Cheri Quite Contrary

Inspiration Thursday

2012-02-09T06:31:00.002-06:00

"The key is to listen to your heart and let it carry you in the direction of your dreams. I've learned that it's possible to set your sights high and achieve your dreams and do it with integrity, character and love. And each day that you are moving toward your dreams without compromising who you are, you are winning."

- Michael Dell, Founder of Dell Computers

It saddens me how many people believe we must fight to get ahead...we must strategize....outsmart the next guy....or that "most of the world" is out to get you so be on your toes.....it simply isn't true.

It is a paradigm shift when you accept that there is abundance for everyone.....

And it is:

WHO we are when no one is looking,

Who we are at home when our "act" or "public mask" is off....

How we treat others...

How we treat our loved ones...

.......that matters in the end.

Because if we live with integrity and character...the rest will come to us easily and in good time.

Let's set our focus on what truly matters - love.....loving behavior....believing in others, believing in ourselves....never giving up........seeing the GOOD when maybe everyone else cannot.....

When you look at your spouse, do you smile with delight?

When you look at your child, do you smile with delight?

When you go to work, do you smile with delight?

How awesome would that be?

Upholstered Headboards

2012-02-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

There are so many different upholstered headboards nowadays...some can be purchased reasonably, others not so much. We are most likely going to make our own....EngineerHubby having done similar things in the past....but we don't know what shape we would like.

This one caught my eye this morning....very simple rectangle....against our Peppercorn gray walls in the new home, upholstered in velvet or some stunning print....

Source: houzz.com via Cheri on Pinterest

What I love about the simplicity of this headboard style....I could somewhat "easily" switch out the fabric as my moods/styles changed...no tufting to worry about, no complicated edges....

Source: houzz.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Both of us LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea.....in fact, I love this entire bedroom.

Source: houzz.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: sumnerdesignstudio.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: designindulgences.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: theshabbychick.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Do I want a tall headboard?

Source: blog.addicted2decorating.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Don't think I need the glass and brass edging....

Source: conspicuousstyle.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: theenchantedhome.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Wow, Wow, Wow.....what a neat idea....

Source: zuhairah-homeinteriordesign.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Just love these interesting shapes, but don't know how realistic this is as a DIY project...

Source: curatedstyle.tumblr.com via Cheri on Pinterest

What about a vibrant pop of color?

Source: conspicuousstyle.com via Cheri on Pinterest

I really love strong prints like this:

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Source: potterybarn.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: honeywerehome.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Want to try to do this yourself? There are many tutorials online, but here was one I found:

Source: do-it-yourselfdesign.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Now we just have to decide what shape.......

Do you have an upholstered headboard? Please share with me - I would love to go take a look!

Inspiration Thursday

2012-02-02T06:23:00.000-06:00

"You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you'll stop at the first giant hurdle."

- George Lucas. American Film Director and Producer, famous for Star Trek and Indiana Jones Trilogies.

"Really get in touch with what you believe. Your belief in something is the magic spark needed to make it real. You can believe things won't work out and they won't. You can believe that abundance is your birthright and you will be proved correct. Identify the beliefs that you have that are holding you back and day by day replace them with beliefs that push you forward. Over time, having faith and taking action on your beliefs will bring around the life you have believed in. The key is to have the faith that your belief is growing and to clear out all the weeds that prevent it's growth. Keep the faith, your Heart never lies."

- Jackson Kiddard

Here's to a great day!

Fun with Block and Fill Foundation

2012-02-01T06:32:00.000-06:00

Slowly, slowly goes the house.....here is a photo from yesterday....

My client's house that was started the same week (mid-December) is already sheet rocking (in another neighborhood without the lot clearing issues....)

And it is getting "fancier".... I cannot believe I am actually typing this BUT EngineerHubby is going to require he be at the block concrete "fill" with an infrared temperature gun to make sure the concrete goes to the bottom of the block. It seems that concrete emits heat as it is poured, so this gun will allow my EngineerHubby to assure himself the concrete DOES go to the bottom of the block. *insert crazy rolling eyes icon* I'd bet no other builder would be entertaining such eccentricity...but for my employment... (This is more along the lines of "subcontract your own home and do what you want".....) Folks have asked if I'm getting a "gift" in my home since I work there (free upgrade somewhere for example)....well...I'd bet a million bucks my "gift" is their willingness to work with EngineerHubby and accommodate his special interests! Ha!

Thermal Imaging

Fluke Website

I SO do not want to be there when he tells the builder/my boss. Holy moly. As you can see, it is not ONLY lot issues that have slowed down this build! Oh the fun things that can be borrowed from work.

19 yr old enjoyed testing out this gun with his dad....putting his hand on the wall, pulling it away and then "seeing" the heat signature in the gun. Pointing the device at the dogs...their heads are the warmest with the brain activity.....

Here's hoping my boss doesn't get this info until AFTER our sales meeting this morning.....

$10 Credit at Rue La La!!

2012-01-31T06:24:00.001-06:00

If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you have surely seen my love affair with Rue La La online boutique!

Well, guess what!! Right now, if you join - Rue La La will give you a $10 credit to use on your first purchase!!!! All you have to do is join (for FREE!) by February 14, 2012!! I didn't even get that deal - how can you miss out on this???

Go ahead, don't miss out - click HERE!!!

I have purchased clothing, shoes, beauty/makeup products, household items....endless possibilities..just have to wait to see what sales are upcoming.

Here is how it works: You get a Rue La La daily email, showing what the sales are today. If nothing hits your fancy, delete that email and wait for tomorrow. At the bottom of each email shows the future few days and what upcoming sales are on their way. You can then put a notice in your calendar to not forget - hate to miss out on those deals! For me, I purchase things I normally buy somewhere else, except I get HUGE savings with Rue La La!

You'll thank me later!

Happy Birthday Honey

2012-01-30T08:36:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Engineerhubby!!

I look forward to seeing him again when the house is finished. HA!

Hardwood-Look Tile

2012-01-25T06:12:00.000-06:00

Have you seen some of the new products that are actually ceramic or porcelain tile made to look like hardwood? EngineerHubby has a colleague at work who just installed this in their home, so we went to check it out. I had read online that it does have grout lines, so I was curious if it looked like tile or hardwood in person. It was dark when we made it to their house, so my photos could be better.

They purchased an Emser Tile product called Heritage.

Color they chose was Golden Oak.

PDF Brochure for Product

If you look closely, you can see some texture...mimicking hand-scraped hardwood. They said they were given a choice on grout color.

In the end, we decided against this product for ourselves....EngineerHubby would have gone for it (in the darker Walnut color) but I could not imagine what color grout would be needed to virtually eliminate those grout lines visually...chocolate brown? (Hardwood flooring has no grout lines...the wood abuts each other.....) I wonder if the tile could be closer together, making the grout lines less noticeable?

After a client put in a dark tile with chocolate grout, I knew without a doubt that is not for me.

Back to the hardwood look tile......

This couple has 2 huge dogs and they had just run through the house when we got there. I didn't focus on those areas on the floor, but their wet paw prints were very noticeable...but easily wiped up, I'm sure.

She said a co-worker used her same installer and put in upgraded engineered hardwood...the tile product was more expensive. That surprised me.

Would this "fool" you in to thinking it was hardwood? I have looked online and a few other brands do a better job of mimicking the hardwood look, I think, but it is hard to tell just by photos. With our builder, this was our only option. I am very glad I was able to go see this in person.

Anyone else have this in their home or has seen it in person?

Footing is Poured

2012-01-24T06:44:00.000-06:00

Lot Progress

2012-01-19T19:03:00.000-06:00

Well, here come some exciting photos.....HA! This is simply to keep our long-distance family updated..not because I find this incredibly stunning photography. LOL

Since it is taking forever for our land to dry out, a block and fill foundation was decided on. (Normally monolithic...). Digging the footing now.

Post holes are dug in to reach solid ground to support the footing. Ours are 3 to 10 feet deep.

This is concrete that has been poured into some of the post holes. The footing will be laid on top of this.

I accompanied my husband to see him at lunch, but can't say I had a thrilled experience. He, on the other hand, did. lol

In other news, we have 62 more hour long episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise and I'm actually enjoying it now. Would never have guessed. lol

P.S. I am back to drinking "green" smoothies....but I am doing a better job of mixing it up and having different flavors. I put "green" in parentheses because these are mostly NOT green....purple, red....lots of colors! I am feeling FANTASTIC! Also adding Acai powder, Cacao Nibs and Chia Seeds....whoa, talk about feeling full!

Could it be???

2012-01-13T19:54:00.000-06:00

It has been snowing....freezing....never thought the ground would dry out enough to start.....

Yay!!

Flower Arranging

2012-01-12T20:44:00.002-06:00

Years ago, I made my sister some floral arrangements...you remember, jewel tones? She mentioned in the fall that it might be time for an update....

How to make a floral arrangement:

Get some green foam and a container, cut the foam down to fit, use glue to hold it in to the container firmly.

Gather some silk florals...I always go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels on 50% off days...never pay full price....same with containers....

Here they are individually....

Start with your center flower...

Use wire cutters to cut to size....

Play around with height....trying things in different areas until you are happy.....

I went on to make 2 more arrangements....

Enjoy!

P.S. How to make mosaic photos? Go to BigHugeLabs.com!

Linking up to these parties: (Click "Read More" for rest of post.)

Linking up to these parties:

Ready for Footing...

2012-01-11T18:31:00.000-06:00

Things are quite different....

Getting excited...now if it will just stop raining!

Inspirational Words

2012-01-10T08:13:00.000-06:00

Profound!

"We are not responding to this instant, if we are judging any aspect of it. The ego looks for what to criticize. This always involves comparing with the past. But love looks upon the world peacefully and accepts. The ego searches for short comings and weaknesses. Love watches for any sign of strength. It sees how far each one has come, and not how far he has to go. How simple it is to love, and exhausting it is always to find fault, for every time we see a fault we think something needs to be done about it. Love knows that nothing is ever needed but more love. It is what we all do with our hearts that affects others most deeply. It is not the movements of our body or the words within our minds that transmit love. We love from heart to heart."

- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,

Monday Randoms

2012-01-09T11:12:00.000-06:00

Today is my "Saturday"...since I went full-time....see, I forgot to even mention here that I've gone full-time at my job.......I will work most weekends. So Monday and Tuesday (most weeks) will be "my weekend".

I'm loving working...just opened the new model home...that allowed them to take me full-time...have sold 3 houses so far...more in the works... so fun.

Our home is chugging along....still just dirt...ground is so wet, they are switching to a "block and fill" foundation.....that is making EngineerHubby happy..

Speaking of EngineerHubby....he has discovered some old Star Trek series on Netflix (Star Trek : Enterprise) and it is ALL ( and I do mean ALLLLLLLL) we have been watching..... So, I'm mostly listening to Captain Archer (I rarely WATCH TV....I have things I do on the computer and I listen....) and something is saying, "who is this guy....." over and over and finally last night, I GOT IT!!

He's the failed TV wanna be dude off "Men of a Certain Age"!!!

Silly trivia...but my goodness, honestly....how much Star Trek can one man ingest????? (This one originally aired between 2001 and 2005...)

Took WEEKS to choose our flooring for the new house. EngineerHubby said, "It is 100% YOUR choice, honey....pick whatever you want" and then proceeded to "have an opinion" on every single choice.....despite me reminding him what he said...it never clicked. Starting 25 years ago during the wedding planning, EngineerHubby has had to have a say in every single itty bitty detail over every single thing in our life........I just accept it nowadays. When he assured me it was all MY choice after he had the 92 tweaks and changes to the house, I knew better than to believe him.....

So, the tile we finally decide on TOGETHER (cough cough) is discontinued. Of course it is. So we go look at the tile I have wanted all along.....the tile EngineerHubby not only did not like but recruited other clients who were visiting the showroom to agree how awful it would be...ganging up on me despite it being in MANY homes....it IS neutral and lovely.....so yesterday, guess who now loves this tile and claims to have always loved it and what am I talking about????????????

Seriously. Losing my molars here........ grind....grind.....

To balance things, In "Wonderful EngineerHubby" news, we ran back to SteinMart to return an item he bought me for Christmas and as I was browsing, he called me over to a rack of the PERFECT shirt for me....Dolman sleeves, drapey, gorgeous bright colors and even one print......these shirts are so comfy and perfect for work and......$14.99!! His attention to detail that sometimes drives me crazy also brings wonderful "like having my very own personal shopper" benefits! Woo Hoo!!

I am seriously addicted to House of Turquoise and wish I had the guts to paint my home in these gorgeous shades.....too bad I'm the only girl......maybe one room, one of these days......

If you haven't tried that $2.97 mascara from Walgreens I mentioned, you MUST. Jordana Best Lash Extreme...found to the left or right of the beauty counter register. I sent one to my mother and she loved it....couldn't believe it was under $3!!

Oh, "fancy granite" has been secured with a massive deposit and will be in our new home....here is a photo if the final slab of Yellow River Granite we (*cough cough*) chose:

Source: Uploaded by user via Cheri on Pinterest

We will get to choose how they lay out the cabinets...and will definitely be "booking" the countertop with the full granite backsplash...I cannot wait....I WILL be laying on this granite with tears of joy...this was the one thing I was able to add (after all EngineerHubby's tweaks and changes, we had a little room for something I might want that was "extra"....lol) This will go in kitchen and all bathrooms except powder room.

See how this granite veining continues up the backsplash??? This is called "Booking".

Think that about covers it....Hope you have a great week!

How True Is This?

2012-01-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

Source

"Actually, we have no problems, we have opportunities for which we should give thanks. An error we refuse to correct has many lives. It takes courage to face one's own shortcomings and wisdom to do something about them."

- Edgar Cayce

Lot Clearing Update

2012-01-01T12:19:00.000-06:00

With so much rain, the land has been much too wet to clear. The last few days the crew has finally been able to work on it. Here are the recent photos:

Andy spent all day yesterday out at the site....fascinated watching the dozers....I think he has a new career plan.....lol. After everyone left, he went out and continued clearing the brush into the piles that will be removed. Whatever floats his boat! lol

Comparing Paint Colors Between Companies?

2011-12-30T08:00:00.007-06:00

Need to find out what color that favorite Benjamin Moore paint color is in Sherwin Williams?? (Pick any companies......)

Well...I can hardly contain my excitement to share with you this website I stumbled across after LONG hours of searching for such a thing........

COLORCHARTS.ORG!!

An online database of Manufacturer's Paint Colors!!!

Example:

Let's say you see this photo on Houzz and fall in love.

Source: houzz.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Underneath the photo you find the color used is Benjamin Moore Mesa Verde Tan.

Since I must use Sherwin Williams, I go to ColorCharts.org and do the following:

1. Type in color in Search Box. In this case, Mesa Verde Tan.

2. Look at results and pick the correct one. In this case, only one result. Click on correct company.

3. To the right, the color will come up (sometimes more than one). Click on the color square.

4. The Color and the Paint Array will show up, helpful in deciding what undertone this color may have. Click the tab "Match This Color" under the paint square.

5. The results will now show any and all companies that have a color very close...and it shows the percentage of match. In my case, I am looking for a Sherwin Williams match and I was thrilled to find a very close one:

6. If you are like me and have every single paint deck from Sherwin Williams, you can go look it up immediately. Or simply take this number to the nearest Sherwin Williams store and get a sample to try on a poster board for your project/home!

$4.99 at any Sherwin Williams Store

Can't remember - $10 - $15 at any Sherwin Williams store

One HUGE painting tip: When you find a color you think will be perfect, look at the ENTIRE color strip......the one that has up to 5-6 different colors with the one you love. This will help you determine what undertone that color has.....green, pink, yellow, gray........ This is very important. You may have found what you think is a great taupe...but when you paint it on your entire wall, it may have a pink undertone......

Example: A recent customer of another sales gal chose a color called "Compatible Cream" on a color strip. When it was painted in her home, it looked VERY yellow. Almost Big Bird yellow, with the lighting in her home. She was very upset. However, going back and looking at the entire color strip, she would have been able to tell how yellow it was despite the misleading name.

Now, this probably looks quite mellow in some homes, but in hers with the low level of natural light, it was seriously yellow. Not what she wanted.

We are on our 6th poster board trying out paint colors for the main interior color....and we are SO glad we have gone to this trouble and expense ($6 or so for each sample size paint container).

Enjoy!!

Linking up to these parties:

Crocheted Towel Toppers

2011-12-28T09:00:00.004-06:00

My mom requested some crocheted towel toppers but different than the last ones I made for a friend. I found this free pattern and went to work....

Linking up to these parties:

Inspiration for Master Bedroom

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

We are going bold in the master bedroom...and every time I waver, hubby pushes forward...he LOVES this dark gray color and I do too...... We will have taller ceilings than this photo, more crown molding....lots of white trim...it will look great......

Source: houzz.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Source: marketplace.diynetwork.com via Cheri on Pinterest

This is Peppercorn By Sherwin Williams 7674.

We had to pass on the wood floors in the bedroom...that was a $1900 upgrade and we've already upgraded so much......maybe some day down the road......

Getting very excited....but the house isn't moving too fast....lot still isn't cleared due to all the raining and being too cold to dry out between downpours.....

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:05:00.001-06:00

Source

Saw this today and had to share:

"So perhaps today we can create a new habit that will come with us into the New Year - let us BE the presence of LOVE in our lives and in the world. Let's take responsibility for our own happiness, no longer blame others and instead BRING what we feel is missing from life. Let us stop trying to get or take Love and instead set our aim on how we can serve and express our gifts to the world, so that we make the world a better place for someone else - and in doing so we will also be making the world a better place for ourselves."

The Daily Love by Mastin Kipp....

If you love this website as much as I do, you can sign up for a daily email at the top of the page in red....

How true is this? Some of us are in a great place right now, others of us are hurting deeply. How we get through it all is focusing outside ourselves...on giving....on blessing others.....and it will be returned to use 100-fold.

The blessings in my life this year are overflowing............. Some blessings 25 years in the making.......

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!!

Words to Live By

2011-12-22T07:21:00.002-06:00

Source: myspace.com via Cheri on Pinterest

"The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go. The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it. Worrying is worthless. When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment. Then you will begin to experience joy in life."

- Brian Weiss, is an American psychiatrist and best-selling author.

I read an amazing blog post today and had to share it. Mastin Kipp, of The Daily Love, has a daily inspirational email I receive and I highly recommend it. This is what he wrote today:

How To Take a Giant Step Towards Loving Yourself and Others Even More!

"So what if that were all emotions were? A wake up call? They aren’t bad. They aren’t something to repress. They aren’t negative. They are just calling us forth and asking us to wake up.

Resentment is asking us to stop blaming other people and take responsibility for our lives.

Anger is asking us to feel the sadness below it – and then let it go.

Fear is showing us where we can have more faith and perhaps create a massive action plan.

The sensation of “lack” is showing us that the amount of abundance we have in our lives is related to how much value we have added in other people’s lives.

Perhaps anxiety is showing us that we are stepping outside our comfort zone."

Have a blessed day!

Gorgeous Makeup Palette

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

I was watching some more You Tube videos and heard about a gorgeous new eye shadow palette by "The Balm" and I was curious.

Nude Tude by The Balm

Source

When I saw it was $36, I said "No way".

Then, lucky day...it was on sale one day at Hautelook...another one of those great online private sale boutique sites....... I was able to get this for $16!!!!!!!!! Wow!!

I can't wait to use this in the morning....these look like gorgeous colors! (It also comes in the "nice" palette...this is apparently the "naughty" version...although on Hautelook, this was the only one available...)

I really recommend you check out Hautelook.....you won't be sorry! I have saved SO much money ..things I would have purchased anyway but got on great discounts...

Inspirational Words

2011-12-19T07:25:00.000-06:00

Source

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive ."

- Howard Thurman, was an influential American author, philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader.

"Cherish your visions. Cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built."

- James Allen, was a philosophical writer of British nationality known for his inspirational books and poetry.

Visit to Dallas

2011-12-17T18:04:00.005-06:00

Now that 3 of us are working, we had to schedule our holiday trip when we could all get off...and had to make it a short trip. It was great to see everyone, though, and glad the boys were able to go with us.

Proud we remembered to take photos! A few family members are missing...maybe next time!

Work Has Begun!

2011-12-16T20:27:00.001-06:00

After signing the first contract in September, who knew it would be this far in to December before the lot clearing started? lol We were out of town last week and just got back...here is the progress so far. Rain rain go away! Big question now? How far back to clear.....towards the back, there is nothing but briar patch....but if we clear it all, must we put sod down? Cha ching! Decisions, decisions!

Getting excited!

$2.99 Mascara?????

2011-12-06T16:25:00.001-06:00

Hello........Oh my.......it couldn't be true...I didn't believe it. $2.99 mascara that works? One coat mascara?? No layering....???

Very recently, I wrote about a $22.00 mascara that is quite nice. But this one? $2.99!!!! BETTER. and $19.o1 cheaper...that will work!

Well, it is TRUE! After seeing a video by Nurberxo on You Tube....I had to try it. (She is SO gorgeous......)

Jordana Best Lash Extreme
Volumizing Mascara

Jordana brand makeup is found at Walgreens...mine was a small display near the makeup counter cash register..I've honestly never even looked at this makeup before. And wouldn't have had it not been for that recommendation.

Next morning, my husband stopped me and asked what I did different with my lashes. In fact, he said, "Oh, you wore false lashes today?"

NO I did not. But it was THAT noticeable??

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

$10 New Member Credit at Rue La La Again!

2011-12-02T20:00:00.001-06:00

Every now and then, Rue La La offers new members credit when they join and this time, it is $10!!

Source Link

What is Rue La La? Rue La La is an online private boutique sale site....new sales every day...you never know what will show up but can get a head's up a few days ahead....I've purchased shoes, clothes and makeup/hair products at great prices! They've added travel, food, mens and children's items.....too many to list.

You have until December 8th - Don't miss out on your $10 credit!!!!!

Rue La La

Contoured Crochet Clothes Hangers

2011-12-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

When I had the idea to make these, I thought "How hard could this be?"

Well. Well. Well.

I've learned the answer to that...and I'm not sure if it is user-issues (me!) or what....guess I miss my "same stitch over and over and over" washcloths....lol.

Hmmm....Can you tell what this will be?

I'm not done with this first one and I'm not sure it will fit...and if after all this wrangling it does not....well.....I will take a deep breath and forge ahead. I WILL win this one!!

Update: I've made friends with this pattern and am rocking and rolling.... (P.S. It did fit!)

I purchased these standard wood hangers at Target, I believe, for $5.99 or so? Most hanger patterns online are for antique hangers...but I knew these would be more ideal and searched for a pattern that would work.

FREE PATTERN HERE

Enjoy!!

Another Scalloped Potholder

2011-11-30T08:56:00.008-06:00

It's a shocker!! I'm crocheting again!!! (Since starting to work outside the home again for the first time in 6 years, I've just not made the time...but I sincerely missed it...very calming, takes your mind off ANYTHING that might be worrying you.....)

One of my all-time favorite patterns was the Scalloped Potholder... and then I got to use my fabulous DIY Lightbox!!

And now, crocheted together:

I am crocheting another project now and it is kicking my behind! So did not expect it.....I have to make multiple items, so I hope I win this war quickly! lol

Linking up to these parties:

Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Makeup

2011-11-28T17:00:00.001-06:00

I had to share this because it is pretty funny. I could do a better job of noting ALL details....

I had read/heard that the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser makeup was super great....and that getting the one for under the eyes was a must. I quickly trotted off to the local drug store and purchased my first product.

When I used it the next morning, I thought to myself, "Hmmm, this sure is big to put under your eyes"...but I kept using it. For weeks.

Until one day, I saw another video and noticed......I hadn't gotten the right color. I was supposed to get one called "Illuminator".

Off to the drug store I went again, and looked all over at the current product I owned. No "Illuminator". Scanning around, I found a MUCH SMALLER product that had the highlight color. Hmm.....that was what I was supposed to buy to begin with!

See the size difference?

A tad big for under the eye, eh?

Turns out, I first purchased the FOUNDATION for the entire face.....I started using that correctly this week and I LOVE It! It goes on SO silky...so smooth....

The Eraser DARK CIRCLES...(duh!!) has full coverage....nothing shows through. It is a must! I have to agree!

For the record, I have dry skin....and this is silky and moisturizing..by that I mean, no flakey skin shows through...... I have no idea what it would do with oily or combination skin but it is not dewy.... I've actually never felt something like this on my skin...

Have you tried this yet? I recommend it!

Decorating Christmas Trees with Ribbon

2011-11-27T17:15:00.004-06:00

Decorating your Christmas tree with ribbon is a gorgeous way to change things up. If you aren't in to the "mesh" ribbon, this is a beautiful alternative.

For a Tutorial with lots of photos on how to decorate your christmas tree with ribbon, click HERE.

Linking up to these parties:

Decorating with Gray - Bedroom Inspiration

2011-11-26T13:57:00.000-06:00

I was late to the "Pinterest" party...I was put off by the "mandatory" invite or no one can join. (I'm a rebel like that). But as you can see, it is SUCH a resource...I've been pinning photos since we first decided to build...knowing we were choosing a gray color palette but.....WHAT gray?

Enjoy! (And let me know if you would like an invite to Pinterest!)

Source: brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

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Now you see it...now you don't

2011-11-23T23:03:00.001-06:00

Happy Turkey Day everyone! (Did you know I'm allergic to turkey and chicken.....no wonder I've never liked Thanksgiving....turkey to eat, turkey in gravy, in dressing...turkey turkey everywhere.....Sigh.....)

In other news....the Yellow River granite is a GO! We got the pricing and while more than builder grade, it is very affordable. And in other "Do I know my Yellow River Granite or not!"....the last photo I posted last time....the one full of grey? Is the EXACT slab we had picked out and I just randomly liked it online. I scare myself sometimes. lol

All counter tops will have this (kitchen, master bath and auxiliary bathrooms except powder room). It is going to be GORGEOUS!! May choose a different slab with more gold...haven't decided.

I remembered to take photos to show family of our subdivision entrance and then our lot. Almost all these trees will be gone shortly....anything "good" is right where the house will be. The lot is over 3/4 acre...and our neighbors have trees...so...I will still get to look at some. But for my tree-allergic husband, he will have a tree-free yard. lol

It is a beautiful. hill-filled subdivision with 3/4 acre and up lots. Many lots went back to the bank and we got our lot for a steal of a deal....then add in $14,000 to grade it, bring in dirt and add the mandatory side-load garage.

And our lot...just for a little bit longer....

Aerial View....showing trees not only in the winter, but a few years back before a lot of the underbrush grew up....

We walked deeper in our lot, under and through trees and brush...and yes I did too!

Best trees...but house goes right here. They will go.

Facing to the back. End of our lot is WAY back...can't see lot lines.

Still to the back...these trees may stay but all cedars must go. (Allergies)

New neighbors next door... also building a Westin, completely different floor plan.

Just under 2500 s.f. with only master on the main floor. (Ours is 2500+ on the main floor with almost 700 upstairs...total of 3250 unless and until Andy thinks of something else to add........

Street in front of lots, still facing neighbors somewhat.

To the front of our lot. These trees will also have to go.

Sorry it's a yawner, but part of the scrap booking for memories. I'm sure some family members have been wanting to see....they all live 8+ hours away.

Andy met with the builder/boss tonight to have the final meeting. "Final" being relative...again. More and more quotes and ideas just keep coming to him. lol My poor boss...one of these days, we will start on our house. I couldn't help because I was busy selling my 4th house in 3 weeks (after working 25 days in sales...2 days a week).....they are coming back Saturday and plan to write....and this one is existing and has a bonus attached. (The others are new builds and won't be done until the Spring sometime...)

Enjoy your holiday!!

Sgt. Reckless - Amazing Korean War Horse Hero

2011-11-21T10:17:00.000-06:00

Sgt. Reckless.....an amazingly heroic horse listed as one of America's top 100 heroes in Time Magazine's collectors list in the 1990's........This is such a heartwarming story....must watch.

Granite for the New House

2011-11-20T13:30:00.001-06:00

As we are narrowing down our list....the 62+ list of tweaks and changes, we were considering spending a little extra on the granite countertops over the regular builder granite that comes with the plan. There was one I really loved but started seeing it in recent homes and it looked totally different. I know granite is a natural product and does vary, but this change was HUGE. EngineerHubby flipped when he saw it in one home so we knew we had to look at other options.

Once we were doing that, I told him if I am going to pay for different granite, I want it to be "lay my head down and love it" kind of granite....so we spent this week looking at options.

Today, we found it. Every slab I found I squealed with excitement and I also knew it every time I saw it (in one huge showroom, it was all over the place and I nailed it ever time.) I have NO doubts on this and am so excited. Lucky for me, EngineerHubby loved it too!

Yellow River is the color name...and the slabs we chose have a bit more gray ....I LOVE the deep veining.....wanted something with a little personality. When we walked in the showroom today, this granite was highlighted in a huge (16 foot?) slab across the entry wall...GORGEOUS.

Here are some photos:

Photos via Pinterest

May get more gray in ours

What are your favorite granite colors?

Sage Photo

2011-11-19T21:26:00.001-06:00

Took this funny photo of Sage tonight:

Is your dog scared of noises or neighbors? Jumpy? High-strung? I really recommend Thundershirts.....our dogs love them. Much calmer... (This is what Sage is wearing in the photo....it pulls tightly around the body and calms them down.)

Hidden Dangers of Air Fresheners

2011-11-17T07:06:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned this before but it bears repeating for those who've never connected that this may be triggering asthma and allergies in their family.....air fresheners of almost any type contain chemicals that can cause major issues in our loved ones. And according to new research, a lot more than allergies and asthma are at risk. Hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems have been found a result of the chemicals used in even "all natural" products.

I married into a major allergic/asthmatic family and until then, had no clue what some people suffer from. Didn't take long to start noticing what things caused problems.....that's my nature. I am averse to just running for a medicine or a pill to "make things better"when there may be things we can avoid that solves the problem entirely. (Allergies and asthma exist, but we can live ways that make things better, not worse.) When we married, hubby was on handfuls of allergy and asthma meds, weekly allergy shots (from the age of 2) and suffering daily. A few years in (after much convincing....) cleaning up his diet of dairy, wheat and a few other offending foods, along with removing scents in the home had him on very few to no meds on a daily basis. He was shocked...having had no idea it was possible. (He eventually has ELISA/Act blood testing and found onions, peppermint, Tylenol and spinach to be HUGE offenders......)

As it turns out, in our case that was true. Along with cleaning up the diets of the asthma/allergy hubby and then subsequent allergic/asthmatic children, we found scents ranked VERY high on the list of offenders. Oldest son had an epic meltdown after waking up from a nap and being surrounded by the scent of Future Floor Wax...had to run outside and it took a few hours for him to calm down. He was under a year.....that happened quickly enough I put two and two together.

How many other kids are reactive to scents?

Around 8, our oldest child was put on allergy shots but became worse...We gave it weeks....finally I read the ingredients and saw Phenol in his refrigerated allergy serum. Phenol....the stuff also found in Dow Bathroom Cleaner yet now being injected in my young child.

Ummm.....NO. Some people are just more reactive than other people. A simple food diary detailing every item ingested (and inhaled) and when will show results fairly quickly. Things that occur in seconds are easy to figure out. Things that are delayed can take weeks. Youngest son could eat eggs on Monday and not react until Tuesday night....that took forever to connect.

Had I simply listened to doctors, my entire family would be on handfuls and handfuls of meds.....and we've proven that a simple change in diet and how we live can make dramatic improvements......something as "simple" as washing their clothes in scented detergent could send them in an asthma tailspin.....sleeping all night long on "scented" sheets? Disastrous.

How many people stop and think of things like that?

As I said in an earlier post, just walking in a home where someone has sprayed Febreze in every room (in the guise of making it 'smell better') can trigger an asthma attack so quick, we turn and leave the second we smell it.

Read this report and see if any of it applies to your family or loved ones.

Protect Your Family from Hidden Factors in Air Fresheners

Have you found products that worsen asthma and allergies in your loved ones or yourself?

More Color Inspiration

2011-11-13T23:06:00.000-06:00

Source: The Craft Begins

Appraisal in on New House

2011-11-12T11:02:00.004-06:00

Good news....our builder orders an appraisal BEFORE building and with our 62+ changes, no one really knew if our house would appraise honestly......so it was a big shocker when the appraisal came in OVER sales price......

Wonder if this means my dear detailed hubby will add more things? lol

Finalization (as in FINAL DONE ) meeting is Monday afternoon. (It's been a joke that Andy thinks "final" means "final in the next 30 minutes....".....lol.)

In other news, I sold my first house last week and it looks like I'm writing 2 more in the next week......so fun! (And 2 are Heathcliff's....what we are building!)

Color Scheme for new house?

2011-11-11T21:01:00.000-06:00

Love this color palette:

Source: Pinterest

Ever Wonder How To Type Characters?

2011-11-06T13:12:00.000-06:00

I ran across this today and found it very helpful. It is a chart to many "characters" that are able to be typed if you know the sequence.

Ever see someone type I ♥ Andy. How do they make that heart?

Or Jane Smith, Realtor ® How do you create that R with the circle?

Check this out:

Go To Tutorial for Characters

This does not work for Mac users. To use characters with a Mac,

Click Apple Icon in upper Left corner
Click System Preferences
Click Input Sources
Choose "Show Character Palette

Enjoy!

Race For the Cure 2011

2011-10-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

Today was a big day.....that started at 6:30am....and that was when we LEFT the house, which meant on a SATURDAY we were up at 5:30. AM. Yes, my friends, you read that right. We. :)

It was 40 degrees at our destination...and we met up with Andy's coworkers, as his company had paid everyone's entrance fee.

We had to go so early to get decent parking, but the race didn't actually start until 8am. We had 2 choices....1K or 5k....so....I said let's go for it. Last year, Andy did the 1K by himself (I was still reclined and unable to do such things....)..

Layers are your friend!

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 38....it was a shock to all of us. She was very lucky....had surgery but did not need chemotherapy or radiation. 26 years later, she is still cancer-free! Praise God! We walked today in celebration of her life and for all breast cancer survivors!

We had a great time...even if we were freezing. Afterwards, we checked out the appliance vendor for upgrading the new house...along with other errands. Fun day!

Did you participate in the race in your area?

A Day in My Life

2011-10-28T11:20:00.000-05:00

On the subject of building the house and being married to a detail guy....thought I'd share what happened yesterday....

Hubby wanted to run back by the builder spec of the floor plan we are building....and frankly, you'd think we live there already. Anyhoo...he disappears in to the attic to "check something". (We are truthfully stalking all the new builds our company has going on....we've been asked by neighbors if we are the homeowners.....ummm.....no......just one of us has to watch the building process one board at a time.......)

Turns out:

He noticed the copper tubing coming looked too small...so he had gone on to research and found out that in fact, the contractor DID use the wrong size tubing on that home. He will now alert my builder (boss) to this mistake and make sure it doesn't happen to our home. (May be an honest mistake....who knows...but the future homeowner will likely have issues with the air conditioner if that isn't corrected.)

And the shocker of the evening:

I am the visual one....it's widely known if something needs to be explained to me, SHOW it to me. Don't just verbally explain it....draw it, show it, have a video? lol

So, hubs has been wanting to put the home theater type sound in the Hearth room and I kept saying it seemed too small....we'd be right up on the TV and shouldn't we put it in the living room?

He just seemed to ignore this.

So last night, we moved the spec home's couch exactly where he'd put our couch and guess what he said?

"Oh, wow...this is too close!"

Am I in the twilight zone? MY husband had to be shown something visually? lol We had a good chuckle but finally did make a decision on where to put the home theater wiring. Yay!

See, I have always been very obvious with my "high standard" ways.....and hubs just sat back and APPEARED easy going.....but only those who live with him or know him well KNOW he rivals me in high standards....just different topics. lol One of sons told me recently, "Mom, you have ruined me....I can't handle incompetence at work...it's like I'm a freak". Seems like I heard something similar from my best friend a few years ago...LOL. Everyone just just do their best....just sayin'.....

And to think our company has clients who just walk in, sign a contract for a certain home plan, and then smile when it is done. :)

Are you more visual or more detailed? Or both?

I Love My Job!

2011-10-22T23:48:00.000-05:00

I love people.

I have a connection...an intuition....

I love when I matter...when my job makes a difference.

I've been this way since my first job....at the Corn Dog....yes....I wore those short shorts and strange hat.. Just not a lot of ways to perfect frying a corn dog. lol (I made darn good lemonade, though!) And anyone remember Corn Cheese??? Fried cheddar cheese on a stick........oh my.

Closest picture I could find...I am talking early 1980's here....but cheese on a stick, dipped in batter and fried like a corn dog.......add mustard...YUM!
Image Credit

Whether frying food or working with folks making the biggest financial decision of their lives, I bring my best self...my best intention... I don't know how to do anything less... really wish more folks in sales had this attitude...maybe we'd have a better reputation, huh?

In real estate, I thrived. Could work as hard as I wanted, set my own hours....and have missed most of it. Especially working with families.. Never dreamed I'd be working exclusively for a builder.

When one of our lenders came to our sales meeting last week and knocked my socks off, I was energized for days.....so excited to be partnered with that level of excellence. Andy just sat at lunch listening to my excited jabbering...lol. He LOVES seeing this joy in me. Some days, he just looks at me....lacking words....speechless that his wife went from "then" to now. Who could have ever guessed?

When this job literally dropped out of the sky, I knew it was an answer to prayer and affirmations.

I had no idea HOW perfect it was going to be.

Everything I love....wrapped in to one job...

People

Excitement

Amazing product

Connections with others.

On days like this, I come home SO energized...It isn't about the homes or the money...it is about the people....

I would ask "How did I get this lucky?" but I know the answer.

Faith.

"I have a wonderful work in a wonderful way.

I give wonderful service for wonderful pay."

Say it.

Mean it.

Believe it.

Then Enjoy!

Joy is contagious.....

Do you love what you do? Are you filled with joy?

Home Building and Humor..

2011-10-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

First, where have I been? Getting ready to build a house. ARGH!!! With an engineer. That's just about enough said, huh. And building with my new employer...so that's been interesting.....

We finally picked the house plan.....then...the tweaks/changes/additions started. We're 3 meetings in and up to items totaling 60+. Detailed folks are SO fun......

Here is the plan we chose BUT there are several huge changes...one of which is a side load garage (required by our new neighborhood but no problem with our 3/4 acre lot)....and hubs cannot handle that dormer over the garage, so an entire new elevation has been designed for him....bumping out the garage and adding a gable...

Westin Homes

We are gathering the estimates and will then decide just what we are going to add....so far, almost everything.

Things like:

Full granite backsplash
Under cabinet lighting
Exterior lighting under the eaves
Lights in all closets
Choosing a different mantel than standard
Choosing a different front door glass insert

I could go on and on and on.....60+ times...... We WILL have a fabulous house when it gets done...

Anyhoo...I am WORN OUT and we're not even done yet. As soon as we get this stuff figured out, I then have to pick color selections - which hubs says I have FULL control....I am putting this in writing so he remembers that! I have been SO good....really....being in the middle isn't fun (an employee and a client???)....I've tried to stay mostly out of it...

Here are photos of our new street:

But I will have an opinion on colors....from brick to roof to wall colors to tile to hardwood... Thankfully, we agree on everything so far. Wonder if that will continue. lol

Meanwhile, after I washed my hair tonight (after our walk at the park), I couldn't get my slipper on fully. I walked all the way to the living room, trying to force my foot in that slipper. It didn't work.

As I got to the couch, I supported myself so I wouldn't fall over (balance issues with the nerve damage) and pulled my slipper off.

Guess why my foot wouldn't go in?

A hair clip was in my slipper!!!!!!!!!

Can we say "Numb feet"?

Andy about fell over dying laughing. It was funny, but then it wasn't too. Kinda sad. Bet he'd feel a large plastic hair clip in his slipper!

I needed some levity tonight....so had to share. lol

Anyone else build a house and have great advice other than "stay out of it"?

Lip Plumper Gloss - Wow

2011-10-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

I will admit that I have never believed the "lip plumping" products...thought it was a gimmick. However, while watching a video from LovePeaceandLipGloss on You Tube the other day, she raved about the Physician's Formula Plump Potion lip gloss, ($8.95 at this link) and that it was at Tuesday Morning right now for $3.99 ($11.99 at drug stores....).

We were out running errands and I looked for this at our local store and they had one shade - Berry Potion. I purchased it thinking it was pretty even if it didn't officially "work" to plump my lips.

My first impression was surprise at the mild stinging on my lips....like when lips are numb after going to the dentist. After about 15 minutes, I felt my lips were actually "fatter", so I looked in the mirror. I was SHOCKED. So was my husband, although he was now scared to kiss me as he did not want his lips stinging. lol

Here is a photo I took to show you:

This looks really pink, but yesterday I put it over a more neutral lip stick and it looked entirely different....more neutral.

I am in love with this gloss!!

My coworker just told me today that she ran out and bought it as well and her lips looked FABULOUS when I saw her today. She is going out to another Tuesday Morning to see if they have additional colors.

Enjoy!

Gelish Nails

2011-09-30T10:00:00.004-05:00

I've had my nails done in the past...my own nails are weak and never get long before splitting. But with my fast-paced "style", I am hard on the nail tips and am having to get them repaired every few days, it seems.

One day while getting a pedicure last month, I saw a customer getting what was called "Gelish - Soak Off Nail Polish" nails and she seemed uber impressed. I made a note and thought if I got serious with work, I'd try them.

Source

Just this week, while pointing out floor plans and information to customers, I wished my nails looked professional. At my next pedicure, I asked about this "Gelish" nail procedure.

I LOVE THEM!!! It is a thickish product that gets spread on your nails repeatedly, nails "set" in the UV machine and then voila' - your nails are dry the SECOND they are done. No drying time, no waiting, no going over to the "dry the wet nails" section.

And, no "tips" - the product goes over your personal nail. Long or short. As you can see, mine are short, but I took a side picture to show you how natural it looks overall.

I asked for the French manicure, but most options are one color and it would have gone faster. Check out the info online and then ask your local salon if they offer it. These last up to 3 weeks and you just get them redone - no "filling".

Anyone else tried the Gelish nails too?

Clarification: There are 2 different products - Gel Nails and "Gelish" Nails. With "Gelish" nails, there is no sanding, the product is soaked off and reapplied. I read online some salons do lightly sand off the top of the product before soaking off the product, but mine does not. Ask your local salon if they offer or can get "Gelish" brand products. After one week, my nails look brand new and I am tough on my hands.

Great new mascara!

2011-09-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

I've been looking for a new mascara for a while but wouldn't spend the extra money to get ones I had read about. When I noticed that even at Wally world and Walgreens mascara was running up to $12, I thought I'd give this new one a try.

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara

I had to write and let you know - this is worth trying. WOW. Even my husband noticed!

Anyone else try this yet? Any mascaras you love?

Phyto Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm!

2011-09-27T10:00:00.002-05:00

Stop the presses!!

A few weeks, I saw a video by Sardun on You Tube about a new product she had tried - Phyto Hair Relaxing Balm. Her hair looked beautiful and shiny and I HAD to try this product. My hair is unruly and unbehaved unless I really work with it. If I let it dry untouched, it is frizzy and wild. Before this product, I spent forever blow drying, the flat ironing, then curling if I wanted the look I now get with this product. I love the body my waves give me, but my arms get tired! lol

The directions say that with repeated use, the results get better and better. I've used it 3 times and I've already noticed continued improvement - not just with each use, but each time getting easier and less to do.

Here is a photo of my hair wet (from last year):

My hair is longer now and it really takes forever.....

So now, check this out (and this is AFTER a long day.....probably 7 hours from shower and style):

This is such an improvement and the key? Very little work. I get out of the shower, put some Phyto Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm in my hand, put it through my hair, use a wide tooth comb through my hair, then do it again. Blow drying is then a breeze! My hair is now silky smooth and so easy to manage. I run my fingers through it all the time!

I am telling everyone I know about this... I purchased mine at Sephora directly, thinking it would be easier to return if it did not work for me. I was thrilled when it did. More time in my life now!

Let me know if you try it and how it works for you!

100% Pure

2011-09-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

When I saw the 100% Pure company, I knew I had to check it out. I'm always trying to watch what I put on my skin and this company really stands out regarding ingredients. Their products state:

Truly 100% Pure - naver any harsh detergents, synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances or any other toxins.

I had a coupon and combined with a major sale, I ordered 3 products:

First, I wanted to try this silicone-free primer:

Luminous Primer - Vitamins + Antioxidants with Resveratrol

I've used this 2 days so far and LOVE it....so happy with it.

The sale I ran across was on all their Grape Cabernet products and I ordered the hand cream. The minute I put it to my nose, I thought...Oh no, Koolaid.

Cabernet Grape Nourishing Hand Cream

I put it on and Andy noticed right away....and kept coming close. I was waiting for the complaints.....and instead, he told me he LOVED the smell.

Last night, I said, "I am shocked smelling like Koolaid is such a good thing" and he exclaimed "THAT's what it is...I've been trying to figure it out!"

Despite the odd scent, this stuff is crazy amazing.....they have quite a few other scents to choose from, too.

And finally, I got a sample of:

Red Wine Resveratrol Nourishing Cream

(Smaller container in photo above.)

You guys, my skin feels amazing....really recommend this.

One of these days, I want to try their fruit-pigmented makeup.

Have you tried any of their products?

What to say after a miscarriage...

2011-09-18T14:20:00.000-05:00

With the rates of infertility and miscarriage seemingly rising, it is often difficult to know what to say or not to say.....

Source

When we lost our third pregnancy to miscarriage, it was completely unexpected as we had had 2 fairly uneventful successful pregnancies prior. (Holt almost miscarried but ended up fine.)

When we then lost our next 2 (3 out of 5 pregnancies, one being twins), I was beyond devastated and Andy had to be the strong one. The girl who "never is seen without a smile" suddenly was in a deep spiral.... He was the public support...answering questions but comforting me at home. I holed up in the house because every time I left and went somewhere, namely church....someone would inevitably bring it up and cause a torrent of tears again. I might have just gone one day without crying and here it came again.

There were things folks said that were NOT appreciated. This post is about what TO say...

I found this article this morning and liked it -

4 Right Things to Say after a Miscarriage

Even if you've never experienced a miscarriage or pregnancy loss, you know that the minute you found out you were expecting, you got excited most likely, started dreaming of if it was a boy or girl, what he/she would look like....Even pregnancies that end 2 weeks later have lots of dreams attached.

I remember being in a holding pattern until the due date of the particular pregnancy...until then, I would notice all pregnant women and be sad. I was supposed to be that pregnant.

Once the due date passed, a calm came over me. I was finally OK....pregnant women didn't trigger tears. I recommend being sensitive to the due date and it would have touched me greatly if a close friend had said, "I'm thinking of you today". So often, folks will ignore and act like nothing happened rather than acknowledge the loss.

We will see our 4 babies in Heaven one day and it gives us hope. Especially knowing at least one of them is another boy (had testing to see if docs could figure out why we were having recurrent losses), it warms my heart. I AM a boy mom!

Many gentle ( ( HUGS ) ) to those of you who have personally experienced the loss of a pregnancy or child. Sometimes only those who have been there truly will ever understand.

Shades of Purple

2011-09-17T20:55:00.002-05:00

My favorite color, hands down, is purple. Eggplant, lavender, especially brown based purple....bring all purple to my party! Being the only girl at my house doesn't allow for much purple to be here, but I did bring that color into my Christmas decor...yay!

Today at The Foundary, a free online boutique store with primarily household goods, had a sale called "Shades of Purple".

Here are 3 items they had:

OH MY!!!!! Doesn't this look luscious? Wonder if it feels as soft on your feet as it looks like it would? For a mere $800 for a 5X8 or $1800 for 8X11 (COUGH COUGH)...regularly $3149... this could be yours! Just dreaming over here....

Lavender anyone....

And then this eggplant headboard caught my eye:

$295 for a King size...thought that was quite reasonable, relatively speaking.....

Anyhoo...if you've never heard of "The Foundary" and would like to check it out, click HERE. It is the usual email a day, showing what they are offering - delete if uninterested. Joining is free and some great sales come around. I've never purchased anything from this site, but love dreaming, getting ideas and planning decor at our new home (one of these days).

Today, they have faux fur blankets/items, canning tools, jewelry armoires, kids rugs, picture frames and more....

In other news, today was my first full day as a sales consultant. After a very slow start, I was slammed with several couples in a short period time. After gathering my thoughts and collecting all notes in one place, I realized - I LOVE helping people. I truly truly do. I wish you could have seen those eyes just light up when I was able to specifically help answer questions....our homes sell themselves. All I have to do is be helpful....

I feel very blessed to have had this job drop in my lap. Last night, I almost passed out...before 10pm, I told Andy I had to go to bed. And in minutes, he said I looked frozen, out like a light. I was TIRED! Even though my body is trying to decide what just happened to it, my heart and mind are very full....

Hope you had a great week/Saturday!

Scented Dryer Sheets = Toxic Air?

2011-09-12T16:44:00.000-05:00

My husband and oldest son are asthmatic and allergic to the environment at large and there are things that we noticed cause immediate issues:

Scented ANYTHING.

This means no cologne, no perfume, no scented laundry, fabric softener or dryer sheets, no air fresheners, no carpet potpourri, no candles, no scented "thingys" hanging in the car.......NO FEBREEZE sprayed all over furniture and rooms!!!!!

We are looking for a house as we speak and when we walk in a house that someone Febreezed all over or sprayed air freshener....we LEAVE. In SECONDS.

DO NOT DO THAT TO YOUR HOMES if you want to sell it! If you just have a "scent", put some cinnamon on a cookie sheet in your oven with the door cracked at 250 degrees...will smell like cookies from grandma.

When I eliminated scented laundry products, my husband had an immediate and noticeable improvement in his respiratory health. As a result of that, we take our OWN unscented laundry products with us when traveling and also have purchased such products and have left them at our extended family and have asked them to use those ONLY when helping with our laundry during trips. Because we live a scent-free life as much as possible, even a short trip WITH scents can cause health issues and literal headaches.

So today when I saw this study, I felt validated yet more worried than ever. I knew scents trigger asthma and some behavior issues, but cancer-causing substances?

Study Shows Scented Dryer Sheets Emit Cancer-Causing Substances

If this topic fascinates you as it did me, please find and read:

Is This Your Child - Discovering and Treating Unrecognized Allergies by Dr. Doris Rapp

Do scents bother your family?

Pain Relief Summit

2011-09-09T21:16:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned HERE, my pain lifted in June, 2011 after 6 long years. 3 lumbar surgeries, multiple attempts at other healing modalities and severe nerve damage later (What happened to me?), I thought there was no hope.

When I saw that this Pain Free Summit was being offered for free, I had to share it. The woman that wrote the book that triggered my healing, Rue Anne Hass, is a speaker at this summit among many others.

2011 Pain Free Summit
Starts October 3rd.

If you are in pain of any kind, please check this out. Suspend your worries..suspend your disbelief. As one guy says, if we can be traumatized in 30 seconds, why can't we be healed quickly? It doesn't have to make sense.

My story doesn't make "sense".

But it is real.

You have nothing to lose from this free seminar - and everything to gain.

My pain was REAL.

Your pain is REAL.

But it can get better, despite how long it has been here, how much worse it has gotten, how dismal it all seems.

I wish you much pain relief and healing.

"I am nourished by the spirit within.

Every cell of my body is filled with light.

I give thanks for radiant health and endless happiness."

Affirmation Thursday - Just Got Promoted!

2011-09-08T11:37:00.001-05:00

"My supply is endless, inexhaustible and immediate and comes to me under grace in perfect ways."

My first week of work (only 2 days!) was rougher on me than I expected...I hit the shower and my recliner and stayed there when I got home. lol

One of our "Silver" package homes - "Signature" adds even more amenities.

Other "Silver" spec home...

On day 3, my boss mentioned they had decided to go ahead and build a model across town to put me there as a salesperson, in 4-5 months. I didn't know how I felt. Full-time??

Then this week, I did fine....my body adjusted. I was vacuuming the specs, going up and down stairs like a pro - and started to imagine working full-time....

Walk-Through Shower standard in our homes, if desired.

Right now, I'm a hostess for the builder - greeting folks who visit and if they are interested, the current sales person contacts them and goes from there.

Well, my inner real estate agent has been chomping at the bit and frankly WAY more information to these visitors than I'm technically supposed to be doing.

I just can't find my inner "hostess". lol

On work day 2, we were hosting our first Realtor open house (I was in one of the available spec homes) and as agents walked in, I would greet them with a firm handshake, a big smile and say, "Welcome to *** homes, this is our **** model......" and one lady said,

"Hi, I'm Beth. The owner's wife." Her husband, the owner, was right behind her. I'd never met them...only seen his picture online...

They then stood by and watched me interact/educate/answer questions to 8 other agents (being a licensed agent made that easy...) but nothing like a little pressure...on day TWO.

So this morning, my boss (the owner's brother-in-law, Beth's brother) called and offered me the same great hourly pay PLUS commission when I sell...I don't have to pass my customers off to the other gal.

No more hostessing for me!!!! I am SO excited!!!

And this also means it is still a part-time job until that other model gets built, perfect timing.

Just PERFECT!

"I have a wonderful work in a wonderful way. I give wonderful service for wonderful pay."

I have chills!!!!!!!!!!!

What blessings did you have this week?

There is a God!

2011-09-02T11:29:00.001-05:00

My sister emailed me yesterday with the declaration - There IS a God! - with details and photos of her son's unfortunate wreck this week. All 3 teenagers (driver and 2 passengers) walked away with very little injury. Police said if one of them had been in the jump seat, he/she would be dead. The truck fishtailed and rolled......it is a miracle everyone is OK. Unfamiliar curvy roads can be dangerous!

"I am safe and protected by God

in every situation."

I am praising God for the safety of all involved!!

These photos just give me chills. So thankful everyone is OK.

Affirmation Thursday - Are you a "Good Girl"?

2011-09-01T14:56:00.002-05:00

"I banish the past and now live in the wonderful now, where happy surprises come to me each day."

Have you seen this video? Today, Emily P. Freeman's book, "Grace for the Good Girl - Letting Go of the Try-hard Life" is released. (She is "Chatting at the Sky" in the blog world.)

I have not read this book nor been paid to write about it.

But I am a good girl.

As I was forced to recline and be still (story HERE), I had no choice but to face WHO I WAS without the activity I used to mask my insecurity and fear of failure.

Frankly, I had been

a human DOING

rather than

a human BEING.

How many of us are truly OK with ourselves

when we are stripped of everything besides stillness?

I related to a little bit of each woman on this video.....from my past. The "pre-injury" Cheri.

What people SAW was an over-achieving perfectionist. That behavior masked a girl trying to outrun her fear of failure.

I am good.

I am enough.

I am loved. Period! No qualifications!

I thank God for the opportunity to learn this lesson, and others.

I'll be getting this book.

Read the first chapter HERE. You won't be the same after.

Are you a "Good Girl"? If not, I'm sure you know one. And if so, read that first chapter to being to understand her. You will be glad you did.

Birthday Dinner

2011-08-29T17:01:00.000-05:00

Our youngest turned 19 a few weeks ago and I realized I forgot to post the "Birthday Dinner Photo". This is about the only time we get Holt to agree to go anywhere with us - promise him a Red Lobster dinner. lol

19th Birthday

Sorry for the quality - took this with my iPhone and the lighting was not great where we were seated. I don't get retakes....it just is what it is. lol (Their smiles do not represent how they really felt at the moment being asked to pose. lol)

Here is last year's photo -

18th Birthday

Same restaurant. lol He got an inch taller this year at least....wonder if he is done growing. 6'1 and counting.....

Ryan, 22, is looking for a job and may have found one...crossing fingers!

In other news, work is going well (ended up working 4 days last week instead of 2) and we are house hunting. I'm surprised at how mentally worn out I am...thought I'd be more physically tired than I am. I'll adjust, though. Loving being back out in the world!

Oh....today I was organizing my sock drawer and guess what I found? The shirt I got Andy for Father's Day! I clearly found a really good hiding place. Ha! Hope he likes his belated present!

Do you ever do things like that? Makes me want to go organize some more and see what I might find. lol

Remembering Sammy

2011-08-26T08:19:00.001-05:00

My best friend had to put her sweet Sammy down yesterday after a long struggle with diabetes and other health issues. She welcomed Sammy in to her home a few months prior to our Sweety coming in to ours. In fact, Amy and Sammy are exactly WHY we got Sweety......

Here are some photos from back in the day (2002 or 2003) when we lived in Iowa and they were newer pups:

Sammy is on the left - the cute white Bichon. Sweety is the black Pekingese.

Sammy was a great dog.....loved Amy to pieces. He will be deeply missed.

Love you, Amy. ( ( HUGS ) )