Toot Toot.

For a few months now I have been using Paint the Moon photoshop actions.

I also follow Annie on FB, where she offers FREE exclusives and tutorials.

Annie started a fun 52 week photo challenge and I thought it would

be fun to play along.

{some of Annie's examples of her actions}

So when I woke up this morning I found out that my entry was picked as one of

her photos of the week {check it out here}!

It is not too late to join. Its so easy and all levels of photography welcome

{which is VERY obvious with my severe amateur status!}

TOOT TOOT!

Perfect way to start my weekend.

Wishing yours is a happy one.

Did you enter to win my current giveaway?!

Lamp Goods Giveaway {Jan 7th-Jan14th}

Not sure what it was I was searching for when I happened upon Lamp Goods, but really it did not matter after I saw what Jann was creating up in Maine.

And you know me, I just had to ask if she would be willing to host a giveaway.

And get this, she said yes {honor to say I am her first ever!}.

Here is a little bit about Jann and her shop.

For longer than I can remember, I have been creating new items out of vintage objects. Then working in the design field for several years, I've come to appreciate unique lighting fixtures.

So, a few years ago when I built my new house, I wanted lighting fixtures that were a little different than what everyone else had. However, I also had a budget to follow. So, I started creating my own. I was so pleased with them and received so many compliments, I decided to open my shop to share them with others.

I think lighting fixtures are such an important part of a home. Not only for the function of ‘lighting the way’, but also it becomes the ‘jewelry’ of the home and can really make a statement.

My lamps are named after the beautiful places here in Maine.

And God said, "Let there be light: and there was light". Genesis 1:3

So who wants to win their very own Lamp Goods creation? Jann is giving one lucky person a Orono II Vintage Canning Jar Lamp {pictured below}.

You have three ways to enter {PLEASE make sure to leave a comment PER entry below}:

- Hop on over to Lamp Goods, come back and leave a comment on your favorite item.

- Leave a comment telling us where this little beauty will live "when" you win it.

- Share about the giveaway on twitter, FB or blog.

Giveaway open until Jan 14th midnight eastern, winner will be chosen on Jan 15th via random.org.

Good luck little lighting bugs!

Mom in the shot Jan 6th {honk, honk}

Ever sit back and wonder how and why we do things as parents?

Like why do I ask my kid where my nose is.

Then when he touches it why I automatically say "HONK!"?

Who, where, and when this started I am not sure about but

what I am sure of is when it got reactions like this...

It spread like wild fire and now all parents carry this little giggle provoker

in their back pocket arsenal.

Happy honking.

Hook up over with Em.

Truth time:I have a VERY sad looking Christmas tree is still hanging out in my living room.Poor thing is making its way to the recycle pile in our neighbor hood today.It gave and gave this year now its time to give it some peace.

Stick a fork in me, cause I am done.

Why is it over a holiday eating becomes an activity?!

An activity that I clearly {just by the fact that I had to lay down to zip

my pants yesterday} over indulged in.

With a few of these in hand.

Off the the dip train I went.

Here is the deal.

I have come to realize there is four type of dippers:

1. The people who are all about the vessel to which you bring the dip to your mouth. They MIGHT barely stick a corner of the chip into the dip.

2. Those out there who are dip enthusiast. You know the kind they will use anything to get that dip a chip, spoon, finger, WHATEVA.

3. Those of us who believe a dip and its vessel make a harmonist union on your taste buds {insert me raising my hand}.

4. And lastly, those out there that are anti dippers. You know the ones. The thought of sticking a chip into a communal bowl of dip makes them dry heave.

A few dips thats made their rounds.

Bean and my Dad. They played this merry go round dip game for about 20 minutes. Bean would point, my Dad would dip, and then they would eat.

Try to get my stuff together this week.

Valentines Day DIY's coming soon!

Light bulb.

The other day a little voice came from the backseat.

"Mommy?"

"Yes sweetie."

"When I grew up can I be a Mommy?"

"Oh, of course you can Buggie."

{A sick little Buggie napping on the couch with me}

That tiny question gave me a BIG light bulb moment.

Wow, maybe I am doing it right.

Maybe I got this Mommy thing down.

Does she see me and think, I want to be just like her?!

Holy cow.

That light bulb moment sure came in handy 5 minutes later when, she was

kicking the seat for the 100th time.

Light bulb, light bulb.

2011 holds lots of possibilities.

I have been thinking about the new year.

Pondering what it will bring.

Do we map out our own destinies?

Or is there a master plan?

Either way you may think, I hope you will take full advantage of your life in 2011.

I know I plan on it.

First order of business, finishing up projects around my house.

Master bedroom redo, MUST be finished.

This print will be coming to live at my house, specifically a spot right next to my bed.

Parties to plan and indulge in.

Trips to book.

Friends to hang with.

Photoshop to "master".

Books to bend the spine on {no kindle or nook for me, old fashion page turning}.

Food to make and devour.

With LOTS of playing stuck in between it all.

So hows about you?

How are you planning to take hold of your life in 2011?!

Mom in the shot Dec 23rd {Christmas Eve Jammers?}

Reached into the archives for todays shot.

Nothing like looking back.

Last years Christmas Eve new jammers pic.

You can barely see Bean in my Sis's arms. I can not wait for this years.

Did you see Em's post yesterday?!

To say I am happy for her is an understatement.

And you guys have NO clue how she has been biting at the bit to share Elsa with you guys.

I mean BAD.

And to think many of your generous hearts have helped make this happen.

Tears, smiles, and goosebumps.

So this was a early VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS present the Andersons.

Now a few more months of waiting.

Merry Christmas to all!