Music Moves Me Monday(2/28)

Welcome to Music Moves Me Monday!

This meme is hosted by a group of seriously great people-Dolly of XmasDolly, Lorie of The Shewbridges of Central Florida, Larrie of CakeBlast, and last but certainly not least, Callie of JAmericanSpice!

Here are the rules if you wanted to participate::

First step: Run over to You Tube, (or wherever), and lock & load! Get your pick for the theme of the week.

Second Step: Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button::



Third step: SIGN THE LINKY - Dance (follow) your host/hostesses, and grab their buttons.

Final step: Start lookin' for a partner and boogie on down to her blog, and say hello, and tag (follow) her/him, and leave a nice comment. If you've been tagged (followed) be hip, and get on over there, and tag (follow) her back and leave a comment.

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Today is the last day of February-Another month in 2011 gone. Seriously, where did the time go?! Anyway, since it's STILL February for another 18 hours or so, that means we still have a romance theme going on in the M.M.M.M world!

Enjoy my pick :)


Paolo Nutini-Loving You

Have a musical week everyone!

Mailbox Monday(2/28)

Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

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This week has been a week of prizes I've won!
{Pictures to come soon}



Thanks to Stephanie of Coupon Clipping Mommy, I got the most amazing prize package-Seriously people, I was squealing with girlish DE-light as I forced that box from FedEx open :D

Inside, I found the following:

-A deliciously plush deep red throw
-A trial size box of ThermaCare heat wraps {LOVE these!}
-A box of seasonal peppermint tea
-And the cutest red and white polka dot mug I've ever seen!


Can I just say.....Eeeeeeeeeek! ^.^




I won yet another instant win game-Dentyne's Facebook Pop n' Play Instant Win Game to be exact!

What exactly did I get you may ask?

Well, I got myself a very soft T-shirt!

Yay :D





What did you get in the mail this week?

Share-A-Post Sunday(2/27)

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(2/27)

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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GUESS WHAT?!!

One of my best friends is getting married-She told me on Friday by sending me a picture message of the ring :D

And guess what else?!!

She asked me to be her Made of Honor!

I can't lie-I'm STILL in shock, but SO excited. That dress is the one she chose for me and her other bridesmaids.

I love the color!



I know this is totally out of left field, but I think the word 'Mayhaps' should be added to the dictionary as a legitimate word!

Seriously people, that's a GREAT word-Say it out loud and tell me I'm wrong O.o

It's way classier then the slang it's termed to be!



The 83rd Annual Oscar Awards are tonight-I can't believe it's been a year already since our annual Oscar party O.o

But I digress...

I'm not usually excited for these things-A bunch of films I've not really heard before winning everything, HOWEVER, my girl is going to be singing tonight!

Keep an eye out for Florence + the Machine-She won't disappoint :D

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Wanna be apart of Slapdash Sunday?

Grab the button below and blog along!

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Saturday's Picks(2/26)-Cuppy Cake

It's no surprise to people who know my friend Lu of Crocheted Little Things that she ADORES anything and everything cupcake and or cupcake related.

So sitting in my room trying to think of today's theme, my thought process wandered across Lu and her love of cupcakes :)

Which is today's inspiration.

Enjoy!

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Cupcake Sprinkles Personalized Stationary Set from emilyanndesigns




$16.00

1 Dozen Valentine Cupcake Cookies from TabbyCat13




$30.00

Cupcake Queen T-shirt from TheBubblegumQueen




$21.00

Set of 6 Cupcake Lampwork Beads from beadgoodies




$30.00

Happy Cupcake Drawstring Crafting or Gift Bag from Vegancraftastic




$15.00

Win It Wednesday(2/23)

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

Win a $20 Gift Card to Chili's!!



Ends February 25, 2011



Enter Here

Win A Whole Set of Products from Happy Me Skincare worth up to $75.00!!



Ends February 25, 2011



Enter Here

Win a Redbox Oscar Viewing Party Prize Pack worth around $200!!



Ends February 26, 2011



Enter Here

Have giveaways you want to advertise?

Link them below!!

Fashionably Belle-Tarapparel

Welcome to The Element Tara of Tarapparel on Etsy!

Hailing from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Tara is a recent graduate of Fanshawe College's Fashion Design program in Ontario.

According to Tara, she has always had an interest in sewing, clothing design, and other crafts, and her mother was the one who got her started on that journey.

Since then, she has taken up making and selling particular articles of clothing and a few other things, namely summer day dresses and pajama pants on Etsy.

"I have started this business to earn some money so that I can move to Toronto or Montreal where all the fashion design jobs are."

Besides saving money for her future, she's using her business to keep her skills sharp, as well as, do something she loves: sewing and designing!

As of now, Etsy is a side job and Tara works as a style specialist at LeChateau, a Montreal fashion company founded in 1959. However, she shared with me her goals for the future:

"One day I hope to design wedding, prom, and evening dresses. Until then, something that is simple and faster to make works best for this business."

Since Tara IS an aspiring fashion designer, it's understandable that her favorite things to work with are a needle, thread and fabric 'all the way.' Not only that, but she takes inspiration from the different variety of fabrics she works with-"When I see a fabric, I can design the perfect piece for it!"

Advice from Tara:: "Don’t give up. Post everywhere on etsy, treasury comments, forums, chat rooms, storque comments. Always read the forums, they are full of great advice. Join a team!"

Things to know about Tara and her work::

*Besides Etsy, you can find Tara on her Personal Website.

*Visit Tara on her Blog, Tarapparel's Etsy Adventure! Like me, she also features different artists on her site :)

*Make sure to follow her on Twitter @TaraBreanneW, Facebook, and on her Youtube Channel.

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

Definitely check out Tara and her Etsy shop, Tarapparel and see what catches your eye :)




Items in Post:

Pink and White Knit Hat

Pink Floral Summer Dress

Stripped Pajama Shorts

Womanspace

Unfortunately, this is going to be a quick post until I can have the time to actually sit down and write a big whole blog post explanation.

I was recently given an opportunity to be explained upon later to volunteer my time at a local place in Rockford called Womanspace.

Here is a little description of the organization from their website:

"Womanspace seeks to inspire individuals to discover new interests, talents and friendships, and is dedicated to helping people live their best lives through programs that enhance mind, body and spirit.

Situated on a seven-acre campus with art studios and galleries, Gallery2Go gift shop, beautiful gardens and a labyrinth, Womanspace has touched the lives of more than 20,000 men, women and children since its founding in Rockford, Illinois in 1975. "

I'm really excited about this and hope it works out for everyone involved {especially me!}. I get to go today from 3-5, so wish me luck!!

Tuesday Blog Hops

So, I'm hoping on the linky-love train and joining in on the fabulous memes I've seen circulating around the blogosphere lately...

Follow Me Back Tuesday!

Thanks goes to our hostesses for putting on such a lovely meme::

Survey Junkie
Little Yaya's
Boobies, Babies and a Blog



To-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!


Give it up to the hostesses with the mostesses::

One Little Mister
Frugal Plus



Blog It Forward Tuesday!


Give a round of applause for these Blog Hop hostesses:

Sweep Tight
Just Married With Coupons


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New to The Eclectic Element?

Pop a squat, grab some refreshments or nosh a little {I'd offer you a wide variety of somethin-somethins, but I'm not sure where ya'll live}, and say Hi xD

I'll be sure to visit and follow you as well!

Inspirational Tuesday(2/22)

"The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others."

--DeAnn Hollis



Stick around and find out why I'm inspired by this quote today!



What inspires you today?

Music Moves Me Monday(2/21)

Welcome to Music Moves Me Monday!

This meme is hosted by a group of seriously great people-Dolly of XmasDolly, Lorie of The Shewbridges of Central Florida, Larrie of CakeBlast, and last but certainly not least, Callie of JAmericanSpice!

Here are the rules if you wanted to participate::

First step: Run over to You Tube, (or wherever), and lock & load! Get your pick for the theme of the week.

Second Step: Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button::



Third step: SIGN THE LINKY - Dance (follow) your host/hostesses, and grab their buttons.

Final step: Start lookin' for a partner and boogie on down to her blog, and say hello, and tag (follow) her/him, and leave a nice comment. If you've been tagged (followed) be hip, and get on over there, and tag (follow) her back and leave a comment.

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It's still February, which means more romantic song choices!

There are just so many to choose from, but I think I found my song for the week :)

Enjoy!


Joshua Radin--I'd Rather Be With You

Have a musical week everyone!

Mailbox Monday(2/21)

Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

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I had won a giveaway for a $20 gift card to Domino's Pizza a couple weeks back from The Mom Reviews and it just arrived bright and early Monday afternoon in the form of not one, but TWO gift cards-Both increments of $10.00.

The boyfriend's going to be fed and happy xD











Yet another free sample courtesy of Walmart!

This time, I got Covergirl's new natureluxe foundation makeup.

I cant' wait to use all the freebies I got ^.^










What did you get in the mail this week?

Health Update Thursday(2/17)

Everyone knows I've been having issues with staying healthy this particularly rough Winter season, and I hate to disappoint, but this is not a happy, I'm-healthy-let's-go-out-and-celebrate health update.

I don't quite remember where I last left you on my health status, but that flu I had a couple weeks ago that I gave to my family {really sorry about that fam!} that I was finally recovering from was kindly re-gifted BACK to me and with a kick in it's germ-infested pants::

My flu turned into walking pneumonia.

Hence why I haven't been around a lot the past couple of days and probably why I won't be around through the weekend. I even had to miss both of my classes on Monday and Wednesday this week, and believe me, I don't miss class unless I absolutely 110% have no other choice o.O

Anyway, I hope everyone is well and don't worry-I'll be around in the background :)

Tuesday Blog Hops

So, I'm hoping on the linky-love train and joining in on the fabulous memes I've seen circulating around the blogosphere lately...

Follow Me Back Tuesday!

Thanks goes to our hostesses for putting on such a lovely meme::

Survey Junkie
Little Yaya's
Boobies, Babies and a Blog



To-the-TOP Tuesday Blog Hop!


Give it up to the hostesses with the mostesses::

One Little Mister
Frugal Plus



Blog It Forward Tuesday!


Give a round of applause for these Blog Hop hostesses:

Sweep Tight
Just Married With Coupons


**************************************************************

New to The Eclectic Element?

Pop a squat, grab some refreshments or nosh a little {I'd offer you a wide variety of somethin-somethins, but I'm not sure where ya'll live}, and say Hi xD

I'll be sure to visit and follow you as well!

Inspirational Tuesday(2/15)

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

--Unknown





What inspires you today?

Music Moves Me Monday(2/14)

Welcome to Music Moves Me Monday!

This meme is hosted by a group of seriously great people-Dolly of XmasDolly, Lorie of The Shewbridges of Central Florida, Larrie of CakeBlast, and last but certainly not least, Callie of JAmericanSpice!

Here are the rules if you wanted to participate::

First step: Run over to You Tube, (or wherever), and lock & load! Get your pick for the theme of the week.

Second Step: Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button::



Third step: SIGN THE LINKY - Dance (follow) your host/hostesses, and grab their buttons.

Final step: Start lookin' for a partner and boogie on down to her blog, and say hello, and tag (follow) her/him, and leave a nice comment. If you've been tagged (followed) be hip, and get on over there, and tag (follow) her back and leave a comment.

**************************************************************

After taking a short break, I'm back, and with some great new music to share!

This month is all about love songs being the month of Valentine's Day and whatnot, so I think I'm going to go with one of my favorite romantic singers of all times...

Norah Jones--Love Me Tender

Have a musical week everyone!

Spread the Love

{Image Credit}

On Valentine’s Day, we think of people
who have cheered and encouraged us,
who go out of their way
to be kind and caring,
who have enriched our lives
just by being themselves.
You're all such people.
I’m so happy you all are my friends and loyal readers!

--Joanna Fuchs

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all my friends and readers a Happy Valentine's Day filled with lots of love, family, friends and chocolate ;) Also, I wanted to let you know I appreciate each and everyone one of you and everything you've given me the past 2 years I've been blogging.

Any special plans for today?

Mailbox Monday(2/14)

Mailbox Monday divulges into the inner workings of my mailbox throughout the week. From books to jewelry to free samples to random magazines and letters-You never know what will be in the mail this week...

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I got a lovely letter from one of my fellow Lymie friends, who ironically is located in Illinois as well!

Boy, do I love getting old school snail mail cards and letters-In the day of e-mails and text messages, it's nice to just reconnect with people the old fashioned way...

Pen, paper, and a stamp to get things movin' :)







The first giveaway of 2011 was won over at my lovely cyber mom's blog, XmasDolly-It was originally supposed to be for electronic screen wipes, but somehow {not exactly sure what happened}, I got glass cleaner instead.

Unfortunately, I don't wear glasses-Any ideas on what to do with it!?






"Free" is the word of the day people-Free sample that is!

You know how much I love me a good free sample-I was able to sign up and receive a package of DenTek floss things {yes, that is the technical term LOL} and they just arrived in the mail!

If you're interested in getting a sample of these, head over HERE.






Guess what?

Aunt Susie surprised my sister and I yet again-The occasion:: Valentine's Day!

We both got lovely Valentine's Day themed fuzzy socks {which are on my feet keeping them cozy as I type} complete with an adorable Valentine's Day valentine, a bar of dark chocolate {as you can see, I already opened it}, and a gift card to McDonald's.

What a cute little way of telling someone you're thinking of them :)










Another free sample!

This time it was a Walmart freebie for Crest 3D White Whitestrips Advanced Seal.

Cool!












I got my latest copy of Yoga Journal!

Need I say more?

:)







What did you get in the mail this week?

Share-A-Post Sunday(2/13)

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(2/13)

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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I've been SO behind on my blogging, emails, and blog rounds, that when I came across my friend Kailani of An Island Life's post the other day nearly 2 weeks late, I felt terrible that I didn't see it sooner!

She was so sweet enough to choose me as one of her Top 5 Famous Blogging Friends-I really love the way she defined being famous in her eyes-I couldn't agree with it more!

Thank you Kailani for making my day :)







If you want an amazing work-those-abs-out worthy laugh for the day, head on over to Cat of 3 Kids and Us and check out This Video of her little girl in Target.

I nearly fell over laughing-My abs STILL hurt :D










Dear Universe,

Do you really want me to have a motorized wheelchair THAT bad that you just keep reminding me of your specials through television, internet, and email ads, through snail mail at least once a month, in stores and other obscene places at least a few times a week?

I got to warn you-I'm not caving.

Sincerely,
I can walk fine most days thank you very much!

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Wanna be apart of Slapdash Sunday?

Grab the button below and blog along!

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