A Thank You & An Award (or two)

I planned on dazzling you with my gift tags

or my additional shopping from fellow bloggers today...

but kids and a new (work) project got in the way of my blogging.

Instead I will give a BIG thanks to the following people

and pass on a little cheer for the holiday season!

A VERY BIG THANK YOU

to Rita at Let's Embellish

I just got a my very own holiday surprise in the mail today.
Rita sent me a super-cute package of chipboard tags,
accents and an amazing photo/note holder.
If you like scrapbooking or just simply want to be inspired,
go check her out...her designs are beautiful!
I will post a photo soon!

And now for some awards!
From Jenn at Rook No. 17

My real life buddy, crafter, and baker extraordinaire

bestowed this lovely little gem that she designed herself.

I am touched and honored!

There is only one rule and it is simple: 

Pass this award on to ONE blogger

that you think is truly outstanding,

in both in their writing/posting,

and their treatment of fans, commenters,

and fellow bloggers.

 (this award is not part of the pick your own bling party)

This one goes to my pals Holly and Charisse at Life laugh Latte...They were my first followers that I did not actually know! 

From Tiffany at My Journey in Motherhood

I have received this before and am highly honored to receive it again!

Thank you! Here is the link to the post.

Because this award has very specific rules,  

it is not part of the Pick Your Own Bling Party.

NOW FOR THE PICK YOUR OWN BLING PARTY

From Maya at Straight Jackets are Slimming

The rules: I am supposed to share 7 things about me.

(I'll keep it short...I think)

1. I am a natural blonde...no one believes me.

2. If I had patience, I would love to go

back to school and become a teacher - 

never gonna happen...the patience part that is.

3. I was hoping to have two boys so that I could

drop all the bird and the bees talks on my hubby.

4. I love sparkly things.

I was very keen on the fad that included lots of

gems and stud on shirts and shoes

(that was a long time ago...)

5. I have only ever lived in California

and never more than 5-6 miles from the beach.

6. When I find something I like, I buy multiples.

I once had 20 of the same turtleneck...

10 were black.

7. I still have not figured out why people pay me to write.

From Holly and Charisse at Life Laugh Latte

From Polly at 5th Sister

From Daffy at Batcrap Crazy

From Lynn at Midday Escapades 

The rules...list 10 things that make me happy

(and tag 10 blogs that brighten my day).

1. Joe

2. Jules

3. Laughter

4. Sunshine

5. An email or phone call from a friend

6. Really good coffee

7. Treasure hunting...and finding treasure.

8. Listening to my fave country songs on my ipod.

9. When the computer works.

10. Sitting on the deck listening to the waves crash.

11. Visiting blog, getting/giving thoughtful comments.

From Corrie at Just Because My Pickle Talks Does Not Make Me An Idiot

So, following the precedent set by Holly and Charisse...

because it is the holidays,

will the following bloggers please pick out a shiny new award for yourself!

Jenn at Rook No. 17
Lynn at Midday Escapades
Tiffany at My Journey in Motherhood
Corrie at Just Because My Pickle Talks Does Not Make Me An Idiot
Polly at 5th Sister

Maya at Straight Jackets are Slimming
NYCGal
A Nut in a Nutshell
Becoming Homegrown
CA Girl
Angie Muresan
Creations in Progress
A Day in the Life of a Surferwife 
Crafty Chic Mommy

Trying to spread the holiday cheer around!

I bet there are a million typos in this post...

but at 12:40 am I do not care. I'll fix them tomorrow!

All of you - 

that means anyone who swings on by -

is awesome and appreciated.

Cheers!

Holly