Something Is In The Air

My oh my! There is truly something in the air...other than my hands thrown up in total exasperation. I cannot keep up with my life these days. It is always a matter of feast or famine and I'm currently in "feast" mode. My social calendar is filled to overflowing. So many plans that have been talked about for months...some for years...are finally becoming a reality. Visits from out-of-town friends, a girl's weekend get-away to a neighboring town, another girl's trip to Boston, casual dinners with friends and family, pre-holiday gatherings, actual holiday plans. Can you believe the holidays are knocking at our door? So much to do...so exciting!!! Of course, the normal day-to-day chaos continues resulting in a life spinning out of control. I'm one exhausted but happy girl.

I'm sure many of you thought I had totally forgotten to post the winner of my give-away. Yes, my brain suffers the occasional memory lapse, but not this time. I laughed my butt off at a few of the comments on my last post. You guys are the best. So it is high time I post the winner, don't you think? And, ummm, yeah, I have yet to master the art of copying the random number generator so you are stuck with the lame version posted below. This is all I could get to copy. Anyone have any suggestion as to the generator I should use and how I should go about copying it into my post??? I'll take all the help I can get. Before I tell you who won, I want to thank everyone who participated and for the wonderful comments. I was touched by all the stories of how many lives have felt the sting of this disease. My hope is we can all make a commitment to being diligent with our self-exams and our screenings. Early detection is the greatest weapon we have for fighting back.

OK! Time for the good stuff! The winner is:

Generator

Min: 1
Max: 31
Result: 29

The 29th comment was left by Karen at Time Crafted! Please send me your addy so I can get a box of goodies headed your way!

I also need to mention an award I received last week. Three awesome blog friends passed this one to me. A big thank you to Kim, Jocelyn and Jessi! You know I love you girls!!!



Here's the rule: I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Your hair? curly

3. Your mother? mighty

4. Your father? hard-working

5. Your favorite food? healthy

6. Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? water

8. Your dream/goal? happiness

9. What room are you in? office

10. Your hobby? scrapbooking

11. Your fear? death-of-family

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? content

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? bitter

15. Muffins? cranberry

16. Wish list item? happiness-for-my-children

17. Where did you grow up? Leicester

18. Last thing you did? swore

19. What are you wearing? jeans-and-a-turtleneck

20. Your TV? Ti-Vo'ed

21. Your Pets? Yorkie

22. Friends? awesome

23. Your life? full

24. Your mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? not-sure

26. Vehicle? Convertible

27. Something your not wearing? Chip-on-my-shoulder

28. Your favorite store? White House/Black Market

29. Your favorite color? bright

30. When was the last time you laughed? seconds-ago

31. Last time you cried? Monday

32. Your best friend? treasured

33. One place that I go to over and over? work

34. Facebook? rarely

35. Favorite place to eat? home

OK, so I don't follow rules very well. A few of my answers were more than one word. I couldn't help it. And number 30 happened because of number 18. LOL! I normally break the rules when it comes to passing awards on but since I didn't adhere to them when giving my responses, I'll go ahead and abide by them and pass it on to Tara, Chantal, Melonie, Stacy and Amy.

Since this post is already enormously long, I'll only post one of my Serendipity layouts. It is my favorite...I think...from this month's kit. The pic is of Keri and one of her favorite cousins. They only get to see each other on very rare occasions as he lives several hours away but the adoration is mutual.



I thought this was THE cutest paper and wanted to emphasize the cheery sunshine effect. So I machine stitched along each of the sunshine rays. It is more evident in-real-life.



I hope everyone has had a wonderful week and your weekend is filled with fun!!!

Hugs and love,
L

P.S. Thank you to all who requested the link to my new blog. I've been overwhelmed with the wonderful comments and emails received as a result of the few posts made. Sadly, many can relate to the "hard" part of my story but here's to hoping there is an equal connection to the "happy" part!!! Again, if you are interested in the link, just email me (Lhowards4n@yahoo.com). I would love to have your feedback! xoxo L

Lovin' Fall & Expectations of Others

Well, I did it again. I opened this big ol' mouth of mine and proclaimed a life void of wackiness. You know EXACTLY what that means. Craziness of every kind has found me! I'm not sure I had fully released the "Publish Post" button when I became surround my nuttiness. All good but wacked out nonetheless. Tons of deadlines at work ...a major crop at Serendipity ...computer issues of the worst kind ...that would be only a smidge of what has enveloped me. Isn't it just like a computer to act up when you need it to behave the most??? Kind of like a little child, huh? But you can't bribe a computer with a new toy or piece of candy...not that I ever did that with my kids.

Lots of changes have occurred in my world over the past 3 months. I haven't written about them yet, but I plan to soon. You will have to stay tuned. Lots of drama. My life could be a prime time soap opera complete with all the requisite heartaches, back stabbing, cat fights, sex (well, maybe not), hot sexy men (yep, that's right), fantastic gal pals and an exciting wardrobe (I treated myself to more retail therapy). I will admit to having debated starting a new blog...under an assumed name...where I can write about my antics. The life of a single girl over 40 kinda requires some anonymity if you disclose everything...

OK, so that wasn't what this post was supposed to be about but it's my blog and I can write what I want. LOL! I really wanted to post a few layouts I've done lately.

First is my Fave Things layout. This time it's all about our favorite season. Mine is unquestionably Fall. Everything about it makes me happy! So much so, I couldn't encompass it all in a single layout. So I made a mini album. I used products from this month's Serendipity Altered kit.









I hope you will participate in our challenge. You have until the 31st before the next challenge is posted.

The next few layouts were also done with my October Serendipity Altered kit. This is a gorgeous kit full of Pink Paislee's Amber Road and Scrap Within Reach products. I completed the mini (included in the kit) and 3 other layouts with so much product left over. The full altered kit has sold out, but you can get a mini version.

This first layout is a tribute to my dad. He is the hardest working person I know. Even at 64 he is still going strong. Although his up-bringing makes it hard for him to express his love in words, he has always worked hard to make my life easier.



I had fun with the next one. It was fun (not exactly...haha) making the half circle border. If you have anal tendencies and a strong need for perfection, I suggest you NEVER give this a try. LOL! It looks simple but my quirky personality flaws got in the way. I eventually took a deep breath and just let it go. I think it turned out OK. Funny thing, I have more crooked titles and tilted photos than I care to count. I try to turn a blind eye to them and just enjoy the process rather than seek perfection. But those little circles got the best of me, I tell ya!



My last layout from the kit is a hodge-podge of all the items in the kit. My kids have an incredible relationship with their cousins. While they don't get to see them as often as they would like, they are as much friends as they are family.





My final layout is for the current prompt at Forward Progress. The prompt asks us to explore the expectations of others and how we handle them. Do we allow them to effect our decisions? My journaling was very simple this time. This topic was a major source of struggle in my life when I was younger. I was so caught up in meeting other's expectations, or at least what I thought was their expectiations. But they say with age comes wisdom and I find that to be true with this subject. Once I let go of the expectations of others, life became so much simpler...easier.

Try to overlook the poor picture quality. The little "perfection" demon is having a hey day with me today. I'm not happy with anything I've posted today...just a barrel of complaints:).





Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my ramblings. I will be around soon to say hello.

Hugs and love,
L

Don't forget to comment on THIS post to be eligible for my current give-away!!!

Can I Show You My Bra?

Time to expose my bra in public...my mini Jogger Bra album that is. A few posts back I shared the super cute bra albums currently available at Serendipity Scrapbooks. As you will remember, 50% of the sales of these bras between Sept 24th - Oct 31st will go to the National Breast Cancer Organization. I was given the chance to play with the Jogger Bra album. I knew immediately that I wanted to create a mini about Keri's college pals. She has made some wonderful friends...the kind that will last a lifetime. Keri and her friends are definitely feminine girls but not "girly" girls, if you know what I mean. So the Jogger Bra was a good choice. I wanted to bling it up, but too much bling wouldn't really "fit". So here is my compromise:











Even though it is simple, it is soooo "them". I hope you will also remember to mark your calendars for our Pimp My Bra Crop next weekend. Pre-crop challenges start this Friday. I would love to see you there.

xoxo
L

Can you say "Pimp Your Bra"!!!

That's right ladies! Serendipity Scrapbooks is gearing up for a super-duper October! Awesome kits, great contests and a crop you don't want to miss! Most of you are aware that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In support of this, Twisted Cherry Designs, a unique company to Serendipity Scrapbooks, has made these EXCLUSIVE albums for us!

Jogger Bra



Racerback Bra



Full Cup Bra



50% of the sales from each bra album from Sept. 24th-Oct. 31st will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Organization. And don't forget to mark your calendars for the Crop on October 16-18th. We will be showing off our altered bras and raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness! Plus the team has been hard at work getting TONS of sponsors which means TONS of give-aways! As with all of our crops, there will be a Queen of the Crop crowned and she will receive a past kit of her choice!!! This is slated to be the biggest event of the year so be there or be square...just kidding!

I thought I would offer a little sneak peek from the October kit I got to work with. They will go live on October first and as always, they are awesome. I am VERY partial to my kit...it has to be my most favorite kit EVER!!! And coming from a total kit junkie like me, that's saying alot! LOL!





Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday! Mine is busy, busy, busy! Catch ya later!

Hugs & love,
L

Anyone Up For An Awesome Contest?

Just stopping in to let you know of a fun contest going on this month at Serendipity Scrapbooks. It's call the Shape It Up Layout Contest and the prizes are fantastic!!! To enter you only need to create one layout using shaped die cut paper as the background. There are a few other requirements that I will list below. The sponsors of the contest are Core'dinations Cardstock and Serendipity Scrapbooks. Take a look at what the winners will receive:

Grand Prize: Your choice of kit PLUS pkg. of Core'dinations Cardstock (Value $75)

Runner up prize: Core'dinations Cardstock packs (Value $40)

If you've never seen one of the monthly kits at Serendipity Scrapbooks, you are missing out. I am a kit club junkie and these kits are some of my most favorite! They are packed full of wonderful papers and awesome embellishments. I posed the question to several team members on the forum asking what was the greatest number of projects they had gotten from a kit. Several answered a minimum of 7-8 projects with product left over!

Additionally, Core'dinations Cardstock is one of the coolest products on the market! From sanding to tearing to embossing, there are so many ways to reveal the core color of the paper! I also love that it boasts a smooth side and a textured side, making it all the more versatile.

In addition to the die cut background paper, here are the additional requirements:

There must be a clear (meaning definite) title, some cut work, and some height by using dimensional adhesive and either hand or machine stitching.

*Layout can be any subject you like.
*Contest ends August 31st 2009 midnight
*Only 1 layout per person- close ups excepted
*Submit layouts in the Monthly site contest category in the gallery.
*To upload into the gallery you must register in the gallery first. There is an email verification that is sent before you can upload. notify us at notify us at
info@serendipityscrapbooks if it doesn't come.
*International entries are accepted
*Images need to be resized to upload & must be no larger than 500 x 500 pixels

Easy peasy, don't ya think? I hope you can find the time to play along with this one. I would love to see one of my followers win. BTW, if you happen to participate, please leave me a comment letting me know you've submitted an entry. I want to be sure to stop in and give you a big ol' thank you!!!

I also want to mention our Happily Ever After crop on August 21-23. I've already seen several of the challenges the design team have in store for you and they are going to be so much fun! As you can guess, the theme will revolve around Disney characters and fairy tale endings. There are some wonderful prizes up for grabs and a Queen of the Crop will be crowned and will be awarded the grand prize. Be sure to check out the forum for all the details.

I know this is nothing more than an informational post, but I felt it VERY news-worthy. I will be back later in the week with a weekend update. Hope you have a fantastic Monday!!!

Hugs & Love,
L

Time For A Few Shout-Outs & Will Somebody Please Come Pick Me Up Off The Floor

(edited: Please read the earth shaking news at the bottom. Wellllll, at least it's rockin' my world! )

How on earth did things get so out of control?!?!? I swear I was on top of my blog posts, my blog reading, my photography class, work...everything. Then BOOM! I go on a week-long vacation and 2 long weekend get-aways and I'm sinking. No. Make that drowning! Why is it that when things are good it is ALL good but when things are crazy ain't nothin' goin' your way? When I pull out the country slang, folks, times are tough! Please don't think I am complaining, I'm just setting the scene for this post. I guess I'm presenting my excuses right out of the gate as to why this post is way over due.

In the past 2 weeks, I have received several awards and tags. And wouldn't you know, I'm behind in posting them. So I figured why not wrap them all up into one super special post where I can send out some love to the ladies who sent them my way.

First up is an award from a very special new blog friend, Jay. I only started visiting Jay recently but I'm so glad we found each other. She is such a creative scrapper with an artistic edge. Her projects are pure eye candy. Be sure and check out her blog to see her lovely creations.



A few days later, I received this book tag from Christy and Vicki. I came across Christy's blog just as she was heading off on a cruise. We exchanged a few emails about the ports of call and I feel like I've made a new best friend! This sweetheart recently announced she is expecting her first child! She is also a teacher and is in the process of making some adorable little projects for her classroom. Vicki is also a new friend. Her blog is such a treat and her scrapping style is AMAZING! She blows me away with her designs.

So this is what I'm suppose to do:

1. Collect the book that you have most handy
2. Turn to page 161
3. Find the 5th complete sentence
4. Cite the sentence on your blog
5. Pass it on to 5 other victims (Oops! bloggers)

So now you guys get to see what a true nerd I am. Please note that No. 1 said "Collect the book you have most handy"...emphasis on "most handy". Uhhhhh, that would be The Essentials of Finance and Accounting. Yeah, you read that right. *sigh* I think I need a life. *double sigh* So just go ahead and close your eyes, jump ahead or do whatever you need to do because the sentence I'm getting ready to type will be the most boring thing you've ever read. Here goes:

"If the annual cash inflows are different, the method described here will work, but since the formula will include each cash flow amount multiplied by the present value factor for that amount, more trial and error will be required."

Can you believe I actually read this stuff????

This next award is extra special. It is a Friend Award and over the course of several days, I received it from several special ladies. Jocelyn, Julie, Jessi W. & Lisa S. all passed this one along to me.



Of course, so many of you know my wonderful gal pals Jocelyn, Julie and Lisa. Jocelyn has been a blog friend from the very beginning. We talk on the phone often and she is a truly wonderful scrapper. The fabulous Lisa S. has also been a friend from early on. If you are looking for some amazing eye candy just hop on over to her blog! And Julie, well, I call Julie SUPERWOMAN! This lady has more irons in the fire than anyone I know AND she continually cranks out gorgeous LO after gorgeous LO! One of these days I am going to twist her arm and make her share her secret for "doing it all". Now I can't forget Jessi. I only found Jessi a few days ago but I am so very glad I did. I am having the most fun getting to know her and again, her scrapping talent is phenomenal!

The last shout out goes to Christine. She tagged me with this:



Before I get into the details of the tag, I have to say that Christine is a pure delight. I have been reading her blog for awhile now and I just adore her. I recommend you stop by and see what she is up to. You will be greeted with heartwarming posts and some fabulous inspiration.

So this tag requires that I post 10 honest facts about myself...little known facts that most of you wouldn't know. I did this several weeks ago, but it was so much fun I thought I would try to come up with 10 more. Here goes...

1. My brain requires all things to be even...I need balance. Like when I'm working out, I do things in equal numbers. If I start an exercise on the left side,the next set must start on the right and all reps must be the same. When eating, if I chew on one side, I must also give equal time to the other side. You would think it would make me crazy trying to keep things even, but it really keeps me sane.

2. I am extremely patient but when the patience is gone you had better look out. I hate to admit it, but I have a temper.

3. I can forgive most anything. I have a high level of tolerance and try to understand the motivation behind the action.

4. Due to alcoholism in my mother's family, I refrained from drinking until I was in my very late 20's. Growing up in a Southern Baptist church I was taught that drinking was of the devil and of course I wanted no part of that. The first drink I had left me seriously tipsy...and I was with my mother at the time. LOL!

5. Speaking of drinking, I am a teaspoon drinker...or as some would say...a cheap drunk to this day. Doesn't really matter because I very rarely drink.

6. In honor of summer, I will share that while I have medium to fair skin, I hardly ever burn. I can sit in the sun for hours with a low SPF and not get a thing. Keith is very dark skinned but will burn in half the time with the same amount of protection. Strange????

7. At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with a fatal disease. It is now known that the childhood form of the illness is not as often fatal as the adult form. I am fortunate enough to also only suffer mild side effects from the disease.

8. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I have a wonderfully moving story to share about this but I will save it for another day.

9. I competed in a beauty pageant when I was 18. I nailed the interview, did OK in the swimsuit portion, LOVED my evening gown and I had a jaw-dropping piano piece for my talent. All was going well until I went to perform my piano solo...and totally drew a blank!!! So....I just made something up. Talk about pulling something out of thin air! Didn't even remotely come close to the original piece but it did fool a few folks! Ha!

10. I've always dreamed of living in New York City. Of course I would want a glamorous life style to go along with that dream. I grew up a country girl and I still have a love of all things country running through my veins but I could so be a city girl as well. I would probably have to lose my southern accent though. I have a feeling I would never fit in otherwise. LOL!

So here comes the impossible part. I am suppose to pass each of these to several different bloggers and friends. Can anyone tell me just how I'm suppose to pick and choose??? My answer is that anyone who leaves a comment on this post can claim any of the above awards and tags. I would love for you all to have these and I can't wait to read your honest facts!

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Hugs & Love,
L

Guess what???? I just found out I made the DT at Serendipity Scrapbooks!!!! I am shocked...thrilled...and ready to pass out! Catch me or scrape me off the floor...either will do! WooHoo!!!!!