Puppies vs. Babies?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

It is no secret around here that I am slightly obsessed with my little Chiweenie, Coco.

Seriously she has quickly become the little love of my life. Behind Big Daddy and J of course, but just by a little.

It is also no secret that Big Daddy and I want to add to our family. We would love a baby, or three or five. Not kidding, we could totally handle multiples. We love babies and we feel like we could add 5 infants to the mix with no problem. I am pretty organized and we are on the same parenting page, so we are up for the challenge.

BUT I must admit even though dogs are easier in the long run, I could never take on 5 puppies at once.

Why am I even comparing the two? Babies and Puppies are like apples and oranges right?

Well maybe not.

Everybody knows that the sight of a cuddly baby or a cute puppy makes hearts melt!

BUT it's high time America found out who is cuter in the Puppies vs. Babies online contest!

Yep you read that right.

There is an actual contest happening online right now. Puppies vs. Babies.

Get your votes in from now until November 23rd and get your say in who will ultimately be the top baby or puppy to win!

The winning puppy or baby will get $5,000!

So, do I think Puppies or Babies are cuter? I know you are dying for my opinion right?

Honestly, I have put some thought into this, as crazy as that may sound.

Before Coco came into my life and healed my broken heart I would have said Babies are cuter, like 100%, But now that I am a crazy dog loving lady.

And, let's be real...not EVERY baby is cute...some of them look like shriveled up little old men. You know you have seen them, the baby is presented for "oooh and ahhh" and all you can get out is "Aww, yep, there's a baby".

But when was the last time you saw a puppy and didn't find it cute?

It's OK, you can be honest here. I won't judge you.

Go and vote...but come back and tell me, did you vote for a baby or a puppy. I am dying to know.

Friday Confessional

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I Confess...

I think I may have shingles, again. It is just at the beginning stages, if I do.

I cannot imagine having to experience that pain again.

Worst. Pain. Ever.

Shingles attacks the nerves and the pain is beyond description.

I am still on medication for the nerve damage that was caused when I had them after my brush with death.

So far I am just dealing with excruciating itching, pins and needles feeling and back pain...no rash has formed but I have 1 little spot.

I Confess...

I am more than just a little scared. I am terrified.

If you have ever been hit by a semi while crossing the street, then you know what shingles feels like.

I am not exaggerating in the slightest. I cannot imagine worse pain.

UPDATED...I do have shingles. I am on some serious medication to hopefully keep it from progressing. So far it is just a two little spots, no major rash. But the pain is horrible. I feel hard core pins and needles and every now and then a stabbing pain to my side. The last time I got them I had pain and a horrific rash on my left abdomen from my belly button to my spine, just that area. 


The medication I am on is some serious stuff. It is the same medication that caused me to fall down a lot, stutter, facial ticks, drop things...etc. We are hoping that by taking it in such high doses (5x a day) that it will keep the rash from forming. But it is suuuuper sexy up in here...NOT!


Not sure how much blog jogging I will be doing. I am heading over the hill to lay on my mom's sofa.

Holiday Card Giveaway!

I use to be a huge holiday card FAIL. I could never find one that I really liked, thought I could make something myself and then time would get away from me and I would just let the year go by without sending one. See? FAIL!

Then I married Big Daddy and he really got the ball rolling again. He is a huge fan of Christmas photo cards. I admit, i love when people send a family photo along with a Christmas card too. There is something so fun about watching families grow and change through the years, especially when it is family and friends who are so far away.

Cue Shutterfly…we have have used them for the last 3 years and love love love them. I cannot imagine using another company to get my holiday card needs met.

Shutterfly’s cards are all VERY high quality, their customer service is top notch and I cannot imagine getting my Holiday cards from any other source.

I am especially excited about their 2011 Holiday Collection. There are so many fabulous choices of truly adorable cards. I imagine there really is something for everyone with all of the darling design choices.

They also do calendars and photobooks  and other photo gifts that will make FABULOUS presents this Christmas.

Shutterfly is offering 3 of my readers 25 of their Holiday cards from their 2011 Holiday Collection.

Just leave me a comment and random.org will select a winner next week.

We Want to Know Wednesday Q&A wk28

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A!
Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g328/OurDandelionWishes/WWTKbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>
Queso has been a shopping fool, a new Hobby Lobby just opened in her town (color me jealous) so she wants to know all about your shopping habits...

1. Do you shop til you drop, or are you in and out as quick as possible?
2. Are you a price conscious shopper?
3. What store could you spend HOURS in?
4. What is the most frivolous purchase you have ever made?
5. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?

Here are MY answers, I will be by today to visit and comment on your blogs!

1. Do you shop til you drop, or are you in and out as quick as possible?
It kind of depends. I love to shop and shop until I drop, but sometimes I need to get in and out. I love a good long shopping trip tho.

2. Are you a price conscious shopper?
I love a good deal. I hardly ever pay full price for things. I consider it a tragedy paying full price for something and a HUGE success if I get even a tiny discount on something.

3. What store could you spend HOURS in?
Target, TjMaxx, Ross, Marshalls, Charming Charlie, and Forever 21...you know, stores with all the deals!!

4. What is the most frivolous purchase you have ever made?

I was thinking that I don't make many frivolous purchases, so I asked Big Daddy and he said, "Everything you purchase is frivolous." Which REALLY surprised me, because I think I am a pretty conscientiousness shopper.

Then he reminded me that Coco, my chiweenie, has a pretty big wardrobe.

I am still on the fence as to whether that is "frivolous" or not, because I really only dress her because she is cold. Really. Oh and on Halloween. But that's not frivolous, right?


5. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
A super CUTE new purse from Charming Charlie. It. Is. Fabulous. I also recently bought some fabric so that my Aunt Debi could make pillows for our sofa. Oh how I love having someone who sews in our home.

So have you signed up for the Autumn Swap? 

Spaces are limited and are filling up FAST! 

My Happy List

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Children I love...
Remember the BIG box of Halloween goodness that I sent to my sister Meg's Family?


Well...Meg sent this video of the girl's reacting to the awesomeness.



Yep, that little bit of, 16 seconds long, sweetness is what is topping My Happy List this week.

And speaking of children I love...

Jordan spent part of the weekend with us...
Big Daddy's folks and a long time family friend, Terrie, came down on Saturday and we had a fantastic visit. We enjoyed a Teppanyaki dinner and I got a little of the good time on video.



Awesome right? So. Much. Fun.

When we got home we finished watching the game...Go Cardinals!

Then we stayed up late playing games.



Felt like the good ole days when we would play games after dinner every night. J said "I miss this" a few times and Big Daddy and I agreed. It just felt, right.

Trash talking at it's finest...
J was cracking us up with all of her trash talk, she is really competitive bu even when she is losing she talks trash like she is winning, it kill me. But the BEST was this little bit of gross goodness...

J: Uh oh. Daddy has his fart face on.
Me: What? Daddy has a fart face?
Big Daddy: (farting)
J: Yep, I knew it.
Followed by lots and lots of laughter. Yes, we are all 12 yr old boys at heart around here. Farting is just funny...sometimes.

Swap Goodness Coming Up...
I announced Mamarazzi's Autumn Swap...did you sign up yet? Go HERE to read all of the details (rules and requirements), spaces are VERY limited and I only have a few newbie spots left.



Soooo, what is making YOUR Happy List this week? Grab a button, add it to your Happy List post and link THAT post up. Remember, every time you link up your Happy List is another entry to win the monthly Happy List prize...winner of the $25 Target card and Happy List will be announced on Tuesday Nov 1.

Mamarazzi's Autumn Swap!

Closed...packages being send Nov. 11&12

What does Autumn mean to you? Is it about the changing leaves of red, orange and yellow? Sipping hot cider while curled up with a good book? Football? Pumpkin pie? Family? Would you like to put together a package filled with Autumn goodness and get one in return? Then Mamarazzi's Autumn Swap may be just the swap for you!

Pleeeeeeeeeeease read ALL of the info below BEFORE filling out a swap form.

Failure to follow the directions may lead to disqualifying you from the swap.

Yes, really...I swear I have rules because they work, not to be bossy.

Truly, Honestly, I am well intended, so please, please, please, just trust me and go with it!

This swap is open to:

1. US residents only

2. Active bloggers (there is no fun to be had swapping with someone who never posts, this is about getting to know someone and making a new bloggy friend) w/ minimum of 1 year blogging.

3. You *MUST have successfully swapped with me before.(contact me if you think you qualify for one of the limited newbie spots)

4. People who agree to do the following:

a. Purchase Autumn themed items and put together an amazing package, something you yourself would LOVE to receive. $30 min $40 max..before shipping cost.

b. Be home (not vacationing) between November 9-19

c. Once your package arrives create a post, with pictures, the NEW Autumn Swap Button and link to your partner's blog and Dandelion Wishes.

d. Send package on either Friday Nov 11 or Saturday Nov 12 (not before OR after) MANDATORY ALL packages must be sent PRIORITY MAIL or FedEx...send tracking # to BOTH partner AND Mamarazzi on day it is sent!

5. Follow my blog (don't forget to grab my super cute Dandelion Wishes button for your sidebar there are two sizes to choose from, oooh fancy!)

Signing Up:(important instructions)

1. Fill out Mamarazzi Swaparazzi Form found under my "Contact Me" tab (if you are new please send me a note for permission to fill out form and participate)

2. Once you receive a confirmation email FROM Me containing the code for the Mamarazzi's Autumn Swap button create a post using the button in the body of the post (sidebars do not count, it will not fit on your sidebar).

3. Link up THAT post here in mister linky.

I should have everyone matched up soon leaving plenty of time for shopping! 


If you know you are on my naughty list please don't sign up, I hate having to tell people they can't play...but I will, because there is NOTHING worse than sending a package and getting nothing (or something craptastic) in return. NOT gonna happen on my watch, YO!

DO NOT LINK UP OR POST...until you have confirmation from ME that I have received your Swaparazzi Form!
 PLEASE read all of the steps to make sure you are signing up correctly!!!

Taking Back Monday Etsy Giveaway

Last week's winner HERE

Giveaway Closed

Congrats to the winner Country Mouse

<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/search/label/Taking%20Back%20Monday%20Giveaway" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g328/OurDandelionWishes/MondayGiveaway-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

To enter just go to the darling Etsy shop Chickapee Creations to take a look around and come back and tell me the items you fell in love with.

That is a MANDATORY entry

You can also earn 5 EXTRA entries for doing EACH of the following...

**PLEASE just leave ONE comment for EACH thing you do, I can do the math!**

FOLLOW on TWITTER (10 ENTRIES) one comment

Follow me on Twitter @HolleeAnnCFG

TWEET (5 ENTRIES) one comment
@HolleeAnnCFG Taking Back Monday, w/ weekly #Etsy #giveaways. Enter at Dandelion Wishes http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com

POST (5 ENTRIES) one comment
Post on your blog LiNKiNG back to Dandelion Wishes...send your readers here to check out the giveaway, come on...it's nice to share.


LIKE on FACEBOOK (5 ENTRIES) one comment
Like Chickapee Creations on Facebook and leave a comment on her wall saying "I just entered to win a $35 gift certificate to your Etsy shop on ourdandelionwishes.com"

FACEBOOK (5 ENTRIES) one comment
status linking to Dandelion Wishes FAN page (you'll have to like me first :))

You can also DOUBLE your chances to win by commenting on our Facebook page.

Giveaway open to USA only.

Winner selected by random.org and will be announced on Monday October 31.

Friday Confessional

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I Confess...

Having my Aunt Debi living with us has been a lot of fun.

However...(you knew there would be a however, didn't you?)

The all choco-taco and cookie diet she brought with her has been a bit of an adjustment for me.

I Confess...

I am NOT a 100% healthy eater 100% of the time.

But...besides my darling little snack jars on the counter we are not junk food junkies.

(No, really....those are mostly for decoration and guests...what? I am serious, they are)

We just don't buy junk food, because we KNOW if it is in the house we will EAT IT!

I Confess...

I was in major NEED of some junk food the other day.

Yes, you read that right, I NEEDED junk food.

Flo is here...you know Flo she visits once a month and well, I like to kill her slowly, by eating lots of junk food.

So when my Aunt Debi came home with a bag of Chocolate Peanut Butter Bugles in one hand and Chex Muddy Buddies in the other hand...

I. Died.

Annnnnd...

I have TOTALLY forgiven her for her all choco-taco and cookie diet.

I Confess...

It was just what I needed at just the right time.

So yeah, having her live here with us is going juuuust fine.

I Confess...

Big Daddy may have other ideas...since when he went to the market tonight he texted me saying:

BD: Celery is only .69 cents a bunch.
Me: Awesome, get 4 bunches
BD: Already had them bagged and ready to buy for you.
Me: Suhweet!
BD: Yep, do I know my wife or what?
Me: You sure do Boo boo, you sure do.

I Confess...

I think MY all junk food diet just ended.

It only happens once a month anyway.

And you all know my torrid love affair with celery.

I really just cannot get enough. Love it.

So what are you confessing this week? Grab a button, add it to your confession post and link that post up! I promise, you will feel better.

Pssst...I will be announcing an Autumn Swap next week...
be on the look out, spaces will be VERY limited!

Spooktacular Swapoween Stuff!

Oh my goodness, y'all. I received the most fantastic package filled with Swapoween goodness!! Ricki Jill from Art@Home is my partner and she truly put together an amazing package for me. I love love love everything!!! She spoiled me!



1.Ricki Jill grabbed this picture of Big Daddy and Coco in her Halloween costume and put it in this darling vintage Halloween Frame. I am in love, so thoughtful.
2. Check out these super cute acorns and pumpkin that an artist created and shared with Ricki Jill to send to me.
3. This little Jack kills me...so freaking cute. I love love love it!!
4. THAT my friends, is the coolest Halloween facinator hat, I am in love, the pictures do not do it justice! I will add a larger picture at the end of this post, hopefully you will be able to see the detail better. CUTENESS!!
5. Such cute cocktail napkins, funnily enough I sent some to Ricki Jill too!
6. This ceramic Jack-O-Lantern is fabulous and goes perfectly with my Halloween decor



7. A quick peek inside the box that was soooo carefully packaged by UPS.
8. Love, Love, LOVE this vintage pumpkin can, it is already hanging in my kitchen with a box of vintage matches, also from Ricki Jill inside.
9. The YUMMIEST smelling potpourri...smells like Fall and is also beautiful!!
10. CUTE Halloween broach...love it!
11. Yummy pumpkin suckers.

One more picture of the supah awesome Halloween facinator hat!



Thank you so much to Ricki Jill for a Spooktacular package and to Miss Angie and Beth for being fabulous hostesses. This was such a fun swap. Here is a wrapped peek at what I sent Ricki Jill...



Want to see what I sent her? Go to her blog to see what was inside.

I will be posting details for my Fall Swap next week. 

Watch for it, spaces will be limited and 

I will only have a few newbie spots available.

We Want to Know Wednesday Q&A wk27

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays Q&A!
Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g328/OurDandelionWishes/WWTKbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>
This week's questions come from your's truly, Mamarazzi....

{1} When was the last time you lost your temper?
{2} What 3 words best describe you?
{3} What movie could you watch over and over again and never get tired of?
{4} If you could do something dangerous, just once, with no risk, what would you do?
{5} Which is more important intelligence or common sense?

Here are my answers...

{1} When was the last time you lost your temper?
This weekend when my nephew had to sit out the first quarter of his basketball game because he missed a practice. The fact was he was at the practice, I know because I was there with him waiting for the coach to show up. We called the coaches cell phone several times and didn't get an answer. We waited for 20 minutes and left. Apparently the coach was late. I got a little lippy sticking up for my nephew...they still won the game, by a lot, thanks to my nephew, but crap like that pisses me off.

{2} What 3 words best describe you?
Honest...sometimes to a fault. Narcissistic...kinda, I mean really, anyone who has a blog is a little bit. Creative...I think I get that from my mama.

{3} What movie could you watch over and over again and never get tired of?
Steel Magnolias...now THAT is a group of women who know how to love and support one another.

{4} If you could do something dangerous, just once, with no risk, what would you do?
Sky dive...fo' shizzle!

{5} Which is more important intelligence or common sense?
Common sense goes a really long way. I know people with lots of letters behind their names that have ZERO common sense so no matter how book smart they are, they always come across as stupid.

All posts for We Want to Know should include:
1. The darling WWTK button
2. A link to your co hosts Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama
Links must lead to WWTK posts that contain the WWTK button. Posts should lead to Family Friendly blogs. Blogs containing explicit language and/or sexually explicit content should contain an "adult content warning", or risk being removed from the link list. Kthanks!

My Happy List

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Last minute weekend away with my handsome hubz..
Big Daddy had the day off on Friday for a doctor's appointment. We decided to make a long weekend out of it and head over the hill to Hollister...second weekend in a row. I love spending any time with my family and this last weekend was fantastic!

Free airplane rides for my nephews..
The Young Eagles were at the Hollister Airport this weekend so we took 3 of our nephews over for a free airplane ride. These pilots donate their time and money (approx $182 an hour in gas to fly a small plane) to give some kids their first flight experience ever. They do this because they all remember their first flight and when their own dream of becoming a pilot someday was born. The kids each got a flight, a certificate and their names will go in the world's largest flight log. Pretty fun stuff I tell ya.

We were there for about 4 hours waiting for the fog to burn and for the boys to have their turn.


As always Tyler was there to entertain us with his sill humor.


and come up with great "story photos" like being chased by a plane...


Of course I wanted proof that their FAVORITE Auntie was the one who took them there...even if it was their favorite Uncle's idea.


By the time the fogged burned off and their turn came Tyler had to leave for a basketball game so some random little boy named Estaban joined Zachary and Parker on their flight.




Zachary was the co pilot...he had the hardest time waiting, but said it was all worth it since he got a seat in the front.


Parker said he was ok sitting in the backseat because he was just happy yo have the flight experience and could have a good attitude about it no matter what...love that kid.


I am bummed that I missed getting to see Tyler fly, but we had to leave to take Zachary to his basketball game. His dad said he would send me pictures, I will share them with y'all once I get them.

Watching my nephews play basketball..
5 of my nephews are playing basket ball this year. I LOVE basketball, I always have...the game is fast paced and only 45 minutes long, perfect for my short attention span. I don't want to totally brag but these boys were all the MVPs of their games. I knew they all had talent when it came to baseball, I have seen them all play. I had no idea they all also excelled in basketball. These boys were total rock stars. My throat was killing me by end of day from all of the cheering. So. Much. Fun.

Really good movies..
I saw 2 movies this weekend...yep, TWO! when we got to my folk's house on Friday my mom announced we were taking all of the boys to see Real Steal. It was a really good movie. I was surprised how much I enjoyed a movie about fighting robots...must have had something to do with Hug Jackman..meow!

We also saw Footloose. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. I am going to take Big Daddy and my Aunt Debi to go see it, it is a movie I am actually looking forward to seeing again. I honed in on my folk's date since Big Daddy was helping out at my brother's gym. They were having a fundraiser for my niece who made the All American Cheerleading Team and will be cheering in London for the New Year's Day parade.

Swapoween package of SUPREME Halloween goodness..
OH. My. Goodness. My package arrived from my partner Ricki Jill from Art@Home. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with everything she sent me. I will be putting together my post on it and scheduling it for Thursday. You are all going to be soooo jealous!!

So, what made YOUR Happy List this week? Grab a button, add it to your list and link that post up!!

Don't forget, every time you link up you are entered in the monthly My Happy List drawing for a fun prize. I will announce the winner and the winner of the $25 Target card on the first My Happy List post of the month!

Taking Back Monday Etsy Giveaway

Giveaway Closed!Congrats to our winner Miss AngieLast Weeks Winner HERE<center><a href="http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/search/label/Taking%20Back%20Monday%20Giveaway" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g328/OurDandelionWishes/MondayGiveaway-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

Just go to the darling Etsy shop Studio 162 to take a look around and come back and tell me the items you fell in love with.

That is a MANDATORY entry

You can also earn 5 EXTRA entries for doing EACH of the following...

**PLEASE just leave ONE comment for EACH thing you do, I can do the math!**

FOLLOW on TWITTER (10 ENTRIES) one comment

Follow me on Twitter @HolleeAnnCFG

TWEET (5 ENTRIES) one comment
@HolleeAnnCFG Taking Back Monday, w/ weekly #Etsy #giveaways. Enter at Dandelion Wishes http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com

POST (5 ENTRIES) one comment
Post on your blog LiNKiNG back to Dandelion Wishes...send your readers here to check out the giveaway, come on...it's nice to share.

FACEBOOK (5 ENTRIES) one comment
status linking to Dandelion Wishes FAN page (you'll have to like me first :))

You can also DOUBLE your chances to win by commenting on our Facebook page.

Giveaway open to USA only.

Winner selected by random.org and will be announced on Monday October 24

Stand Up for Family

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of American Family Insurance for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I grew up in a FUNNY family. Not kidding, when we got to be teenagers we figured out that "Tell the joke or be the joke" was our unspoken family motto.

I love getting together with my siblings and their families and just sitting around visiting and laughing our booties off. Reliving stories of growing up, making fun of ourselves and each other. Laughing at the same stories over and over again. Seriously, GOOD TIMES.

So when I got a link for Stand Up For Family from American Family Insurance I knew i needed to click over and watch the comedians tell stories from their gorwing up years. 

I could really relate to the Street Light bit...remember playing outside until the street lights came on?

All of the videos had me rolling with laughter and I think it is really cool that AmFam is supporting this effort.

FAMILY! 

We all have one. Some of us are not close to our families for one reason or another. BUT everyone has that one story from childhood that they share with their siblings or relatives that takes you back every time. 

Go check out the videos, I promise they will have your laughing and nodding and remembering your childhood with a giggle or two. This is comedy that the whole family can enjoy together!!

Friday Confessional

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I Confess...

I have been glued to Oprah's Lifeclass on OWN. I didn't think I would love it as much as I do. I am an Oprah fan, I know there are a lot of Oprah haters out there, but I have always had an affinity for her.

I was watching recently and a quote popped up that really resonated with me.

You Become What You Believe...you are worthy of happiness, love and peace. Believe it.

I Confess...

I typically don't have issues with my own self efficacy. Long time readers and friends of mine know this about me.

But lately, I have been doing a little too much self evaluating. All because I allowed someone to get in my head and make me wonder if I really am who I think I am. Do I see myself differently than the world sees me? Am I really the person THEY think I am?

The short answer is NO, I am not that person. Nor am I "mentally ill" as they described.

I Confess...

I realize now that all of that was just crazy talk. I cannot let a few ugly words from people who have no real value or purpose in my life to plant seeds of self loathing and self doubt.

I Confess...

To them I say,

"You won, but only for a minute, and I forgive you. I forgive you because everyone in life is fighting a great battle. I don't know what your's is but I choose to be kind to you. Because THAT is the person who I am. I am going to stop wondering why you said the things that you did, and why other's jumped on the 'she crazy' wagon I am just going to forgive you and forgive them and make grander forward motions, never looking back."

I Confess...

I feel better already. I knew that I would, eventually.

I Confess...

I am so truly blessed to have amazing friends in my life. Y'all have been wonderful, supportive and loving. Thank you for that.

Thank you for holding me up, for reminding me who I truly am and for not allowing me to lose sight of that.

I Confess...

I am worthy of happiness, love and peace.

And

I believe it.

Sooo what are you confessing this week? Grab a button, confess, and link that post up!

I promise, next week's confessions will not be so deep. I just had to type it all out and "let it go". Blogging is good therapy for me. Thanks for allowing me to "blog it all out" so I can really just move forward.

Autumn Is Calling my Name

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Oh how I love love love FALL. Autumn is just my favorite time of year. But California hasn't yet received the memo, that Fall has arrived, and even though the evenings are cooler, we are still having 90 degree days and there is not a falling leaf in site.

I cannot wait to get my jeans and sweaters out and trade my flip flops in for some comfy boots and snuggly socks. 

This autumn is the perfect time for a getaway to Branson, Missouri. With the cool, crisp fall air and beautiful scenery, Branson is the ideal setting for family fun. The Hiltons of Branson offers 3 unbelievable packages for thrill seekers, holiday goers and shop-till-you-droppers.

This sounds like absolute perfection to me. I would love to call my sister Meg who lives in Arkansas and say, "Meet me in Branson, girl!!"

We would TOTALLY be staying at one of the Hilton hotels either the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing OR Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel featuring their Level 2 Steakhouse. The menu is insane, I could eat there every night...dungeness crab cakes, classic shrimp cocktail, lobster, and of course the steaks.

OH and imagine the  fun and thrills at Silver Dollar City, an 1880's themed experience set within the picturesque Ozark Mountains in Branson, MO. The Silver Dollar City package features two adult and two children's tickets and rooms starting at $257.50/night.  

Seriously, that is a screaming good deal. Meg could bring the kiddos. AND I love that Hilton accommodates PETS, so I could bring Coco, you know how I need my little girl with me.

The Santa Claus package features deluxe accommodations for a family of four (two adults and two children) and breakfast with Santa at the Level 2 restaurant with a special gift for the children. Rooms start at just $228 a night.

Gifts for the children? YES please! Who doesn't love a gift with purchase? Breakfast with SANTA CLAUS sounds fantastic too!!

And for the shoppers, our deluxe shopping package includes hotel accommodations, a $25 gift card to Branson Landing, a second $25 gift card to Tanger Outlets, and complimentary breakfast buffet for two! Branson Landing is the perfect place to do all of your holiday shopping.

Gifts for the SHOPPERS (that's ME). I love love love love to shop and with the holidays quickly approaching I need to get busy. Outlet shopping, is a great way to get it all done at great prices.

Make your plans today to visit the entertainment capital of the Midwest. The weather many be cooling down, but the excitement of Branson has never been hotter.

So what do you think? Ready for a trip to Branson? I know I am...wanna meet me there?

We Want to Know Wednesday Q&A wk26

Welcome to We Want to Know Wednesdays!

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

Queso and I are THRILLED to announce that we have selected a THIRD co-host to help us come up with questions each week.

Crazymama and I have been friends since I fist began blogging, we go way back to 2007, YO! I am sooo excited that she said "YES!" when Queso and I invited her to play WWTK with us.
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With Fall upon us and seasonal allergies and colds going around...Crazymama wants to know:

{1} What is your feel better remedy when you are sick?
{2} When illness strikes, what is your policy on staying home from work, school or church with yourself and the family?
{3} What do you think is worse? Flu or cold?
{4} Flu shots? Do you get them? Have you yet?
{5} When are are feeling down, what is your usual, go-to therapy? (retail therapy, exercise, comfort food, etc).

Here are my answers...I will be by later today to visit and comment on your blogs!!

{1} What is your feel better remedy when you are sick?
Sleep, sleep and MORE sleep. Seriously, it is the ONLY thing that works for me; drug induced coma.

{2} When illness strikes, what is your policy on staying home from work, school or church with yourself and the family?
Missing school or work is a ONLY for those days that we are REALLY sick. Missing ONE day of school is actually the same as missing 3 days...with classroom time, homework assignments etc. being missed, staying home is saved for those days that the kid just can't make it through...vomiting, fever, junk like that.

Big Daddy only calls in sick when we have something more fun to do. He NEVER gets sick, like ever. AND I work from home, so I don't really take sick days.

{3} What do you think is worse? Flu or cold?
A Cold, way worse...I hate that stuffy head, achey body, fever thing. Gimme a little diarrhea or vomiting any day (weight loss anyone?) over days of a stuffy nose, coughing and stuff that comes with a cold.

{4} Flu shots? Do you get them? Have you yet?
Nope. Never get them. I tried a couple of times but they put me out flat for a week...make me sooo sick, not worth it. I would rather take my chances on catching the flu the old fashioned way!

{5} When are are feeling down, what is your usual, go-to therapy? (retail therapy, exercise, comfort food, etc).
I am ALWAYS up for a little retail therapy. Shopping makes me HAPPY!! Shoot, just walking around Target puts a smile on my face, even if I just drop a few bucks in the dollar isle...always the perfect remedy.


All posts for We Want to Know should include:
1. The darling WWTK button
2. A link to your co hosts Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama
Links must lead to WWTK posts that contain the WWTK button. Posts should lead to Family Friendly blogs. Blogs containing explicit language and/or sexually explicit content should contain an "adult content warning", or risk being removed from the link list. Kthanks!

My Happy List

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Halloween Goodness all wrapped up with L-O-V-E!
I got a phone call from some VERY happy little girls yesterday. The Halloween package I sent to my sister Meg's family arrived and "Pieces" and "Q-bee" called to thank me (their little brother "Cheeto" was still napping).

Hearing them on the phone going on and on about the "presents" made my heart smile, SERIOUS HAPPY! I love answering the phone and hearing "I love you Auntie" coming for the sweetest little girls.

Meg is going to send pictures and video, I will share them with y'all once she does.

And speaking of amazing packages...
I maaaaaay have gone a little overboard with my package for Swapoween.

What can I tell you? I really love Halloween and I love my partner, so I wanted to put together a FABULOUS package for her. HAPPY!!

Coco and Aunt Debi are now BFF...
I am really HAPPY that Coco has FINALLY warmed up to my Aunt Debi. Three weeks of Coco growling and snapping at her and now they are practically BFF! This was a huge source of stress for me, since Coco loves everyone. I am glad she got over whatever it was that was making her not like Debi.

The TV addict in me is HAPPY!!
I am loving the new Fall sitcoms!! New Girl, Whitney, Up All Night...finally something that is not reality TV that holds my interest, and makes me laugh.

We spent the weekend in Hollister (the town not the store)
We decided to go over the hill to bask in the awesomeness of my family. It was a GREAT weekend. I am HAPPY to spend anytime with my family.

We celebrated my brother in law's 40th birthday, looked at a few potential homes for our move there this Spring, and had a delightful family dinner after church on Sunday.

I got to bask in the awesomeness of my nephews and niece...
This little guy Brock is totally in love with Coco and the feeling is 100% mutual. Puppy kisses=HAPPY!!



OH and check out this teeeeeny tiny snail.
I have an affinity for snails. I am not really sure when it started but I have always loved them. I have some little ceramic snails that use to live in a terrarium in my parent's home when I was growing up.



Soooo...what is on YOUR Happy List this week? Remember, every time you link up you are entered to win a prize in my monthly My Happy List drawing. I will announce the winner and the winner of the $25 Target Gift card in my first Happy List post of the month.