Polka Dot Days

4 Months Later...

2011-05-15T11:54:00.004-04:00

**I don't blog often. I realize it's been 4 months since my last post. I just so happended to visit my blog and read my last post. I've been so blessed in the past four months. Let's reflect...

I want:

to be pregnant - - I am. Praise God, I am! 11 weeks today.
to wear cute maternity clothes - - There isn't a need yet. I can still fit into my regular clothes. I will consider this a blessing for now.
to go to bed each night with that slightly excited/slightly anxious "am I going to be good enough" feeling - - Oh boy. What a feeling this is. Just the other night I woke up in a panic about driving with the baby in the car. Excited and anxious doesn't begin to describe it.
to be a mommy - - I will be...by Christmas. *tears*
to look at my husband and tell him that he is going to be a daddy - - That was a good day. We were cautious after the first test...and the second...but once I went to the doctor, we knew. *love*
cherries...as I've wanted them all day today - - no desire for cherries right now. Watermelon and oranges do the trick.
to have a new hair do' (I will tomorrow, after 3pm) - - I've had my hair done a couple times since I posted. I need to touch up my pink. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.
a big juicy burger with avocado - - Yep, still sounds delicious. Better add avocado to my grocery list.
a pedicure that I don't have to drive 45 minutes to get - - I just had a mani/pedi on Thursday. It was 45 minutes away from home, but only 5 minutes from work. My toes look pretty!
to go back to that place where (almost one year ago) my life changed when I said "yes" - - Aww! I love that place. I love my husband so much. We went back to our place in February and loved every minute of it. He is such a huge blessing to me.
to lose these last 18lbs - - Um...well...that didn't happen. They say I'm just going to gain weight now. Eek. That will be a struggle as I haven't seen the scales go up in over a year. I've put on 2-3 lbs already. I know that it is for a good reason...a great reason.
to be warm - - Warm I am! It was 80* this week. Granted, it's only 50* and rainy today, but my bed is warm and that is where I'm snuggled up at the moment. Sleeping is my new favorite thing.
to hug my little niece and nephew - - I just spent 10 days with these precious two. My heart was so full. I miss them and love them so much.
to high five an old friend - - I never did high five that old friend, but I have hugged and laughed and cried with some greater old friends.
my step-daughter to celebrate "20" tomorrow and know just how loved she really is - - I surely hope that this is the case.
my sister to have a peaceful heart and as much excitement as I did when I had a few months to go - - My beautiful sister said "I do" 15 days ago. *love*
my momma and daddy to have peaceful hearts knowing that their daughters are full of love and they done good - - I hope they never forget this. Ever.
my husband to feel like the man that he is - amazing - - I will always want this. I will always want him to know how much I love him, cherish him, and appreciate him.
to be hugged by Jesus - - One day. One day.

I Want

2011-01-14T19:05:00.000-05:00

I want:

to be pregnant
to wear cute maternity clothes
to go to bed each night with that slightly excited/slightly anxious "am I going to be a good enough" feeling
to be a mommy
to look at my husband and tell him that he is going to be a daddy
cherries...as I've wanted them all day today
to have a new hair do' (I will tomorrow, after 3pm)
a big juicy burger with avocado
a pedicure that I don't have to drive 45 minutes to get
to go back to that place where (almost one year ago) my life changed when I said "yes"
to lose these last 18lbs
to be warm
to hug my little niece and nephew
to high five an old friend
my step-daughter to celebrate "20" tomorrow and know just how loved she really is
my sister to have a peaceful heart and as much excitement as I did when I had a few months to go
my momma and daddy to have peaceful hearts knowing that their daughters are full of love and they done good
my husband to feel like the man that he is - amazing
to be hugged by Jesus

I've been so busy...

2010-11-15T16:05:00.000-05:00

...Being IN LOVE! I'm married now, y'all! I documented my Engagement weekend quite a few posts down and then I went scarce between then and now. In those busy months of picking out flowers and deciphering the true difference in shades of pink, I tried to capture it all here on my "countdown to the big day" blog. Since we've been home, I've been in holiday mode - full speed. With a gift making business, this is understandably such a busy time for me. Between the pottery studio and Little Painted Polka Dots, I will be going non-stop until January.

Even in the midst of the busiest days...when my feet hurt, my eyes are strained, my fingertips are cut and/or covered in paint, I know that I'm blessed beyond belief. I serve the most amazing God and I realize it more and more everyday. I am so in love with my husband and surrounded by big, BIG love from family and friends. I'm thankful for each new day and I encourage you to find the good...even on the gloomy days.

Crappy Bloggers Unite!

2010-06-04T12:29:00.002-04:00

I am a crappy blogger. Have you noticed? I come and go as I please. I post what I want, what interests me, what I feel like sharing. Somedays I want to blog and I roll through numerous blog posts in my head and rarely find the time to actually write them down. I also find myself wishing that there was an app for life - a SNAPSHOT app!

Have you ever been in the midst of something, camera-less, and just wished you could speak the words to have a photo taken? I sure do. Like the other day when I was mixing the new vat of blue glaze at the studio...oh what a sight! I had my jean capris rolled a bit higher. My pink toenails against my tan feet and sparkly brown flip-flops. Jiffy mixer in hand and I was attacking that glaze. Well...it attacked back. In a ~~flash~~ splash, I was covered with blue. Slippery, wet, blue. There was a monster of a puddle at my feet and the coolest, abstract splash marks up my legs and even grazing the cuffs of those jean capris. It was funny to me. I didn't see a mess. I saw art. I'm a little twisted like that. I could have cursed and threw my hands up, but instead I wish I would have been able to use my snapshot app to capture this mess...this silly, messy, beautiful blue mess.

Do you ever have moments like that? Moments beyond the usual "I forgot my camera" moments.

Free Stuff AND A Great Blog

2010-04-03T16:22:00.001-04:00

What could be better, folks? You get a great new blog to stalk AND she is always giving away free stuff. I love this girl and I love her blog. I know ya'll will do.

So what if she is giving away a gift certificate to my store. I'm not biased! Lol! Check it out...you'll be happy you did.

http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com/2010/04/200-followers-giveaway.html

Every Monday Matters - Wk 6

2010-03-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

GET RID OF JUNK MAIL!

That is the "action" for this week. I am going to link you directly to the site because there are some great links to follow from there to take action. Before I do that though...some interesting facts...
**Junk-mail deliveries surpass the U.S. Postal Service 1st class mail—over 100 billion pieces of junk mail are sent annually.
**Even though 44% of all junk mail is discarded without being opened, people will still spend 8 months of their lives opening junk mail.
**Only 2% of junk mail gets a response.

**Over $350 million taxpayer dollars are spent annually to dispose of junk mail that does not get recycled.

**100 million trees are needed to produce the annual supply of bulk mail—that’s the equivalent of deforesting the entire Rocky Mountain National Park every four months.

**5.8 million tons of catalogs and other direct-mail advertisements end up in landfills annually.

**The average person receives only 1.5 personal letters each week, compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail—over 500 pieces of junk mail per person per year.

**Paper is predicted to take up 48% of our landfills by 2010.
Read more about how junk mail affects our lives: http://everymondaymatters.com/6/

Every Monday Matters - Wk 5

2010-03-22T21:01:00.000-04:00

Week 5 - EAT HEALTHY!

Read all about it here: http://www.mygreatretreat.com/showthread.php?tid=4897

What are you going to do to live a healthier life?

For myself, this is something I have been working on for what seems like my entire 29 years on earth. I am the one who does the grocery shopping and also the one who does the majority of the cooking. Therefore, I need to vow to prepare only healthy meals. There are many delicious and healthy meals out there and I will make it my goal to prepare them.

Every Monday Matters - Wk4

2010-03-15T09:18:00.000-04:00

Prepare for an emergency!
FACTS
* On average, 1,300 tornadoes are reported annually in the U.S.
* The average twister path is 660 feet wide and can be as long as 50 miles.
* 40 states are considered at risk of an earthquake.
* More deaths occur due to extreme heat and cold than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.
* Because of contamination, clean water is harder to find than food after a flood.
* A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when the speed of its winds reaches 74 mph.
* 91% of people surveyed agree that it is important to be prepared for emergencies, but only 55% said that they had taken any steps to prepare.
* September 11, 2001 will always remind us of the reality of terrorist attacks and the damage they can cause.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
* Develop a family communication plan by selecting a person outside your local area for everyone to call in case of an emergency. Carry it in your wallet.
* Ensure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card for calling the emergency contact. Cell phones often get jammed due to high call volume during disasters.
* Designate a primary and secondary meeting location.
* Create an emergency supply kit with a 3-day supply of basic items such as: fresh water, food, first aid, towelettes, garbage bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, local maps, a whistle, dust masks, tools, a can opener, and cash. Check and rotate supplies every 6 months.
* Prepare a plan for your pets during an emergency.

YOU MATTER
Disasters are never planned, but they will happen. They are inevitable. Being prepared is the only thing you can do. Having proper supplies and a well thought-out plan can make all the difference in your survival. Readiness will also reduce fear, anxiety, and potential losses. Prepare today … for any kind of tomorrow.

Every Monday Matters - Wk 3

2010-03-08T10:26:00.001-05:00

Monday #3 Challenge
(Facts and text taken from the book)

FACTS

AMBER stands for “America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response” and was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered.
76% of abducted children who are murdered are dead within 3 hours of the abduction, 88.5% are dead within 24 hours, and 99% are dead within 7 days.
443 children have been reunited with their families because of AMBER Alerts.
Nearly 100% of cell phones are eligible to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts as text messages.
100% of computers can have the AMBER Alert ticker downloaded onto them.
AMBER Alerts are active in all 50 states.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Pay attention to AMBER Alert signs on the freeway or on TV.
Sign-up to receive AMBER Alert text messaging on your cell phone.
Download the AMBER Alert Ticker onto your computer.
If you see or receive an AMBER Alert, don’t take it lightly. The perpetrator might be closer than you think.

YOU MATTER
Protecting children from abduction and locating those who have been abducted is the twofold purpose of AMBER Alerts. They increase the number of people who can help locate an abducted child or deter predators, and they have caused perpetrators to release the abducted child after hearing or seeing the AMBER Alert. Remember, those first three hours are everything to that child and his or her family. Your eyes and action could mean the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

__________________________________________________________

It's a heartbreaking reality. Children go missing. Bad people are out there. Watch your children. Please. I've added the ticker to my blog, and like the EMM book said, it only took a minute to do. I encourage you to do the same.

Every Monday Matters - Wk 2

2010-03-01T23:28:00.000-05:00

Monday #2 Challenge
(Facts and text taken from the book.)

FACTS
* 99% of all homes in the U.S. have at least one TV—50% have three or more.
* 68% of all 8- to 18-year olds have a TV in their bedroom and 49% have a video game player there as well.
* A person watches TV an average of 40 days per year.
* Children spend nearly 2,000 hours a year in front of a TV, playing on the computer, and playing video games, compared to 900 hours in school.
* 200,000 violent acts, including 16,000 murders, will be seen on TV by a child before their 18th birthday.
* Roughly 70% of all shows include some sexual content, with an average of five sexual scenes per hour.
* 57% of parents admit to having some degree of difficulty in getting their teens involved in meaningful conversations; and, 74% of parents are not sure their teens are even listening when they talk.

TAKE ACTION
* Turn off your TV today. Tape the “No TV” sign to all TV screens so that you don’t turn it on out of habit.
* Designate certain TV-free times throughout the week to reduce viewing hours.
* Remove TVs from bedrooms, the kitchen, etc.
* Make a list of activities to do besides watching TV―activities like reading, biking, swimming, walking, gardening, or socializing with friends. Then start doing them.
* Avoid using TV as a reward―this only increases its power.
* Be more selective about programming―choose history, travel, cooking, home repair/design, and other educational themes.

YOU MATTER
70% of people say that no matter how hard they try, they never seem to have enough time to do everything they need to do. Are you part of that 70%? If you gave up TV for just one day a week, you could exercise the recommended weekly amount necessary for healthy living, read over 20 books a year, or spend more time with your loved ones. Instead of watching reruns of Friends, go make some.

___________________________________________

I turned off the TV today. The same TV that only gets left on in the daytime for background noise. Yep, that's right. I only did it to save electricity. TV is not my vice. Sadly, it's the computer. I tried hard to turn that off today too. I succeeded. I failed. I succeeded. I failed. This is something that I have to work at daily. I am glad though that I don't have the TV AND the computer as issues in our house.

Every Monday Matters

2010-02-22T15:41:00.002-05:00

I love Mondays! I know that many of you do not feel the way I do. I saw this great little book while perusing a shop with J last weekend. Yes, our proposal weekend. Oooh! Okay, I am done. Back to the original point of this... Every Monday Matters! It can and it does. Follow me on this little journey (and join in) as I take small steps to make a big difference.

Excerpt taken from the book
FACTS
The average person spends:

100 hours a year commuting to work, compared to 80 hours of vacation time.
91 hours a week at work for dual-career couples with kids under 18.
1.8 hours a day doing household activities.
2.6 hours a day watching TV.
8.6 hours a day sleeping.

Time is a non-renewable resource. Once it’s used up, you can’t get it back.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Stop and think … then make a list of What Matters Most to you.
Create a list of how you currently spend your time each week.
Organize your list of weekly activities and identify activities that are required and those that are optional or waste time.
Take steps to rearrange your schedule or reduce the optional activities so you can spend time doing What Matters Most.

YOU MATTER
What really matters most to you? Your relationships with family, friends, and children? Helping others? Passions? Faith? Security? Health? At the end of each year, don’t you want to look back and see that you made a difference? That you matter? Today is the start of a new year. Start it off by making a difference in you, your life, and the lives of those you love. This is your opportunity. Time spent on What Matters Most is never wasted time.
____________________________________________

My List of What Matters Most

- my relationship with the Lord
- my relationship with J
- my relationship with my family
- my friendships
- my job
- my health

* Create a list of how you currently spend your time each week.
- working and commuting: 45 hours
- exercising: 6 hours
- sleeping: 50 hours
- cleaning: 10 hours
- on the computer: 25 hours
- building relationships: 15 hours

* Organize your list of weekly activities and identify activities that are required and those that are optional or waste time.

I need to devote time to reading my bible and being in devotion with the Lord. This is the most important thing to me, yet I seem to let it slip and slide all over the place. I need to spend less time on the computer. I need to adjust the way I spend my time building relationships.

Friday, sweet Friday!

2010-02-19T10:10:00.001-05:00

I can't begin to explain how this past week has been. I've had emotions I've never felt. I've viewed certain things in a completely different light. I've laughed in places I shouldn't have. I smile more.

I sat at my desk at work and listened to this song over and over...staring at my engagement ring with a smile.

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful
And the water is risin' quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side

I felt the warmth of the sun through the glass door. I couldn't help but lean against it. It felt so good that I pressed my face, my hands, and then my entire body against it. I wanted to be bathed in that warmth...just like my old Amy cat. She would lay in the sunny spots on the carpet and seem so peaceful. I had a bit of that peace and warmth today too. If there would have been more time before I had to unlock that door I would have grabbed the pink body pillow and curled up on the window ledge in the front party room. Ahh, goals for another day.

I hesitated before changing my Facebook status today. I like that it announced our engagement, even if all of those Facebook friends of mine already know. I liked seeing it and reliving that moment that I.SAID.YES!! At this point, I don't care if this lovey dovey crap is annoying ya'll. It is mine. It is J's. It is OURS and I plan on enjoying it for as long as possible. If you know us in the slightest, you know that we are not lovey dovey. There is nothing "ooey gooey" about our love. We are not usually this sticky sweet couple. So, please, be patient. Let me enjoy it for now.

Today I am looking forward to just a peaceful, normal Friday. I was reading another blog today and came across this quote. It spoke to me. I loved it, and now I'll share it with you.

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."
I'm so looking forward to this normal day!

Our Engagement Weekend - an Ooey Gooey Lovefest!

2010-02-15T13:26:00.013-05:00

December 2004
J and I have been friends for about 7 months now. We act like a couple, but I am not ready for another relationship.

January 2005
I fit nicely in his arms. He makes me happy. We have a lot of fun together. Okay, he can be my boyfriend now...but I'm not asking.

February 13, 2005
We take a little trip to Frankenmuth. We plan to stay the weekend. On this day he asks me to be his girlfriend. I say yes. I like him.

We carry on about our life together...as boyfriend and girlfriend. A year passes. Then two, three, four and five. Wow. Five years. We act like a married couple, but he's not ready for a wife, I guess.

February 13, 2010
We take a little trip to Frankenmuth. We plan to stay the weekend. It's our 5 year anniversary and J surprises me and takes me back to where we first started dating. He asks me to be his wife. I say yes. I LOVE HIM.

Here is how it all went down....

We are just leaving our hotel to walk around Frankenmuth. Aren't we cute? I take a lot of photo's of us this way.

We walked and talked. I mentioned the horses. J mentioned the horses. What girl doesn't want to go on a horse-drawn carriage ride? We kept walking and talking. He brings up the horses again and I say that I want to go for a ride. I wanted a white horse. Oh please can we have a white horse?! They have to go in order and to my delight, a white horse was next in line. J is oftly chatty, asking one of the attendants about pictures and stuff. I figured he was just being sweet, since this is our five-year anniversary and all. We get in and the girl offers to take a couple pictures.

We're riding along, up a river-lined road. I've never been on this quaint little road in all the times I've been to Frankenmuth. I bet I'll visit it quite a few times in the future. I'm happy and J seems happy. I snap another photo of us. It looks very similar to the first one in this post except our eyes are a bit glossier and our noses are red. I lean in and tell J that I feel like a princess.

Our driver introduces himself (and also the horse, Ernie) and tells us to ask any questions along the way. J asked if we could stop along the way for a photo. Our driver happily obliged. As J exited the carriage I heard him whisper to the driver. I was oblivious but hopeful...do you know what I mean? He stopped me from exiting the carriage and he knelt down on the step. He put his hands on me and I froze. (I have tears typing this out.) He looked me in the eyes and said....

"First of all, I love you...very much." .... insert tears...he pulls a little black box from somewhere..."Will you marry me?"

I can't even tell you what I felt. It was such an amazing feeling. I want to relive it a thousand times over. I think every little girl dreams of this moment. No matter how old we are, we all have a bit of that "little girl" inside. I really did feel like a princess.

As you know, I said YES! To be exact, I said "Of course! Are you kidding me? Oh my gosh, YES!!" Then I said "let me out of here!" I was still inside the carriage and he was outside. This moment was followed by a lot of laughter and tears. We hugged and cried and kissed and laughed. Ernie (the horse) peed. HILARIOUS. That is our life. I debated whether or not to include this, but yeah, it's our life. We roll with it. Our driver congratulated us and we carried on for the remainder of our ride. I wanted to take it all in and enjoy the moment. We snuggled. We laughed. We shouted out to this family walking by and waving to us - "We just got engaged!!"

At the time it felt like the longest horse-drawn carriage ride ever. I wanted to enjoy it, but I also wanted to call my momma and my sister. J knew that so he encouraged me to call. I did. "Momma, I'm ENGAGED!" *sob* *sob* *sob* She knew. J had talked to both her and my dad prior so they knew that phone call was coming. We enjoyed the last few minutes of our ride. When we got back one of the attendants greeted us right away. She knew too. J told her before we left. She was ready to snap some pics for us.

Our first pic as an engaged couple!

And our second!

Talk about giddy. I could not stop smiling. This was the case for the majority of...well... it continues. Still smiling! Before I even crossed the street I was dialing my sister. I needed to tell my Beckey. I stopped in the middle of the street and told her. When something so great happens in life, you want to share it with the people who mean the most to you. I was doing that. I even talked to my niece and nephew. You know...the people that mean the most! My sweet 10 year old niece said "so..did you say yes?" Yes, Lovey Girl, I did! "Well, that's exciting!" Awe. Love her so! Here is the conversation between my 6 year old nephew and I.

Me: Hi buddy! Guess what?
Him: What?
Me: Uncle J asked me to marry him today!
Him: Okay
Me: You don't really care, do you?
Him: Nope..not at all. So, how many days can we spend at your house over summer vacation? 17?? 100??

Man, I love that kid!

We shared the news with some more friends and family. We squee'd and jumped up and down together, over the phone. We called, we texted, we facebooked. Okay, well, I did all that. J shared it with a few and plans to tell people in person. Um, I.could.not.wait. We went back to the hotel and we continued to share the news. We relaxed a bit before going back to town. He pulled out the ring bag. I thought it was silly, odd, cute that he had it all with him, until I realized the reason, and then I cried again. He knows how I feel about diamonds. Due to the conflicts in Africa and blood diamonds, I am not a fan. I would have been happy with Moissanite or even Cubic Zirconia. Instead, he sought out a conflict-free diamond. He read me the certified guarantee and gave me a copy for safe-keeping. That is love, my friends. That is love!

The ring!

Here are some pictures of our night. At one point I felt like everything was worthy of a photo. Believe it or not, I've spared you a few.

Love was all around us, popping up everywhere to say hello! J said it was because it was Valentine's weekend. Um...it was because it was our ENGAGEMENT weekend...obviously!

So freakin' sweet. Seriously.

Day Two...

The Cheese Haus and the mouse statue are a special thing between us. The two ladies that were taking our pics were so in love with our love. It was such a joyful moment. That's why I kept the second pic...even though my eyes are closed.

Even the taffy kisses!

What's a trip to Frankenmuth without a stop for fudge. We sweeten up the entire family with fudgey goodness.

Are you sick of us yet?

In one of the shops they had a shop kitty. Her name was Diamond. Fitting, huh?! She loved J. J loves animals and they love him. However, when I tried to pet her, she scurried away. Nice.

We ended our visit with a visit to the St. Julian Winery. We tasted lots of samples, took a little tour, and had a special bottle made up just for us. It was the perfect ending to our weekend.

To Be Continued...

Cirque du Soleil - Alegria

2010-02-10T11:03:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful night! I love Cirque performances. I have seen La Nouba in Orlanda, FL and also "O" at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Sunday I was able to add Alegria to that list. Each one is so different and so amazing. It's always a mesmerizing show and I cannot wait for the next one...hopefully it will be LOVE, the Beatles Tribute back in Las Vegas.

I'm already planning my Halloween costume for this year. I want to be HER! Isn't she lovely?

She was the main performer/singer for the show.

We had great seats and I knew cameras would not be allowed, but I brought it anyway. I was right - they were not allowed. As a matter of fact, they were "strictly prohibited!"

This was made quite clear the moment we parked our car. This was the first of many signs right from the parking attendant. I had my camera disguised in my hat, covered by it's strap, in the bottom of my purse. I'm no rookie. I've done this before. You could not see it. In it was coming! We hand over our tickets. We go through the metal detectors. We get our purses checked. We get our ~~camera~~ purses handed back to us. They didn't see it. Then....the lady asks us if we have any cameras or video-recording devices on our person. Gulp! I don't lie. I should have. "Yes, ma'am...I have a camera." Dummy, dummy, dummy! I was escorted along with multiple others to go check our camera. It was fine. I wouldn't have used it anyway because somewhere between the ages of 25 and 29 I became a chicken....or maybe a grown up. You pick.

After the fabulous show I was given my camera back. Thankyouverymuch! I tried to snap a quick shot of my momma and me in the parking structure. Lol! We had a few attempts!

I love my mom so much. She is an amazing woman who always puts others first...including me. I am blessed by her. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!

After that, we were off. It was too cold to walk around downtown and take pics, so I snapped a few from the moving vehicle. Not my finest work to say the least...

365 days of photos

2010-02-06T16:28:00.001-05:00

I love to take photographs. You capture a smile, a moment, a memory. Sometimes you just take the mundane and make it look pretty. Some days, like February 3, 2010 you capture your morning commute, through a dirty, cracked windshield. Whatever it is on the other side of that lense, you capture it, you look back at it and you remember.

Feel free to take a peek at my life through pictures in the first 37 days of 2010.

So scarce

2010-02-05T15:18:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in almost a month, and that is okay. I don't always have a lot to say...and when I do it might not make sense to most of you.

I have been reading a lot and reflecting and exercising and making healthy meals and baking bread from scratch and doing lots of laundry and catching up with old friends and working on building relationships with new ones, with God, with my family and with J. I guess I have been busy and i'll use that as my reasoning for not posting often.

Tackle It Tuesday

2010-01-12T07:04:00.012-05:00

I must confess, I actually tackled this on Monday...but just like in board games, I cheat!

I didn't even think about organizing my pantry or turning that horrible catch-all closet into a functioning, useable space. Both areas have bugged me for awhile, but it was just never something that made it anywhere close to my to-do list... until Sunday night. I saw someone else post about their new and improved pantry. Oddly, it looked like my catch-all closet. Not the messiness of it, but the layout. The only difference was that my closet didn't have shelves.

I laid awake Sunday night and browsed Home Depot's website for closet storage and organization. I had my shopping list ready for Monday and I was going to tackle this problem! Come Monday I thought back to my "budget" and how if I were going to make changes in 2010 then I probably shouldn't go out and drop $100 on new pullout shelves, baskets, and jars. Next thought - call J. He will know how to make my own. Better yet, he will offer to do it when he gets home from work. Nope, that wouldn't be good. He has been working so hard at work and also on our rental property. I am not going to put this off on him.

Plan B! (or C!..whatever)

I remember this wonky put together shelving unit I had in storage somewhere. I dug it out and got to work. It isn't perfect and I still plan on adding some jars and bins for better organization, but for now, it is done and I DID IT! I love both new spaces. It makes finding things so much easier. Best of all, J was really proud and thankful for the new clean spaces too.

(This bottom shelf is where the new jars and bins will come in handy. I have some excess baking supplies here that need seperate storage.)

Resolutions Shmesolutions!

2010-01-09T15:58:00.001-05:00

Ya'll know I don't like "resolutions" so I didn't make any this year. I did make my 10 in '10 list though. Let's see how it's going!

The List:
1. Clean my home studio! (and keep it cleaned)
2. Create at least one new and healthly meal each week
3. Work out, work out, work out!
4. Give more than I receive. Some form of hands-on charity. Not just giving of the $$ this year.
5. Solidify some plans for my family
6. Settle into a budget and savings plan
7. Learn something new
8. Start and complete PROJECT: 365
9. Turn 30 with a smile
10. Focus on the Lord, through consistently going to church, sharing Him with J and others and reading my Bible.

The Progress:
1. Ha! Haven't even touched it. I did, however, spend hours yesterday cleaning the rest of the house. I scrubbed floors, I dusted, I mopped, I vacuumed, I did it all...except the studio.

2. I am kicking butt and taking names. I have created so many new and healthy meals already that I better slow down or else I will run out of recipes before the summer.  As ~~we speak~~ I type I have yeast rolls rising on the counter and a healthy chicken noodle soup simmering in the crockpot. Awww yeah!

3. Errrrday! That is right! I am down 2.6lbs from BEFORE the holidays and God knows I didn't weigh in during or directly after that two week long fat fest.

4. I hope I am doing this. I am blessed so I feel like I am always receiving. I am looking for ways to volunteer. I have contacted a great lady at Project Linus and plan to start making some blankets for the little babies.

5. I'm praying about it. That is all a girl can do at the moment.

6. Again, praying about it. We have also only ate out once this week. Well, I have only ate out once this week.  On Thursday I splurged on small Diet Coke and a Fresco Steak Soft Taco from Taco Bell. Can a girl get some credit?! I said a SMALL Diet Coke. Woot! Go Lisa! Go Lisa!  Normally I consume a large and drink every sip. It's not on my 10 in '10 but I am also trying to cut back on my ridiculous amount of Diet Coke.

7. If recipes count, then check. If not, then I have another 11.5 months to go.

8. Started! 10 days down, 355 to go! Word.....

9. Ahhh, 10 months to go.

10. This is going well. I am trying to be the light. I am trying to honestly think "what would Jesus do." I have been focusing on being loving, encouraging, supportive, and uplifting to J throughout everything, everyday. We do need to go to church. Somedays I wish church wasn't 45 minutes away. It makes it tough.

Thanks for checking in and catching up with me. It's been a good 10 days! It is January 10th, right? Wouldn't it be funny if it was only the 9th? I'm such a dork. Off to check the date....

10 in '10

2009-12-31T11:03:00.002-05:00

I am not one for resolutions because, well, they rarely get kept for the entire year and I don't like them. I was thrilled when I saw Shanna doing a 10 in '10 list so I had to follow suit. I have thought about and prayed about what I would like to work on in 2010. Here is my list!

1. Clean my home studio! (and keep it cleaned)
2. Create at least one new and healthly meal each week
3. Work out, work out, work out!
4. Give more than I receive. Some form of hands-on charity. Not just giving of the $$ this year.
5. Solidify some plans for my family
6. Settle into a budget and savings plan
7. Learn something new
8. Start and complete PROJECT: 365
9. Turn 30 with a smile
10. Focus on the Lord, through consistently going to church, sharing Him with J and others and reading my Bible.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Perspectives

2009-12-30T09:48:00.001-05:00

I need to change the way I think about some things. I am blessed. Do you hear that, self? YOU. ARE. BLESSED!

I don't want to be at work....I am so thankful that I have a job in this economy.
I don't want to go home and work out...I am blessed with health and a body that moves.
I wish J wanted to go out tomorrow night...I am thankful that we will spend tomorrow night together, safely.
I haven't had any orders in a few days...I have had extra time in the past few days to spend with family.
I am not content with my life right now...I am where God wants me to be, for a reason.

This is just the beginning. On a "bad day" I could go on and on with the first list. I encourage all of you to try and change your perspectives on a few things. Whimsy Wishes!

All in a days work

2009-12-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

is enjoying an afternoon ~~bottle~~ glass of wine and counting my blessings.

Just a moment to reflect

2009-11-26T11:16:00.001-05:00

It's Thanksgiving morning. I am thankful. Our Thanksgiving guests have gone from 30 to 4 in just a week or so. I am okay with that. Good thing I have been so busy and didn't have a chance to go to the market until Tuesday.

I am waiting for my sweet mama to call me back. That is why I am blabbing on my blog. I need to know how she wants the sweet potatoes cooked. I do not eat them, therefore I do not know how to cook them. I mean, yeah, I have recipes galore...but does she want marshmallows on her yams? I dunno! Up until now I thought I would throw them in a dish, pop them in the oven, and serve 'em up warm. Sounds good, huh?! Then I got to thinking about last year. I made some bourbon soaked, brown sugar, slow cooker version and people gobbled them up. Hee, hee...I said gobbled. Anyway, the sooner she calls me back the sooner I can stop making dumb turkey jokes.

What did you have for breakfast today? I thought about some delectable pancakes or an egg fritatta. Then I thought about how I worked all day yesterday, baked all of last night, will be cooking and cleaning for the better half of the day and then decided on some frozen taquitos. Yeah, the same taquitos we made for dinner last night. I popped them in the oven for 15 minutes and we ate them with a bit of sour cream. Eh?! It is fine. They were delicious and best of all.... we used paper plates so NO DISHES! Don't judge me.

Seriously! Who is she talking to? How long does it take to call a girl back. She is about 5 minutes away from making her own stinkin' sweet potatoes. I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Kind of... I have a bit of OCD, I think, and it flusters me to move on to something else when clearly "sweet potatoes" is where I am at on my to-do list. I am uncomfortable with putting them off and moving on. It will mess up my entire flow, not to mention my list.

I'm taking a deep breath and moving on. I have enjoyed these few minutes with ya'll and now I must go. Maybe if I sign .......off.........real.........slow.......she'll........call........back.........just.......in..........time..........

Oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving ya Jive Turkeys!

TWBA: Accomplishments

2009-11-09T13:06:00.000-05:00

This week on MGR, our blog assignment is to share something we've accomplished so far this month. Well, since we're only one week into it I feel like I don't have much to choose from. Hmmm.... let's see.

I've decided to get back on track with working out. I was doing great until the middle of October. I got hit with a nasty head cold and needed a few days rest. Then, I got horrible news from the doctor's office and just hit a wall. I fell into a slump and decided that not working out and eating whatever I wanted was fine. Good thing that sour attitude didn't last long! November 1st was a new month...a new start!

I am 6 days into another round of the 30 day shred. I am working out 5 days a week instead of 7. I like my two rest days. My body likes those two rest days also. So yeah, that is my accomplishment for November so far. Starting a new plan!

A Little Gem!

2009-11-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

Have you ever known someone who just radiates goodness? Someone who truly would give you the shirt off their back? Someone who always has a nice thing to say? Someone who pops in with a text message or an email to brighten your dreary day?

Well, I do know someone like that. Her name is Meghan. Before I could even call Meghan a friend I could sense these things about her. She contacted me first as a WAHM, through my business, offering me an advertising opportunity on a forum she was on. I accepted and the rest just gets better from there. She is all about helping other work-at-home mom's (or work-at-home chicks) like me. She has an awesome Win It Wednesday feature on her blog where she spotlights a wahm and one of their great products for a giveaway. Meghan doesn't get the product...it goes directly to the winner. She doesn't get paid by these wahms either. (I know, because I have been featured on one of her Win It Wednesday's). She does this out of the goodness of her heart, to help other wahm's.

I have so many good things I could say about this girl. I hope one day ya'll meet someone as geniune and nice as Meghan. For all you wahm's, drop Meghan a line if you want. I'm sure she'll be happy to add you to one of her Win It Wednesdays.

Private Party - Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-10-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Tommorow is the day! I will be TWENTY NINE! My last birthday in my twenties. I really thought I might cry and be depressed, but I am going to put that on hold. I am going to celebrate my life. I have accomplished a lot in these 29 years. I am blessed in more ways than I can count. I have a good life and I look forward to another 29 years.

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

I tried to call my mother, but
She didn’t get where I was going
I called my boyfriend and he said
Call me back a little later baby
I hung up the phone, I felt so alone
Started to feel a little pity
That’s when I realized that I
Gotta find the joy inside of me

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

I’m gonna take off all my clothes
Look at myself in the mirror
We’re gonna have a conversation
We’re gonna heal the disconnection
I don’t remember when it started
But this is where it’s gonna end
My body is beautiful and sacred
And I’m gonna celebrate it

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

All my life (all my life)
I’ve been looking for (I’ve been looking for)
Somebody else (else)
To make me whole (ooo)
But I had to learn the hard way (ooo)
True love began with me (ooo)
This is not ego or vanity (ooo)
I’m just celebrating me

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

Sometimes I’m alone but never lonely
That’s what I’ve come to realize
I’ve learned to love the quiet moments
The Sunday mornings of life
Where I can reach deep down inside
Or out into the universe
I can laugh until I cry
Or I can cry away the hurt

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday
(Chorus 2x)

- India.Arie

Ramblings from a WAHC

2009-10-12T13:10:00.001-04:00

Today I feel like rambling on...and on...and on. I work full-time, but part of that time is from home. Hence the title WAHC (work-at-home-chick). I'm not yet a mama, unless you count the sweet pup (which I do) or the step daughter (who is now out of the house.) For now, I am fine with chick, not mom.

I hear it all the time... "Oh, you don't work tomorrow." "Do this on your day off." "Why didn't that get done, you didn't have to work today?" I cringe at those ignorant comments. I want to punch you in the forehead when you come at me with such foolishness. Today though, I will let you have things your way. I will not work today. Nope. I will give you reason to ask why something isn't done. Because, folks, I am tired. I am tired of working nonstop only to be asked why I didn't do ANYTHING today. I did complete a few orders, answer some work related emails, put dinner in the crock pot, pay all the bills and I will do the dishes, but that is it. That is what I consider nothing for today. (For a moment, imagine what my "non-nothing" days consist of!) My goal today is to beat my record on Bejewelled Blitz on Face Book. Ha, ha, ha! Yeah, how does that sound? I am going to lay under the covers in bed for the better half of the day. I don't care what you say. If I get told that I do nothing, I am going to find out what this thing called nothing really feels like.

I am working on silencing those voices in my head that keep telling me to go sweep the floors or dust. I am not going to spend a few hours marketing Little Painted Polka Dots. I will not answer any work-related phone calls (or non work-related, depending on whose calling). I will not do laundry. I will not start any new orders for LPPD today. I will not traipse room to room, picking up all the mess leftover from the weekend. I will not feel even slightly guilty when you tell me that "nothing got done today." In fact, I'll probably laugh as I proudly tell you that YES, something did get done today.... I beat my Bejewelled Blitz record, FINALLY! Ahhh, success.

I must retract my previous statement!

2009-10-05T22:22:00.001-04:00

I will have to listen to how sick he is...up until the time he leaves for Monday Night Football.

I apologize. I was wrong. He did not go to MNF. He ate supper and sat on the couch, miserably, with a fever of 101 F. :(

I will pack extra Vitamin C laden things into his lunch for tomorrow and call him to remind him to eat the orange and not just the oreos.

Apologizing again. This may be the case for tomorrow, but for today, he stopped on his way to work for an orange juice.

I hate that he is sick. I hate that I have that horrible scratching in the back of my throat now too.

TWBA: Sickie Remedies

2009-10-05T10:00:00.004-04:00

It is fitting that this weeks blog assignment for MGR is to share our home remedies and secrets for flu survival. Right after J kissed me goodbye for work he said "I'm getting sick. My throat is killing me!" Uhhhh....thanks, honey. Please stay away from me now!

Our remedies are different, depending on who is sick. If it is a little one, like my niece or nephew I usually go right to my mom and ask her opinion. She is an RN and she never leads me astray. She suggests all sorts of things, always more natural than medicinal. For tummy aches its crushed ice and a little bit of coke (think: coke syrup). For sore throats it is the infamous gargle with salt water trick. For headaches we are instructed to take a nap with a cool wash cloth on our head. Momma normally knows when it is serious and when more is needed.

Now, if it is me who is getting sick, I tend to load up on Vitamin C. I can.not.stand being sick and I am getting the feeling that those around me can.not.stand it either. That may be due to the fact that I am the worlds' biggest baby when I am. I see nothing wrong with whining, pouting, crying and acting like the world is coming to an end....when I am the one that is sick.

For now, with J being sick, I will have to remind him 484 times to take his medicine. I will have to listen to how sick he is...up until the time he leaves for Monday Night Football. *insert loving eyeroll here* I will pack extra Vitamin C laden things into his lunch for tomorrow and call him to remind him to eat the orange and not just the oreos. I will want to hug him, but instead send him a high-five across the room, to better protect myself from catching what he has. Cause after all, if we're both sick, who is going to take care of us? The dog?!

I'll leave you with a few tips and tricks that we really do implement in our home:

1) Wash your hands
2) A spoonful of honey soothes a scratchy throat and a cough
3) Vitamin C is our friend before we are full on sick
4) Gargling with salt water is yucky, but effective
5) Rest, rest, rest
6) Steamy shower or bath
7) Hot tea, warm socks and extra loving for the sick one in the home

One Word Meme

2009-10-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

My sweet friend Michelle from Michellany has tagged me with a meme!

A one worder...tough! You know I have a lot to say, so keeping these answers to ONE word each will be a challenge. Here I go!

Where is your cell phone? Bed

Your hair? Cute

Your mother? Amazing

Your father? Buddy

Your favorite food? Pizza

Your dream last night? Tiring

Your favorite drink? Diet Coke (two words, shut it!)

Your dream/goal? Family

What room are you in? Bedroom

Your hobby? Life

Your fear? Lonliness

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Content

Where were you last night? Out

Something that you aren’t? Perfect

Muffins? Bagel

Wish list item? Vacation

Where did you grow up? Michigan

Last thing you did? Shower

What are you wearing? Outfit

Your TV? On

Your pets? LOVE

Friends? Happy

Your life? Blessed

Your mood? Anxious

Missing someone? Kiddos

Vehicle? Black

Something you’re not wearing? socks

Your favorite store? TargetMacys (I can't pick!)

Your favorite color? Pink

When was the last time you laughed? Earlier

Last time you cried? Yesterday

Your best friend? Sis

One place that I go to over and over? Playhouse

One person who emails me regularly? Auntie

Favorite place to eat? Los Quatros

I am going to tag my friend Kari at DotComKari who happens to be the FABULOUS designer of my blog! Thank you Kari, I love it and you are amazing! I am also going to tag my friend Meghan at Tuckers Take Tennessee. Can't wait to hear your answers:)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T11:07:00.000-04:00

Art Rocks!

TWBA: Routine

2009-09-01T23:13:00.005-04:00

This week at MGR, our blog assignment is to discuss routine.

Main Entry: rou·tine
Pronunciation: \rü-ˈtēn\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French, from route traveled way
Date: 1676
1 a : a regular course of procedure
b : habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure
2 : a reiterated speech or formula
3 : a worked-out part (as of an entertainment or sports contest) that may be often repeated; especially : a theatrical number
4 : a sequence of computer instructions for performing a particular task

I would like to think that I am a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of girl. Actually, as I just typed that, it sounds kind of weird...maybe out-dated...and now I feel awkward. What I am trying to say is that I initially think of myself as "routine free", but my whole life is routine. I work from home the same two days a week. I work in my studio the same three days each week, same time every day, every week. I make a list for every.thing.I.do. I am a list maker and a note taker. I plan.

I usually plan at the last minute though. I think that is why I'd like to think that I am free of routine. About two years ago I could have stated the following with pride and ease: I like to procrastinate. I excel when I do. That is only partly true these days. I still procrastinate. I still excel when I do. I just seem to get a bit stressed out now when that big list gets too long.

My list gets so long because I add every.single.thing to it. I once read somewhere that if you add obvious things to your list you will feel more accomplished because you have more crossed off. Am I taking that to the extreme when the following are on my list: wake up (check!), take shower (check!), do hair (check!), brush teeth (check!), breakfast/lunch/dinner (check! check! check!).

Man, am I successful or what?!

TWBA: Favorite Dessert

2009-08-27T08:58:00.004-04:00

This weeks blog assignment at MGR is all about dessert. My favorite dessert is almost a deep, dark secret. One that brings such embarrasment and shame to myself and my family. I've tried to change my mind on this. I've tried to fall deeply into sugary love with another delectable treat. I just cannot turn my back on..........

Yep. *hanging my head in shame* That is a straight-from-the-box, Pillsbury FUNFETTI CUPCAKE! Mmmmmmm! They are my absolute favorite. Shame, no more! I love them! Want the recipe? Go buy a box. Ha ha ha.

Let's have a little random sharefest!

2009-08-16T23:23:00.002-04:00

Random post! Random post!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 9ish. We had a late night.

2. How do you like your steak? with a thin line of pink

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Bride Wars... it's been awhile.

4. What is/are your favorite TV show(s)? Hmm... Favorite? I don't know. Whatever J and I watch and enjoy together. Lately it has been lots of baseball games.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? closer to family and friends

6. What did you have for breakfast? diet coke and a granola bar

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian or Mexican

8. What foods do you dislike? Peas and carrots...but I love all other veggies

9. Favorite Place to eat? The Fondue Room is calling my name

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Saturn VUE

12. What are your favorite clothes? anything that I look fabulous in...depends on the day...today it was my VS comfies

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Italy

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full, for sure. I am so blessed.

I don't think I can complete all 50 of these questions. Gah! There are so many. I am going to just pick some.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? How about a early evening person.

24. Pets? You call them pets, but for now, Diesel is our baby!! Haven't ya heard? He is only the most amazing, adorable, sweet, sassy little chunker of a bulldog ever!!!

25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share? This is not new and/or exciting, but I spent the day being slothlike and gluttonous - or so it seems. I didn't work out at.all (first time i n over 2.5 months and I ate crappy food all.day. The best part about it is that it SUCKED. I feel like crap right now and have no intention of spending another day like this anytime soon.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? I waivered back and forth with wanting to be a nurse, like my mommy. However, I couldn't stand blood. I once wanted to be an Ice Cream Man...who wouldn't? The older I got, the more artsy my goals became.

30. Always wear your seat belt?I feel naked without one!

33. Favorite pizza topping? mushrooms

34. Favorite Flower? Gerbera daisies

42. Broccoli? anytime, any way

43.What was your favorite vacation? So many growing up. My family is awesome and we always went somewhere.

45. What are you listening to right now? Diesel, snoring loudly.

47. How many tattoos do you have?4

I spared you some extremely boring ones and just littered your thoughts with semi-boring. Okay? Okay!

Musings, Murals, and Mondays

2009-07-12T21:53:00.005-04:00

I haven't updated in awhile. IC deserved a lot of "air time" and I felt that I needed to leave those posts up for awhile. With that being said, I also want to update ya'll so that is where I am at now.

I just completed my second full mural over 4th of July weekend. A few designs on the wall is such a huge difference compared to hundreds of sq. footage. J was my right-hand man, quite literally, and between the two of us this is what we knocked out (included full wall color) in just under 20 hours.

I can't believe it is middle July already. I have had every intention of marketing my tutu's like crazy and getting in at least two summer craft shows to showcase them. Sadly, that just hasn't happened. I have been crazy busy and loving every minute of it.
On a busy note, we leave for vacation in less than 48 hours. We will be spending 4 days in Chicago. Don't tell my travel companions but Chicago is sounding like one of the last places I want to visit right now. Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Chicago. I may have even been the one that suggested it this time around. It's just that with Chicago comes hustle and bustle, big city life. I am longing for more of a rest and relaxation beach bum feeling. I'm sure we'll have a blast no matter what we do.
Tomorrow is Monday. I don't dread Monday's like most people. I work from home on Monday's so they make me smile (most of the time.) I have one last busy day ahead and then I will disappear until next weekend.

Polka Dot Love - One of a Kind Auction Piece!

2009-06-16T23:40:00.010-04:00

You may or may not know about Invisible Children. You may or may not know how I feel about it. You can read up a bit more on my thoughts in this post. More importantly, you can learn more about Invisibile Children and the children fighting an awful war in Uganda by visiting http://www.invisiblechildren.com/.

I am not rich in monetary means, but I realize I am richer than most because of the blessed life I live. I will save the "rich" debate for a later day though. I cannot give tons of money, but I can give my time and I can give my talents. Along with the Rescue necklaces I created, I've decided to put my Polka Dot Love platter up for auction. It is a 20" earthenware platter. Hand-painted and food safe. There is no starting bid for this piece. You can bid here or email me your bid privately. Once bidding closes I will contact the highest bidder and ask that they split shipping costs (I'll cover half) and their bid will be donated to Invisible Children, along with the proceeds from the Rescue necklace.

Erma Bombeck said it best when she said - "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me".

When I first published the photograph it was at this angle. It was brought to my attention by a friends' daughter that it looks like a smiley face. I like her way of thinking! :-)

It's a platter folks, you can turn it to whatever angle you like best! (blown up a bit for detail)

Please bid/donate to such a great organization. Please repost this somewhere or tell a friend.

Whimsy Wishes,

Lisa

Invisible Children

2009-05-01T19:07:00.006-04:00

A little about the child soldiers in Joseph Kony's army - the real invisible children ...in my own words.

They are innocent children in Uganda. Young children who are abducted...stolen from their homes and forced to become a part of Joseph Kony's army. They are innocent children being turned into killers. They have to witness and take part in the most horrific violence, pain, and suffering. They need help. WE CAN HELP!

I have known about Invisible Children for far too long. I turned a blind-eye to it for a few reasons. Mainly, I hate injustice and hardships that affect children. It breaks my heart and truly affects me in a miserable way. I knew that watching this video would cause me utter sadness and heartache that I wasn't ready to endure. I don't know what finally clicked in me, but I got over myself and I watched the video. I sobbed. My heart ached in a physical way. It was an awful feeling. That feeling hasn't left me, but it lit a fire under me to DO SOMETHING. I have donated money and I am committed to raising awareness, but I wanted to do more. That first night I made this necklace. I wasn't sure how much of the profits I was going to donate, but I knew that was the plan. I have decided to donate 100% of the profits from the sale of this necklace to Invisible Children. It is so minuscule in the big picture, but every little bit helps. I am calling you out (in my sweetest, most kind voice) and asking YOU to help raise awareness. Repost this somewhere. Mention Invisible Children to a friend. Show a family member the video. JUST DO SOMETHING!

About Invisible Children: www.invisiblechildren.com
The Rescue: www.nightof.therescue.invisiblechildren.com
Buy the necklace: www.littlepaintedpolkadots.com

Peace and blessings!
(and of course, Whimsy Wishes)

Lisa

TOMS

2009-04-27T21:52:00.005-04:00

TOMS is one of the greatest companies I've ever heard of. I think what they do is just awesome. If you haven't heard about TOMS, let me share a bit with you. TOMS make shoes (and some other cool gear.) They have a One for One program - for every pair you purchase, TOMS gives a pair to a child in need. Read more about it here.

I ordered my first (of many) pairs and they came today!!! I am thrilled. They are every bit as cute and comfortable as I have heard. Check out the pair I bought.

Like them? Get your own pair here! Do something for someone else - Karma is real!

Spring is in the air

2009-04-06T16:26:00.007-04:00

The title of this post is funny and wrong. Spring is only in the air because the calendar says so. Today we were hit with inches and inches of snow, that is still falling, and a wind that could blow ye over. Ha ha. It is a blustery winter mess outside and I looooove it. That's because I am sitting on the inside looking out a big picture window. Tomorrow, when I have to venture outside, I will do so with a few grumbles I'm sure.

I have been a very busy bee since I last posted. The mural went great. I am pretty pleased with myself and can't wait for the phone call for the next one. Please spread the word to all your Michigan friends that Little Painted Polka Dots now offers murals! I am quick, efficient and affordable. (Nothing like tootin' your own horn, huh? Toot! Toot!)

Here are a few pics from the gym mural. I completed it all in about 30 hours! Not bad for over 700 square feet.

I also wanted to share with you all that I finally have a new font for my hand-stamped jewelry. I am so very excited, as I was on the waiting list for over two months. This stamp collection is limited and I am so thrilled to finally have it in my possession! What do you think? Adorable, huh?!

Lastly, a friendly reminder that Spring is a great time to dress your little girlies in fabulous, fluffy, affordable tutu's and we have plently in our Little Bella Tutu collection. Mother's day is also just around the corner and personalized jewlery makes a wonderful, unique gift. I am more than happy to create a custom piece for you, so please don't hesitate to call on me. Have a blessed day and Happy Spring!!

Murals! Coming soon to Little Painted Polka Dots? Hmm...maybe.

2009-03-08T21:23:00.005-04:00

I have done my fair share of painting on canvas, painting on wood and even painting on walls. However, full blown wall murals have never been my thing. I've never branched out that far. I have painted an incredible field of daisies on a bedroom wall and whimsical designs in a nursery, but the mural buck stops there.

I was approached this past week (out of the blue and by the grace of God) with an amazing opportunity. I will be painting a full mural at a local gym. They have a Kids Club and I will be doing the mural in the Kids Club room. It is huge. Huge, I tell you. The painting surface is close to, if not over, 700 square feet. *Insert dropped jaw here* The highest point of the walls are 11 feet and I am 5' 3". Oh and I don't like heights. LOL!

I can't get over how thrilled I am. I always put so much energy and passion into things I like and I love painting. This is the biggest "canvas" I have had to create with and I can hardly contain my excitment. I have been throwing a few designs around on drywall sheets at home before I hit the walls.

This particular mural (I say that because there could be more!!) is Under the Sea. Lots of fish, a whale, a sea turtle and lots of other sea-inspired goodness.

Here are some basic little paintings I created this week to practice.

What's New?!

2009-02-08T14:32:00.006-05:00

I have been a busy little bee creating new products for my store. I was in a funk - a real funk - but I channelled (one L...two L's???) all that funk into creative energy.

The early creations of personalized silver that I created were made with pmc (precious metal clay) and kiln-fired. I still make a bunch of that, but I added sterling silver, copper and gold-filled pieces which I hand-stamp with metal stamps and a hammer. So fun! I get out some serious frustration that way!

Personalized Sterling Silver Cufflinks - great gift for Valentine's Day!!

XOXO - Oopsie Charm. I made a little oopsie on this, so it is ONLY $10. Snatch it up before someone else does!

Wear your inspiration close to your heart. Personalize your charm your way!

GROW - A whimsy little reminder that we are always growing.

L.O.V.E - it's all you need!

Love Squared - A little copper goodness for ya.

Silver is pretty (my favorite next to platinum, of course) but I also love color. I needed to create something that was more colorful and a little less expensive...to appeal to the masses. Fun and Games Jewelry is the newest catergory at Little Painted Polka Dots. How fun are these? You can choose a pre-designed piece or submit your own graphic or even a darling photograph of your children...your pet...your spouse...or of YOU. That's right! Give that pretty face as a gift to someone else!

Thanks for looking. Please share my site with your friends and family. I appreciate your support!

For the love of the long pause.

2009-02-04T20:08:00.002-05:00

I have nothing creative, witty, eloquent or profound to talk about. Not that I have in the past, but I surely do not right now.

I am in a funk. A downright diiirty funk. I don't want to be awake, I cannot sleep, I want to call in to work every single day (however, I do not.) I'm not depressed. No, no, no. I'm just in a funk. I know why, but I feel like there is nothing I can do about it.

Do you ever wonder if you fixed that "one" thing that was all wrong in your life if your new life would truly be better or would you just find a new "one" thing that wasn't right? I know, that was one long, incorrect sentence...too bad.

I don't want to work at the Playhouse anymore. I truly and whole-heartedly hate it there. I hate it now more than I have ever loved it. There is just so much bad juju* there. It's not that I don't want to work, because I DO. I just don't want to work there. J tells me to leave and find a new job, but I don't know how to do that while still being able to have time for LPPD. I put in a ton of hours from home for the Playhouse that they refuse to pay me for, but I actually only go into the Playhouse 3-4 days a week. This leaves me 2 weekdays and 1-2 weekend days to work on LPPD and I spend many hours into the late evening/early morning working on Playhouse stuff and LPPD stuff. I am tired, drained, and feel like I am going nowhere.

In my dream world (which is obviously blurry at the moment) I just want some chic boutique to say "Oh Lisa, your LPPD products are fabulous and we would like to buy thousands to stock our shelves." PERFECTO! Then I can quit the Playhouse and focus all my energy on doing what I love. Oh yes, I would also have money to pay bills and help support the family. I don't need much. Really, it is far less than most need and I would work hard to earn it. See, I want to work...just on what I love...not on what I hate. Oh boutique owner.....are you out there? Do you have a big bankroll and a desire to invest in me? Lol... if all else fails can't I just win the lottery?

*bad juju - compliements of lj...thank you for finding the right word.

2009-01-18T14:52:00.003-05:00

Little Painted Polka Dots is celebrating it's 1st birthday! There are lots of new pieces being added to our collection in 2009. Here are just a few...a Lotsa Dots Canvas, Polka Dot Mirrors, and Polka Dot People Plaques! They are located under Special of the Month.

Take a peek!

Enjoy some birthday sales!

Birthday sales will be offered from January 18th through January 31st, including:

• Free Shipping on any order – use code: NOSHIP

• 20% off all orders over $75 – use code: BDAY20

• Free Foofy set with any Little Bella Tutu purchase

• Free Funky Photo Stand with any Wall Art purchase

• One lucky customer will receive a $50 gift certificate

Cookies, Crying and the Couch

2008-12-28T18:04:00.002-05:00

I'm afraid to even exhale as I truly don't think life will be back to normal until after the first of the year. Make that the 4th, since we have a party on the 2nd and I'll need the 3rd to recover. Life for me (and I'm sure many of you) has just sped by these past few months. Holidays, shopping, baking, visiting, parties, long work hours, and finding time to decorate the tree have consumed me. As much as I live for the "feeling" I get around Christmas, I can't wait for it all to be over. Sadly, I don't think I ever had that feeling this year. *sniffle, sniffle* I'm over it though... I think.

I made it through Christmas day with only crying once. I am a crier. Everybody knows that. I usually cry on Christmas for two reasons. At some point I am so overjoyed with all the happenings of the day that I just cry and at some point I am also usually disappointed in a thoughtless gift or a gift I've given going unappreciated. I am a bit embarrased to say that the reason for my tears this year came bright and early.

There was no excitement when I woke up. No giggling and running to see if Santa came. (Yeah, I'm 28 and I usually still do that.) This year I got up first, plugged in the tree, turned on the Christmas music and just patiently waited for J to get up. We did our stockings and set out to take turns opening our gifts. I knew that there wasn't a big surprise under the tree this year and I was okay with that. We truly did not need anything and other than a baby, there is nothing that I really wanted. So we decided to make gift-giving a game this year. We could only spend $50 on eachother (we both cheated a little) and we had to give 5 gifts. No more, no less. We could buy 5 $10 items or 1 $40 item and 4 $2.50 items. Whatever it was we had to have 5 at $50 total. I gave him plenty of ideas and I had to wing it for him as he gave me nada clue! I was a little excited to see what he had chosen for me, so I opened my first gift. I couldn't hold back the disappointment when it was a shirt (too small) from a store that I HATE. There is no surprise at all that I hate this store. Trust me, he learned after last Christmas. I have told him numerous times that I do not shop there, do not like their clothes, so do NOT buy me anything from there...especially not a shirt that is too small. So, yeah, I was a little teary with disappointment. Imagine how I handled it when he proceeded to toss box #2 in my direction as he mumbles "you might as well open this one then too." Yeah, folks. Another shirt from the same store in the same size. Gaaah! See, you're probably thinking that I shouldn't be greedy and that Christmas isn't about gifts. If that is what you're thinking then zip it! I am NOT greedy and Christmas is NOT about gifts, but this was our plan, our game, and quite frankly those two gifts were failures. I shed some tears and got over it. I wasn't upset that I got shirts as 2 out of my 5 gifts. I was upset that he obviously waited until the last minute, and put zero thought into it. My other three gifts were great. I got a yoga mat (pink with white flowers) that I will have to use a lot to fit into those two small shirts, a Chia Herb Garden and a laptop cooler thingy that sits between your lap and laptop. That wasn't even on my list, as I didn't know it existed, but I LOVE it and couldn't be more thrilled with it.

As for the cookies and the couch, well... that is today. I am enjoying this box full of Pizzelles that came from my Grandma as I sit on the couch and play the new video game that I got from my parents. I don't see how people do this. The first few hours were very fun, enjoyable and self-indulgent. Now I just feel lethargic, despite the sugar rush, and my back is sore (from sitting on the couch all day.) Good thing this only happens once or twice a year. Tomorrow I will go to work and continue on until that blessed day of January 4th comes. It's been a _____________ (fill in the blank) few months, but I am ready to go forward.

Black Friday Bonanza

2008-11-25T23:37:00.008-05:00

Stay home! Don't fight the crowds.

Take advantage of the Black Friday Sale

at Little Painted Polka Dots.

FREE SHIPPING ALL DAY!

(use code: NOSHIP)

$10 off a purchase of $50 or more

(use code: BF10)

$25 off a purchase of $100 or more

(use code: BF25)

Check that out...

that is a minimum of
20% off AND free shipping.

Organization at it's finest!

2008-11-24T12:40:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I am doing this, but I wanted to show you all some before and after shots of my studio/home office/workout room. I know, that is some lofty goals to live up to for just one small room. Mix in an artist's organizational skills and this is what you end up with:

Upon first entering. The bike is only there because I drug it out a few days prior so I could watch TV and ride. I'm a multi-tasker, I know. The mammoth package of Bounty is there because well...it is MAMMOTH and wouldn't fit in the normal spot.

Yes, my friends, I run on that treadmill at least three times a week. Do you love my new Nike running shoes (the ones on the treadmill, not on the floor)? The red "beer pong" cup is actually a water cup that I was using to wash my brushes, and the garbage can is only there because I was finally cleaning.

Just another angle of the chaos and madness. Sorry family, there are still some birthday presents in those bags. Well, not as of now, but there was in the photo. I love my gifts, thank you very much!

This picture sums it up. Oddly enough, I knew where everything was. I've never had a hissy fit about not being able to find the eyelet hammer or even the teeny tiny eyelets for that matter. To you, chaos, to me...not so much.

It was however, so very overwhelming to look at. It was also an eyesore for guests. So I devoted the entire day (last Monday) to cleaning it all. It was a process. In my mind each thing already had a home. I knew where it all was and I didn't have to open a drawer to get at it. Putting it away only to take it back out seems a little silly, but just like making your bed everyday (only to mess it up again every night) it is just one of those things you should do. So, I did! I love it cleaned. I feel so refreshed when I walk in there. I can actually paint in there now. The only down side is I don't have much to look at when I run on the treadmill anymore.

This is the NEW VIEW! I love walking into this room now. Check out the ribbon hung neatly on the wall. Okay, so it is not the best "hanging job" but it works, for now. I am also normally very anal about certain things (hard to tell from all the pics above) but when I find a spare moment all the ribbon spools will be displayed by color. ROYGBIV please! Notice the tulle in the drawers. They are in that order.

I have all my marketing, advertising, and packaging materials, along with supplies all put in a specific place. I have my 2009 calendar on the wall a few months early and I have my clipboard with orders in a list, so I know what I am working on. That is some fancy organizational skills right there.

Another view. Please look to above picture #4 for shocking comparison...lol.

Last but not least, is the workout portion of this room. I had to put my printer and shipping boxes there for lack of room, but all in all, I am happy with this new clean little space. Yay me!

My Dirty Little Secret

2008-11-06T21:24:00.004-05:00

To be honest with you, one of the perks of working from home is having the luxury (if you will) of working in bed... in pajama's... in pajama's that I've had on for two days in a row. Today was like that. It was almost noon and I was busy working on the computer (boring marketing stuff.) My hair was a mess and I had last nights mascara smudged under my eyes looking like an NFL linebacker.

The day was getting away from me as I sunk hours into my work. I still had to go grocery shopping and work out, among many other things. I had to do it in that order or they just wouldn't get done. Like I said, time was slipping away. I couldn't justify showering, grocery shopping, working out and then showering again. That is where my "dirty little secret" comes in. Don't say "ewww!" I do not want to hear it. Keep in mind that at this point I am in pj's, my hair is a mess and I have not showered.

Well my friends, nothing hides the funk like a fabulous coat and a cute little hat (my secrets). I just so happen to have both of those items. Brilliant! I washed my face and put on some makeup (that is a no-brainer) and off I went.

I have to say... I fooled people. I giggled on the inside as the construction worker at the market plaza attempted to flirt with me. Most days it would be a "I'm flattered" type giggle, but not today. It was more of a "ha, you sucker! If only you knew my dirty little secret..."

Just a Few of Life's Choices

2008-10-19T16:47:00.002-04:00

I'm stealing this from Mama Smurf at My Life.

Here is a little insight about me...lol!

I choose......

Tom Hanks over Tom Cruise
avoidance over confrontation
Mexican food over Chinese food (although I like both)
Nights over early mornings
Beer over wine(hmmm...that is really a toss-up)
NBC over CBS
Salty over sweet
Beach over mountains
Chocolate over vanilla
Dogs over cats
Mistakes made over opportunities missed
Lipgloss over lipstick (any time, any day!)
J.R.R Tolkien over J.K Rowling (honestly, I am not into either, but chose Tolkien for my dad)
Football over Hockey
Cake over pie
Half full over half empty
Sense of humor over sense of style (you can always buy new clothes, you can't change a personality)
Wheel of Fortune of Jeopardy (unless it is the Teen edition)
Pro-life over Pro-choice
Soda over iced tea
The Breakfast Club over Dirty Dancing
French Toast over French Fries
Belle over Cinderella
Small Town over Big City
The Olympics over the Oscars
Too cold over too hot
Ketchup over mustard (again a toss-up. I like both)
Caesar salad over house salad
Movies over books
Pedicures over manicures
White wine over red wine
John Cusack over John Malkovich
Apples over oranges
Fast cars over big trucks
treadmill over elliptical
winter over summer
time with girlfriends over alone time
vacuuming over mopping

Bringing back the Barter System

2008-10-06T22:02:00.005-04:00

Wouldn't it be great if I could always get fabulous things from others just by offering up my wares? No money changing hands, no receipts, no sad faces because I simply can't "justify" another purchase. Nope, none of that is allowed in my happy bartering world. I would see something I like and the owner of that something would just want my products in return. Wouldn't that be amazing if it worked everywhere? Hmm...I feel like a Starbucks. The barista will take a Foofy. Off to the market for some organic produce and diet coke (staples in my life.) Well, that'll be one Cotton Candy Tutu as payment. Gasoline now...that is surely worth a custom Growth Chart these days.

Somehow, the rest of the world doesn't feel the same way I do. Go figure. One fabulous girl did let me live in my fantasy for a moment though. That is Natalie at Cotton Candy by Natalie. I saw something I just had.to.have! I knew that after shelling out a pretty penny on the camera itself, that I could not justify another purchase at the moment. I took a leap and contacted the owner of the shop and asked if (just maybe) she would be interested in a trade....and SHE WAS! (Insert happy dance here!) I traded some personalized silver jewelry for this absolutely amazing, colorful, beautiful, fantastic, fabulous camera strap!

Isn't it AWESOME! I seriously get so happy every time I look at it. Thank you Natalie for believing in the barter system with me.

**Disclaimer: The barter system worked for both parties this one time. This does not mean that either party will be interested in trading again, but it never hurts to ask! :)

My first love...

2008-09-21T14:49:00.005-04:00

...is Photography. Without aging myself too much, I have to say that I loved "old school" photography. The real stuff. Film, the dark room, the chemicals, manipulating the photos with your hands and tools and light...not a computer. That is what I did in highschool and college. Once my degree title turned into "Photography...and Digital Imaging" I began to lose interest. I didn't want to do it on the computer. I didn't like it at all. Like an immature child, I took my toys and went home. I put my camera in the closet and moved on.

That doesn't mean that I haven't taken thousands of photos since then, but they were all just snapshots of friends, family, myself, and things that I found snapshot worthy. I took these photos with a snapshot camera and I was happy with it.

Lately the photo bug has been biting me so I went and bought a new camera and started dabbling with some "digital imaging." Don't laugh or criticize the next few photos. My goal was to take everyday things and turn them into something I wanted to look at. I didn't leave my front porch or back deck to take these. I put my zoom to use and had to hope the neighbors didn't mind. This is what I came up with. Not bad for not leaving my porch.

This little guy was on my porch. When I grabbed my camera he ran up the tree to the "hole" and sat there.

These flowers are waaaaaay far away on my neighbors back deck. Just a simple dandelion.
A little treasure in my other neighbors garden.

Wine? Anyone?!

2008-09-20T14:25:00.005-04:00

I love a great glass (or bottle) of wine. I enjoy it room temperature while sitting on my deck as the sun is setting and the air is brisk. That is my favorite way to sip and unwind. Most of the time I am in my comfy pants, a teeshirt, no socks or shoes and my hair is wildly fabulous. I'll most likely have paint on my pants and antiquing gel on my fingers somewhere, but the wine is good and I am happy. What do you do with all the empty bottles? Well, if you're me, you turn them into something useful.

These were done for a friends wedding shower...also wine enthusiasts. The bottles have been kiln-fired to a scorching 1200 degrees and they are now fabulous cheese trays or wall art - whichever you'd prefer.

Are you a wine lover? Know someone who is? Why not order them their very own Whimsy Wine Bottle?!

Family Circle

2008-08-18T23:10:00.002-04:00

New stamps have arrived at Little Painted Polka Dots! They are a wonderful addition to my hand-stamped silver line. They are big and funky... and SUPER CUTE! They have proven perfect for creating the new Family Circle charm. Mom and Dad's intials in the middle surrounded by the precious names of all the little ones.

I also want to point out that each and every one of my silver pieces are hand crafted by me. I am not buying pre-cut silver bases and stamping into them with metal stamps. I am creating them by hand out of pure silver clay and then firing in a jewelry kiln. After firing, I burnish and polish each piece. The result is a 99.9% pure silver piece of art, created just for you!

Bloggy Sale

2008-08-03T19:56:00.003-04:00

Hello Bloggy World! As you can tell from my lack of posting, I have been busy. Busy with what, you say? Besides birthdays, vacations, and hustle and bustle of summer livin', I have been creating new products!

Here are a few of them! I am trying to reach my Summer sales goal, and I am offering up a Blog coupon in an effort to do so! If you are interested in any new or original products, please check out my entire line at www.littlepaintedpolkadots.com and use code BLOG10 for 10% off any purchase!!

Foofy - Tutu Inspired Hair Ties

Foofy Headband
Foofies!!
Infinite Love Necklace
Foofy - Tutu Inspired Hair Ties

All in a days work.

2008-07-18T00:08:00.002-04:00

I have been too busy to post lately. I will look at that as a blessing, because it is. I miss the weekly meme's and I am striving to get back on track with those next week. They are fun, and keep me connected to the bloggy world. I hope everyone out there is doing well. Not just well, but FABULOUS. I have used that word a lot lately, and I will continue to. I bought a headband with a FABULOUS little bow. In the midst of a storm last weekend, the wind blew down and broke my FABULOUS patio umbrella. I hope Tammy has a FABULOUS time at Kid Rock. My doggies ears are doing better and that was FABULOUS news from the vet....just lots of FABULOUSNESS! So on that note, have a FABULOUS night. Hugs...

And the Winner is...

2008-07-08T09:03:00.004-04:00

- Marybeth I. said...
i would love my daughters' initials in the heart pendant!

Let's all congratulate her!

I will honor the sale prices until the end of the week (ie. Friday July 11, 2008) After that, regular pricing will be in effect. ORDER YOUR PENDANT TODAY by emailing me or leaving a comment here.

Whimsy Wishes,
L

Something New!

2008-06-26T09:25:00.003-04:00

I know I haven't been around much these past few days. I have been so busy! I am in the process of adding a fantastic, new product to my site. All my supplies arrive tomorrow morning. It is going to be FABULOUS! Really, you will want one. Your kids will want one. Your grandma will want one. Your hubby will want one too...really, he will! I cannot wait to debut this awesome little item!!

Moments for Me Monday

2008-06-16T09:31:00.004-04:00

Moments for Me Monday originated as Tammy's Happiness Challenge. Well, what makes me happy? My silly, little, loving pup!! Really, he is the love of my life. Diesel is the best dog in the world. I gush and gush about him all the time. If anyone even begins to mutter "he's just a dog" they will get that nasty scowl face before they even finish their sentence. He is my baby! For many, many, many years "English Bulldog" has made it on my birthday lists and Christmas wish lists and I never got one. So, when J and I bought our first home, I thought "I'm getting one, and no one can stop me." And so we did!!

I began looking into the Bulldog Rescue because I know how many are out there that need good homes. They have the potential to have lots of medical issues and people don't want to or can't deal with that. Frat boys think they are "cool dogs" and they get them and can't take care of them, etc. etc. The bottom line is there are many amazing bullies that need rescuing. So we did. There was only one in our area at the time, and to be honest with you...his picture was so very ugly! Sorry Big D, you are adorable now! You old mama claimed to not be able to get a good pic of you? Was she nuts? I can't stop snapping the camera on him. He is just too cute! We went about the process and filled out forms, and made calls, and then one night around 10pm J and I were laying in bed and WE GOT THE CALL!!! We had been approved for the rescue and they wanted to set up a "get to know eachother" time.

I know this is long so I will cut the rest down - - we met, I couldn't wait so we went within 48 hours. Diesel was coming from a great big loving wealthy home. The only teeny problem was that he was becoming dog aggressive and the other bully in the family had been there longer. Diesel was fighting with her and they had small babies in the home and it wasn't safe. His old daddy was heartbroken. This was his boy and we can see why. I cried the moment this chubby, short little fella came running out of the house. I couldn't believe it was him (I told you about that pic!!) It was love at first site. We were allowed to pick him up within about 48 hours and after more tears (his old daddy broke my heart) we were taking our baby home!!

That, my friends, is happiness. I love my bully so very much. He is an amazing boy. Oh yeah, and what was that about not getting cute pics? Look on...

AND THE WINNER IS....

2008-06-11T10:13:00.001-04:00

Heather said...
I like the Bubble Dots Canvas for my daughter. How cute!
June 10, 2008 5:53 PM

Congrats to Heather! She is the winner of the Name Art on Canvas contest. If you would still like your own canvas you can order today and save 10% off using code: POLKADOT at checkout. Check back often for more contests. Thanks for participating!

Moments for Me Monday

2008-06-09T12:53:00.003-04:00

Mr Linky is missing on Tammy's blog, but it is M4MM again so read, comment if you want, and jump in on the fun.

I had a good weekend. I had M4M all weekend long. I spent some serious quality time with J this weekend. We had a multitude of thunderstorms (LOVE THEM) and we enjoyed them Friday through Sunday. Friday night we laid out on the deck. There was thunder and lightening and no rain. It was amazing. We were laying side-by-side on our backs staring up at this fantastic light show (not so smart, I know) but it was so flippin' cool. J said "Wow, it's not often that you can sit outside in a thunderstorm without getting rained on." And BOOM! Just as he closed his mouth the heaven's opened up and rain poured on us. That was the end of our outside adventure. There were at least three more storms up until last night. It was great.

I have been working out (running, walking, calisthenics) and watching what I eat. I don't weigh myself everyday or every week for that matter. I have fought with the scale from the day I was born. I popped out at 8lbs 10oz and having been fighting it ever since. Today I decided to weigh myself. It said I was quite a few pounds more than I had expected. I was so discouraged. I don't really get it. Please don't tell me that muscle weighs more than fat. I am so sick of hearing that! I have been working on it. I haven't been working as hard as I could, but I have been working nonetheless. When I am not doing anything to better myself, I gain nothing. It seems that when I make conscious decisions to improve that is when I gain weight. WTH?!?! So, this seems like a downer, I know. But it is not. I am looking at this moment as a M4M because I am using it as my motivation to work harder. I ran on the treadmill (not outside! It's almost 100 degrees) rode my stationary bike and did crunches and tricep dips. What more can a girl do...

It is Contest Time!!

2008-06-01T10:52:00.005-04:00

That's right! It is time for a contest. One lucky reader will win a 12" x 12" or 11" x 14" Name Art on Canvas from Little Painted Polka Dots. You can choose your colors and have it personalized any way you'd like!

All you have to do is view the Little Painted Polka Dots website and tell me in a comment below what your favorite canvas design is and who you would like to win it for! The contest runs until Tuesday June 10th and the winner will be announced here and also on Prizey.Fetch.

*One and only one comment per person is allowed, so please, only comment once:) Thanks!

*There must be a way to contact you if you win, so if you are not a blogger, please leave a valid email address. We will only contact you if you've won.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-28T18:31:00.003-04:00

I love the pure emotion of a child in moments like this.

The "helicopters" starting flying when the wind blew!

**This tutu and others are available at Little Painted Polka Dots

For more Wordless Wednesday fun check out http://www.5minutesformom.com/

Tackle It - My first one!

2008-05-27T12:23:00.004-04:00

This is my first attempt at a Tackle it Tuesday. But I tackled a big whompin' project and want everyone to know! For this Tackle I planted my entire container garden. I had to opt for a container garden instead of the traditional garden this year because we are re-landscaping the backyard and I don't want all my precious plants trampled by big, clumsy work boots. You know what I mean;-) I am lovin' the garden right outside on my deck. Pretty soon all that fresh delicious produce will be right outside my door!

I just unloaded the car. Look at what I have...sage, pinepple sage, oregano, basil, cilantro, parsley, green peppers, banana peppers, jalapeno peppers, green beans, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I forgot a few things that I have to go get now.

Moments for Me Monday - Week 6

2008-05-26T18:24:00.003-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to you, and you and you and you!

I found peace today in the midst of a whirlwind long weekend. On our way (back for the 2nd time) to Home Depot we saw this...

A model's life!

2008-05-26T18:05:00.004-04:00

Here are some pics of my favorite tutu model ;) She is modeling the Tutu Dress as a dress and also as a skirt, along with the Strawberry Sweetness Tutu.

4 Things...

2008-05-22T11:06:00.003-04:00

Here it is, my first tag. Woot! Woot! I am a dork, I know, but I am excited to finally be tagged for one of these! I was tagged for this by Tammy at My Life. So here it goes!

4 things I was doing 10 years ago....

1. In May of 98 I was a senior in highschool so I was getting ready to graduate.
2. Partying like it was 1999 (a little Prince reference for ya)
3. Stressing out because I would be starting college and would then HAVE TO drive myself. (I was scared)
4. Taking advantage of the freedom I had at that point, unaware of all that was to come.

4 things I was doing 5 years ago...

1. Anxiously awaiting my little nephews birth!
2. I was extremely blinded by love
3. Living happily as a business owner - sometime between 10 and 5 years ago I bought an art studio that I absolutely loved.
4. Spending some of the best times of my life with my sister. We shared the same friends and we spent all of our time together. (I miss her now, as we're older and live an hour away from eachother *sniff*sniff*)

4 things I did yesterday...

1. Went to work at the studio (only a few days left, said with nervous anticipation!!)
2. Resisted the urge to indulge in one of the most fabulous cannoli's ever made. The bakery by the studio makes the SECOND best (the world's best are created by noneother than my dear Aunt Phyllis) cannoli's, but I resisted temptation. Oh geez, screw temptation...can somebody PUHLEASE get me a cannoli?! Aunt Phyllis? Bakery? Anyone?
3. Shipped out some orders
4. Played baseball with my nephew....yes, I broke a nail..AND.IT.HURT!

4 shows I like to watch...

1. Las Vegas
2. Anything Food Network
3. Criminal Minds
4. Jon and Kate +8

4 things I love to do...

1. spend quality time with friends and family (it's few and far between living in this hell I call Port Huron.)
2. cook/bake
3. anything artsy, especially when they are customers orders. Who doesn't want to get paid for doing what they love ;-)
4. getting massages - - pure bliss

I am tagging the following wonderful girls for the meme: Artsy Kelly, Kristin at Life's Small Moments, and Michelle

Moments for Me Monday - Week 5

2008-05-19T13:55:00.005-04:00

Today I just really needed to get orders packaged and shipped. So that's what I did for this M4MM. I packaged them and prepared them all for shipping. Now I just need to finish washing the sheets and then head to the post office. I am also going to stop by the DQ for a soft-serve twist with sprinkles (kid-sized, of course.) Or maybe I will make a "fake it, don't make it" Key Lime Pie. Ha, you'd think it was warm and sunny out with these dessert cravings. It is not. It is overcast and cold! Off I go to switch the sheets.

These are a few of the orders lined up, waiting to be packaged for shipping.

Want to win a Tutu?

2008-05-16T13:48:00.002-04:00

Check out our review at Project Nursery. You can enter to win a Little Bella Tutu!!

Wordless Wednesday - Holy Smokes!

2008-05-14T06:00:00.003-04:00

This is the first sight I saw coming off the highway.

I'm like an ambulence chaser....I just HAD to go see where it was coming from. Oh my gosh...It is nuts. There is so much smoke.

There are tons of people out here.
I felt bad snapping pics, but as sad as it is...it is AMAZING to look at, especially up close. Wow!

Please pray for the owner Emory Floyd and his family, as they deal with this devastation!

I did it!

2008-05-13T11:06:00.002-04:00

I ran today, like I said I would. My high was slightly interrupted by some studio nonsense (that I won't have to deal with for much longer.) But all in all, it was great. I feel so good right now. It is easy to run when I put it out here for the world to see. Maybe I should do that more often. Hold myself accountable, ya know.

I have a lot to do today, so bye for now!

Moments for Me Monday - Week 4

2008-05-12T16:45:00.005-04:00

Todays post is inspired by Tammy's post, which was inspired by Heather J. It's all about a runner's high.

Do you know what that is? Have you felt it? I am not going to pretend to be a runner, um, because I hate it...but the more I do it, the more I love it. The more I need it. The more I just have to have it. Not necessarily running, but that feeling (the euphoric, on top of the world, everything is sunny in my world goodness!) That feeling that comes AFTER running. All these runners were inspiring to me. I thought "hmmm...running is awful! Why would anyone run for FUN???" And then I tried it. I can honestly say that it is not the running part. That is a bit strenuous, tedious, and boring for me (not to mention kind of hard after the first mile). But that feeling I have when I am done is like a drug. I walk around for a bit, still sweaty and gross, but I feel.so.good!

With all that being said, I did not run today. It is gloomy out. I am moody. I haven't been moody in awhile, and I just want to be today. OKAY?! I will run tomorrow. I promise. Just knowing that I will have "that feeling" sometime tomorrow is all the excitement I need for today. Ask me tomorrow if I ran. I promise I will! Do something that makes ya happy. For me, for today, it is being moody and knowing that tomorrow will be a better day.

Hugs - "L"

Lots of fabulous new items!!!

2008-05-11T22:47:00.003-04:00

Have ya heard?- www.littlepaintedpolkadots.com has some adorable new items this month. Click on my site link and check out the following catergories!

...and then as always, the Polka Dot Dollars are so popular and great! Check them out.

I truly appreciate each one of you that checks out my products and emails me with such positive affirmations!

Hugs,
"L"

Wordless Wednesday: Head in the Clouds

2008-05-07T08:58:00.006-04:00

I love this picture. It was taken at an animal safari place in Ohio.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday goodness here!

Words to Live By

2008-05-06T21:16:00.005-04:00

People are often unreasonable,

irrational, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse

you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,

you will win some,unfaithful

friends and some genuine enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere

people may deceive you;

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating

others could destroy overnight;

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

some may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,

will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have,

and it may never be enough;

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis,

it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

--Mother Teresa

Moments for Me Monday - Week 3

2008-05-05T18:51:00.002-04:00

Ahhh...it's Monday again. I must force myself to do something for ME! Or at least take a mundane Monday and analyze the heck out of it until I can make something seem like it was a fabulous "me moment."

Today though it's real. I had a really good day. I got up ridiculously early (thanks Diesel) and I took full advantage of every waking moment. I was up and out of the house by 9am...on my day off. I went to JoAnn's and bought elastic by the roll WITH THE 40% OFF COUPON! Whoo hoo! The cool thing is, they had the coupons right in the store for me, and every other shopper. How cool is that? To you - maybe not so much. But to me, it was the start of an amazing day. From there I went to the mall. First stop - Macys. I have a $100 gift card buring a whole in my purse. Why oh why can I not spend it? I just don't know. Today was no different. I am a MAC girl (the makeup, not the computer) but I used to be a Clinique girl and it was Clinique Bonus Days so I thought I'd go back to my roots and get some Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and South Beach shadow (as well as the fabulous bonus.) Nope, the Bonus Days ended yesterday. No biggie. I'll wait! And off I went. Next stop, Old Navy. I needed to get this cute little off-the-shoulder tunic that I've had my eye on. What?! Old Navy is GONE! It is no longer in our mall and the closest one is 40 minutes away. Oh well. I'll buy it online. You'd think that after these two wham-o's that I would be a grump. But no, I AM NOT! I go to the Gap (oh Gap how I love you.) I pick up a few necessity's and leave with a smile.

I feel a little silly going on and on, but at this point it is only 11:30am. There is so much more to say. I'll make it quick.....I went tanning. That was for ME. I am adorable pale, but absolutely radiant with a sun-kissed glow. (LOL! No self-esteem problems at the moment.) Don't yell at me about it being "bad for my skin" or a "waste of money." It's the fake stuff AND I bought a six visit package at the end of last summer so I am using that. Thankyouverymuch! ;-) Then I went to the market, bought some groceries, including this delicious mixed berry fresh fruit bowl. MMMMMM!

At home I worked out, completed all but one custom order, took Diesel for a walk and now I am here. Blogging away. J has a ball tournament this week so I was on my own for dinner. So even dinner was just about ME. I made a simply boring, but delicious bowl of Ditalini pasta with low-fat ricotta.

I can't even begin to express how good it feels to accomplish things on my to-do list and think about no one but me just for a moment. If you haven't already jumped on the Moments for Me Monday routine, I strongly encourage you to do so. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Something so silly as ditalini pasta or a new nailpolish, or just realizing that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL is so good for you. I am content at the moment and that my friends, is a good feeling.

Hugs,
L

Patiently Waiting...

2008-05-04T12:46:00.001-04:00

It's Sunday. No mail today. But what about UPS? Do they ship packages on Sunday? If so, did any of my suppliers ship UPS? I sure hope so. I received over 50% of my orders last week, but the things I really want just haven't come yet. I am patiently waiting for my packaging supplies (bags and tags) and also my ribbon and wire tutu display. Oh I just can't wait! Fingers crossed that they come soon!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-30T11:06:00.003-04:00

I have finally jumped on the

Wordless Wednesday bandwagon...

I can't believe this was four years ago.

It makes me a little weepy.

Moments for Me Monday - Week 2

2008-04-28T20:18:00.005-04:00

Today, for ME, I finished my new designs and uploaded them to my site (and of course my wonderful bloggy world!) Enjoy! I know I am.

Whimsy Add-on Picture Frames are hand-painted and adorned with whimsy add-ons. Each frame can be personalized with child's name in your choice of color. Select matching ribbon for hanging or a post for stand-up display.
Cost: $16.50

ORDER HERE!

Super Sale!

2008-04-27T12:39:00.003-04:00

Everyone loves a sale, right?! For today only (well, maybe tomorrow too) you can take a whopping 20% off any purchase.

Little Painted Polka Dots

Enter code: Blog20 at checkout to save!

Thanks for reading my blog and checking out my products.

Whimsy Wishes,
"L"

Will work for...

2008-04-24T15:33:00.002-04:00

"Single Mom, will work for food and diapers. GOD BLESS"

That's the sign I saw a young girl holding as I drove down the street today. She was in her late teens/early twenties. Shocking I tell ya! In the city I live in you won't see the stereotypical homeless person with a "will work for food" sign, let alone a young girl with a sign like that. My first thought was shock, then sadness. I drove past. I have no cash. I just don't carry it. Then it hit me...DIAPERS. So, like a dummy I cut over into the turning lane, wait for traffic to clear and then bust a u-turn. Traffic was clear. I swear. The light was red. But no, I came inches away from this big silver pick-up truck. Where in the bleep did that come from? Who knows. I waved and mouthed "sorry" 1,000 times to the driver as they just screamed(windows up thank God) and flipped me off. Ahhhh! America. Gotta love it.

I made my way over to the girl and went to talk to her. My first instinct is to hug her. I don't. It would have been difficult with that gigantic cardboard sign anyway. I said hello and asked what size diapers she would like. She already had someone offer diapers so I agreed upon wipes, baby wash and lotion. When I think about it now, I realize that she asked for baby powder and I got lotion. Ugh, dummy me. I hope someone gets her the powder.

I feel for that girl. Help someone in need... karma is real.

Moments for ME Monday

2008-04-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

Depending on who you ask, my Mondays may seem to always be about me. But they are not. If you ask J, he'll tell you that since I don't go in to work on Mondays...that I sleep in...that I am on the computer all day...that I relaxed and/or did nothing. If only he knew. Mondays haven't been solely about me in quite sometime. My Mondays, just like every other day of this God-given week are about so many things. The house. Is it clean? Do we have dishes? What about the baskets of clean, yet unfolded laundry J left for me? Dinner. What is J going to want? Is H going to be here tonight? What will she want? The studio. I could go on and on here as I have devoted so much of my time, health and energy into it, but I will not. Then there is Little Painted Polka Dots. Yes, this is a bit about me, but also for J and our future. I want to be a work-at-home mom. Can I have a little appreciation for trying to succeed on the "work" part before the "mom" part? Please. That is not just about me, now is it?

On to what this post is about - a moment for me. It may not seem like much to some of you, but I dressed up pretty today. Only for a moment. I had some errands to run. It would have been simple to throw on my comfies that I will be running in later, along with some flip flops so my toes could soak up some of this beautiful sun. I didn't though. I am worth more. Who cares if I was running to the Hobby Lobby. I was the most stylish chickie in there today! I did my hair, full makeup, black peep-toe heels, black wide leg trousers that have only been out of the house once, a bright pink hyacinth blouse (I hate that word btw, but that is what it is), and I topped it off with my fabulous cream colored polka dot jacket. I was, for a moment, gorgeous! When you look good - YOU FEEL GOOD! So I felt...GREAT.

Also on my way home, on the realtor sign I pass daily, there was a fabulous quote that is so fitting, for the blog, and for my life. I have to make some serious choices in the near future and this quote will stick with me forever.

"Happiness is not by chance, but by choice!" Well my friends, I CHOOSE to be happy. If you are happy too, and need a moment for you, then take the Happiness Challenge. It's good for your soul.

That is what I had time for today. I can't wait for next Monday. I love that I have an excuse to take a little "me time." Let's not think of it as an excuse, let's call it a responsibility. If I don't take a moment for me, who will?

Isn't she lovely...Isn't she precious...

2008-04-19T18:54:00.001-04:00

Yes, they are. Both of these little girlies are adorable and I am so thrilled to have them as models!

A.dor.able! That is all there is to it!

It doesn't show off the tutu, and that is okay. I love her innocence as she plays with the pinecones!

"Hmmm...where do I go, what do I do? I'm too cute to just stand here."

Just too cute for words.

They like me, they really like me!

2008-04-16T11:45:00.000-04:00

Mamas Like is this awesome website that features products for children and parents. They feature things they like...and they like....ME! Whoo hoo. Check it out! You can even enter to win a 12" x 12" Canvas Name Art for your little one, or for you! Thanks for reading. Have a whimsy day!

"L"

Good Morning

2008-04-13T09:29:00.000-04:00

It all depends on the day, or the night before, I guess. Yesterday I was wide awake and making a tutu dress (coming soon - be.au.ti.ful!) at 7:30am. But nope, not today. I was ~~rudely~~ awakened at 9:30am by J telling me that it was already 11:30am. So I laid there for a few minutes feeling crummy about wasting part of the day, but it is ONLY 9:30!! He just tried to tell me that it snowed enough to cover the grass. It didn't. But it was calling for snow. Off I go, to make the most of my 2 gained hours.

WARNING!!

2008-04-07T17:52:00.001-04:00

WARNING: This juicy little tutu will leave the boys drooling over your little girly!

$35 custom made for the perfect fit. Email or comment with interest.

Newborn Little Angels

2008-04-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!

Newborn Little Angels Tutu

Made with yards of lush white tulle, and white satin ribbon. $20

Not available on my website yet, so leave a comment if you're interested and I'll contact you.

Animal Instincts

2008-04-05T00:24:00.001-04:00

For that little diva, posh princess, and every animal lover - my Animal Print Wall Letters are a steal at only $12 each. Choose your print, color, and letter selection and I will create that perfect addition for the bedroom/playroom/nursery wall. These are perfect for the little boys too. Primary colors in place of the hot pink look just as snazzy for the little fellas!

Fun and Fabulous gifts for $15 or less!!

2008-04-03T11:00:00.001-04:00

Wall Letter Plaques - including the adorable animal prints

Funky Chunky Wall Letters

Personalized Picture Frames

Funky Photo Stands - so wonky and cute!

Baby Crosses

Polka Dot Dollars - hand painted gift certificates

Mmm, Chinese!

2008-04-02T13:39:00.000-04:00

This has nothing to do with LPPD. Who cares?! It is my blog, so I can say what I want...;) Well, it has to do with what I said two days ago, so that counts. I finally succumbed to my craving for Chinese food. I ordered some yesterday and finally finished it today. I had a nice hot bowl of the BEST Wonton soup in the world. Thanks to Wok Inn. No, I am not getting paid to promote them, even though this is the second time I've mentioned their name. Sheesh, nothing! Not even a free fortune cookie with my order now that I think about. Well, I had it delivered so the delivery guy probably ate it.

Polka Dot Mom

2008-03-31T11:44:00.000-04:00

Is it absolutely wrong, self-centered, or arrogant to love reading about myself? I sure do hope not. I get excited when I see my name (or business name) featured somewhere, whether it is a full page news article, a popular blog, or in a hand-written note among friends. You can only imagine the excitement I felt this dreary, rain-filled Monday morning when I opened my email to find that I had been featured on Polka Dot Mom! I am thrilled because I love all things "polka dots" and of course that site is just awesome. (Thanks Sally!) Check it out, leave a nice comment, and spread the word!

I know. Some of you may be saying..."but you're not a mom." Oh but I am! For those of you that know that I don't have babies of the human kind (yet) you must know about my adorable, loving, (just as much a baby as yours) sweet bully Diesel. For those of you that don't know, he is 6 years old, and the love of my life. He is every bit a baby. He needs love, food, water, play time, encouragement, nurturing, AND he wakes up in the middle of the night and likes to be tucked in at bedtime. So yeah, I'm a mommy.

We're even sporting some polka dot sheets!

A combination to love!

2008-03-30T19:22:00.000-04:00

When typing my title I automatically thought of Chinese food. I guess it was the word "combination." Who knows? All I know is that I want some fried rice and wonton soup. Mmm. All of the Chinese restaurants here are sub par and flat-out nasty. Nothing compares to Wok Inn by my mom and dads. I love it there. Sad to think that as a child my mom would get me a Baby Pan! Pan! (LOL) from the pizza place because I thought Chinese food was gross. I would love to have some of that (not gross) food right now. Hi Mom and Dad...LOVE YOU!

Okay on to the real reason behind this post. I came across a new color combination that I absolutely love. It is new to me. I am sure this combo has been around for a while. Hence my new layout. Red and teal...love it, love it, love it! I just made this adorable Birdhouse Growth Chart for the fabulous Sarah Flake (http://www.hollywoodflakes.org/) and I used this color combo (by the height marker birdies!) That is where the love is. I am aware that the majority of the painting doesn't depict my combo love. I am also aware that you cannot see the birdies clearly in this photo...but the point is...IT'S THERE!

2008-03-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter to all of you. Now that I sent out my postcards I hope to have my dear family reading and contributing to my blog. We had such a fantastic day today! We celebrated Easter at our house with Jerry, Diesel and I, my mom and dad, sister and her SO and two little ones, plus my aunt, uncle and their two girls. We had a big meal, an Easter egg hunt, we dyed eggs...all of the us, adults too (props to Jerry for his R,W,B egg and to Beck for her 5 shades of gorgeous egg!). We made chocolate bunnies too. Such fun! I started early with the mimosa's so I guess that is my excuse for being in bed by 9pm tonight...ha ha! At least I did the traditional mimosa. Auntie just had the champagne. She clearly didn't see a purpose in ruining a perfectly good glass of champagne with juice. Cheers Auntie! I'll post some pics soon, when I am not so sleepy.

Back to business tomorrow. I have lots of stuff to paint. I have princess and darlin' diva designs in the works. They will be up on my site soon. As always, I love custom orders so please feel free to contact me.

Happy Easter and Hugs,
"L"

What's in a name?

2008-03-16T19:59:00.001-04:00

Oooh oooh look! Look at these adorable hand-painted canvasses. Aren't they fabulous?! They're on my site under CANVAS NAME ART. They can be custom painted any way you choose. Stripes, polka dots, tie dye, trains, ballerinas, and more. Pick a size, pick a color, and I'll do the rest!

12 x12 $25

16 x 20 $35.00

New things!!

2008-03-12T23:58:00.000-04:00

Life is good. The sun is shining more this week than it has in a long time. I thank God for the time change. Is that silly? I love that it is lighter out later each day. It is dreary and draining when you leave for work when it is dark and get home when it is dark. One day I won't have to worry about that though, because I will be a wealthy, successful WAHM. Mwwahaaa! That is my evil laugh. Speaking of wealthy and successful, have you checked out my website lately? http://www.littlepaintedpolkadots.com/ There is a cute new turtle design! Personalize it in a colors of your choice.As always, please share my sites with your friends and family. I appreciate your support!

Hugs,
"L"

I'm Back

2008-03-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

So, it has been some time since I had something to say. Sorry. I still don't have much to say, because my fingers can't keep up with my brain. I have so much going on in my head, with the studio, LPPD, and life in general that to actually take a moment and write is hard to do. My business is officially on it's way! Getting over the hurdle of waiting for the first "real" customer was so treacherous. Really, it was less than a full month but it seems like forever! I did it! I am on my way...bring on the Polka Dot wine...

Superbowl and Polkadots

2008-02-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

Sheesh, I don't know what I was worried about. We ended up having a great time last night. J and I went up to this local restaurant/bar that we frequent and had a good night. Drank a little, ate a little, played a little, and cheered A LOT! I have two words to say about last nights game - WHOO HOOOOOOOOOOO! I am so excited that the Giants won. I think this is the first time I said "Giants" and not "Eli." I love, love, love Eli. I think it is because he is the little brother and I empathize with him on that. He is finally in the spotlight, no longer in Peytons shadow! GO ELI!

So, I bought THE CUTEST new coat today. Ask my sister, she'll tell you. I call it my "company coat" because it has polka dots. I know! So cute. She laughed when I said "this can be my company coat." She thinks I am goofy, but I was serious. I love polka dots, and my company, AND MY NEW COAT! I'll post a pic soon. I also bought some polka dot slippers. Not as cute as the coat, but I did need new slippers and hey, polka dots never hurt!

Off to work out (dreading it...wanna snuggle on the couch) but summer clothes will be peeking out of my closet before I know it.

Whimsy Wishes,
L

2008-02-03T10:55:00.000-05:00

Superbowl Sunday is here! I am not as excited as I normally would be. I have always had great plans...parties at our home...parties at friends houses...big parties at the local bars....but this year, as of right now...NOTHING! J assumed that we would be going to our friends house because that was the original plan months ago. Well, come to find out, they are out of town. He didn't find this out until a few days ago and just never made other plans. Boo! I can't make yummy appetizers and root for sweet Eli by myself...or can I?!

Top 100

2008-02-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

Check it out! You can now see my site on the Shopaholics webiste @ http://shopaholicstopsites.gotop100.com/index.php

I love good ratings!

Big Hugs,
"L"

2008-02-02T00:08:00.000-05:00

Aah! It is officially the weekend. Snow has fallen, and it is cold outside. I have been couped up in the house for two days. Sort of by choice, but I am stir crazy now. I didn't have to go in to the studio yesterday or today, but I was devoted to my website and LPPD. I knew these late nights sucked into the blinding glare of the laptop would get old fast. I do love my laptop though. It's a Dell Inspirion Flamingo Pink something. All I care is that it is PINK and it contains so much of me.

I added a pic of some of my latest pieces. I plan on going to get canvas tomorrow to work on some Pop Art inspired pieces for the Posh Parent! Look for that collection on my site soon...even mommies and daddies want cute wall art!

A Whimsical Beginning

2008-01-31T22:38:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been asked "Are you rich?" I have... multiple times, normally by sweet, innocent children who truly think that $100 is the equivelant to millions. I always answer honestly when I tell them - Yes! I am rich. Monetarily, no, but that isn't what "rich" is all about to me. I am rich because I wake up every morning and get to do what I love. When I used to own my art studio I struggled some months to make ends meet, but yep, still rich. I woke up each day excited about what was to come and went to bed at night (sometimes mid-morning) with such anticipation for the next day. When that feeling dies it is time to move on. I did. I sold my studio and nannied for 3 years. It was an amazing 3 years with two beautiful children who mean the world to me. As the children grew I was needed less and it was time to move on. With some twist of fate I found myself back at my old studio working for the new owners. In what I'll call a tornado of a year, I have become the pseudo-owner again. I don't own it, ha, it seems like it "owns" me. Really, I am chuckling because that silly little thought just kind of came to me. All kidding aside, I am not the owner of the studio but I put the effort in, as if I was. I realize now why I sold it in the first place. I will stand by it (the studio) and do what I can within reason to help it succeed, but I have to put ME first. That is why I have created http://www.littlepaintedpolkadots.com/ I LOVE whimsical art, seeing names in paint, and creating smiles for little kids who get to adorn there bedroom walls with my creations. Everything I create at LPPD is made to order, customizable, personal, and of course, whimsical. Enjoy!