Pink Paper Peppermints - Craft. Create. Celebrate.

hip cool batty prize-winner

Hey Ya'll!

We're in Austin!  Just got checked in and now I'm enjoying an extra-hot mocha in the hotel lobby listening to (of course) live music as I blog! (I am so hip.) 

The band is playing a funky, acoustic guitar version of "'til there was you" right now and they are fantastic! Wish you could hear them with me.

Could it get any better?? (Having a Starbucks & live music just downstairs from your bedroom is sooooo cool!)

It'll probably be a little slow here this week, since we're out of town, although if I have time (and can figure out how to download them from my camera) I will post some photos!

{the band is now taking requests}

We're hoping to see some of these while we're here:

Bats over the Congress Ave Bridge!

This is pretty much the view from our hotel, so hopefully the creepy, little guys  will make an appearance while we're here because my boys are going crazy wanting to see them!

And now for the big announcement that I know you're all waiting to hear! 

The winner of my Bloggy Giveway drawing!

I used the Random Number Generator and got number 64!

And the winner is...

Naomi from superdumb supervillain!  Woo-hoo!

Send me your snailmail address Naomi and your goodies will be on  the way!

Little-O and his Daddy just joined me in the lobby and he's dancing around the whole lobby and making the band smile. (Little-O not his Daddy...heh-heh)

Gonna go have fun with my family now.

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
-John 14:27

ten on tuesday - art and paper and the you-know-who

ten random thoughts on tuesday

one

Happy Earth Day! 

Thank you Lord for this amazing place you created for us.  Please help us to be better stewards of it while bringing glory to Your name. amen.

two

I realize you are all probably tired of hearing about the dentist (thank you so much for your well-wishes and commiserating by the way) but I have one more visit this week that will involve "a little pressure" as the dentist likes to call it and some more heavy medication.  In the meantime I have a short:

Floss your teeth people.   I'm just sayin'.  Floss.

three

Remember this post about the artwork I experimented with by one of my favorite artists Claudine Hellmuth? 

I really wanted to try and not be a big, gigantic goober about this, but it appears I have no control over that so I have to tell you that Claudine commented on my post! 

Isn't that cool?  (I really hope she doesn't read this and realize what a goober I am)

four

Yesterday when I got home from the dentist and was feeling really yucky I got the best package in the mail from one of my bloggy friends.

It just couldn't have come at a better time and it makes me smile how God uses people in your life to do small, sweet things for you.

The very generous package included a beautiful handmade card and was filled with goodies from another one of my all time favorite artists Jenni Bowlin.

What an incredible treat it was to open that package (which was wrapped in gingham ribbon!!) and see all those lovely, papery things.  Thank you so much Tammy!

six

It's been forever since I've done any impulse art so I thought I'd try it this morning with my new goodies. 

I just love the scripture in Hebrews 4:12 that says,

"For the Word of God is alive and active and sharper than a double-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, joint and marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

seven

I am currently enamored with spelling numbers, graph paper, circus fonts, paper lanterns and of course flowers. You might notice some of those in my collage.

I really love the way numbers look when you spell them and it seems to help me memorize scripture references when I see the numbers spelled out.

eight

In case you were wondering I am still working on  the April edition of the HeART & Soul ezine.  It's a little delayed because of the visit to the you-know-who (trying not to mention it again) but it's going to be lots of fun, the theme is one of my favorites, Birdies!

nine

The you-know-who is getting blamed for this too. My lack of Fitness Friday fitness. *sigh*  Oh well, try again next week I guess (I did do the stair stepper twice last week though and drank lots of water for what it's worth).

ten

My hubby brought me a big basket of red geraniums over the weekend.  I just love red geraniums.  Aren't they beautiful?

When I went to the quilt show I found this fantastic company, My Sampler, that sells embroidery kits that are so sweet. 

They have one that I really want to do for my kitchen called, (what else?) Red Geraniums.

Actually, I want to do them all, especially the scripture ones, they are so cute!

Hey, that's ten already!  Be sure and comment on my giveaway post for a chance to win some goodies!

♥ M~

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"...for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!"
-Matthew 6:8

bloggy giveaway time

{This is still a sticky post for the Bloggy Giveaway week!  Scroll down to read more good stuff! Tuesday Ten is posted - imagine that...on Tuesday even!  And don't miss the adventures of the cereal box boys ...a yummy oatmeal cookie recipe and my Friday Faves!...scroooollllllllll dooowwwwnnnn!}

Hey! It's time for the Bloggy Giveaway again!  I'm being a tiny bit lazy and giving away the same prize as last giveaway but really it's mostly because I will be at the dentist twice this week and on lots of heavy medication so...technically it's incoherency and not laziness.

Anyway before I show you the fabulous prize that you can win just for leaving me a sweet little comment, I wanted to tell you about something super exciting that I'm working on for May/June! 



I'm going to be posting 31 crafty, papery, fabricy, flowery things to make and do in 31 days!  There will be lots of links to fabulous tutorials as well as original crafty projects designed by me!

I am so excited about it I can hardly stand it!  So many pretty things to show you! 

So be sure and check in with me all month to see the floral extravaganza ok?  And if you have great flower ideas let me know about them so I can link you!

If you want to share the flower-y goodness on your blog here is the code for the button!!

<a href="http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com"><img border="0" src="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/31_Flowers_noshadow.jpg"/></a>

And now for the fabulous prize!  I am giving away a felt basket filled with paper goodies!

The felt basket is exactly the one in the pictures, but the goodies inside may vary a little bit. 

It will be filled to the brim though with yummy stuff so be sure to leave a comment and be entered!

Here's a hint:

There will be paper, tickets, flowers, tags, ribbon and of course bakery twine!  You will love it!

So leave me a comment by noon on Saturday, April 26th and I will draw a name and announce the winner on Monday, April 28th!

Everyone is welcome to participate including my international friends! 

Don't forget to leave me an email or blog address so I can get in touch with you after the drawing.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  See you tomorrow for ten on tuesday!

♥ M~
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"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above..."
-James 1:17

girls just wanna have fun

{Hey Ya'll!  This is *still* a sticky post for the party week. But scroll down past the party for "the best chocolate cake recipe in the world", "a truly spring-a-licous handmade kitchen banner" complete with tutorial & printable pattern!" and of course my always exciting "ten on tuesday" post!  Come on...scroll down...you know you wanna!}

{I also just noticed that I invited you all to the ultimate "Bog" party which really sounds more smelly and muddy than fun and pink-ish.  So let's go ahead and just have a "blog" party shall we?}

   

Hey...Hey-Hey...(did that sound like Rerun from "What's Happening"?)

It's the Ultimate Bog Party time!!  Woot!

This is so fun, you have to join in!  Click on that link above and host a party at your blog or hey, just visit all the party peoples!  I met so many great ladies and discovered so many fun blogs last time!  I'm really excited it's here again already!  And there are so many prizes!! 

I forgot we were supposed to list our top prize picks so here are mine:

#1) I would really, really love the:

145 —Photo Insert Tote Bag
Provided by: Expressions Photo Store
Prize details: Carry your memories with you everywhere with a Photo Insert Purse valued at $45 in your choice of colors, donated by Expressions Photo Store, where your memories become unique lifetime treasures.(they have it in pink!!)

#2) I would also be pretty excited about the:

117 — $25 Gift Certificate to Target
Provided by: Mommy Bytes
Prize details: Angela with Mommy Bytes is offering a $25 gift certificate to Target.

#3) And who *wouldn't* love:

100 — 3 books
Provided by: Jill Norwood
Prize details: Jill Norwood from Who Could Ask for Anything More is giving away three cooking and entertaining books bundled together in a fun striped tote bag, perfect for taking on an overnight stay or to the pool or beach. I’ll also be filling the bag with some goodies geared especially toward the winner’s taste (coffee lover, tennis player, scrapbooker, etc.) Jill’s Book Bag is a regular feature on my blog, so, if you don’t win this time, I hope you visit me regularly to enter another time.

Now if I was to get to choose other prizes besides those I would also really get a kick out of #'s 59, 55, 62, 140, 129, 107,112, 91, or 49...whew...or you know anything to do with coffee, chocolate, or scrapbooking. heh-heh

You gotta go see for yourself! (but come back here and partee-heartee when you're done, k?)

So Welcome to my party!  Be sure and grab a hat & whistle!

And I hope you like to dance because I even have a....

Disco Ball!!! 

{can you hear the music?   wooo - wooo.....disco inferno....wooo-woooo}

Also, of course....there is PINK CAKE & ICE CREAM!!

And it wouldn't be a party without my friend and yours:

So grab a snack and mingle here in my pink lounge!  I can't wait to get to know you!

               

I'm editing my party post to add a little about me.  An idea I swiped  was inspired by over at Quirky's party!

You can find out what makes me a "one trick pony" by peeking in this room (just step around the giant pink pinata - that's for later - shhhh! - it's filled with chocolate and scrapbook paper).

To find out at about the prize I'm offering head over to my pink & red studio (oh don't I wish).  The prize will be similar (although not exactly) like these prizes!  Wa-hooo!

While you're in the studio you can see some of my scrappy, papery stuff by looking here, here and here.

If you want to know some random things about me including what I will make for you for $5.00 take a look in this room.

To really know my heart you can go over to my quiet corner and read the most favorite love letter I've *ever* received.  It's in the heart-shaped box next to my bible {swoon}. 

{HINT: If you click on the play button a deep, handsome voice will read it out loud to you.}

If you're still hungry sneak into the kitchen and check out my pink chocolatey cuppy cakes! mmmmmm....there's a stack of recipe cards on the counter there, feel free to take one!

Well, I guess that's about it.  (don't look in that closet in the hall...it's just junk)  Thanks so much for coming to my party!!  I can't wait to come visit you at yours!  (so don't forget to leave a comment with your blog address, k?)

And on your way out be sure to pick up your party favor:

A button for your blog!  Just copy the code below and paste into your sidebar code!

 

<a href="http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com"><img border="0" src="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/06/pink_paper_peppermints_party_2.jpg"/></a>

(if you need help putting it on your blog just email me)

Party on Chickadees!

{wooo-wooo....wooo-wooo}

♥ M~
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"But you'll welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to you. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration. You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight."
-Psalm 5:11 (the message)

behind door number one

Time to show you the prizes for the winners of the bloggy move giveaway! 

Kate from Costa Rica won this little felt basket of springy paper goodies!

It includes lots of little crochet and appliqué flowers, tickets, tags...

...tiny beads...

...die cuts a library pocket a little chipboard birdie wrapped in ribbons, lace & baker's twine! (and did you notice the clear, crinkly cellophane?)

Angela won a little Birdie Book O' Bakery Twine all wrapped around some tiny ticket tags!

Inside the birdie (28 yards of gorgeous bakers twine!):

Are you drooling yet?  Well don't despair dear readers because you too could soon be opening a package filled with goodies like those above!

That's right, I'll be giving away more little prize packages during "The Ultimate Blog Party" sponsored by 5 Minutes for Mom! If you haven't looked at this yet, jump over there and see.  If you have a blog it is such a fun week to get to know other bloggers!

And if you simply cannot wait for the blog party you can sneak over to my etsy shop (yes, that's right, I have actually *updated* my shop - woo-hoo!) and get some twine and other goodies right now!  :)

See you tomorrow for Ten on Tuesday!

♥ M~  {←did ya see what I did there?  a little heart!  and an arrow! look here to conquer some evil technology yourself! ha-ha!}
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"She perceives that her merchandise is good..."
-Proverbs 31:18

winner winner chicken dinner

Hey!

I bet you thought I forgot about the contest didn't you? Well, ha-ha, I did *not* forget!  (ok, I *almost* forgot)

But anyway...just gonna announce the winners real quick and then off to bed with my tired self.  I had a fight with google groups, yahoo groups and my new ezine today...they tag teamed me and it wasn't pretty, *however*  I did indeed kick some evil technology boo-tay and managed to get the ezine subscription up and running!  (take *that* evil technology!)

So hurry and sign up, it's gonna be cool! (just click on the little button on the left sidebar).

And now the moment you've all been waiting for......

The winners are:

Angela!!!
and
katemeri!!!

Congratulations ladies!!  (I'll email you for your details.)

Nightie-Nite all, have a blessed Sunday!

M~
{p.s. valentines photos coming Monday}
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"Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
-Proverbs 31:31

i like to move it, move it

Today is the "Big Bloggy Move"!

This is a day to celebrate bloggers moving to their new digs or bloggers like me who've recently moved. 

As some of you know I tried a wordpress blog for awhile and it just didn't work for me.  I loved a lot of the features but I just didn't have time for the coding and the plug-ins and the ever-eternal software updates, so at the beginning of this year I moved back here to good ol' typepad!

 

As part of the Big Bloggy Move celebration I'm giving away prizes!  Woo-hoo!  Leave me a comment on this post telling me one thing you like about my blog and one thing you'd like to see here in the future for a chance to win!

ANNNNDDDDD  after seeing so many of my Canadian and other International friends looking at my blog during the last giveaway and realizing that they probably left feeling sad, which makes *me* sad, :(  I've decided that *anyone* can enter this giveaway!

Yes, that's right, I will borrow the car from hubby and even *go to the dreaded post office* for this giveaway!  So sign right up!

I'm giving away two fabulous prizes to two ah luck-ay winnahs!!

1.) A full set of four colors (red, brown, blue and green) of Baker's Twine (bakery twine, or maybe just bakers twine, I never know what to call that stuff, but it is lovely -twiney goodness!) Similar to this:

(this is just an idea - the real picture is coming soon - colors will be different)

annnnnddd

3.) A package of all kinds of paper goodies! Take a look at my last giveway for a hint of what might be in it, but a picture of the actual prize is coming soon .

So let's re-cap.

* Leave a comment on this post by Saturday the 16th of February stating one thing you like about my blog and one thing you'd like to see in the future.

*Annnnnnnd as an extra bonus, mention my giveaway on your blog and you will get two extra entries into the giveaway!  Yes that's right *two* extra entries for a total of  *three*.  Just let me know that you blogged it and put a link to it here in the comments.

*All my friends from around the world can enter!

*Enter only Once.

*Get ready for some sweet prizes!

Oh and don't forget to stop by our host blog, "After a cup of coffee or two"  (she is giving away some fabulous prizes) and look at all the other new blogs to find more giveaways!  One of my favorites is the giveaway at Live, Laugh, Blog.  Go check it out! (Wait!  Comment here first, *then* go check it out...heh-heh)

Also, if you've moved to a new blog since December 2007, why not join in the fun?  Just go sign up here!

Have a great Monday!

M~
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"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things..."
-Matthew 12:35

winnnnnn-aaaaah!

Hey!  It's time to announce the winner of my Bloggy Giveaway!  And do I have a surprise for you!  It's on video!  Am I not super techie woman???  Of course I mispronounced the name of my own blog not once, but twice...but oh well...*LOL*

My cute little O is the official name draw-er.  He was very excited to do it and even though he just reaches in and picks the first piece of paper he touches with absolutely no fan fare*what-so-ever* he's still pretty cute. (and no of course I did not dress him in a red shirt so he would match my blog...{yes I did}...what kind of mother would do that??....{me}...)

NOW WAIT!

Before you go all watchin' the video to find out the name of the winner I have a few announcements.  K?

(yeah, I know you could just skip this and go watch the video, but at least *come back and read this afterwards*  would ya?? *cheesy grin*)

First, as you may have noticed in the sidebar I'll be participating in the "Big Bloggy Move"started by Christy at "After a Cup of Coffee or Two..."  It's for blogs that have switched to a new service, or re-vamped in some way for the new year.  So stop by here for lots of special Blog Movin' fun and giveaways, ok??  And be sure and look at the Mr. Linky at Christy's blog on February 11th to find more fun new blogs and giveaways too!

Next in case you missed yesterday's entry I'll be starting my e-zine "The {heART} of the Matter" up again soon so be sure and sign up!  It'll have fun ideas & tutorials and mini-classes based on some of the many scrapbook classes I taught across the country in my pre "little O" days!  And it's FREE!  (so really..what would the reason to *not* sign up be?...you hate art?...you don't like free stuff...pink & red not your color??...hmmmm?)

And finally, I discovered some neat new bloggies in all my mad entering of giveaways (I barely made it through a third of that list!) and I'm going to be featuring them in an entry soon.  So be sure and look for that because *you* might be one of the blogs!  (you'll at least find some new bloggy friends, so it'll be great...come on....come back...everybody's doin' it!...)

Okay, and now for the moment you've all been waiting for........(I was gonna make the sound of a drum roll here...but...um....how do you do that?......brrrrrrrrr....okay just imagine it....)

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"He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession." -James 1:17-19

bloggy giveaway - yay!

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - Winner is Announced on Video Here!!

I'm so excited to be participating in the bloggy giveaways carnival, hosted by Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer! 

Oh my goodness!  If you have not been there, you must go here, right now...there are (as of right now) over 500 blogs offering the chance to win some amazing goodies for nothing but a lil' ol' comment!! 

Wa-hoo!  Seriously, I have discovered some wonderful blogs already, not to mention how much fun if you win something??!!

Ok, so here is what I'm giving away:

A brand new 2008 Mary Engelbreit calendar!  (the open one is my personal one, I wouldn't give ya a used one!)

WAIT!  THERE'S MORE!

Some super cute valentine paper goodness ********

Look at all that delicious Red & Pink paper heaven!!  You can't really tell what's in there so here's a list:

* A chipboard wrapped heart with pink chenille, red & white bakers twine, white lace, pink satin ribbon and red ric rac!

* A red gingham library pocket!

* 3 red corrugated hearts!

* 3 red shipping tags!

* A little baggie of red, white & pink silk (well...fake silk..heh-heh) flowers!

* 2 pink star tickets!

* 4 key tags with bakers twine!

* 2 little glass bottles full of red & white mini beads!

* And a brand new package of collage paper (which you can't see that well but it's sitting next to the red bucket.)!

* Oh, and of course the lovely red bucket!!

Not too shabby eh??

Here's a close up:

NOW HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY??

Well, comment right now and all this could be yours for freeeeeeee!!!!

That's right!  All you have to do is leave me a comment* by Thursday January 31st and you are entered to win!!  I'll pick a random number and announce the winner on Friday!  Woo-hoo!

*Fine Print:

We're a one car family (plus I really, really *hate* going to the post office) so unfortunately I have to say I can only mail to commenters in the U.S.  Sorry. :(   

Be sure to leave me a blog address or an email so I can get in touch with you if you win, k?  Otherwise I'll have to pick another winner and that would be so sad for you! 

Just one entry per person too, okie dokie?



Hey!  If you have a blog why don't you join in the bloggy giveaway too???  Just click on the pretty, pink button up there and then tell me about it so I can enter *your* drawing!!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! 

(it's late and I've been awake since....well...since my second child was born...so.....sorry for the punchy-ness...heh-heh)

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - Winner is Announced on Video Here!!
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"Every good and perfect gift is from above..."
-James 1:17