Interior Bathroom Design Tips

Pretty nails.

Pretty nails.

What we do after church on Sundays? Paint nails. Haley's, all pink, purple and glittery, and Macy's? Lime green, of course... her...

5:31 PM

<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568526377681618194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrvqXf9ZwNJjPOsGnsAeivWObAaq5U-_mozEIC36WtwlWKSS7XjDGfGP0lvYclXClY-iHO4XGrv_-s0tL2OMIUP6Yc5LIREN7PSZjvYCe_pMEYrFE_pCEHGhLWhrS7T-219FZ1EFh3Qa1/s320/IMG_1206.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkslFyHdkf2G08Etz9Hw4ClYYRMH2wFGEf5g52yx5amQBmlqvlT9j2RSfQ930C1TPgeTNkRTXRFQaboqXvpSGYBd28pg0UmMkysFSddx5aE56K2hBMM2VwqthVAMbmnKvbUaM5tCQZkvos/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568527121633310946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkslFyHdkf2G08Etz9Hw4ClYYRMH2wFGEf5g52yx5amQBmlqvlT9j2RSfQ930C1TPgeTNkRTXRFQaboqXvpSGYBd28pg0UmMkysFSddx5aE56K2hBMM2VwqthVAMbmnKvbUaM5tCQZkvos/s320/IMG_1220.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qDJ504oisBgXY5xEjJwE37AHxG0RFf4TLEgNRbyQbFsW7GmhvsOfvg70sDrVHAzIR7QgWoVp3afQyrpZ5pQerhdUMAaQw66yqqCqy79YmDdNOzGCcUj-s-WIyG-n6Sp4y_xH4pln-SAO/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568527116331098242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qDJ504oisBgXY5xEjJwE37AHxG0RFf4TLEgNRbyQbFsW7GmhvsOfvg70sDrVHAzIR7QgWoVp3afQyrpZ5pQerhdUMAaQw66yqqCqy79YmDdNOzGCcUj-s-WIyG-n6Sp4y_xH4pln-SAO/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdYGkmHBAzCLSu_TiC1hZGCslsfvUYyFuxiaYdDAPqubOLlV0-85Rv_ns_XWPRLqpxx6l1A9aonrGVNlfxTXLZHDKDcl4T0N2HfPA2rE7doMFadWMxOtYOV2Qi9NAMAe-kO1aUV5Mp9Us/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568527109568071346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdYGkmHBAzCLSu_TiC1hZGCslsfvUYyFuxiaYdDAPqubOLlV0-85Rv_ns_XWPRLqpxx6l1A9aonrGVNlfxTXLZHDKDcl4T0N2HfPA2rE7doMFadWMxOtYOV2Qi9NAMAe-kO1aUV5Mp9Us/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-C8S1l_IMi30Sd-J_DaklDYVqihjwdP4k_GOBo9E5IEpsgCDfjXSXvgG9GS4QvfwkJ9HTdizR4_ENxADU9WnG2zjUtPOcX1dAioahPQfFI82jjkeHSxrqvA8gk9LVSjP5_GMXPopYGDA/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568527102503792482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-C8S1l_IMi30Sd-J_DaklDYVqihjwdP4k_GOBo9E5IEpsgCDfjXSXvgG9GS4QvfwkJ9HTdizR4_ENxADU9WnG2zjUtPOcX1dAioahPQfFI82jjkeHSxrqvA8gk9LVSjP5_GMXPopYGDA/s320/IMG_1217.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bslkOq9mJtkGWVDUVUXbk8Jy_axqamFk0frlMbg7NV0JRojq1ySV-mJd4GmLTL7onN5jZIBwpb68h02lpYos8zOVkD9ImTyhvNG5Hom1mluWKkFwMyfRz1PERAgrTPHsYWlKfNWwm2_b/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568527093746701762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bslkOq9mJtkGWVDUVUXbk8Jy_axqamFk0frlMbg7NV0JRojq1ySV-mJd4GmLTL7onN5jZIBwpb68h02lpYos8zOVkD9ImTyhvNG5Hom1mluWKkFwMyfRz1PERAgrTPHsYWlKfNWwm2_b/s320/IMG_1216.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37zrB55fqxWedf8_p57civY9llQDEOVfh7gJ2T5RQTSNmpP1ZOBVUITGFPUVUhZmCbHz1sqDTPsu4fq-6vmDyfjSt8aWO1EE1MYedKVeXe8ronOBCPraXt5CH9ddHT8xNzf0BBefNpF8_/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568526401914514098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37zrB55fqxWedf8_p57civY9llQDEOVfh7gJ2T5RQTSNmpP1ZOBVUITGFPUVUhZmCbHz1sqDTPsu4fq-6vmDyfjSt8aWO1EE1MYedKVeXe8ronOBCPraXt5CH9ddHT8xNzf0BBefNpF8_/s320/IMG_1213.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsC2xe5BRsAw3PQb6tsZi-5Exvn9YQ__90uUutIZCx1aPWqImZ4t5djWaHK16DZggQhAyDjnUUl1uisSMT3XtK-6lMdYHrQPbSwXqmHpmE97O0SVBQXPO22jj_Yu6cnpZqxCMoftBDg7N/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568526397271123650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsC2xe5BRsAw3PQb6tsZi-5Exvn9YQ__90uUutIZCx1aPWqImZ4t5djWaHK16DZggQhAyDjnUUl1uisSMT3XtK-6lMdYHrQPbSwXqmHpmE97O0SVBQXPO22jj_Yu6cnpZqxCMoftBDg7N/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4CcG2UMe7roajiCr8dqZHtd0ZZ09QpIqSdOO3St-tfMXFSAv-kNEMMBMe8KZO0lxT05-Gfmc_YtxX0-sUGSQFuMluWBvpI-INP8JOKBcwBL0ERavWQ5WFVv0PiJwP0AM4ppKD8_L-QM2/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568526390451032130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4CcG2UMe7roajiCr8dqZHtd0ZZ09QpIqSdOO3St-tfMXFSAv-kNEMMBMe8KZO0lxT05-Gfmc_YtxX0-sUGSQFuMluWBvpI-INP8JOKBcwBL0ERavWQ5WFVv0PiJwP0AM4ppKD8_L-QM2/s320/IMG_1211.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7mJbaLaQptcLL2tZ5584PzTVEDXcGBEwZqPGIP14JQWe2c6o-ZwmmfPyeulWxxQOr7Lspx4K92uy2PL-eyagCYstPvjn02_NynkZ-jfHL15_B2sEC5Ob6s-ERoB24qSBbno9FSypVQZx/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568526386425082338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7mJbaLaQptcLL2tZ5584PzTVEDXcGBEwZqPGIP14JQWe2c6o-ZwmmfPyeulWxxQOr7Lspx4K92uy2PL-eyagCYstPvjn02_NynkZ-jfHL15_B2sEC5Ob6s-ERoB24qSBbno9FSypVQZx/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So D is one of the leaders over the 14-15 year-old boys in our church, and they wanted to have a "campout" at our house, so we were invaded by 10 14-15 year-old boys on Friday night.  It was really a fun night.  There was a lot of junk food consumed, video games played all night, and about two and a half hours of sleep obtained.  I came down at about 7:45 in the morning to find people asleep all over our house, and apparently they had just fallen asleep about 2 1/2 hours prior... so needless to say, we were all pretty tired on Saturday.

Sleepover... NOT!

So D is one of the leaders over the 14-15 year-old boys in our church, and they wanted to have a "campout" at our house, so we wer...

5:21 PM

Portland International Auto Show

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ipUx0BncUfnDqo5zmRb0cWguog3Qcp-gXOREM1f9_ieLPVZo5b-KF0ar82wszIvNNA5lnk5xJaPdrX8SRFtCo7JwJuaD3xgo81gXWcF6NTMyiVRycz5bkM7I6pG45rI2H3hlUMh1uQkn/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568525088570145858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ipUx0BncUfnDqo5zmRb0cWguog3Qcp-gXOREM1f9_ieLPVZo5b-KF0ar82wszIvNNA5lnk5xJaPdrX8SRFtCo7JwJuaD3xgo81gXWcF6NTMyiVRycz5bkM7I6pG45rI2H3hlUMh1uQkn/s320/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTCwK9RofT6KZULCWQWYZ-Wd4MP61QH2fwtXt_LJkFY_BJYH_Gg0KKfISJs8uu6m7bh4-3mXNoDMn81rV6FYjYLzlmfg-ITHlbYfeRD4_yDX6UWadGgfYESyh_Ty4vZpJGTlMcXoSKuNG/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568525078125206674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTCwK9RofT6KZULCWQWYZ-Wd4MP61QH2fwtXt_LJkFY_BJYH_Gg0KKfISJs8uu6m7bh4-3mXNoDMn81rV6FYjYLzlmfg-ITHlbYfeRD4_yDX6UWadGgfYESyh_Ty4vZpJGTlMcXoSKuNG/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />D, Chad and Luke went to the Portland International Auto Show.  This is a tradition in D's family, to go to the Auto Show, and once Chad, and then Luke, got big enough, the tradition has continued.  Someday Reed will get to go too.  <div><br /></div><div>The guys always have a great time, and D always comes home with his dream "wish list" of all the cars our family will someday own.  Reality check there.</div>

Portland International Auto Show

D, Chad and Luke went to the Portland International Auto Show. This is a tradition in D's family, to go to the Auto Show, and once Chad...

5:19 PM

lovely comments & a new header...

<b><i>morning all...</i></b><br /><b><i>i have had soooo many lovely comments about my new header...</i></b><br />big big thanks....<br />a fresh start to the year with the same ol' gal....<br />i like to pop into see my fave blogs & love a little change..<br />a little lift...<br />but i still want them to *feel* the same...<br />this is what i was hoping for...<br />a fresh start that still rang true with the same...*sharing...chat-over-a-brew-feel* of my blog....<br /><br /><b><i>what do you think?</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGZuWa4OsZhey9XByhNLtNVz-9d1Grtz2_36XSCjzhxHmARVQhGF664NH6tcL6oLQ254fNQNm3gL-xP13K3agBw2oTUfXpCURyAxCmUHznSjK9R13dcqaZ4SMyVmw65dO14gjAQJO6YlS/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGZuWa4OsZhey9XByhNLtNVz-9d1Grtz2_36XSCjzhxHmARVQhGF664NH6tcL6oLQ254fNQNm3gL-xP13K3agBw2oTUfXpCURyAxCmUHznSjK9R13dcqaZ4SMyVmw65dO14gjAQJO6YlS/s400/tea.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">don't forget a <a href="http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/p/virtual-coffee_07.html">* virtual coffee *</a> tomorrow</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">see you over a chai & a chat</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">xxx</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></div><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b>

lovely comments & a new header...

morning all... i have had soooo many lovely comments about my new header... big big thanks.... a fresh start to the year with the same ol...

4:29 AM

Interior Trends 2011 – Eco-Decorating and Technology

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://purecontemporary.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834515c5b69e2011168c9d923970c-800wi"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://purecontemporary.blogs.com/.a/6a00d834515c5b69e2011168c9d923970c-800wi" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width:300px; height: 200px;" /></a><br />Neither of these are particularly new trends but both are rumoured to continue to play a large part of interior design throughout 2011. The main changes will continue to be the choice of materials used to construct homes as well as the materials chosen for interior designs from flooring to lighting and everything in-between. The use of sunlight and natural light is going to be emphasised with reflective surfaces and the clever use of glass to bring an abundance of natural light into all rooms of our homes. You should also expect to see elements that reflect nature come to the forefront of interiors, but to be really cutting edge and keep abreast of all the current and emerging trends this year keeps your eyes looking towards the environmental movement and the ways you can adopt their approaches and interior design ideas into your living space.<br /><br />Technological advances are happening so fast that they are not only a trend they are fast becoming a way of life. The technological revolution has already encroached and affected most of our lives and its thought that it going to hit even harder this year. Unless you chose to 'opt out' completely of this technological way of living we'll soon be seeing home theatres and entertainment rooms as part of everyday living. Computer game exercise systems will undoubtedly be included into every home gym within a few years.<br /><br />Image: Pure Contemporay Blog

Interior Trends 2011 – Eco-Decorating and Technology

Neither of these are particularly new trends but both are rumoured to continue to play a large part of interior design throughout 2011. The ...

12:00 AM

To call or not to call????

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDarfkQcAO5gAVdNOgwz3aOBDi34yR53FChL4UM8BFBdqaKiQYtZ2gPyDFONSDDlRZITNLz8LwWax3HcItfIEsBVEHisoXBfhkRTnP8U46oTdSELbRKro2vpbfZ753g_8mC3BpRO27TM-r/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567390896235567298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDarfkQcAO5gAVdNOgwz3aOBDi34yR53FChL4UM8BFBdqaKiQYtZ2gPyDFONSDDlRZITNLz8LwWax3HcItfIEsBVEHisoXBfhkRTnP8U46oTdSELbRKro2vpbfZ753g_8mC3BpRO27TM-r/s320/IMG_1202.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />Ok, so being at Scentsy Spring Spring the other day, one of the things that they talked about was goals.  Setting goals and then achieving them.  Apparently writing down the goal makes it halfway done.  So, I've been working this afternoon, writing some goals.  My main goal is to become a Director.  (I'm putting it out to the universe right now.)  I would like to become a Director by June.  I am so close, and it is so doable... it's just a matter of doing it.  I have a rocking team of girls below me, but sometimes, I am the one that is lax.  My problem is, I hate to call people (I inherited this from my mom, I think.)  When I was working at WB, I could call people any time and tell them that they owed me millions of dollars and it didn't matter, but when I'm calling some one about hosting a Scentsy party, it's personal and it totally stresses me out.  My heart races, my palms sweat, I try to come up with things to do instead.  I am trying to get over this.  This is something I need to do to achieve my goal of becoming a Director (and I totally realize that!).  <div><br /></div><div>So, I set a goal of trying to call 3 people a day (if I have 3 people to call).  I have called 2 so far today.  The first one was super nice, but one of her friend's just signed up to sell Scentsy and they had a party LAST WEEK.  (Dang!  Why didn't she sign up under me?????  Guess I should've called sooner!  I met this girl in November after all!).  Second one, I left a message.  I like that a whole lot better.  Hopefully she will call me back, and I don't have to try again in a week or so!  <div><br /></div><div>So, wish me luck on my calling.  Wish me luck on achieving my goal... and if you want to host a Scentsy party, you know who to call!  :)</div></div>

To call or not to call????

Ok, so being at Scentsy Spring Spring the other day, one of the things that they talked about was goals. Setting goals and then achieving t...

3:52 PM

Spring Sprint!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRqV1eZfH9cpzQICciwbgOJidIgFQu1htv-j-Bwee5Be0ysOXyua5iuC4BpirwYOSP9c4bdn8eS159qul3Av0SSrgXpDYxv3NRDucMKGqr71mvrznepduwRHp-C8dX5DCCdq3ZFnZM26m/s1600/Me+and+Kari+-+Spring+Sprint+2010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567388375710936882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRqV1eZfH9cpzQICciwbgOJidIgFQu1htv-j-Bwee5Be0ysOXyua5iuC4BpirwYOSP9c4bdn8eS159qul3Av0SSrgXpDYxv3NRDucMKGqr71mvrznepduwRHp-C8dX5DCCdq3ZFnZM26m/s320/Me+and+Kari+-+Spring+Sprint+2010.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">Me and Kari, one of my "girls" who I LOVE, in the Scentsy Success store</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntSojziddeqGKajswlH-MAOx5ls2DJkOH6wnJMohqR4Mbgo2Zc-Y3fGsMZL3RGYMGWtlsM1BbGBra-2uwf2WtcYFrFYbyb7AeTLYGIkSO1v6OKHn5iVNKgdNu7YC5Z0HjXg052B1G551b/s1600/Scentsy+Spring+Sprint+2010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567388368734232562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntSojziddeqGKajswlH-MAOx5ls2DJkOH6wnJMohqR4Mbgo2Zc-Y3fGsMZL3RGYMGWtlsM1BbGBra-2uwf2WtcYFrFYbyb7AeTLYGIkSO1v6OKHn5iVNKgdNu7YC5Z0HjXg052B1G551b/s320/Scentsy+Spring+Sprint+2010.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Joy (my Director and good friend), Cariann, me, Alicia, Sandy, Kari, Kim and Diana - some of our awesome team!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>On Wednesday, I was able to go to Scentsy's Spring Sprint in Portland, OR.  It was a great time!  I was able to hang out with some of the people on our team, find out about new product, and get lots of free stuff (that's always the best part!).  Well actually, the best part is that I always walk away from these things feeling super pumped up, so watch out... here I come!

Spring Sprint!

Me and Kari, one of my "girls" who I LOVE, in the Scentsy Success store Joy (my Director and good friend), Cariann, me, Alicia, Sa...

3:45 PM

Interior Trends 2011 – Transforming Perspectives

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kv3qhodhcbE/TRTNxJFrBjI/AAAAAAAAIhs/31UVBr2L6lI/s640/5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kv3qhodhcbE/TRTNxJFrBjI/AAAAAAAAIhs/31UVBr2L6lI/s640/5.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 275px;" /></a> Interior design and ultimately designers are always being questioned – which is why we have so many different perspectives on how our homes should look each year, let's be honest it would be pretty boring if we didn't! This year's trend of transforming perspectives is more about defining the boundaries between the real world and the virtual world – question the boundaries between art and design to enable them to create innovative radical new designs which are characterised by glass and metal and complemented with hard and soft plastics that combine to form a changeable surfaces.<br /><br />Another slant on transforming perspectives which will be seen this year is the move away from people looking to live in the biggest and 'best' homes, rather they will be content to live in smaller, beautifully designed homes which have ecc-friendly stamped all over them inside and out.<br /><br />So how can we, the consumer equate this into our humble abodes? We can of course look to out interiors and embrace the new trends by looking at the materials we choose – we can incorporate the use of glass, metal and plastics, if they're recycled all the better. As DIY will be part of the new trend we can also start looking for curtain material online from <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/interior-design.php>fabric wholesalers UK</a>, look for user friendly patterns and guides such as Roman blinds how to make online and have a go at making our own soft furnishings for our homes.<br /><br />Image: An Indian Summer

Interior Trends 2011 – Transforming Perspectives

Interior design and ultimately designers are always being questioned – which is why we have so many different perspectives on how our homes...

3:08 AM

a virtual coffee & my creative space...

<b><i>afternoon all...</i></b><br /><b><i>coffee in hand...laptop in the light of the sewing room...</i></b><br /><b><i>i am here to have our <a href="http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/2011/01/virtual-coffee_25.html">*virtual coffee*</a> atop an old ladder to show you <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/01/my-creative-space_27.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Kootoyoo+%28kootoyoo%29">*my creative space*</a>...</i></b><br />don't think we've <i>hung out in this room for our weekly virtual coffee together </i>before...<br />i spend mucho time in here...sorting...sewing...folding...creating...<br />& this ol' ladder, dragged home from a second hand shop at the other end of our village...<br />gets mucho of a work out in here as well...seat for kiddos...space for fabric...photographic prop...<br />today she's your stool...no lovely cosy pink chair for you today...<br />we're in the room of <s>chaos</s> creativity & ladders....so climb on up...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><i>anyhow...today if we were really meeting for a coffee in <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/01/my-creative-space_27.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Kootoyoo+%28kootoyoo%29">my creative space</a>...</i></b><br /><b><i>i would show you this gorgeous fabric that we picked up over christmas in ikea!!</i></b><br />well...my big girl...{eye like a creative hawk!} actually spotted it in the fabric section...<br />last batch....<br />of course she will *score* a cushion out of it for that find...<br />a linen with almost big hand painted white circles all over it...<br />5 whole metres of it!!<br />in fact...if we were really meeting for a <i>virtual coffee in my creative space </i>you may even score a cushion out of it...i love it soo much!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoy9c6f3zbtvBSk7rlnLxPW6wlZnZrMy8x2vR_RtzwOksOuiwicO_Y9Lwf6E513rgG-aVcqlD8rLFm40QuVVPUVkH3UkTY-mFJJTfjL_kPcj2pUXgP94yLJyAUebSXxVteIEhj3rr8zRp/s1600/coffee.a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoy9c6f3zbtvBSk7rlnLxPW6wlZnZrMy8x2vR_RtzwOksOuiwicO_Y9Lwf6E513rgG-aVcqlD8rLFm40QuVVPUVkH3UkTY-mFJJTfjL_kPcj2pUXgP94yLJyAUebSXxVteIEhj3rr8zRp/s400/coffee.a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b><i>& if we were really meeting for a coffee, you atop that lovely ladder...</i></b><br /><b><i>i would introduce you to these little guys...</i></b><br /><b><i>polly & ollie...</i></b><br />*hope softies* we've created to post off to australia...<br />they will be wrapped with care & sent to the children of queensland australia...<br />hopefully many of the families living in brisbane & the surrounding flood-striken areas will receive<br />*hope softies* following the appeal for creative help from <a href="http://monpetitpoppet.blogspot.com/2011/01/hope-softies.html">steph from *mon petit poppit*</a>...<br />if we were really having a coffee i'd hook you up with her to make a few of your own this weekend...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_5lXn0DVZ1LuJ75IxKHPlnsPPgoyfphHJfDCgtnzMufTdfVvY9b3fJJwvxcd9rHLgMt5bszXeSZRyXl0h3rTS9KhKxJSqScdmxxjE8-de3oedygqTwjvfgyzl1vHhSL93X4eQHdv_g54/s1600/coffee.b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_5lXn0DVZ1LuJ75IxKHPlnsPPgoyfphHJfDCgtnzMufTdfVvY9b3fJJwvxcd9rHLgMt5bszXeSZRyXl0h3rTS9KhKxJSqScdmxxjE8-de3oedygqTwjvfgyzl1vHhSL93X4eQHdv_g54/s400/coffee.b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b><i>& after i'd shown you her gorgeous blog...</i></b><br /><b><i>i'd send you with your coffee in hand over to the inspirational blog that is <a href="http://www.kootoyoo.com/">*kootoyoo*</a>...</i></b><br />to check out lots of other bloggers sharing their *creative spaces*...<br />each thursday i visit these wonderful people & oooohhh & aahhhh at their lovely spaces...<br />this week i've decided to at last join in....<br />& over our coffee you'd see that i have a <s>serious</s> small obsession with baskets & storage...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRz6nZh1T1gXE7c0S2UakFsswVtxHzankOPgZRD99FQb0zB4F8-6nzt1w9SXRpFZvjRkVR_XH3OSn7U2nRwi3Aesw2u073ohc4JaHNOtcf4SX2TikwEaiNrZHaJDdThs4Mteqtx53lGaa/s1600/coffee.f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRz6nZh1T1gXE7c0S2UakFsswVtxHzankOPgZRD99FQb0zB4F8-6nzt1w9SXRpFZvjRkVR_XH3OSn7U2nRwi3Aesw2u073ohc4JaHNOtcf4SX2TikwEaiNrZHaJDdThs4Mteqtx53lGaa/s400/coffee.f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b><i>& if we were really meeting today for a coffee...</i></b><br /><b><i>i would tell you i have a poorly kiddo home...again...</i></b><br />as usual...i blame it on the slight change in weather!<br />&<br />i had a hair appointment this morning...<br />a very sacred appointment...<br />so the hubster & i tag-teamed it this morning...<br />he stayed home with the gorgeous, very thankful kiddo till lunchtime...<br />& then i came home...feeling all *swishy* & *washed* & did the lunch...bath...fresh clothes thing...<br />how lovely is that...he got both of us at our best!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vyXm6RmigGSjVmJDcOiBxUOqIwzToHO5r-WZCdckWGzn5ZM6LQbli3lgtnI2RMrV4Og6aixrjliXtCQ-XB9bf99OuFuODny-q-YEDiLQ0m18Wj6GXgXeII0HdpkPcmWf6LU6fXRlm9Pi/s1600/coffee.c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vyXm6RmigGSjVmJDcOiBxUOqIwzToHO5r-WZCdckWGzn5ZM6LQbli3lgtnI2RMrV4Og6aixrjliXtCQ-XB9bf99OuFuODny-q-YEDiLQ0m18Wj6GXgXeII0HdpkPcmWf6LU6fXRlm9Pi/s400/coffee.c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b><i>so now i need to do the afternoon snack...juice...dvd movie loading thing...</i></b><br /><b><i>that means no more hanging out in *my creative space* gabbing about postage...& ikea...</i></b><br />hope you really think about making a *hope softie* for some little guys in oz currently living in an emergency shelter their families...<br />& thanks, as always, for listening to me <i>go on over a virtual coffee...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP93aQIYeUIy-DbjUl9Y2LAZ3BoRUNBqoEJPjFxTEhLVwzOhgoD4Kg55Isu0zaKKUn3KFhqrkjVO1onZhhPkDyUjGibzjGG5fZ5__HRteKkSimut4viObOjEnQiOIrMcgWX6lsp2HeOPo/s1600/coffee.e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP93aQIYeUIy-DbjUl9Y2LAZ3BoRUNBqoEJPjFxTEhLVwzOhgoD4Kg55Isu0zaKKUn3KFhqrkjVO1onZhhPkDyUjGibzjGG5fZ5__HRteKkSimut4viObOjEnQiOIrMcgWX6lsp2HeOPo/s400/coffee.e.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><i><b>& if this is the first virtual coffee we are sharing together...</b></i><br /><i><b></b></i><i><b>& you are one of my lovely new readers...</b></i><br />i want to thank you for being here...<br />we usually share a<i> great natter & all matter of beverages</i> here <i>every tuesday</i> hosted by my very dear bloggy friend <a href="http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/2011/01/virtual-coffee_25.html">amy from *lucky number 13*</a>...<br />love you to join us next week....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4jTaWosEejKZbZGRhdXMUfxCRz50SSRRZ5UCzQ2oQ1J5la3vYTfJpeRDBgn02UeMLVsCCPR_cIxhgtsS1fM0RqYAKhY9d4pPu9Orz6Pu1PzCUuAKvUa2YKucHqErfnGwYvO295VQ2Q3S/s1600/coffee.d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4jTaWosEejKZbZGRhdXMUfxCRz50SSRRZ5UCzQ2oQ1J5la3vYTfJpeRDBgn02UeMLVsCCPR_cIxhgtsS1fM0RqYAKhY9d4pPu9Orz6Pu1PzCUuAKvUa2YKucHqErfnGwYvO295VQ2Q3S/s400/coffee.d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br /></div>

a virtual coffee & my creative space...

afternoon all... coffee in hand...laptop in the light of the sewing room... i am here to have our *virtual coffee* atop an old ladder to sh...

7:17 AM

Parent Tips: Alcohol and teens

<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9EuUcCOFRP5ri3hFHSUr-znusLEIraHrAO8mwr8QCxUirvei5tjG8S_GLykh7J7KZDHYWOfrbAtGLFrAl2IPt0Yc3H53N_0pMc-T88uOgNE5vCII9UXbCqXdyp8EjrJOZ7_nv8dxhBBg/s1600/drinkdrive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9EuUcCOFRP5ri3hFHSUr-znusLEIraHrAO8mwr8QCxUirvei5tjG8S_GLykh7J7KZDHYWOfrbAtGLFrAl2IPt0Yc3H53N_0pMc-T88uOgNE5vCII9UXbCqXdyp8EjrJOZ7_nv8dxhBBg/s1600/drinkdrive.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><strong><u>Parent Tips - A multi-part series on drugs that impact our teens: Alcohol and Teens</u></strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">high and senior high school students drink alcohol on a monthly basis, and 14% of teens have been intoxicated at least once in the past year. Nearly 8% of teens who drink say they drink at least five or more alcoholic drinks in a row (binge drink).</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1UdC0E9MXyl9L-xcMnU36i4ApfIC2iO3RTeLraI0BsuTIxekf6-3lrZJQltygePocbcPBb7Nd0DCILrs5YtOY_xT9c70v_H991FvbZ23nPtxajraqMN1532EfsB5W60n4OTx8rZZbZMI/s1600/teen-alcoholism-drug-addiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1UdC0E9MXyl9L-xcMnU36i4ApfIC2iO3RTeLraI0BsuTIxekf6-3lrZJQltygePocbcPBb7Nd0DCILrs5YtOY_xT9c70v_H991FvbZ23nPtxajraqMN1532EfsB5W60n4OTx8rZZbZMI/s200/teen-alcoholism-drug-addiction.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just a few of the many dangerous effects of alcohol use in teens include the following:</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Alcohol decreases teens' ability to pay attention.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Teens who have experienced alcohol withdrawal tend to have difficulties with memory.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">In contrast to adults, teens tend to abuse alcohol with other substances, usually marijuana.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"> Male teens who drink heavily tend to complete fewer years of education compared to male teens who do not.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The younger a person is when they begin drinking, the more likely they are to develop a problem with alcohol.</div></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Each year, almost 2,000 people under the age of 21 years die in car crashes in which underage drinking is involved. Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent deaths involving teens.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">More than three times the number of eighth-grade girls who drink heavily said they have attempted suicide compared to girls in that grade who do not drink.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Intoxication is associated with suicide attempts using more lethal methods, and positive blood alcohol levels are often found in people who complete suicide.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Teens who drink are more likely to engage in sexual activity, have unprotected sex, have sex with a stranger, or be the victim or perpetrator of a sexual assault.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Excess alcohol use can cause or mask other emotional problems, like anxiety or depression.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Drinking in excess can lead to the use of other drugs, like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin.</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Risk Factors for Teens Developing Alcohol Problems</u></strong></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaF6Bl_lbWNFfjvTSfqVBPF1_PdNjyfNsF5LIq6Hkf90_V3X-shw5UxGDGXTYoWhQmjEpQu-eqnBj-uxofLKm5ONx21duE2Nx8jsVxJG7JgErf9MpG94ZhFsyFpK_QXkwJYOP5CvqeWxE/s1600/teendrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaF6Bl_lbWNFfjvTSfqVBPF1_PdNjyfNsF5LIq6Hkf90_V3X-shw5UxGDGXTYoWhQmjEpQu-eqnBj-uxofLKm5ONx21duE2Nx8jsVxJG7JgErf9MpG94ZhFsyFpK_QXkwJYOP5CvqeWxE/s200/teendrink.jpg" width="131" /></a>Family risk factors for teenagers developing drinking problems include low levels of parent supervision or communication, family conflicts, inconsistent or severe parental discipline, and a family history of alcohol or drug abuse. Individual risk factors include problems managing impulses, emotional instability, thrill-seeking behaviors, and perceiving the risk of using alcohol to be low. Girls who drink, as well as teens who begin drinking prior to 14 years of age and those whose mothers have drinking problems, are more likely to develop alcoholism. Teen risk factors for alcoholism differ a bit between the 14- to 16-year-old and 16- to 18-year-old age groups, in that 16- to 18-year-olds tend to be less likely to drink in excess when they have a close relationship with their mothers.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u>Symptoms for Alcohol Abuse</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse in teenagers include lying, making excuses, breaking curfew, staying in their room, becoming verbally or physically abusive toward others, having items in their possession that are connected to alcohol use (paraphernalia), the smell of alcohol on their breath or body, mood swings, stealing, and changes in friends.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: justify;"> Alcoholism is a substance-use disorder in which the sufferer has problems managing how much alcohol they drink, and their lives as a result.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"> The symptoms of alcoholism include tolerance to alcohol, withdrawal episodes, using more alcohol for longer periods of time, and problems managing life issues due to alcohol.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"> Alcoholism is caused by a number of individual, family, genetic, and social factors rather than by any one cause.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"> Although a number of genes play a role in the development of alcoholism, this is a disease in which other factors more strongly influence its occurrence.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Alcoholism is diagnosed by evaluating whether the individual shows a number of symptoms of problem drinking on a regular basis.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;">Alcoholism treatment is usually treated based on the stage of the addiction, ranging from management of risk factors and education to intensive residential treatment followed by long-term outpatient care and support</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u>What is the treatment for alcohol intoxication?</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Replacing fluids that are lost as a result of the increased urination associated with drinking is often used to treat alcohol intoxication. Doctors frequently use fluids that contain sugars for that purpose.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u>What is alcohol poisoning?</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alcohol poisoning is the potentially fatal result of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. It is caused by alcohol slowing down the body's functions (for example, breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex), thereby potentially leading to choking, coma, stopped breathing, stopped heart, and death. Treatment involves getting the person to the hospital immediately so he or she can be closely watched by medical professionals, given oxygen and fluids, and so that other measures can be taken in order to prevent choking, as well as stopped breathing or heartbeat.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">  </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u>How can parents prevent alcohol use</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Clear communication by parents about the negative effects of alcohol, as well as about their expectations regarding drug use, have been found to significantly decrease alcohol use in teens. Adequate parental supervision has also been found to be a deterrent to alcohol use in youth. Alcohol, and other drug use, has been found to occur most often between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., immediately after school and prior to parents' arrival at home from work. Teen participation in extracurricular activities has therefore been revealed to be an important measure in preventing use of alcohol in this age group. Parents can also help educate teens about appropriate coping and stress-management strategies. For example, 15- to 16-year-olds who use religion to cope with stress tend to use drugs significantly less often and have less problems as a result of drinking than their peers who do not use religion to cope.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>Conclusion</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7DmoJY__vuZfPh89nJrlS_KsRUy0YFFMYzjZI9i04xuXfjpLaWtrwJ3rhBArfxjZHpN_UgSA-0SPsYDFdkAQFkePQkvgoMVmGrl5d0ValIQiMK2fIryJxbd1mVZ71aejkJbt498OC880/s1600/teen-drug-treatment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7DmoJY__vuZfPh89nJrlS_KsRUy0YFFMYzjZI9i04xuXfjpLaWtrwJ3rhBArfxjZHpN_UgSA-0SPsYDFdkAQFkePQkvgoMVmGrl5d0ValIQiMK2fIryJxbd1mVZ71aejkJbt498OC880/s320/teen-drug-treatment.jpg" width="320" /></a>Being a parent is an extremely difficult job, it requires constant adaptation to your child or teen needs. Parents must be read to re-assess changes in their teen's behavior, moods, attitudes and actions that may cause a parent to become confused or concerned. That is the time to seek help and guidance from professionals or fellow parents on what to do about the issue at hand. Be vigilant, be aggressive on how you deal with incidents of alcohol, especially early on in your teens growth.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div>

Parent Tips: Alcohol and teens

Parent Tips - A multi-part series on drugs that impact our teens: Alcohol and Teens high and senior high school students drink alcohol on a ...

10:01 AM

australia day & a good life wednesday with a beach cottage...

<b><i>g'day....</i></b><br /><b><i>it's australia day....</i></b><br /><b><i>january 26...</i></b><br /><b><i>& i'm linking up with all things *oz* at a *beach cottage* ...</i></b><br /><b><i>for <a href="http://www.abeachcottage.com/2011/01/beach-cottage-good-life-australia-wednesday.html">"Good life Wednesday"...the Australia Day cut</a>...</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyn733BqgtwRhLSreOhgNF_wFGJWo2ffv6IpWyJr98wzHmPFCmg2rMntrSMRTWAn9AkrPbDcKnofHImBVIbt3Mmz5GkWMEbTWEBj_-IwqzLYhVZ5e9RZZBlPfjWBE3Irzy0fU5jl2fT_h/s1600/australia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyn733BqgtwRhLSreOhgNF_wFGJWo2ffv6IpWyJr98wzHmPFCmg2rMntrSMRTWAn9AkrPbDcKnofHImBVIbt3Mmz5GkWMEbTWEBj_-IwqzLYhVZ5e9RZZBlPfjWBE3Irzy0fU5jl2fT_h/s400/australia1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><b><i>sitting here in our english village....temps on the walk to school this morning still hovering at zero..</i></b><br /><b><i>i smiled...it's australia day...</i></b><br />the kiddos...all three...even the cool H.S gal wore their flags proudly on their hands today....<br />tattoos at breakfast...weetbix & tattoos...how patriotic & proud are we....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYEdn_iVthJJFe3yAmkJa5e3-kpAKFy3J98VDf5ZCx2muA7XfqaHudRaKGJZkS5YWOPqnKZMtMusJGJ0NolqywNk6EzFtZMNz4r4jzkglHkkOMWALMAnBnJdc2aa2i4USXOhUoZOU3CG4/s1600/australia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYEdn_iVthJJFe3yAmkJa5e3-kpAKFy3J98VDf5ZCx2muA7XfqaHudRaKGJZkS5YWOPqnKZMtMusJGJ0NolqywNk6EzFtZMNz4r4jzkglHkkOMWALMAnBnJdc2aa2i4USXOhUoZOU3CG4/s400/australia2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b><i>so for <a href="http://www.abeachcottage.com/2011/01/beach-cottage-good-life-australia-wednesday.html">"Australia Day Good life Wednesday"</a> i am reflecting on all things simple & homely...</i></b><br /><b><i>maps of australia & maps of england...</i></b><br />the two forever linked in our family life...<br />english prose...<br />& strings of hearts...<br />i saw a wonderful<i> heart creation</i> on the gorgeous blog that is <a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.com/">*the ramblings of dottie angel*</a>...<br />*tiff* used book pages & wrapping paper...<br />we used photocopied pages from <i>a vintage school atlas</i> picked up at <i>a car boot sale</i>...<br />& an<i> oxfam 50 pence paper back</i> of an old tale...<br />i think *tiff* created this with <i>valentines day in mind...</i><br />so we whipped up one here....<br /><i><b>today it's for Australia...</b></i><br />& our love of our country back home...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrCGB7Z-gsoSx1hxiMYzuSf_jT5O2eSJXJEQZzfFXz7utQouw1BGkM1wosLv4WJW4nNukbj7z1oqbvbRj1jI7bXD79U3WYwz3nFyt9WAd16prFQHVujtFBVcQ6ssa0wD1trB1ui2EfwfF/s1600/australia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrCGB7Z-gsoSx1hxiMYzuSf_jT5O2eSJXJEQZzfFXz7utQouw1BGkM1wosLv4WJW4nNukbj7z1oqbvbRj1jI7bXD79U3WYwz3nFyt9WAd16prFQHVujtFBVcQ6ssa0wD1trB1ui2EfwfF/s400/australia3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><b><i>sometimes we need to just stop & really think about what our life holds...</i></b><br /><b><i>for us here in the english countryside...</i></b><br />as australians abroad...<br />it holds adventure...friendships...travel...life experiences...cultural awareness...<br />&<br />our wonderful <i>day to day</i> life...<br />we will forever leave a part of our heart & soul in ol'blighty...<br />but we are australian by birth right & attitude...<br /><i><b>& today is a day to celebrate being australian...</b></i><br /><i>to...think of <a href="http://australianfood.about.com/od/bakingdesserts/r/Lamingtons.htm">lamingtons</a>...</i><br /><i>to...make <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fairy-Bread">fairybread</a>...</i><br /><i>to...remember our <a href="http://www.australiaday.org.au/experience/page78.asp">aboriginal community</a>...</i><br /><i>to...throw on a c.d <a href="http://abcdigmusic.net.au/artist/the-audreys">of fantastic aussie music</a>...</i><br /><i><b>& to just reflect on a good life...</b></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyHRVm0lPLVOxQ8P_IDXPG9Hv0JePE7MeGLPDRxXs6ze_CyUtgl8DYqpcjmXrtm9RSCy44bMRbKYiEFzgQKeaSQCItM1ndpHtv1Q5C71BWO19anwQP8M27WinO8NvfKY1ag-uGLjDxaZT/s1600/australia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyHRVm0lPLVOxQ8P_IDXPG9Hv0JePE7MeGLPDRxXs6ze_CyUtgl8DYqpcjmXrtm9RSCy44bMRbKYiEFzgQKeaSQCItM1ndpHtv1Q5C71BWO19anwQP8M27WinO8NvfKY1ag-uGLjDxaZT/s400/australia4.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">happy australia day 2011</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">go <a href="http://www.oprah.com/packages/oprahs-ultimate-australian-adventure.html">here</a> to see how Oprah fell in love with our beautiful country</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">{to check out the above aussie goodies for australia day click on each..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">lamingtons...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">fairybread...aboriginal community & aussie music...click above}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">thanks sarah for a hosting this special  <a href="http://www.abeachcottage.com/2011/01/beach-cottage-good-life-australia-wednesday.html">*Good life Wednesday*</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><br /></i><br /><i><br /></i>

australia day & a *good life wednesday* with a beach cottage...

g'day.... it's australia day.... january 26... & i'm linking up with all things *oz* at a *beach cottage* ... for "Good...

2:30 AM

Holy coats Batman.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu8tc1sARMmf-KnCpniSCcqwGyDoxlorvi4o1imG9GdG6ZW6cRIHCcie0NWup2F7gQ285USX-bWhLQ26VuJdgNCLZ3IVxlFy6CJue1EDyQM4qpbaftycG6pumIDPyOz8VAWsqPIYcbG_M/s1600/IMG_1198.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566265367157119298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu8tc1sARMmf-KnCpniSCcqwGyDoxlorvi4o1imG9GdG6ZW6cRIHCcie0NWup2F7gQ285USX-bWhLQ26VuJdgNCLZ3IVxlFy6CJue1EDyQM4qpbaftycG6pumIDPyOz8VAWsqPIYcbG_M/s320/IMG_1198.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />For a family of 7, we have a lot of coats, jackets, sweatshirts... and not a lot of places to put them.  This is one of our coat areas.  I was walking past it, on my way from the garage to the kitchen and just felt like it needed to be the Picture of the Day.  We also have a coat closet, and another one of these hangy things in the front hall, plus coats in our bedroom closets.  Really????  And most of these belong to me, D and the girls.

Holy coats Batman.

For a family of 7, we have a lot of coats, jackets, sweatshirts... and not a lot of places to put them. This is one of our coat areas. I w...

3:09 PM

MY Dumpster.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHMoccyRu32gvRx_v3ZL84ZsxCKtj64PW15GhDo0-P1zizh-urA-G5pfBYpxeexuhgM-oO1LMg6HUE99pLh38QOzvyoyEJSnps6QlR2PEEpsai1LqORKHRfKL4_J4PnuSCH_nBXne2f2S/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566264665494639682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHMoccyRu32gvRx_v3ZL84ZsxCKtj64PW15GhDo0-P1zizh-urA-G5pfBYpxeexuhgM-oO1LMg6HUE99pLh38QOzvyoyEJSnps6QlR2PEEpsai1LqORKHRfKL4_J4PnuSCH_nBXne2f2S/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />Well, people asked to see a photo of my coupon dumpster, so here it is.  I visited it again on Monday, and for about 5 minutes of my "dumpster diving", I was able to come up with 5 full sets of coupon inserts.  Hey... the way I look at it, that saved me $10 for not having to buy the newspapers to get the coupons (kind of defeats the purpose if you ask me.  Spending money just to get the coupons out.)  So, might embarrass my kids a bit, but whatever.  I love MY dumpster.<div><br /></div><div>(Sorry, not a picture of me actually "diving" in the dumpster... I was by myself after all.)</div>

*MY* Dumpster.

Well, people asked to see a photo of my coupon dumpster, so here it is. I visited it again on Monday, and for about 5 minutes of my "d...

3:06 PM

Interior Trends 2011 - Re-balancing

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TdoOEwRmLjU6BvlTeJQVfAxXBNxRZJKDZmaGbFWhRp08bDPdA439tE2XXBHZfGnLMrRxFqhhDwQ2SNzQBYRsI55vRhv_pahqri6KkLOCRRrq4E0K0lUsQVpwSgZyQZYo0eEPj6Pk5GY/s400/AMAZING-INTERIORS_6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TdoOEwRmLjU6BvlTeJQVfAxXBNxRZJKDZmaGbFWhRp08bDPdA439tE2XXBHZfGnLMrRxFqhhDwQ2SNzQBYRsI55vRhv_pahqri6KkLOCRRrq4E0K0lUsQVpwSgZyQZYo0eEPj6Pk5GY/s400/AMAZING-INTERIORS_6.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 275px;" /></a><br />The third aspect of interior design which will be seen this year is re-balancing – the experts believe that we, the consumers, have become tired of being constantly bombarded by marketing and are looking for products which are personal and enable us to turn our houses into homes. Within this 're-balancing' trend the emphasis is on simple structures and soft natural materials such as wool.<br /><br />The keywords for spring and summer are Soften, Energize  and Excite. As we saw in my last post colours are predominantly ash grey or black with vibrant injections of bright colour. These colours are being described by words such as airy, waxy and silky. The materials and fabric you choose for your soft furnishings will embrace these keywords so look for curtain materials online such as voile, silk, wool and organza. The natural materials such as wool can be used with beautifully designed floor <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/rugs/>rugs</a> which will also help to ground your chosen colours.<br /><br />When trying to re-balance the environmental issues regarding new products we'll need to consider energy consumption, disposal, waste materials and renewable fibres. Interior design is not purely about aesthetics but is about embracing the content and thinking about the style of your interior, questioning where and how products are manufactured, how you'll dispose of them and whether they'll help to lower your carbon footprint.<br /><br />There's a lot to think about this year and as always interior designers are at the forefront of what's available on the market and how products and materials can be translated into our lives effectively.<br /><br />Image:belle maison

Interior Trends 2011 - Re-balancing

The third aspect of interior design which will be seen this year is re-balancing – the experts believe that we, the consumers, have become t...

12:00 AM

sharing...a stylish blogging award....

<b><i>top of the morning to you all this monday...</i></b><br /><b><i>i'm feeling organised...focused...& ready to get on with january at last!</i></b><br /><i>oxfam</i> have hauled in a *jack-pot* of goodies from our house...<br />&<br />i now have some sense of goodwill & serenity...<br />so with this big old house a little less <i>country-chaos & a little more grandly homey...</i><br />i now have the mental space to really get back to <i>blogging...my sewing buisness & a few little creative projects...&...ahhh just saying it feels great!</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i><b>first off the list...is a big thank you to my special friend <a href="http://daydreamliving.blogspot.com/">maureen</a> who passed on a little *styling* award to me...</b></i><br /><b><i>of course this involves a little sharing...</i></b><br />& leads me to a lovely big <i>*here's-your-tea-put-your-feet-up* thankyou</i> to all my new readers...visitors & lurkers...<br /><i>yep...that is my new teapot...perfect size...love the type set...grab a cup...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvKjebL3jq3El4e91_jZaLFdM3GKaauKhgPyoSLJXYIAZTgKxh6dQKJQU7ca87v9B8QSYdOHH8Rtyi0v5HkRJvVzFvo80Sm6eo1yudKeni9JpOFc4p8BiTj2f29aFDv0-VamJMEbm392t/s1600/tpot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvKjebL3jq3El4e91_jZaLFdM3GKaauKhgPyoSLJXYIAZTgKxh6dQKJQU7ca87v9B8QSYdOHH8Rtyi0v5HkRJvVzFvo80Sm6eo1yudKeni9JpOFc4p8BiTj2f29aFDv0-VamJMEbm392t/s400/tpot1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><i><b>so...this little *styling* award requires me to <s>offload</s> share 7 things with you about my self....</b></i><br /><i><b>regular readers feel free to make another coffee...answer emails & come back in a minute...</b></i><br /><i><b>you've already left long lovely comments of friendship about my sharing <a href="http://misssewandso.blogspot.com/2010/10/getting-to-know-you-taga-little-sharing.html">the last time we had a pot of tea & a chat here</a>...oh and <a href="http://misssewandso.blogspot.com/2010/09/bit-of-sharing-bit-of-me.html">here!</a>...</b></i><br /><i><b>so...</b></i><br /><br />one...<br />living abroad with our three kiddos has been the single most formative, wonderful, treasured family experience we have ever undertaken...<br />our hearts will always be australian...but our souls will be world wide...<br />our three children are incredibly tolerant, wise & loving because of that single...initially overwhelming... decision we made to *leap into life*...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAOxJnRHtOc0ICKDmxOKBqcW9AguZPzKNAOY3FJd-aZUuKPqBMvcdbIO4Lct-9T2JpYsODHykKUR1fiBtroSee54fZGwD3eKem7MD_2jGmVKu04tbSVOjGUkxdpWgpe7HZbcvTuZ0PW72/s1600/tpot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAOxJnRHtOc0ICKDmxOKBqcW9AguZPzKNAOY3FJd-aZUuKPqBMvcdbIO4Lct-9T2JpYsODHykKUR1fiBtroSee54fZGwD3eKem7MD_2jGmVKu04tbSVOjGUkxdpWgpe7HZbcvTuZ0PW72/s400/tpot2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>two...<br />i am by nature a *bower-bird*...who has learnt to cull her *collective* spirit enough to halve the days where i look around the house & wonder "who the hell bought all this stuff"!<br />as i have said before...i like to think i am slightly *boho* in my decorating...i love the calm of whites & neutrals with a few unexpected pieces thrown in to keep the balance...<br />i think i actually live in fear of those *catalogue* rooms...you know the ones where the paintings are bought purely to match the sofa's!!<br />oh it makes me itch just typing that!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNgTeFubZnX9Jfq7l2IETIRr-1GDEwMlGdavto75kDH_BgvQJeL5_WwrK3bAUtJz-GDxuhqgHRS3XEU3ZN48NU3VHWcZ4e_o7gP21emj9n9uiU-i3yIp2rNYko4uvWRjDhbINtR4h4NgP/s1600/tpot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNgTeFubZnX9Jfq7l2IETIRr-1GDEwMlGdavto75kDH_BgvQJeL5_WwrK3bAUtJz-GDxuhqgHRS3XEU3ZN48NU3VHWcZ4e_o7gP21emj9n9uiU-i3yIp2rNYko4uvWRjDhbINtR4h4NgP/s400/tpot3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>three...<br />i have 3 times as much to remember every morning now...than when we were first married...<br />no-one tells you that three kids equals three of everything from drink bottles to homework to after school activities...& party invites to odd school socks...<br />why do people only talk about the actual *child-birth* before you have a child...<br />not the lists that will dominate your every day from here till they move out....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IYuUVn1eFEhaEYoVJYbGcrMeHBIAWLIiIc7zJD2jGh3cf_EH-BjKNnTCJcVnFe5RV13QAHs9FRFykFaXPMrdYCLUrHpvisHIjJylGa6W6DGrcy4xWwNkUW1w2cRSLJHTARl5GOULtkEL/s1600/tpot4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IYuUVn1eFEhaEYoVJYbGcrMeHBIAWLIiIc7zJD2jGh3cf_EH-BjKNnTCJcVnFe5RV13QAHs9FRFykFaXPMrdYCLUrHpvisHIjJylGa6W6DGrcy4xWwNkUW1w2cRSLJHTARl5GOULtkEL/s400/tpot4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>four...<br />i like to *jam* my toast first...then spread the butter on top...<br />it looks lovely & i'm quite sure that i only eat half as much butter...<br />that's got to be good for me...right?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ERtpm48tlbC46tiQG-u7CCRJtps-BzpDPz3aK2ubph831BTeB6JUY-6gdyGiK1MGmFnEMmauRh8r_OP6O09r3Fh1BdingdKASrdWcybOV2MZ9kbhlGvDOohpq4CReitGxqqx7NlsUY4O/s1600/tpot5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ERtpm48tlbC46tiQG-u7CCRJtps-BzpDPz3aK2ubph831BTeB6JUY-6gdyGiK1MGmFnEMmauRh8r_OP6O09r3Fh1BdingdKASrdWcybOV2MZ9kbhlGvDOohpq4CReitGxqqx7NlsUY4O/s400/tpot5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>five...<br />i am a true believer in the education & beauty of travel...<br />we have a list of places to visit...<i>i know</i> <i>don't we all...</i><br />& New York...Florence...& the italian countryside, amongst many others, are up there on that list...<br /><i>the list also included morocco</i>...<br />the hubster & i managed to get to <a href="http://misssewandso.blogspot.com/2010/12/virtual-coffee-marrakech.html">Marrakech</a> this past december & it was incredible...beautiful...& <i>life-changing...</i><br /><i><a href="http://misssewandso.blogspot.com/2010/12/virtual-coffee-marrakech.html">as you can read here</a>...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6flTSpeJcts8fTDG_Dn4uZQMMI_a8aLWXt2tvVZNpGcoQ6LMsyDWWzdwP6dzZpMOD2FULyiP9hKDLsU73mD8egtwP5CMoEhHYU9D9Tg7EbSlUgQrrRwXooRUPAsaYzbq3WzqO8s-whAp/s1600/marrakech8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6flTSpeJcts8fTDG_Dn4uZQMMI_a8aLWXt2tvVZNpGcoQ6LMsyDWWzdwP6dzZpMOD2FULyiP9hKDLsU73mD8egtwP5CMoEhHYU9D9Tg7EbSlUgQrrRwXooRUPAsaYzbq3WzqO8s-whAp/s400/marrakech8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>six...<br />i am also a true believer in karma...<br />i really do believe that you receive in life...the energy that you share in life...<br />what you put out there...you will receive back...<br />*<i>do unto others....* is a mantra well learnt by our kiddos...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7QBR3lJfHJtnrMWEfziiN53g_f1lWXPgil-uwdotlT94zlLe9xeMJ3lhXNEThdFjcFliE_sWymDTCu-NMfSbeTJaNjH-AcDlWkaNTH3FgWfNjq7Jd5fl0i2NkFiq50YkXvEf1mIHcvFo/s1600/tpot7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7QBR3lJfHJtnrMWEfziiN53g_f1lWXPgil-uwdotlT94zlLe9xeMJ3lhXNEThdFjcFliE_sWymDTCu-NMfSbeTJaNjH-AcDlWkaNTH3FgWfNjq7Jd5fl0i2NkFiq50YkXvEf1mIHcvFo/s400/tpot7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>seven...<br />not much more excites me on a sunday morning than a good old country car boot sale and some sunshine...<br />the seasons will change again soon...spring will be here & that's where you'll find me...<br />car-booting with a smile...<br /><i>i have swapped gorgeous sandy sunday mornings with the family at *garage sales* in oz...</i><br /><i>for gorgeous country sunday mornings with the kiddos at boot sales in ol'blighty...</i><br /><i>it won't be forever...so i love every moment of it...& i know i am making great little vintage haulers outa the children...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXLl2ZcZ-HEf-VncOYmELG3U_8twHueXRl4_HIhGZGpX57Hz-oGwEZk-EnKd7BrLzh6KbPFWJlpHkEGj2627oXx1dqGirP3150L8XiinJWmgkYAIGW5GLvmtBMxTEL4B1AtxT62iNVV4d/s1600/tpot8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXLl2ZcZ-HEf-VncOYmELG3U_8twHueXRl4_HIhGZGpX57Hz-oGwEZk-EnKd7BrLzh6KbPFWJlpHkEGj2627oXx1dqGirP3150L8XiinJWmgkYAIGW5GLvmtBMxTEL4B1AtxT62iNVV4d/s400/tpot8.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>so...all in all...a moment of random sharing that may make you stay for another pot of tea here...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>or may make you just lurk for a moment & then go make your own!</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>either way i like to sit & think & thanks for doing it with me...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>melissa </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>xox</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte_SkK4jRdFo93dGSrVFTsSG4sgkHQPkY8rmXUrUoOVbKMn4w3mNot6oWOyWjoIB9-tJltfu-q1wR8ztmcFuRReIJICXh77dqUMUN-lWzQpLCR_MIxk6TtP45s54sZA1B4T1Fnhua37XY/s1600/laura2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte_SkK4jRdFo93dGSrVFTsSG4sgkHQPkY8rmXUrUoOVbKMn4w3mNot6oWOyWjoIB9-tJltfu-q1wR8ztmcFuRReIJICXh77dqUMUN-lWzQpLCR_MIxk6TtP45s54sZA1B4T1Fnhua37XY/s400/laura2.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>i'd like to pass on this *stylish blogger award* to some very sweet special girls...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">sarah from <a href="http://oeschanddoots.blogspot.com/">oesch and doots</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">george from <a href="http://kittynkitsch.blogspot.com/">kitty 'n kitsch</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">carmel from <a href="http://carmel-carmelscloset.blogspot.com/">carmel's closet</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>all aussie girls -they give me my daily fix from *down-under*...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>i love my day more for having them all in it...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>so ladies...if you accept this challenge...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>hit us with your 7...</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>xox</i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltN9arC5x003J_hJfJlT6EhEDf1oMvOWs5IYGDHrJMgX9F-EE273kia9r2eODDeP3hUOmXZwShK5NvN91WEJ3HOUip9zcbpmyfPWbCnB8ftsUbXlt7F0miYPBcUHmPFeOp2eE4A41RRT3/s1600/award+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltN9arC5x003J_hJfJlT6EhEDf1oMvOWs5IYGDHrJMgX9F-EE273kia9r2eODDeP3hUOmXZwShK5NvN91WEJ3HOUip9zcbpmyfPWbCnB8ftsUbXlt7F0miYPBcUHmPFeOp2eE4A41RRT3/s1600/award+blog.jpg" /></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><br /></b></span></i><br /><br /><i><br /></i>

sharing...a stylish blogging award....

top of the morning to you all this monday... i'm feeling organised...focused...& ready to get on with january at last! oxfam have h...

3:56 AM

Cake Pop trial.

Cake Pop trial.

Our first set of Cake Pops. I was a bit crazy, and tried for the Cupcake Pops. Probably should've stuck with Cake Balls first. Mine d...

7:17 PM

Please send flowers.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmLs-wYSrISw5sCf5wMtU-xAldKndDYnShKHW84bTjpW1qwPIkF24yAbuHb0w4JtOlSt7DCDz__BLT4L2lSLdOUobtqETc9fVupd4oVguGeelYjkF_-GUXnky3FDPj1tNejboPdHMp9-4/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565584520202512050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmLs-wYSrISw5sCf5wMtU-xAldKndDYnShKHW84bTjpW1qwPIkF24yAbuHb0w4JtOlSt7DCDz__BLT4L2lSLdOUobtqETc9fVupd4oVguGeelYjkF_-GUXnky3FDPj1tNejboPdHMp9-4/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />Ok.  So on Friday, Luke was on my Facebook account playing Farmville, and as my status he wrote "someone please send a bouquet, I really need it."  He didn't reference Farmville or anything, and people thought I wrote it.  There was some confusion, and some concern on the behalf of my lovely friends who thought I might truly NEED a bouquet (I mean really, who doesn't?)<br /><br /><div>Anyways, yesterday we are out running a bunch of errands.  Pull into our driveway, and behind us pulls a florist delivery truck, looking for me.  I'm like, who would be sending me flowers????  And why????  I read the card, and it says, "thinking of you, Alondra".  One of my sweet Young Women from back in the day.  A little confused (although happy out of the world to receive some beautiful flowers), I'm like, what the heck?  And Derrick says, "I bet it has to do with what Luke posted on your FB account yesterday."</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure enough.  She read the post, was worried, the florist was closing in half an hour, and before I could answer her back, she had sent me flowers.  Goes with the chocolate cake.  I love when people do the unexpected just because.  I hope that I am one of those people too.</div><div><br /></div><div>So thanks to my friends and family out there who think of me and everyone else.  Thanks for listening to those inner voices, and for trying to make people's day with a little effort.  A smile goes a long way, ya know?</div>

Please send flowers.

Ok. So on Friday, Luke was on my Facebook account playing Farmville, and as my status he wrote "someone please send a bouquet, I reall...

7:03 PM

Chocolate does the trick.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNUoZrUU0lg1mzCqEbu7eQnZdqivAf9IEtTO1jQTUsvIA0TQ29SM6NT3CaR6K9z6mI5rFreCB7Tig0S3RA3bxUtL8_I48Bjysl1EiiuIE3O3PzzmL1mbfr6LT7PMIuWwqybR9UEzCRbh1/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565054705755226242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNUoZrUU0lg1mzCqEbu7eQnZdqivAf9IEtTO1jQTUsvIA0TQ29SM6NT3CaR6K9z6mI5rFreCB7Tig0S3RA3bxUtL8_I48Bjysl1EiiuIE3O3PzzmL1mbfr6LT7PMIuWwqybR9UEzCRbh1/s320/IMG_1194.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />My sweet friend, Allison, showed up with this for me.  She said that every time she talked to me this week I sounded kind of down and needed to be cheered up (doesn't help that I was also fighting a cold - just like everyone else!).  She also said that I didn't have to share - nice (I will... but it's nice to know that <i>sometimes </i>I don't have to).  <div><br /></div><div>(Although I did take a few bites at about 11:00 last night, when everyone else was asleep, way after I had already eaten my Healthy Choice low-calorie fudgesicle for dessert.  I won't tell if you don't.  Besides, it was a gift after all.  I don't want to seem ungrateful.)<div><div><br /></div><div>I am thankful for friends who bring you treats (or call or write a letter or whatever) just because they think it might be needed.  Thanks Allison for being a good friend and for taking such good care of me.  I hope that I can return the favor someday!</div></div></div>

Chocolate does the trick.

My sweet friend, Allison, showed up with this for me. She said that every time she talked to me this week I sounded kind of down and needed...

8:49 AM

Coldstone treat.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZY5KVKEmWj17b6etxKE821vkKYfEP57nOTUND3L6jOwRmxjWgioKktqClqCAXM8sx6GsJ5Upvgy-p-zsNDmK0YBpnjl4D8q_eCLu5iB0RvouMouhttwa82ttHyklHFDwMVDSKV1tybZdB/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564730032941595074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZY5KVKEmWj17b6etxKE821vkKYfEP57nOTUND3L6jOwRmxjWgioKktqClqCAXM8sx6GsJ5Upvgy-p-zsNDmK0YBpnjl4D8q_eCLu5iB0RvouMouhttwa82ttHyklHFDwMVDSKV1tybZdB/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />Ice cream at Coldstone for 7 people: $28.60.  5 birthday coupons for 5 kid people plus one Payback coupon for a B1G1 Free... new balance?  $5.49 (plus a $3 tip for all the pain and suffering of dealing with our family).  Thanks Coldstone for a cheap, yummy treat.  Less than $1 per person (not counting the tip).  Not bad at all.

Coldstone treat.

Ice cream at Coldstone for 7 people: $28.60. 5 birthday coupons for 5 kid people plus one Payback coupon for a B1G1 Free... new balance? $...

11:52 AM