Writer's Workshop: Just a Day, Just an Ordinary Day

Writer's Workshop

w/ Mama's Losin' It!

Big thanks to Kat for giving me a reason to make a list. I always appreciate that. Now if I don't accomplish all of the tasks, I have this list staring me in the face at the end of the day to make me feel like a big fat stinkin' failure! You're lucky you're pretty, Kat. ;)

You can buy this print from Here

(I've had this link up the whole time... just thought I'd bring more attention to it! This is not my quote or print! It's pretty popular over on Etsy, so those of you who've commented about you like or interest... go check it out.)

Today I will:

1) Wake up and Pray~ I've been trying really hard to start my day off this way lately.
2) Workout~ Erghh... if someone could do this for me, that'd be great!
3) Feed a family friend's cats~ These cats are freakishly large and spoiled. And they meow to each other when I'm there. I think they're talking about me.
4) Clean my car~ IT'S SO TIME.
5) Get an oil change~ I wouldn't be cleaning my car if I didn't need an oil change.
6) Send the owner of the tea house the menu choices you guys picked for me!~ Thanks!
-Mixed Greens Salad
-Chicken salad, Roasted Turkey, Open face tomato & basil, Egg salad
7) Spend way too long on the phone with someone from Lexmark trying to figure out where the scanner software is so I can scan photos to my computer~ I had to get a new printer & decided to go ahead and get one with a copier & scanner. I managed to scan a picture... but it just printed onto paper. Hrmm, I'm lost.
8) Return 1st printer I bought before I found a better deal on the current new one~ The first one was just a printer. Second one is 3 in 1 and $5 cheaper. Whhhaaat?
9) I really should sew~ I just haven't felt like it the last few days.
10) Ship packages~ Orders & a gift for a friend who is having her little girl, Reese any day now!

The truth is, the list isn't Kat's fault... it's mine. I could have gone a very different route with this post. I could have made it into something beautiful. I just don't have it in me tonight!(I write late at night/early in the morning!) I spent about 2 1/2 hours trying to get the new printer hooked up and communicating with my computer. I was at the point where I felt like throwing the computer across the room & had actually convinced myself it may help, when I finally found the link I needed to download online to make the computer and printer play nice. Amen. Now... figuring out how to scan to my computer! That should be a fun one! If any of you have a Lexmark X2600 and know what I'm talking about, spill the beans and I'll be your BFF! Lucky you, I know. Psh! I will also send you a little surprise in the mail! That's how badly I don't want to talk to the Lexmark people!

Tomorrow is De-funk Your Fashion Friday!

Sooo come back and see the pretties!

I NEED IT... your opinion that is!

The Giveaway is still going... it's right HERE!

Oh, Amen! I found a place to host that shower I was blitching about a while back! It's a tea house & should be perfect! Each bridesmaid will pay $100, which I'm perfectly fine with. This means, not having to do much to prepare & also not having to clean up! PLUS, I'll be able to sit and enjoy the shower with my friends. The only problem I'm having is choosing some items for our menu. I NEED YOUR HELP! I know my personal preference, but I'd love to get insight from everyone else. I'm going to go with whatever the majority of you say!

Choose 1 of these salads:
1)Mandarin orange, Walnuts and Blue Cheese with Raspberry Vinaigrette
2)Cranberry, Pecan, and Feta Cheese with Balsamic Vinaigrette
3)Caesar Salad
4)Mixed Green Salad with Ranch, Italian or Bleu Cheese Dressing

Choose 4 of these sandwiches:
1)Walnut Chicken Salad on Wheat
2)Cucumber with Creamed Pineapple on White
3)Pimento Cheese on Wheat
4)Egg Salad on White
5)Open Faced Strawberry
6)Roasted Turkey with Curried Chutney on Wheat
7)Open Faced Tomato and Basil

Because if I were you I'd be wondering... here is the rest of the menu: veggie tray, fruit & cheese tray, chicken pasta, scones with jam and assorted mini desserts

Alright... now you guys please, PLEASE, please go comment and tell me which salad and 4 sandwiches you would want! You're all invited to the shower via blog of course! I am going to document it and post pics for you guys!

Here's the invitation... cute, huh?

(pssst! It's the same design as my business card! Haha! It was an easy choice b/c her colors are green and white.)

(Yeah, I realize there is no date on here... I fixed it!)

Okay, okay! Go comment! pretty puhhhhleeeassee?

Open your eyes and find yourself

LOOKING FOR THE GIVEAWAY? CLICK HERE

I have moments when I question it ALL. Is that how it's really supposed to be? I question my decisions, I question Boy, I question my morals, I question mankind in general. I hate that. I hate feeling so uncertain. I feel like in the last year that's all life has taught me: That there is very little you can ever be certain about. I don't understand how other people do it. How can you make these life altering decisions and not be scared shitless? Life is hard. I want to be 15 again. OH, to be stupid and naive. That was the life. Who would've thought?

Journaling & A Giveaway!

I realized the other day that it's been a while since I shared some of my journaling with you folks! So here are a few ;)

Dear Journal: Part 1

Dear Journal: Part 2

And here's

Dear Journal: Part 3

Soooo... now I want to give away some journaling materials to YOU!

You heard me! I'm giving away a seriously great(as in, I wish I had this one) black fabric binded journal from hand*book journal co. & 12 brush pens in all kinds of pretty colors from crafts etc!

Oh yeah, I'm giving you a $10 Starbucks giftcard too...

So that you can have an afternoon like this:
Yes, sweet perfection! I recommend a caramel frap. light with no whip(i forgot to say no whip on this particular trip) & a red velvet cupcake!

What's that you say? You're from another planet and don't drink coffee or eat sweets? Don't fret my pet :) I love making people's day with a cupcake from Starbucks! They put them in cute little boxes for safe traveling & I plop a bow on top and bring it to Boy, my Mom, a friend. I love to make people smile :)

All I ask is that once you win, you post some of your journaling to your blog at least once! It can be whatever you want! I will put up a link to your post whenever I do my next journaling post!

*All you have to do is leave a comment!

*Want another entry? Follow!(if you already follow, tell me so!)

*Another?(Sheesh, you really want this stuff.) Blog about it. Tell me so!

The winner will be posted Friday before my De-funk you Fashion post!

Gotta Have That De-Funk

It's time for De-Funk Your Fashion Friii, whoops! I mean Saturday!

(We'll be back to Friday next week!)

Let me explain what De-Funk means, so none of you think that I think you're funky! Haha! Ever been in a fashion funk? Nothing in your closet looks appealing to YOU anymore? Bored?

That's what it's all about! Since I can't physically look into your closet, I will dig deep into your blog and learn all about little ol' you and come up with an outfit according to my findings!

First up to bat today is Bethany from Somethin' to Talk About!

Bethany is a Mother of 3: 2 gorgeous girls here on Earth, and 1 handsome boy waiting for her in heaven. She is a BUSY woman to say the very least! She works, takes care of her husband and girls, directs a non-profit foundation in memory of her son... oh, and she still manages to look like this:Isn't she adorable?
Bethany, much like myself, is apparently in the wedding phase of her life. Friends and family everywhere have decided NOW is the time to get married! Do you know what a pain that is? First of all, present buying drains the bank account. Second, buying clothes to wear to the weddings & showers drains the bank account. Alright... I could go on and on. Let's cut to the chase. Friends and family getting married is expensive for US! So, of course I've put together an outfit on the cheap for Bethany!

I. AM. IN. LOVE. with this top! I swear I started drooling when I found it. It is under $20, can you even believe that? It looks couture! I actually found it when I wasn't specifically looking for Bethany, but when I saw it I knew she could pull it off. After the top, the rest all fell in place. A Damask handbag($10), T strap heels($23) & black bezzle jewelry(each piece is under $6)! Perfect, right? The best part? Since it's so many separate pieces, you can mix them with other things and get endless uses out of them! I've gotta say... I think people may turn their attention from the bride to look at you ;)

Next, I have LeAnna from The Hills!
LeAnna is a workin' girl(not that kind, silly), wife & Mommy to two pups! No real babies yet! Take your time, girl! If you had real babies, you wouldn't be able to go on this fabulous beach vacation with your friends you told me about! LeAnna and her Hubs will celebrate their 2 year wedding anniversary this July :) Look at this sweetness:

(What kind of cake was that, LeAnna? Yum. I'm feeling like a fat kid trip to Starbucks for a cupcake now!) Okay, onto the beach trip! She and hubs are going with a group of friends & she wanted something cute & beachy to wear!

Ahh, isn't this fun? So bright and summery! I started with the yellow polka dot bikini! Makes you wanna sing, doesn't it? Then I found the large canvas tote, which I like because it can work as a beach bag and purse. Flip flops, sunscreen & sunglasses for the beach! The dress and wedges for shopping, dinner or a night out! I love this dress. I want it for myself! You MUST paint your toes red, but I understand if you're scared of the red lip! If this is the case, go to the drugstore and buy Nivea Kiss of Flavor-Cherry! It's the perfect hint of color without freaking out the freaks. These are all affordable picks as well! You can click the pic. to check out where to find these items & prices! Have FUN, LeAnna! Be sure to post beach pics for us so we can all be jealous!

Wanna be De-Funked? Comment "De-funk me!"
I'll add you to the list & let you know when your Friday is coming up! I will even send you the De-funk a day early so that you can post it on your blog(if you so choose) the same day I post it on mine!

Eight

So... since yesterday was so hectic, I didn't get time to put together my De-Funk Your Fashion Friday post. Instead it will go up tomorrow! Angie asked to be pushed back a week(I'll also be doing Kelly, my girl from up the street next week) , so Bethany & LeAnna are up to bat next! Okay, well speaking of Bethany, she tagged me, so here goes!

Eight things I am looking forward to:
1. Spending more time in BR with my best girls
2. The beach with my girls :)
3. Summer movies
4. Wading in the baby pool with the babies
5. Snowballs
6. BBQ
7. Courtney's Wedding
8. Gypsey Road

Eight things I did yesterday:

1. Attended wake/funeral services
2. Spent time with Boy's family
3. Cried
4. Celebrated my step-sister's birthday
5. Took a late night nap
6. Danced with my Monkey Man
7. Fell asleep during Millionaire Matchmaker... twice! I'll never know what happened.
8. Forgot to set up my De-Funk Post!

Eight things I wish I could do:
1. Have a normal sleep pattern.
2. Speak another language without having to try so hard. Lazy much?
3. Win the Lottery.
4. Charity work.
5. Have time for everyone.
6. Write a book.
7. Workout daily & eat better (Wait, you mean I could do this? Shut. Up.)
8. Live happily ever after.

Eight shows I watch on TV: (None regularly... just when I catch them on!)
1. That 70's Show
2. Samantha Who?
3. Gilmore Girls
4. It's Always Sunny...
5. Scrubs
6. Friends
7. 30 Rock
8. Tough Love

Come back tomorrow, Lovies!

I'll be waiting ;)

Prayers

Today, Boy's Grandmother will be layed to rest. I ask that if you're the praying kind, that you send one up for her & the family. She has left behind a loving, supportive husband, and we're all worried how this event is going to wear on his heart.

Be back tomorrow. Today is sure to be tough... I'll need some bloggy love.

While You Were Sleeping...

...people were judging your relationship

I don't know how in the world I came across this. I literally stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and found it kind of interesting.

Apparently, the sleep positions of a couple says a lot about their relationship. I guess I never really thought about it, because I am an "all about comfort" kinda girl.

"Touching buttocks allows for large-surface contact and private connection, but without clinging. Like two circles, separate but overlapping, this position is a perfect definition of interdependence."

They're saying I have a big butt?



"Such casual contact could imply that you or your partner are in two minds about expressing affection, or are intentionally withholding it - maybe after a fight - it may also indicate healthy camaraderie."

"Casual" = Hooker

"It's quite common at "love's blazing beginning", when you're so deeply enamoured that you wish you could "fuse."

That sounds bad. I've never wanted to "fuse" with anyone. Gross.

"This is a variation of the Spoon - the most common position adopted by couples in the first few years of marriage. Comforting and cocoon-like, it's a semi-foetal position with genitals against buttocks to provide maximum physical closeness, though it's not necessarily an erotic position."

Eww...the word genitals CREEPS me out.

They call this one the "Old man/Young woman sleeping style"... I don't get it. They didn't list anything about it.

Considering I personally am apparently sleep position bi-polar, I guess the meanings don't really apply to us all. Do you and your Mister sleep a certain way every night? Maybe it applies to you?!

If you want to read more on sleeping styles, google "couples sleeping positions".

All of these photos were found via google

I sat here for 5 minutes trying to think of a title

I almost just wrote a whole post about Frosted Flakes and how I realized that they put games on the back of cereal boxes because you can't hear the television when you eat cereal. The crunching is too loud. ALMOST. See how close you were to being subjected to that crap? Mmmhmm, you're welcome for coming to my senses.

Martha Stewart is coming on & I've got a hot boy cuddled up against me(fast asleep)... so you see, I've got better things to do right now.

Don't worry... I still love you! I'll be back tomorrow with something worth reading :)

De-Funk Your Fashion Friday: Xazmin

It's that time again! Let's Roll...

Xazmin is a Momma to 4, wife to 1 and friend of many! She's on a quest to lose some lbs, and has promised herself a sweet little gift WHEN she reaches her goal weight! A gift any girly girl would love... SHOES! When I found out this little tid-bit about her, I knew that the outfit I chose for her would revolve around those shoes! In fact... it would be all about the shoes! As if her 'goal shoes' weren't enough to make me love her, she says she's a "Stay at home Mom with grand aspirations of living up to the title of "Homemaker". My dream job, yall! ;)

Xazmin told me she was going to a concert in Vegas in a few months, and wanted me to pick out an outfit for the occasion! I poked around until I found out what concert. She's going to, drumroll please

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!

The moment I read this, flashbacks of my childhood went rushing through my head. Sleeping bags, t-shirts, cassette tapes... "Please don't gooooo giiiiirrrrrlllll!" Haha! Well Xazmin, I hope you like the outfit! I know you are going to have a blast!

o
When I first thought Vegas, I automatically wanted to choose something flashy. Then I remember the shoes. I wanted it to be all about those shoes she's working so hard for! I went with a simple jersey knit flutter sleeve dress(Vegas during the summer-HOT!) with a thick black belt to cinch in that wittled waist! The "Vegas" comes in with the accessories! The zebra clutch, the flashy earrings, the diamond band rings & some hot pink polish to match those perfectly pink reward heels!

Enjoy Xazmin! Scream at Jordan a little bit for me! Wooooooo!

If you want to be De-Funked, leave me a comment saying "De-Funk Me!"

A Tuesday Worth Loving

It feels like spring. April showers and all!

I love:

Jack Johnson

He's light and airy. He makes me wish I was sitting on the beach watching the wind blow by. He makes the sun roof open after months of shielding me from the cold. He makes me smile.

The Boy finally has a Saturday off this week!

I'm not sure if I'm going to end up loving it or not. We rarely see each other... I don't know. It's hard and it sucks and I don't know how it's all gonna go. And by "all", I mean our relationship.

Flip Flops & Pedicures worth showing off

I don't actually wear the classic foam bottom flip flops. I prefer fancy little flip flops with sparkles and such. I'm looking for a pair to wear out this summer... no such luck just yet! And I picked up some bright red polish for my piggies last night! Ooo & navy for my nails ;)

Playing outside with the kiddos

Monkey Man and I spent the entire afternoon outside the other day. It was SO LOVELY! We played on the swing, blew bubbles, side walk chalked the drive & I pushed him around in the wheelbarrow! We were both a MESS at the end of the afternoon. A PERFECT MESS!

Well, I didn't have a picture of Monkey Man and I playing outside... so let's all just look at how cute my niece Squishy Baby is.

All this loveliness almost makes me forget that I am battling a cold. It was winning last night, (WHY do colds get worse at night & better during the day?) but I'm determined to whoop it today!

Hope you have a pretty Tuesday :)

Love & Stuff,

Lacey

I'd Lick That

You know how certain celebs and tv personalities have their certain little catch phrases?

Paris Hilton - "That's Hot."

Rachael Zoe - "I die."

Christian Sirian0 - "That's fierce!"

JJ - "Dyn-0-mite!"

Me? Well, okaaaay...

Lacey - "I'd lick that."

That's right people. I don't know why I say this, really. I don't tend to go around licking things I like, but when refering to how much I like something, it's just what slips out of my mouth. So, without further adieu I present...

::THINGS I WOULD LICK::

----design addition----

Brick Wall! Oh how I love thee, exposed brick. I yearn for you. I ask Boy everytime we're somewhere with exposed brick... "can I have one?" That headboard is actually the same as Boy's current headboard, but his is black.

This just makes me happy! If it doesn't make you happy, something is wrong with you. You should probably have that looked at. (I think I found this at Made By Girl, but don't hold me to it! It's been in my design dream folder for a while. Either way, her blog is so lovely & I'm sure you'll see something you like there!)

I L.O.V.E. this duvet. I hate duvets in general(they never stay where they are supposed to), but this one is gorg. Me likey.

This dresser & I are soulmates. Know what I like about it? I like that it would be SO EASY to upcycle an old plain dresser to look just like this one!

All of these pictures(unless otherwise stated)were found via google. Gotta love google!

What's YOUR catch phrase?

Greetings

I hope everyone has a Blessed Easter!

XOXO,

Lacey

"De-funk Your Fashion" Friday

Today is my first installment of De-funk Your Fashion Friday! It's going to be going down EVERY Friday over here! I should probably explain the concept, right?

1. You're in a fashion funk.
2. You need someone to pull you out.
3. You comment that you want to be de-funked.
4. I de-funk you with a lovely little restyle courtesy of my favorite website Polyvore.

Even if you're not in a funk and you just want to see what I would pick out for you... I'm down with that. I'm not just going to pick out things I like... I'm going to come and read your blog and feel you out a bit! You can even tell me if there is a certain event you want to be styled for! Fun, right? Well, I think so! It'll be great because I'll get a chance to read a bunch of blogs & also play around with fashion a bit!

I will post the De-funk on Friday & send you the link so that you can post it if you want too! You know, see if your readers think it's "you"!

Here's one I did for Summer, who totally DOES NOT need to be re-styled. I'd say it's more INSPIRED by Summer! She's so cute & I feel like she can pull off just about anything. What I love about her style is that she's not afraid to try new things. Oh & she can also layer like no other. I wish I were better at layering! Summer, much like myself, is a lover of boots of all kinds, and I think these boots are AMAZING. Also, that's a simple ribbed tank & a dress to top it off. She could wear the dress where it's meant to be worn , or pull it down to fit like an empire waist skirt topped with a belt.

Sweet Summer writes beautifully over at her blog Le Musings of Moi! Go check her out :)

So, c'mon! Ask and you shall receive!

Unplugged

My computer's power cord went to hell in a handbasket.

What is a hand basket? Who says that?

Anyway, it's shot! I'm waiting for a new one to come in & then I'll be back to normal around these parts. Hope you're all doing well & I'll come and catch up when I'm plugged back in!

Love-Love-Love,

Lacey

Happy to you, Mamare!

Today is my Grandma's 73rd Birthday! We call her Mamare, because she felt she was too young and hip to be "Grandma". She was right. She's a beer drinking, quick tongued, church going, first to help kind of woman.

Doesn't she look GREAT?

I gave her a vintage card I made for her in 1996 that my Uncle found in a box of pictures. It says

"Though you may be growing older, you'll always remain beautiful and sweet!"

I still mean it.

Happy Birthday, Mare! I love you!

Wondering what's up with the title for this post? It's how my sweet Monkey Man sang Happy Birthday to her! "Happy to you, happy to you, happy to you, Mamare!" What a cute little nugget!

Writer's Workshop: Why I did it

I did it because my heart wasn't in it. I couldn't find the passion that I thought would be there... it used to be there. I stepped in feeling sure of myself and then I changed my mind. It happens. A part of me was missing, and I needed to figure out what that was. I did. I could have easily stayed put and lived a seemingly nice life... but life is nothing without passion. I climbed to the top of a mountain and free fell off... I hit the bottom and you just happened to be there. I may have jumped in too soon after I fell from high above. I felt like I was living a lie, so I stepped away. I don't feel brave for doing it, nor do I feel weak. I feel like I did exactly what I was supposed to do, because I feel like I am now exactly where I'm supposed to be. The picture that was painted for me was pretty, but maybe I wasn't meant to be the star of someone else's pretty picture... but my own, interesting picture. Modern art, if you will. I'm thankful that you were a part of my life again, but sad that it had to be in that particular era. You're going to paint someone a beautiful picture.

That's why I did it.

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop