And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet

OK, so I was all set to quit slacking, and do my post-Christmas post. I checked my purse and I had the cord for my camera! Bonus - I was all set to get pictures (the few that I took) of my little ones checking out the goodies that Santa had brought. Wait, where's my camera??

Crappe.

So, instead, you will be getting this list - a sort of 2008 in review, if you will, which I stole from... somewhere - Dawn @ Because I Said So, I believe.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Went to my first Cub Scout meeting.

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Actually, 2008 was the first year that I decided not to make New Year's Resolutions. I'm thinking I might make some for the year coming up, not sure what, yet...

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, although I did find out a (soon to be ex-) coworker is finally pregnant, after trying for 3 or 4 months, and driving us all crazy each time she "started". Good for her.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle M was killed in a suspicious fire this year. I didn't talk about it much at the time, and it's still an open case, but we don't have much hope of ever finding out who would have done such a horrible thing to him.

5. What countries did you visit?
I actually didn't even leave the state this year, but they do say that Texas is "like a whole 'nuther country", so does that count?? I did drive all the way to the Waco area a few times.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
smaller thighs and @ss. I would like to have a better job, a new (to me) home, and to get a lot further towards my degree. Each time I pass a Computer class, I get a certification, which looks good on my resume. I might even be able to convince potential employers I know what I'm doing if I keep it up!

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
I don't think there are any specific dates. Mother's Day and my Birthday were pretty great.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I developed a cure for Cancer, and negotiated a peace treaty between Australia and New Zealand. It's a toss-up.

Or, it could have been keeping this little guy (and his siblings) alive long enough to release them to the wild.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not doing more in school. I can set my own progress with this program, and I only did the bare minimum requirements instead of going above and beyond. I'm really annoyed at myself for that.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, besides the PLAGUE that Budman and I are currently suffering from, I have been remarkable healthy. Although I do have this giant zit that just won't go away...

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Budman's boat. Oh, you meant for me??? I don't buy things for myself - I could, I just always think of other things to spend money on. For the kids, etc... And we do ALL get to use the boat.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
huh? I haven't killed anyone this year, so I'm gonna say ME!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one MADE me depressed this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?
gas

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
When fuel prices dropped below $2.00, and each subsequent drop after that. Yesterday, we filled up for $1.27 a gallon. I almost got out of the car and did a happy dance.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
Music is a huge part of me, but I didn't really listen to a lot of NEW music this year. I'm kind of stuck in a Classic rock/ 70s 80s & 90s rut lately.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier/sadder, thinner/heavier, richer/poorer? I get happier every day. I'm a little heavier, and neither richer nor poorer than last year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
sewing, crafting, playing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
working, complaining

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family - surrounded by a mess, and relaxing all day long.

21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I spend as little time as possible on the phone, so, other than work people, I would have to say my Mom.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fall in love with Budman a little more everyday

23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Um, none. Or - lots of them, but all with the same person - My HUSBAND!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Just one? I will never pass up an episode of The Unit, NCIS or CSI (any city). I loved Pushing Daisies and Life most of all.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't waste energy hating people. It's too much work, and it poisons your heart.

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I read a LOT of books. Most recently, The Book of Bright Ideas, by Sandra Kring, was one of my favorites.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I got the Beatles back together for a World Tour.

28. What did you want and get?
My guys - all I'll ever need.


29. What did you want and not get?
THE purse - you know - the perfect handbag. Still searching for it.

30. What were your favorite films of this year?
In Bruges

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I told all about my birthday here and I turned 34.

32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the lottery

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Slacker-Mom style.

34. What kept you sane?
Coincidentally, this is also what kept me Insane as well.


35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can't think of a one.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Rising Fuel costs & drilling for oil, rising unemployment, the tanking economy

37. Who did you miss?
Bear

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My bloggy friends get this honor...

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
It wasn't learned in 2008, but it's the one that I keep with me always: "You can't find happiness on a road map, you have to take it with you." A long overdue, hard-learned lesson, but then we kids never thought our parents knew anything when we were young and had all the answers.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round.
Kidding.

OK, if you've stuck with me this far, then you deserve a reward. I have been using Christmas song lyrics for my post titles this month (most of it). I'm sure you've noticed this, plus I announced it at the beginning. So, I'm gonna have a little giveaway.

Go back through my December posts (starting here - see, I'm so nice, helping you out like that...) and send me a list of all the Christmas song titles (There are 6) that I've used. Email it to me at MrsMStewart (AT) gmail (DOT) com. DO NOT post the answers in the comments, if you do, I will delete it. Email it to me. I will take all correct entries and randomly draw a someone to receive a little something special from me. Let's say that I'll keep this open until New Year's Eve at midnight (which is technically New Year's Day at that point, I know). So, you have the rest of the year to enter my little contest. I hope you will - Even if you don't normally enter contests and such, do it anyway, it will be fun!!!

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K

Or not.
(I just love throwing movie quotes into my everyday conversations.)

Anyway...

Time for another giveaway post.

This one is a big one, and you will be glad you got in on it!!

Head on over to The Lil' Peanut Patch and enter their 12 Days of Christmas at the Patch. THey are having TWELVE (Yes, 12) days of giveaways, and two lucky people will each get to win half of those prizes. Yes, you heard that right. One person will win 6 prizes, and one will win the other six prizes.

One catch - You have to enter ALL the giveaways to be entered, so be sure to get moving over to the The Lil' Peanut Patch to read the rules, enter and win!!

In other news...

There have been lots of goings-on in the Land of Eternal Sunshine lately. I took off all of last week (and most of the weeks prior -heehee) for the Holiday and to rejuvenate my mind (or something), but I will be getting back on the ball very soon. I have awards to mention (and give away), contests that have been won, a very spectacular Secret Santa shimpent arrived, and more!!

Oh - and my nephew, the Tater-Tot (formerly known as N, or Nigel) informed my Sister that he wanted to make Christmas gifts. She's asked for ideas, and I haven't come up with anything age-appropriate yet. Please head on over to her blog and leave some ideas. They will be most appreciated!

I'll leave you with this - A little late for Thanksgiving, but appropriate for the time of year.

Sunday, we were at the airport to pick up Possum from his vacation to his Mom's house. As Monkey, Mater and I were waiting for Budman to go get him, I pointed out a soldier walking through the terminal. Monkey shouted out "Hi Soldier!!" The man smiled and waved at the boys, and we smiled back. Then Monkey shouted "Thank you for all you do for our country!" I got a little teary-eyed... Sometimes my kids really surprise me.

I don't know if the young man heard Monkey's thank you, but I hope so, and I want to say a special thanks to all of our servicemen and women.

When it rains...

In addition to the blog changing/moving fiasco debaucle adventure, I'm dealing with a crappeload of work drama, I promise I will update and such soon.


In the meantime, not to sound like a broken record, but...

Don't forget about my friend Holly, Anglophile Football Fanatic. She's donating her November ad revenue to Food for the Poor. Every click counts, so do me a big favor, and help her out!

Day FOUR of her giveaway is today, and people, it just keeps getting better. There will only be one more this week, so get yourself on over there, and get in on the fun...

Please head on over to her place, and enter her contest.

Stop by to visit Copper's Fox, she's got a funny story about my nephew, Tater-tot, and Mater.

Also, don't forget about my friend Holly, Anglophile Football Fanatic. She's donating her November ad revenue to Food for the Poor. Every click counts, so do me a big favor, and help her out!

Day TWO of her giveaway is today, and people, it is awesome. There will a giveaway every day this week.

Please head on over to her place, and enter her contest.

Giveaway Alert!!

My dear friend Holly, of Anglophile Football Fanatic, is donating her November ad revenue to charity.

Food for the Poor, which I had never heard of until Holly began her drive this month, is a charity that provides, well, food for the poor, among other things. I highly reccomend visiting their website, they have some really terrific things in their gift catalog, as well as a greater description of what they do, and ways to help.

But, back on task here. Holly is having a week-long giveaway to go boost her efforts to raise money for her favorite charity.

Day one of the giveaway starts today, and there will be more every day this week. Please head on over to her place, and enter her contest. Or spend a little time reading about some of the funny things that happen in her world. Every click counts, so do me a big favor, and help her out!

Please check back everyday, this week, she will be giving away something everyday, and if I know Holly, it will be terrific!!

What are you waiting for?? Go!!

And the winner is...

Sorry it took me so long, I seriously underestimated how long it would take to cut out and fold all those comments. (Then my puter decided I didn't hold my mouth just right the FIRST time I typed this entire post out, and refused to save it - UGH)

Anyway, the comments all went into a bag, and Mater just chose a winner.

Without further ado, the winner of my Blogoversary give away, a $25 Gift card to JC Penney is:

cylis9, who said...

Good luck on the walk and thanks for the great giveaway!

Congratulations, cylis9, please email me your mailing address, so that I can send your prize!! Thanks to everyone who participated in my giveaway.

If the prize is not claimed within 3 days, I will choose another winner.

Also, I promised to donate all October revenue to the Alzheimer's Association. I just checked my report, and I am proud to say that I will be sending them a check for $20! Thank you to everyone who helped out. I appreciate it more than you can know.

Who am I??

OK, taking care of old business first. The giveaway for my Blogoversary ends today at noon, CDT. If you haven't already entered, get on over there quick. I am hoping to post the winner tomorrow.

I am still donating my October revenue to the Alzheimer's Association, and will post the total for that sometime today or tomorrow.

Now, on to the new business

I found a new blog recently, Why are You Stalking Me?. As I was reading through past posts, there was a quiz, and I just had to take it.

I think it's pretty spot on as far as describing me.. There were only two questions, and I figured there was no way they could come up with something good off two questions, but - well, just see for yourself...

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

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

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

First order of business

Well, first things first. I hope that you read Tuesday's post and headed over to Rachel's house to enter her giveaway and click her pages (It's OK, that sounds dirtier than it is) in order to help her in her quest to fight Breast Cancer.

You did? Good, now go again. it's OK, we'll wait here for you.

2nd order of business, is that my baby sister (HA! She's taller than me!!) has FINALLY decided to blog, and I want you all to go check her out, because 1.) she's my sister, and I love her and 2.) She's WAY funnier than I am. But, I'm only going to tell you her link if you promise not to go leave me for her... Well, now that's settled, I can give you directions over to her place. Coppers Fox. I'll be helping her get settled in at her new home, and like I said, she's super terrific, so you'll want to come back and visit her often.

Next, we have a little cuteness from Monkey. Sorry, to my Plurky friends, you've already heard this, but it's adorable, so you'll just have to deal - or you can skip to the next paragraph, if you feel the need.

Last night, while Monkey was rolling around on the floor like a wild, well, Monkey

Monkey: "Mom, when I grow up, I'm going to join the US Army"
Me: "You are?"
Monkey: "Yep, I'm going to fight for our freedom"
Me: "wow..."
Monkey: "Yep, I'm going to leave my family to protect our country"
Me: "Wow, Monkey, that awesome!"

I don't know where he got this, and the thought of my little baby leaving his Mommy to fight for the country, while admirable, is terrifying to said Mommy. Thankfully, I know the Army won't take him until he's at least 10... Kidding.

In other news, he lost his FIRST tooth yesterday at school. The nurse gave him a certificate and a little treasure chest to keep it in, and the Tooth Fairy came last night and left him $2. (First teeth are worth more, she won't be quite so generous next time.)

Mater went to bed early last night, and woke with a tummy ache this morning, no fever, but the little guy stayed home from school today - just in case... I'm hoping he's feeling better for Halloween. it would break his heart if he had to miss out on the fun!

=================================

And, as usual, I must remind you that I am still donating my October revenue to the Alzheimer's Association. And don't forget to enter the giveaway for my Blogoversary! You have until October 31...

Save the Ta-Tas

This month, my dear friend Rachel @ From the Land of Monkeys and Princesses is raising awareness for Breast Cancer, and donating her October revenue to that cause. (I may have mentioned this before...)

Well, now, she's having a super giveaway and you need to go over there and check it out. There are LOTS of terrific prizes, (I've even thrown a small prize into the mix) and I'm sure there's at least one that you want to win. Even if you're not interested in the giveaway, please hop on over to Rachel's place and take a look around. All monies earned in the month of October will be donated to Breast Cancer Research

=============================================

And, as usual, I must remind you that I am still donating my October revenue to the Alzheimer's Association.

And don't forget to enter

the giveaway for my Blogoversary! You have until October 31...

Today's the Day

The giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered!

Today, I am walking in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®. It is the largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's in the nation.

I've told you all about my Grandpa Jack, and why I'm walking. So this morning, perhaps even as you read this, I will be walking a 5K (That's 3 miles), along with my sister, my step-mother, aunt, cousins, friends. This is the largest team we have had, and I'm hoping that Grandpa Jack is proud of us. But mostly, I just hope that he knows how much we love and miss him.

I'm not going to bore you with statistics and facts today - I've already written all of those here and here. Today, I just ask that you spend a moment thinking a good thought for us. I will be donating all revenue for the month of October to the Alzheimer's Association This may not be much, but they're getting it all. I really hope that you will consider taking some of your time (today, tomorrow, sometime this month) to click through. It won't cost you a thing, except time, and it really is for a good cause.

And, if you would like to donate to the Alzheimer's Society, I ask that you consider supporting me in my walk today...

=================================

Now...

Today is also the one year anniversary of my blog. (Technically, it's tomorrow, but then I would have to write two weekend posts - when I normally don't even write one, and... Oh sorry, back to the good stuff) It doesn't really feel like it's been that long, but here we are - one year later!! To celebrate, I am giving away a $25.00 gift card to JCPenney. It's not much, but it's yours, if you're the lucky winner.

Here's how to enter:

1. Post a comment on this post before October 31, 2008. I normally wouldn't make it this long, but since I'm having the contest in conjunction with my Alzheimer's fundraising efforts, the 31st it is. (Don't forget to leave an email address, so that I can notify you that you have won.) **EDITED TO ADD: Contest will close at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 31st.**

2. For two extra entries, write a blog post linking to today's post and this one, and leave the link in a comment.

3. Stumble this post for another extra entry.

(In fact, if you leave all that stuff in ONE comment, that will really help.)

One entry per person, the winner will be chosen at random ('cause I'm ALL about the random), and will be notified by email. I will also post it here. If the chosen winner does not respond in 3 days, I will choose another winner.

Sound fair? If you have any questions, email me (the address can be found on my profile page)

Thank you all for a wonderful year...

Fightin' It

I'm taking the

Sleep-in challenge. At least, I'm trying to. (For more info, click the picture above)

Select Comfort is encouraging everyone to get an extra hour of sleep per day. They're also have a sweepstakes.

In honor of the contest, I am re-posting a previous Fight the Frump entry, regarding sleep.

An interesting tidbit I haven't shared, is that this post, the one I'm about to re-share, is responsible for my choice of topic for my research paper, which will be due at the end of this term. Since I had already started the research, I decided to delve a little further into the discussion of the importance of sleep with regard to health and wellness. More specifically, for women, the health and beauty aspects related to getting enough sleep.

I chose this topic, because as a mother and a woman, sleep, more specifically, the lack of it, is an important issue in my life. As a woman in my 30s, I have become increasingly concerned with the effects that lack of sleep are having on my health, wellness and beauty.

So, here is my re-posting of Beauty Sleep: Fighting the frump

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beauty sleep.

I need it. Desperately.

I've read so many interesting facts today about the benefits of a full night’s sleep – and the consequences of deprivation. Even denying yourself one hour a night for a week can lead to decreased speed in reaction time, mathematical problem solving (although, let’s face it – most of us don’t do a lot of mathematical problem solving everyday) and “cognitive work requiring simultaneous focus on several tasks”. In other words, you won’t be able to walk and chew gum at the same time when driving, for example, accidents increase as your total sleep decreases. Missing out on three hours per night for a week can show a marked decrease in speed and accuracy.

Good nutrition and exercise are important for our health and beauty, but sleep is crucial, too. Sleeping provides your body with more than just rest. When we are sleeping, our body is healing and repairing itself. Experts say that you need eight hours of sleep a night. This helps prevent a washed out complexion, puffy bloodshot eyes and dark under eye circles (like the permanent ones living on my face). Getting enough sleep also helps ensure that you will have peak alertness and energy.

A good night’s rest has always been called beauty sleep—and it is no myth. New research shows that individuals who are not sleep deprived have an increased capacity to lose weight and keep it off. Poor sleeping habits also cause you to age at an accelerated rate, both physically and metabolically.

LOSE WEIGHT? Did they just say lose weight? I'm listening!

I read the reasons. A good night’s sleep reduces stress levels, which reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and there's something there about ashwagandha and phosphatidylserine, blah, blah blah. The point is who CARES how it works, as long as it works??

More wonderful things about beauty sleep:

Studies show that skin cells regenerate slightly faster at night than during the day. All the more reason to make sure you get your beauty sleep. Here's another tidbit of information.

Cosmetic chemists know, for example, that many anti-aging ingredients stay active longer when they're not exposed to sunlight. Retinoids, which speed cell turnover, "can break down chemically with light exposure and become ineffective," says Julian Omidi, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Los Angeles. Other "anti-agers"-- such as topical vitamins, including C and E--don't hold up well in sunlight or air. They're in both day and night skin care products, but you probably get more antioxidant bang for your buck when you apply them before you go to sleep.

YAY! Considering how much some of those products cost, more bang for your buck is a good great thing.

What we all know is that, with a good night's sleep, everything looks and feels better in the morning. Both the brain and the body are refreshed and ready for a new day.

Here are three beauty tips for skin care in your sleep to add more beauty to your sleep:

Sleep flat on your back: Smashing your face into a pillow creates fold lines that eventually become permanent if they're repeated every night. Spending time on your back also helps counter the effects of gravity that accumulate during the day. In a recent study of 38 women and men, Japanese researchers found there was greater wrinkling in the afternoon than in the morning; they concluded that the face literally falls with gravity as the day progresses. At night, you get a chance to reverse that.

Stay hydrated: "Keeping skin moist from the inside out is a simple, relatively inexpensive, and quite effective moisturizer," says Pinnell. Drink six to eight glasses of plain water throughout the day and include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and nuts) in your diet, says Dale Prokupek, MD, a Beverly Hills internist and an associate professor of gastroenterology and nutrition at UCLA. To help avoid moisture loss from the skin while sleeping, turn on a humidifier. "I used one in my bedroom for a dry throat problem and soon realized my skin never looked better," he says. (Be sure to clean the humidifier often, especially if you're prone to allergies.)

Use a moisturizer after bathing: Seal in the moisture that the topmost layer of your skin has absorbed with a hydrating body lotion or cream. Because you're going to bed--not pulling on a silk blouse or cashmere sweater--you can try a body cream that's richer than you would feel comfortable wearing during the day, such as Nivea Body Renewal Night Cream ($10; drugstores). Just before bed is a perfect time to slather your feet--especially dry heels--with a healing, hydrating cream such as Aveeno Intense Relief Foot Cream ($6; drugstores). And a sweep of Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Healing Cuticle Oil ($5; drugstores) on your nails will keep the cuticles soft and prevent tears. For a final moisturizing touch, massage your hands with Dove Regenerating Hand Cream ($6; drugstores). (** I have not personally tried these products, and have heard neither good nor bad things about them or their performances)
The following simple tips are helpful for sound sleep:

• Create a bedtime routine. Make an effort to rearrange the pattern of your evenings.



• Limit your tea and coffee intake to five or six cups a day, and don’t drink any within an hour of your bedtime.
  


• You spend a sizable time of your life sleeping, so don’t economize on the mattress and bed you choose. Buy the best. Always use cotton bed sheet while sleeping and your pillows should give enough support to your weary head. Wear loose cotton dress while going to bed.
  


• Allow yourself a clear half hour to unwind, bathe, have a warm milk, cleanse your face, brush your hair and teeth – that way, you’ll prepare yourself mentally for sleep. Cleanse your face every night no matter how tired you are with a gentle cleanser.
  


• Close your eyes and breathe in very deeply, concentrate on the days pleasant happenings.
  


• Relax all your muscles, simple meditation techniques helps in inducing sleep.
  


• If your mind seems to be obsessed with any particular problem and keeps reverting to it, try remembering the happy memories. Listen to music.
  


• Try taking a gentle walk after dinner. Vigorous exercise late at night is not good, but a quiet stroll can get you in the mood for sleep.
  


• Try having at least one early night every week when you’re in bed by 10 at the latest.

Oh, and an added bonus: Children learn what they see. Set a good example for your kids. Show them just how important a good night sleep is for them! http://www.sleepforkids.org/

Half of me Giveaway Contest, More Excuses and Shameless Begging

This is part of PastaQueen's Viral video prize giveaway and super secret bonus content.



Head on over and check it out.

And - FYI, I'm going to be as lazy as possible (blogging-wise) this week.

I'm on VACATION next week, so I feel an overwhelming urge to clean my desk off (Meaning: actually work through the hideous piles of paperwork being stored in the spot where my desk used to be) before I leave for a week. This has less to do with wanting everything to be done, and more to do with the irrational fear that I will leave something undone, and come back to find out I no longer have a job.

Or maybe it's not so irrational. (I hate when I do that - begin a sentence with And, But or Or. But how else are you supposed to start the stinking sentence??) Please, someone tell me!!

So, I will be skipping the weekend update (Mainly cause my weekend was uneventful and incredibly boring.) and putting my nose to the grindstone (ouch).
=====================================
Oh, and it's camera begging day. So, Nikon, Canon, Sony and the gang... Get with the program - I NEED that camera - Vacation is next week!! So is my birthday... You guys don't want to ruin my birthday with my crappy camera taking crappy pictures, do you???

WELL, DO YOU??

I didn't think so - So let's get moving!! Send me that wonderful camera, I will be more than happy to review it for you, and tell both of my readers the world all about it!!!

Another contest!!

I can't help it.

Lori at My Wooden Spoon has some SERIOUS contest happenings over at her place, and I MUST enter.

Today, it's a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer! OK, so truth is, I have one of these already. But my Mom doesn't, and her birthday is just around the time the contest will be ending. See, I'm such a thoughtful daughter...

So, even though I know that every time I blog about a contest I'm reducing my chances of winning by about 3, I do it anyway. Go on over there, and win my Mom's stand mixer away from me.

It's OK, I understand - it's really cool. I won't blame you if you do.

Fabulous Flirty Apron Swap!!!

I'm a little apprehensive about this. I SO want to participate in this Flirty Apron Swap, and I TOTALLY want to win that cutsie little apron in the picture above, but since I've not actually MADE an apron yet, I would hate for my first attempt to be one that I had to send to some poor unsuspecting soul. Besides, with only four weeks to complete my apron, and having no idea how long it actually takes to sew one - or how often i would be able to work on it, with my schedule I'm afraid that I would end up dissapointing someone.

If you're interested, however, you should certainly join in! I think I will sit this one out, enjoy the photos, gather ideas, perhaps make an apron or two to get me started, and then find an apron swap to join in the future.

I have big ideas, but little time!!

Contest & Check in...

I'm still alive! I'm about ready to start blogging again, although probably not everyday just yet. I've got some ideas, and I will be posting them soon, I hope.

But today.....

Lori, over at My Wooden Spoon is having a mega give-a-way contest!! This week, she's giving a Cuisinart Food Prep Plus Processor with a Wooden Spoon. There are lots of ways to enter, so hop on over and take a look!

She will be giving away prizes every week through July 31 - You don't want to miss it!

A Few Thank You's

I won a couple of contests recently and wanted to share!

Val at I know EVERYTHING - just ask my hubby had a contest a few weeks ago last month, and by some miracle, I won! I received my prize last weekend, and Budman and I were so busy playing with it, that I forgot to post my thank you!

Here's what I won!!!

This game is SO addicting. I finally had to walk away from the computer - I didn't get any schoolwork done that weekend!



Also, Meg at Montessori by Hand had a contest recently to name her new apron pattern. And my submission was chosen! My prize arrived yesterday (Saturday, actually, but no one checked the mail until bedtime last night!) and I'm sitting at my desk this morning looking it over.

Here it is!




Oh - and be sure to stop by Meg's pattern site and check out her CUTE designs. I will be ordering several of them, and of course, the Elsie Mae, since it's named for my great-grandmother.

I almost forgot - Here is the ADORABLE apron that I helped to name!



Isn't that the most adorable thing??






In other news, it was a busy weekend, maybe once I wake up, I'll tell you all about it.