Digital nativity

Merry Christmas!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrf0PbAGSk&sns=em

Thanksgiving Printable

Printable Thanksgiving printable from SilverBox Studio.

Tis' the Season

November and December are my favorite months!! I love the cool, crisp weather - the food - the smells - the lights - the nativity scenes - and the joy that often comes with the holidays. The joy of seeing a friend or family member open a gift....the joy of visiting with those you don't see all year....the joy of a surprise.....the joy of a slaved-over recipe turning out divine!
However, I know that this can also be the most depressing time of the year for some people.

So, let's all try to make this year joyful for everyone! Money is not the key here....at all. Here are a few things you could do to make this time joyful for someone, even a stranger... (taken from http://comfortablydomestic.com/):

• Make eye contact.
• Give a warm smile.
• Hold the door for someone.
• Hold the elevator.
• Let someone merge into traffic.
• Put change in an expired parking meter.
• Buy someone a cup of coffee.
• Invite someone to check out in front of you at the store.
• Listen to someone–hear their story.
  
• Bring someone a meal.
• Visit someone (I added this one....after discovering what a joy Ms. Brunie, at the nursing home is. My daughter and I visit her monthly since her family won't. She is such a joy to us, as we are to her)
  
• The possibilities are endless. Imagine how great it would be if everyone made it a point to pass on a little random kindness each day.

Kindness ripples.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, my friends! :)

Love for the Color Wheel.

The color wheel.....

Who knew it had power. Really? In my Desktop Publishing class I teach a chapter on "colors", but really no one realizes that colors can be used in everyday living.....not just to design a flyer, brochure, newsletter, etc.

Here are some examples:
In fashion.....
Fashion 101: How to Combine Colors... we see this all of the time. Red and Green at Christmas....who know they were complimentary colors (colors across from each other on the color wheel). Purple and Gold for LSU.....or almost any team, will have complimentary colors.

In home decor....
Who said your house walls have to be tan? or white? YUK!!! I hate when people build new houses, and everything is dull. White walls are awful. Tan walls are becoming *almost* as bad, because everyone has them now days. Paint a wall a unique color, and you will love it. A chocolate brown, an orange, a purple.....whatever! In my house I have Bungalow Gold (kitchen/living area), Moss Green (bedroom), Powder Blue (bathroom: which I hate, and am changing soon), and Lime Green (daughter's room) painted on the walls.
Check out this site for some very cool interior designs: Color Inspiration for Homes

In makeup....
How do you make GREEN eyes, POP??? The answer is its complimentary color -- purple eyeshadow. Some browns and other shades work nicely, but purple will make them pop.













I could go on, and on, and on. I like to notice the colors around me. Like a Sunkist drink for example....how the blues/purple and oranges/yellows compliment each other. Marketers aren't stupid. They know what attracts the eye.

Also, colors have so many meanings.....but that's a different topic, for a different day.

Try putting on a shirt & accessorize with its complimentary color! Have fun! :)

I can see clearly now...

A few weeks ago I slept with my glasses. Rolled all over them, and broke them into pieces. :(
So, I have been on the hunt for some CHEAP glasses (since I only wear them at bedtime I don't need anything "designer"). I went to EyeMasters in the mall, and thought their $59 frames were a good price.....until they told me the total would be $200 after the price of lenses was added in. NO thank you.

So, today I decided to google "discount glasses." I came across this site. I found some frames that I liked (or think I like based on the printable PDF that I cut out and put on my face! ha!). I typed in my prescription, and ordered. I was impressed with the detailed instructions, and the printable ruler on the site -- I printed it out, and my friend Amy helped me measure my eyes. Easy as pie.

When ordering I noticed a spot to type in a PROMO CODE -- so I googled "promo code for 39dollarglasses" and came across the promo code: fatwallet20

When it was all said and done, I spent $19 bucks on glasses (frame and lens) -- plus $5 shipping. They should arrive in 3-7 days. I am excited. Saved some money, again! :)

Time's Up!

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/

This online stopwatch is the coolest thing ever (especially for teachers). I used it this morning to count down time for a group project in my Professional Development class. Of course it could be used to keep your kids on track, or whatever. :)

Eat!

Luke and I go out to eat every weekend - and one of our most visited restaurants is Salute! The food is TOP NOTCH! The service is great. The atmosphere is great for a date night too. I've been finding some deals lately, and thought I would share this one with you: http://www.saluteitalian.com/VIP_Cards/

Running into Deals

I have been running into some deals today!! :)

DEAL #1:
Luke and I have been wanting to eat at Kenny Ward's Steakhouse in Ocean Springs (which has RAVE reviews); however, it is a little pricey. So, we were waiting for a special occasion. Well, today a friend told me about http://www.restaurant.com/ -- where I could buy a $25 gift card to Kenny Wards for only $3. Yup, not a joke. Just use the Promo Code: DINE. It worked!! Hurry and get it today, I don't know how long it will last!

DEAL #2:
My girl has been beggggggging for an ipod touch for her birthday. Well, I wasn't sure if we could get her one, but then I ran across a Special Offer from Best Buy. Buy an ipod touch, and get a GPS FREE!!! Sounds like a win/win combo to me! I have been wanting a GPS badly! :)

DEAL #3:
Gonna go browse through my fav store Dirt Cheap -- I KNOW I will find my next deal there! :)

Rainy Mood

Came across this website yesterday, and it is wonderful. If you need something to help relax your nerves, or help you sleep, this is IT! www.rainymood.com plays a soothing rain sound from your computer. It plays 30 minutes, then loops -- so it doesn't stop until you tell it to! The cool thing is, you can play your favorite music simultaneously! Since I don't have much music at work, I went to www.mixpod.com --- which let me search and play songs for free! So, yesterday while grading papers I had Rainy Mood and Coldplay going.....what an awesome combo! Hope you enjoy! Leave a comment if you try it! :)

Simple Truths

In need of a little inspiration? This website has some great videos to motivate and inspire. Great for office/school/personal life. The movies are free to watch, but the company also makes books. I got the book "212 degrees" as a happy when I won an award at my work a few weeks ago....it is neat o.

Dishsoap

I love the smell of this dishsoap- best I have found so far.

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Courageous!!

My workstudy student had her DAY OLD laptop stolen today (she literally got it brand new in the mail yesterday!). It was stolen in between classes - she left it on her desk, and went to make copies for me. When she came back it was gone! It happened in an instant. She knew the thief couldn't be TOO far away, so she took off in her car looking for people near/around our building with her black laptop bag.

She found a guy walking with her bag! She hopped out of her car, confronted the guy, and he said "Well, it was just laying there." <---((ha! so, I guess that means it was his, huh? People are such idiots.)) Anyway, she ripped the bag off of his shoulder, and told him to follow her to the police station on campus. With a few choice words, he told her "NO!" and ran off through the field headed to the president's house. Luckily, someone passed by and saw the chaos, and called campus police! Campus police came and arrested the guy at gun point (yea, they are REAL police, not just flashlight security guards!). He is now kicked out of school & is arrested with a felony charge. The highlight of the whole ordeal, is that this thief was so scared, he.....pooped his pants. Serves him right! LOL! :) I think my workstudy student (who is a granny by the way), was one courageous woman! I don't know if I could have done what she did! I am so very proud of her.....for standing up against WRONG, even if he was bigger and badder than she was! I bet he will think twice before stealing again!

My Heritage - Dad's Side

My uncle Robert shared some pictures with me of my dad's father. It is always fun to look back on my heritage - my roots. Pictures from my dad's side of the family are rare (unlike my mom's side). I never met my dad's father, J.C. Lewis, or his dad....but these pictures help me to feel some connection to them somehow.

How to Wear a Scarf

It is absolutely beautiful fall weather here in Mississippi, and time to bring out the scarves!!

Photo Editing

Found this site this morning, and it has some great links to websites that offer photo editing: http://blueblots.com/tools/50-list-of-free-online-photo-editing-tools/

Fall Crafting for Kids

Fall is in the air!!
Here are some good fall crafts for kids:

Foliage Friends
Leaf Wreath
Apple Prints
Gourd Family -- a great alternative to the spooky Jack-O-Lantern!
Pom-Pom Tom Turkey
Yarn Pumpkins -- looks like a great way to occupy an 8 year old! :)
Pumpkin Seed Necklace
Fingerprint Tree

Everythings Amazing & Nobodys Happy

CarLashes!!! :)

This is the cutest thing, ever!!!!!

http://www.carlashes.com/index.html

Yummy to my tummy!

The Pioneer Woman knows how to cook! My goodness, her recipes are the best I have found. Thanks PW, you have made my family's bellies happy! :)

Bye Bye PowerPoint!!

PowerPoint just seems so dull. Everyone uses it. I learned about a NEW site today, www.prezi.com, that will create the COOLEST presentations!! You must try it. So easy! So free!!!!! I looove it!

Back in the Saddle

Sorry I haven't updated my blog much this summer. Maybe once I get going again this semester I can post some more goodies. :)

I have to share this picture with you. Read what my friend Morgan posted on her blog to explain the picture:

"We hosted The Current at our house for an event called "Back in the Saddle". The Current is our young-adult ministry for ages 18 to thirty- somethings at Northwood. We had a blast! The day started out with a huge thunderstorm which dumped a ton of rain, but we still had over 20 people show up. Jeffry had penned up a calf and greased a pig...I can't even begin to tell you how hilarious it was to watch everyone!"

When she says "hilarious" it is not an understatement. God dumped that rain just so we would have a bunch of MUD to play in! I have never laughed so much in my life! And I have to say we were ALL supposed to dress up like cowboys/cowgirls. But I am the only one looking like a fool in the picture! LOL ~ I DID win the costume contest though! whoop! :)

I have to say I have the best church family ever.













This is a picture of Morgan's husband, Jeffry & our youth pastor, Micah.

Divine!!

You should really try The Pioneer Woman's recipes! That woman has got it going on! I baked this "Dump Cake" (which is the easiest thing ever) for some friends that are coming over and it was divine!!! Heavenly. Served it up with some vanilla ice cream. Every recipe of Ree's (The Pioneer Woman) has turned out great for me....and I am NOT the best cook. Her chicken spaghetti is now one of the staples that I cook at home a lot.
Hope you will visit her site at www.thepioneerwoman.com

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Funky Pillow

Another summer project.... :)
I finished this fun, funky, felt pillow this week. I can make it in pretty much any color scheme... School colors, team colors, or just to coordinate with your home decor. Two colors or as many colors as you want. The possibilities are endless. Fun for any age! Let me know if you would like one!! The cost will vary depending on the size.

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Book NEW Edition!

Attention Students!
If you are taking Records Mgmt. in the fall semester with me, you will need the NEW textbook edition. ISBN is 0-538-73141-9. You cannot use last year's 8th edition. You must purchase the new 9th edition....I know you hate having to buy new textbooks, and this is why I am letting you know now....so you can save your money! Got the book in the mail today, hot off the press! The book last year had so many typos, so I am very excited to see a new one! :)

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Wonderful product!

This product is great for pain relief! Luke has been using it nightly on his neck. And he uses it after dirt bike races when muscles are sore. My mom also uses it. You can buy it at Petal Chiropractor Clinic-the bottle will last a while!

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This smells fabulous!

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Knitting thus far!

Here's what I have learned so far!!! Yay me! I also learned how to make blog posts from my phone, so I may be doing some of that this summer! :)
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Grungy Wallpaper

Found this site this morning to make your own desktop wallpaper for your computer. Thought it was pretty cool, especially if you're into a grungy/tattooed-looking theme for your computer...
http://wallpapers.x3studios.com/

sum-sum-summatime!

Summertime is here for me! I probably won't be making many posts to my blog until August. I will try to go without internet all summer - except on my phone. I'm staying out of the office, and enjoying my summer this year! This is the first summer I have had FREE....no grad school, no teaching, no side projects....just free to do anything I want! :)
So, here are a few of my plans:

• Go visit my sister, her husband, & their sweet kids!!!!!!!
• Go to Panama City with my daughter's dance team....for a whole week! Can you say TAN?
  
• Celebrate my husband's birthday , our anniversary, and my birthday! We've already decided on Ruth's Chris for HIS birthday. YummmEE.....
  
• 4th of July camping (in cabins of course, not tents) hehe ;)
  
• Learn how to knit (at least the basics), so I can one day make cute stuff like this.
• Read my Bible, and study more of His word. - No excuse for not having time!!
  
• Paint at LEAST one room in my house.....I am thinking gray walls for the bathroom.....and this shower curtain......what do you think?

I hope you enjoy your summer! :)

Prissy Peacock!!!!!

Ahh, I am so excited for my sister! She has AMAZING talent, and is starting her own business....www.prissypeacockdesigns.com

You should check her out if you need some cute children's clothes for your kids, or for gifts. You are sure to get compliments on anything she makes! Her kids can't go anywhere without getting TONS of compliments on their clothing! It is just different than anything you will find in stores.

The great part is that YOU pick the fabric, YOU pick the style....and she puts it all together for you.

You can also find her on Etsy, and on Facebook.

Pearly Whites - PART TWO!

Tell me what you think about this whitening video!! ;) LOL

1,000 Best Websites

Here are the 1,000 best Web tools currently available online -- Thanks to my former professor, Dr. Steve Yuen, for posting this link on his blog! :)

Around my neck...

Gosh, I am such a sucker for cute accessories!! I love these chunky necklaces, that I found on www.etsy.com. The fact that they are "handmade" makes me like them even more. The bib-style necklaces are too cute, and my sister told me about the cute "fork" necklace that is unique and a conversation-starter. :) My sister def. has the cutest style of jewelry that I have ever seen!
I have also been on a felt kick here lately, experimenting with felt (making my daughter hair clips), and yo-yos out of fabric, AND I love this knitted felt necklace!!! I want one of these necklaces around my neck SOON!!!! <Hint: Luke, Mother's Day & Anniversary is coming!>

Brag!!

This weekend was great!! I watched my daughter dance her heart out on stage at the KAR dance competition in Mobile, AL. Her facial expressions while she is dancing are tooooo cute! She definitely can work the stage! Her trio group, "Dance to the Music", took home a Top First place award, and also 1st place Overall. Her company group, "Covergirl" took home an Elite Top First place award. Also, the studio got the "Top Secondary Studio" out of all of the studios there this year!!! If you don't know what all that means.....it means they did awesome! :) We will be headed for a week-long trip to Panama City Beach this summer for National Competition! So happy for the girls. And as for me, I am getting pretty darn good at putting those false eyelashes on!!!

Pearly Whites!

Love Kandee Johnson's tutorials on YouTube. Her teeth-whitening tutorial WORKS! If I could just be consistant and do it daily, I would have gLoWinG teeth!!! :)

what happened??

Old-time etiquette is disappearing. Sad to say. With each generation, we are seeing less and less of the common rules of courtesy. People don't say thank you much, don't open doors, don't write handwritten notes like they used to, and don't even give the "litte wave" when you let them out in traffic!! Just the basics are starting to disappear.

Last night at my daughter's second-grade school program I noticed this PROBLEM of our society. Sitting behind me was a child (old enough to know better) playing his PlayStation with volume on high. No earphones. No mute. Just playing loudly while the program was going on. His mom sitting beside him. I could barely hear the presentation because of his violent game playing in my ear! I thought **I need to ASK him to mute his game, no I need to TELL him to mute his game, how rude!** Then I thought **No....mind your own business, Stay out of it, you will get violent** Luke, my husband, would be happy that I minded my own business; however, today I wish I would have spoke up! :)

Then, as I was looking around the room I noticed the MOTHERS and FATHERS were just as disrespectful as the kiddos!! Texting, taking on their phones, smacking gum (my dad even noticed that one!), etc... What is going on!? The kids have seen this growing up, and now think it is normal. We have got to get some manners! If people want to act that way at home, fine. But in a public setting, a presentation afterall, there needs to be some respect for the presenter AND the precious kids who have prepared for this special day!

So, enough of my venting.

Here is helpful link, from the queen of etiquette - Emily Post, if you think you are "one of those" parents. :) OR, if you just want to read up on modern etiquette.

Kids can even use this site for prom etiquette, cell-phone manners, etc!

i heart faces

A few weeks ago I discovered I Heart Faces website. I love it! I especially love the photography and Photoshop tutorials. But, if you aren't into that....they have some great photos to explore. To just browse through pictures click on the "Photo Challenge" link in the top left-hand corner. I like this also, because the pictures are linked to all sorts of blogs. I could spend DAYS just looking at blogs. It is my method of relaxation when I don't have money to go shopping! :)

Little Webmasters!

Have I told you how proud I am of my students? Wow! They are knocking my socks off this semester. I HAVE to brag on them again. For their first time working in Photoshop & blog/web design, I am IMPRESSED!!

Here is a banner (by Stephanie) for an Alicia Key's website that I think turned out great!

And here, a banner (by Jennifer), that is awesome!

And here is a must-see, Twilight website creation (by Mandi) that will make you think she had been designing pages for years! By the way, her banner was designed from scratch....no copying and pasting allowed....yup! she downloaded fonts, brushes, distorted it, and made it look fantastic!!! It looks just like the real thing!

And Laci's website that she is designing for a friend's cake shop.....too cute with all of the colors, and fonts going on!!

I love to see all of the styles, and individuality reflected in my students. All are unique. These are just a few....more to come later.

Cake Wrecks!

I have always thought it would be fun to be a cake decorator, so I am LOOOVING this site. It is too funny. Cake Wrecks shows cakes GONE WRONG, but also some gorgeous cakes too.

Company is coming...

When Luke and I got married we decided not to buy a trailor like most newly married couples. We also didn't want to rent an apartment. So, we BUILT an "apartment" on a gorgeous chunk of land that Luke had worked his tail off to pay cash for. Our "apartment" turned out larger than we planned...but, still small enough that we couldn't have company over often. We don't have a dining room. Only a bar, that seats 3. Perfect for us. The outside is simple and rustic, but the decor inside is unusually quirky just like the designer. :) I love our little home.

Well, tonight I have company coming! AHHH. 9 people. We may have to sit on the floor, but we are doing it. Luke's mom & aunt have a plan that the family has to get together once a month. And this month, it is MY TURN to entertain. :) I am going to cook The Pioneer Woman's chicken spaghetti, salad, french bread, and Paula Deen's Volcano Cake for dessert. Sounds yummy to me! I may even dig out the Mexican Dominos (usually I would rather a taco & margarita with this game, but oh well) after dinner! What a fun time it will be!

Can You Handle It?

I know a lot of people going through hard times right now.....whether it be finances, addictions, health, or family. This poor economy seems like it is just making its way to Mississippi....just like fashion, it is always a few years LATE! haha :) Things are tight, and are getting harder for everyone. I have students and co-workers going through MORE than you could ever imagine!!! And just this month it seems like I have heard the line, "God will never give you anything you can't handle!" a million times being said around me. I have always believed this old saying.....until last night.
Last night I heard a different take on this old saying. A preacher man said "I think God WILL give people MORE than they can handle, just so they will realize they can't do it alone. People need God." Wow! Never thought of it that way. Interesting. Yup...preacher man was right! I have to say that I have been through some tough times myself. I made a lot of wrong decisions and went over many bumps in the road. But without prayer, and without God working in my life, I don't believe that I would have EVER made it through.
If you don't know Him, I encourage you to develop that relationship. It is super easy to do. Believe me, there is nothing that will fulfill your life like Him!

Athropologie!

Anthropologie has some of my favorite things, although they are quite expensive. From ruffled shower curtains, to chunky jewelry, they have the most unique products. I just browse, and dream.

I just can't get over the CUTE kitchen towels....I want them ALL!!!

Do you have a site like this that you enjoy? Tell me about it!! :)

American IDOL!!!!

Last season I didn't watch American Idol at all. This season I have only been able to catch the ladies. I always miss the days with the guys. But, I have my favs....and I wanted to share them with you. Tell me who your fav is.....

My two favorites ARE *drum roll*...... Siobhan Magnus and Didi Benami!!! Everyone seems to love Crystal Bowersox. Yes, she can sing. But she reminds me of a bar singer. And everytime she sings, my husband jokes and says "I would like to sniff her hair!" haha :) Crystal doesn't seem like she REALLY wants it either. So, go Siobhan and Didi!!! :)

What to cook...that is the question.

I hate to cook. I would eat OUT everynight if I could. Nothing is better than having someone wait on me, and wash dishes afterwards. But that can get so expensive! I have great meal ideas in my head, but I am always missing ingredients. Or, it JUST doesn't come out right. So, I am thinking of buying the E-mealz plan. It is only $5 a month, you can have recipes for each night of the week, and shopping lists to take to Wal-mart! Sounds like a great idea to me. Has anyone tried this? Let me know what you think!

Funnnny Stuff!!

In South Mississippi, I am used to seeing some redneck/crazy looking things in Walmart! But if you have never gone to http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/ you should. You are guaranteed to get a laugh!!! :) This site always cheers me up. This site also reminds me that THESE PEOPLE are allowed to VOTE.....ahhhh!!!