One Word For 2010 - Join Me, Jan 4

Last year, a good friend of mine summed up her goals for 2009 in one word. She got the idea from someone who works with Compassion International. So yeah, I'm not original. BUT, I loved the idea then and I love it now.

So, on Monday January 4, I will talk about my word for 2010 and why I chose that word.  I'd love for you to join me in the comments or post something of your own.  If you want to do that, I can post a Mr. Linky.

Okay, so be thinking of something!
One word. It's harder than you think!
Here is my post from last year if you want a better idea of what I'm talking about. 

Gift Cards are a Gift

I love gift cards.  Not only to give them but I LOVE to receive them.  Over the years, my poor hubby has come to the conclusion that I am a bit picky in the gift department.    Often, unless he knows of something specifically that I want, he will give me gift cards to the mall.

He knows me.
He speaks my language.
Shopping is a gift for me.

I used to do it too much and I've had to rein that in over the years.  So, when he gives me what seems like FREE money to spend however I choose, I promise you, I am childlike.

I do know family members and even friends that seem to be down on the gift card as a gift.  They think they take less thought than finding a very personal gift to give someone.   I can see that point.  I am truly honored when someone thinks of giving me something that I would love but might not have bought for myself.   I feel valued when they listen to something I have expressed wanting, make a mental note and buy it for me for as a gift.

But I also feel valued, honored and loved when I get a gift card to a favorite store or... Starbucks.

Honestly, some people are very good at the buying people the perfect gifts.   Others just struggle.  It's difficult and stressful for them.   My mom hates to shop and often has me go buy my kids gifts just because she can't handle the stress of the stores.

And what do you buy a teenager?  A shirt that won't fit or has the wrong color blue on it?  A CD they already have or won't use because they only know how to download music from iTunes?

• You buy the teens in your Aeropostale, Old Navy, Hollister Co., GameStop or iTunes cards.  You will forever be their favorite relative.
  

• Or the sister or friend who has everything?    Starbucks cards.   iTunes, photo-site gift cards, Hallmark gift cards.  A gift card to a bookstore is always a favorite gift of mine.  Even if the person you know isn't a big reader they usually have music, cookbooks, stationary and cards at bookstores also. 
  

• Really, Starbucks and iTunes or Rhapsody gift cards are great for most people.  These are things people love but seem to cut back on when times are tight.  Like now.  

• The brother and sister-in-law who just bought a house?  Home Depot gift cards - wrap it with a screwdriver or hammer if you want to include something they can hold on to.  I always need a hammer or a screwdriver.  Or one of those little bitty screwdrivers that you need to open every single toy in the world.   Those are awesome to have extra.
  

• New baby in the family? Send the parents a Target gift card tucked in some little cute socks - diapers are a never-ending expense.

So, if you receive a gift card, accept it with great joy - it is a gift after all.  And if you are struggling over what to get someone, think of where they might like to shop or eat during the week - a favorite restuarant, movies, etc. and buy them a gift card there.

I would stick with big name stores when buying gift cards.  You never know when someone will go out of business and don't want your mother in law to be stuck with a gift card she can't spend.  

So, how about you?  Are you a fan of gift cards or not?

Tomorrow - Family Gifts.  I'll share with you gifts that work for an entire family.

Going to Meet Some Women I Met Online

That's what I told my husband as I headed out the door on Saturday night.   Oh, and that most of them I actually had never even chatted with online!  

I've been following Kellie at La Vida Dulce for some time now and was just very excited when she put this little dinner party together!    She is even more lovely than she is online - absolutely real and beautiful!

 Me, Kellie

Even though, I felt a little out of my league, I also had a sense of camaraderie with these women I had yet to meet.    Basically, I was heading to dinner with Blog Rock Stars!  I might be more like a blog folk singer, if anything.  I started to blog for my family and as a hobby.  I'm not really a great writer.  I'm not sure that I am witty and charming to anyone but those who really know me.  I just put what is in my head out there for the world to see!  Or at least a very small corner of the world.

Kellie (La Vida Dulce), June (Bye Bye Pie), Susan (Carpool Queen)

Turns out, they do the same thing.   They were all so warm, gracious and FUNNY!  Oh my, did we laugh.   Mostly because June is just spilling over with wit, charm and funny stories.  I am endeared to her forever.  Can you be endeared to someone?  Or do you just find someone endearing?  Now, I'm all worried about my grammar when obviously, I don't worry about that any other time!  Oh well, I like her a lot for a long time, how about that?     It was such an honor to be among the real life women behind the blogs that I've followed for a long time like Kellie and June.   I recently started reading Carpool Queen and New Every Morning and just can't wait get to know the other women through their blogs, too.  

 (I'm swiping this very organized line up from New Every Morning - thank you)

From left to right: Tracey (NC Brownings), Amy (Bambino Bliss), Rachel (NC Rachel), K2 (Secret Agent/Reader), Heather (Life with the Lords), Kristen (KR & Company), Me, Susan (Carpool Queen), Kellie (La Vida Dulce), Jessica (Chubby Dove), Sandy (Seasoned Sister), June (Bye, Bye Pie), Robin (Chosen) and Gretchen (New Every Morning) - thanks for passing along the awesome picture!

We dined on amazing food and stayed until we could laugh no more, talking all the way out the door.

Imagine that?!?  Bloggers talking all the way out the door! 

Cool Moms and Webcams

This has been a very cool week for me in the technological sense.

Wednesday, I had a meeting with a friend who is creating a really great website, that I can't tell you about yet, but he wants me to be one of many consultants as they wrap up and roll out the project.  Just to look at it and tell him my opinions.  Why?  Because I get social media.   Okay, that was easy. 

Then yesterday, I had the awesome opportunity, thanks to Sarah at Real Life,  to go to my very first blogger mom mixer event.   A special thanks also to  Logitech and BSM Media and Mom Select for sponsoring it. 

So here is what was really awesome about this mixer.

First and foremost, we had a tasty lunch.  Because it is always about the food, isn't it?

Then we got to play with  a very cool webcam by Logitech.

I would love to talk more about this camera here on Dandelion Dayz but because of my agreement with BlogHer ads (the ones in my sidebar) I need to talk about it over on my review blog, Just Dandy Reviews,  Please go and check out the review  AND receive a coupon code AND FREE SHIPPING if you would like to order one for yourself.   

Mostly though, the best part of the mixer was meeting some really cool women.  Women that blog and run websites and use social media - just like me.  Well, not just like me - sooooo much better than me!  Women that are moms, and wives and are trying to juggle life - just like me.

Women like Maria Bailey of  MomTalkRadio who brought us all together in the first place, Molly of Go Mom Inc.,  Sarah of Real Life , Jen at One Mom's World and CarolinaMama were just a few of the women that I met and instantly fell in love with.  Seriously, I feel like I've been friends with Sarah for years.  We could have probably talked for hours.  She is who she is online - real!   

 

Not sure what was happening with my hair yesterday (not good) but isn't Sarah so beautiful?  

She has one megawatt smile!

My favorite part about blogging has always been the community.   Many Most of my friends and family do not understand my blogging and tweeting.  Most barely get past Facebook.   Some even think that social media is replacing face to face contact.  I disagree.  I think that social media has allowed me to make new friends that I would have never met otherwise, re-connect with long lost friends and stay better connected with those I see never get to see on a regular basis.

So, it was good to meet some women that I've only known online.  Many of them local and in some even in my circles of peeps. 

I certainly look forward to more mom mixers and getting to know more bloggers. 

Now, please go check out the webcam review.  You will love it!   Leave me a comment to let me know what you think. 

Home Pedicures

I'm posting about home pedicures over at Chic Critique today - head on over there and check it out. Save money and have pretty toes!

And yes, you can do it - it's easy!

Something You Will Love

You are going to love, love, love this new site! I love, love, love this new site!

Many of my favorite bloggers are now writing all in one place! It's almost like a dream come true!

Created by three women who are passionate about bringing meaningful experiences into women's lives, these women have teamed up with DaySpring to bring you (In)Courage. Today is their launch day and I hope you go by to visit them! I think you'll be happy you did!

Interesting

A couple weekends ago, my husband and I went to a parenting seminar by John Rosemond. I am a big fan of his because without his book, Making the Terrible Twos Terrific, I might not have made it through age 2-3 with my kids.

My favorite thing about John Rosemond is his no-nonsense, practical and traditional way to raise kids. I'm getting ready to read his new book, Parenting By the Book.

The seminar was good. He is funny and such a straight shooter. He really doesn't sugarcoat much for parents.

One thing he said that I cannot get out of my head was a story of having a conversation with his now elderly mother. He asked her what she talked about with her friends when she was a young mom.

Her response was: politics, books, movies, work, gossip, current events.

Do you notice that she never said her kids?

His point was that his mother was interesting. She was not child-focused. Her children, while very well taken care of and loved, were not the center of her world.

Hmmm. I have to say this thought has intrigued me.

As a matter of fact, I have been doing a little experiment this week to see what I talk about with my friends.

We talk about: politics,books, movies, work, gossip, current events.

However, we also talk about our children. Yes, we do and I would say John Rosemond's mother did too. Honestly, if you are a mom, you are going to eventually get around to talking about your kids - even if it is to complain about how they couldn't get their shoes on and that made you late getting out the door. And more than likely you will brag about something they are doing (like a certain little girl in a dance recital).

I've noticed something else, though. Your friends (even your bestest ones) will only listen to you brag about your kids for so long before their eyes start to glaze over.

When I was a mommy of a baby, I was in a play group with moms and babies the same age. We talked about our kids NON-STOP. There was so much to talk about because it was all new. They were absolutely the center of our worlds because they had to be - they were babies. But sometime shortly after potty training and tantrums there was a shift. We found ourselves wanting to talk about something OTHER than our kids.

Which is exactly what John Rosemond thinks is a natural mother/child occurence. His big point, is that if this has not happened that it is not so good for your family.

Anyway, the part that really stuck with me after all of this is the "My mother was interesting," part.

Because I started to wonder, "Do my kids think I am interesting? Or do they think that my whole world revolves around them?" "What about my husband - does he think I'm interesting?"

"Am I interesting?"

I'm not asking you to answer that. I already know that my talk of garden slugs and dance recitals is breaking news. I am so not trying to solicit compliments here. Really.

What I do want to know is this...

What makes a person interesting?

AND

How do you stay interesting?

A Color Affair

My sweet new sister in law is a fabulous artist. She has a business in the Atlanta area that I wanted to share with you in case you are there. She does murals and business windows.

She just finished painting some buildings and snack carts at Zoo Atlanta! Actually, my brother and her built the carts AND painted them.

Check her out at A Color Affair.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!
I hope your day is restful, joyful and wonderful!

Finally Friday

Ahhhhh, it's Finally Friday. I love the end to a busy week. Looking back on the week it is a wonder I didn't forget a kid somewhere. Or a dog. Mostly just my mind!

No big plans for the weekend here. I plan to hopefully spend some time with my mom tomorrow maybe for lunch and scouring the flea market. Church on Sunday and some time in our yard. Sounds like heaven to me!

So, how about you? How are you spending your Mother's Day weekend?

I also want to know...

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

Go ahead and grab the button above and link up if you want. Let me know in the comments if you do so.

My favorite thing is when I see my kids do something GOOD that I have taught them. I love it when they make a good decision and it reflects back to a talk we had or a lesson learned. It is incredibly rewarding. Oh, and their cheeks, ears, toes, eyes, hands, chubby arms, the cute things they say, the way they smell after a bath, snuggling with them...

Oh, who am I kidding - it's all good. Well, mostly all good. Being a mom really does rock.

Okay, your turn. Favorite thing.

Mom's Night Out!

Have fun connecting with other moms tonight! Or get together with some girlfriends for a fun night out. It's National Mom's Out! I never even knew there was such a thing.

I actually got together with my girlfriends THREE times last week! Two mom's nights out and one mom's lunch. I really did enjoy some girl time, so this week I can't find an excuse to head out with them again.

So, for my mom's night out, I will be with my favorite people in the world at a Carolina Mudcats game with my family tonight if we don't get rained out. My daughter won tickets in a Read-A-Thon! Yay, B!

What Kind of Friend Are You?

What Kind of Friend are you?

If someone asked 3 of your best friends what would they say?

Kind, giving, generous, funny, their rock.

Or would it be more like this...

doesn't return my calls, no time for me, downer, needy.

Oh, I know that's not any of you - I can tell my blog readers are most likely great friends in real life.

Would do you hope they say?

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as a friend?
The epitaph would read something like this:

Dedicated Mother.
Loving Wife
______Friend

What would you want it to say?


So, this is part of a talk that I am giving on friendship in the morning to a MOPS group. Actually it's the end of about 20 minutes on how friendship adds so much to our lives. That's where I've been. I only have so much creative juice and it's all gone into writing that. Plus, the weather is absolutely amazing here. Any free time has been spent outside enjoying it with my sweet kiddos.

I'll be back this week - hope all is well in your worlds.

So, what kind of friend would you like to be remembered as?

Me?

I hope that I make my friends feel worthy and encouraged. So, Encouraging. That would be my word.

A Woman Inspired Web Conference

Yay Me!!! I won a ticket to A Woman Inspired Web Conference from Lysa TerKeurst's blog! I'm so excited to be able to listen to her and other inspired women speak this week from the comfy of my own computer and in my jammies. Thank you Proverbs 31!!

Won't you join me? It's costs just $12.95 to attend this conference and you can do it right now. Go Here. The conference starts on Monday and goes through Thursday.

Priorities

Yesterday morning, an email popped in my inbox. It was an email encouraging the ladies in my book club for their continued commitment to the group. Long story short - show up or get out. Just in much nicer words.

At first, I will be honest and tell you that I was a little put off. I really don't like to think of myself as uncommitted to anything much less something as seemingly simple as a book club filled with amazing women from my neighborhood.

I decided to close the email and ponder on it for the day. I dropped my kids off for school, went to the gym, sat in the steam room and prayed about it. I love that steam room - can I just say that now? What an amazing perk in my life. Thank you hubby for providing such a nice lifestyle that I can sit in a steam room a couple times a week and just clear my head.

Digressing, yes.
Anyway, on the way to the gym I was on my cell phone. At the gym I saw at least 3 people I knew and ended up having a pretty great but lengthy conversation with one. Left the gym to pick up my son, picked up lunch and we met my mom in the park. Of course all while taking phone calls on my cell. At the park, I saw 2 friends. More talking.

Then home to answer emails and do some work. I'm not really positive if this has much to do with this post except that it seems I am in constant motion. That I ALWAYS have something to do. Which is why I love the steam room - nothing to do but sit.
As I walked in my room and noticed my unmade bed from that morning, I also noticed that on my nightstand are 3 books all with bookmarks in the MIDDLE of the books. Not one finished.

And this does not even include the bible study I am doing right now which actually is caught up for the week.

It occurred to me then that I was OVER-COMMITTED.

Oh, why why why do I think I can do everything?
The simple fact is that I can't. Well,maybe I can but not well. I needed to once again prioritize.

I say once again because I just went through this in the Fall. But as this new year started I committed to more. The pitfalls of my personality, I guess. It's not that I feel guilty and take on too much. It's that I really WANT to be a part of...well...everything!

So, I had to let the book club go. I will miss my time with these ladies and all the great books.

I suppose it would be a good idea to start with finishing the ones from the last two months first.

I woke up this morning and found this post from a Twitter friend. It was a great reminder of why I made a good decision to let something go. It's all about --Priorities. It was a great confirmation of the decision I made yesterday. (If you read it you will see that my book club had become the shells - the pretty things that fill your life but aren't really priorities)

My life is full of wonderful friends and family. It is full of activities that need to be priorities - first and foremost serving God and taking care of my family. While it is sad to let something go that I enjoyed, I know now I was not giving it my all, was not making it a priority and was letting my book club friends down.

So, I'm just thinking that being a grown up is hard to do some days. How about you? How do you keep the stuff in your life prioritized?

Go Red for Women

Today is the American Heart Association's wear red day - for women.

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer for women in the US?

It traditionally has not gotten the attention as other diseases that affect women. It is also mainly associated as a man's disease but women are more likely to die from severe heart attacks than men for several reasons.

My grandmother and grandfather both passed away from heart disease after numerous bypass surgeries and my father had his first bypass surgery before he was 40.

I have to admit that while I know these facts, I often do not eat and exercise like I should. As I approach 40, though I find myself feeling a lot more tired lately and just not feeling so hot. So, I am really trying to make more of an effort to eat healthier and get back into an exercise routine.

How about you? Any heart disease stories in your family? Any steps you want to pass on that are heart healthy?

Here are some ways you can start. Reduce Your Risk.

Light to My Darkness

I'm not really sure what it is about January. Or February. Or just Winter.

I really just don't like the Winter. It is one of the main reasons we moved to North Carolina - mild winters.

I am cold. And cranky. And very temperamental. And sometimes depressed. And did I mention cold!?!

Last week, I felt depressed after returning from our trip. Well, to be really honest even while I was on the trip. Yeah, most of it was hormonal and I get that, but it seemed worse than normal for some reason.

I do not like being depressed. As a matter of fact, I often fight it and deny it. The mere fact that it affects me drives me crazy. It is completely uncontrollable, though.

You see, I don't deal with depression like many others. I don't cry. I don't get sad.

I just get mad. All the time mad. At the silliest things. At my hubby. At my kids. My poor little family - they are ever so patient with me.

I retreat from my friends so I don't get mad at them. And to be honest - again, I actually get irritated at them for only God knows what. So, At the risk of losing them - I try not to call them or see them when I get like this.

But they are good friends and they keep calling me.

So when a friend called the other day to see if I was doing okay and asked me if I was mad at her, I gave her my honest response. "Of course, I am not mad at you! What could I possibly be mad at you about?"

Then she told me she missed me - That I was one of the few friends she could just lay her heart open to without fear of judgement. Dang. That's just awesome, isn't it?

So, just like a key to my heart, I opened up and I told her how I had been feeling.

I didn't think she would understand because she really doesn't get depressed. She is one of the most emotionally level women I know. Kinda like a guy is emotionally level.

Then I went to our couples small group and asked those friends to pray for me.

And they did. And they loved on me.

One of them even made some suggestions that have been so very helpful this week.

Something about giving up control. Whatever.

Hmmph. Like I want to control anything.

I want to control EVERYTHING!

So, anyway - last week? Sadness crept in. Like a slinky sneaky black snake - it moved right into my soul. It was dark and angry and I did not like it.

But God sent some angels. They are called friends. Lifelines. Light chasing the dark right out of my soul.

Monday update

• An update on my daughter's bedding - with help, I found this! It absolutely pays to ask your friends opinions when decorating. Thank you so much for your input. It was helpful for sure!

• Souper Saturday will be up this weekend. I will actually be gone on a retreat with the women's leadership team from my church. Blessed oh blessed time away with some incredible women.

BUT, I will schedule it so you can post your recipes.

PLEASE do not leave me hangin'. Link up, post a favorite soup recipe and share with your readers what you are doing. I will post a great soup recipe, I promise. You can read the rules HERE.

• The forecast says snow for us! 2-4 inches. So, I need to run to the store before all the milk, eggs, and bread sell out.

Happy Monday!

New Year Fun

Jo-Lynne did this really fun meme that I thought I would join in just to summarize my 2008 - blog style.
I did change it up a little by listing the title of the first post of each month. Jo-Lynne did the first line of each post of each month. Like she said, it's good to be queen of your own blog, though! So, without furthur ado...

January
Back To Reality: We just got back from Disney. Wow - this really seems like yesterday. It was a FANTASTIC way to start the new year. I think we are planning to do it again next year.

February
One Vote 08: I did not think, at this point, that I would see history unfold the way it did in this year's presidential election. While it did not go the way I voted, I feel honored to be a part of a generation to see that "glass ceiling" of race broken in the office of President of the United States. I think that the way the election played out is a clear indication of a need for some change in our country.

March
Going Postal: For me, this marks one of my most significant moments of 2008. It was a crucial point in learning not to carry my friend's and family's troubles around. I learned that I can not fix these people I love or carry their hurt around with me. What I can do for them is pray, love and ultimately let go.

April
Happy Birthday My Little Man!: April 1 is my son's birthday. He is the truest of blessings.

May
My Modeling Career: This picture really just explains itself.

June
We Pray For The Children: If I am still blogging and not talking about the injustices of this world and it's children - somebody please let me know. We need to be aware - all the time aware. I hope to continue sharing what I can.

July
A Day at The Beach: Ahhhh. This is absolutely, without a doubt, by far...one of my most favorite times of each year. Time away with my family at the beach. I can take my mind there right now and find peace.

August
A New Dress, Hot Stones and Sangria: My birthday! This marks the beginning of my month of finding a dress for my high school reunion that was at the end of August. Lots of stress over something that was really not that big of a deal. That is absolutely the way life is, though. I just remembered that one of you asked for the Sangria recipe after this post - we actually just bought the pre-mixed bottles at the store and added sliced oranges, peaches, limes, cherries - really good.

September
Hello Out there...: This marked the beginning of some real changes in our family. A shifting of some priorities and making sure our focus was on the right things in our life. It's been good. Really good and probably some of the best changes we have ever made.

October
Clothing and Toy Swap: This is something I love being a part of at our church. My friend, Julianne leads this up twice a year. It is a labor of love for her and an incredible joy to be a part of. To watch families in our church and community give what they don't need, take what the do and all for free is a very good thing indeed. It's recycling and helping your community at it's best. If you are looking for a great local project to do at your church - this is it.

November
Brainiac: I am not sure why I tell publicly all the stupid things I do. I actually makes me feel better to laugh out loud at them. You also make me feel soooo much better with your comments.

December
Time Sure Flies: Oh, this started the holiday time. Time away from the blog which was one of my priority shifts back in September. It's just the thing that has to give when my family needs me. November and December are crazy for us with 2 birthdays and the holidays. Hubby is always trying to finish the year up strong with our business, too - so it's good for me to be more present in the home and less in cyberspace. It also marks the beginning of upgrades in our house! I hope to be posting more of that this year.

Wow - it certainly does fly, time that is.
I am thankful for each and every one of you that stop by my blog and leave comments. I hope it continues to be an encouraging place for you. I know you encourage me. I hope your 2009 is stuffed with blessings!

What Not to Wear

I am at a women's conference today with my MIL! It's the What Not to Wear Conference by Shari Braendel of P31. I am sooo excited. I met her briefly at the She Speaks conference and she just seems like one dynamic lady. I've heard she has a great story to share.

I really hope I wore the right thing. I mean didn't wear the thing I'm not supposed to wear. I just hope she doesn't notice me.

I also got to help set up and be with some of my favorite women in this whole world while doing so.

If you get a chance, we'd love it if you'd throw up a quick prayer that everything runs smoothly. We have over 250 women coming, lunch, lights, microphones and all kinds of things that need to come together.

Thanks

What Not To Wear Conference

Tickets Available NOW!!
What Not to Wear – A Girlfriend's Guide to Glamour

Saturday, November 1, 2008
10 am - 2 pm

Hope Community Church

Join the Women of Hope Community for a half day conference of fun, fashion and self-image.
Nationally recognized speaker, Shari Braendel gets everyone involved in this interactive workshop.

She tells-it-like-it-is in a best friend kind of way, sharing practical image and style advice for all shapes and sizes. Uplifting, engaging and off-the-wall fun, Shari's passion for fashion will leave you wanting more. Invite all your friends and neighbors!

The perfect event for ladies age 18-99!

Conference includes 3 workshops, lunch, goody bags, door prizes and more.

Doors open at 8:30 for individual style and color consultations with Shari and her staff. Please arrive early for your consultation, then enjoy coffee and pastries before the conference. Early Bird tickets also collect their bonus before the morning session. $25 per person.
Click here to purchase tickets through Sunday, October 26th.

Purchase an early bird ticket before September
30th and receive a free gift from Clinique.

That is Today! Last Day!

I've got mine, do you have yours?