Fall Swap Sign-Ups are CLOSED!

   Wow!  I was happily surprised at the response I got to the Fall Swap!  So many wonderful ladies are excited about the prospect of Fall!  It is such a fun time of the year.:-)  I have almost 40 people signed up and I think that is just enough for me to handle, so......  the Fall Swap sign-ups are now CLOSED!  Now comes the fun part- assigning partners!  Yippee!  I can't wait to start pairing all you fun and fabulous people up with your swap buddies!  Be watching and I will post partners any day now....

Orange-Green Belt!

   Mandy tested last night and earned her orange-green belt!  Great job, Mandy!  Now she will be doing karate with weapons (bow staff and nunchucks).  She is excited, but I'm not ready for this big step...  Will I ever be, though?

Packages from Kid's Summer Swap!

   I hosted a Kid's Summer Swap earlier this summer and it was a hit!  My girls made some new friends and loved getting their own packages in the mail.:-)  Mandy's swap partner was her 2nd cousin, Kemma.  The girls have never met one another but what a great way to get to know each other!  Kemma sent Mandy an amazing package of goodies!  My cousin, Robyn,
labeled each package with a number and explained why each gift was chosen.  So creative!  They sent some Canadian money and postcards, a bead kit, candy (where did THAT go??), a craft kit, Canadian pins, and some lovely dishtowels and doilies that our grandmother made (such a special touch!).  Mandy's favorite part was a tiny kitty purse from a Chinese shop.  What a treasure trove!  Thanks Kemma!

   Katie's partner was Paige and what a fabulous load of goodies she sent her!  Katie received popsicle molds, the cutest little pink pig (Katie calls her "Plumpy"), gummy lifesavers, a pink bag, a kit to make your own ice cream, a pink, fluffy boa, a Hello Kitty noise maker, and a Jacks game set!  Thanks Paige!  The girls were definitely spoiled- and they loved it!  I think I need to host another kid's swap in the near future.:-)

Tasty Science

   It's amazing all the cool things they have for kids these days!  Mandy got a kit called "Tasty Science" from the toy store the other day.  It's cooking and science in a box.  The girls decided to do an experiment on why cupcakes rise.  Do you know why cupcakes rise?  Well, I am going to tell you.  A chemical reaction takes place when an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) are combined and this causes carbon dioxide bubbles to form.  The bubbles cause the cupcakes to rise. Now, don't you feel smarter?  I know the girls and I did!  Plus, the cupcakes were tasty.:-)

Wylde Women Award

   My sweet friend, Peggi, at Mixed Media and Digital Collage by Peggi gave me this wonderful award today!  I am so flattered!  Thank you, Peggi!  The purpose of this award is to send love and acknowledgement to women who brighten your day, teach you new things, and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.  How nice to know that I am thought of in this way.:-)  Peggi, I am so glad that we have become friends!

You may give this award to 1 person all the way up to 100 people.  Make sure and include links to their blog.

I am going to give this award to a few of my wonderful friends that inspire me, share creative ideas and thoughts, make me laugh and smile, and fill my world with absolute joy!  Thank you all for your kindnesses and words of encouragement and thank you most of all for your friendship.:-)

I give this award to Robin at The Robin's Nest, Beth at Life is a Musical,  Heather at The Six Scavos and Joy at Joy-full-ness

Enjoy Ladies!

Artfulife Giveaway!

   I must win this!!  It is the sweetest!  But to be fair, I guess I need to let you guys know about it, too.  Don't you love me?:-)  Summer is having another precious giveaway!  This little owl with her babies underneath a starry sky...  Stop by her darling blog and leave a comment to be entered!

300th Post Giveaway!

   I'm going to let you in on a little secret....  I just had my 300th post and to celebrate I am having a giveaway....  Shhhh....  Over the next few days I am going to make all the lovely ladies above into altered art pendants like "Princess" in the center.  Two winners will get to keep their favorite one!:-)  Each pendant will be one of a kind and will be made into a necklace...  Please leave a comment on this post and the lucky winners will be chosen next Tuesday night (the 29th) at 7:00 PM.  Good Luck!