(was it you?)

Yesterday I headed to a local hospital for an MRI of my pelvis before I head into surgery. (one week from today……freakin’ EEEEK!)  It was my first experience with an MRI so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I made sure to ask if I could “stay cute” while in the tunnel.  They agreed to let me keep on my Vintage Rose Wrap  and also my Choose Joy Rubber Bracelet.  And somehow that made my whole experience much better.  (I’m crossing my fingers that the Choose Joy bracelet is going with me into the O.R. but we’ll have to see.)

They asked me if I am usually claustrophobic.  And the answer is “sometimes”.  I for sure am when my two brothers are holding me under a blanket.  NOT OKAY.  But I thought I might be okay doing this.

As soon as I was put into that tunnel.  I had to focus on breathing.  Just telling my brain that there was an easy way out.  Then I decided closing my eyes was a good idea.

Then I will share the FIRST thought that came into my head as soon as my eyes closed….

“If I farted in here….I would totally end up giving myself a covered wagon”

Yep.  Apparently I’m WAY less mature than previously thought.
Good to know.

After a few minutes my breathing became more even.  I felt more calm.  And the noises quit scaring me.

And then….all I could think about was that episode of Friends when Ross plays the keyboard.  And I was waiting to hear his voice say, “Electrifying……..infinite…..time”   (that kinda made me giggle, and I wasn’t supposed to move)

After that….I still had like 30 minutes left…

So I:

• thought about “to do” lists before I have surgery
• what order I’d like to ride the rides at Disneyland
• whether or not I should keep the “red” hair
• what song I’d use to try out for American Idol

And then I just started to get irritated.  Because the loud, pulsing sounds were throwing off my head singing.

So then I focused just on those rhythms.  And seriously, a lot of 80′s hair band songs went super well with them.  They kept changing though.

It was best for me to come up with my own songs in my head.  I was in the middle of a fantastic tune about corn chowder and a man with a gun……(I know….believe me, it was awesome)  And then she said “Mrs. Garner, we are all done)

Sweet.

Not too shabby.

Today I am super resting.  And announcing the 2 winners of the 2 amazing Kaboo Bags featuring tech pockets.

Both winners have received e-mails about their win and how to claim their bag.  So if your name happens to be “Danielle or Crystal” and you don’t have an e-mail….it’s probably not you.  Sorry.  (I get your frownie face.  This is a nice bag)

Hope you have a great day.

Only PLEASE don’t talk about that around my 9 year old son, who has finally figured that out, and thinks ALL of this is his fault.  Nearly broke my ACTUAL heart.

This year I was feeling pressure to get up a big Mother’s Day post and new printable…..and my husband finally put his foot down.  As a stress I did not need.  And know what?  He’s right.  (boo!  I hate it when that happens)

Last year I POURED out my heart and soul into this Mothering Day Post about my proposal to change the name of the holiday.  And I still stand by every single word.  Along with the fact that the printable I made for that post remains among my VERY favorites I’ve ever made.

So maybe head over there, if you didn’t read that last year.

This year, I’m just showing you where I learned to be a mother:

From my AMAZING Mother.  Who raised 4 children as a single Mom.  And still rocks as the best Grandma of all times.  And taught me:

“Life isn’t always equal.  But it’s always fair.”

And that quote has taken my whole life to even begin to grasp.  But from a woman who was widowed at age 32….it’s freakin’ profound.

Then there’s my ROCK STAR 94 year old Grandma.  Who feels that I need a new and “freshly-pressed” house-coat to wear to the hospital.  Because I wouldn’t “want the Doctors to see me in something old or unkept.”  (gasp!)  Not only did she raise my own freakin’ amazing Mom…..but 7 other kids.

My favorite quote from her has always been:

“Remember Lara, no superiors and damn few equals.”

It’s a family quote, passed down from generation to generation.
And I get super irritated with the people who quote it without the “damn”.  Because this comes from a woman who only swears to quote this line.
For reals.
So it’s imperative that it stay that way.

So there you have it.  Wisdom from 2 of the absolute best mothers I know.

Happy Mothering Day 2012 to all of you

• who ARE Mothers
• who WANT to be Mothers
• who HAVE an amazing Mother
• who USED to be a Mother
• who have the QUALITIES of a Mother

All of you with the goodness to nurture other human-beings.  Happy Mothering Day.

At the very least hug the people who are near and dear to you.  Life is unpredictable.

The loss of a loved one is a strange surreal reality. Life is completely normal except for one large, gaping hole. Each day the pain seems to become more real and defined as the actuality of what has happened sinks in.

Heidi of Honeybear Lane, lost her sister-in-law, Alice Hansen, this week to complications following the birth of her third baby. She fought a hard fight to stay on this earth with her husband and three little children who love her dearly. But God wanted her with Him and there is none who can stop Him. Her husband, Heidi’s brother, was left behind to take care of their two little boys and newborn daughter.

Heidi’s family opened a donation account for Alice and her family. This money will go towards funeral costs, residual medical expenses, and the costs of raising children without a mother or a job. Her brother is going through a very difficult thing and while nothing can replace the ache of losing his sweetheart, any sort of donation will help to ease the burdens a little.

If you would like to donate money directly, please visit Heidi’s blog Honeybear Lane. You can donate easily by clicking the “Donate” button on the right sidebar. You can donate through Paypal, credit card, or e-check (a check directly from your bank account.) Any and all donations are appreciated.

Please also spread the word by sharing any posts you see about it. You may use any of these beautiful printables that the talented Lara made for Alice. These printables represent the music that Alice made in her life–being a PhD in music. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, she was a very gifted pianist who traveled the world before getting married and having children. She shared that passion with her husband, also a pianist. Music brought them together.

Music was her passion. But her family was her life. She figuratively and literally gave her life for her children. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Message from Heidi:

From the bottom of our grief-stricken hearts:

Thank you.

I admit it. I have several addictions.

• One: Diet Coke
• Two: Sugar
• Three: Cheap, outrageous shoes
• Four: Jewelry
• Five: Cool Bags with pockets

When I was at the SNAP! Conference in April I was SUPER busy.  I had so many things to oversee that I barely ever rested.  And I for sure didn’t have time to do a lot of browsing in the room where the conference sponsors were set-up.

That was….until…..I saw BAGS.  And a primitive urge inside me said “bags!!!!!!”  (in kind of a monster-ee voice)

I HAD to go check them out.  They are a brand new product.  Kaboo Bags.

I found one that loved me, and I loved her back.    Her name is Riley.

I needed her, and she needed me.  It was one of those relationships…..like where hippos let those birds live on their backs.  They need each other.  Wait.  Did I just call myself a hippo?  Yep.  I did.  And I should stop eating treats.  ‘Nuf said.

K.  When Riley came to live at my house….I may have SQUEALED over the packaging.  *SQUEEEEEEEEAL!*
Are you kinda squealing now too?
Look at that aqua chevron packaging?
I mean….seriously?
The box is for sure staying here to make me happy on a rainy day.
(plus it says “Live Loud” which is good advice, indeed. Particularly when it comes to at what level you play your Poison’s Greatest Hits Collection.)

Here’s a bit closer.  The bag is very high quality.

And let’s just begin….by saying….pockets and I are IN LOVE.  I need and adore pockets.  Lots of them.  So the Riley Bag started off on a good foot with me.  Two big pockets on the outside.

Get ready to squeal again……..

LOOK AT THAT INSIDE!  I’m personally squealing about the pockets.  But the chevron is a CLOSE second.

I have my big wallet (yes I still carry a checkbook…..nice one….GRANDMA!)
My HUGE sunglasses (which actually cancel out my Grandma status….because they are HOT!)
Then pockets for my iPhone, iPod, and my lip gloss.

I could have fit a TOOOOOOOON more in there. That’s just what I threw in to check space.

Did you think the squealing was over?  Oh no my friend, oh no.

One more big surprise for you about these amazing Kaboo Bags.

THEY EACH FEATURE A PADDED AND PROTECTED “TECH POCKET”
PERFECT FOR HOLDING AN ELECTRONIC READER
OR YOUR SUPER AWESOME iPAD.

It is so super soft, that if your item isn’t in a cover, you wouldn’t need to worry.  But most people do have covers.  Anyway, you just slip it in the pocket and go on your way.  Knowing your device is protected.  How amazing is that??

I thought I’d answer a couple FAQ type questions that I WOULD have as a consumer….

• Can I fit my laptop in the “tech pocket”?:  I tried my 13″ MacBook,  and the answer for that one is no.  So don’t plan on that.   I don’t have a MacAir, so I’m not sure on their size.  But the Macbook won’t fit.  I’ve heard that some mini-PC Laptops will fit though.
  
• Would my DSLR Camera fit?: I for sure had room to throw mine in there….but I was using it….so…..I didn’t show you that.  There aren’t specific protections in the bag for cameras or lenses.  But there is definitely room.
• Is there only one color/style?: Nope.  There are LOTS!  This one was just my favie because of it’s copious pocket sitch.  Check out the Kaboo bag selection.  Tons of colors and styles to choose from.  I kind of feel like I might NEED a Roxie Red.  Just sayin’.
  
• Does Kaboo have a Facebook Page?: FOR SURE! And they’d love you to hop over and “like” them.  It’s probably where you’ll get the most up to date info on their new bags and new features as well.  Find them on Facebook on their Kaboo Fan Page.  Be sure to tell them LCMF sent ya!

I am SOOOOOO excited to tell you that Kaboo Bags has agreed to give away TWO bags on Less Cake {more frosting}.  That means

2 of our amazing readers are gonna get one of these amazing bags….
Each an over $100 value!

How can YOU win one?

• Head over to the KABOO WEBSITE and come back to tell me which bag YOU’D want to win.  You gotta leave a comment to win.       MANDATORY TO ENTER

There are a couple ways to get extra entries:

• Send out a tweet about the giveaway: Something like: “I am freakin’ excited to enter to win a @KabooProducts bag over at LCMF with @LaraEllieG http://wp.me/p1zyZS-vn #KabooBags”    But then you gotta leave me another comment telling me you tweeted
• Share the giveaway with friends.  Some ideas are: a blog post, a pin on pinterest….however you share things you are excited about.  Leave me a comment to tell me how you shared.

THIS CONTEST WILL BE OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY.  IT WILL CLOSE TO ENTRIES AT 10PM (MDT) ON SUNDAY MAY 13TH.  THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY THE 14TH.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ENTERING.

*I have agreed to review this product and give my honest opinions about it.  All opinions shared reflect my genuine feelings and thoughts regarding the product.  I have not been monetarily compensated to share my opinion.*

(also, if you are unfamiliar with “the sitch”
you are welcome to check out my TMI post.  It’ll lay it all out for you.)

Anyway the official update includes:

• Upcoming MRI to image EXACTLY what is going on inside me.
• I have had almost 3 months of testing, and testing, and more testing.
• We now have a FAIRLY good grasp of what’s going on.
• I have started some medications that will tell my nerves to stop firing all the time.  Currently it’s making me EXHAUSTED.  I took a 4 hour nap on Saturday.  Unheard of for a girl with bad insomnia.
• I will be having surgery on May 22nd.

We have been served in more ways that I can EVEN wrap my head around.  I am overwhelmed with the love of our friends, neighbors, family and the blogging community.  Which, really, is amazing.

The main thing that makes me SAD is the inability to continue doing things I LOVE.  Like making stuff, and spray painting, and Mod Podging.   It’s that creative side that keeps all my sad feelings at bay.
You cannot IMAGINE how excited I was to be approached about a project that will require way more of my brains than my brawn. (which, let’s face it….is flabby at best)

Photo: Jenny K Photography & Design

I am THRILLED to announce that I am joining with the Daybreak Community, Bangerter Homes and Brian Clark, from Brian Clark Designs (an AMAZING award winning interior designer) to build and design a home that will then be a part of the Salt Lake, Utah Parade of Homes in August.

The DIY Blogging team includes:

• Jen Hadfield from Tatertots & Jello
• Char Coester from Crap I’ve Made
• Amy Huntley from The Idea Room
• Shelley Smith from House of Smiths
• Me (do you need a link to me?  You are here.)

Photo: Jenny K Photography & Design

Friday night we had the privilege of attending a “Stepford Wives” themed dinner party at the Breathing Space Blogger Retreat to make the big announcement.  As you can see, Char and I decided to wear hats.  Her’s is an AUTHENTIC Kentucky Derby hat.  And mine is from the land of Target.

(here’s a hint….two girls, with giant hats, sitting together make for some awkward situations.)

Photo: Jenny K Photography & Design

The evening was delightful.  Particularly with the addition of Miss Becki Whippy Cake herself.
I’ve made my girl crush on her quite clear.

They made the MOST FUN little debut video to announce the project.  Wanna see it?  It’s right here…

Look they even started pouring the foundation today.  Wow!  That’s seriously amazing!…
 
 

I’m so excited that even though things look like a rainy day over here a lot….I have a SUPER BRIGHT ray of sunshine coming from this project with Daybreak. 
It will be a chance for me to stretch my creative muscles and work on something completely amazing. 
It will help me keep my spirits up as I journey into this surgery…that I’m not looking forward to.  (for obvious reasons)
It will actually become a home that someone will own! Can you believe that?

I can kind of “put in a request” for a room that I’d like to design.  Whaddya think?  I’m thinking kids room.  But I dunno….

*Disclaimer–I am receiving some compensation to participate in the DIY Blogger House.  All opinions regarding the project, and all ideas presented as original content are my own.

But I do spend lots of time in there. Right?
And I HATE laundry.

I was hoping that by making it a pretty place I might be a little happier in there.
Plus, I wanted to show you that you CAN make a small laundry room both useable, AND pretty.

You aren’t gonna get a FULL pic of the room, because it’s too small to take a picture of the whole thing.  See?  I told you.  It’s small.  There are tall cabinets above the washer and dryer that have a decent amount of storage.  But they are hard to get to past the first 2 shelves.  Mostly because the appliances are in the way.

(Plus….can we have a group dry heave over the honey oak cabinets with golden hardware?  I’ll wait.  *gag motion* )

Directly opposite from the washer and dryer is one wall.  I admit that I didn’t grab a FULL before pic of this corner.  It was covered in one of those cheap “cage” looking shelves and a mess of cleaning supplies.

**This is the point where I admit to being JUST a director in most of this makeover.  As many of you know, I have been quite sick, and unable to do a project of this magnitude.  However, with the opportunity to work with Lowes on a room makeover….I BEGGED my sweet hubby for help.  And he agreed.  It was so amazing that he would do this for me.  And I want to give him proper credit.  Particularly because the color and ideas were HARD for him to agree to.  But he let me do what I wanted.  And I adore him. **

We started with a VERY BOLD color on the previously boring walls.  I LOVE what I called “peacock blue” and am not afraid to put it in such a small room.  Particularly with the very nice window on the back wall.  It’s a bright area.

We used Olympic’s brand new ONE paint.  We used the color “French Riveria” in semi-gloss.   It went on amazing.  Olympic has this paint that includes the primer.  So even going from a very light butter color to this dark color….was only 2 coats.

(insert another gag about those cabinets….)

Because the cabinets are not heavily used, we decided it would be alright to try out painting them ourselves.  (we’ve been SUPER reluctant because we value having them look professional)  We used KILZ primer on them.   A spray one on the doors, and brush on for the outer cabinets.

We also sprayed the doors with spray paint for an even coat.  We used Valspar glossy white and made sure to do slow, even coats.  A lot of them.  We then used the Olympic ONE in semi-gloss to paint the outer cabinets.

We are VERY HAPPY with the result.  Although I still think if we ever do our kitchen…we will have a professional do them.

The other awesome product that I found in my Lowes “quest for awesomeness” was Allen + Roth paintable wallpaper My hubs was SUPER leery on slathering what seemed like paper with paint.  Even though I made sure to dig out the package from the garbage and point out “paintable wallpaper” on the label.  (wait…..that’s a totally annoying wife thing isn’t it?  Shoot.  I’m annoying.)

Anyway, it is ABSOLUTELY paintable wallpaper.  And when you put yummy paint on something that is super yummy to begin with….it’s freakin’ magical.

So no more stalling…..let’s get to this reveal already…..

Check out how that yummy paintable wallpaper looks on the back of these new custom built shelves that my talented brother built for me!

We measured absolutely EXACTLY enough space to get a basket against the wall, but still open the door.  I’m talking about 1/4 ” clearance.  I even had to buy new baskets.  This is a tiny room.  But thoughtful storage still makes it very usable.  Plus, I’m implementing that my kiddos learn to put their clothes in here.  Whites, Light Colors, Darks.  So that the laundry is already sorted for me.

I also feel the key to organizing small space is to go VERTICALLY.  We went all the way to the top with this one.  I’m so glad.  I’ve gained a TON of space to put seldom used items.

This little corner just makes me happy.  Especially the picture.

I just covered an old frame in the paintable wallpaper, used spray adhesive to attach.  And spray painted the heck out of it.  So easy.  And that cheery little welcome might make me hate laundry less.  Just a titch.

And you can now stop dry heaving over honey oak cabinets.  Because they have been sent to the
90 ‘s gods of rose and forest green.  RIP golden cabinet handles of gagginess.

Isn’t that intense?
It went from…”Hi my home could be owned by anyone.”
To, “Hi…..Lara lives here!”

I couldn’t be happier.  (well a giant for REAL laundry room with all that luxurious space might make me happier….but….eh….so what.  Mine is painted a GLORIOUS color!)

I am so honored to have had the opportunity to work with Lowes to create this room.  I couldn’t be more happy about it.  They have SO MANY fun ideas in their “Creative Ideas” online magazine.  I just recently started to subscribe….and WHAT THE HECK?  Where have I been?  It is AWESOME!

*Lowes provided me with a giftcard to purchase some of the supplies and materials for this room makeover.  My decor decisions, product purchases, and recommendations are COMPLETELY my own*

Linked to:

• The First SNAP! post was about how to decorate on a budget and think outside of the box. (i.e. going to a hardware store like LOWES for decor.)

• The second SNAP! post was about the panel I was able to participate on about how to spot trends and make them part of your life and even has a free printable poster of my favorite quote.

• This third post will be just about the conference, and what I learned by participating in it.

These girls have been lovingly dubbed “The Snappettes“.   And are all the fabulous minds behind this creative conference.  We were led by our fearless leader Tauni Everett.  This conference has been her dream. From these girls I learned:

• Girls CAN be friends, work together, play together, and not need to compete with each other.
• 13 heads are better than one.
• If the outlet in the girls’ bathroom doesn’t work.  Use the boys one.  There’s not that many boys there anyway.  (And having pretty hair is super important)

I knew when we scheduled the conference that the very first day fell on my daughter’s 5th birthday.  Which is NOT optimal.  Immediately Tauni told me I didn’t have to participate Thursday.  But….for real?  Are you kidding me?  With as much as I was in charge of?  Unfortunately I have a very special kind of OCD.  And that was NOT HAPPENING!

So instead of not going on Thursday, Tauni decided to let my daughter celebrate with 350 friends.
Oh.
My.
Word.

She couldn’t have loved anything more.  Particularly when she got to take home the top layer of the world’s greatest SNAP! Cake from the fantastic Ashlee at Topsy Turvy. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to her.  She posed for photos.

What did I learn on Thursday?

• My daughter is SO ME it’s nearly freaky.  And is not afraid to get on a stage.  In fact, she loves it.  Which is DOPE!
• I also learned that regardless of sore feet, awesome shoes are always worth it.

Friday was the opening of The Queen Bee Market.  I spent a lot of the day making sure details were still being taken care of.  And resting in a lounge chair that my darling friend Char got for me.  (since sitting is super difficult for me these days)  It has been named the “orbital lounger” and is probably my new best friend.

• The Queen Bee was FOR SURE the best handmade market I’ve ever seen.
• My bag kept getting fuller, and fuller, and fuller.

It for sure got some new bling from Miss Plunkett

And oh my GOSH!  A girl can never have too much HoopLa.  I should make a shirt with that on it.

Of course I did some serious damage at the Whippy Cake booth.  I am die-hard Whippy.  I went in determined to pick one.  I left with 4.  Nice.  It coulda been 7. (addict much?)

Things about this conference for me:

1. I was over a TON of details that I felt very responsible for.
2. I was pretty sick.  And in pain most of the time.
3. I had no late nights.  (okay ONE late night when Char and I discussed 80′s sitcoms…and then…after Ambien….I somehow made 2,389 empty iPod playlists.  Which…..is unexplainable.  And hysterical)

Still, I was SO PROUD to be a part of SNAP!

I for sure had some ridiculous star sightings.  And got pictures with NONE of them.  But Rhonna Farrer and Courtney from Pizzazzerie…..I officially apologize for dorking out on you.  I swear I’m a normal person.  Well, not normal.  But fun.

Thank goodness a few people physically GRABBED me and stopped me for pictures.  Because I would have left with 47 pics of fuzzy ball centerpieces.

One time Megan from Brassy Apple photoshopped our faces onto a picture from the Sisters feather dance from White Christmas.  And after that, I pledged my love to her forever.

If you have never seen Brooke from The Crafting Chicks jump on a trampoline.  Your life is probably not complete.  Just sayin’.

Last year Kristyn from Lil’ Luna had JUST had a baby.  And still managed to pull off a GNO that I pretty much peed my pants over.  It was at that moment that I decided to worship her.

It was SO much fun to be on the trends panel with Jeanee from Trendboost.  We were gonna get a whole panel pic…but I think Mandi and Jen were off being uber popular.  So it was just me and Jeanee working the camera.

Kristy from Diary of Dave’s Wife is one of the only girls I know that appreciates my love of ridiculous high heels at inopportune times.

Amy from The Idea Room….well….I can’t even think about her without crying.  She is one of my best friends.  And I know she doesn’t mean for this to be public knowledge.  But she drove a LONG way to clean my house before SNAP! because I was unable to do it.  And I still bawl, every time I think about how amazing that was.

I already publicly professed my girl crush on Becki from Whippy Cake.  And I guess I tried to kiss her.  She doesn’t look that thrilled about it.

Aren’t you kind of DYING over Tara from TaraDara’s dress?  You’ll really freak when you hear she got it at Goodwill.  What the?  Actual awesomesauce, right there.

Aw……Crap I’ve Made.  The only reason working our BUTTS off on SNAP! was worth it to me?  Because when we finished our epic sign….you hugged me.  And now I feel complete.  Like, you are the Renee Zellweger to my Tom Cruise.  You complete me Coester.

I have read some AWESOME re-caps of SNAP!  Some make me laugh out loud, some make me cry, most made me wish I could have played all weekend.   Mine is gonna have to be different than that.

But let me just tell you.
This community is amazing.
They are lovely people.

I was asked about my health at every turn. People reminded me to lay down and take my meds….which I promptly ignored. But still.

The Snapettes came to my house and tied asterisks for hours. Some even sacrificed their Silhouette cutting mats for them.

People noticed the little tiny details that we agonized over. Score!

Mostly, I needed to go and read all of your delightful recaps to feel what you were feeling.  And it made my heart SOAR!

If one person was inspired.
If one person got a moment to breathe.
If one person met a new friend.
If one person grew her self-worth.
If one person laughed.

If one person learned to “just be YOU”.

Oh my goodness it was worth it!

• Mandi from Vintage Revivals
• Jen from Tatertots and Jello
• Jeanee from TrendBoost

PLEASE tell me you totally “get” my feelings of overwhelming “what the heck?”

A totally intimidating group of awesomeness.  I may have had a nightmare that no one would show up to our panel.  But gratefully, people did.

I have to admit that we had some “technology” difficulties.  Including that my slides from my Mac didn’t like the PC.  And therefore all my awesome fonts looked like hud.  (if you know me at all….you know this was very difficult for me to swallow)

Then we lost power to our computer….and the amazing Jen had to go running all over the property looking for her cord.  That poor woman.  You would DIE at how well she bounced back.  I would have been out of breath for a week.

I was kinda proud of how we just rolled with it.  Mandi jumped up and did her AMAZEBALLS presentation, and no harm, no foul.  We even let out our panel on time.  (mostly because we mutually decided to “play each other out” at the end of our presentations….like they do on the Academy Awards.  I found it quite lovely.)

I know not everyone was able to attend.  And I would love to share my part of the panel.  (and yes, part of it is because I want people to see the fonts.  Which are lovely!)  I also know the fabulous Jeanee recapped her part on her blog TrendBoost as well.

(first….you get major bonus points if you are singing the old school Disney song right now….”color, color.  The world is a carousel of color…” )

• Aren’t we surrounded by amazing color?  I am in LOVE with the site: Design Seeds  Besides being amazingly beautiful, it has been a HUGE inspiration for me to stop and just look at the color in everyday items.  My dinner.  My home.  The produce section.  We don’t need to find trends so much…as just look for the color in our everyday world.
• Main point? Slow down.  Use your eyes.

If we slow down, and start “cataloging” the things we are drawn to, either mentally, in an inspiration file, or on a site like Pinterest, we will start to see trends in our own likes.  Find things that appeal to you.  Repeatedly.  And figure out what it is about those combinations that you can incorporate into your life.  Is it color combos?  Patterns? Feelings?  You’ll see a trend for YOU.  Promise.

Inspiration is everywhere.  Not just on Pinterest.  This box (yes….it’s a feminine product) won a TON of awards last year for packaging.  Isn’t it obvious why?  Who knew you could think “super cool” about your lady garden products?  Well, if we just look around….we’ll be surprised.  I am totally diggin’ the black.  The swirls.  And that neon is ON TREND seriously.

The main way to remain “on trend” is to embrace the trends you love.   Trying to “force” yourself into a trend that isn’t really you…is always going to feel forced.  Always.

• Remember to incorporate your “trend” into things that are timeless.  The very nature of a trend is that it will change.  If you’ve immersed your whole house into forrest green in 1996.  By 2001…when you wish for a red wall…you might be sad.  You might not have the money to change.   You might end up keeping it and hoping that in 12-15 years it comes around again.  (PS…not a good idea….just sayin’….I have gold faucets….eww….)

I love to find inspiration from tons of places.  Like lots.  (i.e. the previous female product box)  When I see something that I LOVE I use it.  Like this ad from Target.  (or “God’s Country” as I like to refer to it)  Something about it screams to me.

I used the ad to help me make this fun printable of my very favorite quote of all time.

“Wherever you go, there you are”

Why is that my favorite quote of all time?
Because it’s so simple.
But SOOOOOOOO deep.

I mean, right?  I am here.  Not there.  So….might as well embrace it.

Which is EXACTLY why I wanted to end with this sentiment.

BE THE TREND

Don’t follow the trend. Don’t wish you were like “trendy so-and-so”.  Their trend isn’t YOUR trend.

During the panel I shared (with tears….let’s be honest) one of the best pieces of advice I’ve EVER gotten.  EVER.  It came from my cute friend Shelley from the House of Smiths.

1. She told me that the first time she met me….I acted very “small”.
2. I didn’t walk tall. And that’s how she perceived me.
3. And she was right.  I was intimidated.  And felt “less than.”
4. Why?  I shouldn’t have.

GUESS WHAT?

Whatever you have to offer?  It’s enough.
It’s cool.
It’s trendy.
It’s original.
And as long as you’re proud of it.  People will notice.

Be you’re own trend.
You are the original “YOU TREND”.
Walk tall.  And people will treat you as such.

Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!

You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 16×20. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)

As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:

• LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
• Please do not remove the watermark.
• If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
• Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

It was so.
So?
Yep.
So.

• So awesome
• So tiring
• So inspiring
• So glad it’s over
• So sad it’s over
• So mad I didn’t get more pics
• So proud of what went down

I have a few SNAPPY posts to share.  But if you didn’t go….don’t worry. 

These posts will be filled with things that anyone can use.  Attendee or not!

Shelley & Jen

I was in charge of the branding for SNAP! which mostly happened way back last summer.  But I was also in charge of the “look” and decor for the conference.  And that happened….well….in the wee hours before it got here.  {read: days, nights, and days AND nights}

Here’s the stats–

• 10 Hula Hoops
• 7 Cameos
• 85 sheets of paper
• 80 asterisks
• YARDS AND YARDS AND YARDS of fishing line
• 36 lanterns
• 5 halogen light covers
• 1 roll of glassiene table paper
• 15 huge vinyl asterisks
• 1 sheet of beadboard
• 5 rolls of crepe paper
• 4 bags of M&M’s
• 24 pack of Diet Coke (and some Dr. Pepper for Amy because she isn’t on the DC team.  WHAT??)
• 350 nametags, badges, and lanyards

And on….and on….and on….

Amy

There is ABSOLUTELY no way I could have accomplished those outrageous numbers without the amazing help, support, and man-power/woman-power of my SNAP! Teammates (the Snapettes)  They were working, at my house, cleaning my house, bringing me treats, watching my kids, talking me off a ledge, and just raising my spirits at every turn.  They are the dream team.  (no offense 1992 Olympic Basketball mans.)

We used some SUPER FUN, and super inexpensive things to make the conference look amazing.  And most of it was found by browsing the isles of my favorite home improvement store, Lowes.

I was on a TIGHT budget.  But wanted to make sure that 325 creative bloggers felt inspired.  That’s a trick, right there.

Like take, for example, that you need to fill a ginormous wall…

• Sheet of bead board: around $25
• 4 Cans of spray paint: around $5 each
• Wooden dowel: a couple bucks
• Piece of acrylic (cut by EXTREMELY helpful Lowes employee): $25
• Foam Core: about $12 total

About 10 man hours later…..between the amazing Amy, Char, and myself….( oh and our poor children who entertained themselves all day)

You end up with this! (and yes..the rumor is true.  Char and I hugged at the end.  And if you know Char, and her aversion to hugging….you know this is huge!)

We had several professional sign makers who commented that they would charge a LARGE sum of money for something similar.  And we were proud to be DIY.
Yep.  Do it yourself.
I didn’t craft it.  Because I hate that word.
That was some creative thinking….from some creative peeps.
You can be creative too!

 (gratuitous close up of the acrylic.  Which I would marry.  If that kind of thing was legal in this state.  Because I am in love.)

We found these amazing fuzzy ball situations at a local wholesaler, I think Tauni thought I was NUTSO when I announced that they were the winner for our centerpieces.

But, in fact, they were the actual embodiment of “amazeballs”.

They only came in white.  But luckily….white is the best palette ever.  So another trip to Lowes, and a few spray cans later….we had custom matched centerpieces.

PS….how COMPLETELY amazing are those vases?  All courtesy of the amazing IKEA.  Yep.  I adore them.

We had an over 10,000 square foot space to fill.  Difficult, if not impossible.  But with my buddies on the scissor lift. (who I took a pic of but promised not to blog about.)  And the amazing engineering skills of Britt and Kami.  We did a not too shabby job.

The last and final piece of decor was my most favorite.  And I didn’t snap ONE SINGLE PIC of it.  What the heck was I thinking?  I seriously have no clue.  So I did a little “borrow” from my friend Katie at Sweet Rose Studio who captured it perfectly.

See those awesome thing-ees hanging from the stage?
Those are halogen light covers. 
Yep.
Those plastic things they put over the lights in the elementary school.  They are textured, and plastic…and CHEAP!  Who knew?  And thanks to the amazing skills of Miss Shelley we have outstanding vinyl asterisks to put on the back, in our signature SNAP! colors.

At just around $7 a piece….they were my FAVORITE  “outside of the box” addition to the SNAP! decor.

Here’s my tips on the MOST IMPORTANT things when beginning to decorate.
Whether in your home, your room, for a party, or an event…..

1. Get a budget.  Stick to the budget, no matter what.
2. Find a color palate. Things that are thoughtfully matched look expensive.
3. Think of things with a vision.  In ways they may not be intended for.
4. Look at expensive parties and think “how could I do that without a million dollars?”
5. Take a walk in the Home Improvement store.  You might surprise yourself.

Now party on!  Then take a nap!  You deserve it.

I mean, sure. It’s gonna get cleaned up. Eventually. But it’s a mess.
We’ve had our fair share of messes around here. Especially lately. It’s awful hard when Mom’s not keeping up on things at home. A house can get TRASHED so super fast. It’s kind of disheartening.

Gratefully, I have freakin’ ROCKING friends that do amazing things for me. Like how my friend Amy came over and helped me clean my whole house. Top to bottom. Well, I didn’t help much. Just watched. (and can I just say….most uncomfortable sitch ever? I felt so silly sitting there!)

But what I’m really trying to get at is that sometimes you just need a fresh start. Like the fact that she came and gave me a fresh canvas to start from, means today, I just need to make sure I keep up on the dishes. And pick up a little at a time. It’s a major lifesaver and mood booster.

That’s why I’m so excited about this contest over at ForRent.com.

The contest will run to April 23rd. Contestants just have to like the Facebook page at facebook.com/aptsforrent and upload your messiest apartment photo under our contest tab!

The panel of judges will then choose five finalists who have the messiest apartment. Then, turn the voting over to the ForRent.com Facebook friends! The public will decide from the five finalists who wins the grand prize of $3,000.

Not a grand prize winner? Not to worry! Four finalists will each win $500! The winners will be announced on or around April 30th.

Use the money to clean, buy new apartment goodies, or do whatever you need to give your apartment a facelift!

I just cannot stress ENOUGH the mood booster it is to walk into a room that isn’t a disaster.  Like it really surprised me HOW much happier I feel.  So what are you waiting for?  Go over and enter ForRent’s Contest NOW!!

ForRent.com has paid me to review their contest and offer my opinion. I only recommend companies or services I believe my readers will enjoy.

I worry that thousands of teachers all over the country are getting wooden apples, and dollar store frames, that they just can’t use.

So with “teacher appreciation” weeks popping up all over…..why not give your kids’ teacher something she can actually use?

Don’t be afraid to ask your kid’s teacher what they actually COULD use. Lots of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies. And what’s better than helping out with things that will benefit everyone?

Now, granted, paper plates, Anti-Bacterial wipes, and baggies are never gonna be as cute as that wooden apple that you spent all day making. But I have a secret….

It’s all in the presentation.

I always have a roll of cellophane wrapping on hand. I swear it could make a moldy banana look like a million bucks! So find a fun (and useful) type of basket for your items.

Displaying the items in a super cute way is important too.  Put taller, and bigger things in back.  Smaller things in front.  And you can even use tape to keep things in a cute order!

Then attach a length of cute ribbon.  I didn’t even tie a bow.  So anyone can do this!  And you’ll need a cute tag….

Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered.

Just click on the arrow with the line under it to download your own copy. I backed my tag with some bright cardstock. It took about 5 minutes to complete. Now, that’s my kind of gift!

So don’t worry if you missed the chance to give a gift to your child’s teacher on the first day of school. Keep your eyes and ears open….and I bet you can find a gift that the Teacher will REALLY appreciate.

(and PS…if you’re really into wooden apples…I still like those…and I still like you!)

**This printable was offered on the blog Brown Paper Packages in the fall of 2011.  But is brand new to LCMF!  See?  I’m totally into reduce, re-use, recycle.  {tee hee}**

I’ve had SO many awesome and sweet people check in on me and my health. I’ve had COUNTLESS friends do amazing things for me. My sister-in-law and Aunt brought us frozen meals so we can just get them out and make a dinner. And it’s made a WORLD of difference. My sweet Mom drove down and folded 10,000 loads of laundry. My goodness….I can’t even list all of the things.

Just as an update: (I’ve had lots of people ask)

• LOTS of Doctor appointments
• LOTS of tests
• Wednesday I will get a small surgery to put an epidural in my back.  It will be put directly next to a nerve that is suspected as a big culprit in my severe pain.
• The immediate goal is to get a drug cocktail that will take just enough pain away that I can do a few more things, but not so much that I am in a drug haze.   We’re working on that right now.
• I am being referred to a specialist in Phoenix, because my case is quite complicated. (apparently there are only 4 or 5 doctors in the nation who are qualified to deal with my specific problems)
• It looks like a pretty long road ahead.

I have days…moments….where I can’t function.  I cry a lot.

But I have really appreciated the time to think.  Really think.

What has this got to do with Easter?

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what exactly I am going to learn from this trial.  Because I truly believe that you don’t have trials TO learn things.  But if you CAN learn something…the trial was not endured in vain.

I don’t talk about religion much on my blog.  But I am a pretty religious person.  It’s not a side of me that I really advertise.  Because oddly, I keep it pretty close.  (I can totally tell you that I’ve pooped my pants…but I can’t be serious)

But one of the VERY strong impressions I have had regarding my situation, and needing to repeat this trial, is that I must become humble enough to let other people in.

I cannot ask for help.  It seems weak.  It is an admittance that I’m out of control.  It alerts others to the fact that I am not able to do things on my own.

But I got to thinking.  How arrogant is that?  How prideful?

So….on this Easter Sunday I am here to admit….

I can’t do this on my own.

I am out of control.
I am unable to bare the thought of the upcoming surgeries, doctors appointments, and months of pain.
I am not capeable of controlling the deep sadness that overwhelms me for moments in my days.
I cannot explain my situation to one more person or one more doctor who doesn’t understand it. Who can’t fix it.

I am in need of someone who can hold me while I cry and know exactly how I feel.

And the answer to every one of these problems is answered in this Easter Day.

I don’t have to do this alone.  Ever.  Regardless of whether doctors, or friends, or family are here.

painting of Christ by Del Parson

I believe that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of mankind.  And while he was agonizing over these sins….he also bore all of the sadness of his brothers and sisters.  All who had lived, or would live on this Earth.
He has felt MY pain.

Not just A PAIN.
MY PAIN.

And yours.

As I feel overwhelmed with the things this life has delt to me (or my loved ones)  I am reminded of a scripture that changes my perspective on the trials that I am given.

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? (Doctrine & Covenents 122:8)

The answer is no.  I am not.

The part about the Easter Story that I love the most, is not the agony that Christ suffered.  But the fact that after the agony.  After the pain.  After the ridicule.  He rose again.

The story has a happy ending.  A triumphant ending.

And it gives hope to anyone who hears it.

Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!

You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 16×20. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)

As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:

• LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
• Please do not remove the watermark.
• If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
• Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

I’m not saying I won’t be totally embarrassed that my Mom sees that I haven’t done laundry or cleaned my toilets.  Or that it is horribly uncomfortable to ship my kids to my friends’ house while I go to the doctor for hours on end.

But I TRULY believe that as we endure trials, we must be open to the love that Jesus Christ has to offer.  And that love is expressed through the people who surround you.  If I can’t let them in….I am unable to attain the full measure of the things he wants to give to me.

I call it “embarrassing” but truly it’s humbling.  It is admitting that I need him.
It’s accepting that he rose on the third day.
Because THAT’S the end of the trial.
The rainbow.
It’s him.

I watch Access Hollywood darn near every day.
I think a lot of people do.
C’Mon! Admit that you at least browse the headlines on the “In Touch” mag in the checkout line.
I am particularly tempted by headlines featuring the Kardashian girls. But that’s neither here nor there.

I don’t think these things are too terrible to admit.  And not too uncommon.  But here’s where it gets a little weird….

So….I get star struck by ANYONE.

• Like the time when my sister and I followed Della Reece around the SLC Nordstrom store incognito.
• Or the time when I nearly peed my pants because Thurl Bailey was sitting two tables over from us at a company party.
• How ’bout the time my sister and I went to the local TV station to give our favorite weatherman the “weather related sugar cookies” we prepared for him?  (I’m sure he chucked them.  What kind of crazies bring the weatherman “weather related sugar cookies”?  He missed out.  My sugar cookies are epic!)
• The only TRULY freak out worthy encounter was when the one-and-only Karl Malone was sitting right behind me at a Jazz game.  And for real…I almost died.  Mostly because I had a picture of him in JUST jeans and a cowboy hat on the back of my door in High School.  And in my mind….he was shirtless.

Essentially I’m a nut. And so EASILY….

It was a TOTALLY new experience to start having “bloggie idols”.  Like I need another group of people to act like a fool around!  I started reading blogs and finding people I totally related to.  And now they’re kinda like movie stars.  But with less paparazzi.

With SNAP! coming up….I thought maybe some of you that are attending that, or another blogging conference might be feeling the same thing.  Or maybe it’s just that you want to be able to drop a note to your “bloggie idol” and you’re chicken.  I’ve felt that so many times!  Believe me.  So don’t worry…

Here’s just a COUPLE of mine.  And how I’m a dork.

Tatertots & Jello: Jen: When I asked about bloggie idols on the LCMF Facebook Page this one came up a few times.  And don’t I know why!  The first time I found this blog…over 2 years ago…I couldn’t believe someone out there liked the same stuff that I did.  And had a black and white, polka dot ribbon obsession.  This is one of MOST CREATIVE BLOGGERS favorite sites. (in fact I heard a rumor that Tori Spelling is a fan.  Just sayin’)  The first time I guest posted for Jen…I was up all night.  Thinking about it.  Worrying that it wasn’t good enough.  I pretty much DORKED.  At least it wasn’t right in front of her.  Although there were SEVERAL gushing e-mails that should have given away my crazy-pants adoration.   I still feel pretty dorky being in the same space as Jen.  But hopefully I’ve gotten over some of my nerves.  Because we’re actually great friends now. (and for those who want to know….she’s the SWEETEST person on the planet!)

Vintage Revivals: Mandi I don’t remember when I found Mandi’s blog.  It might have been because of her hilarious Twitter antics.  But once I got there…..ho.lee.crap.  I couldn’t believe someone lived in a house with a black and white striped wall!  Pretty much everything Mandi does….is something I WISH I thought of first.  Or something I didn’t even know was cool.  Until she showed me.  I want so badly to be a trend setter…when essentially I just am a wanna-be-Mandirific.  I would wear a Mandi fanclub tee.  If she had them.  (and I’m pretty sure she will at some point!)  I might have looked through her house, when she wasn’t prepared for me to drop by.  And I should feel like a dork about it.  But somehow….it was worth risking.

WhippyCake: Becki So the first time I ever wore a big ‘ol flower in my hair was last year…about this time.  It was because I had finally met Becki in person.  And she talked me into it.  I mean…it was total Whippy peer-pressure.  And I gave in.  Because I want to BE BECKI.  I don’t feel like it’s gotten out of control.  I feel I am on top of my adoration.   But every time a new collection comes out…or I see an new outfit that she’s put together, I think SHOOT now I have to copy that. (dork!)  It would really be something else, to walk around being that cool.  I bet it feels AWESOME!

So those are just 3 of the bloggers that I have acted like a dork around.  The list could actually get much bigger.  I didn’t even dare talk to TomKat last year when I saw her at an event.  I just took pictures of her and giggled.  DORK.

I should tell you, “don’t be scared.  Bloggers are just people.”
And that really is true.
But it’s hard for me to tell you that.
Because I totally get the “star struck” thing.

But can I just tell you something mushy?

In the last 2 months…my life has kind of fallen apart. I have not been quite myself. And a TOTAL hermit. The only way I stay sane is through the absolutely heaven sent relationships I have developed with some of these people that you’re feeling “intimidated” by. I don’t really want to write names in particular…I’ll for sure miss someone. And then I’d feel horrible.

But can I just share that people are good?
And kind?
And caring?
And through letting down some of my “judgements” about what people are going to be like…I have made life-long friendships.  I am no longer a dork.  (well…that’s not true, I’m a dork.  But they get me now!)

These people are the kind of people who don’t just say, “let me know if I can help.”  They are the kind of people that show up with food.  They are the kind of people who call and say “I’m taking your kids.  Don’t argue with me.”
They are real.
And real awesome.

So dorky or not….reach out.  Will your “star-struck crush” become your BFF?  Doubtful.  But still….just know that EVERYONE loves to know that they’ve made a difference.

Will I not dork out over D-list celebrities?
Ummm…..no.
What if I met a for real celebrity?
Do you think they’re real people too?
What if? 
I just blew my own mind!

I’m working on so many fun things…I can hardly wait.

One of the most fun parts of my job as a graphic designer…is getting something I’ve seen in my head, onto my computer screen.  But even MORE fun than that is to see a design make it to a physical product.

After lots of work, nothing feels better than holding an actual item.
And I have to admit….I’m kind of a picky pants about where I print my designs.  I’m constantly looking for places that I can get good, crisp prints, at affordable prices.  (a hard thing to find….may I add)

I am SO excited to let you know about a place that I PERSONALLY have tried.  That I have seen very HIGH quality products from.  AND….that I’m trusting to print all our pieces for SNAP! Conference.

UPrinting is a full service, online printing company, that offers EVERYTHING you need printed at VERY affordable prices.  And the quality is outstanding.  (‘member how I’m a picky pants?)

I know several people who have printed their business cards through UPrinting.  (like Tauni from SNAP! and Char from Crap I’ve Made)

I am SUPER excited about trying out UPrinting’s sticker printing options for some of our SNAP! stuff.   (And yes, I realize that stickers shouldn’t make me NEARLY as excited as they do.  But….sue me.  Stickers are delightful.)

I’m also thinking about trying out magnet printing as well.  Because the more custom stuff I can get….the merrier.

Have you ever thought about using a printing company to do fun custom items for

• an upcoming party?
•  A family reunion?
• A business opening?
• How about just fun projects for summer break?
• One time my Mom bought my sister and I a bunch of fun things like receipts and business cards for us to play with.  And I’m not kidding….HOURS AND HOURS of delight.  (K….I was in high school.  But I could still be talked in to a great afternoon of “interior design business”)

Just to help you get SUPER excited about this fabulous company…..UPrinting has teamed up with several awesome bloggers to do a MEGA GIVEAWAY!

An iPad.  Not kidding.

This is a different kind of giveaway than any I’ve participated in before.  In fact, probably the easiest entry of ALL time.  It’s administered through Rafflecopter.  You enter.  They pick the winner.  So EASY!

(so just keep in mind that you have to enter through Rafflecopter below.  NOT BY LEAVING A COMMENT ON THIS POST)  Although leaving me a comment is always delightful!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will be spending the next few days working on finishing up a BUNCH of prep. And letting my kids hang out with Grandma. Then it’s back home for some more Doctors appointments. (I’m kind of over those…..boo!) I’m hoping that YOUR Spring Break is WAAAAY more eventful. At least I’m going to be hitting all my favorite places to eat. That’s ALWAYS fun!

This is a sponsored conversation written on behalf of UPrinting, however all opinions and text are my own.

• No purchase is necessary.
• Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
• Winner chosen at random using Raffelcopter.
• This giveaway begins: 3/30/12 and ends 4/05/12
• You must be a 18 years or older to be eligible to win.
• Prize will be shipped by the sponsor and SNAP! assumes no responsibility for the value of or delivery of aforementioned prize.

In lieu of beautiful new wood floors and yummy gray cabinets….I decided to get out the most bright and cheery spring decor I could find.

But I felt like I was missing something. More Easter. More Bunnies. More things that remind me of candy. (because….let’s face it….candy is delightful)

Tuesday is “Mommy Day” because I drop off my daughter at her preschool.  Then, I go to: McD’s for a large Diet Coke and a sausage McMuffin (no egg, no cheese),  Target, Hobby Lobby, and a round at the Thrift Store.

Look what greeted me at my Mommy Day thrift store shopping!  Dirty, tacky bunny rabbits.  Sweet!

In the past, when I was dumb and snobby, I wouldn’t have even looked twice at them.  But now that all my “thrifting” friends have taught me the error of my ways…..I could see their amazing potential.

• (promise me you’ll look past my exterior of: no make-up, no bra, zit face, and a cookie monster tee shirt?  Something amazing is hiding in there!  Probably.)

I took my bunnies home and cleaned off their goop.

Then I shot them with a spray of white primer.  And for REALSIES they could remain white.  They are beautiful plain white.  And one day, when I’m super classy, they might return to white.  That’s not today though.

Today I need LOTS of cheer in my Spring home.  So my buddies got a shot of glossy yellow and hot pink.  (and that little green guy came like that!  Yep.  $0.75 of hopping lime goodness!  He’s awesome!)

Make sure, when you decide to venture into the thrift store isles….that you see the potential of what’s there.  And not just what it looks like now.

Get a mind-set that you’re gonna do an amazing make-over show….and need someone who will come out looking like a million bucks when you give them new glasses and a hair-do from this century.

Lots of things have potential.  Actually…lots of people have potential too.

Let’s pretend this is a super deep entry about seeing the potential in others.  And not about my super cute hot pink rabbit.  (even though he is amazing)

Gratefully, at least the Doctor is SUPER awesome. And funny. And manages to make me laugh, even when I’m in a ton of pain.

On our very first appointment, I happened to overhear him say that he loves white chocolate. And I had an “Ah-Ha” moment. If I’m gonna trust this man to fix me….and give me LOTS of TLC….I ought to feed him. Right?

Well then I saw someone post that M&M’s has a white chocolate variety for easter. SCORE!

So here’s my little tips for making a super cute and easy treat for someone who really needs it. (or someone who you are trying to suck-up to. What? That’s necessary sometimes.)

The fastest way to take a bag of candy from “here’s a bag of candy,” to…..freak this is cute!  Is to separate the colors.  Yep.  It just makes the whole thing pop.  And makes it look like your giving a gift rather than the excess of your grocery run.

I also ALWAYS have cellophane baggies on hand.  You will love being able to throw together something last-minute and not having to go to the store.

This is a GINORMOUS glue dot.  And I LOVE IT!  I got these from Therm-O-Web (makers of Zots…which are my favie!) when I was at the CHA conference in January.  And I seriously can not love them more.  What would you do with them?

Well I got some yummy gray twine and swirled and swirled and swirled and swirled.  (yep I swirled for a while)  Just make sure your going slow and making things look even.  The dot really is gonna hold that twine tight so there’s not a lot of room for error.

I’ve now made twine flowers by starting in the middle of the dot and by starting on the outer edge.  And the outer edge is much preferred.  (thanks for figuring that out Ellie G!  No problem peeps.)

I LLLLLLLOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEE how that twine dot looks holding this baggie together.  So awesome.  Especially for a guy.  Not frilly.  Just cool.

And hopefully it buys me some extra Doctor TLC.  Because I sure could use it.

The quick health update (which I’ve had lots of requests for) is:

• I’ve found an AMAZING doctor that has made it his personal mission to get me better.  I see him at least 2 times a week.
• The amount of prodding, poking, testing, and how I’m a major emotional wreck = in bed about 80% of the day.
• We are currently focusing on pain control.  And I’m looking forward to getting what is kind of a “walking epidural” put in my back.  It should be able to knock out all the pain 100%.  And that sounds HEAVENLY!  We’ll be ready for that in about 2-3 weeks.
• After that we’ll decide how many surgeries and when those will need to happen.

So there you have it. Pretty much sure of a couple more weeks of being in constant pain and mostly in bed, then hopefully (crossing fingers) I’ll have my permanent pain meds in my back before SNAP!  Because if I have to miss dancing….I will forever be changed.

Moving on, however….
I’ve been spending my time catching up. And thinking about projects big and small. I want to do some Computer Spring cleaning. And some planning for a great room/kitchen re-do in the summer. All fun things.

But I miss being able to do fun things for the ‘ol bloggie blog. I don’t have a lot of interesting experiences just sitting here.

• I can share that Cadbury Mini-eggs that have been held in your hand for a sec….become all melty and amazeballs.
• Getting new underware is like Christmas morning…..when you don’t have tons to look forward to.
• Nick Jr., while a mommy life saver, gets uber annoying after about 3 hours.
• I miss Oprah.

I had an idea last night….
I kinda get a lot of questions about me personally. My health, my family, Mod Podge, my hair, why I like frosting, where’s the Diet Coke fridge….

And…as you can see from the TMI post…I’m pretty much an open book.

So be creative.  Leave your questions here on this post, or on the LCMF FB Page, or you can E-Mail LCMF

I’m gonna answer as many as I can. Probably from my bed. But in a VIDEO! Because the last Video was so…much…stinkin’….fun.

Won’t that be fun? I’m serious. Be creative peeps. I wanna answer some doozies.

You should SEE the state of my house lately. It’s been SO hard to keep up. Gratefully…my sweet Mom and amazing sister-in-law have come in this week to help out. And that’s beyond amazing.

But it’s hard when people come in and say “can I run errands?  What do you need?”  And I have to say…..”umm….not quite sure.  My house is a mess.”

You can tell that there’s been a valiant effort in the past to be organized.  But over the last little while, things have just been tossed in.  The fridge is similar.  And I don’t even have a pantry….so….

I asked my kids to hurry and help me take a quick inventory of what we have.  And what we might need.  And do a quick tidy-up.  And because they’re amazing….they did.

I’ve been itchin’ to use this Chalkboard Vinyl from Silhouette.  And I felt like it might be able to help me in this little sitch.

I started thinking that I wanted something in a frame.  But I didn’t have one here.  Then I realized….duh!  That’s what my WHITNEY….(the name of my Silhouette CAMEO™) is for!  She can make me a frame!

I made a center to go into this frame, so I’d have something to write on….follow me…..you’ll get it in a sec…

A little chalk on a chalkboard primes it and helps it perform at it’s best ability.  (that’s my little tip for you!)

Now, on the inside of our little supply closet, there’s a place to write items down when you use them.   That way there’s always a back-up.  I get so irritated when I have fuzzy legs, and no razors.  (what?  It happens.)

And I’m sorry, but that chalk box is kind of making me happy.  It’s just a jewelry box with some cute paper glued to the top.  I stuck it with some removeable wall mounts.  Easy peasy.

Now you can see that the closet is picked up, things are in their places, and I’m aware that I’m out of soap and blush.

And psssttt…..little secret…..I was out of a couple “female items” but I couldn’t bring myself to write that down and take a picture.  I mean, I’m real.  But some things are just not kosher.  Ya know?

It has been a rough one around these parts, for sure.

I still want to respond to all the lovely comments and encouragement, and plan to…there’s just SO MUCH.

It will take me a bit.  It’s an awesome problem to have.

BS day was delightful.  Beyond delightful.

Yesterday, I kinda wanted a “do-over” BS Day.  I had a really awful Dr. Appointment.  It wasn’t anything I wasn’t getting mentally prepared to hear….but sometimes really hearing it is just worse than I can even prepare for.

Eventually, I will process it, and try to figure out a way to be positive about it.  Hopefully I will find a way to re-structure my lifestyle so that it doesn’t ruin my existence.  And mostly I need to find a coping mechanism that doesn’t involve Easter candy.

But until that time comes….

Bring on the Cadbury!

After all….tomorrow is another day!

Oh Scarlett….how I adore your brand of mental illness and tenacity!

Tomorrow IS another day.  It’s St. Patty’s day.  And we don’t have anything too exciting planned.  The leprechaun will for sure pee in our potty tonight.  Because, if we’ve learned anything from “Fiddler on the Roof” it’s that TRADITION is king.  (I’ve also learned that cemeteries are super scary…but that’s a post for another day.)

Last year I made this super fun poster for St. Patties day.  And this year it just fits my snarky little attitude.  Is it a coincidence that I frequently have a snarky attitude?  Probably not.

This year, I mostly find anyone who can control their personal gas issues, lucky….
so…I bet that’s you!

Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!

You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 8×10. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)

As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:

• LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
• Please do not remove the watermark.
• If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
• Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

Print it out today, and then after you chuckle….figure out a reason why YOU are lucky.
I know I can find a ton of them. Even on a day when I feel picked on.

Today I feel lucky because….

• The pineapple I picked out is perfectly sweet and puckery.  A complete delight.
• Nick Jr. is on all day long, to entertain my 4 year old, when I just can’t do it.
• My Mommy is coming to see me tomorrow, and fold my underpants.
• Spray Paint weather is roaring to a town near you.
• I found coral colored, patent leather pumps at the thrift store.  And they will put an actual “SPRING” in my step.
• Janet Jackson’s “Control” came on my shuffle this morning.  And I feel it was a sign from God.

So, luck shmuck….luck is what you make it.

Wait, back-track…
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for the encouraging comments on my TMI Post. I am going to respond to EACH ONE OF YOU individually. But it might take me a few days.

Today I realized what day it was (March 14th), and thought “no way I can post about this….that’s too much freakin’ whining for one week.”

But…just bare with me….I think it will be worth it. (have I ever let you down?)

Last year….if you were around…I let you in on a little secret about March 14th. (if you want the exact details the post is HERE. Skip to the end part.)

Essentially…March 14th is the anniversary of a plane crash that killed my Dad and his business partners in 1985. I was almost 8 years old at the time.

It’s an anniversary I wish we didn’t have. And I pretty much hate it every year. And it should get easier. But oddly….I just get more and more kind of….I dunno….miffed every year?

Our little family was just so “fine” at the time. In fact this picture is missing my amazing little sister, who was born after he died. (nothing like “Mam, your husband just died, it’s not uncommon for stress to cause a woman to miss her period.” Ummmm…..it’s also common for a baby to do that, doctor. Just sayin’.)

This morning, I was texting back and forth with my siblings.  And decided that I just felt like blaming stuff on other people.  Namely, my Dad, ’cause he ‘aint here to defend himself.

(Oh…Ps…this is the part where I tell you that in case you haven’t noticed…I enjoy dealing with stressful situations by being snarky and making fun of them.  It’s not irreverent, it’s therapy.  And it makes life more bearable)

So, it’s kind of fun to blame random messes on my Dad.  Or stuff that breaks.  Or today I was mad at him for giving me wiry hair.  And my sister was mad at him for giving us the need to eat our feelings.  He was a sugar baby too.

I said let’s just “Blame Someone”.  Let’s just blame Dad for everything.  We can call it BS.

Well, then, obviously the irony of that hit.  This IS BS!

• It’s BS that we had to grow up without a Dad.
• It’s BS that my Mom lives alone
• It’s BS that my brothers had to learn to use tools by trial and error.  LOTS AND LOTS of error.
• It’s BS that I’m scared of Men.
• It’s BS that my sister doesn’t even know what it’s like to have a father.
• It’s BS that people expect me to leave ugly flowers on his grave in May.
• It’s BS that songs about Dads make me ugly cry.
• It’s BS that I feel like I belong to the “Dead Dad” club.  (although it does make me laugh sometimes)
• It’s BS that my kids don’t know their Grandpa.
• It’s BS that I had to learn how to make caramel by burning 1,136 batches first.
• It’s BS that he’s not here to make jokes about me pooping my pants.  Because he would’ve loved that.

Essentially, the whole thing is BS.

I call BS!

And so, my collective family has deemed March 14th officially BS day.

So Happy BS Day!

Look I even have a card.  If there’s a card, it’s an official holiday. (okay I made it for myself…but still)

Here’s my thought….

Having BS Day today has made this day SOOOO much more enjoyable.  I’ve actually been laughing all day instead of crying.  And even if I cried that’s okay.  Because it’s BS Day.

• On BS Day you can feel any kind of feeling you want.
• On BS Day, any and all “eating of feelings” is both accepted and encouraged
• On BS Day, sugar is king.
• On BS Day, all your problems can be passed around to others, and they can take the blame.  For 24 hours.
• On BS Day, PJ’s are acceptable.  Though not required.

And yes, that’s my BS Day fare up there.  A Diet Coke.  Duh!  My cute neighbors brought me treats.  (you guys rock, by the way!) And yes, the mini-eggs are gone.  I emptied those toot suite.

I think EVERYONE should celebrate BS day.  BUT……Yours doesn’t have to be March 14th.  Yours can be ONE DAY a year that is super hard for you to get through.

Find a friend that might need to celebrate their own BS Day…and help them celebrate.
(Yep, you can have the card. See? I’m looking out for YOU!)

Click on the arrow with a line under it…in the above window. Just press it, and the image file should download right to your computer! Easy Peezy!

You can then print the file anywhere you’d like. This file is sized at 8.5×11. It will not print optimally at a bigger size. (But you can print it at a smaller size if you’d like.)

As usual PLEASE follow the following rules for Less Cake {more frosting} printables:

• LCMF prinatables are for PERSONAL USE only. You may not re-sell, re-distribute, or claim them as your own.
• Please do not remove the watermark.
• If posting on the internet, you MUST post a link back to this website.
• Personalization, color changes, and other customizations are not available on freebie printables. They are offered “as-is”.

It’s a 5×7 foldable card on the paper.  You can just run it through your home printer.  Cut.  Fold.  Write an awesomely uplifting BS message….and give.

Or, my cute friend Amy suggested that you could write your “BS” on a paper and send it up in a balloon.  Or send it to someone who understands.  Just to kind of “get rid of it”.  I thought those were great ideas!

The kicker is….you can only have it once or twice a year.
No wallowing in blame and sadness every single day.
It’s the keeping it to one day that makes it more “fun, effective, therapy” and less “self-pity and constant sorrow”.

After all, I KNOW my Dad wouldn’t want us to be living down here sad all the time.  Or stunting our individual potential in order to honor his passing.  He would want us to have fun, and grow, and excel.  In his honor.

And we will for SURE make fun of him, and blame broken stuff on him, and blame him when all the mini-eggs are mysteriously eaten…..because dude….what’s he gonna do? Haunt me?
Shoot.
He TOTALLY could do that.
Now I’m slightly a feared.
Ah well.

Happy BS day to one and all!