Wordless Wednesday - Nano Watching Football

Nano has learned from Bill exactly how he should watch football:

Don't forget to check out the terrific pictures all over the blogosphere, and to link your photo up at the Wordless Wednesday HQ Hub.

Until next time..... Lorie

Maria's Space: Oh Yes, Sing For Me Harry - Oh and for One of My Readers - CD Giveaway

My friend Maria I'm sure you all know her by now :-) has a wonderful giveaway over on her site Maria's Space... Harry Connick, Jr. has a WONDERFUL new album out and one of her readers {pick me, pick me} has the chance to win a copy!

Head on over to find out how I, oops, we can win:

Maria's Space: Oh Yes, Sing For Me Harry - Oh and for One of My Readers - CD Giveaway

Good luck..... until next time..... Lorie

The Speedy Gourmet: Fall Festival: Bake Me a Wish Review and Giveaway

My friend Jennifer over at the Speedy Gourmet has a wonderful giveaway from a fantastic company.

Bake Me a Wish is a terrific company that supports our troops, which is very close to my heart. You have a chance to win a delicious Cookies and Cream Cake from Bake Me a Wish. Head on over to Speedy Gourmet to see how to win:

The Speedy Gourmet: Fall Festival: Bake Me a Wish Review and Giveaway

Goo luck..... Until next time..... Lorie

WINNER - WINNER: Who Could it Be?

I have chosen the winner of the DigitalRoom.Com 18x24” Rolled Poster Print Giveaway . I'd like to thank all of the wonderful readers who entered the giveaway and joined my subscription list and started following me. I was very excited to do my first giveaway, and so pleased that some of you chose to blog about my giveaway -- even though I know you were even doing the same type of giveaway yourself!! {A special thank you to that outstanding woman, you know who you are!!}

SO, without further wait, through Random.org, the number chosen was:

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 24
Result:
6
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#6 is collyn23 said...
i subscribe
Congratulations Toni... I hope you enjoy the enlargement of the picture of your children.

Until next time..... Lorie

AWARDS: Received and Passed On

glitter-graphics.co




I am extremely humbled ..... and totally embarrassed to have waited so long in acknowledging them all. I have become the recipient of some wonderful awards by some of the greatest bloggers in the world - people whom I have the greatest respect for. I have been very neglectful in giving them the respect they deserve by showing the recognition they deserve here on MY blog. {Please forgive my negligence, but know in my heart I am eternally grateful!} I have thanked them all personally, but it is time for me to let YOU all know how I feel about them, and to pass on the love...




I received The Heartfelt Award from Bridget at Readaholic.


Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.





Awe... that is just so sweet of Bridget! She has one blog that I always enjoy reading because of her book reviews and giveaways. Plus she has great info on all kinds of things all over the web. She also runs a site called Deal Detective that helps link you up to ALL kinds of giveaways and free things; it is truly fantastic. Nothing is more warm and fuzzy than FREE stuff!! Thanks so much Bridget.....


Rules:



1. Put the logo on your blog/post.
2. Nominate up to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside.
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

Here are the blogs that I pass this award on to:

Maria's Space ~~ Maria always has such beautiful photographs of her children, who are such wonderful, and special human beings. She also has such other gorgeous photos that she has inspired me to increase my photographic work and experiment more with black & white and sepia tones. She also does wonderful book reviews, and writes incredible posts about all things in life; plus she has an Etsy site Street Angel where she sells her gorgeous artistic jewelry creations. I feel like I have known her forever, and like I am SO lucky to be her friend.

Sandier Pastures ~~ Grace is always writing about her lovely daughter Pristine and about their amazing life in Dubai. She is Japanese and so graciously talks about the customs of her heritage and showing photos of family celebrations. Grace also highlights the old and new parts of Dubai through essays and photographs on her blog, while explaining Muslim customs in such a way that we can all understand. I feel like I am getting an education from a long time friend every time I read Grace's blog......;

and finally.....

Running Away, I'll Help You Pack ~~ Alexis is one funny chick!! She also LOVES to share, her recipes, her favorite books, her favorite shopping tips and finds, anything and everything that makes her happy, so it will make you happy! She has the two sweetest little boys that say and do the cutest (to those of us who aren't their mother) things. When you read her blog, it is like being at her kitchen table having a cup of coffee chatting with an old friend.

The Uplifting Blogger Award I have received from Annette over at Fairy Blog Mother... I am so happy to receive this from her as she has a wonderful blog and she always makes me laugh with her terrific sense of humor and her fabulous way of looking at life - I am the one uplifted from reading her posts. Annette never lets life get her down, and always sees the funny side of things! One of my favorite parts of her blog is Bitch & Moan Friday, a meme I participate in, grab the button and join in if you want - it is really cathartic!! Thank you Annette.....


The Rules:

1. Include the award logo in your blog or post.
2. Nominate as many blogs which you like.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.


Here is who I would like to pass the Uplifting Blogger Award to:


Manic Mother ~~ Beth is an incredible woman... she has gone through a lot in her young life, but will not let it define her. She has 2 young sons (which I used to have, mine are now very BIG boys), and her youngest, Ezra, has leukemia. I admire her honesty and strength in dealing with this horrendous disease. She NEVER gives up the fight for her son and because of her, neither will I... he has the most gorgeous smile and when you go to her site, you cannot help but leave uplifted. Please go there and find out how we can ALL help those dealing with cancer.


The Mommy-Files ~~ Shannon always tries to post things that are truly uplifting and beneficial to everyone who reads her blog. She has wonderful giveaways, reviews, and does amazing videos that are interesting and just plain fun! There have been some who have tried to rip her down recently - all while hiding behind the "anonymous" moniker, but she has always taken the high road and been the bigger person, and I for one am so glad that I am following her and constantly read her blog. I am so very glad to "know" her.




I received this Award from Kaye over at J. Kaye's Book Blog. The Who Love's You Baby! Award is designed with one purpose in mind: pass this on to other bloggers who have awarded you in the past.



I am thrilled to receive this from Kaye, because she is such a busy blogger, I don't even know HOW she has the time to look at my little ole' blog. Kaye has reads tons of books every week and writes reviews for them all, not only for her blog, but for Amazon.com as well. She is also really smart when it comes to blogging, and is always offering tips on how to get the most out of your blog. She always takes the time to respond to you when you post a comment on her blog or answer a question when you ask her one. When I become a grown-up blogger, I wanna BE Kaye!! Thank you Kaye.....

Please head over to the following blogs that I pass this on to. I KNOW you will see why I love each and every one of them:


~ My Kids Might Be Martians : Sissy is hysterical and so down to earth!
~ Fairy Blog Mother : Annette just oozes humor and realism.
~ Readaholic : Bridget is a terrific writer a so socially aware and loves animal as much as I do.
~ S3x in the Pantry : Lynn is so spicy and articulate that I truly think she should write a book.


This next award I received is from Lynn over at S3x in the Pantry, and it is very special to me because it is for writing and I have been trying to improve my writing. It is nice to be recognized by someone other than The Hubs and my oldest son for having decent writing (not that I don't appreciate their complements). Lynn's blog is hysterical, and in my opinion fabulously written - so she was very well deserved in receiving this award. Lynn takes every day situations that we as parents go through, and makes us remember (1) WHY we had children in the first place, and (2) why we still love them and our partner; doing this all with insight and humor. So, Lynn, thank you not only for the award, but for the laughter and sanity every day, and remembering that no matter how old we get or how long we have been married, it is still possible to have gr(8) s3x.....

Rules for the Superior Scribbler:
• Each Superior Scribbler must pass The Award on to 5 Bloggy Friends.
• Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
• Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post, which explains The Award.
• Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. To keep a list of everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor.
• Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog


So the following blogs are the ones that I pass this award onto. I think that they each are Superior Scribblers, no matter what subject they choose to write about! Please visit them to see what I mean.....


~ Piera at Jolly Mom
~ Felicia at Go Graham Go
~ Margaret at Nanny Goats in Panties
~ Jo at The A-Priori Mommy
~ Tonya at A Day in My Life....

I am very grateful to these wonderful bloggers who passed these awards onto me, and I do hope that all of my readers will go and visit these beautiful people that I have given these awards to. They are all terrific women and I know you will enjoy their blogs, please let them know that I sent you over and say hello for me.

If I have forgotten anyone who generously gave me a wonderful award, please forgive me, accept my sincere apology, and give me a swift kick in the butt by leaving me a comment.

Until next time..... Lorie

Ruby Tuesday - September 29, 2009

Happy Ruby Tuesday, everybody!! Today's post is also from the car show... I REALLY love this car and wish it were mine:

Once again, head on over to Maria's Space to see her fantastic photos from an air show, and don't forget to link up with Mary at Work of the Poet.

Until next time..... Lorie

Mellow Yellow Monday - September 27, 2009

Drowsey Monkey over at Mellow Yellow Monkey began this meme in her words:

"I chose yellow for this photo meme because it's my favourite colour and I think the world is always better with a splash of yellow ... whether it's in your home or in nature. "

Here is my contribution for this week, it is also from the car show:

To enjoy another beautiful photo, head on over to Maria's Space... and don't forget to link up your post to the Mellow Yellow blog.

Until next time..... Lorie

Blue Monday - September 28,2009

Happy Blue Monday... My photos this week are taken at a classic photo show that is held every year in downtown Celebration, FL to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation... a wonderful cause.

To see another gorgeous picture, head on over to Maria's Space.

And don't forget to link your Blue Monday photo on Smiling Sally's blog.


Until next time..... Lorie

Ask a Stupid Question Day - Sept. 28, 2009

According to Bizarre American Holidays today is "Ask a Stupid Question Day".

My question is: Why do men wear Speedos??? Especially really hairy men??? OH YUK!!!

OK, everyone.... let's see how many stupid questions you can come up with... let's get rolling.... and how many answers we can come up with, too. I happen to think that NO ONE looks good in a speedo!!! I know many of you will say that there are men who do, and I will agree that some do - IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN HOME OR POOL. But I don't want to see them in public. Not even Girard Butler, Maria :-) ..... I know you were thinking it!!

So let's hear your stupid questions and answers.... Until next time..... Lorie

Sunday Stealing - September 27, 2009

Sunday Stealing originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger called Bikramyogachick from the blog 60 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge. She explains that this meme was written by the Restaurant Refugee. Hannah posted it on her blog, which is where she discovered it. So we have another relatively "virgin" meme. So we have no need to even explain that we don't trace back origins of a meme! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: A Fall Meme

It’s not really fall in until... Halloween, because it is so hot here in Florida. Until we get the Halloween decorations up, it just doesn't fell like fall.

What did you need to do in the waning days of summer for it to feel complete? Go to the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT in Disney World and eat until there is WWIII in our tummies. Plus there is the Eat to the Beat concerts and we Rock ON!!!

A person I know was wrong for me but about whom I frequently thought after a break-up was... My ex-husband, but the only reason I thought of him was because he was still being an a**h**e because of our wonderful boys. Now that the boys are grown-up, I hardly think of him at all - Thanks for making me remember him -- YUK!!

If you could only attend one major sporting event what would it be? The Super Bowl (especially if the NY Giants were playing) but only if it was in a warm climate -- I HATE the cold and it is in February... Then I would have to say the Pro-Bowl, because that is in Hawaii.

Assuming that you write an anonymous or partially anonymous blog, by what non-physically identifying characteristics might you be identified in a bar? My fear of men... I was assaulted 8 years ago, and have not gotten over it completely yet, so I do NOT like to talk to men at all and I have social anxiety.

Most blogs cover some sort of niche – personal, political, dating, culinary, etc. What topic, if any, would you like to address on your blog but doesn’t fit into your niche? I wish I could be totally open about religion -- I have been hurt by religious people - NO, not what you immediately think of, get your head out of the gutter... All though I could understand that from my last answer.... I am distrustful of ALL religions. I am very spiritual and do believe in God, but don't trust people who push their religion on others. (Sorry if I have offended - none was intended.)

If you could manipulate the time space continuum and give as many as three pieces of advice to a younger version of yourself, what advice would you give and to what age of you? 1. Don't trust ANYONE, except yourself; 2. You ARE a strong woman and CAN do what you set your mind to; and 3. There are friends out there that you can talk to when you need help, but the choices you make are ultimately yours, and you are smart enough to make the right ones.

Who among your friends do you really wish had a blog because their stories, or perspective on something ought to be shared? 1. My SIL, Judie -- she is SO funny, and has been through so many things, both good and bad, and has learned from her and grown so much, and she has been SO wonderful to me, whenever I have needed her. She also has been more than a friend, she is like a sister to me, especially when my biological sisters cut me off because of religious reasons -- I love her to death, and don't know what I would do without her; and 2. Jill, my friend that just moved back to California {sniff, sniff} - she lost her husband unexpectedly about a year ago, and after some well deserved grieving, she picked herself up and moved on with her life and had amazing adventures, traveling to Australia, Paris, and several other places. I know that I could never do something like that, she just inspires awe in me and I think a blog by her would make other people in her situation sit up and see that you CAN go on when things seem at there bleakest.

If you were to take an e-cation (vacation from the trappings of our electronic world,) and assuming that employment obligations would allow it, how long of a break could you take? What would you miss the most, the least? I could probably last a 12 days (that's as long as I have ever gone), and I would SO miss my bloggy friends!! I just LOVE hearing about what they have done in their lives, and see the pictures of their families. I would NOT miss all the Cialis, and "member" growing ads that seem to flood my emails. :-)

On September 11th of this year, I attended a couple of parties and was somewhat conflicted by the fact that this ignoble anniversary shall pass with it being just another day in the eyes of many (and in some ways my own eyes as well.) Thoughts? I am one person (with NO reflection on others) who commemorates that day every year in a solemn way. I did a post of remembrance, with a call for everyone to fly their American flag, which I always do on that day and all patriotic holidays. I wear a special t-shirt as does my husband and even my dog. I feel that we should never forget the sacrifice those men and women made that day, and the sacrifice many men and women are continuing to make on behalf of our freedoms today.

How high are your walls? Who was the last person to scale them? What tools should would-be climbers have on their belt? I have VERY high walls since they have been penetrated by a couple of really horrible people in the past and left me with some very deep scars. The last person to get through and stay there is my husband Bill. He is a wonderful man and he is standing in the guard post making sure nobody gets past him. If you really want in the things in your belt that you need are HONESTY and LOYALTY - don't lie to me and I will always be there for you... just as you should be for me because I will never lie to you.

The sexiest thing a man or a woman can say to you (or has said to you) is: Thank you for being here for me.

Until next time..... Lorie

Saturday Nine - September 26, 2009 (I'm Late - I Know)

Crazy Sam began this meme... Here's what she has to say:

"Welcome to Saturday: 9 . What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!"

Saturday 9: I Call Your Name


1. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have chosen, and why? Katherine... I love the way it sounds, and I like the nickname Katie, it is very Irish and I love my Irish heritage, plus I was a redhead, before I went gray (yuk) and I think the red hair and blue eyes makes me look like a Katie.

2. If you could relive a year in your life, what age would it be, and why? I liked the year I turned 30, I was starting to understand that I could get on with my life, I was not a complete failure as a woman, a mother, a person. I had gotten out of a horribly abusive marriage 18 months earlier and met THE most wonderful man in the world who was helping me learn that about myself and grow.

3. If you could go back and change one friendship in your past, who would it have been, and why? My "friendship" with Tyna... it cost me a LOT, things I cannot go into, but she knows and there are a few people who know -- I'm still getting over it: emotionally & financially.

4. If you could have dated one person in your past that you did not date, who would it be, and why? There are probably a lot of people, I got married WAY too young the first time, so I didn't even date much. Then I didn't date at all because I didn't like myself. But then I met the best person in the world and I didn't need anyone else.

6. If you had the opportunity to live in another country, which one would it be, and why? If you choose NOT to live in another country, why do you want to stay in your current country? I do believe the the USA is the best country in the world for LOTS of things, but we do have our problems... If I could live in another country, but still have my US citizenship, it would be Ireland... the people are SO wonderful (we spent 12 days there on Honeymoon) and the country is gorgeous!! The food and drink are terrific and the lifestyle is much more laid-back than that of Americans.

(This is one of the B&Bs we stayed in on Honeymoon; County Galway)

7. If you could choose your dream job, what would it be, and why? I would love to work for Disney World just smiling at children and waving, maybe taking their pictures, trying to make them happy.... I love photography and I love to make people happy; plus I think that for the most part people are trying to be happy when they come to Disney World, and I adore Mickey Mouse -- he is my hero.

8. If you could wish a wish and it be guaranteed to come true (other than riches) what would it be, and why? That everyone in the world has enough food to eat and health!

9. If you could meet two blogger friends (you may choose more, if you wish) who would they be? There are so many... but I can think of 8 off the top of my head:

~ Maria from Maria's Space

~ Felicia from Go Graham Go (I think I'm going to in February - YIPPEE!!)

~ Piera from Jolly Mom

~ Alexis from Running Away - I'll Help You Pack

~ Paige from The Nurse Mommy

~ Ryann from A Working Blogging Mommy

~ Sissy from My Kids Might be Martians; and

~ Crystal from Simply Being Mommy

I'm sure there are tons more that I will think of as I am falling asleep tonight and I'll kick myself in the morning... so leave me a comment, and I'll acknowledge you all! :-)

Have a great week..... until next time..... Lorie

(Stolen) Joke of the Day

My friend Shannon over at The Mommy-Files posted this joke on her site, and I stole it from her because it was just too funny NOT to pass on:

Joe was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sick father died, he decided he needed a wife with whom to share his fortune.

One evening at an investment seminar he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her beauty took his breath away. “I may look like just an ordinary man,” he said to her, “but in just a few years, my father will pass, and I’ll inherit his large fortune.”

Impressed, the woman took his business card and three months later, she became Joe’s stepmother.

Women are so much better at estate planning than men!!

Head on over to Shannon's site to see all her wonderful content... She is a wonderful person and you will adore her blog as much as I do... I visit almost every day!!

Until next time..... Lorie

Maria's Space: Etsy Sales, Promos and Special Items

Calling all Estsy Artisans!!

Maria's Space has a wonderful McLinky for you to showcase your favorite items, sale items, promotional items or just link up your site. She does this every Saturday... so if you have a new item that you make... feel free to link it up on her site every Saturday.

While you are there, take a look at her gorgeous jewelry... she has a beautiful eye and makes such pretty items (of course I am NOT the least bit partial since she is such a wonderful friend!)

Maria's Space: Etsy Sales, Promos and Special Items

Have a fabulous week..... Until next time..... Lorie

Self Portrait Sunday - September 27, 2009

My great friend Maria over at Maria's Space began this meme in her words:

"Come on, admit it, you look through your photo albums or computer folders and see very few photos of yourself. Maybe it is because, like me, you are usually behind the camera.Join me every Sunday post, and post a photo of yourself on your blog and link back to me so I can come visit you. The photo can be anything you want as long as YOU are in it."

Here is my picture this week... It is taken at, where else would I be, Walt Disney World:

(I think I should have kept my sunglasses on - TeeHee)

Don't forget to link yours up with Maria... and have a fabulous week!!

Until next time..... Lorie

Maria's Space: Book Review - 1st Time Author and Personal Friend

My friend Maria's good friend Anne Marie has published a book!! WooHoo!! I'd like to give a shout-out to her by having you all go over to read Maria's review of the book "New Beginnings" and her interview of the author Anne Marie Busch. It sounds like a terrific book, and Anne Marie sounds like a fabulous woman. So head on over and take a look:

Maria's Space: Book Review - 1st Time Author and Personal Friend

Until next time..... Lorie

UPDATE:

Anne Marie has had her first Amazon.com reader review... and it got 5 stars... YIPPEE!!
Read it here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1BDFBCXG693Z9/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Bitch & Moan Friday - Sept. 25, 2009

Annette over at Fairy Blog Mother (my hero) started this meme to, in her words "vent your frustrations, bitch about your hubby, your job, that you ran out of dog food. No gripe is excluded. Anything that irritated you this week...bitch and moan about it!

Grab the button and link up your bitch and moan blog post.

Let it all out before the weekend!"

So here goes:

~Let's just say, since I am sure you are all so totally sick of me going on and on and on about my insurance company... Wellcare Insurance "customer service" really SUCKS!!! As soon as open enrollment begins for Medicare recipients, we are SOOOOO there!!

~ Junk mail! I really cannot stand it anymore... I am taking Andy Rooney's advice: I am going to mail my junk mail from one company and send it in the paid envelopes to other junk mail companies!! HA! (It may not really be from Andy Rooney, but it's a great idea anyway, and it will give me satisfaction!)

~ I am sick & tired of getting mail at my house for The Hubs EX-WIFE!!! She has NEVER lived here, and she NEVER WILL!! They have been divorced for 14 years and we have been married for 12, so WTF... her name isn't even Shewbridge anymore, so WHY are they sending it to her with that last name AND to her with her maiden name??????? UUUURRRGGGHHHH!!!!!

~ One more thing..... will the owner of the HUMONGOUS canine please STOP letting your doggie poop (I am trying to keep a family friendly blog) on my lawn. I know that it's not Nano's poopie, because he only weighs a little over 7 pounds and if he pooped that stuff out of him, he would be in the HOSPITAL!!! The poop itself must weigh at least 5 pounds... I clean up after my little man's minuscule poopies, will ya'll please pick up yours!!

OK, I'm done... Don't forget to link your post up to Annette over at Fairy Blog Mother.

Have a terrific weekend..... Until next time..... Lorie

Color Carnival - Friday 9/25/09

I just LOVE the colors of the Caribbean, and especially on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Don't for get to go over and see Maria's picture of her gorgeous daughter, and link up your Color Carnival post to Martha's Blog as she is the host of this meme.

Until next time..... Lorie

Maria's Space: U Printing Offers a Vinyl Banner to A Very Lucky Reader

My wonderful friend Maria over at Maria's Space to see this incredible giveaway she has for a vinyl banner from UPrinting (also one of my sponsors). It is amazing in that it has heavy metal grommets for hanging and might be a terrific thing to donate for a school event. So head on over to see how you can win. Good luck:

Maria's Space: U Printing Offers a Vinyl Banner to A Very Lucky Reader

Until next time..... Lorie

Scoot Skuut! *Giveaway* : Rockin Mama

My friend Caryn over at Rockin Mama has a great giveaway over on her site for this adorable scooter designed for kids ages 2-5. Head on over to see how you can enter.

Scoot Skuut! *Giveaway* : Rockin Mama

Good luck..... until next time..... Lorie

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Maria's Space: Help Empower Our Sisters in Malawi

My friend Maria over at Maria's Space has this great post about the Women of Malawi and how we can help them:

Here's how you can get involved:

~ Visit Join My Village and join one of ten village teams to benefit approximately 75 villages in Malawi
~ As a village team member, you will get to know the women and families in Malawi through frequent updates, photos and stories
~ You can also track how dollars are creating change and improving lives in Malawi
~ Through simple online activities - answering a quiz question, telling a friend about Join My Village, or joining a village team - $1 will be unlocked by General Mills and will go to CARE's poverty fighting programs in the Malawi villages (limit of 3 activities per person per day, and $15,000 per online village team - or $150,000 in total)
~ Additionally, General Mills will match personal contributions dollar-for-dollar for up to $50 per donor, $15,000 per village team or $150,000 in total
~ CARE will distribute all funds raised directly to Malawi to provide economic opportunities for women and increase access to quality education for girls

I've already signed up and joined a village and it amazes me that with all they are going through, the faces of these women are smiling and beautiful.

Please head on over to Maria's site to read the whol story:

Maria's Space: Help Empower Our Sisters in Malawi

Until next time..... Lorie

CONGRATULATIONS - Go Graham Go!!!

I just wanted to wish my wonderful friend Felicia over at

Go Graham Go a hearty Congratulations!!

This morning her feedburner stats showed that she now has....

are you ready...

2000 READERS !!!!!

YIPPEE !!!!

I want to tell you all that she has a fabulous blog with wonderful posts, terrific reviews and great giveaways. She has the best pictures of her adorable son Graham, also. So please, head on over to her site, take a look around, and tell her congratulations!!

Until next time..... Lorie

DigitalRoom.Com 18x24” Rolled Poster Print Giveaway

DigitalRoom.com has offered one of my readers a beautiful 18x24" Rolled Poster Print totally free of charge... that's right... no shipping or handling fees will be charged to claim prizes for this giveaway!

I was lucky enough to receive a Digital Room enlargement of my adorable Yorkie Nano:

Isn't he just the cutest? They did such a fabulous job, I can't wait to hang it up!!

Now here is your chance. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents, only.

Here is how you can enter:

~ Leave a comment telling me how you would use the poster print if you were to win.

This MUST be done before you can get any extra entries.... which are below:

Leave each extra entry in a separate comment, please:
~ For THREE (3) extra entries (leave 3 comments please) BLOG about this giveaway leaving a link back to this giveaway AND DigitalRoom.com
~ Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS
~ Follow my blog
~ Enter this giveaway into any Linky and leave me the link

You have until midnight (ET) September 29, 2009

Good luck and thank you so much for stopping by.

Until next time..... Lorie

Wordless Wednesday - Sundown in Puerto Vallarta

Happy Wordless Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009... Here is my post for today:

Don't forget to check out the beautiful picture over at Maria's Space and lots of other blogs, and to link your photo up at the Wordless Wednesday HQ Hub.

Until next time..... Lorie