50 follower giveaway.......yay!

Here are a few photos of what you will get.......



....I didn't want to photograph the whole package, because I wanted an element of surprise, and also because I'm a last minute gal & I knew I would gather up a lot of little things to stuff into the box before I ship it off.  So sorry that things have been slow moving on here.  It's really difficult to do regular internet activities like blogging without regular access to a real computer.  :(
I'm grateful to be able to borrow computers, and such, but they just aren't the same thing, you know?  My iPhone4 is so amazing, but mobile blogging sucks.  It's like texting, which is weird.  And trying to insert a photo to a blog post is really frusturating.  Plus if I want to go back and edit, it's nearly impossible from a cell phone.  It's nice to use my parent's laptop, but they have their own personal settings that work for them, but are irritating to me.  Little things, like internet explorer instead of firefox (spell check....hello!), and allowing access for importing something from the clipboard.  I'm looking a gifthorse in the mough, I know, but when fun & awesome things like blogging become difficult, I tend to choose something else (like Glee on Netflix).  Definately looking forward to having a computer in the house!
Enough complaining, this is about celebration.  If you like what you see, and wouldn't mind being surprised with a few extras, please leave me a comment with contact info (like an email address), and tell me what your favorite springtime activities are.  I will choose a winner on Sunday May 1st, at 10am central standard time.  That gives you about 2 weeks to enter.

Package includes:
* a cupcake cookbook (used, but fairly new, and in great condition)
* a brand new 14.5 oz. pineapple orchid scented candle (my favorite!) from Bath & Body Works
* a cute package of my personal scrapbook supplies (a little destash, including a woodgrain stamp)
* japanese cherry blossom mini bath products with a cute floral purse size mirror
* candy, stickers, and other random tidbits      ;)

50 followers!

Yay! I have secretly been waiting for this moment for a while now. Pretty things have been rounded up for a coffin confections blog reader giveaway!! I'll have details for you fantastic people soon, with a photo of the goods! Eeeep! It's true that I actually have more than 50 followers, if you count my Facebook and Bloglovin followers, but since my Facebook followers are my friends anyway, and I only have about 5 Bloglovin followers, I decided to just stick with the google friend connect number. It's the one I see on my blogger dashboard, and the one I stalk constantly to see if I get a few new readers. I try to check out each new reader to see if they have a blog so I can return the favor and follow them. My appologies to my newest readers for not being able to check you out right away....it gets a little tricky only having an iPhone for Internet. I will see who you are soon though, I promise!
A huge thank you to each and every one of you who reads my blog! It really means a lot to me that people care about what I have to say. So don't be shy...follow me if you don't already. :)

30 before 30

It's so sad not having a computer at home. I feel like my blogging life has taken a major backseat. I suppose it's good for me to take a little blog break though and focus on things like, housework. Still. I hope these short & sweet little posts will tide you readers over this spring while waiting for that magical piece of technology to arrive. It's amazing the things we take for granted isn't it?!
This is a list my boyfriend and I did together. We turn 30 about 2 weeks apart from each other, at the end/beginning of the year. Hopefully we'll get to cross a few things off before our birthdays. :)

...just testing out mobile blogging...

red hair.

KC: I don't think I like red hair anymore.
Me: what?!
KC: it's everywhere these days. It's not unique anymore. When I see a natural redhead I think, cool. Awesome. But all these girls that dye their hair red...it's so fake and artificial looking. I like a natural look.
*pause*
KC: not YOU. I like you.
Me: you have my wheels turning in my head like, ...I don't want you to have a huge crush on some girl because she has pretty hair.
KC: oh, like I'm some huge hair fetishist or something! It's ME. Your hair looks good. You already know what I want(ed) to see you do with your hair (grow out my natural color).
Me: yeah, that's probably not gonna happen. The only way that's gonna work is if I get a pixi cut and start over, which I'm not ready to do yet.
Me: now you've got me thinking about dying my hair all over again & what a hassle it'll be.
KC: don't do anything crazy.

lose 30 pounds

I almost hesitate to share this goal because the last thing I want to do is offend anyone, especially on my personal blog, which I try to stay positive and happy. The truth is though, that I really want to share significant and inspirational goals, as well as the fun stuff. I know how weight can be such an emotional topic for almost all women, and probably most men too. So please know, that I am not trying to imply that anyone bigger, smaller, or the same size as me needs to lose 30 pounds.
My reasons for giving myself this goal are many, but mostly because in the 11 years that I have been a mother (I say 11 because you really become a mother when you get pregnant), my focus shifted from myself to my children. This is a good thing, but as they get older and more independent, I am starting to realize that they need to see Mommy work on making positive personal changes. They need to watch and talk with me about being healthy, active, and optimistic. In the past decade I have spent so much mental energy learning how to distract myself from stress & drama. I am not a drinker, a smoker, or a drug user, but I am an emotional eater. Pizza, soda, and candy bars take the edge off of a bad day. Junk food is cheap and working out hurts.
I'm not ok with living like this forever though. I feel like I'm young enough to really benefit from healthful living in the long run. Not that you can't benefit from becoming healthy at any age, but I would love to avoid a chronic illness. Health and nutrition are so important, and if I can manipulate my future to have a sharp mind, a peaceful spirit, and an able body, than sign me up!
I'm not going to pretend that a huge secondary push here isn't a driving factor in this goal. I want to wear what I want, and feel pretty and flirty. It's hard to fake confidence. I plan on getting married in a few years, and I want to strive to be beautiful inside and out. It doesn't really matter what size you are as long as you are happy with yourself...beauty will radiate. I think that by actively paying attention to my nutrition and fitness level will make me start to feel pretty.
A transition like this takes time. There is a lot of mental work to do as well. I am giving myself until December 12 to complete this goal. It needs to be done in a healthy and sane way. It's not all or nothing. This is most definitely a lifestyle change that I have to be comfortable sticking with in the long run. I really want to be a hot girlfriend, and a healthy mom. This will make me feel beautiful.

29 before 30

I wanted to share my "29 before 30" birthday goal list.  I'm sure you've seen tons of bloggers do these types of lists.  Basically it's a list of 29 things I want to do before I turn 30.  I tried to keep my list simple, because that comes down to doing an average of 2 things per month.  Not so accomplishable if you aim too high.  That said, I hope I will be able to cross off all of the things on my list before I turn 30.  I wanted too keep this list fun and happy.  Of course, there are a lot of goals I have for myself this year that are not so playful, like organizing and such (which I'm actually starting to look at differently--it can be fun.  It's one step closer to painting and decorating after all!).  So there you go.  I hope you enjoy taking a peek into my silly dreams.  Actually, it's really kind of important to do things like this.  It keeps your heart happy in this tough world we live in.  Happy dreaming friends!

a little update...

Today was supposed to be the day that I made it to a computer to crank out a few scheduled blog posts. Then I ran my car into a ditch. And my daughter came home sick from school. We're all doing ok. But now Lil and I are hanging out at home. Taking naps, watching egyptian documentaries, and doing laundry. Here's crossing my fingers for a smoother next week! Hope you guys are enjoying whatever crazy or beautiful spring weather you are having.

Sad news...

Well, I'm sorry to say that there will be no Friday favorites post this week. My little notebook laptop that is our family computer bit the dust a few days ago. I feel weird without a computer in the house. I'm doing this post from my iPhone (thank god for that), but I haven't quite figured out copy/paste or inserting photos from my cell phone. I plan on getting to a computer over my weekend (Sunday/Monday)to do several good posts that I will schedule throughout the week, so I won't be totally gone. Hopefully we can figure out a way to get a computer in the house soon though. It would be great to just put a MacBook on the best buy card, but we'll see. Happy weekend friends! The weather here is gorgeous!!!! I hope it's nice where you are.

break up with radio.

I am so tired of listening to what other people like.  Radio isn't necessarily bad, .....it's just.......well, I can't handle listening to some of the same annoying songs over and over again.  I only actually like a small percentage of the songs available on every radio station.  The truth is, my musical taste is very eccentric.  Listening to Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber does not make me happy.  A lot of the artists I like aren't even played on the radio.
So I think in order to be happy, you have to take charge of the fact that you have the ability to choose.  Not just with songs, but you know, it's a start.  It doesn't have to cost a fortune either.  I don't have tons of money to be spending on cds or itunes.  Lilly spilled tea on my laptop keyboard, so my speakers make scary noises now.  But, the library has cds to check out, and then there's things like Pandora radio.  I love the pandora radio app for my iphone.  It's even nice to use it as a car radio, though it doesn't seem loud on the road.  I should probably get a car adapter, so I can turn up the volume on it in the car.
Listening to music that speaks to me, that really has the ability to either mimic my mood or uplift my spirits...that is what I want.
So what are you listening to right now?  Any suggestions?

calling all computer nerds.....

Please help.  The "followers" gadget seems to have disappeared from my blog sidebar.  I can't see it when I go to edit the gadget either.  On my dashboard it shows that I have 43 google friend connect followers, but I see no pictures.  :(  I thought about removing the gadget, and then re-installing it, but I'm scared I'll lose all my followers if I do that.  This is so weird.  I've never had problems with this before.  Could you help me please?

30 days of lists.

So I've been participating in a little project called "30 days of lists".  It's been really fun so far.  Originally I had planned on just writing my lists on plain notebook paper, but after joining the flickr group, I knew that wouldn't cut it.  But, part of the reason I allowed myself to do this project was that it was not only free, but simple.  The whole point of the list making was that it was supposed to be "something you can do in 5-10 minutes a day" because "not everybody has time to do a scrapbook page every night".  But still.  Everyone in this group is so creative!  I have to keep telling myself "keep it simple" and "this is not a scrapbook".  Here are my pages so far:




Already I have met some new blog friends.  I love going through and commenting on others pages.  There are so many people in this group though (over 200 I think), so it is hard to get to them all!  If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet, it's not too late.  Here's a link.  If you are doing this, are you having as much fun as me?  Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to check out my blog.  Yay for new followers! I can't wait to check out yours too!

Friday Favorites

*cloud stamps*
I adore these cute hand carved cloud stamps (you can buy the kit here).

*embroidery*
If I ever when I get organized, I definitely want to start stitching again.  There are so many fun patterns out there!  I found this here.

*pretty raindrop decorations*
You can find these adorable streamers here.

*black cloud plushies*
These are the sweetest little black rainclouds ever.

*tear drops*
It's been an emotional week.  This spoke to me.


 ....as you can see, I'm in a very spring shower kinda mood.  I love clouds, rain, rainbows, and thunderstorms.  I can't wait.  Happy weekend blog buddies!! xo.

dog walker

I feel like I haven't posted in a long time, even though it's only been a few days. I've been distracted I guess. March is the month I am starting my healthy weight loss goal. But dear Aunt Flow is visiting for a few days, so needless to say, I'm not starting off too hot. I am walking the dog though. It has been a real snowy winter, so puppy didn't get a lot of outside playtime. German shepherds are a big, active breed. They need lots of exercise & "feel happiest when they have a job to do". I've been trying to get him used to behaving in public around random people. He's learned really well how to walk at my pace (he doesn't pull as much- a shorter leash works really well for this), but has started to bark at strangers, which is not cool. A lot of people are scared of German shepherds, and while I'm happy that he is protective, I don't want to scare gentle people (like children). Also, he sniffs around a lot, but he doesn't pee or poop in the park, which I think is kinda weird. Actually, he might pee on a regular neighborhood walk once in a blue moon, but he never poops. It's pretty cool actually, because I always thought that bringing around a "pet waste bag" to pick up a fresh pile was the most revolting thing ever. I would still pick it up (I mean, I am a mom. I've dealt with worse for sure.), but still. The main thing is getting him used to being around people & other dogs. He's learning. And the exercise is fantastic! I don't think I'll have to worry about crunches or weights either. Just controlling a 50 pound dog is making me pretty sore...it's awesome! The girls keep asking me if they can hold his leash, but I just don't trust that yet. Even I have to really work my muscles to control him- he's pretty powerful. And he's only 6 months old. Oh my!

Introducing: blog reader interviews!

My blog friend Brina (the one who won my giveaway!) decided to do a fun feature over at her blog The Bronze Butterfly called "blog reader interviews".  Basically she wrote up a series of interview questions for her readers to answer for her if they wanted to be featured.  Of course I jumped at this opportunity!  It is such a fun way to get to know your readers, and other blog pals a bit better, and also great exposure for your young blog or Etsy shop.

I asked her permission to do the same thing on my blog, because I'm nosy.  I want to know who you are and why you read my blog!  I love asking silly questions that make people smile.  My pen-pal Lindsay (who I owe a letter to!) told me that she liked my letters a lot because I asked fun questions.  So, do you wanna play along with me??  You don't have to have a blog or an Etsy shop to participate, I love all of my readers.

If you want to do this, please copy & paste these questions into an email for me.  Don't answer any question you don't want to, and add as much info as you feel comfortable sharing.  And don't forget to send me pictures, plus links to your blog/ facebook page/ twitter account/ online shop/...etc.  !!!  Eek! I can't wait!!

Here are my questions:
1.) Who are you?  (this is where you tell me stuff like how old you are, what you do for a living, where you live(d), if you have a partner/kids/pets...)
2.) Why do you read my blog?
3.) How would you describe your personal style?  How do you dress?  Where do you get your clothes?
4.) Can you show me a pictures of your home?  What/who influences your decorating style?  Do you have any plans for renovations?  Why do you love or hate your house?  Can I come over for tea?
5.) What celebrities do you want to, or think you do look like?
6.) Can I we see pictures of your tattoos?
7.) What are your favorite extra curricular activities?
8.) What is your favorite animal?  Why?
9.) What is your current favorite color scheme?
10.) Who are you listening to right now?  What kind of mood do they invoke?  Would I like them?
11.) What "little things" in life do you live for?
12.) What personal items do you carry on you at all times?  Can  I we peek inside your purse/wallet/pockets??
13.) Do you have a favorite time of day?  Is there a daily ritual you do that you look forward to?  What makes this everyday experience so special?

Thank you in advance to anyone who wants to play along!  It doesn't matter to me if I've known you for years, or I have never met you.  I really appreciate each and every reader (not just my real friends, or my followers).  I wouldn't have a reason to do this without you.

Please send your answers and photos to me here:

...and I'd love for you to check out my interview over at the Bronze Butterfly!
I'm really looking forward to getting to know you all better!  xoxo.