I'm Ready For a Change

Do you know what happens when you start a project and it never ends?  Well, I do! 

By the time you get even close to getting where you want to be, you realize you're kinda over it.

But every time  I think of changing it, I look up at the crown molding.  Never, ever has painting been something I longed to do and believe me I've done more than my share.  I just have this problem.  I like change.  But back to those moldings.  That's a lot of taping and painting.   

I'm really wanting to go to lighter, brighter colors, cooler, more coastal colors.  Something in a pale gray with white trim.  But it can't be as simple as all that for me.  I'd have to paint the walls, and the trim and the ceiling.  We painted the ceiling in a lighter coordinating shade to the wall colors.  It's really beautiful and when we first chose it, it was perfect for that warm Tuscany look that I longed for.  But these are warm colors which are perfect for a cozy winter palate but like I said there's no way to just change the walls without painting the trim too.  Oh' and that's not to mention the wide layered floor trim moldings.

And take a look at the color of my sofas, well okay you can't get see the true colors.  They're prettier and a little darker olive green with golds and plums in the pillows.  They're too new to get rid of, as if that as even an option.  Not really wanting slip covers either.  I do like slip covers, I'm just not wanting them.  Plus the rug has a pale green/gold olive with white.  That would be another change.  When I bought this I kept saying I wanted to go neutral, so that I could change pillows and things when the seasons changed and have I could have a new look.  So what happened there?  Where did that plan go? 

So what about y'all?  Are you making any changes for the new season?  Do you have any money saving tips or idea's?  How would you handle a burning desire for change on an almost nil budget?  Let me know, I'm really wanting to hear what y'all think.  

By the way are you reading this FrogTape, Valspar paint, and Lowes or Home Depot?  I'd love to review your products! 

Quote for the day:

Even if you fall flat on your face at least you are moving forward.
                                                     ~Sue Luke                  

Have blessed and fruitful day y'all.  Hugs...Tracy :)

$50 Renew Life Giveaway Ends Soon with Low Entries

Hurry if you want good odds on winning because this one has low entries and is ending tomorrow 3/31 at 11:59 CST.  Jennifer at Sweep Tight is giving away a $50 credit to Renew Life.  If you haven't visited Sweep Tight, your missing out.  Sweep Tight is a top review and giveaway sight.  Besides Jennifer is a treat herself.

Brenda is a best-selling author, media expert, speaker and now has her very own community where you can learn about digestive health and even ask questions.  She is a pro when it comes to nutrition and natural digestive care.  You can check your local PBS Station listings to catch Brenda's "The Road to Perfect Health" now airing nationwide. 

9 to 96 They Just Can't Stop Helping Others - So Inspiring!

 Meet Julia Wallace, A pint-sized advocate for homeless animals.

 

 I read this in our local newspaper in Jacksonville and wanted to sharing these inspiring stories with you.  It's 2 heart warming stories of local "girls" who show us that you're never to young or too old to start giving.


Julia, is almost 9.  She saw the commercials for the animal shelters and was touched by the poor animals who were without homes and families to call their own.  She didn't just feel sorry for them she went to work to help them.  She decided to gather supplies for the Jacksonville Human Society.  She told her mother animals can't help themselves.  She said "They don't have hands or fingers.  They don't have keys to let themselves out of the cages."  She pitched the idea to Brownie Troop 111 but her idea came in 3rd place.  She was only 7 and though they didn't want to help she knew she still did.  After that, she told her mom about her plan and aked her if she would help.  She said no........(read the rest here).


Now lets go to the other end of the age spectrum.  I'd like to introduce you to Loyce Doering, who's 96, and helping others is a way of life she can't stop. 

 

Not only does this 96 year old dynamo volunteer, but she can also be seen on her riding lawnmower trimming her neighbor's land along the banks of the Cedar River, or making soup for an ill friend.  You just can't slow Loyce down, she wears me out just thinking about all she does.   She recetly bought herself a new car and drives everywhere.  She proudly announces that she has renewed her driver's license to age 100.  (read more about Loyce here).

I  hope y'all enjoy these inspiring "girls" stories as much as I did.  That should kick me off my butt and get me going.


Make it a great day, it's only here once. Hugs...Tracy :)

Expressions By Elaine is Having a Birthday and a Giveaway

Stop over at Expressions By Elaine to wish her a Happy Birthday and enter her giveaway.  She's celebrating her birthday month, March, (so  you better hurry) by giving away this too cute Cricut cartridge "Twinkle Toes".  Just click on her name or the picture above.


Don't forget, I want to hear all about it if you win!

Once Upon a Princess Blog Candy

Carlene at Me 'n' Miss Pink Cricut is celebrating her 100 (plus now) followers with a giveaway.  She's going to pick one winner to receive the cute Cricut cartridge "Once Upon a Princess".  Stop by and congratulate Carlene and enter her giveaway before it end's on April 7th.  


Are you a Cricut user?  Let me know.

Custom Blog Design Giveway

 

Are you ready for another giveaway?  Are you dreaming of a new custom blog design like me?  Well we have the chance to win one because lucky for us Jessica @ The Pixelista is having a giveaway and the prize  is a custom blog design just for the lucky winner!!!  

I have to tell you, I'm not at all crazy about the one I'm using now and I'm really itching for a new design to go with a new all out makeover.  So go visit Jessica and enter by hitting the picture or her name above. The giveaway ends April 1st at 12am PST.   But remember if you win, I want to know about it.

Good luck y'all! Hugs...Tracy :)

Mondays Quote of the Day................

No one has ever become poor by giving.

~ Anne Frank, diarist 1929-1945

Celebrate Brynwood Needleworks 2nd Blog Birthday

But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.

                                                                                      Psalms 37:11

 

 HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY DONNA!!! 

We're all better for knowing you!

Good news girls the most talented Donna at Brynwood Needleworks is celebrating her 2nd blog birthday.

Donna has written 688 posts in the last 2 years, well actually 700 is what I'm counting.  It looks like she's written 12 more since she posted the giveaway.  To celebrate she's giving away not 1 but 2 gift packages!!

Just wait till you see.  Donna's handcrafted works are always meticulously done.  She has a wonderful eye for color and fabrics and her creations are always spectacular.  

You love just visiting and reading her blog.  Sweet so sweet and upbeat and has a fun amazing life.  Go enter now before you forget.  Her giveaway ends Thursday 3/31 at 11pm.  You can click on the picture or her name to enter.

Remember ~ 

Life isn't a problem to be solved 

but a gift to be enjoy.

 Have a blessed week and don't forget to come back y'all!   Hugs...Tracy :

Desire To Decorate Has a Giveaway Ending Tonight 3/27.

Wendy from Desire To Decorate is hosting a $50 Home Depot gift card giveaway too!  It's seems Home Depot is feeling very generous this Spring.  Wendy's giveaway ends tonight 3/27 at midnight so you'll have to be quick on this one.   Wendy like to blog about her passion for decorating.  And like most of us she likes to get the great look for less which shows us her thrifty side.  And you know more for less is what it's all about for me.  So stop by and meet her and enter her Home Depot giveaway before it's too late.  Just click on the picture or her name above to enter.


Oh' yeah, there's one more catch.  You MUST come back and tell me if you win.


Hope you're enjoying your last Sunday evening in March.  Where does the time go?


If anyone has a giveaway ending next week please let me know and I'll try to get a post up about it.

The Frosted Gardner's Having A Giveaway - Hurry Ends At Midnight

Have you visited Melanie at The Frosted Gardner yet.  She's having a giveaway but it's ending tonight 3/27 at midnight, so you'll have to hurry if you'd like to win the $50 Home Depot gift card that I've got my eye on and fingers crossed for.  But don't worry if you read this after Sunday because you can always go by and make a new friend.  You're gonna love her furniture makeovers that she and her husband do.  So go make a new friend and you'll have a chance to win that $50 Home Depot gift card so you can get started on your own project.  Just click on her name or the picture above.


OOO's.....Tracy :)

The Winner of the Purex Complete with Zout is...

Happy Saturday Y'all!  Saturdays always seem so special.  Even when you stay home all the time.  I don't know why but they do.  So I hope your all enjoying yours.


Thanks to everyone who entered the Purex Complete with Zout giveaway.  The winner chosen by Random.org is #36 - Jessica!    Congratulations Jessica.  I've sent you an email.  Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.


Thank you to all the new followers.  I'm happy to have a chance to get to know you and you're very appreciated!


Now y'all go make it the best weekend ever!!!

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.
                                                                                                      ~Virgil A. Kraft

Last Chance to Enter My Low Entry Giveaway

Just a quick reminder.  Today is the last chance to enter my Purex Complete with Zout giveaway.  There are low entries so that means there are better chances for you to win.  Just click here or on the photo above before 11:59 pm EST.

And MOST OF ALL.........HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Heidi's Having a Willow House Giveaway

This weekend my friend Heidi from Show Some Decor...At Home with Heidi and Willow House let me in on a secret.  She's having  a super giveaway.  Boy I had to bite my lip not to spill the beans on this one.(Can you believe it Heidi? I made it to Wednesday).

Heidi has been hosting Monday's in March giveaways all month and this will be the last one.  She is offering the winner their choice of a $100 gift certificate to Willow House or her Savannah Beverage Server (a $125 value)!  Isn't that great?!  I love Willow House items and this beverage server is no exception.  So if you're interested (and of course you are), you can enter anytime between Wednesday the 23th  to Sunday the 27th.  Just click here to check it all out.

I know you've heard me say it before but......

PLEASE BE SURE TO TELL HEIDI THAT I SENT YOU, IN ONE OF YOUR COMMENTS.  THE MORE WE DO THIS THE MORE GIVEAWAYS I WILL BE ABLE TO FIND OUT ABOUT AND SHARE WITH YOU.  And yeah, I get and extra entries too.

Thanks y'all, now go enter Heidi's giveaway!!!   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***

Just Wait Till You See My Covergirl Makeover

Are you ready to see my after photo?  Well hold on to your panties we're getting there.  

I was always a makeup fiend.  It kind of fits the rest of my life.  Whether it's clothing, crafting, makeup or cars, I've always been a bling girl.  Bring on the shine and glitter.  I don't know where it came from.  It wasn't from my mother or my sister.  Mom always had a classic refined sense of style.  And my sister being a teen in the 70's always was the natural beauty.  I always envied her skin.  In the days of the flower child she was the one with the easy going, simple is more natural look (natural with makeup of course).  

So what's different for me now?  Well I'm 51 (next moth), instead of 30 and I don't dress up as much as I used to.  And as I've grown older my makeup style and needs are different too.  I have always worn lipstick.  There would hardly be a day you would find me without some form of  lip coverage.  I'm finding myself looking for more coverage than in the past.  More of a creamy lipstick than a lip gloss.  Yet I still want a natural everyday color, nothing too heavy.  When I worked, I was thrilled when they came out with the all day lip colors.  I don't work outside the home anymore, and I don't want the dry heavy lip stain now. 

When I was asked to be a part of the Covergirl 50th Celebration, I was one happy girl, (yes, I use the term girl loosely too). 
Lucky for me, Cover Girl, launched Lip Perfection Lipstick, a new collection of lipsticks created by beauty guru Pat McGrath, which contain silk proteins to transform dry lips in just 7 days!  The collection consists of 44 new shades too! 
So are you ready for the new me?  
The suspense must be killing you.  Well, here we go.......
Taaaa-Daaaa....................

So what do you think?  Beautiful, hun?!

What do you mean, you don't think it's me?  Are you calling me a liar?  Well, maybe I fibbed just a little.  I really didn't think Drew would mind.

Did you really think I would be so bold?  Silly you.  If I was 20 years younger I might have a go at a before and after.  Believe me I want one!  And I've been brainstorming about something like that too. Be patient, it takes guts, girls.

The colors are really, really pretty and the creaminess is just what I wanted.  I chose one sheer color for summer called Sweetheart #390 (see below).  It will be a great everyday shade.

I also chose a darker shade for a little more polish called Soulmate #320.  Love this color for those special times.

 My son tells me that my sweet granddaughter takes after me and him.  She's already a clothes perfectionist and has been all girl since she was a baby.  I can see dreams of makeup dancing in her head.  Watch out Covergirl, here she comes.

In review, I am a fan of covergirl.  I love the new shades and the creaminess is just what I was looking for.  My lips were already in pretty healthy condition since I usually put lip balm on at night when heading to bed.  After 7 days of use I didn't find any drying from the lipstick, as a matter of fact just the opposite.  They were soft though I didn't see an enormous change.  The only negative is that this lipstick doesn't stay on for hours but I never expected it too.  Remember I was going for creamy and not long lasting.  So it fit the bill for me.  I truly love the colors I chose.  You can checkout out all the beautiful colors for yourself, right here at covergirl.

Would you like to try Covergirls Lip Perfection?  I have 4 coupons for $1.00 off.  Just leave me a comment and I'll be happy to send one to the first 4 people who would like one.

Don't worry Drew.  You're career's safe!

***DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY PUREX COMPLETE WITH ZOUT GIVEAWAY HERE- LOW ENTRIES***

Disclaimer:  I received both items free from BzzAgent in order to review.  And as always these are my honest opinions.  You can read more about them at http://www.bzzagent.com/ Transparency is everything. 

I've Been Shopping

Okay so it was just window's shopping.  Hee-hee.

Ahhhhh.  The first day of Spring and all I can do is daydream.  I love shopping.  Well maybe not as much as I did 10 years and 20 pounds ago but  I still LOVE shopping. 

Especially in the Spring.  Everything's so bright, new, bold and colorful.  Even as a child I was insanely crazy about shopping for clothes.  Loved it from day one.  (Little secret, my son loves it too, and got it honestly).  And during spring is was all about the Easter outfit.  I miss those days when it was so important to have everyone dressed in new clothes and accessories from head to toe.  In the 60's we still wore Easter bonnets, coordinating socks and shiny patent leather shoes.  And of course it wouldn't be complete without a little wicker handbag and usually a light weight sweater.  In the 80's I was still doing the same thing with Ty.  No, I wasn't buying him cute dresses and bonnet sillies!  Shopping for Easter outfits and putting together the perfect Easter basket was heaven for me.

 

All the coral jewelry and accessories available are so pretty.

Don't you just love the coral and pink together with a touch of yellow?

Look at this cute cup holder/note set!  I'm ready to coordinate my car now too.  I'm really crazy about that pattern and the coral and white which a touch of lime.

This bold orange ring is fabulous!   I remember when costume jewelry was so out.  You didn't dare wear anything that wasn't REAL.  This is so much more fun.  When I was little I love playing in my Grandma's satin boxes loaded with old rhinestone jewelry.

This dress looks so comfortable and casual while still exuding class and looking chic.

And look at this stylish lunch totes.  Such cool colors.  I'll take one of everything please.

So does anyone else have Spring shopping fever or is it just me?

Make it a colorful week y'all!

***Oh yeah, don't forget to enter my newest giveaway here.

BTW,  All these photos were taken from the J.C.Penneys website.  I wasn't asked to post about them.  I just got excited and wanted to share.

Debbie @ Love the Decor is Having a Giveaway!

Have you heard Debbie @ Love the Decor is having a giveaway?  A fashion giveaway!!!  Just in time for spring.  Shabby Apple, a really unique clothing store with wonderful vintage style is working with Debbie to give one lucky winner a dress.  I'm already thinking Easter!  So just click here to visit Debbie and enter her giveaway.

****But Please do me one favor.  Let Debbie know I sent you, then I will get extra entries too.****

Lazarus Awakening Confirms That I'm Not So Different

I've just finished reading Joanna Weavers new book Lazarus Awakening.  I use the word finished loosely because even though I've read it, I am by no means finished with it.  This is not fantasy or a fairytale.  It's a chance to do some personal reflection and to uncover some truths about my own life with insights rooted in scripture. So I'm giving this book a 5 star rating.  Below you can read my review.
This was the first book that I've ever read by Joanna Weaver and without question I plan to read another book written by her.

This book pulled me in from the first chapter.  How very wise of Joanna to start with our own insecurities.  I often look at other people and think they have it all together, while I question my own relationship with God.  I can meet a stranger and with all sincerity tell them that God loves them no matter what, that there is every reason to have hope and expect great things.  But I don't, in my heart always feel that same assurance in my own relationship with God.  My mind and my heart are on two different wavelengths at times.

So for me it was nice to hear this was an issue that other women address as well.

This book helped me to see the story of Lazarus beyond the few words in the bible.  It help me to understand how much more there is to be uncovered in the words of the bible.  Which brings me to another important aspect of Joanna's book.  She has included a 10 week study guide, which I love because it gives me questions to reflect on so that I might gain even more understanding.

This book may be a faster read for others than it was for me.  I found myself reading various paragraphs over again.  I wanted to understand and gain a better perspective.  I don't think I'm done with this book yet.  Even though it's written in a very straightforward fashion, I feel like it's a book I can pick up and read again and gain new insight each time.

I really enjoy the style of Joanna's writing and think most women will find answers that speak to their lives.

I would rate this book a strong 5 stars.
Disclosure:  I received a free advance copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my review.  This is my honest review after reading the book.  Transparency is everything.

Take a break from aftertaste with a FREE sample.

Add nothing but taste to your morning cup of coffee with a FREE pint of Breve Crème coffee creamer, brought to you by your friends at Vocalpoint.

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I'm Linking Up with Some Great Giveaway Hops

I've found some wonderful giveaway links.  I'm going to share some that I've linked up my new Purex Complete with Zout giveaway too.  If you like giveaways you don't want to miss out on the parties.  It's a great way to find all the newest giveaways!  Be sure to enter my new giveaway here.
So here we go....................

Little Yaya's - Low Entry Giveaway Link Up

Piece of Me-It-Away Thursdays

  

Cocktails with Mom - Thursday Giveaway Linky

Enter To Win Purex Complete with Zout Giveaway

I'm so glad that I've become a Purex Insider for more than one reason.  

Reason #1:  I have the opportunity to try Purex' newest products.  And I'll be honest with you (you know I'm all about that, right?) I hadn't used Purex in years.  I had no plans to even try Purex.  I used the same detergent for years and was really happy with it.  I had used the same fabric softener for years and was quite happy with it too.  If you didn't read my review on Purex Complete Crystals,check it out here.  I totally will be buying that from now on. 

Reason #2:  Being a member of Purex Insiders allows me to give you my true thoughts and opinions of their product so you know what they're all about before you spend your money.

Reason #3:  Best of all, I get to have giveaways so you can win your own.  I just love sharing.

This time I received the new Purex Complete with Zout!  Not only is it a detergent but it also has a pre-treater all in one!  It's a powerful combination that works to get stains out the first time - even tough stains like grass, chocolate and tomato sauce.  

My sister and I do one thing different when doing our laundry.  I love fragrance in mine.  It's a huge deal to me.  Well to be fair, Joni loves fragrance too but her families skin, not so much.  And fortunately that's not a problem with Purex Complete with Zout because they've got us covered.  They have a Free & Clear for her, which is fragrance free and has a hypoallergenic formula for sensitive skin.  And for me they have the Fresh Morning Burst, which gives your laundry a light fresh sent.

Purex Complete with Zout contains THREE powerful stain-fighting enzymes.

  For normal wash loads, just use it as you would any detergent.  If you've got really tough stains just pour a little directly on the stain and let sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the wash.  And now I don't have to worry when Neil decides to help out and wash a load of clothes because the stain fighter is already in there and so is the fragrance.  He typically forgets to add the little ball of fabric softener.  But no worries now because Purex Complete with Zout's Fresh Morning Burst left my clothes smelling terrific without it.  And if you're like me and really like you clothes not only to smell good because of softener but to feel soft and fresh, you really will like the Purex Complete Crystals Softener.  Best thing is you can use it on towels and other things that you traditionally don't add softeners too without it effecting absorbency.  And even better I don't have to worry about adding that ball anymore.  I just add a small amount when I add the detergent!!!

It also cost less than the leading brand of liquid detergent.  It's priced from$3.49 to $7.99 depending on the size and the retailer.  It is available at select retailers now, and by the end of March it will be available nationwide in stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger and Publix.

Prove It To Yourself

Don't just take my word for it, prove it to yourself.  Just go to FreeSamplePurex.com and request a free sample of Purex Compete with Zout.  And that's not all.....

YOU CAN WIN A FULL SIZE BOTTLE HERE ON MY BLOG!

TWO WINNERS will receive a FULL SIZE bottle of Purex Complete with Zout!

MANDATORY ENTRY (Must do first or others will not be counted) - Become a "Google Friend Connect Friend" with Cotton Pickin Cute. (on the left side of the blog)

It's just that simple.  I know a lot of followers want a simple entry but to be fair to those who like to have extra chances I've added a few options for additional entries.  To be honest, I like the additional entries when I go to other giveaway sites because, if it's something I really want it gives me a chance to improve my odds.  And it's helped more than once.

If you'd like extra entries, you can do any of the following, but PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ENTRY THAT YOU COMPLETE. 

"Like" Cotton Pickin Cute on Facebook

 Follow Tracysuz on Twitter

Tweet this Giveaway.  You can use the tweet I've added below or tweet your own with a link back to me.  Be sure to leave me a link to the tweet in your comment below.

Sign up to follow me email on the right sidebar.

"Giveaway! 2 Winners! Purex Complete with Zout http://cottonpickincute.blogspot.com/2011/03/purex-complete-with-zout-giveaway.html"

This giveaway is open until Friday, March 25th at 11:59pm EST.  Winners will be notified by email.  Be sure I have a way to contact you!

Sorry but this giveaway is only open to the USA.

Thanks and Good Luck Y'all!!!   OOXX's....Tracy :)

Disclosure:  All opinions are my own.  I was given the opportunity by Purex Insiders to try  this product so that I could give an accurate review and hold this giveaway.  I was not compensated for this in anyway.  Transparency is everything!