Memory Rewind - April 1, 2010

This weeks Memory Rewind is from April 1, 2007

Here are my little homies. The glasses, the leather jacket. I don't know what they were playing but they were so small and so cute.

Here is Goddess and her Godmother. The kids on the side are her Godmother's children. The girl J, I watched her born and was the first person to touch her. When she came into the world I was the one with the video camera blubbering like a big baby as she held my finger.

I never had a chance to get closer to her son Lil' because well, Handsome, my first born was born 2 days prior. You know what it's like when you finally have your own baby. You see no other babies for a very long time. My eyes were filled with Handsome and I couldn't see past his little face.

Goddess looks so small in this picture. Awww....those were the days.

Feel free to link your pictures and a short story about the moment.

Personalize It Makes Heirlooms Created With Love - Baby Giveaway!!!!!!

I am thrilled and honored to host my 3rd Etsy Artist this week.

Dear Readers,

Let me introduce you to Creative Mama, from Pittsburgh, the creator of Personalize It, Ms. Jen!

Jen is a busy little bee, creating, working and, the mom of a toddler. How does she do it?! I suggested that she write a book because that is one heck of a balancing act.

What I loved about Jen's shop was that she creates "mommy approved" items that work for her at home. All her items can be personalized and she loves creating custom orders. What perfect gift ideas for the New Mommy or New Home Owner. 

When my daughter was born I received a receiving blanket with her name and birth date on it. It is one of my favorite items and I can't imagine a time when I will dispose of it.

The item that caught my eye was her personalized receiving blankets. They are adorable and her best sellers.

Sweet right!?

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Jen.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

"I am a CPA and a mom of a 2 year old. I work part time and stay home the rest of the time. I started this little 'hobby' of mine just for fun in my 'spare time'. I love sports, especially 

hockey, the beach, and coffee!"

Burp Cloth Link

How long has your Etsy shop been online or why did you start your Etsy shop?

"I opened my Etsy shop in the fall of 2009 - but I have been selling via other outlets for quite a while before that. I also sell on ebay, craft shows, and through family and friends. I started my Etsy shop because I love the ease of managing it and also love finding other unique items to buy on Etsy. I probably buy as much as I sell!"

Dish Towels Link

Where do you get your inspiration?

"All of my friends are having babies. I wanted something unique but useful to give as gifts.I love practical things but still wanted the gift to be fun. I'm having so much fun creating new things to personalize."

Bib Link

What do you love most about what you do?

"I love designing things that people love, that fit their personality, and that showoff their new baby's name. I spent an entire pregnancy deliberating over my son's name and I just love showing it off!"

Apron Link

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

'I'm too busy loving the moment to worry about the future!"

Jen has been gracious enough to allow one of my readers the choice of the burp cloths or Thermal Receiving Blankets.

How to Enter: Visit Personalize It! Come back and let me know about another piece you love.  (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: April 14, 2010 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? Please put each extra entry in a separate comment. You will get more entries that way.

*Favorite Personalize It! on Etsy

*Make a purchase from Personalize It and get EIGHT extra entries - each entry needs to be separate.

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for FIVE extra entries

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Subscribe to Chotskies

*Follow me on Twitter, leave your twitter name
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.

*Tweet this giveaway and leave your link

*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link

*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

Do not leave entries in the comment section, 

those are for comments about the post only!!!!!

A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 48 hours to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

ABC Wednesday "K"

This weeks, ABC Wednesday is the letter "K"

K = Kids
Last week my daughter got to make pizza with her class at a pizzeria. So cute but good luck trying to get her and her classmates to stand still long enough for a picture.



K = Kitten


K = Kiss


K = Kook

There Is Always A Silver Lining - Silver Lining Decor Giveaway

It has been so long since I have played host for an Etsy artist beside myself. I find it thrilling to search Etsy looking for talented, interesting artists to introduce to you.

My last jog around Etsy brought me to the Silver Lining Decor. First, I love the concept. I believe we must all look for the silver lining in all aspects of our life. It is there if we choose to look for it.

Necklace Link

Let me introduce you to Rachel from Silver Lining Decor who was kind enough to talk to me about her shop, her cats, how she gets her inspiration and her love of vintage. Rachel, makes a lot of her pieces by sifting through antique shops looking for the perfect pieces to create something new. Love that!

Earring Link

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

"I am a twenty something interior designer, although currently I am not working due to the economic strain on our industry(as with many others).  I have been married for a year and a half to the love of my life who is so very supportive of everything I do.  I have 2 crazy but lovable cats.  Many people who come to my house claim that they are more like guard dogs than cats!   Never the less we love them.  As I search for a new design firm to take me in, I am throwing all of my extra time into my Etsy shop.  I've got lots of creative energy to burn!"

Bobby Pin Link

How long has your Etsy shop been online or why did you start your Etsy shop?

"I learned about Etsy when I was planning my wedding.  At the time I was doing a peacock inspired fall wedding, and finding peacock invitations was next to impossible...until Etsy!  I have always been crafty so shortly after I decided to open my own shop.  SilverLiningDecor started out with my hand appliqued wall art, but since I have been making jewelry most of my life, it branched off to that as well.  I just recently have started thinking about carrying vintage housewares as well.  I decided to test an item out, and a day later it ended up on the front page!  I think I might be onto something there!  I have been in business almost a year now and I love being part of the Etsy community!"

Earring Link

Where do you get your inspiration?

"I love anything vintage so I get most of my inspiration there.  I love sifting through piles of old jewelry to find things that I can turn into new treasures for the modern girl.  I visit all of the local antique stores and flea markets to find a lot of the items I use." 

She isn't just a talented jewelry creator she also makes adorable wall hangings.

What do you love most about what you do?

"I love the freedom of being able to create whatever comes to mind, and I love that other people actually enjoy and want to wear what I love to make so much."

Rachel has been gracious enough to offer one of my lucky readers the opportunity to wear her beautiful creations.

The bobby pins can be found here and the earrings were created for the giveaway and are made from vintage pink enamel flower finding with a faux pearl in the center, and stainless steel posts.

What I Can Tell You: Rachel is a lovely, funny person. She is creative and her prices are awesome. Her cat story cracked me up. I always had a cat who was afraid of her own shadow. Rachel's are more like watch dogs. Love that!

How to Enter: Visit Silver Lining Decor, then come back and let me know about another piece you love.  (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: April 13, 2010 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? Please put each extra entry in a separate comment. You will get more entries that way.

*Favorite Silver Lining Decor on Etsy

*Make a purchase from Silver Lining Decor and get EIGHT extra entries - each entry needs to be separate.

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment) for FIVE extra entries

*Add me to your blogroll and provide the link

*Subscribe to Chotskies

*Follow me on Twitter, leave your twitter name
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one.

*Tweet this giveaway and leave your link

*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook

*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link

*Follow me under networked blogs (on my left side bar)

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

Do not leave entries in the comment section, 

those are for comments about the post only!!!!!

A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 48 hours to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Bubbles with Handsome

Here are pictures of Handsome and I from 2006. He was 3 and having a problem with speech. This was part of my therapy for him. We put water, food color and dish soap in a plate then with the straw he was supposed to blow and make bubbles. Unfortunately, he couldn't do it at the time.

Winners Announcement

The Winner of Waking Up In The Land of Glitter is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

15 - Jackie 

Timestamp: 2010-03-30 14:42:01 UTC

Jackie, Congratulations! I am just about to email you. If you don't receive one, please contact me directly with your address.

The winner of the Zippity Doo Hair Products is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

35 - AnnMarie W

Timestamp: 2010-03-30 14:49:46 UTC

AnnMarie, Congratulations! I am just about to email you. If you don't receive one, please contact me directly with your address.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 30, 2010 - The End Of March

The Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window...  Nasty, rainy, windy and just plain poopy out there.

I am thinking...  That the weather just has to get better. What kind of Spring vacation are my kids having?

I am thankful for...  My husband, My kids, My Friends and Family

I am wearing...  ~Too tight jeans and a black shirt with a painted blue flower

I am remembering...  that at 12:00 I have to pick up the baby

I am going...  To get my son off the XBox game in a moment to read a book. Wish me luck.

I am currently reading...  A children's book called Wright on Time : Utah

I am hoping...  to get to visit my family this week

On my mind... Easter and Goddess' birthday party.

Noticing that...   Time flies

Pondering these words... "Mommy, maybe there are ghosts, you just don't see them (said as she looks around my room)"

From the kitchen...  ~Croissant french toast. Yummy

Around the house... Some dusting done, shades and curtains soon.

One of my favorite things...  Hearing my kids sing

From my picture journal...

Goddess enjoying a day outdoors last week.

Ruby Tuesday - The Brickabrack

Join Mary and her other Ruby Lovers at Work Of the Poet's Ruby Tuesday.

Ok, I'm about to sound like a total idiot but here is my submission.
This is something I received from my traveling grandparents. I have no idea what country it came from but I have been carrying it around since I was approximately 8 years old.  You can see she is missing a gem from her crown because she has been packed and moved 30 times since I got her.

Anyone have any ideas what country my grandparents may have got her from?

Monochrome Weekend- All Rolled Up

National Poetry Month - A Light In The Attic

Recently I found out that the month of April is National Poetry Month.

Thanks to a  Harper Collins Children's Publicist I was award the opportunity to review a few books!

So far, I have written about Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire, by Jane O'Connor, and The Wonder Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Time You Let Me In, 25 Poets Under 25.

Today I have A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein, the Special Editon with 12 New Poems.

Last night, while I lay thinking here,
Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
And pranced and partied all night long
And sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I flunk that test?
Whatif green hair grows on my chest?
Whatif nobody likes me?
Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me? . . .

Here in the attic of Shel Silverstein you will find Backward Bill, Sour Face Ann, the Meehoo With an Exactlywatt, and the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire. You will talk with the Broiled Face, and find out what happens when someone steals your knees, you get caught by the Quick-Digesting Gink, a mountain snores, and they’ve put a brassiere on the camel.

With 12 never-before-published poems, here is a special edition of this beloved poetry collection, from the creator of Where the Sidewalk ends and Falling Up.

In A Nutshell: I have seen this book for the past few years but had never picked it up. It was always on the shelf at the library open and ready but I was always with my kids who were throwing books at me to read to them that I never had the chance.  It is chock full of mini poems for all ages but especially perfect for 12 and up. 

What I can tell you:  The poems are all short, perfect for little attention spans. Each poem comes with a sketching for your child to focus on while you read to them. Perfect!  I think this is the perfect introduction to poetry for young minds.

Arrows

"I shot an arrow toward the sky It hit a white cloud floating by.

The cloud fell dying to the shore. I don't shoot arrows anymore."

BTW...Look at all these awards the book as received:
* ALA Notable Children’s Book
* School Library Journal Best Book
* Library of Congress Children’s Books
* William Allen White Children's Book Award (Kansas)
* Garden State Children's Book Award (New Jersey)
* George C. Stone Center for Children's Books Recognition of Merit Award
* Buckeye Children’s Book Award (Ohio)

Monday Memes - So Many Monday Memes

This Blue Monday I have a picture of some Yoga blocks. Last weekend I was at a birthday party which happened to be in a Yoga studio. Just had to snap this for Blue Monday.



I probably could have used this for Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday.

What annoys you about people that you spend time with outside your home (coworkers etc)?
That everyone seems to always be too rushed to be polite.


What annoys you about people in your home? The respect level is at an all time low.


What annoys you about talking on the phone? The constant interruptions from my children.


What annoys you about the over-used terms that people use? They can use whatever they want. There are no terms that "annoy" me.


What annoys you about restaurant foods? That it is too friggin expensive


What annoys you about restaurant servers? That they make me wait for a check. I don't want to end up being upset with my kids who are now running out of patience while we wait toooooo long for you to bring the damn check. If people have kids you should want to get them served and out as quickly as possible.

What annoys you about reading other blogs? Nothing. I love reading other blogs. The slowness of my computer is the only annoying thing.


What annoys you about memes? Nothing. If I were annoyed I wouldn't participate. I don't HAVE to participate, I choose to participate.

What annoys you about commenting on blogs? My computer is too slow and I spend enough time on the computer. I hate waiting and have to bail out sometimes.


What annoys you about people who chew gum? People who crack their gum. I love gum and chew all the time. Cracking your gum is rude and annoying.


What annoys you about driving on the highway? The people who sped up when I put my directional on.
The people who cut into my line with no regard to safety. The folks who tailgate. The idiots who beep because they want me to move, go faster, or whatever. Move to another lane ass! That is why we have passing lanes. I have kids in the car and I am not speeding for you.


What annoys you about shopping at Walmart? Spending money and the smell. The one by me just smells dirty and cheap.


What annoys you about kids? The same thing I love about them. That they challenge me constantly!


What annoys you about your gender? That they always seem to have a problem dealing with another woman. Not everyone is against you! Not everyone has an agenda.


What annoys you about the opposite sex? That they are terrible body language readers. I think most men don't think before they speak. Woman think too much and men just don't. Grrr...where is the happy medium?


What annoys you about shoes? That I need them to protect my feet! I wish I could be barefoot all the time.


What annoys you about shopping for clothes? Everything. Price, trying them on. I hate shopping period.


What annoys you about music? Nothing.


What annoys you about drinking alcohol? Huh? It costs too much!


What annoys you about pizza? It's fattening.

Sunday Stealing 35 Questions - Part One

Sunday Stealing: The 35 Questions X 2 Meme: Part One

1. How far away is the last person you kissed? He is an arm length away sitting on the other end of the couch. Or, maybe it was my son who I just kissed goodnight 18 minutes ago. In that case he is about 20 feet away.

2. Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever? Ummm...I don't know....forever...do people really use that word? I can't picture anyone saying, "yo, baby, I'll be with ya forever."

3. Last person you were in a car with? My kids. Before that, Clary.

4. Any plans for tomorrow? Yes, I want to go to breakfast with my family. We haven't gone out for breakfast in so long and I am looking forward to it.

5. How long does it take for you to take a shower? 10 minutes unless it is a shaving day than add 5.

6. Best friend or close friends? Both please! You can never have enough friends. Friends rock.

7. Is tomorrow going to be a good day? Yes. If I wake up it will be a good day.

8. Did you kiss anyone friday? I kiss my family every day.  Doesn't everyone?

9. Ever thrown up in public? Too many times.

10. What's on your mind RIGHT NOW? This question and coming up with an answer for the next one.

11. Who was the last person you talked to? My sister-in-law Marta. She rocks and it makes me happy to chat with her. You have no idea!

12. What is the WORST subject they teach at school? Is there really such a thing. If it is being taught and you can learn it..learn it!!!!

13. Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with? I get along with everyone.

14. What is your favourite colour top to wear? White

15. Have you ever been in a car accident? I don't want to answer this for fear of jinxing myself.

16. What's the closest thing to you that's green? The couch I sit upon.

17. Where would you like to be right now? Right where I am

18. Write down some lyrics to the song you're listening to? I am listening to the Devils play the Canadians.

19. How many dogs do you have? Two. They are called left and right and are in dire need of a pedicure.

20. Is anything bugging you right now? Yes, the fact that I have not added a picture to this meme yet.

21. Is life going right for you now? Life is good.

22. Is there someone you care about more than yourself? My children. I cannot imagine a time where I wouldn't give my life for either of them.

23. What made you laugh today? My kids. My husband. My sister in law. Clary. My peeps are funny.

24. What was the last movie you watched? New Moon.

25. Whats the last conversation you had about? Spartacus on Starz

26. What were you doing at 7:00 this morning? Trying to get my daughter to stay quiet so she didn't wake up the rest of the house. It didn't work.

27. Do you like your hair long or short? Since I have only had short hair one time in my life, I would have to say long.

28. Do you want to see somebody right now? I am looking at him.

29. Do you like the rain? I like it when we are all home, off the road, safe and sound.

30. Did you have a valentine this year? It was good. We were all together.

31. The last person you kissed needs you at 3 am, would you go? Yes! Of course.

32. Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else? Yes! My children any day. Everyone else, your on your own baby.

33. Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something would you? Ahhh nope.

34. How do you feel about boys smoking? Smoking is one of the biggest turnoffs for me. Plus, I don't like my children being around it. I hate it and despise the fact that nonsmokers are forced to breathe in someone's vice.  Boys, girls, no one should smoke.  Nasty, disgusting, expensive, dangerous, unhealthy, habit!

35. Could you see yourself with someone forever?  Sure.

Self Portrait Sunday - March 27, 2010

Here are the reasons for playing: 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. Or maybe, it's because you never feel you look good in photos so you tell everyone, "don't take any of me."

Well, take it...in the future you will wonder why you thought you didn't look good! You look good, be proud and show your smiling face!

Here I am sitting in my car waiting to pick up the baby from school. It was a crappy, rainy day but...Self Portrait must prevail.