Random Friday...

1. I ran a 5k last Saturday: here I am with the Mister before the race started.  Doesn't he look GREAT?! He's lost over 42 lbs...SO Proud of him!!! 

 See why I run?  Doesn't it look fun?? 

The GREAT news: I got 2nd place in my age group!!!!!  
No, I couldn't find a bigger watch...

2. How cute is this EASY 4th of July snack?

Make sure you head over to this cutie's blog and see HOW-TO

what you make it

3. Summer-Bubbles-Stinkin' Adorable kid!!

4. I'm watching a news report right now about a Florida Principal who hypnotized his students...WHAT?!
Ummm....creepy, 3 of the students have killed themselves!  Remember when you learned how to spell p-r-i-n-c-i-p-a-l and your teacher told you it has "pal" on the end because your principal is your friend?
Not so sure here...

story and photo HERE


5. Need a new hobby? Want to know what's HOT?
EXTREME DOG GROOMING!!

source and more photos HERE!

more HERE!!!
I think momof5 and my Auntie ★ may be interested!!  Go to that 2nd link and check the gallery...#3 made my mouth fall open!


6. Wish you could learn about your camera and photoshop, lighting, actions and 9,000 other photo things??  I know I do!
Check out this link:
texas chicks blogs and pics HERE
I've had this site saved in my "Favorites" forever, now if I would just sit down and DO IT!


7. A little something that's in the "plans"...

a PLAYHOUSE!!!

source

More on this to come...

8. We like action shots around here

No, I can't get my mouth open any wider...

Don't you love how you take a picture and then think "holy cow, I have gotta get those weeds pulled and that front door and trim repainted!"  I think I also want to stain our porch, I'd rather tear it out and put in something like this

source

Check the above link for AMAZING porch ideas... I think I might buy curtains for mine after checking this site out!

9. Please don't do this if you love our country...

source

10. Even though it's HOT out, Don't forget the hat drive for the kids in China!! 

MORE info in the hat donation tab at the TOP.  NEW handmade (or store bought) hats for the kids left behind in the orphanages of China.  IF you'd rather donate $ and I'll do the pickin', hit that "DONATE" button at the top on the left!!
Thank you so much to those of you who have already donated!!
Ok, Americans, GO get started on your HOLIDAY weekend!

Oh my gosh... is this cute, or what?

I'm trying to flood my brain with inspiration and for me, it's by looking at CUTE stuff!!

So check out this CUTE stuff!

glitzy octo earrings by anthropology 

this ADORABLE bicycle built for two by Jenni Horne

I'm in love with bike prints, you can find tons of cute examples on etsy too!

Helen Dardik... always love everything she does! Is this sweet treat picture the cutest ever?

I swear everything she does is magical to me.  Can you imagine your mom making invites to your birthday that look like this?

and this is from Urban Outfitters:

I would love this for my desk, so me!!

These stamps are from Stampin' Up.  Stamps.... so addictive!!

and this... 

I guess because it's PINK it gets to go in the "cute" category (and the sparkly and the glitzy and the EXPEN$IVE category... at $32,999.99, I'll take 2!).

and then this... this gets my #1 Cute vote for today-

Eeeek, I seriously screamed when I saw it!  I've been begging the Mister on a daily basis to build one in the back yard!!  He didn't say "no"... so I'm going to start hand cutting wood shingles for the roof!  I wonder if I can use my cricut?!

Have a GREAT day!!

ok, before I forget: I DO read all your comments (and LOVE them) and I always respond to them, the problem: I respond in my head!  I always wonder if people come back to see if I've responded to their comments- which I sometimes do... but I'm curious: IF you comment, do you come back to see if I said anything?  Just curious... 

and:

a little plug about my BABY HAT DRIVE 

As most of you know, my daughter was adopted from China and I left a little piece of my heart there.  I'm collecting hats to keep the children and babies warm in the winter.  Many live in orphanages that are without heat.

1. make a baby hat, toddler hat, or kid sized hat (you can take the non-crafty way out and buy one if you must)

2. email me at: chinamommy_04@yahoo.com for my address.

3. I'll take care of shipping them to CHINA next fall (I'm shooting for a Sept deadline).

any questions- please feel free to email me!!