Not My Baby...

So in the wake of the BlogHer 2010 New York Trip news, something happened...

It's hard for me to discuss because I feel if I'm too optimistic, I'm jinxing myself and if I'm too doomy and gloomy, I'll depress myself.

I'll just come out and say it, though.

I think Charlie is on his deathbed :(

I don't know if any of you remember, but a couple months back I had to order a new charger for Charlie due to his old one, which just stopped working one day-Well, a week ago, this "new/old" one started giving me problems and finally just stopped working the other day.

I know right!?

Anyway, Charlie died due to not getting enough juice. Thankfully my sister was kind enough to lend me her charger for awhile so we should have been okay right?

That's what I thought-I turned him on, signed in, and then almost automatically he froze and refused to work.

Uh oh...

Okay, not a problem; I'd just clean him the next time I got on.

Cleaned him.

Froze up again.

Crap.

Cross your fingers this is just a mild cause of teenage rebellion and nothing more serious >.<

On a side note, thanks for being patient with me! Now on top of overbooking myself, school, and this paper I'm writing, I get to add Charlies attitude to the list.

Love and Energies.
Kayla

P.s. I'm writing this from my mum's computer-It's a nice computer and all, but it's just so unfamiliar!

Are You SERIOUS!?!?!?!?!?!

..............................

ARE. YOU. FREAKING. SERIOUS!?!?!?

I just got the email yesterday afternoon...

I'M GOING TO BLOGHER 201o!!!!

I can't tell you how excited, thrilled, shocked, and a bunch of other exclamatory words I am at this very moment :D

When I got the email and saw the word 'Congratulations,' my mind went fuzzy for a little while and I just kept repeating, "ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod."

Then I finally came out of my fuzz and started to cry a little bit...

(but don't tell anyone LOL)

After that, I ran out of my room when I had my whits about me and told my family I had won a trip to New York-To which none of them believed me.

My sister ran in my room and after a minute shouted, "HOLY CRAP, SHE REALLY DID!!"

Of course it's somewhat sunk it, but not all the way. Lol

I'm going to New York for BlogHer :D

I just had to let all my wonderful readers know-This win is for all of you guys!! I'll blog about this more when I can ^.^

Love and Energies.
Kayla

P.s. If anyone is interested in knowing, my team won our against legalization of marijuana debate (Woohoo!!) and I'm still in the planning stages of my paper-Hopefully we get to write a little bit of it today in class!

English Papers and Mary Jane.

So we've hit a bit of a snag.

Unfortunately, I'm going to take the next few days off to focus my attention on school-See, we've finished the first paper (which I hope to show to you when I get it back within the next day or so) and are onto the second paper.

A persuasive.

About the legalization of marijuana.

First off, let me tell you I. HATE. THIS. TOPIC!

Second, I have to write a whole paper about it >.<

Third, my brain fog is acting up so it's making it extremely difficult to concentrate, and with all the things circling around in my brain...Let's just say I really would rather shut it off right now. Lol

Anyway, the paper is due next Thursday, so I may or may not be posting in between now and then (we'll just see how much I get done).

Thanks for your guys' support!!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Share-a-Post Sunday(6/20)

Welcome to Share-a-Post Sunday!

(Hang in there while I come up with an appropriate picture for this feature )

Share-a-Post Sunday is all about you guys-Please share your favorite weekly posts, whether they be written by you, or someone else. Maybe you have a particular interesting meme you want people to read about or a fun giveaway you need to advertise. Of course daily life, features, reviews, and shout outs are welcome too-The Sky is the limit :)

I do ask you keep it to a maximum of 1 to 2 posts to give others a chance to share!

**This Linky goes ALL week so feel free to link up any time**

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

To all those fathers out there to all of us, today is your guys' special day; celebrate it with pride!

And family, make sure you share how deeply grateful you are to your father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, or father-like-figure today. He doesn't even have to be your father, just the fact that you cared to let him know you celebrate him is cause enough :)

For all my readers I extend heartfelt wishes for a happy and safe Father's Day on this wonderful Sunday!

Love and Energies.
Kayla


P.s. Love You Daddy ^.^

Slapdash Sunday(6/20)

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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This is such an exciting Slapdash Sunday!

I was emailed this past week with an invitation to my first Blogger event :D

I cannot convey how thrilled and honored I am in mere words right now-For those of you who've been invited to an event, you know the feeling!

However I'm still not sure If I'm able to go so we shall see what happens...




I recently read an AOL article about how Oprah wasn't the numero uno anymore!


Guess who has more viewers then Oprah.....


Judge Judy!

A very large and exuberant Happy Birthday goes to my friend Lu over at Crocheted Little things!!

Her birthday was yesterday (don't worry, I wished her a happy birthday then, too).

Man. So many birthdays, so little time >.<


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Etsy It Up Birthday Bash!

My friend Celeste of Etsy It Up! is turning 19 years old on the 19th of June!

Yay, her Golden Birthday :)

To celebrate her birthday, she is holding a Birthday Bash over at her place!

19 giveaways starting the 19th of June for her 19th birthday

**Whew**

Most of you know the 19th of June is TODAY, so what are you still doing here!?

While your entering all those amazing giveaways, make sure to wish Celeste a happy golden birthday ^.^

Which reminds me...

Happy Birthday Celeste!!

MREA's 21st Annual Energy Fair!

I know many of my readers are 'green' and 'earth conscious,' so I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you all in the Wisconsin area (and Illinois depending on where you are) of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's 21st Annual Energy Fair!

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ReNew the Earth Institute, 7558 Deer Rd., Custer, WI.

Friday, June 18 from 9 am to 7 pm
Saturday, June 19 from 9 am to 7 pm
Sunday, June 20 from 9 am to 5 pm


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Adult $15/day or $35/weekend
Senior (65+) $10/day or $20/weekend
Youth 13-18 $10/day or $20/weekend
Kids under 13 are FREE
MREA Members are FREE

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There is going to be a whole bunch of different booths, demonstrations, and classes for any and all green enthusiasts! If your interested in the different things available, you can check out their downloadable schedule HERE.

If your close by, definitely make a point to stop and see what they have to offer!

I'll be there all day so keep an eye out for me and say hi ;)

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Saturday's Picks(6/19)-Daddy Dearest

Since it's Father's Day tomorrow, I thought it very appropriate to give you a few ideas for that special man in your life!

Of course, if you haven't bought anything for him yet, it will probably be late...

But that's besides the point ^.^

Enjoy!

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Father's Day Cookie Sampler Box from MegsCookieJar




$24.00

World's Best Dad Card from loverosie




$3.00

Men's Moosestache T-Shirt from BareTee




$20.00

Eco Friendly Shaving Kit with Beer Shaving Soap from orangefuzz




$35.00

12 oz Handmade Papa Mug from TwistedRiverClay




$20.00

Aloha Friday #17

From Kailani of Island Life:

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer."

I'm going to follow her lead, kick back, relax and see what you all have to say on this lovely Friday!

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Today's question is:

What are your plans for this weekend? Specifically Father's Day?



Um. You know, I have no idea!

I know that sounds horrible, but we really don't celebrate Father/Mother's day in our household. Personally, I believe everyday is Father/Mother's day :)

I'm sure we'll do something simple like pack a picnic, go to the local state park and go fishing.

We're simple people ^.^

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Featured Blogger Friday(6/18)-Etsy It Up!

Welcome to another edition of Featured Blogger Friday!

I'm very happy to bring to you a fellow blogger who has some very special news to share with everyone...

Tomorrow is her golden birthday :D

Of course, in the blogging world birthdays are quite a big deal so keep out an eye for an announcement on The Element regarding a particular birthday bash ;)

In the meantime, enjoy this interview from Celeste of Etsy It Up!


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


Celeste ... from Etsy It Up!


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


I always seem to be saying things such as "pretty it up" or "snazz it up" - for fun, when referring to different things ... so Etsy It Up! just seemed to work. But! I'm actually going to be changing the name of my blog soon (along with a new blog design) --- it's going to be a very different name. ;)


Q. Why did you start blogging?


I was browsing through the forums on etsy.com one night- and noticed that a lot of the shop owners were mentioning that they were having a hard time finding good sites/blogs that would help them promote their shops. I figured, "Hey! Maybe I could start one of the blog things and help these people out"! Right now, my blog is pretty much one of those "giveaway blogs" - but I definitely did not intend for it to be. (I had no idea that "giveaway blogs" even existed when I first began the blog... the blog just sort of morphed into one after receiving requests for me to host giveaways...and now that's pretty much what it has become. I do enjoy hosting all of the giveaways -- it is a lot of fun! But I hope to switch-gears and possibly even start a new blog - one that is more personal. (along with my current one)


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 try to stick to feature etsy shops and "small business" websites - but will sometimes also feature larger companies/websites. I suppose my blog could fit under the categories of "shopping blog" & "giveaway blog."


Q. What is one must read post that you have written {Include Link}?


Well, since all of the posts are about other people (i.e. their shops) not any 1 post sticks out to me.


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


I love finding new indie shops - and the fun of being able to email someone saying "congrats! you won a prize"! :) ...it really is such, such fun!


Q. Name one thing you’re not quite fond of about your blogging job.


The time it takes. Sometimes I'll sit down to write-up a few posts and then look at the clock and realize that I have been at the computer for a few hours! ha! (blogs suck you in! ...especially reading blogs - I could read blogs all day long).


Q. What’s one random fact about you?


I can do "the pretzel" [putting both legs behind your head while sitting down] with no hands. I believe the first time I ever did it was when I was three years old. My mom was sort of freaked out - and even called my pediatrician to find out if it was healthy for my muscles! lol!


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


I have a deep faith in the Lord, and I am constantly inspired by his Word as well as our gorgeous world that He has created for us. It amazes me each and every day that He loves us so immensely that He would provide us such a beautiful place.


Q. Where else can we find you(Personal Website, Etsy Shop, Twitter, Facebook, Etc.)?


Twitter! - twitter.com/celeste_w

Win It Wednesday-Father's Day Edition

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

Father's Day Edition

Win a Custom 12x30 Photo Banner from InspiredGifts.com!!


Ends June 21, 2010


Enter Here








Win a Kelsyus Mesh Backpack Chair from Kelsyus.com!!


Ends June 23, 2010


Enter Here

Win a Copy of the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Dad!!


Ends June 28, 2010


Enter Here







Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!

Guess What I GoOoOot!?

So, I have to apologize to those readers who have been oh-so-anxiously-waiting for this post.

You know the one I'm talking about!

No?

Well, let me give you a hint:

"I have one condition if I am to do it myself.....Marry me."

Oh yes indeed!

The Replica Bella's Engagement Ring came in the mail last week :D :D :D

It is SO. MUCH. BETTER then the pictures online....Seriously!!

Oh yes.

Be jealous ;)

Win a $10 Gift Certificate to Pink Lemonade(6/16)

Win a $10 Gift Certificate to Pink Lemonade on Etsy!!

Ends June 16, 2010


Enter Here

Inspirational Tuesday(6/15)

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"



The picture above is my first attempt at a healthy 'green' smoothie...

I would say a big, fat FAIL is called for. LOL

But that's where today's quote comes in :)


What inspires you today?


P.s. Yes, I said smoothie. I attempted to put it in a bowl and nuke it for soup, but it still didn't do any good >.<

Share-a-Post Sunday(6/13)

Welcome to Share-a-Post Sunday!

(Hang in there while I come up with an appropriate picture for this feature )

Share-a-Post Sunday is all about you guys-Please share your favorite weekly posts, whether they be written by you, or someone else. Maybe you have a particular interesting meme you want people to read about or a fun giveaway you need to advertise. Of course daily life, features, reviews, and shout outs are welcome too-The Sky is the limit :)

I do ask you keep it to a maximum of 1 to 2 posts to give others a chance to share!

**This Linky goes ALL week so feel free to link up any time**

Slapdash Sunday(6/13)

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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My friend and I were JUST talking about this the other day...

We all know that the past Karate Kid movies were by definition 'classics,' but is this new movie misleading people to believe it's the same thing as the franchise when in reality, it's completely different?

You be the judge!




It was brought to my attention yesterday that the word 'Plushie' was an interesting name for a stuffed animal, but nobody knows where it came from!

So I decided to investigate...

From the website Information on All Topics:

The word “Plush” is of French origin. What plush is exactly is a fabric that has a nap or pile that is very similar to velvet or fustian.


So Plush is basically a type of fabric ^.^

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Grab the button below and blog along!

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Saturday's Picks(6/12)-Plushies Galor!

Who doesn't love a good plushie!?

If you don't, I suggest skipping over this Saturday's Picks. LOL

Enjoy!

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Medium Blue Octoplushie from jaynedanger




$26.50

My Plush Pink Pony from GothicDor0thy




$15.00

Yellow Amigurumi Bunny from knittingdreams




$9.00

Set of 5 Mini Pocket Monster Plushies from TribalMarket




$20.00

Sleepy Baby Snow Owl Plushie from tree2




$21.00

Letters to Juliet *Movie Review*

• Directed By: Gary Winick
  
• Writers: Jose Rivera, Tim Sullivan
  
• Runtime: 105 minutes
• Rated: PG for brief rude behavior, some language and incidental smoking.
• Language: English
  
• Company: Summit Entertainment

Movie Summary:

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a fact checker living in New York has a good life: A job, friends, a fiance that doubles as a chef opening his own restaurant.

And to top it all off, she gets to go on a pre-wedding honeymoon to Italy! Too bad it's to visit potential suppliers for Victor's (Gael Garcia Bernal) restaurant...

Arriving in Italy and realizing taking tours of cheese factories and visiting 'truffles' in dark forests isn't quite her forte, Sophie takes off on her own to sight see and runs into the Juliet wall; where heartbroken woman to go to write to Juliet and ask her for advice on matters of the heart.

That's where she finds a letter written nearly 50 years ago by a broken-hearted girl; She has to write this poor girl back!

That letter sets into motion what Sophie regards as destiny. However, destiny has quite the long, winding, emotional journey in store for Sophie!

My Thoughts:

**Grab the tissues ladies (and some gentlemen)**

Unlike many of the romantic movies out there today that are completely and totally unrealistic, this movie has you believing you can take an impromptu trip to Italy and go on an amazing journey to find your one true love.

(adorable-yet-totally-aggravating British guy included Lol)

The characters are all deliciously adorable and so relatable! It's like you could take a walk this very moment and meet your own personal Sophie along the way :)

While some viewed this as just a romantic movie, I really thought it was much, much more! I was seriously on the edge of my seat the whole time ready to shout at the movie screen when someone made the wrong move (and I'm known to talk back to my movies, too). My sister definitely looked at me like I was from outer space when I came home and told her I bawled through the whole thing. LOL

Besides the great movie, I think this is the start of a new star following-I seriously <3 Amanda Seyfried! She is such a wonderful actress and from the vibes she gives off, I can tell she's a down to earth person. I can't wait to see what other movies she's going to be in in the near future.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone!

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Aloha Friday #16

From Kailani of Island Life:

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer."

I'm going to follow her lead, kick back, relax and see what you all have to say on this lovely Friday!

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Today's question is:

Win any good giveaways lately? If so, what did you win?

I won those great T'N'T toothbrushes a week or so ago, but since then it's been a bit quiet...It really is my fault as I should enter more then I already am!!


Have a beautiful and bright Friday :)

Love and Energies.
Kayla

Win It Wednesday(6/9)

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

Win a Rhinestone Drop Pendant from Little White Chapel on Etsy!!


Ends June 11, 2010


Enter Here

Win an Upcycled Journal from This Handmade Life on Etsy!!


Ends June 14, 2010


Enter Here

Win a $60.00 Gift Certificate to any of the 200+ CSN.com Stores!!


Ends June 14, 2010


Enter Here

Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!

Hoop House Fun

I was fortunate enough to lend a hand in the building of a (very large) hoop house over the weekend-What exactly is a hoop house you ask?

Well, for those of you who aren't familiar with 'farmer speak', Wikipedia.com defines a hoop house as a greenhouse with a plastic roof wrapped over flexible piping. "The interior heats up because incoming solar radiation from the sun warms plants, soil, and other things inside the building faster than heat can escape the structure. Air warmed by the heat from hot interior surfaces is retained in the building by the roof and wall."

Now you might be asking HOW a city girl would get to do something like THAT!?

Lets just say I know people ;)

Anywho, I am so glad that I got to take part in this experience because how many people can say they actually helped build a hoop house!? In Rockford none the less!?

Here are some pictures of our great adventure.

Unfortunately we weren't able to finish the whole thing, but we did get a majority of it done(as you can see by the last picture)!

One of these weekends soon we will all go back and help the farmer put the plastic on.

Then you'll get to see the final product ^.^

Love and Energies.
Kayla