It Is What It Is

Winter Weekend

Sorry for the delay in getting back to the contest winner before now- thanks to all who commented.  Winner of the CSN Gift Certificate is Amanda!  I will forward information to your email. 

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend- I've been hanging out with the family and celebrating my birthday.  The thing about your birthday falling on the weekend definitely works in your favor.  Instead of just having one day- you get to have the whole weekend!  (At least that's what I've done....)  So- thanks to my family for indulging me- I promise to be more on track this week!

Have a great week everyone!

 

 

Results Are In....

 

This is a shot of the College Green at Ohio University.  This is the view I had from my sorority  house for 3 years while attending OU.  This past weekend was Homecoming- and I missed it.  I've been living vicariously through friends on Face book.  It looks like everyone had a fantastic time.   OU was always it's most beautiful in the fall.   I thought I'd include this photo since the most noted thing folks were digging from the contest was the fall foliage.   

And now for the winner: 

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 3 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

 I got a little fancy this time- and used the Random Generator to choose a winner.  Former Hottest Housewife- you win.  Please email the best way to send you stuff via the United States Postal Service- and I will send you my Random Gift Pack filled with Random/probably re-gifted stuff...(just kidding on the re-gifting....maybe...)

 

That being said- enjoy what's left of Autumn, once those leaves start falling,  Winter's not far behind. 

 

10 Things I'm Digging

1.  Fall Weather and Colors

This past week has been absolutely gorgeous.  Bright, sunny days with a bit of crispness in the air.  Cool evenings, perfect for sweaters and hot cups of something to snuggle down with. 

 

2.  Friday Night Football Games

This goes hand in hand with the fall weather.  There is something about sitting in a stadium when the weather is perfect and cheering for your favorite team.  Catching up with friends before and then after the game as you go to your favorite pizza joint and celebrate the evening's  events.

 

3.  Volleyball and Cheerleading Season

As much as I enjoy Friday nights, there are always a few volleyball matches to take in on Saturday and a football  game to cheer for the younger guys on Sunday.  It's a busy time for sure, but very fun to watch.  I'm continually impressed by the effort and teamwork these teams put forth.  Both seasons are wrapping up.  Regular season play for volleyball ended this weekend and the tournament begins next.  Our football team is currently undefeated and looks to be going to a championship game.  The cheerleaders recently performed at an all school pep rally and did an outstanding job. 

 

4.  Planning Thanksgiving

This year my parents are coming for Thanksgiving instead of Christmas.  So this holiday gets to be a 2 for 1 celebration.  We will have our traditional Thanksgiving dinner and then we will celebrate Christmas before dessert.  My sister and her family will be joining us, making for a enjoyable family time. 

One week later, we will celebrate Christmas with Beloved's side of the family.  This makes for an early holiday season and a quiet Christmas with just our immediate family.  Sounds pretty nice.

 

5.  Prayer Group

Recently I began attending a newly formed Prayer group at church.  This prayer group is introducing a workshop called "A Way to God" by Anthony deMello.  Anthony deMello was a  a Jesuit priest and psychotherapist who became widely known for his books on spirituality.  I'm only about half way through the series but I am enjoying the program immensely.  It's giving me a new found awareness regarding my prayer life as well as internal peace and for that I am gratified. 

 

6.  New Fall TV Season

On a completely different note, I'm totally digging my old favorites in their new season.  Love, love, love still- Cougar Town, Modern Family and The Middle.  Loving the Real Housewives - regardless of the city and the follow up show, "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen.  Enjoying the new season of "The Office" and can't believe that Michael will be leaving at the end of this season.  Can't imagine the show without him. 

 

7.  Pumpkin Food

Yum- pumpkin ice cream is back at Handel's (my favorite ice cream store and all the grocery store brands have their version on the shelves too.)   Plus all my favorite  recipe haunts are chock full of pumpkin recipes I'm jonesing to try- like how does this sound?  Pumpkin Bars with Caramel frosting and Bacon... come on- you know you'd love to try that.  Everything's better with bacon. 

 

8.  Bathroom Cleaning

After 21 years of marriage, Beloved has started cleaning the bathroom.  (Moment of silence everyone...because really, there are no words for this deed.)  What's even more awesome, he can't believe the amount of urine that can accumulate on the toilet basin or on the floor with just two males using that toilet.  This is making him appreciate the past 21 years of clean toilets so much more. 

The best part, I didn't even nag or ask him to pick up this chore-HE JUST STARTED DOING IT.  (Again, a moment of silence....)  This is double dig worthy. 

 

9.  Shoe Changing Season and Sweater Weather

Although, I'm never happy to have to start wearing socks, hosiery, knee highs, tights, etc...I am happy that I can pull out my favorite Dansko clogs.   I'm pretty jazzed about being able to pull out the sweaters and scarves again, too. 

 

10.  Book Lists

Go on over HERE  to check out  Undercover with Deb and Beth's version of Top 10 Favorite Books.  You can also go directly to iTunes, key word Deb & Beth to download this podcast for later listening.  Drop us a line and let us know some of your favorites.

 

Leave me a comment here and tell me what you've been digging.....and I'll dig up some random fun items as a prize pack.   Contest ends Wednesday, October 20 at midnight. 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 To all of my readers and friends and anyone who happens by- Happiest of Mother's Days!  Do what you want today with nary an excuse as to the why- other than- because I said so...and I'm the Mom!

Hugs and Kisses to all the Mother's out there- you deserve to be doted on everyday- but especially today! 

Love,

Deb

P.S.  The winner of my Random contest is......LAF!  I'll be in touch with your prize.  Thanks to all of those who played along!

 

Random Pijiggety Stuff...

**The following post doesn't really make sense- but these thoughts have been moving through the cerebral cortex...just wanted to share...kind of like a therapy session.

I always wanted to use that word- pijiggety...when you look it up on dictionary.com it states there is not such word- maybe because it's a state of mind...think about that...

Other words that I especially like -

off-putting- really a nice way of saying-eeww get away, gross, WTF...

heretofore- not really much use for this word- but I really like it...

I am addicted to the following tv shows...can not get enough of them-

Hoarders...just watch- that's all I can say

Real Housewives NY and NJ- First I will say I'm Team Bethany.  What happened to you Jill Zarin?  You are not nice nor are you funny.  I'm so disappointed in you...

The Tudors- which the whole Tudor Age is a completely separate blog post- OMG- I'm obsessed with this time period...

Cougartown-I'm completely in love with Courtney Cox - again!  That show is something else- love it.  (don't let the name be off-putting....)

The Office- it just gets better and better!

Next up- celebrity commentary-

Yeah Sandra Bullock.  Good for you for handling your personal life in such a classy way.  I get you had to get it out about the baby- but you didn't go crazy and even though the guy deserves it- you're keeping it clean...

Jake the Bachelor- I didn't watch your show-and somehow, I still found you extremely annoying.  (Perhaps I'm believing everything I read in the check-out line of the grocery store.)   Then you went on Dancing with the Stars (a stretch for you I might add...the stars part) and when you were voted off you cried?  Really?  I don't even know what to say- but hurry up and finish up with your 15 minutes...can't wait for the news of your "break up"  cuz we know that's coming...

BIG-NEWS! 

Next week I get the pleasure of meeting another blogstar, Mentor!  The other super cool part- is that I'll be meeting with other bloggers from the area.  I'll be sure to give the dish.  I'm  nervous and excited all at the same time...reminds me of this....

 

What's on your mind?  Random thoughts are ok- obviously...if you're still reading after all this nonsense...God love ya'!

Love,

D-pijiggety

CONTEST- Aren't you glad you stuck with me?  Leave a comment- and one winner will be RANDOMLY chosen (I'm sensing a theme today- aren't you?) and you will win a Gift Bag of Random Vera Bradley goodies from last week's visit to the warehouse sale.  The catch- you have to leave a comment- preferably something RANDOM!
Contest runs through Saturday, Midnight. 

The Shame that Is My Life....plus

I kinda had a crappy, stressful week. I have A LOT going on with my job.  Not that I'm complaining, because Lord knows, I'm grateful for having a job in the pharmaceutical industry right now, as so many companies have downsized.  So, because of that, the attitude that pretty permeates all things is "Bend over and take it..." if you know what I mean.  This week was the official kick-off of the bending over part and will cumulate in a 5 day frenzy of bending over in a few weeks.  (i.e. National Sales Meeting.)

That all being said, I needed to cut loose last night.  Have some fun- and guess what I did?  I drove to two different theaters with Youngest to try to get tickets to see "New Moon."  Yes- I was one of those moms- in line with all the other moms (very few dads- I must say...)  and teenagers galore!  I will also say- there were lots of other women in my age category out with their friends minus the kids part....

Now, I don't go to many opening night premieres of movies so this was a treat to have so much audience participation.  When the trailers ended and the opening of the film was starting- the entire audience gasped and applauded.  Throughout different parts in the movie- (primarily when one of the lead male characters was on screen- especially without a shirt..) the audience would erupt in cheer, followed by "shush" because no one wanted to miss a word of the dialog. 

My opinion of the film?  I thought they did a fine job of telling the story of New Moon- but as a reader- I feel you can never the do the book the justice it truly deserves.  That being said- I do think the casting of these characters is spot on- and they bring the characters to life.

Youngest and I had a great time and it was just the stress reliever I needed to forget about my crappy week....can't ask for more than that.

Oh- and the winners of the Jewels by Jules contest-

Beth and Terese!  Congrats and thanks for your comments. 

p.s.  Management reserves the right to not photograph the official contest winner being chosen- because if you waited for that to happen you would have to wait until next Christmas to wear the winning items...(see above for explanation.) Thank you.

Jewels by Jules

If I didn't think it would sound kind of snobby- I'd probably give this post a number as one of my Graces- but stating that you have a personal jewelry designer just doesn't sound grounded.  But I do- actually- she could be your personal jewelry designer too!  My friend, Julie is a hard working, creative gal.  She started designing and making jewelry a few years ago and her little creative outlet just continues to grow- as well as her talent for creating beautiful, fun jewelry.  I've gotten a little spoiled.  If I'm looking for some accessories to go with a certain outfit, I give Julie a ring and she tells me what she has in stock or she makes something up for me. 

She is extremely busy this time of year, as she participates in quite a few craft and holiday art shows.  However, she came up with a couple of adorable holiday earrings that she is making available as a special order item. 

These "holly berries"  are made of 6mm glass round beads that dangle 1".  They sell for $9.  I think they could be worn year round with the right outfit- but are especially darling during the Christmas holidays.

How cute are these little snowmen?  These earrings are made of 6 x 8 mm glass crystal facted rondelles and dangle down to 7/8".  They also sell for $9. 

You know you have a stocking that needs stuffed with these earrings.  Or you need to wear them yourself.  These earrings would work for young girls as well.  What about that hard to buy for family member or teacher- who would not appreciate  a pair of handcrafted earrings? 

Shipping is just $3 for one pair or free if you purchase both pairs.  If you are interested in purchasing these earrings or checking out other Jewels by Jules please contact her at [email protected], be sure to note Jewelry Order in the subject line.

Now for some fun- Leave me a comment on where you are with your holiday gift buying.  Do you have a list?  Are you organized and methodical in your holiday shopping or do you fly by the seat of your pants?  (I'm a little bit on the flighty side myself..)  I will be awarding '2" lucky readers with a pair of earrings from Jewels by Jules.  Please post your comment by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm EST. 

 

Help A Friend Out and Have Some Fun

My friend, Karen at Strictly Simple Style, (www.strictlysimplestyle.blogspot.com)  has entered a contest over at http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/time-to-vote.html.  This blog is another beauty if you're looking for decorating panache. 

Vote for Karen's fall decorating display.  (I must say, it really was my favorite and much different than the usual fall decorating fair.)  You'll be glad for checking out Karen's beautiful site as well as the Paula Grace Designs. 

Happy Fall!

Easy on the Eyes- A Winner!

Once again- using my super scientific random generator, a winner was chosen based on comments submitted-

 

First, we verified that all entrants were legal citizens and then we had an  accounting firm  (don't ask which one, but I'll tell you, they also verify all submissions for the Academy Awards.)  You're not dealing with some slipshod blog here, I tell ya'!  Then we had all of the submissions mixed up real good and put them back in the contest receptacle so a winner could then be chosen. 

 

This is one of Eldest's good friends, D.  He was hanging around so I made him participate.  (Only after I verified his legality and had him fingerprinted by the proper authorities.)

 

A winner was chosen....who could it be...the tension is mounting.....

But before I announce it, I have to ask, why is that guys get the best eyelashes?   These photos of D don't really do his eyes justice, but let me tell you, he has the most gorgeous eyes and eyelashes.  It's not fair...

 

So- there you go, LAF!  I know you said you don't read for pleasure, but perhaps this book will get you started.  After all, you deserve it!  I will get Easy on the Eyes out to you, once it's released.  (Which is this week!  July 22!)  Thanks to everyone else for playing along and if you ask real nice, I bet LAF might share.....

It's Not too Late....

Alright now, I know that I have more readers than the one's who graciously leave me comments.  I'm having a contest people- you could win a free book!  So- comment already- tell me what you're reading and you will be entered into a drawing to win the to be released novel, Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter.  Even if you don't read- send me a comment and tell me what you do in your free time in lieu of reading....

In the meantime, since I can sometimes be a sick and twisted individual, I highly recommend the website- Funny or Die.  (www.funnyordie.com)  This site is the brainchild of Will Ferrell.  It's filled with spoof videos.  There are videos made by celebrities that make fun of themselves.  The one that is especially amusing to me of late is this spoof on Jon and Kate Gosselin.  I haven't said anything about my disgust of Jon and Kate Plus 8- so let me go on record now and say- they disgust me....these spoof videos of them are showing their new match.com  videos now that they are both "single" again.... it's very funny.  Check it out if you're so inclined.  I will also mention that there are some very raunchy videos on this site- so if you are sensitive to this - beware- but the Jon and Kate videos are pretty benign- funny but not dirty. 

Oh- and send your comments by Sunday evening at 5:00 pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly thereafter...