I Still Believe--Visual Prayer

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Porch Blues

KmartDesign Twittered about a home decor video they shot helping us decor-challenged people create ambiance in the deck/patio area.

I responded (via Twitter) that they should do a series about porch entryways because I love my wrap around porch but I feel like it is uninviting. I like half of it and hate the other half. It's so blah and boring and I pretty much suck at home decor. (note--my current home had lots of help from a friend. Trust me. I did not decorate the inside, aside from pick my favorite colors!)

The design team asked if I would share pictures and they could offer tips. I'm ALL for that!!

We have several doors and sliding doors around our home.

Here are the two main outdoor entryways that I feel are uninviting. This is what people see when the come up the driveway.

Below is the door we use most often to enter the house. It's technically the side door, but the retaining wall and driveway for the main entrance aren't finished yet.

View standing on the porch.




Main outdoor entryway duex. We plan on using this as the primary entrance as soon as the landscaping is finished.


View standing on the porch.




These next photos are the half of the porch I like. I'm not in love because they're still kind of boring, but they are far more comfortable, entertaining, and inviting than what we just looked at.

There you have it. My ok-but-not-so-good wrap-around porch. You don't have to be from the Kmart Design Team to leave suggestions or link me to beautiful porches. I need help!!

Yoursphere is a Social Network for kids and teens that Zane has been testing and I've been reviewing. Here are other posts I've written with more information.

My favorite part of Yoursphere (if I get a favorite part since I'm mostly watching over Zane's shoulder while he explores!) are the contests. There are always chances to win free stuff. And you know how much I like winning free stuff! There's a contest going on right now called "Stump the Yoursphere Team." Kids submit their best riddles. The winner receives tickets to a local theme park.

The rules and instructions are always super easy and from what I've seen, the contests are very fun for the kids.

If you'd like to join us, here's a referral code you can use: YSMC-0056

Zane's username is: Zane

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Big Brother requires I say this: "I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by MomCentral on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirs, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review."

But you should know by now, I don't lie and I don't hold back. I think this is a good thing. I'll be writing a few more posts about it in the next couple of months.

Time Warp--Flashback 1

I've got a little catching up to do and I have to go back to March. Just pretend you're enjoying these posts as if they happened just yesterday. Or the week before. But pretend it wasn't months ago. Mmmkay? Thanks.

These are my nephews at our friend's birthday party at Bellaboo's.

Too cute!

Flannel Sheets

Before you get all crazy on me. I know it's summer. Almost Independence Day. Humid. HOT.

I know. I get it. I really do.

But.

Seriously. California King Flannel Sheets on clearance for like $32?! When you're a tightwad like me, you'll buy those flannel sheets right now so when it's 30 below and the wind is howling, you'll be glad you saved mad amounts of cash!

Saving for more camera lenses.

Writing is not paying much these days.

Don't judge ;)

Yoursphere ourSphere

Yoursphere is a Social Network for kids and teens that Zane has been testing and I've been reviewing. Here are other posts I've written with more information.

Within the safe confines of the Yoursphere site is a private virtual gaming Community called ourWorld. You child can create an avatar, play games, go on quests, and even decorate a condo!

Since this community is only available to Yoursphere verified members, I feel safe letting Zane enter a virtual world to play games.

The bonus? There is something called "flow" which Zane can trade in to unlock new features or get things for his avatar and virtual world. Kids love that stuff!

If you'd like to join us, here's a referral code you can use: YSMC-0056

Zane's username is: Zane

* * *

Big Brother requires I say this: "I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by MomCentral on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirs, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review."

But you should know by now, I don't lie and I don't hold back. I think this is a good thing. I'll be writing a few more posts about it in the next couple of months.

Popinjay--FAITH

Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, proof of what is not seen.

And what is not seen by mere human eyes

is known by God.

Last week, just two weeks after mom died, a "friend's" actions through me into a tailspin. That tailspin that killed Goose (Top Gun) Remember that scene? Yeah. All kinds of bad.

My mental reserves were tapped dry.

Recovering, or trying to recover myself, was in vain and I ran away from home.

Drove away from home.

Packed a bag.

Had to get away. Somewhere. Anywhere.

I drove to a remote McDonalds location to sit in the parking lot. To steal their WiFi.

To find an Abbey. Some Franciscan retreat with Monks and quiet. Stillness. Solitude. Prayer. Respite.

None could accommodate on such short notice.

A long-time, dependable, real friend works for an airline.

Texted her: Can we please fly away somewhere. Anywhere? I need to go.

No answer.

Drove to a coffee place with WiFi, chatted with a real friend. Had a deep, painful spiritual talk and heard without doubt God telling me to "Go back to your friend. Put up with her abuse."

Like I wanted to hear that.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Drove home.

Hit a baby deer.

Cried until my eyes hurt. My heart came out.

Woke up the next day, got a call from the friend who works for an airline. "Come visit me."

Before I left, a local artist--one of my favorite's--asked for photo inspiration from his fans. Barns, farm scenes, midwest flair. My favorite kind of photos.

I set out with my camera, my son, and faith.

Found plenty of barns and farms to photograph.

Also found The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Set out on a pilgrimage. Walked the meditation trail.

Got exactly what I was looking for.

Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, proof of what is not seen.

My friends, Heather, Michele, Amber, and Karina have been hosting Popinjay the entire time I've been away. They make my heart sing. God blessed me with these ladies and I'm blessed beyond measure.

Karina is hosting this week and next. Hop on over and add your link.

P.S. Karina was supposed to use FAITH last week. I'm glad she didn't. I'm not sure how much faith I had. This week, I am renewed.

Rubbermaid Premier Storage System

Swirly-ques. Oh the beauty.

Do they remind you of anything? Anything?

How I love the swirls.

And right now, someone up in product development is jumping up and down, rubbing it in--Yes! The swirls DO matter! They add a little happy in an otherwise crappy job.

Storing leftovers.

The carnitas Phil made were scrumptious!

But there were leftovers (surprise!)

And they fit! Score!

Lid locks and seals and you can tip it over and nothing dumps out.

Homemade refried black beans...

No problem for the Rubbermaid Premier Storage containers!

And then look! I mean LOOK:

They snap together on top of each other!!

The lids snap to the bottoms of the containers for organized storage.

Thank you SheSpeaks.com and Rubbermaid for the opportunity to fall in love with, yes, containers!

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Opinions are mine. It's way too exhausting to lie or pretend.

Yoursphere Spheres

Yoursphere is a new little venture Zane and I are trying out. It's a safe place for kids and teens to hang out. Kind of a Facebook minus the stuff kid's shouldn't see and do.

Here's the first post telling of safety features and other cool stuff.

This social network exclusively for kids features unique "spheres" they can either join or create. Zane really likes the Gaming Spheres where he can connect with other kids who love playing Wii, DS, and other game systems. Kids can create specific spheres for more narrowed interests, for example, Zane can create a Lego Rock Band Sphere and either open it to the public or only invite people he wishes.

Some other spheres include music, arts and photography, causes, sports, academics, animals, travel, TV and movies, and fashion. There seems to be something for everyone and if your child can't find the right fit--they can create their own niche.

If you'd like to join us, here's a referral code you can use: YSMC-0056

Zane's username is: Zane

* * *

Big Brother requires I say this: "I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by MomCentral on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirs, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review."

But you should know by now, I don't lie and I don't hold back. I think this is a good thing. I'll be writing a few more posts about it in the next couple of months.

Rain Shower

Because when the power goes out and you're stinky, there is no other option.