tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55024001628163596162024-03-21T10:36:36.232-07:00Pleasant PlacesLife is good in my little world. Welcome.Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-49150213445126453422012-06-01T16:08:00.001-07:002012-11-24T12:11:00.173-08:00I have moved overIf you are new to my blog, please enjoy poking around all of my old posts. <br />
I have recently narrowed my focus and got a FRESH START over on Wordpress.
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Here is <a a="a" href="http://www.fantabulouswomen.com/">FanTABulousWomen.com</a> and <a a="a" href="http://www.tabithadumas.com/">Let Me Rephrase That writing services</a>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: currentColor;" /></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-7141969849384658052012-05-12T00:43:00.002-07:002012-05-12T00:43:50.005-07:00My baby is THREE today!Ethan's 3rd birthday! on PhotoPeach
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></div>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-82870209349975929302012-04-18T12:23:00.007-07:002012-04-27T14:16:55.007-07:00How to say "I'm Thinking Of You"Did a song you heard on the radio recently make you think back fondly on an old friend? <br />
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Did you see a cute bauble in a boutique and think, "That looks like something Stacy would wear. She is so stylish!" <br />
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Did you find yourself eating lunch alone and missing the co-worker who moved on to a new job? <br />
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Did you turn down a new responsibility and remember how a former mentor taught you how to say 'no' gracefully? <br />
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Or perhaps you've had someone on your mind for a long time and don't even know why. <br />
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Maybe you recently stepped down from a leadership team, changed jobs or churches or executed a successful event and were left wondering, <span style="font-size: large;">"Did anyone really even notice??" </span><br />
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It seems to me that many of us wonder if and when anyone ever thinks of us...yet we think about people day in and day out and rarely take the time to tell them. <strong><span style="font-size: large;">We've probably all been in both positions: thinking about people but letting the opportunity to acknowledge it slip by...or left wondering if anyone out there is thinking of US.</span></strong><br />
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Source: <a href="http://browneyedbelle.tumblr.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">browneyedbelle.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/candycraze/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Candy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Doesn't it feel good when you get a text that says, "Saw your Facebook status, how are you feeling today??" or when you get a greeting card amidst all the bills in the mail or when a friend surprises you with an iced coffee in the morning? <br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.temptingpieces.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">temptingpieces.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/hummelcselmira/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">elmira</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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In today's technological world, that person-to-person connection is often lost. Even for people who blog or post a lot on Facebook, it can be discouraging and lonely when people rarely comment or interact with your content. <strong><em>People are saying a lot--but we're not talking very much.</em> </strong><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/256986722456325277/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/256986722456325277_bXxr3wnf_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://oohlaladesignstudio.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-01-27T15%3A13%3A00-05%3A00" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">oohlaladesignstudio.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/vnewton/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Vanessa</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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People--and women in particular--crave that attention, admiration and acknowledgement. They want to know that they are seen, appreciated, missed and that someone is listening. <strong>They want to know that someone notices when they're not there.</strong> <br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS431US442&biw=1280&bih=587&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=D2Va-OlJRP75KM:&imgrefurl=http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/2007/07/cracking-up.html&docid=fglP3xSRHhE6VM&imgurl=http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/images/2007/07/30/snoopy.jpg&w=470&h=602&ei=coGDT9mPC9GtgQeHiLi-Bw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=493&vpy=218&dur=104&hovh=254&hovw=198&tx=101&ty=138&sig=111556888106072796594&page=2&tbnh=124&tbnw=97&start=22&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:22,i:150" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jaxbeachmarsh/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Marsha</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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In my opinion, the best way to say "I'm thinking of you" is to let the person know what happened that brought them to your mind. It could make someone's day (or week or month!). <br />
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<strong>Who have you missed, noticed or thought of lately? Maybe they were in a dream you had or their name came up in a conversation. Maybe you miss their smiling face at work or at church.<span style="font-size: large;"> It doesn't take much time or effort to simply say, "I thought of you today!" I guarantee you, they'll love to hear it.</span></strong> <br />
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Here are just a few of my favorite ideas. Would you take a moment to add your own favorites in the comments? And if you tell anyone you're thinking of them, I'd love to know how they reacted! :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuumdzPeBWbv10eel0px-LQTg9XnQBBWRBIny0YgFdqSuTqwaIuUyouUXCvq_tftdIozw84ZFrC6d6Bz-jWACnUQKljdLyDGMimz9xIPo_U7R1zdCvIhtG0x8q3DwniW_yJZuU-5AbF8/s1600/Copy+of+rose-blurry-lights-background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuumdzPeBWbv10eel0px-LQTg9XnQBBWRBIny0YgFdqSuTqwaIuUyouUXCvq_tftdIozw84ZFrC6d6Bz-jWACnUQKljdLyDGMimz9xIPo_U7R1zdCvIhtG0x8q3DwniW_yJZuU-5AbF8/s400/Copy+of+rose-blurry-lights-background.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-27088268386369060842012-04-06T11:20:00.006-07:002012-04-06T12:50:12.389-07:00Moms, Memories and Makeovers<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/131800726564912759/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/131800726564912759_c8eeC3HK_c.jpg' border='0' width='510' height ='408'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://proudgrits.blogspot.com/2012/04/moms-memories-and-makeovers.html'>proudgrits.blogspot.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/proudgrits11/' target='_blank'>Tabitha</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br />{that's my mom and me, ABOVE, after our winter makeovers, November 2011}<br /><br /><strong>I LOVE our newest SPRING promotion for mothers and daughters (even 'adopted daughters' and daughters-in-law)! </strong><br /><br />Participating mom & daughter teams will receive a COMPLIMENTARY <br />spring makeover treatment package including: <br /><br />* age defying or botanical facial treatments<br /><br />* microdermabrasion AND Satin Hands treatments<br /><br />* spring color trend makeovers (think corals, pinks and greens)<br /><br />* a snapshot of your special 'girl time' together.<br /><br />You can even FRAME the picture and give it as a gift for Mother's Day!<br /><br /><strong>Contact me today to schedule your makeover! </strong><br /><br />(602) 349-1129<br /><br />Visit my Mary Kay personal website <a href=http://www.marykay.com/tdumas4 a>HERE</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-35369707395273728982012-04-02T10:04:00.002-07:002012-04-02T10:12:13.996-07:00Spring Clean Your Make-up Bag!<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/131800726564894321/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/131800726564894321_LW20Jz0S_c.jpg' border='0' width='400' height ='453'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.marykay.com/tdumas4'>marykay.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/proudgrits11/' target='_blank'>Tabitha</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br /><br /><strong>SPRING CLEANING SPECIAL!</strong> <br /><br />$5 off for EVERY $20 you spend to replace what you throw away! <br /><br />buy $20 = pay $15<br />buy $40 = pay $30<br />buy $60 = pay $45<br />buy $80 = pay $60<br />buy $100 = pay $75<br />(plus 8.9% tax)<br /><br />Shop on my <a href=http://www.marykay.com/tdumas4 a>Mary Kay personal website </a>. <br /><br />I can ship your order ANYWHERE in the U.S. for just $5! <br /><br />Or call me to place your order over the phone! (602) 349-1129<br /><br />MAKE SURE TO MENTION 'SPRING CLEANING' WHEN YOU ORDER TO GET YOUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-25873666254312598882012-03-29T05:00:00.002-07:002012-03-29T05:00:08.469-07:00Let Boys Be Boys<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIKOJik91T8adsbztc1IPShmGFlBHShwKHpYt5_M8_z7ZbVeRMW3eMTo7t7SC2nDv4iJe0F701k8CCqCfzdvlVonZtU2AReKNAHRJ5HXogLijS5tqGgYtGyEE0VmQ0LF1z8ogvZlU3OY/s1600/Copy+of+Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 397px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIKOJik91T8adsbztc1IPShmGFlBHShwKHpYt5_M8_z7ZbVeRMW3eMTo7t7SC2nDv4iJe0F701k8CCqCfzdvlVonZtU2AReKNAHRJ5HXogLijS5tqGgYtGyEE0VmQ0LF1z8ogvZlU3OY/s400/Copy+of+Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725084257603155250" /></a><br /><br />I've been wanting to watermark my pictures (some of them are getting pinned to Pinterest, hooray!) and quote myself here and there....so this is one picture I ran across that I thought was cute. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-78734229455320326282012-03-28T08:00:00.002-07:002012-03-28T08:00:01.631-07:00Spring where I amHow does Spring spring in the valley of the sun, you ask?<br /><br />Well, we have peaches growing on our peach tree in the back yard. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcmYwLhW2W74IuyCUTpvDgdbks-Ul76_1Rd5HylNCFKB9AXh3GjIGGiELo5jpWJn3BN9zj5_lJy4WQaKucNr2lFxKzKAhPgqTXqP8TNTCC855blWkqP6OG52x61dNegBX5IjHEkuISTk/s1600/march+2012+042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcmYwLhW2W74IuyCUTpvDgdbks-Ul76_1Rd5HylNCFKB9AXh3GjIGGiELo5jpWJn3BN9zj5_lJy4WQaKucNr2lFxKzKAhPgqTXqP8TNTCC855blWkqP6OG52x61dNegBX5IjHEkuISTk/s400/march+2012+042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723632945907836850" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKYsRW2xEPWcDGD29zhyHAZN6igzCSkBK_XUNtGfkcpPQL47td5o5bWISzIwF2njNjj5RvG5rgNAVELW7x8aEkiSbgCZ7xW5CGlecdmjN7DQedzaBuqQC39__GLj7TgJzTEBzROpBF5w/s1600/march+2012+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKYsRW2xEPWcDGD29zhyHAZN6igzCSkBK_XUNtGfkcpPQL47td5o5bWISzIwF2njNjj5RvG5rgNAVELW7x8aEkiSbgCZ7xW5CGlecdmjN7DQedzaBuqQC39__GLj7TgJzTEBzROpBF5w/s400/march+2012+049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723632524242514322" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they cute??<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEt3rM29-W2QUvNyAesOF8lA17OzcC4YfeTwCzSwOhWeYCM-gQjhpqVF-9bOIsTnHQr5muf_dTRuE6qzWQ3Tr7Tv_dmLquNyhrTZn5B_fnIE1cWaWHAvOyn-yWYgg4WDn7l5Gnq7ql-4/s1600/march+2012+046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEt3rM29-W2QUvNyAesOF8lA17OzcC4YfeTwCzSwOhWeYCM-gQjhpqVF-9bOIsTnHQr5muf_dTRuE6qzWQ3Tr7Tv_dmLquNyhrTZn5B_fnIE1cWaWHAvOyn-yWYgg4WDn7l5Gnq7ql-4/s400/march+2012+046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723632663574144082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zp0sTHu1Wqs8PYAIRQwaCVYKNbtBqr6PQz_qZiJaZhLi49xMEVDrRx3wEHjZVCalOBPGNZPBgYXWDQdnero2mch_n_t4PJyHOcaXJwgXrsjSnJPwMTeJXN23EOKCbkBmTiPPFAxGat0/s1600/march+2012+043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zp0sTHu1Wqs8PYAIRQwaCVYKNbtBqr6PQz_qZiJaZhLi49xMEVDrRx3wEHjZVCalOBPGNZPBgYXWDQdnero2mch_n_t4PJyHOcaXJwgXrsjSnJPwMTeJXN23EOKCbkBmTiPPFAxGat0/s400/march+2012+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723633341826115890" /></a><br /><br />Today my mom and I took our time at Home Depot. I got new succulents for my polka dot pots for the back patio. Low maintenance, baby!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGAe0rMQSVtnOyo0CwWAkRv8f8n1TgorzP8ohpXhxWkCA2qtO4Dl-5Nfni8TJICvg_7x_r3g9b5VvlI6RZ4l1FSkbmoNTReFmATAwEinobgfxgVn9w2r4sVvFGQTTB5q1gVuXvKunr24/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+067.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGAe0rMQSVtnOyo0CwWAkRv8f8n1TgorzP8ohpXhxWkCA2qtO4Dl-5Nfni8TJICvg_7x_r3g9b5VvlI6RZ4l1FSkbmoNTReFmATAwEinobgfxgVn9w2r4sVvFGQTTB5q1gVuXvKunr24/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+067.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723630186337902242" /></a><br /><br />And an itty-bitty succulent for my Goodwill teacup.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bIIPX6W10r5bOBe0SU2GClDzqScUO3JgwBm098XW7cvB1vuD7vuzOJlhnzP79cn35IzwNMNvp6ofUFFZYJBMWrjRvpepADj4cDvxvCqMrfgq8LuYMBf0srG_PjNDB8yE3XwfFxNpAzQ/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+124succulentteacup.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bIIPX6W10r5bOBe0SU2GClDzqScUO3JgwBm098XW7cvB1vuD7vuzOJlhnzP79cn35IzwNMNvp6ofUFFZYJBMWrjRvpepADj4cDvxvCqMrfgq8LuYMBf0srG_PjNDB8yE3XwfFxNpAzQ/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723631434912917810" /></a><br /><br />The only flowers I buy are geraniums because I can actually keep them alive. This one is out back so I can enjoy it from the porch or swing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstN78Z6wtDmIqKyGwKgMgkD1ix9-y3OMI-cmxnTtnNQLb07WPrmdm8xtvK5ns3IuwsvGhN00Q6vxzpMGvRLSdEF8k8Ri2ADKcAoYwbww3iGJewXRsEnfRCu1g05KYco97QaxO1rYeY2k/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+121pinkgeranium.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstN78Z6wtDmIqKyGwKgMgkD1ix9-y3OMI-cmxnTtnNQLb07WPrmdm8xtvK5ns3IuwsvGhN00Q6vxzpMGvRLSdEF8k8Ri2ADKcAoYwbww3iGJewXRsEnfRCu1g05KYco97QaxO1rYeY2k/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723630466878211298" /></a><br /><br />I added a pink geranium to my bird cage by the front door.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W6HDo5BVbndH8zfD1Vuqj8Rq1v3KAGYG1URO1Shmi4_-TGUqfE2ft-ogJx-i2-LD_SsIRcELOny45oBNs8LjxS86XI8XmZhYXEsBYgp9yy7pd88iVtuQLm8LlwVCym0FMoGcy8XE-5c/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+130pinkgeraniumbirdcage.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W6HDo5BVbndH8zfD1Vuqj8Rq1v3KAGYG1URO1Shmi4_-TGUqfE2ft-ogJx-i2-LD_SsIRcELOny45oBNs8LjxS86XI8XmZhYXEsBYgp9yy7pd88iVtuQLm8LlwVCym0FMoGcy8XE-5c/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723630774140750466" /></a><br /><br />I decided that I needed to add a little life to the inside of our house, too, so I got a new houseplant. It's called a Dragon. I'm still looking for the perfect pot. Probably turquoise.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCe0FMVAM_HyM06F4fYMg26sKiU8zRA1r8zcpY8rsS87JurBlGfG0NLcaL0Wx8QbOsgjAsGUlMoOr5J4dgTffGyNFXEdEQE6NjU2-6vK4nSs3Cwgwpae1TTohEVpmigre5ljn7anIAbXQ/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+122dragonhouseplant.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCe0FMVAM_HyM06F4fYMg26sKiU8zRA1r8zcpY8rsS87JurBlGfG0NLcaL0Wx8QbOsgjAsGUlMoOr5J4dgTffGyNFXEdEQE6NjU2-6vK4nSs3Cwgwpae1TTohEVpmigre5ljn7anIAbXQ/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723629785616456226" /></a><br /><br />I think I like this spot, though.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUnF82lVp2XE2OwP7TMaG9hcA-aTh4UGerXjGK0ohoX5lyln8GINXiFsDgw59jYRUEh_g5_aDoXw69BpnFueUj0W2py-AujsHsdXhbBABnMvdp2lVYEerclpb7TzJsgyp5CjoOPyCZv4/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+059dragonhouseplant.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUnF82lVp2XE2OwP7TMaG9hcA-aTh4UGerXjGK0ohoX5lyln8GINXiFsDgw59jYRUEh_g5_aDoXw69BpnFueUj0W2py-AujsHsdXhbBABnMvdp2lVYEerclpb7TzJsgyp5CjoOPyCZv4/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723629715465143954" /></a><br /><br />Just a few little touches of nature and color but I like it!<br /><br />Spring has definitely sprung here. <strong>What are YOU doing to invite Spring into your home?</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-82868254528229845792012-03-27T08:00:00.001-07:002012-03-27T08:00:01.659-07:00How To Choose Curtains {and not lose your sanity}I waited seven months after moving in to our new house before purchasing curtains for our family room. I took my time looking for just the right ones and made sure I got exactly what I wanted. I am THRILLED with the result!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiZV04TysV08RuP_Nbi6ePDaAaMdGdiSXAjYa1xQINLnZ1cSPvb5NaAQ8xRnz2ZPQ_rJY2eurwZTFh3pKD4tqVme5ohpdcrAoNVpQng1NMhqEWs_d4j3mwVGstdXRIxE8CzUBefD4V8Q/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiZV04TysV08RuP_Nbi6ePDaAaMdGdiSXAjYa1xQINLnZ1cSPvb5NaAQ8xRnz2ZPQ_rJY2eurwZTFh3pKD4tqVme5ohpdcrAoNVpQng1NMhqEWs_d4j3mwVGstdXRIxE8CzUBefD4V8Q/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723675447697322498" /></a><br />{my curtains!!}<br /><br />Choosing curtains can be a harrowing experience! Maybe what I learned in the process will take the pain of out your decision. <br /><br /><strong>1. Know your needs.</strong><br />FUNCTION: We love the view of the back yard and didn't want to obstruct it. Light control isn't an issue and neither is privacy so our curtains were really just for looks. Do yours need to block light, provide privacy or disguise an unattractive view? That will help determine the type of fabric, whether they're lined or not and how much width you need.<br /><br />FORM: Do you want something trendy? Traditional? Do you plan to replace them in two years...or ten? Do they need to be stationary or open and close easily? All of that will help guide your shopping AND determine whether to get rod pockets, ones with grommets or ones that clip on. <br /><br />CARE: We have young kids and live in the desert where there is a lot of dust so we knew they needed to be machine washable, too. Check the care instructions before purchasing. If they are 'dry clean only,' add the cost of dry cleaning to the price tag. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVUB3wdOaSRJNAWIjiOmnnwfUXBPFiRtVnyi2NzPpdeS6QjIIy3MTFg-B7LI4_nguD0JEdgfnkqvrCNzypSbb-z5JAzoghNdW8ojvIzwHGYcfmt-E3GszQBivduHvsfjyYF5UGeZSvLE/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVUB3wdOaSRJNAWIjiOmnnwfUXBPFiRtVnyi2NzPpdeS6QjIIy3MTFg-B7LI4_nguD0JEdgfnkqvrCNzypSbb-z5JAzoghNdW8ojvIzwHGYcfmt-E3GszQBivduHvsfjyYF5UGeZSvLE/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723675753439102274" /></a><br />{we hung them so that they 'kissed' the floor}<br /><br /><strong>2. Are you going for neutral or WOW?</strong> Figure out whether you need curtains that are A: neutral so that they calm the room down and blend in to the walls or B. have a WOW factor to bring pattern and color into your otherwise-bland room. This will help you narrow down your search considerably and make sure you don't end up with curtains that overpower (or underwhelm) the entire room. <br /><br />Some people invest in neutral furniture and paint the walls in calm colors then bring in the POP of color with things that are easier to change like accessories, pillows and curtains. Then maybe colorful, eye-catching curtains are right for you. You might be better off buying fun fabric and making your own. I can't help ya on that one.<br /><br />Other people love to paint the walls in bold colors and decorate with colorful, funky decor and furniture. Those people may need neutral curtains that won't take attention away from the more exciting elements of the room. These people will have an easier time finding ready-made curtains because most retailers offer a wide selection of plain curtains in tame colors and patterns that will work in the most rooms.<br /><br /><em>As my husband pointed out, I will always want to have bright, funky furnishings and accessories, so I need more neutral curtains to keep things from being TOO eclectic and loud.</em><br /><br />We had actually originally set out to have gray walls and ended up with a gorgeous shade a blue-green that we adore. So we took the opportunity to 'get our gray' with our curtains. Plus gray is my hubby's favorite color so he feels like he won this one. Which really means a win for ME. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORCxxO8iDIHaWMZ0oNAe0idusFrPNzzQR25jwIyyWckgbzDAcL9vUDWm2-S8xvN_XZHXfbmFfN5vobe7hyw-GeSmYCEIHgaCdGduC-F9wetzSn6xty4bIqLBHEc4NVDAdMNtr3bmr66w/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORCxxO8iDIHaWMZ0oNAe0idusFrPNzzQR25jwIyyWckgbzDAcL9vUDWm2-S8xvN_XZHXfbmFfN5vobe7hyw-GeSmYCEIHgaCdGduC-F9wetzSn6xty4bIqLBHEc4NVDAdMNtr3bmr66w/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723676007568719810" /></a><br />{I still get to enjoy the view of the yard}<br /><br /><strong>3. Get a vision and don't settle for less. </strong><br />Curtains really set the tone for a room and make a BIG impact on the space. Decide how you want the room to look and feel. Collect images and shop around. Make sure your curtains fit your vision before purchasing. If you're not sure or the effect is just an "Eh, it's ok" reaction then pass them up and move on. It's worth the wait! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiMz2XneqVIqa_-qNkE4vXS0RpKyCVSisXajHiBRNDPKYx97fx76BGR1Lr8g5-Q2jrQKQTcWJPmptxbKt7zsFjT54NaWML1YjK92v0SL6kraKkW-qMXaSf3sr4DORTq-cdrBqC1WIrz4/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiMz2XneqVIqa_-qNkE4vXS0RpKyCVSisXajHiBRNDPKYx97fx76BGR1Lr8g5-Q2jrQKQTcWJPmptxbKt7zsFjT54NaWML1YjK92v0SL6kraKkW-qMXaSf3sr4DORTq-cdrBqC1WIrz4/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723676755289984770" /></a><br />{both windows}<br /><br /><strong>4. Budget first. </strong><br />How much do you want to spend? Take into account how many windows you have and how many panels you will need. If we'd needed to close our curtains, I'd have needed FOUR panels per window instead of two which would have DOUBLED the cost! And don't forget about rods. They can be even more expensive than the curtains themselves.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMHq7llERQD080_a4Hvv4Vs5grUrfpiIiVijyuJj7MD-t4pY6PWWQbuwmv1pBrAHYzz33nXOofujlKpdQvmWU_QMlhiC3ljUyzyl5WoK3lt8A2Qd94PQQSo_xi3gWrOPoVELDacH-2xw/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+051.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMHq7llERQD080_a4Hvv4Vs5grUrfpiIiVijyuJj7MD-t4pY6PWWQbuwmv1pBrAHYzz33nXOofujlKpdQvmWU_QMlhiC3ljUyzyl5WoK3lt8A2Qd94PQQSo_xi3gWrOPoVELDacH-2xw/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+051.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723676618402496114" /></a><br />{they have an ikat-esque pattern}<br /><br /><strong>5. Try before you buy.</strong><br />Like paint, I HIGHLY recommend buying one of the curtains your plan to buy (or a large swatch of the fabric you intend to use) to put ON your window before committing to doing the entire room. Look at how the light filters through it, how it looks at night, how the pattern 'reads' from across the room (maybe you need a smaller or larger-scale pattern?) and how it fit into the overall scheme of the room. Look at it from the other side of the window, too. <br /><br />We duct taped the 84' version that was available at the store up to our window so we could get an idea of the feel throughout the day. I was in love.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdSPDhwPqi8Ly1F1ojlrSOnch2WBjfpQa4C3jvrpFShsPPmLMqpFpSsNz7eUdqq142vQfEh65PYoRy_D5ZN_ZmoYubpZbBybWSWZqm-B6vZf8KtcGaqJxJX6YcdUGjmPuGbyhqsNUEns/s1600/march+2012+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdSPDhwPqi8Ly1F1ojlrSOnch2WBjfpQa4C3jvrpFShsPPmLMqpFpSsNz7eUdqq142vQfEh65PYoRy_D5ZN_ZmoYubpZbBybWSWZqm-B6vZf8KtcGaqJxJX6YcdUGjmPuGbyhqsNUEns/s400/march+2012+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723670513798400018" /></a><br /><br />I am so glad I took my time and shopped around. I couldn't be more happy with how the room is coming together! <br /><br />Mine are "Sorrento" by Cindy Crawford in Skyline Gray from <a href=http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/x6.aspx?deptid=70751&catid=70821&grptyp=STY&itemid=1b38dd0 a>JC Penney</a>. I ordered the 108" length on-line and had it shipped to my house for free. They arrived in three days!<br /><br /><strong>Are you frustrated by all the curtain choices out there? How are you narrowing down your search?</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-70996855558412361502012-03-24T21:00:00.013-07:002012-03-24T21:43:11.812-07:00Making Easter Cards {the easy way}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lVu7mMbA_3HoU1AJau63zAMfaOmZXlW7E6hdhlDe9KQfRIzhIpflSqTDLvkGAZyY1njBj6K7APem6mb2yMG97jjrQFSBq5Eqy5Fv6PPtt_bfHr3ip2IkUWw-1QMU18muByIz4gF_-I8/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lVu7mMbA_3HoU1AJau63zAMfaOmZXlW7E6hdhlDe9KQfRIzhIpflSqTDLvkGAZyY1njBj6K7APem6mb2yMG97jjrQFSBq5Eqy5Fv6PPtt_bfHr3ip2IkUWw-1QMU18muByIz4gF_-I8/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723686144437716930" /></a><br /><br />I had something of a card-making binge last night. I cranked all twelve of these out in about two hours using stuff I already had in my craft supply stash.<br /><br />All you need is: 1. notecards 2. paper 3. cardstock 4. adhesive 5. stamps and ink 6. embellishments 7. scissors and/or a paper trimmer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1AkK0fYQ1jf4rciI8YViwr5EqcgkBw0mJ4fXFakUKnix6q6e1BaACk0OZfdXhyphenhyphenUkETVPN6TyI029S2sLTIbAHJoTISqB6z0l6KQvNOHIeSyxLuRswyoJNE_JxaVUqNrYZsST5rXj3LU/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1AkK0fYQ1jf4rciI8YViwr5EqcgkBw0mJ4fXFakUKnix6q6e1BaACk0OZfdXhyphenhyphenUkETVPN6TyI029S2sLTIbAHJoTISqB6z0l6KQvNOHIeSyxLuRswyoJNE_JxaVUqNrYZsST5rXj3LU/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+113.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723684771579316338" /></a><br /><br />I had a pack of 16 notecards that I got for less than $4 on clearance at Target recently. They were cute enough on their own but when I decided that I wanted to send some Easter cards out {on time!}, I knew I could jazz them up. <br /><br /><em>Here's what I did...and YOU can do it, too, and probably with supplies you already have at home!</em> <br /><br /><strong>1. Grab some blank notecards.</strong> They can even be thank-yous or birthday cards--and you can just cover up the sentiment with paper! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFE9Z4ZEBTYNM4rit-I6vE0m49yPwfGwKP5IrxqmoQEPFOwAdXRuMH-6Y8LH-8szCIps-KvY36levbB0eZfg-v9i2iZ_e6pNt-Ep5XE9vSoqqMXQQdDSZOSOgHjNeIatdEFid1n_Rj9Y/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFE9Z4ZEBTYNM4rit-I6vE0m49yPwfGwKP5IrxqmoQEPFOwAdXRuMH-6Y8LH-8szCIps-KvY36levbB0eZfg-v9i2iZ_e6pNt-Ep5XE9vSoqqMXQQdDSZOSOgHjNeIatdEFid1n_Rj9Y/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723684471251355186" /></a><br /><br /><strong>2. Find some coordinating paper and card stock.</strong> Use the paper in your scrap pile--you might be surprised by the combinations you can dream up! {like the one below} I let the hints of orange and hot pink dictate the paper and flowers I used. Funky!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwsHPz7ypfml7YjvS3O5CrxIfhJdwZRe1BQzlUXE-9XfgZqf892TLa5ZN7NhRryFFFkS5BRf66derj3c3EO_oF4yJ4gZzqTVEjK5gulJb-COpCpWHol62NvZUdlNrYC7Ao2rcf1or6o8/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwsHPz7ypfml7YjvS3O5CrxIfhJdwZRe1BQzlUXE-9XfgZqf892TLa5ZN7NhRryFFFkS5BRf66derj3c3EO_oF4yJ4gZzqTVEjK5gulJb-COpCpWHol62NvZUdlNrYC7Ao2rcf1or6o8/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723681786002319218" /></a><br /><br /><strong>2. Cut and attach some coordinating paper</strong> to the card to add dimension and interest. I usually just do a 1-2" strip down the middle like the striped paper, below. Brown for an Easter card, who-da thunk it?? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9RGGmDYVXkQG7_Z8hJKBoLP4VvuzP2GMNnQvdIVKDqnloQBRPz9GsFfHCluFp5JNTv5WTa0wp3QK7FZlJ1n5pTk0j9tKkwWDZCJPbM9L8DcpOTKqMjqFqL9ym3EnkTqrHa9tE4PPBoA/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9RGGmDYVXkQG7_Z8hJKBoLP4VvuzP2GMNnQvdIVKDqnloQBRPz9GsFfHCluFp5JNTv5WTa0wp3QK7FZlJ1n5pTk0j9tKkwWDZCJPbM9L8DcpOTKqMjqFqL9ym3EnkTqrHa9tE4PPBoA/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723682323717733890" /></a><br /><br /><strong>3.Stamp your sentiment onto cardstock.</strong> I like to ink the edges, too. Then layer it on more card stock or just attach it right to the paper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd4PvqkiVwri2j1h2iHR2r-PoWbkIzACh-2KyOQnCa3EFvmJP9R5TxvCxA6ytcBROpu0LJeo7NwvxyWAxn8Hn4Hk5xNvyue8FaBFuWN0t56KVbNvXaSHrjEIWz2pPpbRX9qsEi8O2xB0/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd4PvqkiVwri2j1h2iHR2r-PoWbkIzACh-2KyOQnCa3EFvmJP9R5TxvCxA6ytcBROpu0LJeo7NwvxyWAxn8Hn4Hk5xNvyue8FaBFuWN0t56KVbNvXaSHrjEIWz2pPpbRX9qsEi8O2xB0/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723682515734687602" /></a><br /><br /><strong>4. Add an embellishment in coordinating colors.</strong> I used butterflies {like the one above} and flowers for a springy touch.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi980MhOlOkzT5jbvYwUCNVPia6R85sWDmfuqZD2wd7E7Vh1WfMeoyjkgk_LT2mxyvNL4HFAYD6fnnMIdtaaJc1i3DTyW-HbqpWShohCefM0Uuyip4P4ECQgoH0RFevtipGu0I_TKj7I9c/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi980MhOlOkzT5jbvYwUCNVPia6R85sWDmfuqZD2wd7E7Vh1WfMeoyjkgk_LT2mxyvNL4HFAYD6fnnMIdtaaJc1i3DTyW-HbqpWShohCefM0Uuyip4P4ECQgoH0RFevtipGu0I_TKj7I9c/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+104.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723682764213229122" /></a><br />{I happen to love the green/turquoise/cobalt blue color combination above}<br /><br />Then just add a sticker or another stamp inside if you want to, write your sentiment and you're done!<br /><br />LOVELY!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIC-ZQq5BJidCGA3Mys7VM4N6sjG5SL_iUKYb_7r05aD2nr668wEANRECa_o4UkUgUc-z6Cufi9F6S-qTO6CWwSA-3LqkhAgJCJOG6yHHfTwQ__XqA_aa5k9OwLeHqHUhWwZKvQJUCMg/s1600/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIC-ZQq5BJidCGA3Mys7VM4N6sjG5SL_iUKYb_7r05aD2nr668wEANRECa_o4UkUgUc-z6Cufi9F6S-qTO6CWwSA-3LqkhAgJCJOG6yHHfTwQ__XqA_aa5k9OwLeHqHUhWwZKvQJUCMg/s400/curtains%252C+flowers%252C+cards+108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723685062281254290" /></a><br /><br />So much better than a mass-produced card and WAY more affordable! <br /><br /><strong>I hope the recipients enjoy getting them as much as I enjoyed making them!</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-2621323877796456102012-03-15T00:15:00.003-07:002012-03-15T00:27:03.473-07:00It's Tea Time Somewhere!I am BIG on every women having some 'me time' EVERY day. Whether it's as simple as a peaceful shower with no interuptions or going on a girls' getaway weekend, it has to be SOMEthing just for YOU. <br /><br /><em>I have heard several women say, "I don't even know what I would do if I had any time to myself." That is a tradgedy.</em> For one thing, FIND THE TIME. Convince the people in your life that it is something you NEED, not just want. For another, by all means plan ahead to spend that time wisely!<br /><br /><strong>When my husband takes my boys off for a manly excursion, the garage door isn't even all the way down before I'm drawing a bath or thumbing through a magazine in my favorite chair.</strong><br /><br /><em>Or putting on my kettle to brew a pot of tea!</em> Earl Gray is my current favorite.<br /><br />The ritual of brewing tea is so comforting and soothing and taking the time to steep the leaves, pour the tea into a lovely cup, add milk and sugar and nibble a treat...well, it's pure bliss. I love to brew a whole pot so I can linger over a cup or two. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL98Wi_0jWOKpU0NC9UhNdi1I8v2Vjm9AR0aEiG_a_AT4ftFYELvlkC95GOOXRosy4zDFsmpliRPv0tJJcaHt1R71FkMcYoh1Q1iRtkuB3LQifzF0NyQQqp-kxGa7CYYP2alWeSDxaHno/s1600/DSC_0736teatimesomwhereteaforone.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL98Wi_0jWOKpU0NC9UhNdi1I8v2Vjm9AR0aEiG_a_AT4ftFYELvlkC95GOOXRosy4zDFsmpliRPv0tJJcaHt1R71FkMcYoh1Q1iRtkuB3LQifzF0NyQQqp-kxGa7CYYP2alWeSDxaHno/s400/DSC_0736.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720019324171140354" /></a><br /><br /><em>Find some time for yourself.</em> <strong>Let me know what you do because maybe I can steal your idea for next time.</strong> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-44693334728373300482012-03-13T08:00:00.000-07:002012-03-13T08:00:06.257-07:00student of the weekMy boy was student of the week last month and I summoned my inner scrapbooker and created this poster of pictures from his first six years. I kinda love how it turned out. My baby sure has changed. Sometimes it's still hard to believe that he's already in kindergarten. Now I know why, at my high school graduation, all the parents were saying, "It seems like just yesterday that they were in kindergarten."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHtxjE7gzLikiB35IboTxWa8VuCqTjhcIlhUWGITZ56HZU2CqMAHEfeFR6OW5KP8l25YyeUNTlQ2AA_yhSMMKPcwUNe42JYjkPEu_0oXpGwFzSSmooVUZkhsXkjjqjmoIThyphenhyphenugu4PdN4/s1600/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+040+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHtxjE7gzLikiB35IboTxWa8VuCqTjhcIlhUWGITZ56HZU2CqMAHEfeFR6OW5KP8l25YyeUNTlQ2AA_yhSMMKPcwUNe42JYjkPEu_0oXpGwFzSSmooVUZkhsXkjjqjmoIThyphenhyphenugu4PdN4/s400/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+040+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718474419392814914" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-29073668117235175382012-03-12T16:04:00.003-07:002012-03-12T16:09:14.942-07:00Fun new blog and giveawayDiscovered a fun new blog and web site from an Austin, Texas interior decorator. <br /><br /><a href=http://www.jvwhome.com/ a>JVW Home</a> has lots of eye candy and great ideas. And lots of turquoise, my favorite color right now! She's doing a LOVELY giveaway <a href=http://jvwhome.blogspot.com/2012/03/teal-with-twist-of-lime.html a>on her blog</a>. <br /><br />Check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-21340360565593380092012-03-09T20:50:00.011-08:002012-03-10T19:07:55.649-08:00Take a HikeI find the Arizona desert beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaEAkSeF16YZ14xWBDO9fjqaCh9Yvz_VnU__295S8emf9StAtocxQWj_y684EKoWEiyxL8xXEoLNk3EQTTnt2avW_NHzlysIGER4-wfMV9jk6hUvzP4h4gp3Tunaksnbg548aNRJvQzI/s1600/feb+2012+079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaEAkSeF16YZ14xWBDO9fjqaCh9Yvz_VnU__295S8emf9StAtocxQWj_y684EKoWEiyxL8xXEoLNk3EQTTnt2avW_NHzlysIGER4-wfMV9jk6hUvzP4h4gp3Tunaksnbg548aNRJvQzI/s400/feb+2012+079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718462766689944450" /></a><br /><br />So last weekend, we took the boys on a desert hike. Ok, so it was more of a desert meander--or a walk at best--and less of a hike.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwU-9stGnGkUyJFV7gN7vB-v_m7e3NVEBLFTCh3_sfELhnUnY-cjjncZ4pYH0zipt8mWo3dEP2FeGt7ZFiESjzf0y9l0mIIX_whBvxyuQnVCdOHtDN54-cSmTAs2B-HaDztfMgPnQtxk/s1600/feb+2012+068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwU-9stGnGkUyJFV7gN7vB-v_m7e3NVEBLFTCh3_sfELhnUnY-cjjncZ4pYH0zipt8mWo3dEP2FeGt7ZFiESjzf0y9l0mIIX_whBvxyuQnVCdOHtDN54-cSmTAs2B-HaDztfMgPnQtxk/s400/feb+2012+068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718459929268362562" /></a><br /><br />Ethan checked out some coyote scat. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AXV68K30NIah9nZkrPBlzx1GVPj-jd1C_QDjHXKkOwemGMkAT6AorAr3NoMsDVGZxCEIqtMWvkjrh5sCTcQZDrBZsiwUzHUfsl447CbVYZMonXWha5vAc-6TGR05Y_ezbtG1B1GBfV4/s1600/feb+2012+078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AXV68K30NIah9nZkrPBlzx1GVPj-jd1C_QDjHXKkOwemGMkAT6AorAr3NoMsDVGZxCEIqtMWvkjrh5sCTcQZDrBZsiwUzHUfsl447CbVYZMonXWha5vAc-6TGR05Y_ezbtG1B1GBfV4/s400/feb+2012+078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718461273328683330" /></a><br /><br />He got a kick out of walking along the trail. Pun intended.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd4NrqYNM0Q0wLbTaYFDzv1mfwt0nqXQn8xHBC2e1oqbKT5p0kwxyPXleKpdwrzChzu7g1jJ66MixPar10pi7lJPmbV492AcrEklXw7HZ1P6lt4b3rYWB3RFz8xno2gabBucIKNXo3o8/s1600/feb+2012+093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd4NrqYNM0Q0wLbTaYFDzv1mfwt0nqXQn8xHBC2e1oqbKT5p0kwxyPXleKpdwrzChzu7g1jJ66MixPar10pi7lJPmbV492AcrEklXw7HZ1P6lt4b3rYWB3RFz8xno2gabBucIKNXo3o8/s400/feb+2012+093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718463792010987538" /></a><br /><br />We posed in front of a saguaro.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYUXBfTORs0CNhWijC3VIz4cwJTn41RwDvg1osdM2VD_xjd3DApAbM9IHoEQ4DTQTpB60oka76soB7RgnV4jDSvNrNIVpIMqKj2p-tuzSh2czVWX6ayDR7BxraMSmw7M2f7BT9AWhSzQ/s1600/feb+2012+086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYUXBfTORs0CNhWijC3VIz4cwJTn41RwDvg1osdM2VD_xjd3DApAbM9IHoEQ4DTQTpB60oka76soB7RgnV4jDSvNrNIVpIMqKj2p-tuzSh2czVWX6ayDR7BxraMSmw7M2f7BT9AWhSzQ/s400/feb+2012+086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718462126051969538" /></a><br /><br />I thought this tree was beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsde44DA8IvF3g4OlkNA_-rxfwBhtXI4QtHThliktf9dJ8_S7IabsREILoFR8GQ_vtWAv0jq53vSmtIwtR_32DfKwt90FEddGVxZK3KasdlsyM1YKhaxDAQrd-yAjr6gBzQavmELNeo8/s1600/feb+2012+123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsde44DA8IvF3g4OlkNA_-rxfwBhtXI4QtHThliktf9dJ8_S7IabsREILoFR8GQ_vtWAv0jq53vSmtIwtR_32DfKwt90FEddGVxZK3KasdlsyM1YKhaxDAQrd-yAjr6gBzQavmELNeo8/s400/feb+2012+123.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718465891995742866" /></a><br /><br />And the city view was fabulous.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ_LkKuiUJR3lUF5CH_KgrZRTKzKJHdUxQNrczyXjPj8oxTkmVo6ib4tqSqKn2zKIeDpLCC8Z095LOHcg_gfTUzGgDdmfJj6MSol3dgTAX7kNxwyNtcNp064R0sUZw7eHlOwO0fDmsio/s1600/feb+2012+139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ_LkKuiUJR3lUF5CH_KgrZRTKzKJHdUxQNrczyXjPj8oxTkmVo6ib4tqSqKn2zKIeDpLCC8Z095LOHcg_gfTUzGgDdmfJj6MSol3dgTAX7kNxwyNtcNp064R0sUZw7eHlOwO0fDmsio/s400/feb+2012+139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718466509807168306" /></a><br /><br />Brothers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Vst45RHx8K6EpFPKlEIu_Ff3cV-Gz3V3eMB_9VAs7Sjs0jDkrjgJ2BkSqWqn4ceD7-jX1fOFRRuMzTVImixrHxH8GEnbQV6Z4M4juy-4Ul0byaCd6kYaoRo3w7a5GmYU8i_fShZKOWQ/s1600/feb+2012+144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Vst45RHx8K6EpFPKlEIu_Ff3cV-Gz3V3eMB_9VAs7Sjs0jDkrjgJ2BkSqWqn4ceD7-jX1fOFRRuMzTVImixrHxH8GEnbQV6Z4M4juy-4Ul0byaCd6kYaoRo3w7a5GmYU8i_fShZKOWQ/s400/feb+2012+144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718467235703283090" /></a><br /><br />And my baby looking adorable by the windmill.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kTmJbNzOM7Mh83sWg_DG6J8z5KsiIdaqk_1pJeET9msOjPT7hxvNlXfQ4waYgivj3djQOHEXolUNhOyOxnmUdA4P-nGLd0vJrVyNqUHRAIslorr0vD7QEgRuP9XTLPPxMlsXVzOqotM/s1600/feb+2012+152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kTmJbNzOM7Mh83sWg_DG6J8z5KsiIdaqk_1pJeET9msOjPT7hxvNlXfQ4waYgivj3djQOHEXolUNhOyOxnmUdA4P-nGLd0vJrVyNqUHRAIslorr0vD7QEgRuP9XTLPPxMlsXVzOqotM/s400/feb+2012+152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718469230448650978" /></a><br /><br />It was a great family outing and we're planning to go back soon. Maybe next time we'll actually HIKE.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-77068627708998780842012-03-06T08:00:00.004-08:002012-03-09T20:50:20.866-08:00Pampering PlaydatesI love pampering. This was the pampering foot soak I received at my Blessingway in 2009.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil13jTxJOyzn_UcKEFtcwI4lbJryGaGOAK0LYtpH714xwghE4nU82LVCrzJHkF-0MkcupMbEAhYEsfJqE9XITY_VRe5-mL2AbEwlPt7NEq7BH8CnNuWWndrV-MavGUansCsetay6RbBVs/s1600/blessingwaymompamperingmyfeetpinktoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil13jTxJOyzn_UcKEFtcwI4lbJryGaGOAK0LYtpH714xwghE4nU82LVCrzJHkF-0MkcupMbEAhYEsfJqE9XITY_VRe5-mL2AbEwlPt7NEq7BH8CnNuWWndrV-MavGUansCsetay6RbBVs/s400/blessingwaymompamperingmyfeetpinktoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715535037730345810" /></a><br /><br />Isn't that delightful?? <br /><br />I believe every woman deserves to be pampered. <strong>One category of women in particular deserves pampering: moms of young children.</strong> Yet they have an especially hard time finding time to take care of themselves, even (or especially) when it comes to their daily skin care and makeup routine. Who can navigate the gazillion choices at the local drug store or big box retailer, or take the time to navigate the makeup counters at the mall, especially with kids in tow??<br /><br />Yet most moms want to look their best and take care of their skin, whatever age they are. Many moms are also looking for anti-aging treatments and sun protection, too, which only complicates their choices all the more.<br /><br />My solution for this mom dilemma is a....<strong>Pampering Playdate</strong>! <br /><br />{I am officially coining the name "Pampering Playdate." Aren't you glad you were here to read it?? I want to be included in the Wikipedia entry for it someday!}<br /><br /><strong>A definition of a Pampering Playdate: "A time for a deserving mommy to be pampered while her kids play."</strong><br /><br />A deserving mommy comes to my home studio and is treated to coffee or tea and refreshments and receives a personalized Mary Kay skin care assessment, hand treatment and microdermabrasion treatment in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere...all while her child or children play happily in my playroom. Her skin will feel AMAZING! <strong>My most popular comment following a treatment: "My skin has never felt like this before!"</strong> That's awesome! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHSCFCR3aoDi4CaxjFy1LF8cNWj2ELSmj0frFOpgqCZhYXchaC5mesHSOThsFsuCZv2LX_TpfbgysyQuEsmybRu-SxbLV7Ph_Li55id9EzNbaGKRCD0pSr9Hv2p08matwVxlUU5Jx-do/s1600/facial-massage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHSCFCR3aoDi4CaxjFy1LF8cNWj2ELSmj0frFOpgqCZhYXchaC5mesHSOThsFsuCZv2LX_TpfbgysyQuEsmybRu-SxbLV7Ph_Li55id9EzNbaGKRCD0pSr9Hv2p08matwVxlUU5Jx-do/s400/facial-massage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715540578828699570" /></a><br /><br /><em>I can also do a foundation match and even a glamour makeover if she wishes.</em> <br /><br />The mom doesn't have to infringe on their evening family time, hire a sitter or ask her husband to watch the kids for her, plus her child or children will have a blast playing with new toys in a new environment, mere steps away from their mommy. It's a win-win-WIN! Plus I will provide her with the products she needs on the day of her playdate and make sure she knows how to use them at home for maximum benefit. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCHZNJ4cI6XTvlS4ytDid1yXK6jTQs2MLQL2yTcNJWvQnf49315zJOTZM9Rftiep63Td4UEgrir2txUEiiCIY2bJZcgHcxhIJOWIgyHEZ60O0XSGB0JUrC7oYkap60YsowC17rRsDXT8/s1600/feb+2012+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCHZNJ4cI6XTvlS4ytDid1yXK6jTQs2MLQL2yTcNJWvQnf49315zJOTZM9Rftiep63Td4UEgrir2txUEiiCIY2bJZcgHcxhIJOWIgyHEZ60O0XSGB0JUrC7oYkap60YsowC17rRsDXT8/s400/feb+2012+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718125254673266210" /></a><br /><br />After the Pampering Playdate, <strong>I'll be her personal Mary Kay beauty consultant for LIFE</strong>, answering her questions and addressing her concerns while helping her stay current on skin care and makeup advances and trends. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AqvO2LDfM3lEbxDp5jg0gA3i_e5OS6KitzpEQsuGG4Y6mHHNA1WlhP6ewmlBo1KYK2DSfWBa3b9nwT9CWmfaKgcMqw4-CLE0r0nSyfiDHpVpYK1OFD6Sc1RWP2jR4a5TwlQwwxSeKiA/s1600/marykayskincaresystemtreatment.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AqvO2LDfM3lEbxDp5jg0gA3i_e5OS6KitzpEQsuGG4Y6mHHNA1WlhP6ewmlBo1KYK2DSfWBa3b9nwT9CWmfaKgcMqw4-CLE0r0nSyfiDHpVpYK1OFD6Sc1RWP2jR4a5TwlQwwxSeKiA/s400/marykayskincaresystemtreatment.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715544288589475922" /></a><br /><br /><em>How cool is that for a busy mom??</em><br /><br />I know when I was looking for personalized skin care and makeup recommendations since becoming a mom over six years ago, I would have loved to be invited to a Pampering Playdate! <strong>I love kids and I love moms so I hope this will prove to be an effective and enjoyable solution to at least this one challenge of motherhood.</strong><br /><br />{Live in the Phoenix metro area? Visit my <a href=http//:www.marykay.com/tdumas4 a>Mary Kay personal web site</a> and use the "contact me" form to schedule your Pampering Playdate!}<br /><br />Now. How do we solve the "removing the stuck-on Cheerios from the dining room table" dilemma...?? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-9454427267413718432012-03-02T18:45:00.006-08:002012-03-02T19:06:25.036-08:00Ever feel like there's a target on your back?I write devotionals for the <a href=http://www.centralaz.com/Arena/default.aspx?page=4648 a>Girlfriends at Central web site</a> for <a href=http://www.centralaz.com/Arena/ a>Central Christian Church</a> and I am going to start publishing them here, too, in case one might speak to someone out there.<br /><br />Ever feel like this?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3C_Of8OOgoeBKvSO9jQLRQ3Alcexn59NoVYxXMP69QyNaIAQMtiz5NYfnTW5bAZHav-54c7YUvSoVaiAYYIYkDXXXfXhfy_6-thBpLuiJa26pwQW1y9XxKU9zq_KuV9SF0yl969miY8/s1600/do_i_have_a_target_on_my_back_today_tshirt-p235664132183459560yuar_328.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3C_Of8OOgoeBKvSO9jQLRQ3Alcexn59NoVYxXMP69QyNaIAQMtiz5NYfnTW5bAZHav-54c7YUvSoVaiAYYIYkDXXXfXhfy_6-thBpLuiJa26pwQW1y9XxKU9zq_KuV9SF0yl969miY8/s400/do_i_have_a_target_on_my_back_today_tshirt-p235664132183459560yuar_328.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715500949868817250" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then you should check out my recent devo titled <a href=http://www.centralaz.com/Arena/default.aspx?page=4679&promotionId=1465 a>Targets On Our Backs</a>. We are targeted for GOOD, not bad! <br /><br />I hope you enjoy it! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-82512877315827876102012-02-23T15:01:00.010-08:002012-02-24T20:08:12.442-08:00We're blooming over here!When we moved in, we were told that one of the trees in the back yard was a peach tree but over the summer, it seemed like it was dying. Despite the boys' constant watering, I thought it was a goner.<br /><br />Then....I was sitting on the back yard swing and spotted pink blossoms from across the yard. To my delight, I discovered that our peach tree was blooming!! <br /><br />Here's what it looked like at first with some blooms and lots of buds. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA11kQxIjroI0Js1gE7i-16kAf0XXEW-xnAlasvNzH6GyObznsc4eg-YfFLAL2Zvw7FHeKkUjOj6wicg_MrI4ozky9FDCF-7dAPAzEwMn5dViLWA9lunBrrvhzIvx2fCanSCwlIWWuMRs/s1600/DSC_0767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA11kQxIjroI0Js1gE7i-16kAf0XXEW-xnAlasvNzH6GyObznsc4eg-YfFLAL2Zvw7FHeKkUjOj6wicg_MrI4ozky9FDCF-7dAPAzEwMn5dViLWA9lunBrrvhzIvx2fCanSCwlIWWuMRs/s400/DSC_0767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712478929583949362" /></a><br /><br />I love the detail of the centers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q4NPuTmPGoIVG_trzRF02P-VCbkEgEmrCQYraMG5ZJGjVgXWGUIRjJMUB0c8KgsXe4_qkDPeetvHqrcpPR0cI4FC9daj-GRYQMV4zolABlP9gk2_7QPIGmaPf-Vh0gYsF0k8uUYQgjE/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6q4NPuTmPGoIVG_trzRF02P-VCbkEgEmrCQYraMG5ZJGjVgXWGUIRjJMUB0c8KgsXe4_qkDPeetvHqrcpPR0cI4FC9daj-GRYQMV4zolABlP9gk2_7QPIGmaPf-Vh0gYsF0k8uUYQgjE/s400/DSC_0764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712478840351903394" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68AekPY7ji3otlD6wWO-Auir8qnfedpBHeGewPVYe1olsstNFtsCWkJ_qsq8ZVUUm5rID0RXaE8rtX6onHzhI6OHvrjeImHC5p3A4J7HeYUWIdreySm7qhPdeCI4EgIw1Ml0DkLf42l0/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68AekPY7ji3otlD6wWO-Auir8qnfedpBHeGewPVYe1olsstNFtsCWkJ_qsq8ZVUUm5rID0RXaE8rtX6onHzhI6OHvrjeImHC5p3A4J7HeYUWIdreySm7qhPdeCI4EgIw1Ml0DkLf42l0/s400/DSC_0751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712478761650821186" /></a><br /><br />The gorgeous, clear blue Arizona sky never gets old to me. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZAR4xxT6fzaErHz7Tc51mPflt1IuFL9CBtS1kHSz4_alCz_kBWABmiL1JM1evJu88CXK-tYiw_BU0W_Is1ZBBgEOcLzVPn8jwzThCW_D-76DyGY33PQ3UNYUVAPdoxAxl0oqJAhIIMI/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZAR4xxT6fzaErHz7Tc51mPflt1IuFL9CBtS1kHSz4_alCz_kBWABmiL1JM1evJu88CXK-tYiw_BU0W_Is1ZBBgEOcLzVPn8jwzThCW_D-76DyGY33PQ3UNYUVAPdoxAxl0oqJAhIIMI/s400/DSC_0740.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712478650550630594" /></a><br /><br />Then it started blossoming even more! {this is one of my favorite pictures of it below!}<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWncbTQHtXXvRuiUxdx0_llVKRagl9WcSSd3pI7ftihPZcDF3aepydu54fuo6Dhws8Xqmq3utg3qfGREX-S8LEtswiXdvvmMDF5jCW6kOLOZ8D-Raxyr_SSI7j2ypuEGED7DQDU77iUI/s1600/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWncbTQHtXXvRuiUxdx0_llVKRagl9WcSSd3pI7ftihPZcDF3aepydu54fuo6Dhws8Xqmq3utg3qfGREX-S8LEtswiXdvvmMDF5jCW6kOLOZ8D-Raxyr_SSI7j2ypuEGED7DQDU77iUI/s400/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712479638881259842" /></a><br /><br />Aren't those flowers gorgeous!?! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQlWSqnMq3U_IyVRzOhZogn_vZSTLDzfxxngu5UjfeZtSoMcSpceXvGEefx6xSVzGi0lu5_b8ZIu2jiWwaupydaOXClIN1rBsA8W6cD87A8p57MIEGLHIhba8TYjiZamFSoHJDfbzubQ/s1600/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQlWSqnMq3U_IyVRzOhZogn_vZSTLDzfxxngu5UjfeZtSoMcSpceXvGEefx6xSVzGi0lu5_b8ZIu2jiWwaupydaOXClIN1rBsA8W6cD87A8p57MIEGLHIhba8TYjiZamFSoHJDfbzubQ/s400/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712479552969701218" /></a><br /><br />I just love this tree!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM4A8x78lUhng2Dv5jv9gIte9kb3iPgEwUCA_uQE3LEJ9re_bo_Rp8V3wt8XGR-fNNFTZwsXTgtua2n0Rg91uDJoE0cJx_jmwmQ8CbfnlOZ8sI1MZg5i-6Kuhz67CbZpHxh7KHgPJSPs/s1600/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM4A8x78lUhng2Dv5jv9gIte9kb3iPgEwUCA_uQE3LEJ9re_bo_Rp8V3wt8XGR-fNNFTZwsXTgtua2n0Rg91uDJoE0cJx_jmwmQ8CbfnlOZ8sI1MZg5i-6Kuhz67CbZpHxh7KHgPJSPs/s400/tooth%252C+flowers%252C+pin+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712479458882068242" /></a><br /><br />Now I'm VERY excited about the possibilites of peaches this spring! <br /><br />And it just goes to show that we should never give up hope on something coming back to life! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-58217212414506334482012-01-18T09:30:00.000-08:002012-01-20T14:32:29.861-08:00Why I BlogI looooove a good Before & After makeover. Whether it's a dingy basement turned into a magnificent crafter's retreat on HGTV or a dowdy housewife turned into a stylish vixen in a magazine spread, the 'after' isn't nearly as dramatic without the 'before' shot. <strong>You have to know how the project started out to fully appreciate the transformation that took place.</strong><br /><br />In my early blogging days, I published this 'BEFORE' picture of an organizing project {read the post <a href=http://www.proudgrits.blogspot.com/2009/08/organizing-projects.html a>HERE</a>)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWPz0yu5NKEDIa5LsZCnGx-TTOk-WjxdnuJtsQgxHB5Gagc-LQL-g68BC6QhV8vVsmOg_e-_2lfcNY8kiolyHjmpru_LyOrceutZgWD93z4HyOn0MGr-OnUz9B8drb6EhwrlFia_w8uk/s1600/closet+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWPz0yu5NKEDIa5LsZCnGx-TTOk-WjxdnuJtsQgxHB5Gagc-LQL-g68BC6QhV8vVsmOg_e-_2lfcNY8kiolyHjmpru_LyOrceutZgWD93z4HyOn0MGr-OnUz9B8drb6EhwrlFia_w8uk/s400/closet+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699033084094610242" /></a><br /><br />...and had a commenter that said, "I could never publish a real 'before' picture!! I'd be too embarassed!" It gave me pause to consider why I blogged and what kind of blogger I wanted to be.<br /><br /><strong>I realized that, as in real life, I have learned that hiding my flaws or pretending to be perfect doesn't do anyone any favors.</strong><br /><br />That 'before' picture would likely illicit one of two responses: <br /><br />1. "Ugh! I can't believe anyone can live that way!" They probably work very hard to maintain a magazine-worthy life and have it all figured out (or are committed to pretending to), so I'm not really blogging about or for that person. <br /><br />OR 2. "Wow, that looks like MY life!" and they are inspired to tackle their own project and are encouraged that they're not the only one dealing with whatever their 'before' happens to be. <strong>THAT is the woman I can relate to and THAT is who I write for.</strong> <br /><br />By the way, bloggers are usually not the first type of person, showing off their idyllic existence to throw it in your face and make you feel inadequate. <em>Bloggers are typically people who are trying to improve the quality of their life and pass along their tricks and tools to their readers.</em> <br /><br />Do bloggers edit what they publish? Um....yeah. Do I edit here? Of course. I don't go around in real life airing my dirty laundry or telling everyone I meet what I'm frustrated by in my life. Sometimes I may move the errant Lego parts, make the bed or give my dining room table an extra scrub-down before snapping a picture to post. I will, however, tell you honestly that with this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgNA8Xrr1Hvwk7eN6kFFFj5XVAS-UF8Pis6p1FSAlbRA2L_cP3KUHzsYRvhF4uCHOAuz6a9gDAUIx9Q_rdz3pYyQZWBbUeu9KoycpmMTwowIGRMwXUmjHWKjhgLLCTLBnLv6QPgput5Y/s1600/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgNA8Xrr1Hvwk7eN6kFFFj5XVAS-UF8Pis6p1FSAlbRA2L_cP3KUHzsYRvhF4uCHOAuz6a9gDAUIx9Q_rdz3pYyQZWBbUeu9KoycpmMTwowIGRMwXUmjHWKjhgLLCTLBnLv6QPgput5Y/s400/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699039428811380066" /></a><br /><br />comes THIS. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyo-QCm14q8NYE52bpRfyXZ5tJtr723iKY5WTVuuKGEEs4YNwHYYAfg8QaFd5zKeM9m2JNMjEEzAxqNRU4Lm-kBKtMdSV5nNWvf7HPfAnGTjbsYB7OHYEvrr_NMlnwx9K4MJ3vBUmJ8E/s1600/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyo-QCm14q8NYE52bpRfyXZ5tJtr723iKY5WTVuuKGEEs4YNwHYYAfg8QaFd5zKeM9m2JNMjEEzAxqNRU4Lm-kBKtMdSV5nNWvf7HPfAnGTjbsYB7OHYEvrr_NMlnwx9K4MJ3vBUmJ8E/s400/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699039176664188466" /></a><br /><br />I blogged about my miscarriage, anxiety and fear, too. Go ahead and do a search on it, it's all there! :) <br /><br />Authenticity, in the blogging world and in real life, is key. <strong>When I'm real with other people, it gives them permission to be real, too. </strong>And that's how we all grow and move toward the life we want. Seeing the 'before' just helps us appreciate the 'after' all the more.<br /><br /><strong>Consider this blog a gigantic Before & After scrapbook of my life. I hope you'll find something useful here to aid your own transformation.</strong> <br /><br />And if you need anything in 'real life,' feel free to e-mail me at tabandrew@hotmail.com<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-91399296428290227572012-01-16T16:05:00.001-08:002012-02-25T14:35:55.311-08:00When Direct Sales Calls {part 3}Read part 1 <a href=http://proudgrits.blogspot.com/2011/11/answering-sirens-call-of-direct-sales.html a>HERE</a> and part 2 <a href=http://proudgrits.blogspot.com/2011/12/when-direct-sales-calls-part-2.html a>HERE</a>.<br /><br />Where we left off, I'd realized that I need a REAL job that made actual money. I'd always loved direct sales--and even Mary Kay in particular--but had never really "made it" yet. It was still a dream in my heart, though, along with leading and inspiring other women, networking with other women in business and living the life of my dreams (which included a flexible schedule so I could be with my family). <br /><br />Sherrian (my Mary Kay trainer and director) says now that she saw the potential in me as soon as we met. After attending her makeover class, looking at the catalog, thinking about the particulars of the company and the business, my heart began to soar. I had to be realistic--I didn't WANT to start a new business from the ground up! I wanted something tried and true that would give me a simple formula to success that I could follow. <br /><br />Come to find out, Mary Kay herself, when she founded the company, wanted a way to give women a chance to own their own business, to make their own way, to be successful and to be celebrated. The cosmetics was just the vehicle. I felt the same way. I want to lead and inspire women, work with women, encourage women to live the best life they can and help other women with their own businesses--and Mary Kay will be my vehicle. It just so happens that the vehicle is something I love--skin care and makeup! My dream is that it will also be a way for me to pour money into a charitable organization as well. <br /><br />Just deciding on a job was an enormous relief. I had my "It" thing--and all the dreams and heart desires that went with it. My husband sat down with Sherrian and her husband the night I signed the contract to become a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant--on my birthday, November 29th 2011.<br /><br />Some would say that starting this new venture over the holidays was crazy but I enjoyed getting my feet wet before plunging in in 2012. I've already had several sales and have been able to practice on about ten women. The business really suits me and it's a blast. Plus women walk away looking and feeling GREAT! <br /><br />Sherrian and I just sat down together last week to look at my goals and dreams and to come up with a plan for me to follow. <strong>It is so simple: do five faces a week.</strong> That means that I need to just have to do five facials every week (whether one-on-one or in group settings), showing women the four-step skin care routine that suits their skin type, including the amazing satin hands treatment and the microdermabrasion. It may not be easy, but it is simple. <br /><br />Direct sales had been calling my name for a long time. God had been putting this desire on my heart for many years. <strong>I feel like I am just beginning to fulfill my life-long destiny.</strong> I am so grateful that I finally answered the call. I know I have just started the ride of my life--now I'm just going to hang on and see where God takes it! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-77123572371527085062012-01-07T05:00:00.001-08:002012-02-25T14:37:15.076-08:00Do You Take Pictures of Your Dinner Table?We've done it for as long as I can remember. Whether it's a birthday, a holiday or any other family celebration, if there is a meal involved, we set a lovely (usually themed) table and take a picture of it. We often take a picture of the spread of food and/or our plateful of food, too. It's what we do in my family. If there's a cake involved, we take a picture of that, too.<br /><br />Some people make fun of us for this, asking, "What are you going to DO with hundreds of pictures of tables and food and cakes??" {"some people" being my brother and my husband}<br /><br />We're just capturing the moment and trying to remember how much fun we had. This is how we celebrate LIFE! And each other! It doesn't matter about what becomes of all the pictures. <br /><br />Some recent parties: <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jAe0Klak7261H0Un1YnPjURIvGBhWDTifqvo1_Ypqbr3jLdMYZ2Kifj-DHUGv0ym8x5yWleVJT1I6YfbfpqSwMtV9VOJHo8O0vrqW5eqyJdPcpGzBbD8k3JhgnEGmB5JmGfs4W5Jg_E/s1600/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jAe0Klak7261H0Un1YnPjURIvGBhWDTifqvo1_Ypqbr3jLdMYZ2Kifj-DHUGv0ym8x5yWleVJT1I6YfbfpqSwMtV9VOJHo8O0vrqW5eqyJdPcpGzBbD8k3JhgnEGmB5JmGfs4W5Jg_E/s400/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693607089570752306" /></a><br />November 20th: My mom's birthday brunch.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbk2lAN0shDD4MJvXh0IPBJev7XkV3piTuVRO50gvC_9Cy8bGGCNipn2m-FZbqRrE4SB07b5p0sdw9zKmIr22PS2OMnIDhVpGnnNIPhrUW2_RNToakb_QvugQkf5RljR5GuS6BxVQT_U/s1600/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbk2lAN0shDD4MJvXh0IPBJev7XkV3piTuVRO50gvC_9Cy8bGGCNipn2m-FZbqRrE4SB07b5p0sdw9zKmIr22PS2OMnIDhVpGnnNIPhrUW2_RNToakb_QvugQkf5RljR5GuS6BxVQT_U/s400/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693606757264601682" /></a><br />Our brunch food, prepared by a local chef. It tasted as scrumptious as it looks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg694eOHvT5tGw2utMAsy9bEeGmOPY-IZYwyfXggxpRuy2qdse0BBKXushx-zx0ENOHzpHBrpx1Jg5Q9X0D2PDox76AeXBCgsS0mnajruYtsrsgXzs6xrkn2ROy6fsLraO4AAJIQdF7Azk/s1600/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg694eOHvT5tGw2utMAsy9bEeGmOPY-IZYwyfXggxpRuy2qdse0BBKXushx-zx0ENOHzpHBrpx1Jg5Q9X0D2PDox76AeXBCgsS0mnajruYtsrsgXzs6xrkn2ROy6fsLraO4AAJIQdF7Azk/s400/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+476.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693603257801654002" /></a><br />November 29th: My birthday party table with a winter/snowflake theme.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbetdWLNNgyECJkTQ7E0Qkm1NaYNo3V-IRfG_VsEDC1m2csL5rHlR75BXwq6rJVHAC43lfL9rgA-mubOXDG_EiwD5KaD6wtEBBycugYHgmbj9s8FxmN1eGQ5Yzehkzx7TeuG_BEs8UZo/s1600/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbetdWLNNgyECJkTQ7E0Qkm1NaYNo3V-IRfG_VsEDC1m2csL5rHlR75BXwq6rJVHAC43lfL9rgA-mubOXDG_EiwD5KaD6wtEBBycugYHgmbj9s8FxmN1eGQ5Yzehkzx7TeuG_BEs8UZo/s400/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693603982752183650" /></a><br />The spread of food. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuuChVfS0QZLo_ptCJJhIp9eM-nHvjM1uAGeRtj4rPhzGLUJBTxoJiblYGtbW14o3-bq_4GW1rMTKTqZNHi-r6E39yyQXE_sQ5jqL6_wWQPXpBnmc1SkFV8iBG0T8NaNH4qvuu8J_GrI/s1600/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuuChVfS0QZLo_ptCJJhIp9eM-nHvjM1uAGeRtj4rPhzGLUJBTxoJiblYGtbW14o3-bq_4GW1rMTKTqZNHi-r6E39yyQXE_sQ5jqL6_wWQPXpBnmc1SkFV8iBG0T8NaNH4qvuu8J_GrI/s400/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693606198371469570" /></a><br />Christmas Day, Ethan at my mom's table. He loves to check it out, to see what we did. He already appreciates a fancy table. It doesn't hurt that he also matches the tablecloth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJFRMnpx3JJ-t5rwLWiqvyETDJ-zphz58EfU53eE61Y3mfZy-L1uoTAlPL579XgVMiO-wDCsyu0VzIP7nKKOldUdTjSZSsXF8pQ354e91VD6JM9P6hQL5iaQZM1JkI6tuHXDNeDd2DIk/s1600/new+years+etc+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJFRMnpx3JJ-t5rwLWiqvyETDJ-zphz58EfU53eE61Y3mfZy-L1uoTAlPL579XgVMiO-wDCsyu0VzIP7nKKOldUdTjSZSsXF8pQ354e91VD6JM9P6hQL5iaQZM1JkI6tuHXDNeDd2DIk/s400/new+years+etc+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693600481727191810" /></a><br />December 28th: The winter/nature-themed table for my grandmother's going-away dinner. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFIMf7qBtLqM4LktM_nwQgpdfv84JOTNzo_NB4yazge2X3KHpfr3S290R9Vna1B768vI7FPPtebdhwhfGpyfkX3404JtDgHW9hWL_X-be_2vo6Kf4fUlaiMy29m6Ih9Gl0TZKhZpnCCQ/s1600/new+years+etc+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFIMf7qBtLqM4LktM_nwQgpdfv84JOTNzo_NB4yazge2X3KHpfr3S290R9Vna1B768vI7FPPtebdhwhfGpyfkX3404JtDgHW9hWL_X-be_2vo6Kf4fUlaiMy29m6Ih9Gl0TZKhZpnCCQ/s400/new+years+etc+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693600678881563042" /></a><br />We had the ham my husband's company gives out for Christmas (with a fabulous apple compote) with scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, biscuits and iced tea. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQvVfI7sVv6NEFmfvsqUMpw-7LOQ2BRSOoYlbqYPD4Ltdz-FSow2LNyb58qwUKBwiQMbjMkyfQJk00fj0b8xQH6la_f_gCLNUM-5UvrGv9QLYHxUe6LfseFlLzY86p0xOv9v7gLH2jGA/s1600/new+years+etc+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQvVfI7sVv6NEFmfvsqUMpw-7LOQ2BRSOoYlbqYPD4Ltdz-FSow2LNyb58qwUKBwiQMbjMkyfQJk00fj0b8xQH6la_f_gCLNUM-5UvrGv9QLYHxUe6LfseFlLzY86p0xOv9v7gLH2jGA/s400/new+years+etc+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693601070817923698" /></a><br />I duplicated it a week later for our New Year's Day dinner in our back yard. <br /><br />When we were house hunting, I saw a picture of this tree in the yard and envisioned eating under it. It's so cool to literally be "living the dream."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRl803-EejWSFm-4XsQ9NW_D0LvNWIMe6ZozoPywAifPT65DP5I7usCYlkp9S4y9uMw_l-0bA3p_5jKwiQtRVDj68EsaAJC6QDDP5KGL-50-eWykGRH5jsnVvCzBrXQwD_LQjx60DBXc/s1600/new+years+etc+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRl803-EejWSFm-4XsQ9NW_D0LvNWIMe6ZozoPywAifPT65DP5I7usCYlkp9S4y9uMw_l-0bA3p_5jKwiQtRVDj68EsaAJC6QDDP5KGL-50-eWykGRH5jsnVvCzBrXQwD_LQjx60DBXc/s400/new+years+etc+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693601353318168226" /></a><br />It's dreamy, isn't it??? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRlIV2bQAgjfoIrIENgw8msd1ZfYiqqkLbiJpoKsR_0rhmPd3zB5ymz8kIhbi73v_KxwzI6Xb8VGnW1S_3VqCfJfKzjMeKFG7cWy-wnY2c2ayOYLGb7e_kdj36PYBV-7nWjcxpfaerJA/s1600/new+years+etc+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRlIV2bQAgjfoIrIENgw8msd1ZfYiqqkLbiJpoKsR_0rhmPd3zB5ymz8kIhbi73v_KxwzI6Xb8VGnW1S_3VqCfJfKzjMeKFG7cWy-wnY2c2ayOYLGb7e_kdj36PYBV-7nWjcxpfaerJA/s400/new+years+etc+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693601522392368674" /></a><br />This time the menu was pork tenderloin, a black-eyed peas gumbo kinda thing and corn muffins (with iced tea, of course).<br /><br />We try to dress up according to the theme when possible, too. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzPT08BoisHapHqr5j7Ujs9OqlcidBHgi8lUpSzDJllW9T3JhlhbZXihZszuC4nEWMiE10hpH-LRSs14f8pcdFaUIfqAtnAUHCxe3Vi1b1S_HO3_BeYyzjaWXSTpiENxMSRmnos0JaqU/s1600/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzPT08BoisHapHqr5j7Ujs9OqlcidBHgi8lUpSzDJllW9T3JhlhbZXihZszuC4nEWMiE10hpH-LRSs14f8pcdFaUIfqAtnAUHCxe3Vi1b1S_HO3_BeYyzjaWXSTpiENxMSRmnos0JaqU/s400/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693610293199728306" /></a><br />At mom's party, which had a Julia Child/cooking theme. Evidently I forgot I was still wearing my apron. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjug6jRBzo4OKnDAlQdtgqBIG0yXPlJflzdpORkwlyOQINeMCYx7wScGETchmbRKq4rIrWq7KpFYm1Y1aqI9BpaxUZyV8bZLV6to2y64MeX5fXXH-qlfnbmhhdfTnUWzwKr_4POGXWfrQ/s1600/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjug6jRBzo4OKnDAlQdtgqBIG0yXPlJflzdpORkwlyOQINeMCYx7wScGETchmbRKq4rIrWq7KpFYm1Y1aqI9BpaxUZyV8bZLV6to2y64MeX5fXXH-qlfnbmhhdfTnUWzwKr_4POGXWfrQ/s400/Ma+and+Tab+bdays+480.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693608623357500530" /></a><br />Me, my mom and my grandmother WITH the table at my birthday party. I asked my guests to dress festively. My mom was Mrs. Claus and I was a snow princess. I'm tellin' ya--we have fun.<br /><br />Say what you will about "going to all that trouble" or spending the money but I don't care. <strong>It's all about celebrating life and enjoying good food with the ones you love and I'd have it no other way. </strong><br /><br />Now to think about our Valentine's Day table and food...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-64002268230834469342012-01-03T18:05:00.001-08:002012-02-25T14:36:44.025-08:00When My Husband Gets His Craft OnHe was in the garage most of Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve Eve. <br /><br />From our closet where I was fetching the boys' present to wrap, I could hear sawing and hammering on the other side of the wall. There was some cursing, too. And there were multiple trips to Home Depot and Hobby Lobby. <br /><br />I knew it would be good.<br /><br />But I didn't know it would be THIS good.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK0JHKgK0Aq9a-dbF0qHKvGGLpMpm1uoN1tPTbnVw9v2rQ3oJkzk1aEU-ZzP6OPZo_iqrMp0kunZfELyeqtWkpDSOmlUeTvOQE8p3W4Nl1XOBPvGbaOvudkokRpzlPSfHbC1atKZi29Q/s1600/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK0JHKgK0Aq9a-dbF0qHKvGGLpMpm1uoN1tPTbnVw9v2rQ3oJkzk1aEU-ZzP6OPZo_iqrMp0kunZfELyeqtWkpDSOmlUeTvOQE8p3W4Nl1XOBPvGbaOvudkokRpzlPSfHbC1atKZi29Q/s400/Cmas+eve+and+day+2011+294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693596804036823154" /></a> <br /><br />He constructed and stained the frame, cut out the openings, and printed and matted the pictures (including that one of us from two weeks ago, BIG, right in the middle). <br /><br />I ADORE it. Talk about a labor of love. Evidently I'm not the only crafty one in this family! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-37885108255194467602011-12-20T13:37:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:41:36.025-08:00The Pressure For a Good PicturePhew! We got everyone dressed and out into the greenbelt behind my folks' house inbetween rain showers on Sunday and got ONE decent family photo for this year.<br /><br />BEHOLD.<br /><br />{Andrew is now 6 and Ethan is 2.5}<br /><br />And it all started when I found those adorable argyle ties at a craft show.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGStrPEmRYw0KO6S_Em6dHsYNlKA1P47TvdbQstIn8mAFtuiDeFpIHAwcpAheA2TQHWwwsLeHrFdF06uufOCN2tmVkYrDWoy0cylDbEbdYaD497aFv7NpxmGEzcBCNSsyILhX1_h-xbeg/s1600/family+photos+2011+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGStrPEmRYw0KO6S_Em6dHsYNlKA1P47TvdbQstIn8mAFtuiDeFpIHAwcpAheA2TQHWwwsLeHrFdF06uufOCN2tmVkYrDWoy0cylDbEbdYaD497aFv7NpxmGEzcBCNSsyILhX1_h-xbeg/s400/family+photos+2011+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688328480963824578" /></a><br /><br />COMING SOON....our 2011 family newsletter! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-51241046940184627262011-12-14T08:24:00.001-08:002012-02-25T14:36:24.677-08:00Turns Out, the Grass IS GreenerWe've been in our new place in the southeast Phoenix valley for over four months now and are finally (mostly) settled in. <br /><br />I'd wanted to live closer to my folks for a long time, probably ever since our first son was born six years ago. We'd lived 50 miles away, which meant a lot of long drives home late at night, often with a baby on board. <br /><br />I had done a lot of fantasizing about what it would be like to live closer together. {cue dream sequence music} <em>I imagined dropping by for a cup of coffee in the morning or to smoke a cigar with my dad on the back porch at night. I figured we'd shop at Costco and split our purchases. I'd be able to leave the boys for a couple of hours so I could go shopping. My mom and I could consult each other on our makeup and wardrobe for special events and borrow nail polish and jewelry from each other. My dad and I could talk business over lunch. We could go on impromptu outings and celebrate holidays without spending the hour-and-a-half on the road.</em> <strong>I thought it would be marvelous.</strong><br /><br />Beyond that, we hoped that our move would mean more career and ministry opportunities for us, an excellent school for our son to attend kindergarten, neighbors we could build relationships with, more fun things to do as a family and so much more. <br /><br /><strong>But you know how it is: reality often does not live up to the fantasy. The grass is rarely greener on the other side. </strong><br /><br />But, in the four months since we started this new adventure, as my husband often points out: we ARE "living the dream." Our life here is amazing and we are thrilled with our home, our neighborhood and my son's school. I have found a wonderful church home where I can do what I love: write. Being closer to my parents is an absolute blessing, even better than I'd anticipated. <strong>It is everything we had hoped and prayed for--and more! God is so good. As my mom posted on our fridge when we first moved in: "He has done all things well."</strong><br /><br />Our new home has grass in the front and back yards. It's partly why I was so drawn to this house when we were shopping around. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Xz7x6CmLMC81EZ3lM_4rCp5XE6uuewhFcL15PaXNbhQ-ap7Z_Rrx1YKoXRDGr7D80nIx6Wj219m_pICWy17qoGzpVJTYCi9TNgEfkHkNiikjkVQhW5UyOT0pi_uirC6f6py8wgs3pE0/s1600/castles+and+coasters+2011+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Xz7x6CmLMC81EZ3lM_4rCp5XE6uuewhFcL15PaXNbhQ-ap7Z_Rrx1YKoXRDGr7D80nIx6Wj219m_pICWy17qoGzpVJTYCi9TNgEfkHkNiikjkVQhW5UyOT0pi_uirC6f6py8wgs3pE0/s400/castles+and+coasters+2011+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686022317070941842" /></a><br /><br />I haven't had grass in the yard since we lived in Florida in 1998. Just being barefoot on the grass makes me feel like I am truly home. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IYb53QJLnIuZaz49FdovW3c6_1XM4cSWFstBwQ7-_wndGKY6KvYunULmc5RPBlZeKEc65shtPsplg3AMrcgMSj60429si5VqhesNf7e_j4fH0eLXpa-Mf9ZA4QjaEHr6moZ7147CvgY/s1600/castles+and+coasters+2011+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IYb53QJLnIuZaz49FdovW3c6_1XM4cSWFstBwQ7-_wndGKY6KvYunULmc5RPBlZeKEc65shtPsplg3AMrcgMSj60429si5VqhesNf7e_j4fH0eLXpa-Mf9ZA4QjaEHr6moZ7147CvgY/s400/castles+and+coasters+2011+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686022022951388802" /></a><br /><br />I imagined how much fun the boys would have on it, running through the sprinkler, playing football and wrestling. They have done all of that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFM2ILdedoYFJnhpQzoNpxOPTp4E_B7Z8kJmBfiUy3aK2zi5bngUa4MeDr44XzN6oBtaBGMxitjXOV4L4HgqB2OWMN9Ge09oQvj_mgegDBb55MSquYRKHYkYwRAkY7tikX_4jqadaJyk/s1600/castles+and+coasters+2011+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFM2ILdedoYFJnhpQzoNpxOPTp4E_B7Z8kJmBfiUy3aK2zi5bngUa4MeDr44XzN6oBtaBGMxitjXOV4L4HgqB2OWMN9Ge09oQvj_mgegDBb55MSquYRKHYkYwRAkY7tikX_4jqadaJyk/s400/castles+and+coasters+2011+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686022724409180034" /></a><br /><br />My father-in-law recently brought his dog for a visit and seeing the boys play with the dog on our lawn made my heart so happy. <br /><br />I love sitting on my swing and looking out over the grass, watching the birds in the trees and gazing at the Arizona-blue sky. It just feels right. Like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jDarvqmwVoCRWgpBecPGfFUgjwN7mDdb4gYzpo2IyrF0heEMb5ljnbgk21gvUyuK5pD88D4Xe2J6QLiOVz-xyEQQx0vsabd9SVSkdsL6X0mfqlZ9V36MStlKMwu1CU2lTAmfEVaAcNQ/s1600/castles+and+coasters+2011+068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jDarvqmwVoCRWgpBecPGfFUgjwN7mDdb4gYzpo2IyrF0heEMb5ljnbgk21gvUyuK5pD88D4Xe2J6QLiOVz-xyEQQx0vsabd9SVSkdsL6X0mfqlZ9V36MStlKMwu1CU2lTAmfEVaAcNQ/s400/castles+and+coasters+2011+068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686023008466878914" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Turns out, the grass IS greener here. I had always known it would be.</strong> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-46394862940536753242011-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-02T05:00:10.171-08:00When Direct Sales Calls {part 2}{To read part 1 of how direct sales called my name, click <a href=http://proudgrits.blogspot.com/2011/11/answering-sirens-call-of-direct-sales.html a>HERE</a>}<br /><br /><em>....About a month ago, I realized that I HAD to find a job. I didn't have the luxury of treating another business like a hobby. I knew that whatever I did next HAD to be "it!" Even if it wasn't really "it," I was going to MAKE it "IT!" So I started soul searching and praying and trying to figure out my next move. Even as I started to pursue launching a brand new business idea of my own, I could still hear it....direct sales was calling.</em><br /><br />So I started looking for a job. Not just any job....but a job where I was the boss and could write my own ticket, as they say. I wanted it to utilize my talents and abilities and make good use of my past experiences. For days, all I did was brainstorm ideas. <strong>What am I good at, what do people tell me I should do, what gets me excited, what would really make money?</strong> <br /><br />Around that time, I attended a Christian Women in Business conference at a local church. My parents own a home painting business and I went representing them as their "color picker" but had an open mind as to other doors that God might be opening. In one of the break-out sessions, I was struck by the man who introduced the speaker. He was a long-time Arizona native and one of his many jobs was as a "business developer." I had a strong feeling that I needed to talk to him so I contacted his secretary and set up an appointment. Beforehand, I talked to my husband about my "dream job" and when I met with this gentleman, Jim, I told him about it. <strong>I told him that I love supporting women with their own businesses, I love planning and hosting events and I love networking.</strong> I also told him that I was ready to narrow my focus to ONE thing and really make a go of it. <br /><br />Jim came up with a brilliant idea that involved me creating and launching my own business--something no one else was doing. I started telling people about it, making phone calls to set up my first event and pitched the idea to my family. I followed Jim's advice and read the books he recommended and purchased the domain name, too. {I hope, by the way, that someone would like to run with my idea someday because I'd be thrilled to give it away.} Ultimately, creating a business from scratch was terrible intimidating and when I told people about it, they were confused by my idea. <strong>I realized that <em>I</em> was even confused about what I was doing!</strong> So, I put it on the back burner and decided to wait a while before putting any more money into it. <br /><br />In the meantime, I was still praying for God to open doors for me. At that Christian Women in Business conference, my mom and I shared a table with a realtor who belonged to a local networking group and she invited us to attend the next meeting. I wasn't able to go but my mom did. Besides having a great time, she met a lady who was also attending for the first time. This woman, Sherrian, happened to be THE Mary Kay lady of the retirement community only five miles away from our neighborhood. <br /><br />My mom met with Sherrian soon after that for a Mary Kay skin care session and reported to me that I would love her when I met her. When she described Sherrian (a national trainer for Mary Kay who gave back to the community, had a beautiful home and happened to have her OWN networking group), <strong>I instantly thought, "<em>She</em> is who I want to be."</strong> <br /><br />Mom and I attended Sherrian's networking group that next week. When they introduced me to the other 40-plus women in the room (all with a variety of businesses they owned), I told them about my business idea (the idea Jim had given me). Afterward, I met and chatted with Sherrian. She wished me luck with the business idea and said, "I can see you having your own networking group," and I told her that I actually wanted <em>her</em> life and that she was doing what I wanted to do! I told her about my passion for women and how I'd always dreamed of being a leader. I told her that I was going to pursue my other business idea...but that I definitely needed to make money in the meantime. <strong>She said, "Well, you need to do Mary Kay," and handed me their promotional flier for the business opportunity.</strong> She would later tell me that she just 'had a feeling' that she needed to share the business opportunity with me that night. Interesting. <br /><br />So I mulled over the Mary Kay idea and when I went home and told my husband about what Sherrian said, he laughed. He'd heard that story before. I'd been tempted by the Mary Kay opportunity many, many times over the years, partly because I love their products and the company philosophies and partly because of the 50% profit. But I knew my husband was thinking, "Here she goes, launching yet another 'it' business," so I didn't pursue it any further. <strong>It almost seemed <em>too obvious </em>to do Mary Kay.</strong><br /><br />After that, my back-burner business idea still didn't take off. I was still searching. I attended a makeover event at Sherrian's house (which she used to help train the women on her team) and, once again, left thinking, "I could've done that better" and that I had an edge over all the consultants in the room. I knew direct sales, I knew skin care and makeup, I knew women and I even knew a lot about Mary Kay. My mom and grandmother also attended, and echoed my thoughts. <strong>"You could SO do that," my mom said.</strong> <br /><br />Then I started thinking more and more about Mary Kay. I mentioned it again to my husband. I journaled and prayed. I studied the catalog. Was this really IT?!?<em> Maybe just because it was obvious didn't mean it wasn't right. </em><br /><br />{continue with part 3, coming soon!}<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-33538057212157550922011-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:01:28.323-08:00When Direct Sales CallsTupperware, Mary Kay and Creative Memories were among the first home parties I attended and that was back in the 1990s. There would be a cute display of fun products. Women would eat, talk and visit with each other while flipping through the catalog. The consultant, all dressed up, would tell us about the company and the items she was selling. We'd play games, she'd give away prizes and she'd try to book more parties or recruit new team members. I realized that this woman was running her own business, with the benefit of being under the umbrella of a big, well-known company. <br /><br />"Direct sales," as I discovered it was called, appealed to me from the beginning. I loved everything about it: shopping, hosting, meeting new people, eating, playing games and finding out about fun, new products. <strong>Even as a teenager, I could see myself being a consultant for a direct sales company.</strong> <br /><br />In my twenties, I was known for hosting a home party several times a year and I rarely turned down an invitation to attend a friend's business launch or home party. I felt passionately about supporting these women and their businesses. Often, I would go to a party, observe the consultant the entire time and go home thinking, "I could have done that even better." I saw myself building a team, becoming a leader, earning prizes, making money and helping other women start a business of their own.<br /><br />In fact, after having my first son in late 2005, I dabbled in a few direct sales businesses with some success. With Tupperware and Blessings Unlimited, I was happy just to get the starter kit. BUT, with Arbonne, Southern Living At HOME, and especially Cookie Lee jewelry, <strong>I told my husband each time, "This is THE company" and I set out to "work my business." </strong>I would get excited about it, have a launch party, hold a handful of big shows and even recruit a few people. I dreamed of moving up in the ranks and becoming a leader. But eventually, I always lost momentum and then got distracted and moved on to the next thing. <br /><br />Still, my heart was in direct sales. From 2005 to 2010, I helped a friend with her daughter, did some writing, launched a ministry and ran an Etsy shop, all the while thinking, "Gosh, I just always thought I'd make it big in the direct sales industry." <br /><br />From August 2009 to August 2010, my family took a break from life. We sold our home and rented near my husband's job. We stepped down from leadership at church, I shut down my Etsy shop and we enjoyed a slower pace. I did sign up for Melalueca and still enjoy ordering from them, especially their natural cleaning products. Other than writing, I didn't "work" and it was marvelous to take a break. <br /><br />That summer, we fulfilled a long-time dream of living closer to my parents and moved into their neighborhood in Chandler, Arizona in time for our oldest son to start kindergarten at the nearby elementary school. <strong>After we got settled, bills began to pile up and reality set in: I needed a job. I had to make real money.</strong><br /><br />Looking back, I realize that being a stay-at-home mom to a young kid (or kids) meant that I could only dabble in direct sales as more of a hobby. It <em>would have been nearly impossible to have treated any of my direct sales businesses as a real "job," without a nanny, personal assistant and/or maid.</em> <br /><br />Nevertheless, about a month ago, I realized that I HAD to find a job. I didn't have the luxury of treating another business like a hobby. I knew that whatever I did next HAD to be "it!" <strong>Even if it wasn't really "it," I was going to MAKE it "it!" </strong>So I started soul searching and praying and trying to figure out my next move. Even as I started to pursue launching a brand new business idea of my own, I could still hear it....direct sales was calling. <br /><br />{keep reading in Part 2, coming soon!!} <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5502400162816359616.post-37100311723558491132011-11-20T05:00:00.002-08:002012-02-25T14:35:25.533-08:00Happy Birthday, Mom!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQXt3_5hYnLHJRiOXe5SP7Uenq7ZuaBlnlRdnHOn9A2O7PtAYPUTDGe-ZmzATun6nzeJPop791u-haORhEsR69w8Jceet2H9ghxEOdc01rps2Xu3HJALa9cxCHfp340u5Iqqcm_IjMQ/s1600/Photo1127.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQXt3_5hYnLHJRiOXe5SP7Uenq7ZuaBlnlRdnHOn9A2O7PtAYPUTDGe-ZmzATun6nzeJPop791u-haORhEsR69w8Jceet2H9ghxEOdc01rps2Xu3HJALa9cxCHfp340u5Iqqcm_IjMQ/s400/Photo1127.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676909130332931170" /></a><br />{me & my mom yesterday, having a girls' day out}<br /><br /><em>When I found out that my one of my devotions for our church website was being published today, on my mom's birthday, I knew I had to pay her a tribute. Here it is.</em><br /><br /><strong>Colossians 1:9-10 “For this reason we also, since the day we heard of it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” </strong><br /><br />Today, November 20th, is my mother’s birthday. My mom is one of the most extraordinary women I know and I am incredibly blessed to have her for a mother, friend and neighbor. Anyone who knows her would agree that she is creative, giving, fun-loving, beautiful, humble, gracious, godly and the best kind of nice. My mother throws quirky themed parties, gardens in her gorgeous back yard, gives thoughtful gifts, always looks put-together and exudes calm and happiness everywhere she goes. She can find the humor in any situation and lives every day to the fullest.<br /><br />Sometimes people say that she lives a charmed life. We all know these people—the ones who seem to ‘have it all’ and whose life is rich, unique and maybe even enviable. But I know her secret. <br /><br />My mother’s life is charming because it is by GOD’S design and because she pursues God’s will and God’s wisdom for her life at all times. She not only diligently prays and studies her Bible every day but she actually lives it out, too. One of her many life mottos is “Make your plans in pencil then hand God the eraser” from Proverbs 16:9 that says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” She seeks God’s will for her life first and trusts Him to take care of the rest. She asks God to lead her and she looks for guide posts everywhere, saying, “I’d rather be guilty of believing too much than too little.” She often says, “Life is good,” her paraphrase of John 10:10 where Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” <strong>She is a living example of the fact that achieving a truly charmed life is not possible apart from being sold out to Jesus Christ and maintaining a moment-to-moment relationship with Him.</strong> <br /> <br />My mother has taught me the art of living well but it doesn’t end at hosting parties, cooking or accessorizing. Today we will be celebrating her at a Julie Child-inspired cooking class and brunch, wearing aprons and pearls and competing for a ‘best apron’ prize. I will make her a handmade card and inside I will write, “Thanks, Mom, for teaching me the real secret to living a charmed life: Jesus.” <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/266/B2A69982359EBD99D248181195873013.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138538420842925505noreply@blogger.com0