Hello Goodies!

Umm-Umm Good! That's the first thing I thought when I opened the package of goodies I won from Sarah Jay @ Criminal Grace.  Sarah was celebrating her 10th Year of blogging!  I didn't even know anyone blogged 10 years ago.  Like I told Sarah that's no big surprise, I'm not exactly on the cutting edge.

Sarah is so sweet.  I won the cutest recipe card file with cards and the cutest tags that she made.  But she didn't stop there, she threw in a whole bunch of other goodies, ribbons, buttons and paper doilies as well as a package of cute Martha Steward stickers.  

Thanks so much Sarah and here's to wishing you another 10 years of happy blogging!  Be sure to stop by and see the beautiful cards this often published veteran blogger has to share. Just click here to go to Sarah's blog.

Are You Wearing the Proper Clothes?

Thanks to my friends for leaving such sweet comments and letting me know that your thinking of me.  It's been a rough weekend.  I have a splitting headache and don't want my blog to be all about that.  I'm keeping in mind that it will pass and the Lord will be my strength. 

This song came to mind while thinking about my sister and a little project I want to do.  It made me think of better days ahead and I want to share it with you.  Oh' and you're probably wondering about that title, keep reading and you'll understand.  I just got sidetracked with this song. 

It was written by and performed by Gale Garnette from Australia who later went on to play in many TV shows and movies including "Bonanza" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".

What a beautiful song to start out with on Sunday.  I hope your Sunday is full of sunshine and love.

Now back to that title.  This verse is why I named this post "Are You Wearing the Proper Clothes?"

Matthew 22:11-14 (From Parable of the Wedding Feast)

11 But when the king came in to meet the guest, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 12 'Friend, he asked, 'how is it that you re here without wedding clothes?' 13 But the man had no reply.  13 Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'  14 "For many are 'called, but few are chosen." 

 Reading the study notes I learned the meaning of this passage.

• 22:11 The term proper clothes correspond to spiritual fruit that demonstrates real faith (see 7:13-27).
• 22:13 Weeping and gnashing of teeth express the intense pain and sorrow that result from condemnation for sin and unbelief (see 8:12; 13:42, 50; 24:51; 25:30. *Outer darkness is a metaphor for eternal punishment.
• 22:14  While many people are called-they hear the invitation to the kingdom-few are actually chosen by God and respond in faithful obedience to Jesus.

I'm so glad that I have a study Bible.  I've wanted one for years. While I understand certain phrases such as 'weeping and gnashing of teeth', I didn't realize what the term 'proper clothes' referred to.  I won this Bible though a giveaway earlier this year and am so grateful, as I said before, I had wanted one for years. Now I realize just how vital it is.  I'm not writing this to promote this particular Bible (which I love, if you can't tell).  I just wanted to share the verse this morning and thought it was important to share what I learned as well. If you've ever thought about getting a study Bible I whole-heartily recommend that you do.  Mine is the NLT Study Bible by Tyndale.

Now I have to go lay down and I'll be pondering the question about my clothes and what other people see inside of me.

Love and wishes for a blessed day ya'll.

Hugs......Tracy :)



I Won Something I Will Use Everyday of the Year!

I was the lucky winner of PJ's Pray Line giveaway on May 8th.  I won "The 365 Most Important Bible Passages For Women" from Hachette Book Group.

.

PJ is the host to Bible Quizzes, Inspirational Stories and devotionals.  She shares her love of the Lord, her family life and vacations with all who visit.  As her blog name suggest she has a prayer line that anyone is welcome to be a part of.   I hop you click on her name or here and stop by to visit her.


I love having this daily readings and meditations book to start each day out with.  I'm going to share today's devotional here with you.  Today's writings come under the chapter Stress & Community.

Against God's Will

     Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish...Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.

     The Sailors...cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.  So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?...He answered, "I am Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land....Pick me up and throw me into the sea,...and it will become calm.  I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."...Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm...

     But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. 

     Jonah 1:3-4, 7-9, 12, 15, 17 NIV  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     When we deliberately turn from what we know God wants us to do, we will struggle and might cause hardships for many other people.  This happens, for example, when a spouse or child turns from God and causes heartache and broken relationships.

     In the Old Testament, God called Jonah to a mission, but jonahh ran the other way to hide from God.  Jonah's choice led to problems  for many people.  When Jonah accepted the blame and the sailors tossed him into the sea, God calmed the waters and the ship and crew survived.  When Jonah admitted his responsibility, he also chose to give his life to save the sailors.  The sailors, amazed by God's power, worshipped God.  God used Jonah's disobedience to change hearts.  Jesus referred to Jonah's time in the fish to illustrate his coming time in the grave.

     Jonah's time in the big fish gave him time to pray, think, and choose to obey God.  Admitting our responsibility when we have turned away and admitting our sins restores our relationship with God and gives us another chance to obey him, accept his plans for our lives, and do what he calls us to do.


Thank you to both P.J. and Hachette Book Group for this devotional which is a gift that will be read daily and in turn I will think of P.J. everyday.

****Don't forget to enter my Barielle Nail Strengthening Cream giveaway.  I'm not kidding when I say their nail products are the absolute best!  Tonight is your last chance to enter and the chances are very good.  Just click here.****

Rainy Days and Magazines

Last month I was a winner of Avon's ANEW Platinum Beauty Boost Giveaway.  The prize was a year's subscription to the Better Homes and Garden magazine.  BTW - I haven't tried Avon's ANEW Platinum Beauty Boost yet but would love too do a review on that.  Are you listening Avon?

It had been awhile since I had even looked at a Better Homes and garden.  So with a cup of tea, and some mini Cadbury Creme eggs I took some time that afternoon to browse the pages and daydream.  I really enjoyed it too. 

I stopped buying a lot of magazines including my beloved "Southern Living" because they are so overloaded with ads and had very little solid content.  Some of the magazines are down right skinny.  While Better Homes and Gardens is not immune to having plenty of ads, there was more content then most of the magazines I've looked at in a while.  There's a little something for everyone.  Articles about home, garden, style, food, better family and even my all time favorite coupons.  What could have possibly made that day any better?

A stormy rainy day, that's what.  Well that wish is coming true tomorrow.  How many of you love to settle in on a rainy day with a good magazine?  I do.  I even love the thunder.  I know a lot of you have had more rain than anyone ever should but we're having to deal with wildfires here.  There was a really big one today and U.S.#1 was shut down.  We can even smell the smoke at our house. But there's good news on the way.  We should get a big ole'  stormy day tomorrow.  Just in time to enjoy my new copy of the May Better Homes and Garden magazine that came today (yesterday by the time you're reading this).  You know, I miss getting magazines in the mail.  It's always such a treat to open the mail box and find one. So tomorrow I have a date, just me and Better Homes and Gardens.  I can't wait.....a cup of tea and  just sitting back and flippin' pages.  Yippee!  It's not that I don't have plenty of other things that need to be done, that's never case.  But I got a lot done today and I plan on getting a little more done early so I can enjoy the rain.  If it's now blowing too hard, I think I've even sit on the porch.  Ummmm....I can hardly wait.

Quote of the Day

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns 

or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses".

                              ~ Abraham Lincoln

WWW Heavyweight Championship Belt

Quote for the Day:

To the question of your life you are the answer,

and to the problems of your life you are the solution.

                                                        ~Joe Cordare

A while back I told you that I would post some more of  the wins I've had since December.  I'm so behind.  This is one that I won just before Christmas last year.  I won these two WWW Intercontinental Championship Belts  from Gina @ A Wrestling Addicted Mommy. 

 

Here is the 2nd, WWW Heavyweight Championship Belt.  It was pretty cool.  The one that I was supposed to receive must have been out of stock and so they generously sent me these 2 belts instead of just one.  How's that for service.

I love being able to win something for my Grandchildren.  Thank you Gina for hosting this giveaway.  I love winning ~ NOT like Charlie Sheen of course.

Stop by and visit Gina here.  She has a really great and really busy review and giveaway blog.

Hope you're having a great Monday.  Hugs...Tracy :)

Do I Consider Myself Lucky? A Win For Me - A Giveaway For You

Heck yeah!  But I work at it too.

Jen over at The Mom Reviews had a giveaway.  Well no surprise there, she always has giveaways.  That's what she's about, reviews and giveaways and being a nice person in general.  She has some of the best giveaways to be found.  Oops....I digress.

Back to the story.  I was the lucky winner of a recent giveaway for a set of Easeamine skin care set.  The Easeamine Skin Care Collection includes, Cleanser,  Revitalizing Toner,  Day Crème, Night Crème and Eye Creme,  and is now available for purchase at www. Easeamine.com.

Is that an awesome set or what?  I'm going on 51 next month and I've been on a thing about my skin, clothing and overall look in general.  This is like getting an early birthday present.  Thank you Jen and Easeamine!!!

Easeamine Skin Care Collection, the first over-the-counter, anti-aging skin care line that increases the production of collagen and elastin through its patented Adenosine formula. Developed by renowned cardiovascular research scientist Dr. James G. Dobson, Jr., Ph.D, Easeamine is the only skin care line in the market that uses the patented Adenosine Skin Technology formula.

It's even beautifully packaged.  I'm looking so forward to pampering myself with it.

Back to being lucky.  It is partial luck with a little persistence. I don't win anymore then anyone else if you look at it from the right perspective.  I try to enter at least a few giveaways a day.  I hate to jump through hoops just like everyone else but I know that the more hoops or extra entry opportunities there are on each giveaway, the more chances I have to win.  If it's something that I'd really like I'll do as many of the entries as I can.  I don't win everything I want.  It's just a matter of odds.  The more I enter the better the chance.  So each day I have chances at winning something.  So get out there enter a few and you'll find out it's fun too.

And by the way...there are lots of wins that I haven't gotten around to sharing with you but I want to and I will.

Good Luck Y'all,

Hugs...Tracy

 ***DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY PUREX COMPLETE WITH ZOUT GIVEAWAY HERE. LOW ENTRIES AND IT ENDS FRIDAY***

Have I Found My Balance?

Before you read my post I wanted to update you on my MIL's condition.  Her leg is healing very well.  The Dr. is really pleased.  Glory to God!  But unfortunately, she went back to the hospital again today.  She has pneumonia in both lungs now.  There was no sign of it until today.  I went to the hospital this evening but she never woke up while I was there. We would so much appreciate your prayers once more.

Ignore them...they're just stuck-up

I looked out the window and what should I see, but 4 birds separated by a tree.  

I love this photo.  The two birds on right came out of the water to make friends, I guess.  One looks like he's saying "what's up with them"?  And of course I picture the taller one saying something like "Oh' just ignore them, I've been here for 20 minutes and they haven't said a thing."


Poor birds.  They don't know the other two on the left of the tree are metal.  I still laugh when I look at that photo.  Which brings me to my title of this post......

Have I found my balance?  I decided that Balance was going to be my word of choice for this year, you can see that post here.  So have I?  Have I found my balance?  Well not exactly but I didn't expect to in just 2 short months.  But I haven't given up either.  I'm still working on it, searching for it each day.  I have found more time to pray.  More time for me, to just sit and read or relax.  I haven't figured out the whole diet, exercise part of balance yet.  To be honest I do a lot of day dreaming about it and not enough doing.  


Balance has always been a tough one for me because I'm sorta AADD.  My mind swirls at a hundred miles and hour.  It never wants to shut off even though I want it to.  And I tend to get bored easily.  My biggest problem right now is feeling sluggish.  That's where the diet could come in.  Whereas, I used to couldn't stop moving, now I'm having a hard time wanting to move.  I'm sleepy all the time.  I never find time for crafting, which I love by the way.  But the important thing is balancing my moods.  And I'm doing a fairly good job at that right now.  I hope to do a blog series on the changes to feeling better, that I want to make.  I'd like to do more writing and that would be as good a place to start as any.  I think this quote by the novelist Ellen Douglas says it all.......

"To be a writer, is to bear witness to all that you have seen and heard"

How many times have you wished that your Mother or Grandmother would have kept a journal of their lives?  Even the mundane can be fascinating to the next generation.  I can just imagine the stories that they would tell.


My story doesn't consist of one particular area.  I have lots of passions and many curiosities.  I love sewing, crafting, decorating, talking (you figured that, right?), saving money, turning old into something new and sweepstakes and giveaways.  I hope to share a little of it all with you. 

Remember the other day when I told you I had more giveaway wins to share?  Well, here's another.  And it fits my balance theme perfectly.  It's just what I needed to pamper myself with.  I had not heard of MOR Cosmetics before I read about Tracy's review and giveaway at Ascending Butterfly.   I was so excited when I got this message from her.  "You will receive one Dear Mr. Patridge Limited Edition Gift Set from MOR Cosmetics! ARV $48!".The scent is  "Cinnamon and Clove" which I love.  It's such a warm scent, perfect for those nice fall/winter evenings.  And look at the beautiful tin it was packaged in.  This is a 5 Star collection and I'm lovin' it!

Inside is a huge bar of triple milled soap, which makes it last longer.  And the way it's going, I'm going to still be working on this one bar until September.  It leaves a really soft scent after you shower.  Then there's the really rich and lush scented hand cream that I have on my bedside table but it's the perfect size for your purse.  And oh' my goodness..........the candle is fabulous!  I'm not kidding.  It's in a tin of it's own and the smell is awesome.  It's not one of those dinky candles that smell good when you sniff them but doesn't smell at all when you light them.  The wax is so silky creamy you could actually rub it in and feel the oils.  OOHH, wouldn't a warm hand wax with this leave your hands silky and smelling oh' so good?

You may think I'm silly but I really wish I could get a roll of the paper they wrapped the soap in.  It's gorgeous too!!!  Embossed with gold in a partridge in a pear tree motif, I'm really wanting to wrap all my gifts with it.  Maybe even frame it.  Laugh if you will, but see if you don't feel the same way if you get a set of this.

So thanks again Tracy for hosting the generous giveaway.  Click on her name above or here to visit her blog.  She's as sweet as can be and has a great blog full of giveaways, fashion and more.  This candle and lotion sit right next to my bed and make me feel pampered which is the first step in feeling balanced.  Also thanks to MOR Cosmetics for generously sponsoring Tracy's giveaway.  I'm definitely a new fan!!!


Hope y'all find time to pamper yourselves some too.  We all need it and 15 minutes out of a 24 hour day is not too much to devote on you!     Big hugs....Tracy :)


Disclaimer - I was not paid or asked in anyway  to write this post.  It's just how much I loved the product I was lucky enough to win.  Transparency is everything!

Tulips Make Me Swoon and EWW What A Display Vase

Do I consider myself lucky?  Do I consider myself blessed?  Am I thankful?  Do I work at it?  In one simple word:

YES!!!

Yes to all of the above.  

I do consider myself lucky to have been the winner of Heidi's first giveaway from "Show Some Decor" giveaway winner. You should go check out her blog here and also go take a look at the many gorgeous items she sells with her "Willow House" business here.  You'll love her blog because it's just fun and full of great decorating items.  And she's such a loving, caring person that you're sure to like.

I just love this bowl!

"Isn't this vase gorgeous?  When I first saw it, I fell in love with it.  And this is no little vase either.  It measures 61/2" diameter x 14" tall and holds 10 cups.  Now that makes a statement.  I love the simple elegant shape that stands out in a room.  I can think of a dozen different uses for it too.  Not only would it display any cut flower beautifully but think of  how pretty a display of crocus' growing in pebbles would be.  Christmas, well that's pretty obvious ~ beautiful Christmas ornaments.  Filled with acorns or pine-cones it whispers fall.  How about filling it with miniature pumpkins and gourds for Thanksgiving, or even a candle tucked in a bed of candy corn.  What about a candle nestled in anything from wonderful smelling coffee beans, pebbles, sea glass or even jelly beans for Easter.    

Oh', I've just inspired myself to go do something beautiful with it.  Now I just need to decide where to put it.  The counter, the table.  Maybe I should just spoil myself and enjoy it's beauty in our bedroom or even the bath.  Oh' Woo, what about filling it with Robin's Egg blue speckled soap eggs., or bath salts with a scope.  Oh' I really have to go and get busy!

Share some spring inspiration with me.  I'd love to see what you've done lately and I always love to read your comments.  So tell me what you've been up to so I can come and check it out.

Wishing you all a week of joy......Tracy :)

BTW - does anyone know the correct spelling for EEEWWW  (pronouned like ooey gooy good)?

Life Application Study Bible

It was the nicest weekend here.  The weather was in the mid to high 70's and Neil and I both spent some much needed time in the yard.  Neil climbed up on the roof to blow it off.  A job both of us had been putting off.  I used to get up there and do it and Neil said he's afraid I would hurt myself.  Boy, what a change.  I remember when he wouldn't have gave it a second thought.  He said he was a little scared to get up there anymore too.  He did slip one time.  OOOOHHHHH - that is scary, I've done that.  It's a tall roof, that would definitely be a hospital visit.

You can see how hard I worked, in the picture above?  Just kidding,  I did get out there and do some old fashion clean up.  Nothing to show off pictures of.  Anyway, Neil saw me and snapped this photo.  And I thought well if I'm gonna share it, I want a better picture to share.  And this was better then my book on a table picture anyway.

 I was the lucky winner of  Jenni's giveaway @ My Corner of the Universe! I won a gift certificate for the Life Application Study Bible.  I was thrilled to win too, because I;ve been wanting a study bible for so long.  I wasn't expecting it to be as big as it was.  Since Jenni sent me the gift certificate I went to the Family Christian Bookstore to pick it up myself.  I love that store.  They always have the cutest things and I end up staying in there forever.  

The study bible has so much information in it.  There have been so many times that I've wanted to have a better understanding of what I was reading.  The only thing I can say that's at all negative is that because it has so much information the writing is a little small and I would probably buy the larger one.   Also this one is paperback and if I was purchasing one I would've gotten the leather/faux leather one.  Don't get me wrong, I am in NO way looking a gift horse in the mouth.  This was another of many answered prayers for me.  Something I have really wanted for a long time.  This version of the book is around $26.00.

Thank you again Jenni for hosting the giveaway and thank you Tyndale Publishing for sponsoring it.  I will be using this daily for MANY years to come!


I've been so lucky or blessed over the past few months but with our lives being so busy at the hospitals I haven't gotten to share them.  So this week I'm going to fix that.  Don't go being jealous now, I still haven't won a car.


Have a wonderful blessed Sunday Y'all!  XXOO's....Tracy :)

P.S.  Don't forget to enter my Publix $25 gift card giveaway here.

I Was a Pairre Flower Farm Winner

I won Linda's giveaway at Prairie Flower Farm!   Her cookie won 2nd place in Create and Decorate Magazines Holiday Cookie Contest!  Linda  is featured in the August 2011, Holiday Issue 2011 and December 2011 Issue. How exciting is that!!!  And since I was one of two winners she chose I received one of  her delicious snowman cookies (just like the top photo).  Oh' it was so hard to eat because it's just too darn cute, but eat it I did and it was delicious. YUM!  I also received a copy of the Create and Decorate Magazine that she was feature in (pictured above). 


Linda also asked her readers to contribute recipes for the Prairie Flower Farm Cookie Cookbook she's creating.  I can't wait for that.

And if you've never visited her shop Peace Creek Collections
you really should stop by and see just how beautiful her creations are.  And you'll love visiting her blog Prairie Flower Farm.   You'll feel happier every time you visit her. 

Wow I Won Wendy's Carmex Giveaway

 

 I knew I won this a week or so ago but I usually wait to post when I receive the prize so I can tell you a little about it.  And I'm glad I waited.  This is awesome.  Wendy over at Ramblings From the Sunshine State  who I hope to meet one day since we're in the same general area of Florida and I feel like I've know her forever just from blogland, hosted this giveaway from Carmex  which I blogged about earlier.    I never even knew that Carmex had hand creams until now.  I love Carmex lip products. We've used it in my family for years.  It works great for cold sores, fever blisters and chapped lips.  I love fresh cool feel of the Menthol and Camphor.  It's thick with Cocoa Butter and stays put on your lips.  I still have a ceramic jar of it and it still smells fresh.  

Well now they have a whole wonderful line of lip products, healing lotions and creams.  And they all came in a wonderful toiletry bag in the giveaway.  Thanks to Wendy and Carmex , I'm ready for winter.

Wendy's is mother to 3 young children  and always creates the best birthday parties for them.  She also has a Etsy shop called Blake's Crayons.  She makes the cutest crayon shapes.  Just click on her banner below to stop by and see for yourself.

 Y'all have a blessed day now....Hugs, Tracy :)

Christmas came early - I won a Bed Head Wave Artist

I Won the Bead Head Wave Artist Win from Jennifer at The Dirty Shirt

The Bed Head Wave Artist Tourmaline Ceramic Deep Waver has a unique barrel design that creates deep, sculpted waves and provides a unique, effortless wavy look.

• Tourmaline Ceramic coated barrel provides gentle heat for frizz-free, shiny waves with less hair damage
• High heat and fast heat recovery make styling quick and easy
• Barrel Locking Switch for easy storage
• Multiple heat settings for customized styling

What a great win.  I want to thank Jennifer at The Dirty T Shirt, who always has fantastic giveaways for giving me the opportunity to enter and win this waver.  I'm looking forward to experimenting with this when things calm down.  With my long, very straight hair, it's going to be so fun to do something different.  And what a quick way to get a new look that isn't permanent.  This really does heat up so fast!

Also thank you Jennifer for being so patient with all that's going on I haven't been able to post this win until now.  I actually won it on Oct. 10th and I normally wait until I receive prize before posting anyway but geeze   I'm late on this one.

I have more wins to post soon.  Now I need to get busy finding some good giveaways that I can host for all of y'all!

Hugs and blessings y'all......Tracy :)

P.S.  Update on MIL ~ they didn't perform the procedure for the stomach feeding pick today but will tomorrow.  Thank you all again for your kind words and loving prayers.

Pretty Paper - Check ~ Coptic Markers - Check = YIPPEE!!!

Whoo - Hoo!!!!  I won the most fun giveaway. 

 

I have been wanting to try stamping for sometime.  I have really been wanting some Coptic markers and boy did my dreams come true.  Where you might ask did I get such goodies?  I got lucky over at

CREATIONS WITH KATHRYN

I won Kathryn's blog candy for the Halloween blog hop.And all the goodies I got were a total surprise.  And she was so generous.  My pictures don't show just  how wonderful this package was.  Thank you so much Kathryn.  I'm looking so forward to getting time to play and practice with them.

Lots of these pages are 2 sided and they are all gorgeous and fun.  Do  you see the book making pages in the second photo how cool are those.  She also sent rub on transfers, embellishments and other cool stuff.  Can you tell I got excited!  I'm just sorry that I didn't get to post as soon as I received it last week.  I hope y'all click here to stop by and visit this sweet gal and see how talented she is too.  Please let her know that I sent you.

I have lots to share with y'all and hope I can get back here to do it this week.  See y'all later.  Love and Hugs...Tracy :)

My Big Blogmania Win

 

See the photo above.  It's just the beginning of my winning prize from the huge Blogmania Giveaway.  There were so many bloggers participating and I tried to enter as many of those that would pertain to me as I could.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be the winner of one this fantastic prize pack.  I was Kellie's 1st of 3 winners so I got 1st choice.  YIPPEE!!!

Just take a look at the photo below.

Prize #2:  Combined Value of $697

Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin care products: Daily Cleanser; Daily Normalizing Toner; Skin Hydrating Mist; Daily Moisturizer; AHA Face Cream; ($100 Value).
Life Link Coaching program:  “Jump Start Your Journey” 4-part workshop (webinar dates to be announced); $397 value.
Image Consulting by Kayla Skaggs: Gift certificate valued at $100

I chose prize #2.  

• I was thrilled to receive Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin care products today. I  can't wait to start using it tonight.
• Kellie has decided to individually work with the winners for their 4-part workshop "Life Link Coaching program".  (How many of you are saying oh' Tracy can really use that?  My hand's up.)  I'm really looking forward to it.
• I'm waiting for Kayla Skaggs to contact me about the Image Consulting gift certificate.  

Really, this is the perfect prize to receive especially since I turned 50 this year.  I so need a pick me up and to learn some positive reinforcement.

Thank you Kellie, Kayla and Dr. Michelle Copeland for a fantastic prize!!!

A Lucky Win or a Cosmic Hint

WOW ~ Am I feeling lucky this week or what?  Well whether it's being lucky, being blessed or getting a cosmic push to get healthy, you won't find me looking a gift horse in the mouth.  

I just received another giveaway I love it.  Jasmine from Sweet and Fit choose me as the winner of her National Parks giveaway courtesy of Myblogspark and Nature Valley.  Look at all the goodies that came in the box:

• Insulated Back Pack
• A box of Nature Valley Oat's n Honey bars
• 1,000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Shultz
• drink cylinder
• Compass
• Flash light / Keychain

 I have looked at this exact book so many times at Walmart and thought of buying it.  My dream side of being a world traveler.  Boy was I surprised to win it.

From Jasmine's blog:

Nature Valley and Patricia Shultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, want you to join them to support the National Parks Project - this year this project is focusing on restorative work at The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Biscayne National Parks.  Nature Valley is accepting wrappers that you mail in to recycle – and will contribute 10 cents to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for every wrapper received. To Learn more about the National Parks Project and how you can help, go to PreservetheParks.com.

So thank you Jasmine, Myblogspot, Nature Valley and Patricia Shultz for this fun win!!!


Stop in and meet Jasmine. Her blog is full of luscious recipes and reviews.  She's the cutest little thing (I guess that's were the Sweet comes from in Sweet and fit (she's that too), and she just became newly engaged.  What a beautiful ring the lucky groom to be choose for her.  

Hugs...Tracy :)

French is in the Air

I'm from the South and we all know there is a lot of French in the Louisiana part of the South but North Florida isn't exactly where you'd expect to find it.  Well you can now....at my house!  Boy did I feel like the Queen Bee when I received this to-die-for French style pillow cover.  Isn't it just so pretty!  I was the lucky winner of Rhonda's giveaway at Blue Creek Home.  Doesn't it just make your day to receive a special package in the mail.  I am now the proud owner of a BCH original!!!


Rhonda had a giveaway because she reached 501 followers. That's reason to celebrate and boy am I glad she did.  Now she's well past that and on her way to her next mile stone.  

She gave the winner ***ME*** her bestselling, “BCH Original” pillow cover from The Shop @ Blue Creek Home.  I'm sure most of you know this sweet gal already.  I love to visit her blog and see what charming new creation she has come up with or what new decorating project she is working on.  You really should stop by and tour her beautiful home, virtually of course.  And check out The Shop @ Blue Creek Home, where you'll find her original creations as well as vintage items too.

Wait a minute.  Where do you think your going?  I'm not done yet.  As if that wasn't enough of a win there is something else.  

Rhonda was also celebrating the release of the new E-Magazine, “Belle Inspiration”.  The first issue will hit the internet news stands on September 15th!!!   Can you believe it I will be receiving, thanks to editor, Mimi  Bleu , a one year subscription to  “Belle Inspiration” E-magazine!!!!  I just can't wait to see the first issue.  I hope you run over to Belle Inspiration and take a peek too.  You can click on their name or the photo below.

 So thank you to both Rhonda of Blue Creek Home and to editor Mimi Bleu.  Don't be surprised if y'all hear me speaking French before the year's over.  Between the inspiration of Rhonda's pillow cover and Belle Inspiration, well I'm  just saying...............


Can you imagine my with my Southern twang trying to speak French.  That would be a hoot!

At Blue Creek Home you'll find a friend and I'm not just saying that because I won Rhonda's giveaway either.  She has a very loving heart and is just the type of person you hope to meet in blogland.  I feel so blessed by all the people I've been lucky enough to get to know here this last year.  VERY BLESSED!!!

Hope everyone's has a blessed and peaceful Sunday.  Warm hugs.........Tracy :)

A Book Full of Inspiration ~ Goodie, Goodie!

I've been such a bad blogger.  Missing in action and missing so much.  Worst of all I was the lucky winner of a dear friends blog and am only now getting to you and show you what I won.

Deb of Deb's Vintage Soul is a collector and creator of all things girly and beautiful.  She gave away 2 prizes and I was lucky enough to win Mary Emmerling's Smart Decorating Book.  I miss the old days when she was on HGTV.  She makes the most out of the least.  Deb's good at that too, wouldn't you say?  Look at this desk and chair that she just made over.  And they weren't even a set before she started!

 

 

Take a minute and stop in Deb's Vintage Soul, just click here or on her name.  Lots to look at and a kind, kind soul to visit with.

Wishing you all a fun, fun weekend.  Hugs...Tracy :)

I Recieved the Sweetest Most Swooney Package

Do you get as giddy as I do when you receive a package in the mail?  Oh' I get so excited it just makes my day especially when it's from someone I love and admire so much.  I was one of  the lucky winners of Donna @ Brynwood Needleworks giveaway last week.   These sachets are so chic and smell dreamy.  And you'd better believe I even kept the ribbon that she hand stamped.  I've used her picks because mine always come out so crummy.  She included the most darling note pad book and postcard.  It was all wrapped up in the prettiest tissue paper.  Did I already say I was giddy?  The last time I received such a girlie gift was when my Mama was alive.  Thank you Donna for making me feel so girlie!

I always just oooh' and aaah over all her creations.  I consider Donna to be a dear friend.  She is always coming by just to share a sweet hello and remind me that she cares.  She's wonderfully cheery and I'd love to be able to spend a whole day with her.  Have you ever looked in her shop?  You'll want it all.  I do!  I hope you stop by and take a peek and tell Donna hello.

My Little Cowgirl Memory and My Winning Prize

I just have to show you what I received in the mail Saturday from dear Sweet Elizabeth @ Creative Breathing.  Everyday I'm amazed at what new creation she has made and as if that's not enough she tells the wonderful stories.  That's why I felt so honored that she chose me as the winner of her "Thunder Rolls Giveaway".  You really ought to check out all the fun, funny and sweet stories that were submitted in her comments.   You can click here to read that post.  I never had any idea that my own silly childhood antics would win it for me.  


I cherish owning creations from blogland friends more than anything I could imagine.  I have a few from Elizabeth and though I don't have my own craft room, I have them prominently displayed so each day I'm reminded that a friend cared enough to gift them to me.  How that makes me smile! :)

Do you have a special handmade item that you cherish?   I"d love to hear about it!


Have a blessed week....Tracy :)

How Could I Be Sad or Gloomy with a Win Like This!

 HAPPY MONDAY!  Okay, I'll try and tone it down a bit ~ happy Monday ya'll.  Did everyone have a good weekend?  I hope so.  Our weather was awesome.

It seems that I've been incredibly lucky the past couple of months and I've got a new win to show you today.  Debbie from Love the Decor, who by the way is just full of Sunshine herself, hosted this bright and Springy giveaway and I won!  I just received my win a few days ago and am so excited to show all of you.  CNS Stores sponsored Debbie's giveaway with a prize of this set of 3 pillows with 3 different fabrics and 3 sizes.  

By the way, I'm pretty sure everyone knows CNS Stores by now but I have to tell you they have an incredible selection of items.  

CSN is a website that has over 200 online stores. Yes 200! You can find anything from tv stands to storage items, toys to tools and everything in between. Lamps, bedding, clocks, cookware, chandeliers, rugs, and more!

The pillow pack is called The Lizzie Pillow Pack, which I love even more because that was my Grandma's sweet name and I adored her.  By the way this sweet old Grandmother was 80 years old when I was born or close to.  She died when I was 13 and she was 93, needless to say she wasn't an active Grandmother.  But that didn't matter because she was wonderful, soft and cuddly and you could lay on the couch or bed with her and she'd tell you the most wonderful stories.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my pillow win from dear sweet Debbie as much as I enjoyed showing them.  Please go by and meet her if you haven't already because she is an incredible decorator and a wonderful blogger, of course if you know her already, this is no news to you.

 Thanks for stopping by this morning.  

Hugs...Tracy :)