wiener, winner ... same thing

I was notified awhile ago but it seems I had to wait for it to come in the mail to believe it ... I won a blog giveaway!  whoo hoo!


$100 gift card to Dicks ... which we don't have here in my NorCal town.  the closest one is 2+ hours away.  but who cares?!  I won!


can't remember why I entered ... blogs that do giveaways want you to enter a bazillion times - follow me here, like me there, comment 500 times for 600 entries ... I can't keep up.  in fact, I've quit.  its just not fun anymore.


BUT ...
you can't win if you don't play!!  that I am thoroughly convinced of.
and ... I won!!  I won!!

thanks to VodkaMom!!!

which by the way, I love this blog.
you are a great writer.  I enjoy your sense of humor.  and I like that you reveal some of the real you on your blog.


(my 2 cents for bloggers ... all business is no fun.  if that's all you do, you must be a robot.  and boo to that.)

Aloha Friday

so I may not be living in Hawaii anymore

but I will keep as much aloha with me as I can.

Over at An Island Life, Kailani keeps it simple.

we all need more simplicity, right?!

YES!!!

Go visit and join the bloggy fun!

My question for you ...

Have you ever been to Hawaii?

tell me what you did there

and

what was your favorite thing about your trip?

for me - 

my favorite thing of the islands is that blue blue blue water.

I'd always seen the pictures, but for whatever reason, I thought it was doctored.

nope, the water REALLY looks like that.

blue is my favorite color, so it REALLY took my breath away!

Enjoy your weekend!

Aloha

Thankful Thursday

"Drink and be thankful to the host! What seems insignificant when you have it, is important when you need it."  Franz Grillparzer

1. I had some issues getting into an apartment last month, but happy & thankful to report, we are moving into a place tomorrow.
2. There is a swimming pool there, and boy, we will definitely be using it this summer!  a lot.
3. Help - the physical help to move & the emotional help to stay sane.
4. My son NOT having night terrors for 2 months now.
5. Optimism.
6. Painted toenails ... this week, its purple.
7. The song "clean up, clean up ... everybody clean up!"  it seems to work for my kids :)
8. I have not killed the African Violet I got for Mother's Day ... my thumbs are not exactly green.
9. When actions & words come together.
10. Dancing to The Laurie Berkner Band with my kids!  I hope that is a childhood memory they keep.

It should be easy to find 10 things to be thankful for.  From the details of life to life's bigger, seasonal lessons learned -  blog it, and join us HERE @ Curious Georgi.

Thankful Thursday

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. 

~Meister Eckhart

1. all the car drama was taken care of the way it was.  the what sucked, but the who, where, when, & how was ideal.
2. a dear friend who is coming out of a very low season of her life.
3. Here Is Love cd by Brian & Jenn Johnson ... I think you can download a song for free HERE.
4. that there are enough diapers!
5. all my baby steps are starting to make a difference.
6. the sunshine finally showing up ...
7. and the flip-flops that go along with that sunshine.
8. Highlights magazine for the kids.
9. chocolate ice cream.
10. the willingness of those to write me encouraging & supportive recommendation letters ... and the hopes of getting a job close to home.

what are you thankful for?

Join us HERE at Curious Georgi.

Meet Me on Monday

let's get to know each other blog-land.

Answer the following questions on your blog, and link up

HERE at Never Growing Old.

Every week there will be 4 new questions.

Join us.

1.  What is was the last piece of candy that you ate?

Kisses

2.  Do you "read" in the bathroom?

NO!  

3.  I can't stand when someone _________?

is late!

4.  Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping?

usually I'll go weekly, but if I get unorganized, it's a daily thing.

Thankful Thursday

I've been following Candra @ Curious Georgi for awhile now, and am finally inspired enough to make a thankful list.  I've been getting HUGE baskets of lemons from life lately ... however ... in the back of my mind I know there are always things to be thankful for no matter what is happening.


and coincidentally, I read this today - "What if you received today all the things you thanked God for yesterday?"
hmmm, what DID I thank God for yesterday?  not nearly enough I'm sure.  sorry God.

1. I am thankful for my {mostly} unbiased in-laws.
2. Thank you God that our needs are met - food, water, clothes, a bed, etc.
3. Doors are randomly opening.  I feel like they NEED to, but it definitely has not been in my timing.  God seems to know when they need to.  nothing like the last minute sometimes, eh?
4. My healthy family.
5. A car that runs.  that was handed over to me without any payment.  that I don't have to pay insurance for (yet).  that gets good gas mileage.  and has a CD player & moon roof to boot.
6. I have not had to cook dinner in over a month.
7. A friend is watching my kids, and not some daycare ... no offense daycares.  This not just any friend, she someone who already has a few kids of her own + pets + she just moved and lives among boxes everywhere + not charging me = a real blessing for me.
8. Freebies on craigslist!
9. Supportive friends.
10. Not sure what this day holds, but I'm going to thank you for it anyway!!

I have NEVER had to impose on so many people at the same time.  its awkward yet humbling.  It amazes me who/what/where/when/why God has the timing down to the most minute detail, interweaving lives to come together and help each other.

To me, there is no luck, no irony.  God is just THAT GOOD.

What are you thankful for today?  Join us HERE.

Blog #2

if those interested, I set up another blog to be exclusively Avon.

Avon news.

Avon sales.

Avon promos.

Avon online shipping codes.

Avon tip & tricks.

Avon reviews.

Avon testimonials.

Avon. Avon. Avon.

you like Avon?  go check it out HERE.

wanna shop Avon?  go HERE.

Aloha Friday

read the blog An Island Life

and next week, join us!

besides Aloha Friday, what are your other favorite memes?

they are fun, simple, & a great way to meet bloggy friends.

Aloha everyone!!

Aloha Friday

Aloha Friday is a real thing here in Hawaii.

its a day spent relaxing, looking forward to, and planning the weekend ahead

... I'm not making this up!!

ps. if its a Furlough Friday, that makes it a 3 day weekend, in which case, it becomes Aloha Thursday

... but that's just my guess!

anyway -

with the theme of keeping it mellow, what do you like to do to relax?

leave me an answer in the comments ... then

visit Kailani over at An Island Life to read more.

Alooooooooooha!

love Skin So Soft?

good 'ol twitter ...

thanks to Jessica's Coupons I discovered Avon's Skin So Soft giveaway. 

you'd think (or I'd think!) I would've heard about this, being a Sales Rep and all.

Avon's Challenge -

use Skin So Soft for 14 days and see the difference in your skin.

When you share your experience with Skin So Soft HERE, you can win 2 trial sized (1.7 oz) bottles of this wonderful, magical stuff!

visit her blog too!

thanks Jessica!

day 03: then & now

my original intent was not to blog this picture thing everyday.  would that get boring?

I am uninspired to post about much of anything lately, so maybe since pictures are worth 1000 words, this could work out after all.

the whole idea of this class is to USE YOUR CAMERA!

however for this one, know that the 'now' pictures are current, just not from today.

I know, tsk tsk.

I'll do better, I have 27 more assignments to go!

Samuel Thomas

then, age 4

now, age 6

Elliott James

then, age 1ish

now, 2 1/2 ish

brothers, and usually, the best of friends

2008

2010

2010

what a difference 2 little years make, huh?!

I LOVE these munchkins.

they are AMAZING little people.

you can still join the class too.

click HERE or the button below.

enjoy!

the joy of love: 01

look what I'm doing ...

was one of your new years resolution to use your camera more, like me?

this is a great way to explore and learn what your camera can do.

its not too late to join!

day 01: what they do

this IS what Elliott does ... everyday

Fingerprint Friday

From the inspirational - The Rusted Chain.

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

so it's Sunday, not Friday ... but I'm pretty sure we're still ok.  So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.  Go HERE for inspiration, and also, link up!

* click on any picture for bigger image *

These photos were taken at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu.  This place is amazing & so beautiful.

I was just driving by one day and caught a few shots.

Hawaii's nature, the animals on the ranch, the smell of the ocean breeze (which was literally across the street!) made these moments something to remember.  

I feel the most close to God when I am outside in nature

... and I always try to remember my camera!

Fingerprints of God

I got this shot of Samuel yesterday.  I LOVE it.

coincidentally, I found this at The Rusted Chain. 

I think the two go together perfectly.

silver & gold

make new friends
but keep the old
some are silver
and the others gold


I learned this as a brownie.  (if you're not familiar, that's like a baby girl scout)
not sure if there is more to it or not.  anyone heard this before?  I ought to google it.  anyway ...


I have always had few close friends.  as you know, I'm on the introvert side, so opening up to less people fit me fine.  still does.
moving around as much as I have, it seems I don't have any.  none that I can go hang out with anyway.  my hubby can make 20 friends in one day.  not me.


making friends, to me, fits my assumption of what dating is like.  exchanging numbers, hanging out a few times to see if you have lots to talk about, if you're kids get along, etc.  people cancel your playdate, forget to call, or give you stupid excuses.  its like another game I don't need, or want.


most of the time I'm glad I don't have phone calls to return.  my alone time is down to once a week, so its valuable to me.  I can be alone with my thoughts, or, veg out and not think at all.


then of course when the sh*t hits the fan and things get rough, you wish someone was there for you giving their 2cents.  so you know you're not crazy.  or to get an outside perspective.  or just to get a hug.


there are people I have known in my thirty-something years that have really stuck with me.  in my head and in my heart.
people I will always think of and remember, no matter where I end up in life.


I am glad all my "friends" are online (thanks to this guy)  and yes, I'll admit, it is a tad pathetic, but as it is, I have no choice.
but its ok, I've already been through all the preliminary dating stuff with them, so we're good.








one of those friends came through for me tonight with some much needed encouragement.  
thank you, to my silver & gold friends
love to all

Hawaii driving lesson

just fyi on driving in Hawaii -


1. fast drivers = locals, which means, the s-l-o-w drivers = tourists.  and oh my goodness, are they slow!  all cars here have Hawaiian license plates, there are exceptions, but only a few.  unless you had JUST bought an awesome, brand new, great gas mileage car, you don't bring your mainland car to the islands.  you just don't.  those tourists stick out like sore thumb, and obviously so annoying on the road.  I've been here 6 months; is that enough time here to complain about them?
if you come to visit, call someone you know to give you the tour.  like me!!  seriously, call me.  that way, you can stare out the window, or even stick your head all the way out to feel that warm hawaiian breeze, see everything, and just take it aaaaaaaaaall in. 


2. the freeway says 55-60 but people drive 70-75 ... that's normal thought, right?  coming from CA, that still conservative driving!


3.  logistically, the freeway is very different.  if you miss your exit on the mainland, you just get off at the next one, turn around, and go back.  not a problem.  if you miss you exit here, basically, you're screwed.  every single exit ... every single one ... is an entrance to another highway.  there is no where to turn around.  none.  gps is a slight help. you're never completely lost, but you do still have to take the long-ass way around, um, scenic route to wherever you're going.  total pain.
I wanted to carpool with someone to a class field trip we had, so I put her address in the gps and off I went.  well, it was me driving, and I of course miss the exit.  I normally have this gps set to go whatever route gets me there in the fastest time, well, I had to literally drive 15 miles to a certain exit to be able to turn around.  of all exits, it was the flippin' airport!  no airport is THAT easy to get in and out.


so so so ridiculous.
but of course it IS an island.  you can't get THAT lost, right?







oh, and let me add ...
I am thankful to have a car!

26 of 30

a big thank you to my bed.

think king size.  pillow top.  clean sheets.

I LOVE clean sheets.

... zzz ZZZ zzz ...

sadly, I have no headboard.

moving here cost me everything design-wise.

a sad thing for me.

I miss it.

but I'm thankful none-the-less.

look at these 2 cute beds I randomly found ...

hubby would totally not approve.

still, very cute.

19 of 30

I think every mom gets to a point and realizes that if she doesn't add herself to the "take care of" list, she will (unconsciously) begin to slowly lose herself and go a little crazy. seriously, it happens.

I have begun a new chapter and started back into the design world ... I think I posted this not too long ago.

but today, I'm adding it to my thankful list!

I'm hoping what appears to be a chapter in my life, is a long-er one; more of a season, and that this class I'm taking turns into something. SOMETHING.

for me, design is fun. and its even more fun when you don't have a picky someone harping in your ear, telling you what to do. haha!

when a room is put together the right way, it creates feelings. feelings of peace and calmness the bedroom, evoking hunger in the kitchen, comfort in the family room ... you get it. I think the most basic rule in the design world, that they don't actually teach you, is that if you're not feeling anything, the design is wrong.

also, fyi, the most simple, cheapest way to create feeling in any room ... paint. color can transform your world! seriously.

what are you thankful for?

find more thank you blogs here.

9 of 30

I paid $4.75 for a gallon of milk tonight. $4.75!! and that was the SALE price.

now granted, that was at the smaller grocery store down the street. I had to run in for just a few things. normally we shop at Costco, where you can get a gallon of milk for $3.79. I can't remember how much I used to pay for milk, but I do know it was less than that.

at this store, I bought -

creamer, bananas, ice cream, milk, and some tea ... my total was just under $25.

ps. the ice cream and the tea is for our sore throats. not to be taken at the same time of course. we all have a little something of a cold happening.

yes, Hawaii is a tad pricey.

but I am thankful that I can buy that milk. no I'm not loaded with money. I will not be buying that regularly because that would make me insane.

but some people do have to always buy that milk. they can't get to Costco for the cheaper prices. some people really struggle to live here.

we haven't had any work yet come through since we've been here. seriously!

our needs are met somehow ... I say somehow like I don't know how.

its another sign that God is really there, controlling things.

thank you.

read more thank you's here. enjoy.

4 of 30

I'm trying to notice the little things in my day to day that make it all a bit easier. today I am extremely thankful for a good bra.

if you wear a bra where the wire is a bit twisted, or maybe its now too big (say, after you're done with nursing), or its now a tad too small, or you missed a hooked and its scratching your back with every movement, or whatever the case may be ... ladies, I know you get it. it can make your day absolutely miserable.

all seems right in the world when you have a good bra, doesn't it? at least inside my little world.

it takes time to discover what bra works best. its difficult to be sure of your exact size, the amount of coverage you like/need, wire or not, and then, like with anything else, there are various brands to choose from, and of course every one will fit a bit differently.

ladies, it may be a tad embarassing, but go get fitted. take a 1/2 a day (because realistically that's how long it takes!) and try on every single bra that store has. all brands. different sizes. different coverages & lifts. you may discover a whole new world!

here's a few tips I found; a little bra refresher course.

ps. men, you will never know what women have to go through. never.

pps. find more thankful lists here.