Confessions of a Bumbling Blogger...

 Confession: I am really, really, really, really {okay, I know, enough with the "reallys" already!} looking forward to this weekend. Why? Well, as I mentioned in an earlier post, this weekend is the Christian Heritage Conference. Not only will there be tons of amazing sessions to go to, a huge choral that my sister and I are currently working on four {rather difficult} songs for, and the Botkin family as featured speakesr...but..we are at long last going to meet FOR THE FIRST TIME our pen-pals of two years, and some of our bestest friends..the H. ladies (go visit their amazing blog!!), who will also be attending. Is that exciting or what?! Okay, I know, not really a "confession," as I've already told them hundreds of times how excited I am, but..*squeee!!!*

..Yeah. You get the picture. :)

Confession: I have a sore throat. :P Now, this is a "confession" because I am finally owning up to this sad fact. It is painful. Not so painful that I am unable to go to the conference {wild horses couldn't keep me away!! ..Like wild horses could do anything. I don't even live near any wild horses.}, but..dreadfully uncomfortable and..blech. Would you pray for me and my throat, friends? Okay, that sounds a little weird, but trust me: both myself and my throat need it. :) Because, the choral needs me! Without my boisterous vocals shrilling to the tree tops, the choir will wither away to nothing...

Hehe. Just kidding. More they will wither away if they hear me with this frog in my throat..:P

Confession: I have never been good at this "confession" stuff. I tend to ramble. Bear with me. Or politely exit the page.

Confession: We have the smallest TV in the entire world. No, I'm not complaining--we never watch TV. I personally dislike it, and do not feel a need. Few movies, as it is..I like them, but you only have so much time in a day, you know? But, think of a couch pillow from one of your sofas, and you have our TV. Yup, good ol' 1990 Sony Sharp..weighs a ton, has an enormous backside, and sports four channels. Gotta love home school families, right? ;)

Confession: I have recently become obsessed with spring skirts.  I haven't been wearing my dark colored ones lately, nor the jean one. Nope, it's floral, cotton-y, calf-length time. :) What aisle do you think I make a bee-line to every time we visit Goodwill? Usually it's only to look, though, as I am striving to save my money.

Confession: ..Which brings me to my next paragraph. I hate spending money. Is that a good thing? I hope so. I am also a spoiled thrifter. I am hopelessly romantically attached to low prices, and most of the time you will not catch me paying over eight dollars for a pair of jeans, over six for skirts, or over seven for blouses. It's just the way I roll. Now, if it's something I am really in need of (like a dress for a wedding, a new pair of shoes, a gift for a friend, or a purse), I may allow myself to just take a small peek at the "50% off" sale rack at a regular store. :)

Confession: I have recently fallen in love with this song, even though it's a few years old. It is so adorable..just listen to it, and imagine a guy singing to his wife...

You Make Me Smile

By Uncle Cracker

You're better than the best

I'm lucky just to linger in your light

Cooler than the flip side of my pillow, that's right...

..Awwwe! I just think it's the cutest song ever. <3 It's so bouncy and catchy and and little..but at the same time, tender and romantic. *sigh* :)

Confession: I am running out of confessions..no, actually, not really. It's just that I noticed this post is getting long, my audience is fading, and I have a paper to finish.

..So I'll leave you with the song and a *hug* from me to you.  I will be absent (guess why? ;) from this blog starting tomorrow, until May 1st. When I return, it'll be time to announce the winners of the "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}!! *throws confetti*

May the Lord bless you all!

{Top image via http://www.oldpicture.com/}

I ♥ Umbrellas.

um·brel·la

[ um bréllə ]
NOUN 

1. collapsible canopy that protects from weather: a round collapsible canopy of plastic or waterproof material on a frame at the top of a handle, held in the hand to protect somebody from rain, snow, or sun

2. support or authority: something that gives support, protection, or authority

"under the umbrella of the United Nations"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

i've always been an unsurpassed lover of umbrellas.

...maybe it's the uniqueness and variety they come in. maybe it's the fact that with one over my head, the rain can't come in unless i want it to. maybe it's because an umbrella adds a girlish charm and romantic wistfulness to any outfit.

in any case, i am pro-umbrellas. ultimately.

however, i didn't choose my little corner of the web's title because of my love for mary poppin's transportation device. ;)

..nope. in case you were wondering, i christened my blog "From Under My Little Umbrella" for the other reason why 'i ♥ umbrellas':

..because of the way they remind me that God is a shield.
a shield i can hide behind when i'm frightened,
a place of refuge that makes the rain go away.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thus, an umbrella-dedicated post.

:)

  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                            

 “the eternal God is thy refuge {umbrella},

and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

(deut. 33:27)

♥ i think if the word 'umbrella' were in use back in the Bible days, it would have been in this verse...don't you? ♥

all photos accredited to www.weheartit.com

The "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}: Our Second 'Innocinch!' CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.


{Shop}

Well, friends, here we are. Day Eleven. The last day of our "Spring Fling" bash. I think we dutifully welcomed the new season, don't you? :) Now, if only she would accept our invitation and come in!

--

..If the rain is getting you down, take a second look at our returning sponsor, Miss Lori from Innocinch, and you won't be gloomy for long. ;) As seen in her other giveaways {be sure to check out this one and this one!}she has so kindly hosted here this week, Lori's shop boasts a number of affordable, pretty items that get you right in the mood for sunny days ahead.


{Lucite Rose Ring}
I love the intricate design of the band...this is such a romantice ring! <3

{Lucite Small Flower Necklace}


{Glass Tile Pendant Necklace}


{"Mum" Bronze Filigree Hairpin}
Isn't this gorgeous?? I think one of my favorite items from her shop!

Now, Miss Lori has donated not one, not two, but now four items from her various shops to these Spring Fling days. Thank you so much, Lori! You are so generous. <3

..Now to wrap it all up, Here are the last two items she has kindly donated:  



{Vintage Inspired "Lucite Rose" Earrings}

{Vintage Inspired "Lucite Flower" Necklace}

..Super pretty, right? I just love the colors she chooses~~so light and airy, yet pastel!

--

Two lucky winners will be the proud owners of either of these loverly spring items. Do you want it to be you? Well, simply complete the 'mandatory requirements' first, and then see what you can do about improving your winning chances by completing as many 'extra entries' as you like! Read all the details carefully..


{MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS}
Leave both of these requirements in ONE comment, please, along with your e-mail address!

Follow my blog {only if you truly want to!} publicly via google friend connect,
::PLUS::
Go to Lori's shop and find your favorite pair of earrings or favorite necklace.


{EXTRA ENTRIES}
Leave seperate comments for each of these completed. Everything, unless otherwise noted, is equal to (1) entry.

Heart Lori's shop; leave me your Etsy username in the same comment.
---
Heart Lori's other shop; do the same.
---
Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway; leave me the link.
---
"Like" my new facebook page! :)
---
Add my blog button/ blog link to your sidebar, etc.
---
Add this button to your blog's sidebar:






<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/04/announcing-our-spring-fling-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/il_570xN_228624913-2.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /> *And if you make a purchase from any of the "Spring Fling" {Giveaways} sponsors' shops, leave a comment on their giveaway post, and you will be entered an extra 10 times!* ~~

{NOTES}

This giveaway is open to U.S. *and* International enterers! :)
---
Please leave some form of contact in an entry comment (not a seperate one, please!).
---
The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond after her name is drawn. If she fails to contact me, I will draw another name. :( *SNIFF*

All giveaways end at noon on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.

~~

::Friends, you may...type away!! 'Tis the last day..::
{Hehe, I couldn't resist the rhyme. Pardon my cheesyness. :)}

The Big 300..Just Around the Corner?!

*Gulp*

Did you know that I am now only eight (as of a few minutes, let's make that:) five little faces away from the big three-oh-oh? Five new friends away from the number that I thought was impossible..300.

Wow.

All I can say is..I am so very blessed! Blogging has become one of my very favorite when-I-have-a-speck-of-time activities, and it makes it so much more worthwhile when I have a little group to share my excitements, joys, sorrows, and findings with.

My string of giveaways has been such a success..I don't even know where to begin in thanking my participants and sponsors! Only know this: your face and name being up there ^^ on that list makes me uber happy. Let me say it: I loves yoouu. Yep, I do. <3 Each and every one.

Most sane people would do a huge giveaway when they reached a ginormous thing like 300, but as it is I already did my bash in time for spring and 250. Because the truth is, I really didn't think I would actually make it to 30 when I started this little blog, exactly one year and four months ago. So, you will understand why I truly believed, only a few months ago, that I would never, ever, ever in a million years make it to 300.

So, this is a full-of-delight-and-surprise "thank you" post.

Thank you, followers, for your support of myself and this blog.

Thank you for your time spent commenting, actually clicking the button to follow, and encouraging and lifting me up.

You are my buddies. I couldn't do this without you.

o_O

Awwwe....shucks!

*GROUP HUG!!!*

So. ..I feel like I'm letting a big number go unnoticed, but I don't think a giveaway for 300 would really be necessary, after this huge, long over-a-week-long of giveaways.

But let me tell you: if and when it's 350 (okay, since I am only 10 away from that number as of 4/27..to give myself longer than a three day break, I really need to make that:) 400 time, it's partaayy time. A.k.a., big bash time. :)

 Yeeeahhh..this is totally what my mind is thinkin' of... *wink*

The "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}: Our Second 'Cherry Compote!' CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.


{Shop} {Blog}

As promised, Miss Dace from the uberly lovely shoppe Cherry Compote returns with one more delightful prize for the winning. :) Visit here for her first giveaway--you won't want to miss it!

Some of my favorite items in Dace's shop are her delightfully vintage-looking bobby pins. I have seriously never seen anything like them before...aren't they spectacular??:

{Blue Flower}

{Light Brown Flower}

{Chocolate Brown}

..Now, Dace has offered to donate a second prize to our "Spring Fling" bash--can you guess? *Yes,* a pefectly loverly vintage-inspired:

{Baby Pink Hairpin}

..Awwe. <3 It's so spring-like and pretty! I would love to have had this in my hair for Easter..

Would you like to have a chance at winning this purty pin? First, make sure to complete the mandatory requirements..otherwise you won't be elidgible to complete the 'extra' entries, which further your winning chances! Also, please leave your e-mail address in one of your entry comments, NOT in a seperate comment!

{MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS}

Please leave seperate comments for each 'extra entry;' however, leave both of your completed 'mandatory' entries in ONE comment.

Follow this blog publicly via google friend connect

{Only if you truly want to..it is too sad when followers join my beloved 'friend list' just for givaways! :( }

::PLUS::

Go to Dace's shop and find your favorite hairpin(s)!

{EXTRA ENTRIES}

Leave seperate comments. Each are worth (1) entry.

Heart Dace's shop; leave me your Etsy username in the SAME comment.

---

Follow Dace's blog; leave a comment saying that I sent you! :)

---

Add my blog button/link to your sidebar/list of blogs.

---

Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway.

---

"Like" my new facebook page! :)

---

Add this button to your sidebar:

<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/04/announcing-our-spring-fling-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/il_570xN_228624913-2.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />

*And if you purchase something from any of the giveaway sponsors' shops, leave a comment on their post and you will be entered an extra 10 times!!*

~~

{NOTES}

This giveaway is open to U.S. *and* International enterers! :)

---
Please leave some form of contact in an entry comment (not a seperate one, please!).
---
The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond after her name is drawn. If she fails to contact me, I will draw another name. :( *SNIFF*

All giveaways end at noon on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.

~~


::Now....type away, friends!::

Why Do You Seek the Living..Among the Dead?



He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

(Luke 24: 5-7)

There will be no giveaway posted today, in honor of Resurrection Day.

I Will Wait + {Button}

Purity is a topic I have discussed a few times here on "From Under My Little Umbrella." It is a moral that is vastly becoming invaluable in the World's eyes...or, so they tell you.

The truth is, 99% of the guys out there are attracted to flirts and morally corrupt women..but in the long-run, they would never actually marry such a gal.

They respect someone who has guarded her heart, mind, body, and soul..saved everything for one man.

---

Are you that someone?
...someone who stands for purity? Not just of the flesh, but of the heart and mind? Let the world know!

<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/tumblr_ljxsw4LpY11qb0glco1_500_large_thumb-1.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.(Philippians 1: 9-11)  ~Please comment on this post if you decide you would like to use this button to proclaim your light!~

The "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}: lovestori CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

**UPDATE ON GIVEAWAY**

This is not bad news--no, far from it! Indeed, I have realized that I have four more prizes to give away, and one more day of this giveaway. :/ Thus...how do we fix that *awful* problem?? *wink* We simply extend the giveaway! So, all giveaways will be ending on the 28th! Got it? Great! :)

{Shop}

I have to say I love this shop's title. :) Isn't it just the cutest? <3 And you will adore the items that Miss Lori {who also hosted a previous giveaway through her shop Innocinch} provides. At lovestori, you will find "..Southwestern and Eastern style jewelry, crocheted items, ipod cozies, baskets, key chains, housewares, gifts, and much more..."

{"Pine on My Mind" silver filigree earrings}

These pretty things remind me of Narnia for some reason..:)

{"The Sighs of Your Heart" pink & silver earrings}

{"Office Feng Shui" bangle}

{"Greycious" crochet earrings}

..Now aren't these a good idea? I love how this unique pair came out so vintage-looking!

{"Early On" simple turquoise earrings}

..Now, what pretty-ful item has Miss Lori supplied for you, my blessed readers, to perchance win?



{Chennai Filigree Earrings}

~~*Gasp*~~

..Aren't they LOVELY? These ones also remind me of Narnia..perhaps Lucy might have worn them to her coronation? ;)

Here's how you can win: complete the mandatory entries first, and then feel free to up your chances of taking home the prize by doing some (or all) of the 'extra entries!' Just be sure to leave an e-mail address in one of your entry comments, NOT a seperate comment, so that I can contact you iffin' ya win. :D Read the details carefully...you don't want to miss anything!

{MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS}

Please leave seperate comments for each 'extra entry' you complete. However, after finishing both 'mandatory requirements,' tell me about those in ONE comment.

Follow this blog via google friend connect

::PLUS::

Visit lovestori and leave me the link(s) with your fav. item(s)! 

{EXTRA ENTRIES}

Each of these is worth (1) extra entry.

Heart lovestori; leave me your Etsy username.

---

Add my blog button/blog link to your sidebar/list.

---

"Like" my blog's new facebook page! :)

---

Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway; leave me the link(s).

---

Add this button to your blog's sidebar..just click "add a gadget" in your blog's design window, click "add HTML," copy and past the button code into the white box, click 'save,' and voila!:

{HTML fixed! Yay!}

<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/04/announcing-our-spring-fling-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/il_570xN_228624913-2.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />  ~~ {NOTES} This giveaway is open to U.S. *and* International enterers.! :)---Please leave some form of contact in an entry comment (not a seperate one, please!). ---The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond after her name is drawn. If she fails to contact me, I will draw another name. :( *SNIFF*  All giveaways end at noon on Thursday, April 28th, 2011. ~~

By His Wounds...



{Via}

And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."

(1 Peter 2:24)

Friends, let us remember Him this "Good Friday."

The "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}: Lili W. Coutere CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Before I introduce our loverly "day eight" sponsor, I just wanted to throw out a huge "Thank you uber much!!" to all of my brand-new followers. <3 It totally makes my day to see a new smiling little face up there...I have always been a "social butterfly," so new friends = good things. :)

That said, please welcome...

{Shop}

Miss Lili from Lili W. Coutere. In her amazing shop, you can find "jewelery and accessories inspired by world travels and always treasured vintage glamour." Her necklaces are chunky (a style I personally love} and pretty, usually featuring pearls and a gorgeous flower as a feminine touch.  Her necklaces are really some of the prettiest I have ever seen!

 

{White and Pink Ivory Pearl necklace}

I love the satin-y bow on this...it is such a creative, beautiful touch! This would be perfect for a bridesmaid or bride. <3

{Pearl Sparrow Flower Cabochon necklace}

{The Tree of Life Pearl necklace}

The gold-with-pearl on this necklace looks amazing. :)

{Pink Rose and Chartreuse necklace}

Okay, isn't this rose *gorgeous?!* I love how she puts misc. flowers in with the pearls!

..I know I've said this for everyone {because it's so TRUE!!}, but--aren't these things just *amazing?!* Seriously, how do people have so much talent?! ;)

Now, Miss Lili has quite generously agreed to donate one of her superb necklaces for our giveaway. Ooh la la..doens't this gorgeous thing just SPELL "Spring and Summer?!"

{Blue and Yellow Cabochon Rose necklace}

..Eeek! I love the little birdie bead and the blue-and-yellow coloring...not to mention the rose.

:D

..You guys are so lucky. ;)

Now, how to win, how to win! First, you must be sure to complete the mandatory requirements first--otherwise the "extra entries" won't count. :( Also, read every detail carefully!

{MANDATORY}

Please leave seperate comments for each entry; for the mandatory requirements, leave both requirements in ONE comment.

Follow this blog publicly via google friend connect,

::PLUS::

Visit Lili's shop and find your fav. item(s); leave me the link(s)!

{EXTRA ENTRIES}

Worth (1) entry each. Leave your e-mail address in one of your entry comments--not a seperate one, please!!

Heart Lili W. Coutere; leave me your Etsy username in the same comment

---

Heart Lili's other shop, Snooky Doodles; do the same

---

Add my blog button/blog link to your sidebar/blog list

---

Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway; leave me the link

---

"Like" my blog's new facebook page

---

Add this button to your sidebar via picture uploader; be sure to include the link given below:

{Sorry, no HTML version available!}

Here's the link to add:

http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/04/announcing-our-spring-fling-giveaway.html

~~

{NOTES}

This giveaway is open only to U.S. enterers.

---
Please leave some form of contact in an entry comment (not a seperate one, please!).

---

The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond after her name is drawn. If she fails to contact me, I will draw another name. :( *SNIFF*

All giveaways end at noon on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.

~~

Enter all of the "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}!

The "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}: Cherry Compote Jewelery

{Shop} {Blog} 

Oh, my dears, you will love what our "Spring Fling" giveaway is up to today. :)

~~

I so am pleased to introduce Miss Dace {isn't that an adorable name??} of Cherry Compote Jewelery. Her shop holds a variety of deliciously feminine bobby pins and earrings...all unique and gorgeous in their own way.


{Birds of Paradise}
Don't these almost bring you to the beach?


{Seahorses}
These are just *too* adorable, right?!


{Chocolate Brown Flower bobby pin}
Okay, her bobby pins are amaaazing..have you ever seen anything so vintage and delicate??


{Emerald Green}


{Pink Flower Earrings}

...Aren't all of these items just simply *too* cute?

~~

Now, Miss Dace was quite generous in donating two items for our Spring-themed giveaway, so you will be seeing more of her in the days to come. The first item is a lovely pair of almost-summer-time hand-painted earrings:


{White Flower earrings}

..Special, special thanks to Dace for her kindness. Aren't these little studs absolutley a must for your spring or summer wardrobe? The amazing part is...one of you is going to have them! ;)

Want to win this lovely pair? First complete the mandatory requirements to be entered at all, and then feel free to complete the extra entries for more chances to win! Read all the details carefully...

{MANDATORY}
Please leave seperate comments for each extra entry you complete; leave ONE comment for both mandatory entries, though!

Follow this blog publicly via google reader
::PLUS::
Go to Dace's shop and find your fav. item(s); leave me the link!


{EXTRA ENTRIES}
Worth (1) entry each!

Heart Dace's shop; leave me your Etsy username in the same comment.
---
Follow Dace's blog; leave her a comment saying I sent you!
---
Add my blog button/blog link to your sidebar/list of blogs
---
Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway; leave me the link
---
"Like" my blog's new facebook page! :)
---
Add this button to your sidebar via picture uploader; be sure to add the link provided below.
{Sorry, no HTML version available!}



Here's the link to add:

http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/04/announcing-our-spring-fling-giveaway.html


{NOTES}

This giveaway is open to U.S AND International enterers! :)

---
Please leave some form of contact in a comment.
---
The winner will have 48 hrs. to respond after her name is drawn. If she fails to contact me, I will draw another name. :( *SNIFF*


All giveaways end at noon on Thursday, April 28th, 2011.

~~

::Blessings, friends! You may..begin!::

~~

Enter all of the "Spring Fling" {Giveaways}!