The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:07:00 +0000

Handheld hair dryers were introduced for the domestic market in 1920, and since then countless hairdos have relied on that combination of heat and air to achieve their coiffed perfection.
But the humble blow dryer has plenty of other services to offer around the house -- here are a handful of them:

If you need to quickly set the icing on a cake, the air and heat of a hair dryer can quicken up the process.
If your cake won’t unstick from the cake pan, use your hair dryer on the bottom of the pan then invert it, it should drop right out.
Running an ice cream scoop under hot water helps, but you can also try using a hair dryer on the carton to soften ice cream for easy scooping.
Some people use pots of boiling water to quicken freezer defrosting, but a hot hair dryer works even more quickly. (Be careful of puddles of water and the dryer, though.)
Automatic ice-makers can get jammed with frozen ice; relieve that with a long blast of hot air to melt unwanted icebergs.
Remove contact paper from shelves by heating it with the hair dryer and gently working the edges up. Also works for bumper stickers and other rogue sticky things.
Use a hair dryer to dust hard-to-dust items; the air will blow the dust somewhere else, but hopefully somewhere else that is easier to dust.
Personally, I like my kids’ crayon marks on my walls, but for the rest of you: Heat the crayon marks until softened, then scrub with hot water and detergent.
Old photo albums with magnetic pages can get stuck -- unstick them with a blast from the hair dryer.
Spot-iron wrinkles by lightly dampening the area and then heating the wrinkles with your dryer.
Wet boots, shoes, and sneakers can take on a terrible odor if left to dry slowly -- alleviate that by drying them with your hair dryer.
Winter can bring frozen windows and locks -- thaw them with a hair dryer.
Window screens collecting dust and pollen? Blow it back to whence it came.
Removing bandages can hurt more than the wound, so soften the adhesive with a hair dryer first to ease the rip.
If you have trouble keeping a hot compress hot, keep your hair dryer by you and reheat as necessary.

Bonus: For wrinkled ribbons and fabric belts, employ a curling iron to straighten them out.
This is just a start, do you use your hair dryer in any surprising ways? Leave a comment...

(written By Melissa Breyer
More from Care2 Green Living blog

Please take a moment to be in remembrance of the lives taken on this Day September 11th, 2011. God Be With Us All

Simple Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:29:00 +0000

HELLO Fellow Bloggers, Family, Friends, Clients...

I'm so sorry it's been quite a while since I've blogged but I've been a busy lady...(still am!) BUT, I had to share with you an email I recently received from a dear Friend. It's simple but full of wisdom...Perfect for me since now and then a "refresher" note is needed. Hope you all are doing just great and having a GREAT summer...so until next time "May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand."

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.

2] Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don’t worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision."

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today’s PEACE.

Bless someone today!(share this!)

Blessings Always,

Carolyn

The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:28:00 +0000

                              Hello Friends/Family/Clients

           I'm excited to be introducing a new hair service/product
   that I will soon offer at The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique
                                        HAIR TINSEL

Sparkling Gold in blonde hair

Sparkling Gold in brown hair

This is a great service for someone looking to jazz up their natural haircolor or even add bling to a color service. You can shampoo, condition, blow-dry...Even flat-iron up to 410 degrees F...and lasts 2 - 6 weeks(depending on hair texture/and how often you shampoo/blowdry/flat-iron your hair)
~Another great thing about Hair Tinsel~
No chemicals, no damage to your hair

Sparkle Champagne in light blonde hair

So, if you're interested, Keep watch for an introduction blog soon...

Have a Great Day!
Carolyn

Rock Of Ages Theater Show Review

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:58:00 +0000

It was a great evening
Great Storyline...Great Songs...Great Cast...
Perfect Musical for me...

Connie and Carolyn @ Rock Of Ages

Rock of Ages Theater Show was an experience I won't soon forget. From winning VIP All Access tickets, to sitting in on the soundcheck prior to the show...Pre-show food/drinks...Perfect seats(2nd row)...Meet and Greet After Show

...I was in Heaven

Rock Of Ages is basically a love letter to Hairband music and the Sunset Strip of the ’80s.
Narrator Lonny sets up the story: In 1987, an aspiring rocker named Drew Bowie works as a busboy in the Hollywood bar/club called The Bourbon Room, owned by Dennis Dupree ("Just Like Paradise/Nothing But A Good Time"). He falls instantly for a girl, Sherrie, who just arrived from Kansas hoping to make it big in acting ("Sister Christian"). After being hired as a waitress in the club, Sherrie urges Drew to go after his dreams ("I Wanna Rock").
(read a Full summary of the story-line here)

I do love theater...
I thought Wicked was fab

I think Rock Of Ages RULED!

Relating to the character, Sherrie, I allowed myself to sink right into the storyline...FUN!

Constantine was intense! His performance as Drew was on the mark and seemed to really draw in the crowd. Meeting him after the show made a great ending to the night

I'm also so excited to learn that Rock Of Ages will be a Movie with a release in 2012. So, if you can't get a chance to see the musical, now you'll get to see the movie!

Watch Me

( know that some of the costumes, dancing and language may not be appropriate for kids under the age of 14)

"Rock Of Ages VIP Winner"

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Feed Back From Opening Night

Well, I did it...I won the VIP Tickets to see Rock Of Ages Theater Show in Indy this month. I'm STOKED...I'm TOTALLY PUMPED...How RAD is this??

Rock Of Ages is set in 1987 in L.A.'s most legendary rock club on the Sunset Strip, where a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer and they fall in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80's. The musical is a hilarious feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more.

This was a Perfect Gift for me. As a teen I dreamed of leaving Small Town USA to head out west to the Sunset Strip in California(looking for my RockStar)lololol But, I stayed behind and pretended what my life would have been like(and had a blast dreaming of such a life)while listening to songs that talk of that venture like Fallen Angel and Shooting Star by Poison. Some of my other favorite bands were(still today) Ratt, Night Ranger(I wore their song Sister Christian in the ground), Def Leppard, Sammy Hagar, Motley Crue...just to name a few...I could go on and on. Although I'm 25 years older of when those dreams came about, I still entice myself and have fun reliving my teenage days through 1980's Music Concerts of bands mentioned above during the warm months...I'm sure this theater show will be just as fun. I can NOT wait!

Thank You NUVO for the opportunity to win. It was very Fun and I'm grateful. You can check out the post on their facebook page of how I found out!! FUN

I can't wait to Meet the Cast...especially Constantine Maroulis from American Idol

Stay tuned for my review of Rock Of Ages US Tour(Indy)

And Have a Radical Day!

Carolyn

Don't Stop Believing!

Those Crazy Nights, I do Remember in My Youth..I Do Recall Those Were The Best Times, Most Of All

Love On The Big Screen

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Hello
Hope your day is going just great so far
Today I am sharing with you my personal thoughts to a book I've just finished
called

Love On The Big Screen
The Torg Web-site

Meet Zuke, a college freshman whose understanding of love has been shaped by late-eighties romantic comedies, and who attends a school so strict it's against the rules to go to the movies. Zuke and his buddies, separated from the women on campus and forced to entertain themselves, form a club called the Brothers in Pursuit, which holds weekly meetings during which all the members dress in matching and embroidered boxer shorts, stand at attention to Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," and report back to one another on their objectives: God, knowledge, compassion, and women. Love on the Big Screen is a novel of friendship, the dangers of romanticized love, the complexities of faith and real life, and what happens to one young man as he finds out that life is nothing like the movies he loves.
(synthesis taken from back cover)

First of all...I Loved the male club title given to the character Zuke and his fellow friends involved...
"Brothers in Pursuit" (Zuke, Cowboy, The Dini, Moon, and Flabby)...Young Men whom are in pursuit of God,
knowledge, compassion and women. Through out reading the book I tried to picture the young men I went to school with and pair them up with the characters I've mentioned above. A few came to mind and one I thought could be Zuke.(so, I chuckled through out reading and thought how fun it would be to send a copy to all and get reactions...if that doesn't happen, I will definately share with my male classmate buddies)

My experience:

I really enjoyed reminiscing my beloved decade of choice through this book and enjoyed reading of places mentioned that I know about and have visited by living close.(I've had a similar experience of a memoir novel I read not long ago set in Richmond IN)
So, placement of where the story takes place was Fun for me...

Reading about Zuke, who has unrealistic expectations about Love created through the 80's movies he loves, gave me an inside look into what it's like for a male to experience mid-west conservative Christian college life in the late 1980's...something I never thought about at all since College Life was never an option/or should I say, an option I wanted to pursue at that time in my life. Aww Zuke, the poor guy...I did feel bad for him in a sense.(I've been there...just in a different way. What woman doesn't experience The Cinderella Syndrome...if she's honest with herself anyway) Isn't that what Hollywood film/TV/even fiction novels can do to every normal mid-westerner??(of course, speaking personally...and I'm sure to us all~no matter where we live) Unrealistic expectations of Life on subjects that we really need to learn to be realistic about. For me, back in the late 80's it was dreaming of "getting the heck outta dodge" and jumping onto a bus headed out to California to experience the sunset strip and run with all the hair bands I still love today. You know, I still entertain myself with such dreams but I'm definately living in the real world when it comes to Love and Life.(although don't ask my family...they'd probably say I do live in a fantasy world most days)

So, basically we learn about Zuke and his Love life in a strict college setting, his male relationships and experiences with being on a college basketball team. We also learn of his choices and the consequences of them...and we see growth(at the end...or should I say, in this chapter of his life)...but, isn't that life? Yes. And that's what I think Bill Torgerson portrayed here in this book...actual feelings/actual confusion/actual ways one plays out their life to lead themselves to the next chapter...without even realizing it.

I am anxious for the next chapter...hopefully about Zuke in the real World with wife/kids/job.

I've had the privilege to meet Bill through the internet(hopefully in person someday soon) and reap of his generous spirit for The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique...

Books Bill Sent for my Boutique

I appreciate his prose and love of literature.

If you're interested in reading Love On The Big Screen come by my Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique today to grab a copy.

Blessings to all
Carolyn

Superb Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 01:52:00 +0000

Do you ever just have one of those days where:

you wake up on the "right" side of the bed, having slept in(which "never" happens for me)

4 steps to wake up great

the sun is shining bright

your morning coffee taste excellent(which usually does anyway but sunshine makes it more enjoyable)

your plans for the day are not hurried or rushed...just carried out in a nonchalant manner(and they still get done)

this photo really isn't what my plans were today(but boy it sure is fun to pretend)

Well, I had one of those days today...

After waking up(as mentioned above) I went to tan. After relaxing for 12 mins in fake sun, I visited just a bit with my oldest son, Daniel(and cut his hair)...then my daughter and I played Beauty Shop and hi-lighted our hair...

Aren't we cute?
and I got her to read one of my old preteen books
13 Is Too Young To Die

I then had to play "dress up

For a contest I'm trying to Win

Rock Of Ages Theater Tickets

Well, here is what I came up with...

I hope it's not too cheesy...or over the top...I'm a rocker by nature so I thought I'd throw in my son's guitar for prop appeal...I really will not be upset one bit if I am not picked for free tickets to the show because I had a blast strumming around on the guitar to 80's music~~pretending to be a Rock Star!

As the day went on, I thought I had better make a trip to the store(I guess "that" part of my day really isn't much to blog about~hate going)...I still made it an enjoyable trip down and back by blarring 105.7 radio station (since it's an all 80's weekend)...all I kept hearing from the passenger seat was "Mom, stop doing that! I'm SO embarrassed!"(as she laughs)
HEY...A mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do to live her youth again!

Since my daughter wanted a desert for tonight I let her pick one out and I watched(helped just a bit)her make this yummy desert below...

...I decided to preheat the oven and when ready pop in some pigs in a blanket for finger snackin while some are watching the NCAA tournament games...notice I said some...doesn't interest me at all...

think I'll just read a book instead...

by Mr. Torgerson

SO....

All in all, it was a good day and now I'm pooped...GoodNight

and...

May You All Be Blessed and Have a Wonderful "What's Left" of the weekend...

Carolyn

Book Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:22:00 +0000

Hello!

Hope your Spring is in Full Swing...
Just received a new treasure in the mail...and possibly my newest item to be sold in my boutique...

Book Earrings

They could be a really neat gift idea for a book lover...if you are interested stop by and see a pair at
The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique

Meet Me On Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:46:00 +0000

     Welcome to the 40th edition of "Meet Me On Monday!"
                   Compliments of Java from
                        NeverGrowingOld
Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

1. Crunchy or soft tacos?

Crunchy!!

2. Do you scrapbook?
Ha...I used too alot about 11 years ago...haven't scrapped in quite a while...My sister Holly is the scrapbooking Queen...I've offered her to scrap my photo's(I'd even pay her!!)

3. Do you take any daily medications?
Nope just a Daily Vitamin shown below...they are AWESOME!

4. What is your favorite sound?
MUSIC

(I love music from the 80's/70's)

5. Where were you born?

Although I lived and grew up 7 miles away in Arlington IN, Rushville was the place I got my first butt smackin'...back then, they still smacked ya to make sure you were breathing...
welp, that's it folks...there's a bit more about me than you might not have known...
place along if you'd like...

Have a Blessed Day
Carolyn

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:22:00 +0000

Welcome to the 19th Edition of Wordless Wednesday!

NeverGrowingOld Wordless Wednesday is a great day to post an awesome picture that “speaks” for itself, no words needed!
Hi everyone. I've been gone on a mini get-away with the family so Wordless Wednesday is quite late...but, better late than never I always say...and below is my pic that needs so "sayin"...(but will tell you I'm just ITCHIN' to play some softball this year!!)

My softball pic years ago

Time To Link Up and Meet!

The Pregnancy Care Center Life Walk~2011 Life Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:32:00 +0000

Life Walk Video

Hello Fellow Bloggers/Friends/Family/Clients...

I'm am asking for your support in a program I am involved in called
The Pregnancy Care Center Life Walk.

The Pregnancy Care Center's 5K for Life Run/Walk gives everyone the opportunity to help provide loving, practical help to those faced with an unplanned pregnancy. The mission of this ministry is to offer help & hope to those facing such a fearful time in their lives through parenting, life skills, and fathering classes; material assistance for mother & baby; and mentoring. By asking your friends, family, and co-workers to provide sponsorships we can continue to offer the following services...FREE * On-site Pregnancy Tests * Information about Pregnancy, Abortion Risks, and Adoption * Prenatal, Parenting & Life Skills Classes * Father's Program * Public School Abstinence Education * 24-Hour Hot-line * STD Information and Abstinence Counseling * Assistance with Maternity and Baby Needs * Referrals for Medical Services, Maternity Homes, and * Adoption Services * On-going Peer Mentoring

Please Visit my Personal WebPage for detail on How you Can Help...

Thank You And Blessings

http://www.fundeasy.com/m/605544/

~Currently Reading~

and almost finished with

Unplanned by Abby Johnson/Cindy Lambert(contributor)

Remarkable and Gripping so far(and I expect nothing less as I finish)...and I hope to put forth my thoughts to paper(blog format if you will)soon...

Have A Blessed Day!

Carolyn

It's Spring Break Week

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Pictures Of Spring

It's Spring Break in Rushville IN. I'm thrilled. It's that much closer to Summer...and that means it's closer to the Upgrade to our backyard to prepare for The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique Grand Opening.(date not set, but sometime in the summer) Yesterday My hubby and I had to run to Menards for upgrade supplies for one of our apartments. During that trip I took a little bit of time to browse the Lawn and Garden section. I just can not wait to redo the little section I've claimed in our home(the backyard)

So, to prepare a bit, this Spring Break week I will be picking up sticks and cleaning out the landscaping...but then enjoying a few days at the end of the week with the family at a nearby Holidome for some much needed R&R. Also I am making changes this week to my work schedule(work load)...very anxious for this change.

Hope everyone is starting their Spring off with Excitement and Anticipation as I am and May you all be blessed this week!

Flashback Friday~Rockstars

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:50:00 +0000

Hello Peeps...It's FLASHBACK FRIDAY...Rockstars!

This is going to be short and sweet cause I'm in the middle of watching one of my favorite movies from the 2000's...(but based on the 80's)

ROCKSTAR

Some Favorite pics of favorite 80's Rockstars...I "know" I'll forget some but here are just a "few" of my favs

Welp, that's it folks...told ya it was short and sweet...
gotta go Rock and Roll...and swoon over Mark Wahlberg...
..mmmmm, wonder if you can name 'em all above?? some are giveaways...some aren't.

Have a ROCKiN WeekEND!

My St. Patty's Day Pledge & Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:57:00 +0000

First of all, My personal Pledge is simple

I vow to drink some GREEN beer in my Coors Light Irish Cup...but, it won't be Coors Light(sorry Kenny and Pam)
If you hear rumors about me today, tomorrow(or even from last Sat. festivities)...make sure you tell 'em...The Leprechauns Made Her Do It!! That's what my shirt says~and I'm stick'n to it!

Now, on to my St. Patty's Day Campaign:

This year at the request of Senator Richard Lugar, the Government of Ireland has recognized that “. . . Rushville’s festivities are a wonderful testament to the Irish heritage of many residents of Indiana and a reminder of the enduring bond between the United States of America and Ireland.”

I was asked by a dear childhood friend of mine, David Willkie, to support Senator Lugar by obtaining volunteers to collect petition signatures at our local St. Patty's Day Party. So, I aquired 2 more volunteers...good friends, Connie and Annie. We had some FUN...

By doing this, it will help to put Senator Lugar on the ballot for 2012. We also distributed green “Lugar 2012” stickers for people to wear

some wore with Pride

others chose to wear with discretion

You can read more about the annual festivities from our local newspaper article here

And maybe next year you'll join in the Fun!

For Fun...
Want to find out what your Irish Name is? Click here(please post YOUR name and meaning below in comment section)
My name is Muirne(MIR-nee, that's why you seen it on my cup)...it means High Spirited, Tough To Tame. I think it's right on!

I'm outta here...thirsty Thursday(St. Patty's Day Style) is calling my name
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing~

The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique' Favorite Beauty Products/Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:06:00 +0000

I've come across quite a bit of hair products/tools in my years of doing hair. Some hair product I'll use for a period of time, then move on and try other new hair products that are being introduced new to the market. But, the ones I'm featuring today have stuck with me over the years and have become favorites for me to use not only on myself but alot of my clients.

They are also favorites of my daughters Lacey and McKenzie.

The Hittle Women do realize that having dependable hair products and tools to enhance our outer beauty only helps in keeping our inner beauty shining bright.

See~look how beautiful they are~see that inner beauty shining??

I do

Our Favorites

First the product

Aquage Beyond Shine is an advanced ultra-light, emollient formula that delivers long lasting reflective sheen that instantly prevents moisture loss. Also silkens and polishes unruly texture when used with a flattening iron or blow dryer.

Deepshine is a super-light creme that is invisible on the hair and provides instantaneous natural sheen. Perfect for all hair types as it brings out natural highlights & revitalizes color-treated hair.

Next is the favorite tool of the Hittle women...it is The GHD Glossy Hot Pink IV Styler
(and an instructional DVD)

Lacey owns one for herself and McKenzie and I use the one I have in my salon. But, I am in the process of saving for one to use exclusively in The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique

This is the kit I hope to buy soon

ISN'T IT GORGEOUS??

(Sorry guys, the Pink one is no longer available. They come out with new colors often and discontinue old ones as they go)

What it does:
The unique ceramic technology heats this iron up to its maximum temperature in seconds; locks in moisture, natural oils, and hair color for total hair protection; and creates the straightest, sleekest locks as well as fantastic curls, twists, and flicks. The ghd hot pink IV styler is equipped with advanced features such as improved temperature control to maintain heat during styling, a sleep mode, and universal voltage.

What else you need to know:
-Ghd styling irons are designed to curl, straighten, flick, and/or wave the hair.
-Ghd styling irons emit infrared heat and produce negative ions reducing static and creating shine by closing the cuticle.
-Ghd styling irons have floating blades for flexibility and smoothness.
-Ghd styling irons are equipped with built-in integrated circuits and platinum heating elements arranged in a mesh grid pattern which covers the entire aluminum plate; these features ensure a constant temperature throughout the styling process, without hot and cold spots.
-Ghd styling irons have a built-in micro-processor embedded into one blade—this monitors and regulates the temperature of the blades.

So, if you're interested in any of these great products or the GHD styler come see me

At The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique....I can help make the interest become a must needed product or tool for your every day beauty enhancement...and I guarantee you won't regret it!

BLESSINGS!

Do you Believe Heaven is for Real?

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Heaven Is For Real
Excerpt from book

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Jesus Christ

Child of God
This past Sunday I was browsing my favorite smelling bookstore, B&N, and spotted a bright yellow cover from a short distance away and knew exactly what book I was about to pick up, smell and thumb through...Uh Huh, just like I thought(and hoped)...it was Heaven Is For Real. I had already read a few reviews and the synopsis on this book and decided to add to my "to-read" list a few weeks ago. I'm a BIG front cover book lover, so the title and boy on the cover alone intrigued me...but I had no idea how reading it would effect me.

These past few months have been somewhat of a whirlwind for me. I've been working 3 different types of part-time jobs(2 that require me to leave the homefront)...balancing family/spouse time...advertising...and trying to remodel my beauty/book boutique. So, at no surprise at all I'm sure...I've become somewhat overwhelmed...and have not spent quiet time with my creator. This is a big No No for me...I know this truth...I know this about me...but yet I have allowed "life" to take precedence. I do belong to a church in my hometown. I do try to visit regularly, but my excuse of Sunday being my only day off, I justify not going as I should. I also attend a weekly bible study group for women called "Dare To Believe" on Monday evenings...and do attend regularly. I am drawn to Jesus speaking through Mrs. Vicki and the beautiful ladies that attend with me...It is sweet fellowship. But, what I have been lacking in these past few months is "personal time" with Jesus. So, I decided to take the book to work with me the next day at Indoor Beach Tanning Salon. Usually, the place is hopping with customers all day long around this time of year. But, on that day I had some down time...and that was a blessing for me...I dived right into the book. By the time I had left the tanning salon for the day I had 75% of the book finished...and couldn't wait till supper was complete, family fed, animals fed, some laundry done, dishes put in the dishwasher...well, you get the picture. I couldn't wait to finish the book that evening. So, I did and went to bed in thought.

I don't think I can articulate what I got from reading this book. I feel some books aren't meant to be put into words...some books need to be read and experienced. But, what I can share with you is an exerpt that spoke to me:

When the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a little boy from the crowd and had him stand among them as an example. "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Whoever humbles himself like this child...
What is childlike humility? It's not the lack of intelligence but the lack of guile. The lack of an agenda. It's that precious, fleeting time before we have accumulated enough pride or position to care what other people might think. The same un-self-conscious honesty that enables a three-year old to splash joyfully in a rain puddle, or tumble laughing in the grass with a puppy, or point out loudly that you have a booger hanging out of your nose, is what is required to enter heaven. It is the opposite of ignorance--it is intellectual honesty; to be willing to accept reality and to call things what they are even when it is hard.

I do believe in this book...I do believe it has changed the way I think of eternity.

To put it plainly...It was a convincing comfort read for me.

Most days, I do carry on in my daily walk with a "child-like" heart. Most days, I do have a "child-like" spirit. But yet, most of my days lately have been over-booked, over-stimulated, and over-worked. Just like a child, I need a reminder...a reminder to regroup, rethink, and reprioritize.

Heaven Is For Real deepened my Faith~ in an elementary way. The way God intends for us to believe.
And I'm grateful.

Interested in finding out what you may think about this book and Colton's astounding trip to Heaven and Back?
IF so, please stop by my Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique to take home a copy today.

Blessings!

Meet Me On Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:19:00 +0000

nevergrowingold

Questions:
1. Do you have a fireplace in your home?

Yup...one of my favorite spots in my home. Love to have it burning during the winter months..just sit by the fire and read...snuggle with my favorite blanket/jammies on.
I used to love sitting by our fireplace at my home I grew up in as a child. It was a wood burning fireplace...I can still remember the smell. I would help my Dad cut wood, too. That was a chore...but, I'm so thankful I did as a child...the memories are sweet of him and I....doing a man's job together...I was always doing something "manly" back in those days. Anyway, I would wonder around the wooded area Dad decided to cut wook at and pick up sticks and poke at odd looking things in the ground. Yeah, that was fun...I will say the hard part(and the part I did not like) was ricking the wood. WOW, that built your muscles. But after I was done helping Dad, I would make me a nice big mug of hot chocolate...so, it made it all worth it.(I think)
Yeah, I love my fireplace now...even though I just flip a switch and it's instant fire, it still gives me warm fuzzy's.

2. Can you drive a stick shift?
     Ummm, yeah...and I have not the space to tell all about my first experience of trying to learn to drive a stick in High School. In a nut shell, I ignorantly accepted a challenge to learn on Main St. in Rushville...only to kill it half a dozen times, and be yelled at and laughed at. Yeah, that boyfriend and I didn't make it long after that...I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't just leave the stick shift truck AND his butt on Main St that day.....

3. How many computers are in your home?
         You want my "honest" opinion?? Too Many!
Yea, I'd miss my laptop convenience if I allowed it to stay broke like it was for over a year...but, really...we have way to many. My son owns a laptop...it's in his room...but he has to bring it to the kitchen to receive wireless internet. I have a laptop that's mainly in my beauty/book boutique but ends up in my kitchen in the mornings so I can cook/drink coffee/blog/and read email..etc. I have a desktop in my garage for bills. And my husband has one in his office.
    this is my OLD laptop...

4. Are your taxes done yet? Do you do them yourself?
HA...no, not done...and don't wanna even think about it...Do you think We, self employed persons will get a return? Another HA...so why be in a hurry.
No, we have a tax man...he's great.

5. What is your favorite meal of the day?
      Breakfast. Why?
   1) it's easy to fix.
   2) it consist's of coffee
yeah...I hate to cook! Now grilling out I don't mind...but indoor cooking...BLAH. (also, I'd probably change my answer if I had a man in the house who loved to cook)

So, there you have it. Another Meet Me On Monday post...and as always LATE...so, all email subscribers get to read about me on Tuesday..
Play along...grab link here

In My Mailbox

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:05:00 +0000

brought to you by
The Story Siren

Hello Peeps...

Welcome to my first post of

IN MY MAILBOX...
(and I want to add another sentence)

IN MY MAILBOX...AND OUT OF MY POCKETBOOK

Today I had to run to the city(Indianapolis)to take my daughter shopping for band concert clothes. It was a good shopping day. We went to 1 store and found what we were looking for for under $200.00. Yee haw mom says...I say this because every shopping trip that happens these days seem to get more and more expensive. Here's what we found:

She decided against this skirt, I LOVED it

She decided to get this outfit...Do LOVE it...

And this blouse

So after our hour and a half in Kohl's, my daughter McKenzie says..."Mom, I'd like to have a cappuccino...let's stop at Barnes and Noble." "Aww, YES" I said. She read my mind(well, partially anyway)...I was thinking of getting my fix of the best smelling bookstore in the world before I drove the 45 minutes toward home. But, my fix consists of browsing and smelling that great bookstore and going home with a new read or two...NOT a cappuccino. As we drove over to B & N parking lot, I asked again what she wanted to drink. A hot chocolate!! I agreed with that answer...we parked and walked in. I always get a rush when I walk into that bookstore. Not only does the scent of new books make me gleem with excitement, I also enjoy the peace of just browsing tons and tons of books sitting on a shelf waiting to go home to the next book lover...waiting to be devoured.

Below is what I decided to go home with
(they are also on my Goodreads "to-read" list)

Heaven Is For Real~Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Inside Of A Dog...What Dogs See, Smell, and Know~Alexandra Horowitz

I'm anxious to read both...

The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique wants to know...
Did you stop at your favorite smelling bookstore over the weekend? Pick up a great read at your local Library? Did a friend drop off a box of books? That reminds me...I have had friends drop off quite a bit of books for my shop over the past few months...but it would take me forever to list all the treasures I've aquired since I've started my boutique...so instead of me spending time listing books I have available why don't you come on in and check me out...You won't be disappointed...I've got all kinds of genres...paperback, hardback...I'm most certain you'll find something you like.

Oh, and Hey....What's In YOUR Mailbox??

Paying It Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Hello Peeps
I've received another

                                                                                From
                                                         Reads, Reviews, and Recommends
                                                            Another Lovely Blog Award

Now, I must Pay It Forward...

I send out the LOVELY BLOG AWARD to:

Life In My Pj's
Redheads Craft More Fun
Reflections Of A Bookaholic
Pop Eighties
In Which A Girl Reads
I Eat Books For Breakfast
Don't-Worry-Bout-A-Thing
Her Bookshelf
Wandering Book Artists
They Say Everyone has a story...here is mine (extra LOVE here~she's added my link to her site)
Beautys Bad Habit
Truly Simply Pink
A Wife Of Book Club Blog

If you have come across your blog being mentioned...please pay it Forward to others...
Blessings to you~
Carolyn

Follow Friday 40 and Over

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:20:00 +0000

                                                          From Blog Never Growing Old

           Welcome to the 41st edition of the
                  Follow Friday 40 and Over!!

The RULES to join in are very simple!
1. Grab the button
2. Add your link to the list(From Never Growing Old)
3. Visit as many other blogs as you can
4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)"

Thanks for poppin' over to my blog...comment and come back and see me often!!
Thanks!
The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique

Flashback Friday~P.E. Addition

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:06:00 +0000

                                                            Hello Peeps
                                                          It's FRIDAY
                                              ((FLASHBACK FRIDAY))
                                                Physical Education addition

Mocha With Linda
Typically, I chose my own topic of experiences from back in the precious days of my favorite era, the 80's...but today I'm going to focus on Mocha With Linda's Flashback Friday questions...and answer as best as possible.

Was physical fitness a focus in school when you were growing up?

Yes...and I'm glad. I can remember my gym teacher~Mr. Lyttle~I thought he was so cute.
Below is an award from 6th grade for P.E....I've saved quite a bit of awards/pics/memorabilia from my elementary school years.

Did you have P.E. in elementary school or just recess?

Guess I answered that already...but, YES we had P. E. in elementary...we also had recess.

Was recess organized games or just free playtime?

Free time...but we did play dodgeball and I loved playing on the Witches Hat

this is exactly how it looked, too....PACKED full of kids...but we stood up and got the thing rolling something crazy!!

What are your memories of P.E. in junior high/middle school and high school?

Hmm, I don't remember much of junior high P. E, except the "dreaded taking a shower" afterwards. Hated that...below is a picture of that dreaded girls P. E. locker room today...but the memories of those days are Ohhh so precious to me now

Girls Locker Room

The Arlington Gym floor where we had P. E. class for elementary and junior high

This is Arlington Elementary/Junior High School...at least it used to be...it's in the process of being demolished. Very Sad for my Family...All of my siblings AND my Mother and Uncle went to this school. My mother and uncle Graduated here in 1954, back when it was a High School...back when all the local small town Counties all had their Own High Schools. My father was a janitor here, too...this is where he met My mother and feel in love with her. She became Pregnant with their first son, my oldest brother Gary, during her Senior Year...He is standing in the picture admiring our great Arlington School and remembering fond memories of this precious place we all so loved...and still love.

I took P.E. during summer school before my freshman year to get the high school requirements out of the way during freshman school year...umm, those memories are jaded.lolol

What did your "gym suits" or "dress out" clothes look like? Just your typical 80's style shorts and a t-shirt and Nike gym shoes...

Minus the leg warmers....although I did sport this look a time or two while pretending to be Olivia Newton John. Loved Her!

Was P.E. a favorite or dreaded subject? absolutely NOT...I enjoyed P.E.

Did your school do the Presidential Physical Fitness Program? Don't remember that program...did they even have it back in the 1980's??

How did you do with that? n/a

Did you take the minimum amount of P.E. required or did you take more?

We all took what was required of us during elementary and junior high P. E....depended on your schedule for high school

Well, that's it for flashback friday...thanks for reading and we'll take a walk down memory lane again next week.

Have a Great Day!

Please Show Me Some Love by Clicking "LIKE"

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:23:00 +0000

Hello Friends, Fellow bloggers, Clients, Family

I need YOUR help

(On March 16th)

I'm a BIG 80's fan

(as if you didn't already know this)

and I'm trying to WIN

tickets(VIP at that)

to see

Rock Of Ages

In Indy

So what I need you to do

is go to

                                      NUVO Facebook Page
                                           and click on their
                                photo's(photo's of other)
                                         and find
                        the 2 pics I've posted below

All you have to do is "like" the photo's
Appreciate the Help and I'll let ya know if all our hard work paid off!

Rock Of Ages Video Preview

I appreciate the love folks!
And Don't forget to Vote ON MARCH 16th via facebook
I will send a reminder blog the day before...

Pop Eighties~80's Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:14:00 +0000

Given some love to a fellow blogger I love to visit

Pop Eighties~80's Blog

Check it out for Double Play Wednesday

I AM WOMAN...HEAR ME ROAR

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:46:00 +0000

In Honor of WOMEN

I am celebrating

International Women's Day today

(Tuesday March 8th 2011)

with a few of my lovely

women friends

(Pam and Sally)

and I'm told a few more

(but don't know who)

YEA!(love meeting NEW friends)

First of all I want to give BIG LOVE

to ALL women

Please click HERE

and watch video and learn a bit about the

observation of our day

I AM WOMAN

HEAR ME ROAR

Helen Reddy

International Women's Day

blessings to all who visit and read The Backyard Beauty and Book Boutique blog

Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Carolyn) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Hello Fellow Book Lovers...

I'd like to bring attention to a book I have read and an author I've

come to know (via facebook~isn't that site just wonderful for connections otherwise that may not have happened??) Some day I would love to sit down with Cathie and talk with her and share in a bottle of wine with her...but, the next best thing to that is looking forward to scheduling a book skype with her and my precious bookclub ladies in Nov. 2011. I have already picked her book as my pick that month...and can't wait to share in conversation about the book and where that may lead us in discussion of women and friendships.

So without further ado...

CATHIE BECK...author of CHEAP CABERNET: A FRIENDSHIP

My review below:

Carolyn Hittle gave to:

Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship
by Cathie Beck (Goodreads Author)
bookshelves: backyard-beauty-and-book, favorites

read in February, 2011

my rating:

Reading Cathie's words was more like sitting with a friend listening to her share her painful experiences and rewarding friendship while sipping on a Cheap bottle of Cabernet under the bright moonlight. REFREASHING...and very much needed sometimes in women's lives.

I absolutely fell in love with the friendship she has with Denise and could find myself saying, "Aww, I have a friend like that!"...True Friend indeed.

I'm grateful that Cathie has shared her story and look forward to more from her...and hopefully be "re-reading" for bookclub. Cheap Cabernet: A Friendship will go down as one of my favorite "friendship" reads and can't wait to pass along to all of my treasured friends...and definately can't wait for more from Cathie!

Hey Cathie?! I would sit with you any day and share in a bottle of Cheap Cabernet...and albeit experience nothing but tasteful expensive girl time! I feel like I got a part of that from your book...

Kuddos to you lovely lady!

So, fellow book lovers, clients, friends, family..if you're a fan of female friendship reads...grab this book at
THE BACKYARD BEAUTY AND BOOK BOUTIQUE...grab a bottle of Cheap Cabernet and sit down for a treat!(and let me know what you think...or better yet, join in the FUN in my bookclub BYOBB.

You may find Cathie's book on facebook HERE
or Goodreads HERE
or personal website HERE