Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Happy Birthday, Lauren!

I have spent the better part of an hour trying to figure out how to scan some old photos for this post.  We have a new four in one and I cannot master it--no matter how hard I try.  So you'll have to settle for my ramblings.

Twenty-seven years ago today, I gave birth to my last baby.  She was my fourth child in a little over five years.  I'll have to admit that pregnancy was not my favorite. ;-)  I felt betrayed by my body--it got pregnant every time I turned around!  My oldest child turned five on September 2, next oldest was only 34 months old, and the third was 15 months old!  I myself was only 24!  But I have to tell ya, this last baby was mine.  Know what I mean?  The first three were my husband's--Daddy's girls and Daddy's boy.  But this last one?  Mine.  If she was hurt, upset, scared, she wanted me.  No matter who held her or for how long, she cried till I took her.  Once she was in my arms, she was fine.  Considering how nuts I was while pregnant with her, she should be The Omen!  But she's far from it.

I found a wonderful card from Hallmark.  It says what I'm not articulate enough to say.


When you were younger,
I don't think I understood
how great it would be one day
to talk with you as friends,
not just as mother and daughter.
Of course, don't get me wrong--
the parent part is important 
and always has been.
Having a daughter like you
fills me with happiness
and makes me prouder
than I ever thought I could be.
But who would have guessed 
how vital the friend part
would become
or how wonderful it would feel.
I love you,
my daughter,
my friend.


I've shared several videos this year and today is no exception.  When Lauren was about 10 or 11, we were driving in the car and this song came on the radio.  Both of us were singing at the top of our lungs, complete with wide open mouths and exaggerated facial expressions.  We were being silly and having a wonderful time--until we looked up and noticed the school bus in front of us full of kids watching and staring.  We cracked up and still do whenever we hear this song!





Monday, September 28, 2009

Motivate Me Monday





It's Monday again--and for the first time in a couple of months, not raining!  Lauren over at Long Winded Lauren is hosting the second Motivate Me Monday and I'm joining in.  Hope you will, too!


My goal for last week was to work out for at least 15 minutes a day for at least four days.  Happily, I accomplished my goal!  The treadmill was dusted off and used, along with my YOU on a Diet DVD.  I will admit to feeling better after exercising, but aggravated when the scale didn't budge a bit.  Understanding finally dawned on Friday when my friend Fred (who shows up every month at more or less the same time) made an appearance.  THAT explained the bloated feeling and sugar cravings!  Still not really feeling up to par, so I think I'll give myself a break from exercising today.  My goal for the week is the same; I'm just skipping today.


Link up with Lauren and we'll help each other establish some better habits.  Misery loves company, right?  Hmmm, maybe that's not the best cliche to use...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Another Awesome Giveaway

Here's another chance for you to win an awesome giveaway!  I may have to have Lauren show me how to put a list on the sidebar. 


PK at Room Remix is giving a $35 giftcard--and YOU get to choose the store!  How great is that!  And how great is her blog!  Check her out--and sign up while you're at it.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Interested in a Great Giveaway?

Sherrie at The Rose Garden is hosting a fabulous one!  And just in time for fall and/or Christmas decorating.  Click on that link to enter!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Motivate Me Monday





Thanks to Lauren for letting me know about her Motivate Me Monday!  Hope you'll join in and spread the word.  I'll let her explain the details--so click on that link and let's get started!


It's ironic she should do this today.  After watching the scale creep up over the past few weeks and being unable to squeeze into some of my pants, I have decided it's time to get serious about exercising.  After I'm better at that, I'll incorporate healthier food choices into my diet.  My main problem is finding a workout program I can stick with.  We are fortunate to have a treadmill (a really good one--that's what I asked for and received for our 25th wedding anniversary!), a sauna, a hot tub, a Total Gym, a weight bench and free weights, and countless workout DVDs.  I've got yoga, Yoga Booty Ballet, YOU on a Diet, a couple of The Firm, and several others (including Carmen Electra's Stripper workout).  But I get bored quickly.  Or the instructor drives me crazy (can't stand Denise Austin's voice).  Maybe if I have to report in here, I'll do better.  It always seems to help when you have to report to someone.


My goal is to workout for at least 15 minutes at least 4 days a week.  Surely, I can do that! Right? (Please say yes!)  I have already accomplished my goal for today.  I did the YOU on a Diet intermediate workout and I was astounded at how difficult it was since the last time I tried it.  So not only have I gained weight in places I don't need or want it, but I've lost muscle strength.  One more reason to make this happen!


So, are you on board?  What have you been putting off?  Or maybe you just want to replace a bad habit with a good one.  Let's help each other be successful!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

I'm So Proud!

My daughter Lauren--the one who got me into this whole blogging thing--is being featured today at Dollar Store Crafts.  If you've never visited that site, you really should!  Lots of inexpensive, fun ideas.  Yeah, some are a little whacky, but the things people come up with never ceases to amaze me!  Check it out!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Tag, I'm IT

I've been tagged by Connie over the Shady Creek Lane (hi, Connie!), so here I go with more fascinating random stuff about me.  Of course, now that you have all this information, I may have to kill you....

Seven Personality Traits  (I could just copy Connie's answers, we're so much alike)

1.  I had a wonderful grandmother and determined long ago that I wanted to be just like her.  I hope I'm succeeding.

2.  I tend to procrastinate when I don't want to do something.  Rarely makes the situation better and usually makes it worse.

3.  I like to make people laugh.  Sometimes though I can come across as sarcastic or cynical.

4.  When I'm upset or hurt or angry, I pout.  Just close up shop--don't talk, don't go out, don't blog.

5.  I love to spend money.  Oh, if only we were independently wealthy!

6.  Rarely do I leave home without makeup.  And even if I'm staying home, I put on makeup and do my hair before Darrell comes home.  I want to look nice for him.

7.  Not to copy Connie, but I would rather be home than anywhere else.  And there's no one else on earth I'd rather be with than Darrell. 

A--available/married:  very happily married for 33 years
B--best friend:  Darrell
C--cake or pie:  YES
D--drink of choice:  Diet Mt Dew
E--essential item used daily:  computer ;-)
F--favorite color: red
G--gummy bears or worms:  no gummy anything!
H--hometown:  Clarksville
I--indulgence:  evening soak in the hot tub
J--January or February:  February
K--kids and their names:  Shana, Holly, Clayton, Lauren
L--life is incomplete without:  Darrell, our children and their children
M--marriage date:  April 10, 1976
N--number of siblings:  5 half brothers and 4 half sisters
O--oranges or apples:  apples in just about any way, shape, form
P--phobias/fears:  losing a loved one
Q--quote for today:  It's never too late to become what you might have been.
R--reason to smile:  phone call from Darrell
S--season:  spring
T--tag 3 people:  Shawn, Brenda, Gail
U--unknown fact about me:  sometimes when I'm brushing my teeth, I find myself standing on one foot
V--vegetable you don't like:  cabbage, beets
W--worst habit:  being too critical of myself and others
X--xrays you've had:  teeth, chest, spine
Y--your favorite food:  Hawaiian pizza
Z--zodiac sign:  Taurus

Now I'm supposed to tag three bloggers I'd like to know better.  I tag:
Shawn at Just Livin' Lovin' and Laughin'
Brenda at Cozy Little House
Gail at Gail's Decorative Touch

Wordless Wednesday

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

What's Your Style?

  I love taking surveys and quizzes, especially when they (supposedly) define an aspect of my character.  This one is no exception.  It was fun and actually confirmed what I already thought.  Go HERE to take the quiz yourself--what have you got to lose?

 

Beverly, you are a Bohemian Classic

You have a refined sensibility and bring a sense of history and tradition into your decor. You appreciate how symmetrical arrangements and beautiful, well-crafted pieces create a solid foundation to a room. But you like to shake up this restraint with objects and accessories that express your personality and your love of other cultures. When traveling, you seek out unique objects that reflect what you love, and you use them in a sophisticated way. You want people to feel comfortable in your home, and cozy chairs, ethnic fabrics, unique pieces, and even a little touch of quirk or humor give your house a laid-back, Bohemian flair.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

Putting Your Style to Work!
With your style and needs in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make your home a little happier.

1. Your Design Challenge: EXPERIMENT
The last mile in decorating is the hardest, because that is when you really take the risk in expressing yourself. As with fashion or jewelry, one bold piece can set the tone, and the others complement the look. Don't be afraid to experiment, drag stuff around and make mistakes. Use what you're passionate about to inspire your home, whether it is a love for patterns, travel, gardening, family or the sea. Consider a collection of books, pictures or objects on your passion. Giving yourself parameters helps you choose things in keeping with your true style—which is precisely the point of HomeGoods StyleScope. But also think of colors, a country, a movie or words you love when you're shopping, so that you can check that these pieces match your unique sensibility before you bring them home.

2. Your Happy Place
You can make your bath like your own private spa, an escape from the world—even if you share it! Consider making every useful thing beautiful—from the soap dish and toothbrush cup to a pretty jar for cotton balls and a plush, new set of matching towels (white is the most calming and spa-like). You deserve this! Using trays for corralling perfumes and bowls or cups for makeup will make things look organized and attractive. A really lovely idea, if you have space, is to include some real furniture like a little lamp or a stool for setting towels or even a comfy chair by the tub!

3. Be Party-Ready All the Time!
Mood: Nice, flattering light makes us feel good. So nix the harsh, direct light from overhead fixtures in favor of the softer glow from floor and table lamps. Also, keep some votive candles and a couple of hurricane lanterns for setting around the room.

Scent: The first thing you notice about a home is how it smells. Use naturally fragrant cleaning products. If you find a scented candle or fresh potpourri you love, stock up on it. Any scent you like, whether perfume or linen spray, can be used on upholstery, bedding or just spritzed into the air.

Food: Devote space in your pantry or on a shelf for go-to party essentials: crackers, dip, chips, nuts—whatever you like to serve. Keep on hand a collection of attractive bowls and cocktail napkins, and you'll be able to set a spread—instantly!

Drink: The simplest and chicest thing is to have a drinks tray or table always set up. Include a mix of pretty glasses, an ice bucket, a lovely pitcher, and bottles of soda and water. When the bell rings, just add ice and limes.

Thanks, Tamara, for helping me figure this out!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Blogging Tips

Don't worry--it's not from me!  I know my limitations.  But I also know when to take advantage of someone else's expertise.  Jen at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam has written a great post which we can all benefit from.  Click on her name to read it.


Sometimes I get comments and want to respond to the writer, but can't because their email isn't enabled.  I will occasionally go to their blog to leave a comment--or as a last resort, leave a comment on my own blog and hope they come back to see it.  Jen's way is much, much better!  Another favorite blogger gave me this advice a few months ago and it truly has made things easier.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

I Love the South!

Don't you?  Where else can you get a Fried Bologna biscuit for breakfast?

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Who Am I?

Saw this on The Gypsy's Corner blog and couldn't resist. This is scarily accurate!

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Ingrid!

mm.ingrid_.jpg


You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"



Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.



How to Get Along with Me

  • * Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.

  • * Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.

  • * Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.

  • * Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.

  • * Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!




What I Like About Being an Ingrid

  • * my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level

  • * my ability to establish warm connections with people

  • * admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life

  • * my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor

  • * being unique and being seen as unique by others

  • * having aesthetic sensibilities

  • * being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me




What's Hard About Being an Ingrid

  • * experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair

  • * feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved

  • * feeling guilty when I disappoint people

  • * feeling hurt or attacked when someone misunderstands me

  • * expecting too much from myself and life

  • * fearing being abandoned

  • * obsessing over resentments

  • * longing for what I don't have




Ingrids as Children Often

  • * have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games

  • * are very sensitive

  • * feel that they don't fit in

  • * believe they are missing something that other people have

  • * attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.

  • * become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood

  • * feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)




Ingrids as Parents

  • * help their children become who they really are

  • * support their children's creativity and originality

  • * are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings

  • * are sometimes overly critical or overly protective

  • * are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed




Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz
at HelloQuizzy

Friday, September 4, 2009

3 Already??

Today is Alexander's third birthday! Wow, how the time has flown. He is just as sweet and mischievous as he appears in this picture.

Happy Birthday, Alexander! Wish I was there!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

All Right, Laura, I Give!

It's time for Thankful Thursday. I've neglected this for a while, mainly because I wondered if anyone was interested. Then I decided I need to express my gratitude for all the blessings in my life--regardless of whether or not it makes for good reading material. Thanks, Laura, for hounding me!

I am extremely grateful for good friends--some I didn't even know I had. The outpouring of love and support I felt yesterday has almost overwhelmed me. I've read your comments here and on Facebook over and over again. If words can hug, you all succeeded! I went to the cemetery yesterday and sat for about half an hour. I cleaned the stone and left her some balloons and a small gift. I've never felt such peace being there. A lot of that had to do with your kind words and the strength they gave me.

I'm thankful for the rain we had last night. My poor flowers were looking peaked (as my grandmother would say). They're much happier today.

I am more than grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice. It's because of his example that you all reached out to me yesterday. It's because of his willingness to give his life that I am certain I will be with Shana again. The knowledge that I can live with my Heavenly Father forever, as well as my dear sweet husband and our precious children and grandchildren, gives me power to overcome the aggravations and anxieties of life. It's that knowledge that keeps me going each day--and in the right direction!

This next thing is hard to put into words. I've actually started this paragraph three times and erased it each time. I'm not thankful that all my children and grandchildren now live so far away and can't visit very often. But I am thankful that I don't have to clean house every day. Since it's just me and Darrell, the house stays fairly clean. Other than laundry and dishes, my time is my own--to read, watch old movies, spend way too much time on the computer, or work on some of my DIY projects. Do I miss having to sweep the kitchen floor two or three times a day? Do I miss fingerprints on the french doors? Do I miss toys everywhere? YES! Just not all the time. ;-)

Are you thankful today? Think about it, then tell me here.

It's Thursday!

Thursday is fast becoming my favorite day of the week--due in large part to Kimba at A Soft Place to Land and Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage. Love, love, love linking up with them and showing off my projects. And I more than love visiting other blogs and seeing what they're up to. The inspiration! The ingenuity! I've gotten so inspired that my hubby has forbidden me to step foot in Goodwill again! Yeah, like that's gonna happen!

Join in the parties going on today--either with a project of your own or visiting. But no lurking! Leave a comment so these ladies know their efforts are appreciated. (You can start with me!) ;-)






Darrell and I are lucky enough to have a private deck off our bedroom. When we purchased a hot tub, this is where we decided to put it. One of my favorite things to do is sit out there at night and look at the stars. After installing the hot tub, I wanted to spruce up the deck a little. It's more than a little weathered and dull. Bought these fake Adirondack chairs and a small table, but the color--which I'm assuming is supposed to resemble weathered wood--made everything just fade into the background. Nothing I tried made them stand out.




I finally took a suggestion to heart and bought this purty color. If it didn't work out, I'd only be out $4.


Well, what do you think? I'm thrilled myself. I wound up using about 2 1/2 cans of paint--still just an investment of about $10 for something that makes me smile every time I look at it.




Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Happy Birthday


Today marks the 32nd birthday of my oldest daughter Shana. Most of you know we lost her in 2006. The past three years have been a rough road, but I think I may have finally turned a corner. While feeling a little melancholy this morning, I'm not sad and depressed like I've been in the past. I miss Shana so much sometimes I can hardly breathe. But today I'm going to be happy. Happy that she was with us as long as she was. Grateful for the time we had together. Grateful for the sweet spirit she brought to our family. Appreciation for the daughter, sister, aunt, and friend she was. Thankful for the love and fierce loyalty she gave to those closest to her.

In tribute to Shana, I want to share a few songs she loved or that meant something to the two of us. Hope you enjoy.





Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Got 10 minutes?

And $6? Then you can get pretties like these! I made a quick trip to the post office to mail my grandson's birthday package and just had to stop at our local paperback exchange--which happens to be next door to Goodwill. I was in a hurry because I had someone coming to the house to pick up some clothes, but how could I be so close to my beloved GW and not at least go in?? I determined I would just make a quick walk through--not even get a buggy (side note: yes, it is a buggy--not a cart). That way I couldn't get much anything, right? Well, it was a good idea in theory anyway!


Thanks to several blogs I frequent, I can't pass up a tray anymore. This one was a whopping $1.99! It has a glass insert with an oval matting thing underneath. After close scrutiny, I found small screws on the sides, which means I can remove the glass and put something under it. Suggestions?



I spent last week with my daughter who has a tiny kitchen. Bless her heart, cuz she loves to cook and hasn't much room to do so. Don't tell her, but I found this beautiful breadbox and am planning to surprise her with it. What do you think--red or heirloom white? This was priced at $2.99, but was 50% off.




I also have developed an affinity for brass. But apparently it has to be weathered and worn for me to love it, and this was no exception. The $1.99 price tag didn't hurt either! I've bought several pieces like this recently and haven't cleaned any of them--and don't intend to! This baby will go on my husband's dresser with a couple of others like it.

Whazzup??

My children will certainly cringe when they see the title of this post--all the more reason to use it!! (insert evil laugh and smug grin)

Have ya been shopping lately at good old Wally World or Hobby Lobby? Even the Dollar Tree is getting in on the act. My calendar rea
ds September 1--not even officially autumn yet. School has barely started. Temps while cooler are still nice and warm.

So what is up with Halloween candy and Christmas decorations being out already? Now some things I'm not complaining about. I have a favorite food for every season and I dearly love me some Brach's pumpkins. In fact
, I'm partaking of a few (handfuls) right now. And due to these little bites of deliciousness being available already, I'll more than likely ingest several bags before October 31. I just wish retailers wouldn't be in such a rush. Time flies at breathtaking speed now!

Just So You Won't Forget Me....

Still trying to catch up from being gone last week. I was in Baton Rouge visiting the newest man in my life--Nathaniel.

He is a doll baby! Just as sweet as he looks!

Since this is the first of the month, I'm at the computer--but unfortunately not blogging (well, unless you count this--which I don't--it'll be too short to actually be counted as a real post, right? No?). I'm invoicing and mailing out statements for our home-based business.

But I want to keep you interested and entertained, so here's a place you need to visit. My daughter Lauren introduced me to it and now I'm addicted! Who knew there was such inspiration to be found at the dollar store! Enjoy!
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