Spring It On, Baby!!!!

............by Danielle Engebretsen and Sara Ellis

a sweet painted artsy springtime kit called Spring it on,
this kit is filled with froggies and turtles doodled
and hand painted and flowers and 16 painted grungy papers, a must have!



and look how awesome these LOs look
with this super fun collab



It's available at Gotta Pixel,
Digital Freebies (big store-wide sale this weekend),
and Purple Paper Flowers

use coupon SE_NEWS_0430 at Gotta Pixel and
receive 30% off... exp midnight April 19

enjoy... and Scrap Sassy Silly!!!!

a little this and that

The field trip Monday morning with Hudson's preschool was pretty fun. We went to an educational crop farm. All of the kids watched a movie about a farm, planted their own mini garden, made a little bracelet, played on old stationary tractors, and went on a tractor ride. Hudson said the tractor ride was his favorite. We all sat on a long trailer with rows of seats while a guy drove us around the 2000 acres of crops. There was also a straw bale maze that was bunches of fun for him and his friends, but, dang... it really cute up his hands too

I still need to u/l my pictures. There are some super cute ones, of course.

***

I just added a super cute fun little mini to the store, Follow Faith.

~ Scrap for Hire OK (see TOU here) ~


Let your heart sing to you with Follow Faith by Sara Ellis.

Lots of fun is sure to be had with this beautiful mini kit. You will find fabulous painted pinks, blues, and greens.

6 slightly textured 12x12 papers
5 threaded buttons
3 painted spots
1 wordart
1 frame
1 painted flourish

~ get it for 30% off until midnight March 14th.... with coupon SE_BLOG_0211 ...
grab it HERE



Have a fabulous day... and don't forget to brighten someone's day by giving them a hug :)

the best baby shower

Yesterday I attended the best baby shower ever. The mom-to-be hosted her own shower and had lots of prizes and thank you gifts for her friends. That is just her. Very giving and genuine. It was almost four hours too. I think it's definitely the longest one I've ever been to also.

It started out with appetizers and drinks, of course, but we were also supposed to get creative too. She had a cute tub filled with lots of generic white onesies and a platter full of fabric markers. The onesies were sized from newborn up to 24 months. We all chose one each and colored away. There were very kindergarten like designs and some very cute ones. The first person to start designing was still coloring when I left. She is a professional artist and really took her time making the most adorable onesie with an octopus wrapping it's tentacles around the back. I tied for third place with mine. I just kept it simple with outlined multi-colored polka dots all over with "mini monster" on the bottom. It was also one of the very few ones that continued a design on to the back of it. Why do people forget that a back of a shirt needs love too? They just look unfinished with only something on the front. We had a judging contest for them by each of us pinning a mini pastel clothespin on our favorite.

We had a bingo game during the gift time. We filled out our own bingo cards with possible gift items. I think there were probably 10 prizes awarded for the first people with single line Bingos. I was one of the lucky ones and was awarded a very nice Junior League cookbook.

After the presents, the diaper raffle prizes were awarded. I totally forgot to bring diapers or wipes with everything else going on in my life (see the most previous bloggings). She really raked in the diapers and wipes from everyone though. Three guests won prizes. The first girl won 75 bucks cash. Sweet. huh? I'm glad that person won because she came with a huge tub filled with them. The other two lucky girls won special one of a kind handmade glass pendant necklaces. The person that made the octopus onesie is the same one that is the glass artist.

We all also received little votive candles in little glass holders as thank you gifts.

ok.. do you think my mom-to-be friend is genuine and so fabulous? She is just so sweet. I really needed yesterday too. I didn't know a single person except for her and I had a great time. With dealing with death recently, it was a welcome change to have this.

****

This morning I am going on a field trip with Hudson and his preschool class. We are going to an agricultural center and he has been so excited for this. He wants to see a barn so badly and ride a schoolbus.

I need to go pack our lunches and get us ready to go.

Have a beautiful day!

laughs and a contest

I know I haven't had too much to laugh about lately here... so let's start out today's blogging with a little chuckle...


Some really good & practical suggestions you REALY REALLY Shouldn't try. Enjoy. Bill

1. If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling
water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove
itself.

2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting
someone else to hold while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat
by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and
bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins.
Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent
you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the
snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then
you'll be afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it
doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and
does, use the duct tape.

8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

Daily Thought: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD
FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE
STAIRS

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical
problem.

I hope this will help you!

*****

Gotta Pixel's March Mania fun......

Win a Shutterfly book and other fabulous prizes by playing along each week.

Every Monday we’ll TIP-OFF the week with a new, exciting MATCH-UP.

There will be 4 Rounds:
ROUND #1: SWEET SIXTEEN
ROUND #2: ELITE EIGHT
ROUND #3: FINAL FOUR
ROUND #4: CHAMPIONSHIP

see the Sweet Sixteen participation prize and more details HERE

a few announcements...

exciting news for many.....

I'm now Scrap for Hire friendly!

All of my personal use items have new S4H Terms of Use attached to them.

You can view my terms HERE


*****

Only a couple more days remaining to grab my marvelous goodies for 29% off!

Hurry Hurry Hurry!!!!

***

my newest Word Up Challenge at Gotta Pixel ~ LIFE

Life is such a precious gift and you have to treasure everything about it. At no time can you take it for granted.

Two weeks ago today Phil Williams left us unexpectedly. He was a man full of life and loved to experience many things. He was only 41 yo and most likely had a heart attack. Phil was my ex-husband and the father to my oldest son, Cooper (17). (more details about this unfortunate circumstancebelow in my previous blogpost)

This challenge will be a tribute to him.

*You must use life as the theme and the word "life" must be prominent on your LO.
*must use at least three hearts (one for Phil, his wife Sarah, and Cooper)
*must use some beads (he loved a good party and Mardi Gras beads were part of his funeral)
*must use blue as the main color (both Phil and Cooper are die-hard St Louis Blues hockey fans)

Participation prizes are also available.

***

Are you looking for a great alternative for Valentine's Day layouts, cards and crafts that are not of the frilly and girly variety? Or how about a new, fun and funky way to scrap your loved ones? Look no further! Introducing Playful Heart, a collaboration by A.S. It Is Designs. (A.S. It is Designs is the collaborative team of Amy Sumrall and Sara Ellis)

his playful kit include:
10 textured patterned papers
6 textured solid papers
1 bright
felt/cardboard alpha (A-Z, 0-9, and symbols)
5 varieties of stitching
4 frames
2 word art
2 swirls
2 paint strokes
1 notepad journaling tag
3 painted cardboard circles
1 plain cardboard circle
2 felt embellishments
2 cardboard talk bubbles with painted text
1 plain cardboard talk bubble
1 embellished cardboard heart
1 "XO" sticker
1 S.W.A.K envelope
1 ribbon
1 string bow




with bonus Valentines (yes, it is after Valentines Day...but, hey, they are an extra added bonus)




and available separately to make your scrapping life more simple ....
8 4x6 PNG brag book pages


grab Playful Heart HERE

life.....

I have new previews from over two weeks ago... but that is the last on my priority list right now.....

**
LIFE.....

enjoy it, live it, love it........and be prepared for life's unexpected bumps

I have been away from the digiworld for most of the last two weeks because of a very unfortunate situation.....
on the 11th, my ex-husband suddenly passed away...he was the father to my oldest son (Cooper, 17)..... Coop came home from school and found him on the kitchen floor...he had already been gone for about 2 hours, most likely due to a heart attack.................
he worked out that morning, went home for a conference call (he was in outside sales), told his boss he was freezing (so not him) and was going to lay down, shortly afterwards he went to the kitchen and passed before he made it to the ground

I am very grateful that Phil, Cooper, and Sarah (Phil's wife/Coop's step-mom) had a nice family day together the day before (the first one in a very long time...they went to a boat show & out to dinner, then Phil took Coop to school the next morning and the last thing he said was that he loved him

everything has been one very surreal rollercoaster

it has also been a lesson for so many of our friends and family........
*please never lose touch with your friends... call your friends now if you haven't talked with them in a while
*have an estate plan ... please make a will and pick the guardian(s) for your children
*make sure you have a nice life insurance policy
*make sure that at least your spouse and/or other trusted family member knows about important papers
*don't take life for granted....live it to the fullest........... that is one thing that Phil definitely did
*give hugs freely ... brighten people's days

The Cooper Williams Scholarship Fund

c/o The 1st National Bank

12230 Manchester Road

St Louis, MO 63131

314-862-8300

this is labeled a scholarship fund on the account name only... it is a full trust fund for him............ there are two golf tournaments in the works, as well as another fundraiser in St Louis

for those of you that don't know... Cooper's dad stepped up to become a full-time dad when I moved to Phoenix a few years ago...... he only has 2.5 months left in high school before he graduates...... there was no way on earth I could have pulled him from his friends, hockey, and life there to come back with me....... it's the hardest thing in the world to not be with him every day..so much more so than ever before... at least I have the comfort of know that he has a huge support system there with his family and friends and his step-mom (she's only been his step-mom for 2.5 years) wants to continue with him ....... we all have a very good relationship, just the distance is difficult.....but I have 2 little boys here that I have to take care of too

also...... Cooper and Sarah have already started seeing a special trauma therapist

more funny antics....and then exciting news

yesterday morning Hudson went to the bathroom to go poopie and he was in there just a little too long...when I knocked on the door he came out with a bit smile and TONS of liquid soap all over his shirt and legs AND a ton all over the counter..an old soap dispenser was on the floor with the lid off...and a spray bottle of lysol was also on the counter.....I should add that he learned how to open the cabinets with the child safety locks a couple days ago (TROUBLE brewing)

Mr Independent 3yo that he is, decided to clean himself apparently......all just 30 minutes before we had to leave for preschool........

I, of course, took a few pics....but I haven't u/l them yet

well, he hopped in the shower and rinsed himself off...got dressed and we went to school........my dh came home for lunch in the middle of all this....
while we were doing the preschool run, he cleaned the counter to the bathroom

wellllll... I originally thought that maybe I left some soap in the old soap dispenser....... HA! ..... when I got home I noticed the huge jug of refill soap empty and upside down in the trash can.... I just bought it last week and it was almost completely full

nice, huh??

*************

I'm so psyched that I know half of the girls - a couple are former OAKS girls (Beth and Carla), one is a former CTM (Amy), and Randi and I became buddies after both of us resigned from another site a few months ago.

I already have a collab in the works with one of these gals. Sorry, no hint yet. LOL.... We're hoping to have it in the store by Friday. I am soooo loving it already!

****************

Sooooo.. if you want to stay clued in about my next collab or anything else to do with me and Gotta Pixel....please sign up for my GP newsletter over on the sidebar........ I will be sending out 1-2 newsletters a week........you never know if I'll be featuring your LO or not, or giving you a coupon, or sharing my newest products.

***************

last, but not least.....don't forget about my very first commercial use grab bag......*NO Credit Required*.......my Survival Bag will be released on Friday so grab it while you can...
hint - two brush sets inside and one are some super fun flourishes.... plus three more surprises

it's survival time

Do you need a little bit of tender loving care survival bag goodness?

If you love commercial products, S4H, or just regular personal products, this grab bag is the perfect stop for you.

5 files (5 zips) included...all in 300 ppi

**** sneaky little hints for my beautiful blog friends... I had a BLAST making my first ever brushes ...especially the swirly ones :) .......oh, one bit has some valentine inspired goodiness****

***************************

ya know something else survival related?..........me working at The Gap....... oh my....I have grabbed more bargain this week.....gosh, it can be a bit dangerous there at times...........last night I bought some of our boot cut style jeans...they were only $7.99 each....so with my discount, i grabbed both for right at $11 .........they are a lighter wash, but I don't care...hello...what a steal...........

oh......... and..... a grocery store down the street is going out of business (a big Sports Authority is moving in) and closing on Wed so everything is 75% off...it's really empty and picked through, but a few of us went there after work and stocked up on candy and a few other things.........only 17 cents for a big candy bar..you just can't pass that up

***********

as always.....
please sign up for my Gotta Pixel newsletter over on the sidebar.........and scroll down to find some coupons and a freebie :)

contest time

---

That's right, a chance to show off your talent and submit a layout of a special baby in your life. We will not be judging the cuteness of the baby, as that would simply be impossible to choose!! We will be voting instead on the cutest layout in one of two categories.

You can enter a layout with a picture of your baby, grand child, niece, nephew, etc---OR, you can submit a layout with a baby of the pet or animal variety!! You can use any kit, as long as the layout is showing off a baby.

The winner in each category will win four $10.00 gifts to the Gotta Pixel store. The first runner up will get two $10.00 gifts to the Gotta Pixel store, and the 2nd runner up gets one $10.00 gift to the Gotta Pixel store.

All who submit a layout will get this adorable mini kit made by two of our awesome designers, Ann Cobb and Kristmess.




Please upload your layout for this contest here. The mini kit will be given out after the contest ends. Layouts will be accepted through February 14th, and voting will take place on the 15th. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Come on everyone--lets see those cute layouts!!

*********

well, sadness today.....
OAKS is now closed :(
I'd like to thank Faith True and Victoria Feemster for taking me in over there about 11 months ago
I truly enjoyed my time on the design team and will greatly miss it......
I am also very grateful for the friends that I have made there too
...so long OAKS

*********
please don't forget to scroll down my blog.... there's a freebie and a couple coupons available :)

nifty little ideas....

....with baking soda....

By Deborah Snoonian

(This Old House) -- Everyone knows this kitchen staple fights odors in the fridge. What we didn't know is just how darn useful it is everywhere else in the house

1. Remove tape residue

Make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Rub the paste onto bits of tape stuck to windows, then wipe clean.

2. Douse flames

Keep a box of baking soda in your workshop or kitchen to sprinkle on a fire if one breaks out.

3. Zap roaches

Set out a shallow dish or bowl containing equal parts sugar and baking soda. Roaches are attracted to the sugar, but the mixture is deadly to them.

4. Spot-clean a rug

Sprinkle baking soda on greasy spots and let sit for about an hour. Scrub gently with a damp sponge or brush, then vacuum to remove any leftover grime.

5. Absorb moisture

Keep an open box of baking soda in your tool cabinet to fend off moisture that could rust saws or other equipment.

6. Keep drains clear

Once a week, pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your kitchen sink. It'll help keep your pipes clog-free. This Old House: Clear any clogged drain

7. Clean a shower door

Pour some baking soda on a damp sponge, wipe the door, and rinse with warm water. This Old House: Installing a shower door

8. Uncrust your grill

Sprinkle baking soda directly on an indoor or outdoor grill. Let sit overnight, then slough off the grime with a wire brush and warm water. This Old House: Grill Maintenance

9. Scrub your paws

Rubbing your hands with warm water and a palmful of baking soda will remove stubborn odors.

10. Banish book odors

Seal musty-smelling books for a few weeks in a plastic bag with baking soda sprinkled inside to eliminate mildew and odors

***********AND>>>>>>>>>

one way that I use it ,,,more often than others...... sprinkling it on pee on the carpet...

it works for pee and milk, and probably other liquids too............ Hudson has accidents every once in a while in his room, so I just sprinkle it on the wet spot, let it sit and soak up everything, cover it with a rag or burp cloth, then vacuum it after it dries....it sucks up the wetness and the odor

:)

****************

remember to scroll down to find the coupons and a freebie that's available :) ............. and sign up for my Gotta Pixel newsletter on the sidebar (that will always keep you up to date)

:)

I finally scrapped...

it' a miracle....

for the first time in a couple months... I scrapped!!!!! yay! My newest Word Up Challenge at Gotta Pixel really got me motivated.... I really like the parameters I picked for every to get creative...

for my Word Up Challenge , "Love" at Gotta Pixel
*must use the word love
*must use at least 5 designers
*must use at least 1 patterned paper

Stitched Thoughts (notepaper) by Victoria Feemster
Purty Buttons (big button) by Christina Renee
Grocer Labels (date stickers) by Rachel Martin
Crumpled Hearts (brown wrinkled heart) by Dawn Wilson
(round scribbles) Isabel page kit by Lauraskathi
Sew Twisty (ribbon) by Karah Fredricks)
the remaining items are from the Boy Factor Collection by Faith True and Victoria Feemster at SBB (and OAKS til Jan 31st)
Loveable Luke kit - red and blue hearts, arrow, and frame
Zippity Zack kit - alpha and paper

font is DJB Janelscript

the challenge started late on the 26th and I've already had a pretty decent participation so far.... one of my fave LOs so far is by Cherie Shields

you can see her credits HERE

~~
and ... Hudson picks out his clothes about half of the time... but today he was even more creative than usual.... it definitely really shows off his goofy crazy self.....and he wore this to preschool today too


wordart from Kaleidoscope page kit by Faith True
paper, starscatter, and swirl from the Boy Factor collection (Adventurous Arthur page kit) by Faith True and Victoria Feemster
frame from Simply Frame Me by Cherie Shields
stitching by me

**********

scroll down.... I have 2 coupons available below for some items in my Gotta Pixel store

Greek Life

are you watching Rock of Love 2 on VH1? It's always so entertaining... it's one of my late night reality shows that I watch and enjoy........last night that large overly botoxed French girl finally got booted......she did a strip-tease for Bret and a couple other girls...that put her over the loony line....that and her extremely large lips... I swear they look like they must hurt so bad being as large as they are..........................they reminded me of when I sunburned my lips in Jamaica years ago and they swelled up super large and HURT ... it was so uncomfortable... how can people think that it looks good to have them at the point where they look like they are going to explode?

*********

ok..... as a bunch of you already know.... I'm a sorority girl and I 'm still very active in Alpha Phi as our SW Regional Alumnae Membership Coordinator.....

wellllllll.... I've been wanting to come out with some Greek alphas for a while now & I finally have the beginning of my new series..........I made it so that includes the full English alphabet too... isn't that fabulous??????

soooooooooooo..........

Do you need a fun alpha to help you scrap your old fraternity and sorority pictures? Have you taken a vacation to Greece? How about an a fun everyday anytime alpha? That's right...you can have all of that with my new Greek Life series.

Included:
All 24 Greek Letters
The remaining 12 English letters to complete the English alphabet (the other 14 are also Greek)
0-9
* & ! { }

all individually saved PNG files, 300 ppi

To begin, I just have two sets available - Brad and Gidget......more will be added later

now time for your blog friend coupon :)
SE_BLOG_1987
expires midnight Feb 7th
valid for ALL alphas in my Gotta Pixel store

***************
don't forget to scroll down to find another coupon... I always have at least one available.. right now there are two :)

spreadin' some joy

Hudson participated in the local city parks and rec Itty Bitty Golf Tourney this past weekend ....it was so cute....... a little clinic just for 3-5 year olds and then they got to play 9 very short holes........ each participant received a set of plastic golf clubs and a little visor........... there was even a best dressed contest BUT it was best dressed golfer and caddie combo....well, neither his dad or I coordinated our outfits with him, but he still received a few votes since he looked so adorable...... I have the cutest pics to scrap whenever I get around to scrapping again


and, as you can tell, Griffin tagged along too.............

Hudson was Mr. Independent....he tried golfing like a little righty and his dad kept trying to help him since he's really a lefty...and he was so determined "I do it all myself!" several times......it was so cute!

********************
I worked again tonight and grabbed more shirts for Hudson.... I feel bad that I have barely picked up anything for Griffin lately, but I just moved a bunch of Hudson' clothes over to Griffin's closet so he does have some new to him clothes.... and he doesn't really care if he has new clothes.....Hudson is the clothes horse and just loves it when he gets something new............. can you believe that I was dressing him in size 3 shirts in the beginning of Dec and now he's in 5s.. I think he only wore 4s for a week or two.........he is almost out of his 3 jeans, but they are ok for a teeny bit longer

anyway...... if you haven't been into Gap Kids lately....you really need to.... Saturday I grabbed 12 items for $30 (after my discount)...and tonight another $20 worth....everything was between $3.97 - $6.97 each before my discount

nice, huh?????? it gets dangerous sometimes working there ....LOL...... but I love it! :)




*******************
how would you like a little freebie????????? it's been a while since I offered one on here.... well, this is a sampler of some goodies in the Party Pants collaborative collection
grab it HERE

now....don't forget to scroll down and grab the coupon for Party Pants........ I always have at least one blog coupon/special going on for all my beautiful blogging friends....you just have to scroll down sometimes to see it :) ......... enjoy!

********************

welllllll... I have a new and fab little Gotta Pixel newsletter hook-up over on the right ...... Stacy is so fab with giving us these link-ups with Constant Contact...and newsletters are available from many of the designers......................wanna know more and stay up-to-date with what is happening in my store and the Sassy Street Studio store? then sign up now.... my next newsletter will go out the beginning of next week :)

it's Party Time!!!!!!

Amazing Race ended on Sunday with TK and Rachel as the winners.... I was pretty happy about it since they were my original favorites, but I would have been happy with any of those 3 teams winning....just think that if the grandfather/grandson team won, it was so incredible that they finished - just so cool and inspiring

I really would love to do this with Cooper, my oldest son, he'll be 18 in July... I think it would just be the most awesome experience for us to do together....but he doesn't think he'd be able to do it since he thinks we'd bicker too much......I think that's just crazy...enjoying life and such a rare opportunity to see so may places of the world..and do it together.........oh that would be so cool

what about you? have you given it any thought? have you already tried out?

****************

finally!!!!!! Sassy Street Studio has another collab....and it's a party collection....

the entire collection includes the main attraction, Party Pants, as well as 6 mini add-ons:
New Years Party, Valentines Party, Christmas Party, Pajama Party, Garden Party, and Birthday Party.........
have fun mixing and matching any of these great kits together for a funtabulously wonderful time






and check out some LOs showcasing bits of the Party Pants collection

see more HERE

***BONUS***coupon for my blog friends :)
SSS_BLOG_01P06
spend at least $9.00 in the Sassy Street Studio store at Gotta Pixel and receive 25% off
expires midnight Feb 9th

Everyone loves glitter, right?? Well, how about mixing it with a bit of glue and throwing in on your paper and other masterpieces for some extra texture and fun? Or...better yet....just get Globbies by Sara Ellis.

You'll get little globs and clusters of glitter glue globs in a variety of colors..... 20 different ones to be exact.

see more HERE

**** BONUS ------> receive 30% off until January 26th with coupon code SE_BLOG_0119
**************

only 27 hours plus remaining on my Silpada jewelry listings on Ebay...there's some fabulous goodies... don't miss out

*************

and.......my little Gap plug........
all sale merchandise - every department -
is an extra 25% off the marked sale price - the extra 25% will automatically be deducted at the register

the cute curly ballet flats are $4.97 (addt'l 25% off that)... I think we just have the bronze and the plaid ones left...but there are pretty many available

lots of bras are $4.97
panties (I HATE that word) ... anyway...bunches are $1.97
not to mention all the clothes that are already under $10...some as cheap as $4.97 before the extra 25%

the location I work at has tons of goodies available......so I'm sure a bunch others do too......but I'm not sure about online, I haven't checked that

*****************

ok... enough enabling for today

Lessons for the New Year

I just stumbled upon this in my e-mail today....
it really is so fabulous and I live by some of them already, but I need to live by more of them for often

Thoughts for the New Year~



For over 7 years, Regina Brett was a columnist at The Beacon Journal in
Akron , Ohio. During that time, she was diagnosed and successfully
treated for breast cancer. Regina is now a columnist for The Plain
Dealer in Cleveland , Ohio.

Lessons in Life By Regina Brett:

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God
never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get
busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is

up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years,
will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone, everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did
or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.


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select a candidate.... this is pretty cool...........
take this little quiz & find out how you match up with the presidential candidates


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I'm getting so anxious for this newest collab of mine to hit the store..... we're going to offer a little sampler of it in Gotta Pixel's subscriber area...so all of the subscribers will get it for free...if you aren't one already, you should consider joining...there are lots of fab freebies that are available from our talented designers

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wanna play Valentines Bingo??????

Gotta Pixel has a super fun game of it..... you can win a GC to the Gotta Pixel store as the grand prize....and I believe there will be participation prizes, as well

just click on the link above to get started on the fun

just gotta share......

a couple good e-mails from a cousin of mine..........


This is good advice. Thought I would share.....

Good information. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there..... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime. P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

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IDIOT SIGHTING
We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4. He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two..'

We haven't used Sears repair since.


IDIOT SIGHTING
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter. She said, 'you gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back.' She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, and said 'We're sorry but they could not do that kind of thing.' The clerk then proceeded to give me back$1 and 75 cents in change.

Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'

From Kingman , KS .


IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE:
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry, but they only had iceburg lettuce.
From Kansas City


IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?' He smiled knowingly and nodded,
'That's why we ask.'

Happened in Birmingham , Ala.


IDIOT SIGHTING:
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth are blind people doing driving?!'

She was a probation officer in Wichita , KS



IDIOT SIGHTING:
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker. She was leaving the company due to 'downsizing.' Our manager commented cheerfully, 'This is fun. We should do this more often.' Not another word was spoken. We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.

This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.



IDIOT SIGHTING:
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system would not turn on.

A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriffs office, no less.



IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, w e were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the drivers side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'its open!' His reply, 'I know. I already got that side.'

This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, Mississippi.


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I found out tonight that I'm staying at The Gap post the seasonal shopping time......
YAY! Now I just have to wait for the hours to pick up again. January and February are the slowest with minimal shifts/hours.


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ok........... who else is psyched that American Idol is back????? I only saw the first two singers tonight since I was at work.......I was able to catch that little smidge during my break...and that first guy, I think is name is Joey Catalone, he recently lost 204 pounds.....dang! he could sing.....just so soulful! he sang a fabulous Maroon 5 song and was just wow!

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ok... that's it for now... I need to design some more before I go to sleep........I really want this collab to get in the store soon

chuckles again....

ya know something's wrong when one child cries and the other one runs in his room and locks the door...................

LOL...........

apparently hudson (3) did something to griffin's (2) eye...but griff was all better in no time at all

I didn't even say anything to hudson because he knew he was wrong... he cried for a little bit in his room and then came out within 10 minutes....then they watched Curious George together like usual

well... a big red and purple bruise appeared a little while later on griff's eyelid.....at least it's not a full black eye............it's only really noticeable when he closes his eyes

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I received this e-mail from my SIL tonight....it's rather funny so I just had to share...

Questions I asked my new doctor. I love this guy!!!!




Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.



Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.




Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!


Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If yo u have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.




Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!



Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more ve getables be bad for you?



Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.



Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!



Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.


Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!


Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had aboutfood and diets.

And remember:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and we ll preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride"



AND......

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final w ord on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like.

Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

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my first newsletter went out today... it looked pretty cute, if I might say so myself.............a few minor tweaks have been done to it for Wednesday's issue...............and hopefully by the end of the week it will have the huge new product announement for my newest super big cool collab..................

scroll down to yesterday's blogging to find the sign-up info for my newsletter... you know you should :)