Thankful Thursday: September 20th

Hello, blog friends!
 
One month ago, my life changed. (story here). To some, I may sound like I’m being dramatic, but it’s the honest truth. These last four weeks I’ve gone through pain like I have never before. I’ve had to depend on people in ways I haven’t since I was a kid. I’ve been tested in ways that have shaken me to my core. There have been many tears cried out- in pain, frustration, anxiety and uncertainty of the unknown. I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t question God as to why all this had to happen.

Despite all the challenges and tests I’ve faced thus far because of the accident, I AM starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.Again, I’m so incredibly grateful for all the prayers thus far. I’m still not out of this journey yet, and we don’t have many answers, but things are moving in the right direction. :)

Here is my list what I’m thankful for this week:

  • my chiropractor. I wasn’t able to move my neck at all after the accident- now I can! Still a ways left to go, but I’m so thrilled I’m seeing progress!
  • unexpected get well notes in the mail- they make my heart swell with thankfulness!
  • my bestie. She is simply amazing. I wish I could list everything she has done for me, but that would be a super long post. Let’s just say I have the best bestie in the world. :)
  • comfort food. My mom made my favorite casserole the other day and I’m savoring every single bite.
  • laughter. It’s true, sometimes laughter is the best medicine (especially when you are having a bad day).

Each week, as I’ve been doing these posts, it’s been neat to see more and more of you open up and share about what you are thankful for. I read each and every one of these and as the weeks go by, I feel as if I’m starting to get to know you better and better. :) Let’s keep it up, shall we? What are YOU thankful for this week? No matter how big or small, I would love to see your lists!

See you all tomorrow!

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10 Minute Craft Dash #3

Hello and welcome!

Wow, I can’t believe we are already on our third 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge! Today we have some super fun colors that we’ll be highlighting in this challenge. In fact, we chose these colors after specifically after we got our sponsor- they work SO well with this company’s line. Any guesses as to what company in sponsoring us? Well, if you said Lawn Fawn, then you would be correct!

Here is what I created using Make Lemonade and Admit One…..

 Time it took to create: 9 minutes 10 seconds

And now here is a peek at what Ginny created. You’ll have to visit her blog for the whole thing- believe me, it’s worth it!

 Time it took to create: 9 minutes 18 seconds

As I mentioned above, our friends over at Lawn Fawn are sponsoring this challenge! Many will recognize the adorable designs; they’re super hard to miss in blog land. Kelly Marie from Lawn Fawn is giving the lucky winner any Lawn Fawn set of their choice! How fun is that?

How to Play

1) Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes using the color palette above

2) Post the time it took to create

You can pull out your supplies before your timer starts!  

  • Post the challenge graphic in your post, link to the challenge
  • You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
  • Challenge ends September 29, 2012 at 11:59pm, PST.


10 Minute Craft Dash #2 Highlights

Hello again!
The next 10 Minute Craft Dash will be tomorrow, September 19th! We have a sponsor that many of you will recognize and be excited about. Any guesses?
If you are interested in getting a head start on your project, I have a secret for you….there’s a sneak peek of the colors that will be featured on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page! If you like my page and go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge colors a day early!
Well, it is time to announce the winner and favorites from the 10 Minute Craft Dash Challenge #2. Ginny and I had such a great time going through all of the entries- each and every one of them were unique and beautiful! I don’t know about you, but I absolutely loved this last color combination. Don’t worry though, the next one is just as fab and possibly a little bit easier as well.
Now for the winner…..
Congratulations to Arlene
Please email me (click the contact me at the top) with your contact info to claim your prize. Also, you get to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!
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Ginny and I will be featuring our favorites with each highlight post, along with the winner.  These entries struck a chord with us and we couldn’t help but share them with you.  Be sure to visit the links to take a peek! (Also, you five gals are more than welcome to snag this fun badge!)
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Thank you  for your excitement and participation in the 10 Minute Craft Dash- be sure to continue to spread the word about our challenge! We have some fun things in store and we wholeheartedly support the saying “the more the merrier”!
See you all tomorrow, thanks for stopping by!

Random Loves for September

Hello, blog friends!

It’s been a little while since I did my last Random Loves post, so I thought I would do one. I always have a hard time deciding what to feature, but I finally narrowed it down to my four absolute favorite things at the moment.

Let’s get started!

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I’m so excited that the Salted Carmel Mocha is back at Starbucks! Before, I was a fan of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but that has gone by the wayside now. Hand me a nonfat SCM with no whip and extra carmel, and I’m one happy girl. :)

It’s not a secret, music is a huge part of my life. Whether I’m in the car, on the computer at work, at the gym, I’m almost guaranteed to be listening to something. Recently, my “sister” (who isn’t a biological sister, but our families grew up together, so we are SUPER close), introduced me to Spotify. I had tried it before, but couldn’t figure it out. Now that she showed me how to use it properly, I’m addicted.

With Autumn right around the corner, I couldn’t resist going for a warm color when I got my nails done. Between the boots, scarves, new nail polish color and starting to get hot Starbucks drinks (see above), I’m getting in the mode for the cooler months!

 

Have you heard of food trucks before? I’m a teensy bit obsessed with them. Last month, I went to an event where there were 10 different trucks and I was so intrigued at all the different systems and kinds of foods. This show brings together my love of food trucks and reality tv.
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I always love seeing what others are enjoying. What are a few of YOUR favorite things at the moment? It can be drinks, shows, movies, etc….  it just might introduce me (and others) to some new things!

I’ll be back in a little bit with the 10 Minute Craft Dash #2 Highlights.

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Friendly Halloween

Good morning! 
I’m so bummed I wasn’t able to post Friday or Saturday- I had some things I wanted to share! Alas, the computer I edit photos on decided to act up and I couldn’t do anything. Thankfully, it has decided to cooperate (for now) and I was able to clear out some old files- hopefully we are good for a little while!
I was doing a little blog hopping over the weekend and saw the latest Retro Sketches #29 posted. I just couldn’t resist joining in on this one! Here’s the sketch and what I came up with: 
I saw a few of the samples highlighted Halloween stamps and I was inspired to do the same. This year, over at DeNami Design, we released the adorable Friendly Mummy and I just had to use him. I’m not a fan of scary or grotesque images, but the cute ones I absolutely LOVE!
 
This card is super simple, but I actually enjoy the clean and simplistic design. Sometimes less is more, right? I wanted to brighten up the card with a pop of color, so I added in the orange twine and orange button. Two easy additions that really make the card, in my opinion. 

I hope you enjoyed the card today. I’ll be back either later today or tomorrow (hopefully) with the highlights of the latest 10 Minute Craft Dash. Talk with you all soon!

Thankful Thursday: September 13th

Hello!

Thank you to all who have been checking in on me. On Tuesday I had not one by THREE MRI’s done- neck, back and brain. As of yet, no news yet from the various doctors. Hopefully we’ll get some answers in the next couple of days. Later on today, I have a food panel test (which I’ve never done before), to see if something I ate may have caused all of this. Still not back to normal, but overall, we’re seeing improvements in the right direction.

Despite all of this, I’m reminded to count my blessings. Here’s my Thankful Thursday list for this week:

  • Salted Carmel Mochas. I’m so happy they’re back at Starbucks! Makes even a crummy morning a little brighter.
  • Boots. It’s been chilly when I leave in the mornings, so I’ve been wearing my different boots and forgot how much I love them. (They’re SO much more comfortable than heels!)  
  • Massage Therapy. I had my first session yesterday and I can already feel some tension released and my back stretched a little more. It’ll be a while, but I’m so grateful for the relief of some pressure off my neck and shoulders.
  • Such amazing and caring parents who are doing everything they can for me right now. I’m so very blessed!
  • YOU. My blog readers are so incredibly sweet. I’ve received some cards and gifts and am blown away by your giving hearts.

Well, my dear blog friends, that’s it for me. What are YOU thankful for this week? It doesn’t matter if they’re small, big, silly or random things- let’s just take time to count our blessings. :)

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Things I’ve Learned

Hi all!

Today I have a MRI scheduled, so I’d appreciate prayers, happy thoughts, etc…. out of everything so far, this is the thing that scares me the most. I’m hoping it turns out “normal”, but then again, if it does, we’re onto more tests and such. I was hoping that almost three weeks in I’d have a few more answers… definitely learning patience in all of this.

Two weeks ago, while I was laying with a heat pack on my neck, I came up with this little list of things I’ve learned recently. It’s rather humorous (well, I think it is)– hopefully you can get a laugh out of it. :)

  • There’s a channel dedicated to game shows. Family Feud may have been watched for three consecutive hours a few days in a row.
  • There are still good people out there. So thankful those who found me were caring and nice!
  • Heat and ice packs don’t get the credit they deserve. Lifesavers for sure.
  • Popsicles make you forget your pain for approximately 4 minutes.
  • Even after eating pizza 6 days in a row, I still wasn’t sick of it.
  • Holding your neck up takes quite a bit of energy and muscle.
  • There is no such thing as too many naps.
  • Getting an EKG done reminds me of getting a car battery jumped.
  • There are some good looking paramedics out there. Just putting that out there.
  • Doctor visits sometimes bring more frustration than answers.
  • You can have the best nurse and doctor in the world, but it still isn’t fun to see them.
  • My sense of humor has not diminished….if anything, it’s gotten worse.
  • My OCD stays intact even when I’m in pain. I may have seen things on the floor and pulled out the vacuum. It took all my energy, but it was bothering me to no end.
  • Your true friends are made known during difficult times.

Yes, this was completely random. I guess that’s a little glimpse into my personality. My real life friends know I can be super random sometimes. Occasionally they’ll just laugh when I bring up an off-the-wall thought or comment. :)

Question: what is something you’ve learned recently? I can’t wait to read your lists! Thanks for sticking with me in this post. I promise, the next one won’t be so random!

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Thanks A Bunch + Instagram

Hi there!
Today I have a sweet and simple card to share that I made using the current 10 Minute Craft Dash #2 colors (and of course, it took less than 10 minutes). It’s amazing how much can be accomplished in such a short amount of time- just take a look at some of the entries we’ve received already!
Time it took to create: 7 minutes 3 seconds
Lately, I’ve had to rely on a lot of people to help me with various things, due to the accident. I’m still not fully over my anxiety over driving, so my family and friends have been chauffeuring me around to my various appointments. This little card design will come in handy when I give people thank you cards for all they have done.

Would you believe that I only used TWO stamps on this card? Both of these stamps are so versatile and perfect all year round. (complete supply list below) 

I hope you’ll join along in the 10 Minute Craft Dash! There’s still five days left to enter AND we have an awesome prize this time around. Also, be sure to check out the amazing samples our special designers created- they will blow you away!

In closing, for those who are on Instagram and participate….join along in the hashtag fun!

Back to School Blog Hop

Hello and good morning! 
It’s time for the DeNami September Blog Hop- the theme is: Back to School! I was a little nervous about this one, I had no idea what I was going to create. Then, with my neck/ back flaring up, I didn’t know if I would be able to actually make something. Thankfully, I was able to make something AND I think it looks cute! Win- win!   
(Side note: stamping while not being able to move your neck is SUPER hard to do)
If you started the hop from the beginning, you’ll be coming from Dana Seymour’s blog– I heart that talented girl! Don’t worry, if you’re one of my followers and this is the first stop for you, click on over to the DeNami blog to start at the beginning. 
I decided to create both a card and project with this theme. Last year, I bought this darling little clipboard at Target (my favorite store) and it’s been sitting in my craft studio waiting to be used. While I was look at my supplies, I realized this would be PERFECT for this blog hop theme. I added some patterned paper and then created notebook paper!

How cute is this card and clipboard together? Creating something like this would be great if your kiddo has trouble remembering what things need to be brought to school.

Notice any new DeNami products? See that awesome alphabet twill ribbon? We have that in stock and will be selling it soon! (We’ll post the link on the DeNami FB page and blog when it’s available)

I hope you were inspired by this post, along with all the other blog hop stops. Don’t forget, leave comments on each blog for your highest chance of winning of a $20 DeNami gift certificate! 
That’s going to wrap up this post and the blog hop- see you tomorrow for another crafty creation! 
 

Purpose in Life…..

You all know, I write from the heart. Whether it be something I’ve struggled with in the past, things I’m going through now, I lay it out there. Sometimes I feel vulnerable putting myself “out there” like I do, but then it is those times when I get the emails and comments saying what I’ve written has helped someone, or that they can relate to me. Hearing how my struggles/ journey has helped others has impacted me in such a big way. It’s humbling, mind boggling, amazing and crazy all wrapped into one. :)

In the past, I won’t pretend I didn’t write for the blog comments. It’s ALWAYS reassuring to get some blog love and see that someone actually reads your posts. However, lately, I’m not so much concerned with the number of comments I receive as much as what those comments are saying. Hearing “your post inspired me to _________” or “your outlook on __________ really challenged me”- THOSE are the things I strive now here on the blog. I absolutely love that I’m able to inspire people through my blogs- whether it be in my weight loss journey, crafting endeavors, or making the most out of life. My goal is to do my best to continue this. But moving deeper…..

Being at the age I am, I struggle with knowing my ultimate purpose in life. The things beyond sharing the love of Christ to those around me. Beyond being a loyal daughter/friend/sister. I’m talking about what does God have me placed on Earth to do? I know so many people around me that have felt their calling in life, but I have yet to experience that. Honestly, it’s been lingering in my mind for a couple years, but with the accident, it’s in the forefront now. It’s completely obvious that God has SOMETHING still here for me to do, or I wouldn’t have survived. The question is: what is it? Will He reveal it to me soon?

Have any of you struggled with this in the past? Or possibly you’re going through this now? Have a story on how you knew YOUR calling? While I may inspire some of you, many of YOU inspire me. :) I would LOVE to hear about your stories or even thoughts on this subject.

That’s going to wrap up this post. Big, big hugs to you all. ♥