50 Calorie Fiber One Yogurt Coupon

I have been given a coupon for 50 Calorie Fiber One Yogurt to share among my readers thanks to My Blog Spark!

Click here for your $1.00 off coupon

Enjoy!

Friday's Feature-TJToubeaux*Feature and Giveaway*

One of my favorite Etsy genres: Photography! I haven't done a photographer in awhile so it's wonderful to have the chance again...

Meet the lovely Tiffany of TJToubeaux and JrGoddess Designs on Etsy!

Tiffany is a resident of Detroit, Michigan, but she informs me that her heart is in France(I don't blame her-Mine's in Ireland). As for the start of her crafting and art career, she got started when she was very young. Every woman in Tiffany's family does crafts of some kind: Her mother and grandmother sew, her aunt designs jewelry, and her cousin is an interior designer. She isn't foolin' when she says it's in the blood! "I remember watching them make clothing, and other crafts when I was young. I thought it was magic: they could make all the stuff we bought in stores! That's when I knew what I wanted to do."

Right now, Tiffany finds herself a full-time student who works in a library part time. Just like many of us, she has always considered her Etsy business the "real" job. Her part-time job is just how she funds her etsy venture and pay the bills...Psh, no big deal ;-)

Like the woman in her family, Tiffany loves any and all arts and crafts, but there are only a few she views as her specialties-In this case, her photography and her jewelry designs. "I really enjoy working in photography. It is one of my first loves. I think of photography as a way to paint with light. It's a very different process from painting, and I like experimenting with that idea."

She is inspired by color, light, and all the other whimsical creations on this earth. In her words, Nothing, and no one is safe! She especially likes exploring the human condition, and socioeconomic subjects. "Humans, and our creations, fascinate me." Wow-another thing we have in common!!
Some things to know about Tiffany and her shop(s):

*Besides Etsy, you can find her work on 1000 Markets, Trunkt,

*If you want to see more of her photographs or art, you can check out her Flickr Page.

*Check out her blog: JrGoddess on Blogspot!

*Follow her on Twitter @ JrGoddess

*For payment, shipping, and other information, check out her Shop Policies Page.

Some advice from Tiffany: "Remember that line from Star Wars? "Stay on target!" That's what I have to remember. They destroyed the Death Star, didn't they?"


Thanks to her extreme generosity, Tiffany has agreed to giveaway away to (1) first place winner a photography print of their choice and to (1) second place winner, a set of earrings(Click Here to view).

Rules:

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.

2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.

3. Unfortunately for some people, this giveaway is only open to U.S. Citizens



Mandatory Entry:

You must pay a visit to either of Tiffany's stores and take a look around. When your done, come back and comment on the post with your favorite item.

• TJToubeaux
• JrGoddess Designs

Extra Entries:

1. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

2. Follow Tiffany's Blog(1 extra)

3. Subscribe(1 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

4. Follow both Me AND Tiffany on Twitter(2 extra)

5. Tweet this giveaway leaving a link in your comment(1 extra)

6. Blog this giveaway leaving a link to the post in a comment(3 extra)

7. Purchase something from either TJToubeaux or JrGoddess Designs(5 extra)
*Make sure to mention this contest in the comments to seller section when your checking out for your extra entry credit

That's 1 mandatory entry + 12 extra entries which = 14 entries total!
Good Luck!

This contest will run until Friday August 14, 2009 11:59 pm central standard time. I will contact the winner within 24 hours of drawing their name. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.

Featured Blogger Friday-Sweeps4Bloggers

Tis Friday yet again and you all know what that means! Another featured blogger on The Eclectic Element :D

I tell you, I love to bring to attention bloggers that I love and follow-It's like sharing an extra special treat with ya'll.

So for today, say hello to Valerie of Sweeps4Bloggers on Blogspot! I have been following her since the beginning of my blogging career and have won many a things thanks to her! She has inspired me in many ways and I hope she can do the same for you guys...


Q. What's your name and your blog? What other information would you like to share?

Valerie from Sweeps4Bloggers

Q. Why did you choose that name for your blog?

It was the first thing that came to my mind... thought I'd change it when I thought of something better, but.... it stuck & now that I have a following and business cards, I'm not going to change ;)

Q. Why did you start blogging?

Giveaways! I have been entering (and winning!) sweepstakes for years. I like the personal aspect of blog giveaways - it's more interactive than just filling out a form. The odds are great and it's fun to hear about new products and other people's opinions. After entering other giveaways for awhile, I decided it would be fun to run my own & I love it! I am having soooo much fun! :)

Q. What kind of stuff do you cover with your blog? Is there a specific genre you write about or is the sky the limit?

I like reviewing and giving away a wide variety of products - something for everybody. This keeps it interesting for my readers and fun for me. I'm especially interested in green products and my kids and I are big readers - I welcome all PR pitches.

My blog is a happy place, so I accept reviews for products that I believe I will enjoy.

Q. Name one thing that you love about your blogging job.

Just one??? Giving stuff away!

Q. Name one thing your not so fond of about your blogging job.

Hmmmm..... it would be nice if someone were giving me a big fat paycheck!

Q. What's one random fun fact about you?

I'm training to be the Crazy Cat Lady when I get old.

Q. Inspiration comes in many forms for different people. What inspires you?

My guys.

Q. Any advice for other bloggers?

Do what you love. If you like writing about your family, do that. If you like writing about politics, do that. If you like doing reviews or giveaways, do that. It'll be obvious to your readers, if your heart isn't in it. There are sooo many ways to do a blog - it's a blank slate for you to create whatever works for you :)

Q. Where else can we find you(Etsy shop, other blog, twitter, facebook, etc)?

You can find Valerie:

Twitter @valerie2350

My Mini Vacation

Hello lovelies!

I'm sorry I haven't been around much today, but I took a much needed break and it has proven to make today one of the best I've had in a long time =]

To start off, I actually went to bed at a decent time last night-I was just so tired(and in pain, but hey, you win some and you lose some), I just zonked out. I woke up this morning feeling pretty good having slept off the pain of the night before, so I was ready for the day! My mum and I where supposed to go out so after getting ready and eating, we left to run errands.

Dropped a few books off at the library. Went to Walgreen's to pick up pictures for a project I'm doing for a friend. Stopped at Lowe's to get some window blinds for our kitchen. It was all pretty great actually-Who knew errands could be so fun!?

Anyway, I stopped at two of our Salvation Armys we have in the area and I was in heaven...I bought myself a new purse AND got some great jewelry for myself and my businesses. Oh and a few hundred books O.o Okay so only 7, but 4 of those are big text books.

Then we had to stop at Michael's for some supplies for a few presents I need to make. That was such a great time because we were stranded in the store due to sever weather(Yay yay yay). You should have seen those clouds! They were just breathtaking...I guess later on there was a tornado that touched down in a neighboring county.

I got a pair of yoga pants that I won awhile ago in the mail today(I know, spoiler), and they are just absolutely mind-blowingly amazing!! Seriously, it's like they were made to fit me :D I'll have to see if I can get someone to take a picture for you guys!

There are other things but I know I'm forgetting. I know I have enough material though for a couple of weeks worth of posts so stay tuned!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side*Book Review*

Author: Beth Fantaskey
Genre: Young Adult
Page Count: 368 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Grade From Me: 4 out of 5

Synopsis:

Jessica is just a normal teenager who is a senior in high school with the usual normal teenage problems: trying not to look like a complete idiot in front of boys, getting good grades in her classes and doing her school work, and trying so hard to blend in with everyone else in Woodrow Wilson High School.

That is until the weird Romanian exchange student shows up and turns her life upside down. Now, she has been informed from Lucius, the dark and mysterious Romanian stranger, she is a supposed Romanian Princess and he is her betrothed. Oh, did I mention they both are vampires and they have to get married due to a 17 year old pact? If they don't fulfill the pact, their two families will wage a war against one another and countless vampire and human lives will be lost.

Taken aback by this news, Jessica refuses to believe what has been told to her and she goes on living whatever normal life she has left while Lucius continues to pine for her affections. As she starts feeling something for Lucius, he starts turning away from her. He becomes more dark-More dangerous.

Somewhere along the way between finding out who she really is, feeling strange things both mentally and physically, and a whole lot of teenage drama, Jessica learns to be the person she is meant to, but is it too late to save Lucius from himself?

Thoughts:

I have seen a lot of reviews on this book my many different book blogs and I thought I would give it a try. I feel bad because I really haven't divulged into different authors in a very long time-I was comfortable with my old stand byes. However, that being said and with me exploring new 'territory' so to speak, I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read for me and even though there was a lot of themes I have seen in other books I have read over the years, the characters and storyline where solid throughout the whole book.

The symbolism behind the story is genius, too. Good vs. Evil, the eternal battle. What really gets to me is the fact that the author gave her characters a choice; No matter how evil or good a person thinks they are, they still have a choice to turn away from the dark and into the light(or vice versa).

This book is definitely worth the read in my opinion and it teaches a good life lesson if you look deep enough into the story.

Health Update Thursday(7/30)

This week has been a rough one for me, but I brought it on myself...I just HAD to eat that bowl of ice cream on Saturday >.<


The funny thing is usually when I eat something I'm not supposed to, I suffer for it, yes, but not to this degree which has me wondering if multiple factors where to blame for my extremely ill state at the beginning of the week.


Sunday was excruciating pain-I hurt so bad that I was near tears the whole day. I knew, as my mother says to me everyday, "If you don't get up and move, it's like taking one step back from getting better." So with that in mind, I forced myself to attempt to crawl and stand. That is when I finally cried.


Monday wasn't as bad as Monday pain wise, but it was very bad fatigue wise. Seriously, I couldn't make it to the bathroom(which is a couple of feet from my room) without taking a few breaks in between. I would take that over the pain though-I'm used to the draining fatigue.


Tuesday is when it started to look up-Yes I was still in pain and I was tired, but that is the story of my life; It's my normal. The insomnia has reared it's ugly head(more so then usual), so I'm lucky to get to bed at 5 am most mornings. But I'm still moving around and exercising so that is good!


Oh and you will never get this-I was so pissed off I was ready to call and bitch someone out. My mum has been waiting for these heart tests for about a month now and her stress test was finally on the 27th. We were all happy because we knew it was something she wanted to get done and over with.


Well the 27th came and she was getting ready when she got a phone call...


Uh oh you say? It was the place calling to say their machine broke and that she is rescheduled to August 20th. AUGUST FREAKING 20TH! Oh I'm so angry I could just go down there and raise holy hell. In fact, I really, really wish I could.


Now yesterday(Wednesday), my mum gets a bill from our insurance telling us that they won't pay for her appointment with the heart doctor or the tests he ordered. Just for the 15 minute appointment alone where he listened to her heart and said she was fine, she has to pay $1,000 out of pocket(keep in mind that is NOT including the two tests or the other doctor appointment she had).


I hate bastards like insurance companies. I really do.

Little Girl with a Heart of Gold

I stumbled across this video yesterday on the AOL homepage and it captured my attention right away-This little girl has done more good for the world in her short time on earth then most people accomplish in the span of their whole lives. We should all take notice and follow her example!

When she grows up and looks back at what she did, she can and will be proud by the fact that she selflessly helped to feed 18,000 hungry people.

Watch and be amazed. I know I certainly was.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Felted Companions-Dinah's Friends

Etsy is a place where different artists from all walks of life come to show off their specific talent and sell their wares to others who may want to buy a specific piece of handmade art-There are the common jewelry designers, clothing makers, and photographers just to name a few, but if you divulge deeper into the Etsy site, you will find some not so common artists who create some very unique things.

We have one of those not so common artists today and I'm happy to bring her to attention! Meet Anne-Marie of Dinah's Friends on Etsy! She also goes by the username amtonyan.

Anne-Marie grew up in the north woods of Minnesota, but currently lives in Queens, New York with her husband. For her, Etsy is a just side job and her "day job" is not something she is looking to quit anytime soon! "I'm a graduate student in English literature with a passion for Virginia Woolf. During the school year, I take classes and teach introductory English classes."

As for her background Anne-Marie has been crafting ever since she can recall. When she was younger, her mum would support her family with her own craft business when her father was going to college. Everyone in her family crafts, so it's not hard to see where she gets all her talent from!

Her little felt creations are not all that she dabbles in-"I love to sew and make clothes for myself and my two-year-old niece, and knitting is another passion. My mom and I love to paint with watercolors together. My favorite projects are gifts--knitted mittens and scarves, paintings for my parents' walls, cute aprons for my mother-in-law, to name a few!" These needle felted items are just the most recent crafting project she started: "My mother gave me a book on needle felting, which essentially involves poking a barbed needle into wool roving until it takes shape, and I just couldn't stop!"

With all that she does, It's not unlikely to say that she likes to work with many different materials depending on what craft she is doing that day, but some of her favorites to work with are wool whether it's for knitting or for needle felting and antique copper findings since she just got started with jewelry design of late.

Some things to know about Anne-Marie and her shop:

*You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

*Buy two sculptures and the second ships FREE! (Sorry, offer does not apply to jewelry.)

*For payment, shipping and other important information, check out her Shop Policies Page.

Some advice from Anne-Marie: "My mother taught me that "burnout" begins as soon as your primary focus shifts from creating to selling. I make sure that I stay passionate about what I'm creating, and that keeps my shop fresh and stocked!"


Anne-Marie's shop on Etsy, Dinah's Friends, has a whole bunch of adorable little felted creations and it it doesn't, I'm betting that Anne would love to create a custom listing just for what you have in mind!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Wonderland Caterpillar Felt Sculpture

Necklace-Love and Devotion-Needle Felted Lavender

Small Robot-LoveBot

Surprise! A Giveaway on Wendesday!!

I figured that I have hit a routine on The Eclectic Element and If it's one thing that I truly HATE, it's routine. So I want to throw a curve ball at you all ;-)

Max from Krafty Max Originals, who hosted the Swarovski Crystal Anklet Giveaway just last week contacted me with another lovely winnable prize for you all:

Take a gander and this stunning Swarovski Crystal Rosary! Here is some information on the piece itself:

"This hand turned rosary is made in the traditional style. All of the wires, center pieces and jump rings are gold plated. Rosary measures 26” in length and the drop measures 3” in length.

This Krafty Max original will be packaged in an elegant Gift Box that is ready to wrap. A small note card for you to personalize is also included for your convenience."

Here is what you have to do to win:

Rules:

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.

2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.

Mandatory Entry:

You must visit Max's store, Krafty Max Originals and brows around for a bit. Come back and leave a comment with your favorite piece.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

2. Follow Max's Blog(1 extra)

3. Subscribe to Me(1 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

4. Subscribe to Max(1 extra)
*Located on the right had side on her blog, too.

5. Follow Me AND Max on Twitter(1 extra)

6. Tweet this giveaway(1 extra)
-Win a Lovely Swarovski Crystal Rosary @ http://bit.ly/xW2BQ

7. Blog about this giveaway including a link to Max's store(3 extra)

8. Purchase anything from Krafty Max Originals(5 extra)

That's 1 mandatory entry + 14 extra entries which = 15 entries total!

Good Luck!

This contest will run until Wednesday August 5, 2009 11:59 pm central standard time. I will contact the winner within 24 hours of drawing their name. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.

Win It Wednesday

~*!*~Win It Wednesday~*!*~

Win Some Save Your World Shampoo and Soap!!

Ends August 4, 2009

Enter Here

Win a $100 Gift Card to Walmart!!

Ends August 15, 2009

Enter Here









Win a Copy of The Devil's Company by David Liss!!


Ends August 16, 2009


Enter Here

Some Great Freebies

I just thought I would share some freebies that I just signed up for:

*Free Spa Mini-Facial At Origins! Click on our link to find an Origins store and call for an appointment for your free facial:
http://www.origins.com/templates/door/finder.tmpl?ngextredir=1&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-null-_-null-_-null&cm_sp=Refresh-_-07-13-09%20Homepage%20Refresh-_-Every%20Day%20Mini-Facial

SPECIAL BONUS! Get a FREE basket of A Perfect World™ samples or bath & body samples when you get your FREE Spa Mini-Facial at Origins! VERY IMPORTANT: If Origins runs out of A Perfect World™ samples, they will gladly prepare a special sample bag 4 you! (You pick the samples!) HURRY! These freebies expire on August 2nd! Don't miss out!


* 30 itunes songs - ABSOLUTELY FREE! Why pay $$ for iTunes when you can get them for free? iTunes rock & so can you! Score this freebie now!
http://itunes.stanford.edu/summermusicmix/


* DARK CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY ALMOND TRUE DELIGHTS. Yummy! Complete the short form & this delicious freebie is yours!
https://smartsource.wufoo.com/forms/x7x0k1/


Feel free to copy and paste onto your site to share with your readers!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Words are Power-insanejellyfish

I'm happy to introduce Erin from insanejellyfish designs on Etsy!

As a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Erin has always loved crafting-"I made a lot jewelry when I was a teenager because I could never find jewelry that I liked. When I came across Etsy I was inspired to continue down this path."

Etsy is just a side venture however, but there are high hopes that it will be taken further in the future. She also works part-time updating the content of a website and writing a newsletter for a travel company. Along with both of those part-time jobs, Erin has a Personal Website! I don't blame her for starting her website though-Her jewelry designs need to be showcased!

She got started with Etsy in 2006 when she stumbled across a post about someone who bought a bracelet on the site-"I had no idea a place like Etsy existed! I was very excited." Ever since then, Erin has built quite a business for herself! Her lovely jewelry designs include hand stamped, as well as, soldered glass pieces.

Different jewelery designers like different types of materials and if you visited her Etsy shop, you would discover that in her shop announcements, Erin describes what she likes to use in her jewelry creations: "I love working with solder, glass, natural gemstones, and metal stamping."

Some things to know about Erin and her shop:

*You can visit her Personal Site and sign up for her newsletter, discover more about Erin as a person, and many other things!

*Besides her Etsy and Personal site, you can follow her blog: Making It Creative.

*Like her designs? Well your in luck-Erin has just opened up a supply shop: insanejellyfish2 on Etsy!

*She does custom orders! If you have something in mind, just convo her with the details and she would be more then happy to work with you =]

*For payment, shipping and other important information, check out her Shop Policies Page.

Inspirations for Erin's designs can be found in none other then words. Yes, that is right-words."Words are my inspiration. I am writer at heart, and I love to find a way to work words into my jewelry. I am also very inspired by nature... I try to work it into my jewelry when I can." I can honestly say that I haven't heard of that inspiration before, but I can most definitely see how it could instill inspiration in someone. Words are powerful!

Erin's jewelry is just too cute! I can see a lot of presents being bought for loved ones because her pieces make for great personalized gifts. Or hey, if you see something that strikes your fancy, they could be great personal gifts ;-) If you have a moment, stop on by and brows through her shop or go ahead and follow her blog.


Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Sakura Crescent Necklace

Blue Lace Butterfly Glass Necklace No. 1

It's Always Tea-Time Tea Cup Bracelet

MckLinky Blog Hop(7/28): Favorite Baby Picture

Here are some of my favorite baby pictures of myself-Yes, myself. Why? Because I have no kid, grandkid, niece or nephew. I do have a baby cousin, but I don't have any pictures of him on my computer >.<

So your stuck with me! Lol

I'm not quite sure what I was doing, but I suppose I was having a pretty darn good time doing it!

*Blank Stare*

Of course you HAVE to have a spaghetti face picture!

I'm proud to say that when I was a baby, I was a DAMN good looking one! Seriously, I guess people would come up to my mum and ask if I modeled.


(Don't worry-The bottle was empty)


Yes I am aware I put 5 pictures in here but I couldn't choose just 3 and 4 just felt wrong to me, so I opted for 5.

I swear I'm not that conceited! Lol

Happy Hopping Everyone!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Inspirational Tuesday(7/28)

Statue of the Goddess Gaia

"A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform."

--Diane Mariechild


What inspires you today?

THE Original Cutter Gurl-CutterGurl Creations

Hello and Happy Monday everyone(or so I hope it is!). We are going to start out this Monday with a featured artist and seller that I don't think I have quite done before...I know I have done sewing in the past, but this is a little different:

Say hello to Teresa of CutterGurl Creations on Etsy! She is THE girl who cuts the fabric. That is unless her husband is helping, in which case he is the original Cutter Guy. Lol

Teresa is a wife and mother who resides in Portland, Texas. However, she doesn't find herself in one place too long because her husband is currently serving with the US Military and they are frequently relocated. Which is the main reason she started her home based business!

Besides being a wife and mother, her only other job is Etsy. It's more of a side venture as of now, but she has big hopes for the future! "One day, I hope to have my own website and hopefully a brick and mortar store in the town we hope to retire in (Appomattox, Virginia)."

I'll let her tell you guys how she started because I wouldn't be able to put it any more perfectly:

"I started quilting initially when I found out I was pregnant with my son in April of 2003. I always admired the resourcefulness of my great grandmother and grandmother. They could turn scraps of fabric into beautiful works of art. I wanted to be able to pass that skill on to my own family. I taught myself how to quilt."

With her quilting, Teresa's favorite materials to work with are anything with bright colors and big prints. "I am always learning new techniques and shortcuts in quilting. I love the entire process. I love the bond that is formed when people get together to buy their fabrics, patterns, and ultimately make their works of art."

Some things to know about Teresa and her shop:

*If you are interested in entire bolts of fabric, she can order direct from the warehouse to your door! Contact her regarding custom orders.

*Teresa always has more yardage available, so if you need more than there is listed, contact her and she can create a custom order for you.

*If you want to be notified of future sales and new additions, join her mailing list by emailing CutterGurlCreations@yahoo.com

*Check out her blog: CutterGurl Creations on Blogspot!

*You can also be a fan of hers on Facebook.



Advice from Teresa:

"The advice I would give to other crafters is that no matter what, do not be discouraged. If you decide you want to "major" in a particular craft and your creations just don't turn out the way you like, there are always so many other crafts. Never stop being creative. Meet other people who do what you are trying to do and learn from them. Adapt their techniques to fit your style. Never stop having fun. When it is not fun anymore, it is time to do something new."

"One more thing I would like to add, networking is the most important thing when it comes to building your business, learning your craft, or just getting out and about. You never know who you will meet, what they can teach you, or what they may take from meeting you!"


Teresa's shop CutterGurl Creations is a perfect way to get what you need if you want to start a new project and the perfect starting point if you want to try your hand at sewing! I'm going to keep that in mind when I want to venture into the sewing genre :D



Love and Energies.
Kayla

Items in Blog:

Robert Kaufman Hot Blossom and Anna Maria Good Folks(Discounted)

Aurifil Mako Thread 1422(beige 2000)

Amy Butler Sewing Patter(Swing Bag)

The Ugly Truth*Review*

• Directed By: Robert Luketic
• Writers: Nicole Eastman, Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith
  
• Runtime: 97 minutes
  
• Rated: R for sexual content and language.
• Language: English
  
• Company:Lakeshore Entertainment

Synopsis:

"Abby(Katherine Heigl), an uptight television producer knows the 'perfect guy' is out there-Somewhere. Romantically challenged as she is, she refuses to give up that notion of that perfect guy(she even has a check list for potential Mr. Rights). That is, until her path crosses with a stubborn, chauvinistic guy named Mike(Gerard Butler) who runs a show, aptly named The Ugly Truth, all about what men really want from woman. Abby hates Mike from the moment she laid eyes on him(or was it the moment he opened his mouth?), but soon finds herself needing his help to land the perfect guy who happens to have moved into the house next door."


My Thoughts:

Okay. Three little words to describe this film: I. LOVE. IT. Seriously, the fact that two of my favorite actors starred in this film drew me in when I first saw the trailer, but when I saw the movie itself, everything about it just fell together into the perfect, little puzzle that had me in when the credits started rolling.

If you know me, you would know that I'm not a big fan of the comedy genre because none of the movies make me laugh! Very rarely will a film tickle my fancy (and funny bone), but I have not come across one that made me REALLY laugh. In The Ugly Truth, the humor is definitely crude and very sexual, but the whole time I was in the theater myself and everyone around me (and I do mean EVERYONE) were doubled over in hysterics! They were not kidding when they rated it R.

Of course it's one of those boy-meets-girl*boy-and-girl-loath-each-other*boy-and-girl-gradually-fall-in-love type movies, but the fact about that is the writers and director put a whole new spin on the concept-It was very refreshing, actually. Even though my favorite romantic movies start out with the characters hating each other, it gets old after awhile, you know? Let me tell you, I was SO not bored with this film!

This is most definitely one of my new favorites and I can't wait until it comes out on DVD! If you have a chance, don't walk-RUN to the theater and buy yourself a ticket to see The Ugly Truth.

**This is an opinion solely based on my thoughts and opinions of the movie in question and no one elses. I was not influenced one way or another to write the subject matter in this review, so if you don't like it or don't agree with it, that is your choice and I fully respect it so please extend me the same curtsy**

Mailbox Monday(7/27)

Have you noticed that each week goes by really fast when you are waiting on mail? Or is that just me? It seems like just a few days ago that I did last weeks Mailbox Monday and all of a sudden *BOOM* It's Monday again...

Am I nuts, or do other people see it too?
*************************************************************************************

1. I knew I forgot something last week! Remember the Featured Artist Post for NAME of Purple Toes Jewelry? Well she was kind enough to send me a piece of jewelry from her store and I. LOVE. IT!! It's my first piece of steampunk jewelry :D

And probably not my last! Lol


2. I got some really neat(yes, I said neat) stuff from some Indian reservation in Wisconsin I think...They were looking for money (which I would gladly give if I had any myself), but in the process I got a stationary pad with a dream catcher on it, return address labels(in which I yelled, "Yes! I needed me some of these.") and a few awesome note cards having to deal with their culture.



3. I had to reorder some charms for my Healing bracelets because I ran out again! So those came on Thursday with a fun little freebie they threw in for my benefit.

Now I can continue with my bracelets!



4. Heidi from Heidi's Handmades on Etsy(view her feature HERE) sent me some lovely products of hers-I seriously cannot stop smelling the soap I got! I'm still debating on whether to use it or just be content with smelling it all day. Lol








5. Oh and I can't forget I got some tea samples! They look so yummy, I can't wait to try them out.

Redraw: Stratus Silver Jewelry Co. Winner

Unfortunately, the original winner didn't respond, so I have to redraw a new winner for the Stratus Silver Jewelry Co. Gift Certificate.

Congratulations to the new winner:

Comment 125!
TrixPixel

trixpixel said...

I'm a subscriber!

I'm off to email you now and you have 72 hours to get back to me with your shipping information, otherwise I'll have to choose another winner.

Another Award-Oh My!

A big thank you to Jennifer of J. Leigh Designz for extending me the Honest Scrap Award!!


1. “The Honest Scrap” award is not one to hold all to yourself but it must be shared!

2. First, the recipient has to tell 10 true things about themselves in their blog that no one else knows.

3. Second, the recipient has to pass along this prestigious award to 10 more bloggers.

4. Third, those 7 bloggers all have to be notified they have been given with this award.

5. The 7 bloggers who receive this award should link back to the blog that awarded them “The Honest Scrap’ award.
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Hmmm. 10 true things, huh? Let's see if I can come up with those:

1. In lieu of a recent conversation I had with Kim of She Scribes, one of my spiritual totem animals is the spider. I can't stand to kill then anymore(if you want to hear the story that had me stop killing spiders all together, just send me an email).

2. As of recently, I have an addiction to shopping online
>.<

3. I HAVE to keep lists of things I need to do over the course of a day. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to remember to do them. Even if it's something as small as write a letter, I have to make a list over it.

4. When I don't sleep, my Lyme symptoms amplify times 10. So it kinda sucks big time that I'm an insomniac...

5. I have to make my bed before I sleep in it. So this doesn't matter if it's 8 am when I first wake up or right before I go to bed at night-It has to be done otherwise I won't sleep.

6. Going with number 5, I have to have my room clean, otherwise I won't be able to sleep either.

7. I prefer to sleep in a cold room. Whether because of my hot flashes or what, I have learned to sleep with my window open and the fan going on full blast(even in the dead of winter).


Honestly, my mind is a little frazzled today so I'm just going to let anyone who wants this award to take it because I believe you all deserve it!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Slapdash Sunday(7/26)

Slapdash Sunday is a day for your proverbial week 'leftovers.' Is there something you wanted to say, but just forgot? Is there something you want to write about, but isn't worth a whole page? Do you have a random thought, funny or otherwise that needs to be written down?

That is what Slapdash Sunday is for!

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1. If you haven't read my Health Update Thursday Post, I am in for a vacation! A few of my Lymie friends got together and said, "Let's fly Kayla out here." So I'm very excited and I REALLY hope I can go! I'm still unsure about the dates, but were gunning for 2 or 3 weeks from now. So hopefully I can go!!!

2. Have you ever noticed how foreign chocolate is WAY better then American chocolate? Like seriously, it's exponentially more flavorful and it's better for you, too.












3. I found a new favorite band!! I was watching 10 Things on abc Family and they had The Filthy Souls on and I just fell in love with their music right then and there :D

Check out their Myspace Page

I can't wait to get a few of their songs from Itunes but I'm too cheap. Lmao.

Small Talk Six-Talents I Wish I Have.

From MomDot:

"We would like to invite everyone to join in on a new weekly meme on MomDot called “Small Talk Six!” Since weekends are generally a little slower around the blogosphere, we thought this would be a great way to have a quick, fun, interactive meme.

All you need to do is grab one of the graphics below for your “Small Talk Six” posts and your sidebar. Then make a short (or an elaborate) post on your blog in response to the assigned topic of the week (see list here).

You can respond to each topic with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, or 6 photos. Get the idea?"

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6 talents you wish you possessed






1. I wish I could sing. Even though I would DIE if I sang in front of anyone, I still would like to be able to say, "Hey, I have a beautiful voice." And none of that pop-star crap-I want a voice that has the ability to reach into people's souls.
















2. A VERY little part of me wants to be somewhat athletic. I have the coordination and athleticism of an elephant. Seriously.














3. Artistic of course! I'm artistic in a crafty sort of way, but I would love to be able to paint and draw pictures that are art show worthy(like my sister-I'll have to show you some of her artwork).













4. This goes along with the singing thing, but I would LOVE to be able to play an instrument-The guitar or piano exclusively.














5. Writing. There are so many books and so many authors out there, but I want to be like Stephanie Meyer and J.K. Rowling-I want to create a one of a kind world where people can go to escape reality and just say 'Woooow.' It would be even better if I could make people really think about what they are reading...











6. Hip hop dancing. You know how the people in the movies like Step Up 2 do it...Yeah, that's what I want to be able to do. Well, I suppose I would like to do any type of dancing well(although it would be exponentially cooler to do it like the movie) Lol

Saturday's Picks-It's a Red, Red World!

I'm in a red mood today...

That's it.

Just red.
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Following the Leader from Roundtrip

$50.00


The Volturi Ring from Cinsational Baubles

$22.00


Peacock V-Neck Tee from Couture Rags

$21.00


Vintage Worry Stone from RareFinds4U

$14.50


Scarlet Suede Journal from Awaken Journaling

$38.00

Betty Crocker Gluten Free Dessert Mixes*Review and Giveaway*

When I first got sick back in the beginning of 2004, I had no IDEA that it would change my life so drastically. I guess I just thought it wasn't that bad until I stopped walking about 2 months later. Ever since I have been through everything imaginable from multiple new doctors and painful tests to different treatments and new ailments. Which brings me to my point of that whole depressing little tidbit of my life-One of those new ailments I referred to is food allergies.

About the ending of year 3, we went to a new doctor(later he would be our most trusted primary physician) and the first thing that he said to do was to go on something called the elimination diet, which would tell me what I was intolerant to food wise. I ended up being dairy, wheat and gluten sensitive along with a couple other things that I choose not to eat.

When the folks over at BlogSpark contacted me to review Betty Crocker's new Gluten Free Dessert Mixes, I nearly fell over in my excitement-I mean, you can never find gluten free anything unless it's at a health food store!

My Sweet Moments package arrived a week or so ago and I was shocked at how much I had been given! The package consisted of:

• 1 Box of Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Brownie Mix
• 1 Box of Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
• 1 Box of Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Devil's Food Cake Mix
• 1 Box of Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix
• A Betty Crocker shopping list and pen
• A Betty Crocker Large Tote Bag
• Two Free Coupons for any Variety Gluten Free Dessert
  

Now you can fathom my excitement when I opened that lovely box :D Of course we had to try it out right away, so my sister and I set out to make the brownie mix first, which without a doubt was a big hit with the whole fam! That pan was gone before the night was over-Everyone just kept grazing in and out and sneaking a piece here and another piece there(my sister actually had to stash a few pieces for her boyfriend behind one of our jars because he wouldn't have gotten any otherwise).

The next night was chocolate chip cookies!! See picture below to demonstrate my happiness:

(Happy Faced Kayla)

First off, don't mind the dog in the background(we ended up kicking him out shortly after because he is a shedding freak of a dog).

(Of course I had to be Miss Professional Photographer)

Second, so far, we have done two out of the four desserts, but let me tell you, they are so easy to do and require so little effort, your young one could make them(with your assistance with the oven of course)! All you really need is some essentials like eggs and butter and the mix-Well and of course muscle since stirring is a job no matter what your baking! Lol (Of course I had to write something down with my awesome pen on my brand new grocery pad list).

My sister doesn't like her picture taken, but I captured her a few times! HA.



Some things my family had to say about the desserts we made so far:

"The cookies taste just like regular ones! You can't even tell the difference."

"The brownies were to die for! So moist and very flavorful."

"I'm so glad that someone other then the health food stores are realizing that gluten sensitivity along with all the other sensitivities are a growing problem!"

(Me enjoying my cookie)

I would have to say that all in all, I'm thrilled that Betty Crocker is coming out with these mixes and actually acknowledging the gluten free community. For that, I have to say a huge thank you because people don't know how hard it is to find food that's suitable to eat when your sick(and food sensitivities are classified a sickness).

Not only are these desserts extremely delectable, but they are fast and easy-It will only take about ten to fifteen minutes until your basking in the aroma and flavor of your cookies, cake or brownies =]

Want a coupon for your own tasty box of gluten free goodness? Just call this number for your to request a free coupon for one of the new gluten free mixes and to also receive information about General Mills growing set of gluten free products: 1-800-446-1898


And thanks to the folks over at BlogSpark and Betty Crocker, one of my lucky readers is going to get a Sweet Moment's Prize Package containing all of the above mentioned products(pictured below)!!

Rules:

1. You MUST include a way to reach you whether it be an email or blogger URL.

2. Each comment, mandatory and or extra, has to be separate.

3. Unfortunately for some people, this giveaway is only open to U.S. Citizens

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me your favorite gluten free recipe

-OR-

Tell me why you feel that more people should be aware of food sensitivities.

**Note: Even if you answer both mandatory questions, it's only worth one entry

Extra Entry:

1. Follow my Blog(1 extra)

2. Subscribe(1 extra)
*Located on the right-You can't miss it.

3. Follow Me on Twitter(1 extra)

4. Grab My Button(1 extra)
*it's to the right side

5. Tweet this giveaway leaving a link in your comment(1 extra)
RT Win a Sweet Moments Prize Pack from Betty Crocker @ http://bit.ly/lZRRi

6. Go to Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Website Page and tell me something you learned(1 extra)

7. Tell me how you have been affected by food sensitivities(1 extra)

8. Blog about this contest leaving a link back(3 extra)

That's 1 mandatory entry + 10 extra entries which = 11 entries total!

Good Luck!

This contest will run until Wednesday August 5, 2009 11:59 pm central standard time. Only open to United States Citizens. I will contact the winner within 24 hours of drawing their name. You have 72 hours to claim your prize and send me your shipping information. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame, I will choose another winner.