Miscellany Monday

one. license to drive

Sweet Bean's got a new ride, thanks to a Sunday trip to Toys R' Us and one unnecessary, but still greatly appreciated, monetary donation from Gammie. Needless to say, Gillian Grace's new Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is a hit!

On another note---How long does it take and engineer and accountant to put together a children's toy?

Answer: So long, that a 20 month old felt it was time to lend a hand.

two. it's how we ROLL

Just as darkness began to fall yesterday evening, Bret came to me with an idea for playing a practical joke on our friends (and neighbors) who also happen to be some of the biggest Alabama fans around. Apparently their car, with vacant front license plate, was just screaming for a little team spirit!

We've got spirit, yes we do!
Now, thanks to us, they do too!

three. it's springtime

Saturday we ventured across the bay for an arts and crafts festival. Not only was the event jam packed with people, great for the local economy, but it was hotter than blue blazes. Of course this was the day I chose to sport my fully lined Lilly dress and wear my hair down and straightened! Ummmm, miserably uncomfortable party of 1, your table is now ready!!

Despite feeling as though I was going to spontaneously combust at any moment, the heat didn't seem to bother Sweet Bean one bit as she thoroughly enjoyed herself. When we took a respite from the sun underneath a shady shop overhang, Gillian Grace once again became the center of attention as she moved and grooved to the nearby tunes of the jazz band.

four. sweet bean

The name Sweet Bean is a familiar one, to family and loyal readers of this here bliggity blog. And now, I'm pleased to share that sweet bean is now the name of my new design company. My design shop, complete with new name and products is finally up and running! If you're in need of a design, whether it be stationery for a special occasion or a new look for your blog, I'd be glad to help! Just like my little Sweet Bean (and the inspiration behind the name), I hope you'll find my designs simply sweet!

five. yadda yadda yadda

It's Monday and the first week without The Bachelor. What will you watch instead tonight?

Is your team in the NCAA tourney? Who are you cheering for during March Madness? Go Gators!

I hope that your week is off to a wonderful start! Make it a great one, y'all!

Miscellany Monday

With nearly two months passing since my last Miscellany Monday post, I'm thinking today is as good a day as any to join in a little first of the week randomness. After all, life around here has been nothing if not completely random lately!

c is for

{one} C is for congratulations and Cool Gal, the winner of the fabulous February giveaway sponsored by Kara Compliment. Yay!

spring fever

{two} The absolutely gorgeous weather we've been experiencing here along the Gulf Coast this past week has me giddy with anticipation for Spring. With my shorts and flouncy sundresses itching to make their season debut, I came to the realization that my heart and mind may be ready for warmer days, but my body is screaming saying something different. So it's time for me to kick it up a notch, work out a little harder, run a little further, and reach for those carrots instead of cheesepuffs! And until the day comes (hopefully in the not so distant future) when I can look in the mirror without cringing, these Casper-like legs of mine will not see the light of day!

But my toes, well that's another story! Even a desperate need for a pedicure, can't keep me from settin' these piggies free!

one fish, two fish

{three} Sweet Bean loves animals, as most children do. She likes nothing more than to play with the neighbor's dog or to spot a kitty cat romping through the bushes at the end of the street. Lately, GG has become so enamored with Dorothy, Elmo's pet goldfish, that she apparently decided it was time that she have one (or ten) of her very own.  How did Gillian Grace's first pet come to be, you may ask? With a bottle of water and a snack cup full of goldfish crackers of course!

Bean's got great taste in pets, quite literally!

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hot, hot, hot

{four} Unless you've actually witnessed this phenomenon first-hand you may think I'm fibbing. But in the microwave, a jalapeno with light up just like a sparkler on the Fourth of July! Though I've known this to be true for quite sometime,  I was reminded just the other day after popping a slice of pizza smothered in jalapenos in the microwave to reheat.  Any idea why this happens? Or is it just destined to remain right up there with Lindsay Lohan's mental state and Lady Gaga's true identity as one of life's great mysteries?

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here we go again

{five} If you've read my blog for a while, you'll remember a post several months back when I admitted to being addicted to Diet Coke. And while I was able to kick the habit and go completely Diet Coke free, unfortunately I swapped one bad habit for one that is actually worse--regular Coke. My reason for giving up Diet Coke was simple, I did not like the controversy and uncertainty centered around artificial sweeteners. But loving the fizz and the taste of soda like I do, I decided to just treat myself to a regular Coke every now and again when we went out. The problem--- I'm out all the time! Like a junkie looking for her next fix, I began looking for reasons to run here and there just so I could purchase a soda. Well enough is enough! And clearly, since moderation doesn't work for me, I'm going cold turkey beginning today. Not only will giving up soda mean a healthier me, but it will also help me to be a better example to Gillian Grace. Lawdy knows I don't want her craving that sugary crack juice like her Momma! Wish me luck, friends!

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bloggy encounter

{six} Late Friday evening, after Sweet Bean's marathon nap and a day spent at Gammie and Grandad's, we headed out to a local diner for a quick bite to eat. As I sat down, I noticed a lovely family seated at the booth just behind us, and after a couple quick glimpses while setting up all of Bean's dining-out paraphernalia, I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew them from somewhere. After a while it hit me---we follow each other's blogs!  Soon thereafter, we were both able to catch one another's eye and introduce ourselves, our other better halves, and tiny tots! It was so fun to meet Jennifer from The White House in person, and for Sweet Bean to meet her adorable daughter. I see many playdates in our future! Just wish I would've thought to take a picture!

sale-a-brate good times, come on

{seven} With the best of intentions to have it posted soon, I'm working on putting together my first blog sale. While I don't have frocks that would make Rachel Zoe stop and take notice, I will have several new and gently worn garments for sale at very reasonable prices! {Shhh, just don't tell my husband!} And there may or may not be one fancy schmancy handbag in the mix! Who's to say?  You'll just have to check it out for yourself!

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winner winner chicken dinner

{eight} Joni and I are super excited to announce the winners of our first-ever Valentine's Day photo contest!

Make it a great one, y'all!

Monday Musings

We all have them---those no-good, very bad, horrible, why did I even get out of bed, days.

And, Saturday was mine.

Between ripping a hole in the knee of my favorite jeans, struggling to get anything accomplished, cleaning up after a ridiculously ginormous blowout during naptime, and the downstairs furnace going completely kaput, Saturday just wasn't my day.

And after the serviceman's estimate of an $800 replacement part or a completely new unit to the tune of a couple grand, I was just about to settle in for a good ol' fashioned pity party for one, when Bret shared news of a call that quickly gave me a change of heart. On his way out to the truck, our serviceman received a call about the stroke of his 96 year old grandmother, followed by the devastating news that she was not expected to live through the weekend.

Jeans can be stitched. Chores can be tackled another day. Blowouts will be cleaned and soon forgotten. Even a worn out furnace can be given new life with a few parts and a little attention.

I suppose that even in the most perceived of rough patches, there's a lesson to be learned. God works in mysterious ways and Saturday night He placed Repairman Carlos in my path to remind me just how blessed I am, ripped jeans and all.

Not only did Carlos leave me with a working furnace, but a fresh perspective as well.

Life is fleeting, and irreplaceable. Let go of life's little inconveniences and focus instead on the bigger picture.

'Tis the Season...to be grateful!

Hallelujah, indeed!


{Don't forget tomorrow's Home Tour Tuesday topic: All Wrapped Up---Show us how you wrap and share a favorite gift you've received as well as one you've given. And this is your FINAL chance to enter all three giveaways! Head to my sidebar to find out more!}

Miscellany Monday

target tunes

{one} Target hit the bullseye when it comes to attracting an audience with catchy and memorable holiday commercials. In our home, these commercials are a ginormous hit, not just with me but with Sweet Bean and the Hubs as well! So I was jazzed to learn that all the music featured in Target's commercials this season are downloadable from the Target site. And the best part is, they're free! Just another reason, I love this store!

Want to check out the playlist? Click here!


say what?

{two} Sometimes you get more than you bargained for when you accidentally overhear a conversation between strangers. And today's conversation between a man and the deli worker not only made us giggle, but showed us that apparently stupid is contagious!

The conversation went a little something like this...

Man: Yes, what kind of lettuce is that?

Deli Ditz: Um, green??!!

Man (to nearby wife): Honey, she said it's green lettuce!

Wife: Oh, okay! Sounds good!

Better get Anderson Cooper and CNN on the phone, folks! The Deli Ditz and Mr. Gullible just broke the biggest news story ever to hit aisle 13---Lettuce is green! Who knew?

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isn't it ironic?

{three} While in the car today, I got a call from a reoccurring random number. Since it's not the first time this number has registered on my cell phone caller ID I answered it hoping to put an end to these numerous misdirected calls. On the other end was Edward from the National Highway Safety Board with a survey for me to complete on traffic safety.

Three words for Eddie, "I am driving!" Click...


say cheese

{four} There is a face that goes with that adorable little monogrammed tushy from Friday's post, and all my regular readers know it well! Gillian Grace is definitely no stranger to the camera and has grown to love having her picture taken (most of the time, anyway). Now and then she'll even up the ante with a little cheesiness, goofy enough to make us all stop and smile.

{Like Sweet Bean's shirt? Mom and I made it---yay! More on the shirt later...}

making a list, checking it twice

{five} Done. Finito. Accomplished. Closed. Wrapped Up. How many ways can I say it?  It may haven taken me until two in the morning Saturday, but I can finally mark Christmas cards off of my to do list. Halle-freakin'-lu-jah! And just because I don't want to spoil the surprise for many of my bloggy friends and family that'll be receiving our card in the mail, for now all you get is a tiny peek!

(Designed by yours truly at Persnickety Pages {& More}! Need a last minute Christmas card yourself? Let me know, I'll be happy to help. Click here to visit my design blog.)

housekeeping

{six} I've extended the Stella & Dot and Friedasophie jewelry giveaways (click on logos to enter) though Wednesday. Check back tomorrow for this week's newest giveaway from LOL Designs and don't forget to join Daphne and me for Home Tour Tuesday. Tomorrow's theme: Trim the Tree---Share 3 to 5 of your favorite Christmas ornaments, plus the story behind what makes them special. Get those posts ready!

an early gift

{seven} Christmas came early for my Florida Gators! Santa gifted the Gator Nation a young and energetic new Head Coach this year! A big Gator welcome to Will Muschamp, formerly from Texas. I hope this works out, since I'm pretty sure Mr. Muschamp didn't come with a return policy!

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Have a terrific Monday, friends! See you back here tomorrow! With less than two weeks before Christmas, are you done with everything?

Miscellany Monday

shoppy what?

{one} Calling all bloggers and Internet savvy friends, what in tarnation is Shoppy Bag? I've gotten numerous emails from familiar names inviting me to preview a friend's shopping bag! Am I missing out?


it's over...

{two} It's been tough to watch my Gators this year and though I never thought I'd say this, I'm pleased to see this football season come to a close. With no big games left and certainly no hopes of attending any BCS Bowl, it seems the Gators, after a downward spiraling season, may just be destined for the Toilet Bowl. Maybe Santa will bring the Gators some game!

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potty humor

{three} As a momma of a 16 month old, I find myself discussing, with great regularity {haha pardon the pun that's about to unfold}, pee and poo! Did she poop today? Can you believe that wet diaper? She had an explosion!---All commonly heard conversation starters around our house. And while I love a little dose of potty humor every once in a while, I couldn't believe my eyes when I came across these two stuffed somethings the other day!

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Seriously? Let's just say I hope to never find pee and poo anywhere but Sweet Bean's diaper, yuck!


cooties

{four} All little girls know, boys have cooties! As we grow up we learn that it's probably not true, and is just a playground urban legend originated by dad's everywhere in a global effort to keep their tiny sweethearts uninterested in the opposite sex as long as possible! But cooties are real---germs are everywhere! And I was appalled to learn that our cell phones are dirtier than toilet seats, according to one ABC news study. This gives new meaning to the phrase, talk dirty to me! Clorox wipes, anyone?!

{Sorry about the unintended reoccurring theme of this week's Miscellany---I promise to refrain from any mention of the word "toilet" in at least the next dozen or so posts! }

something for nothing

{five} Have you seen these two lovelies?

Stella & Dot, chain necklace

Friedasophie, 14k large Lotus earrings

They can be yours, just enter my two fabulous giveaways going on all week from Stella & Dot and Friedasophie Jewelry! {Click here for Stella & Dot giveaway and here for Friedasophie.}


a no go

{six} Between the temps and the wind yesterday, we didn't stay long at Christmas on the Hill, our neighborhood's holiday celebration. Ready for Gillian Grace's first one on one with the Big Guy, imagine our disappointment to learn that Santa's lap was closed for business! That's right, no sitting on Santa's lap this year, Santa's only interaction with his tiny tot fan club was a two minute sleigh ride through the parking lot and even then the kids had to sit with their parents! Humph! So Mr. Mall Santa here we come! Let's hope "kids on lap" is still in your job description!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus...

Say what? No getting on Santa's lap...

But I've been so good!

 

Just a reminder to all friends participating in our Ornament Exchange, be sure to have your ornaments mailed no later than this Wednesday, the 8th!

Swing by tomorrow to join Daphne and me in this week's edition of Home Tour Tuesday. Tomorrow's theme, Deck the Halls---Show us your Holiday/Christmas Decorations, and Holiday recipe share, will kick off several weeks of holiday themes! Get excited, link up, and show us your Christmas spirit!

Have a good Monday and even better week!