Stella

Alice

Maggie

Chloe

We'd love your help in picking a name, so put in your vote!

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2010-09-24T08:37:00.001-04:00

"Kindness trumps greed: it asks for sharing. Kindness trumps fear: it calls forth gratefulness and love. Kindness trumps even stupidity, for with sharing and love, one learns." - Marc Estrin

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2010-09-23T08:54:00.001-04:00

‎"Maybe the point isn't to think better or worse of ourselves, but to stop thinking about ourselves altogether." - Mike Donehey

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Quote of the Day

2010-09-22T09:20:00.002-04:00

"The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." - Margaret Chase Smith

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Quote of the Day

2010-09-21T16:55:00.002-04:00

"Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be the first in love. I want you to be the first in moral excellence. I want you to be the first in generosity." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

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TXT Ripple

2010-09-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

Juleen Kenney: Stylist at Changes Hair Design

For occasional updates on products and services as well as current specials:

Juleen Kenney: Mary Kay

For occasional updates on Mary Kay products and current specials:

Quote of the Day

2010-09-20T11:03:00.002-04:00

"A man has to live with himself, and he should see to it that he always has good company." -Charles Evans Hughes

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10 Things I Am Thankful For Today 9/20/10

2010-09-20T10:46:00.001-04:00

1. The LEAD conference at Riverview this weekend. I learned to much, and was encouraged and inspired.

2. An amazing time serving with my life group at Epic (Riv's college group) on the welcome team and with tear-down. It's great to serve with friends!

3. Nate & Neena, a new couple who just joined our life group. I am so excited to get to know them.

4. Birthdays! My family has several of them this week and so we all get to have dinner together and celebrate!

5. Character Makeover, a 40 day devotional I am going through with a friend of mine. This week we learned about humility.

6. Prince of Persia, the video game. We found a game that my husband and I both really enjoy and spent lots of time playing it together this weekend.

7. The weather, I got so sick of sweating all summer and I am so much more active and energized by this refreshingly cool weather.

8. Blogs and blogging, I've been reading so many blogs that inspire me spiritually and business-wise and many that just make me laugh. I hope that mine at least occasionally does one or the other for those who read it!

9. My clients. I get so excited every time I see another name on my schedule, new or not!

10. My husband, who really stepped up and showed me his ability to be a leader this weekend.

He must increase...

2010-09-20T10:26:00.001-04:00

"He must increase, but I must decrease" - John 3:30

"Being totally committed to Christ's increase... means letting out lives act as a frame that shows off the masterpiece... Jesus Christ. And a worthy frame isn't tarnished or dull, plain or cheap, yet neither is it so elaborate that it overpowers it's picture. Instead, with subtle loveliness, it drawn the observer's eyes to the beautiful work of art it displays." - Charles Swindoll

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2010-09-17T09:38:00.001-04:00

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton

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Be Generous

2010-09-16T12:37:00.001-04:00

As I'm learning to be a wife (it doesn't always come naturally) I've come across some helpful websites. They are written by a husband and wife team. I actually tend enjoy the one for husbands more than the one for wives (and I like to leave it open on my browser in case MY beloved might want to read it), but both have been challenging and insightful for my marriage. Check them out!

The Generous Wife: http://www.the-generous-wife.com/

The Generous Husband: http://www.the-generous-husband.com/

Christian Nymphos

2010-09-16T12:25:00.001-04:00

http://christiannymphos.org/

Highly recommended for my married and engaged Christian female friends! If you’re single or male, this is not the place for you, sorry!

10 Things I Am Thankful For Today 9/16/10

2010-09-16T11:54:00.001-04:00

1. That I am saved by grace, through faith, NOT BY WORKS!!!

2. My husband who works so hard to provide and help us grow a strong, godly marriage.

3. Our family who love and support us beyond expectation.

4. Sheldon who daily contradicts the reputation of turtles being slow and boring.

5. Max the greatest puppy... I mean kitty in the world!

6. My job as a hair stylist where I get to enhance women's external beauty and encourage their internal beauty!

7. Riverview Church, for giving me so many opportunities to grow in my faith with other awesome Christians.

8. Our life group, for their friendship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

9. My far-away friends who I don't see often enough and I miss dearly.

10. The beef stew that is simmering in the crockpot and will taste so delicious when I get home from work at 9:30 pm tonight.

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2010-09-16T11:34:00.001-04:00

50 Things That Matter More Than The Way You Look:
http://ping.fm/CsMSM

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Nothing To Eat

2010-09-16T10:11:00.001-04:00

My husband comes into the bedroom early this morning and says "There's nothing for me to take for lunch, do you have any cash so I can stop and get lunch later" (paraphrased). I drag myself out of bed, walk to the kitchen, open the fridge and survey the situation . I proceed to make him a lunch of two ham and cheese sandwiches with mustard and mayo, a banana, an apple, celery sticks, cheetos, a granola bar, and a bottle of water. He and I clearly have very different definitions of the word "nothing"! Maybe he just needs to have his eyes checked! ;)

Gilded Lady

2010-09-16T09:46:00.002-04:00

If you haven't already, check out my new favorite beauty blog! Gilded Lady: http://ping.fm/3tLA0

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2010-09-16T09:13:00.001-04:00

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." - M. Scott Peck

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2010-09-15T07:43:00.001-04:00

is looking forward to attending the Women's Forum luncheon at the Lansing Country Club today!

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$5 Off

2010-09-14T10:27:00.001-04:00

Text the word "Juleen" to 411669 to receive $5 off your next hair appointment with Juleen at Changes Hair Design. Call 517-339-2275 to schedule an appointment.

Text the word "JuleenK" to 411669 to receive $5 off your next Mary Kay order of $50 or more. Call 517-896-6814 or go to www.marykay.com/juleenkenney to place an order.

The Lansing Turbo Networking Group

2010-09-14T10:06:00.001-04:00

For the last several months I have been gotten involved with a business networking group called The Lansing Turbo Networking Group. They meet at 7:30 every Tuesday morning at the Okemos Community Church on Okemos Rd, behind Meijer. The purpose of this group is to work together to help everyone build their business.

Every week, each person in attendance gets 60 seconds to talk about themselves, their business, and ask for referrals. One member (who signs up ahead of time) does an 8 minute presentation about their business. Then 5 people give a brief testimonial about someone else in the group whose products or services they have used.

This is a great way to meet new people in the area, spread the word about your business, and learn how you can help promote other local businesses. I've even found several people whose service has assisted me in growing my own business.

I recommend this to anyone who is in a client based business who need to get their name known in the community. I'm excited about this group and the opportunities it has brought me. If you are interested in knowing more about this group, click the link at the top of this post or talk to me! I'd love to tell you about it!

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2010-09-14T09:54:00.001-04:00

Last night we decided to have a little fishing adventure down at the lake by our place. I am proud to announce that I caught myself a little fishy!

-- Sent from Juleen Kenney's Palm Pre

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2010-09-14T09:34:00.001-04:00

"Joy is the best makeup." - Anne Lamott

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Free Haircut

2010-09-13T16:44:00.001-04:00

"Like" my page Juleen Kenney, Hair Stylist for a chance to win a free haircut!

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2010-09-13T10:00:00.001-04:00

"I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate." - George Burns

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2010-09-11T18:28:00.001-04:00

"Good nature will always supply the absence of beauty; but beauty cannot supply the absence of good nature." - Joseph Addison

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2010-09-10T17:54:00.001-04:00

Operation Beautiful: Transforming the way you see yourself, one post-it note at a time!
http://ping.fm/SEXub

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2010-09-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

"God give me work, till my life shall end
And life, till my work is done." - Epitaph of Winifred Holtby

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Show Me The Money

2010-09-07T12:06:00.002-04:00

I hate that money is the one thing that really stresses me out, and the big thing that my hubby and I tend to fight about. I think when you're poor, that's just the way it is. But I know rich people stress about money and argue about money too. I guess it's just further proof that "the love of money is the root of all evil".
This week I'm especially stressed (but thankfully there's been no fighting). The last few weeks were very slow at the salon (which is unusual for back to school time), and Noob has been working less because of rain and it being the end of the season. So, the income has been significantly less than normal for both of us. Then we got a bill from Consumers Energy for more than $500 (still haven't figured out why) which was automatically withdrawn from our account a week early, and now I've had to put off paying our rent. Today was supposed to be pay day for Noob, but apparently the accountant decided to take a vacation and did not do their paychecks yet so there's no telling when the check will come in. So, the it's the Seventh and the rent has yet to be paid.
The numbers in our bank account are rapidly dwindling and I have no idea when we will replenish it. I'm really trying not to stress, and trying hard to remember that God has promised to provide for all of our needs. But it's hard, especially for a control freak like me!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-07T11:48:00.001-04:00

We had planned to go up north to my parent's cottage in the U.P. for the weekend, but due to the sudden change in weather we decided to just stay home. It ended up being a very fun and eventful weekend.

Friday night we went to a birthday party at Dagwood's for Peter Cole & Junior Figgins. Quite a large group showed up and we had a great time catching up with some friends we haven't seen in a while.

Saturday Noob helped Jesse Gerould move, so I had the morning to myself and thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent rest of the day finishing Dexter Season 4, and making our way through Prison Break Season 4.

Sunday we went to church in the morning and then went on a cleaning frenzy at home all afternoon. I'm so excited to have a clean kitchen and closet! In the evening we went to a Bonfire out at the Thocker's in Grand Ledge and saw a bunch of other friends we mostly hadn't seen in quite a while either.

Monday we got a new mattress for our bed (Thanks to Lauren & Seth, and Andrea & Mark). We had quite an adventure getting it up the three flights of stairs to our apartment. It included me getting knocked into a bush (I have the scars a.k.a. scratches to prove it), and having my spine slammed into the bannister. But sleeping on the new mattress last night made it all worthwhile! My back is very happy! After getting the mattress moved we went over to Heather & Tom Mcalvey's for a BBQ. They are both friends of Noob's from Lansing Christian whom I have gotten to know recently. Everyone else that was at the BBQ was from Blacksoil, their church here in Lansing. We had such a great time and really enjoyed meeting and hanging out with such an awesome group of people.

All in all, it turned out to be quite an awesome weekend for just staying home! :)

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2010-09-07T10:27:00.001-04:00

"Treat your friends as you do your best pictures, and place them in their best light." - Jennie Jerome Churchill

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2010-09-04T14:05:00.001-04:00

Quote of the Day^"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." - Herm Albright

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2010-09-04T13:35:00.001-04:00

‎"You have to realize you don't have someone else's life and you're never going to, so you better start loving the one you got, you better start embracing the one you got." - Joyce Meyer

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2010-09-03T08:58:00.001-04:00

"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant." - Quintus Horatius Flaccus

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2010-09-01T13:37:00.001-04:00

"Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks" - Charles Dickens

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2010-08-30T09:56:00.001-04:00

‎"There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either in or out. There's no such thing as life in-between." - Pat Riley

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2010-08-30T03:36:00.001-04:00

"I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are." - Milton Berle

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2010-08-26T12:51:00.001-04:00

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." - 1 Peter 3:3-4

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Stuff

2010-08-26T10:33:00.001-04:00

Yesterday my niece Lauren and her husband Seth packed up their car and moved to California. With only a few months notice they were able to sell their house, sell a car and sell/give away 90% of their belongings. The craziest thing about it is that they don't even have a home to move into when they get there. They are staying in a campground and living out of the car until they can find a place to live.

This got me thinking about stuff! I've got a LOT of stuff! Between my husband and I (and our cat and turtle) our stuff practically takes up every single inch of our two bedroom apartment. Our cars are even full of stuff, and we've got a storage space too. I wouldn't go as far as to call myself a hoarder, but I keep things... I collect things... I take things when people give them away (thanks L&S). My stuff is mostly organized and in good repair, it's not like I'm holding on to junk. But, do I really need all this stuff?

I'm realizing that stuff can hold you back, can keep you from doing or focusing on the important things. How much do I value my possessions, and how much of it is really necessary for my survival? I think I'd have a lot more freedom if I had less stuff. There would be less to clean, less to organize, less to sort through when I'm looking for something, less clothes to flip through while agonizing over what to wear in the morning.

My stuff doesn't make me happy... well, maybe my MacBook and my Palm Pre... but honestly, I'm not a happier person because I have a closet full of clothes, or 5 bookshelves loaded with books (seriously) or hundreds of dvd's. They don't satisfy me, I am still always left wanting more.

For the last several months my hubby and I have been contemplating buying a house. The market is great for buyers right now, we know so many people who have found amazing deals on houses. It makes sense... but then isn't that just one more thing to tie us down? What if we bought a house, and then God called us to be somewhere else? What if an amazing opportunity arose SOMEWHERE ELSE... and we're stuck here with a house... full of stuff!

I went to Meijer last night (the grocery store for you non-midwesterners) to pick up some groceries and as I wandered around the store I saw a lot of cute stuff, bedding, lamps, furniture that I'd LOVE to have. But then I thought to myself, do I really need it? How would I feel if I suddenly had to sell it at a garage sale (for 10% of what I paid for it) or even just give it away? Then it all just seemed silly, why on earth would I need more stuff?

So, hopefully this mindset will stick the next time I go to the store and I won't buy a bunch of unnecessary items (hopefully my husband will catch on to this idea too). And hopefully, I'll remember this as I begin weeding through my belongings deciding what to keep and what to toss. After all, it's just stuff! (I already have two bins full of clothes to take to Goodwill)

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2010-08-25T22:54:00.001-04:00

Get the Perfect Haircut: How to Talk to Your Barber http://tinyurl.com/27xmbq2

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2010-08-25T16:18:00.001-04:00

is super excited, and so very thankful for all of the new clients I've been getting lately! A big thanks to all of you who have given me business, and sent new clients my way!

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2010-08-25T09:43:00.001-04:00

"Character is forged in the smallest of struggles. Then, when the big challenges come, we’re ready." - Waiter Rant

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2010-08-24T09:15:00.001-04:00

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically - to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.' " - Stephen Covey

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2010-08-23T08:16:00.001-04:00

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results."

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2010-08-22T09:56:00.001-04:00

"The only place where success comes before work is in a dictionary."- Vidal Sassoon

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Cupcakes

2010-08-22T04:51:00.001-04:00

"Cupcakes are the devil, but we're friends anyway."

(Cosmopolitan Cupcake - Raspberry Cup Cake filled with strawberry frosting, Iced with lime butter cream. Pink sanding sugar candied lime and a cherry.)

Sugar Shack - THE BAKERY THAT DELIVERS! (517) 316-2009 2315 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48912

Don't Quit!

2010-08-21T21:59:00.001-04:00

Don't Quit!

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit.

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns

As every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out:

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are.

It may be near when it seems so far:

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Author Unknown