We Have Our {Vintage} Winners!

The time has come for me to announce the {very blessed} winners of the recent "Ultimate Vintage Giveaway."

Seriously excited, here.:D

Before I get started, let me say one more HUGE thank you to our two lovely sponsors, Miss Rachael of The Paraders, and Miss Desiree of Prance and Swagger. They were amazingly generous in donating these two adorable pieces for you, my dear readers, to win!

Well, what are we waiting for??! I will make this short and sweet. :]



^^ This lovely thing is going to be arriving on the doorstep of...^^
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^^ This dress of pure sunshine is going home with...^^
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CONGRATULATIONS, Amber and Katie!! I will e-mail you both shortly. :) I am so glad these dresses will be going into such loving a welcoming homes. ;)

It's the Real Me!

One of the cutest blogs around is Olivia's at Horsefeathers. She has a wonderful sense of humor, great photography skills, and a genuine love for life. I don't endorse alot of her fashion or the music she listens to, so don't hold me to a recommendation, but she has some great posts.

Recently, she challenged her fellow lady bloggers to something which she humorously entitled, People Are Imperfect Campaign For Bloggers Who Are Awesome. Or PAICFBWAA for short. ;)

The idea is to take a picture of yourself withOUT make-up, withOUT photo editing devices, withOUT contrast and the blessed Cross Process feature on Picnik.com that makes your complexion such a lovely golden color...and be you. The real you.

Now, I don't wear make-up anyways, but I must confess that I rarely post a photo on here that hasn't at least been contrasted, Cross Processed, or something like that. I never go "fake" on my editing, but I hate posting bad pictures of myself, just..because. :]

I am changing that right now. I am joining PAICFBWAA. ;)

There I am. :) Fresh from a run in the rain. Sweaty, soaked, red-faced. But..hurrah for natural-ness! Hurrah for the awesome people who aren't afraid to show how God made them. <3

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

{Genesis 1:27}

Praying for Emily...

My dear, sweet friend Emily from Practically Pink needs your prayers right now. Her mother, Molly, is dancing with Jesus today after a long battle with cancer. Please visit this post and let her know that you are praying for the N. family. I cannot imagine how hard this must be...Emily, my dear, I love you and am praying for you.

{ I will be back to blogging soon. Things have been hectic. }

Life without Limits {book review}?

How often have you heard the term, "outward appearance doesn't define you?" It sounds all well and good--but what if your life actually revolved around that statement? What if your "outward appearance" was so drastically different from everyone you knew, that you couldn't help but be effected?

Welcome to the world of Nick Vujicic: Australian-born thirty-something-year-old, swimmer, surfer, world-renowned speaker...and posesser of neither arms or legs. In his heartfelt and touching book, "Life without Limits," he discusses his hard and unusual childhood--his struggles, his victories, his supportive and strong Chrisitan family, and most of all, his limb-less, yet limitless life.

Nick writes with humor, joking about his condition as much as he covers the more serious aspects of his life. He describes how he gets a drink of water and flushes the toilet, and he covers his near suicidal attempt as a child. He encourages readers to look beyond "road blocks," and live life to the fullest--with God as Guide. I enjoyed reading this book immensly, and would recommend it to anyone seeking encouragement or simply a good, uplifting, God-honoring read..and with Nick's story in mind, all of the petty trials of life will seem like nothing.

Please take a sec to rank my book review to give me a chance to win a camera or a $50 Starbucks gift card!! :] Don't forget to check your e-mail after you rate..you need to verify your rating {a precaution against cheaters}! Thank you!

*DISCLAIMER* I recieved this book for free to review from Waterbrook Multnolmah Books. All opinions are my own. 

watermelon. ♥ need i say more?

This evening at dinner, in the warmth of the setting sun as we dined on hot dogs and chili, I bit into my first slice of summer watermelon.

It was summery.
And cool.
And delicious.

..And I had six pieces. :]


{via}


..Also, I attempted a self-portrait a few days ago {before my bangs, obviously}. Turned out better than expected, with a little contrast. Hurrah for those few-and-far-between days when the camera works. :]

I also just noticed that I have peculiarly lopsided eyes. Hmm. Maybe it's the angle..? Oh, whatever. Yay for lopsided eyes. :] And yay for blossoms in the hair!

::sigh::

♥ Me loves summer. ♥

..Just thought I'd post about it. :]

ghiradelli, beethoven, and old books.

So, I am officially off of my sweet-free challenge.

It is a good feeling.

I had berry cobler and vanilla ice cream yesterday, and with no guilt I just had a handful of Ghiradelli chocolate chips. ...Ooh, those things are amazing. The absolute best chocolate chips I have ever had--and that's sayin' something. ;)  But, I've promised myself that I will exert some self-control, and change my old "it's-sweet-I-want-it-and-I'll-eat-all-I-can-manage" ways. o.O

Okay, I wan't that bad...

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This Saturday morning, it being gloomy and wet out {and yesterday is was 75 degrees!}, after the completion of weekend chores and mapping out what is left of my schoolwork to be done, I sat down at my piano and plunked out a few dreary notes. Don't get me wrong--I like rain. Love it, actually. I just wanted to echo the mood. :] So, I plunked out a few dreary notes...and decided out of the blue to play every single piece by Ludwig van Beethoven that I own. Yes, a Beethoven marathon. Opus 1 thru 22, Sonata 15, and 22, and 34...the list goes on. It was actually strangely enjoyable, though classical music can become a bit of a drag if you play too much of it. :]

..Thus, the whole morning passed away. Perhaps Bach, tomorrow? ♫

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Lately, old books have been my passion. The ones that we've had for years; the ones great-grandma read when she was a child...I've gotten them out to sniff them and read. Sniff them, because the smell of old books is one of the most wonderful smells in the world {providing you haven't spilled water upon them and left them in the attic. That is by no means a romantic smell}. And the way old books speak--the way their authors and authoresses write. It refreshes me, somehow, to breathe in their innocence and charm.

One of my never-fading dreams is to someday stand in one of those huge collector's libraries, surrounded by the delicious musty, leathery oder of antique novels. Complete with the attached rolling ladder. ♥


..A swivel staircase would suffice, too. :]

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Speaking of chocolate and music {are we?}, I leave you with a quote and two photos which I find immensly delightful.

"Too much of a good thing can be
...wonderful."
~Mae West

~ ...Blessings, friends. May the Lord keep you. ~


all above photos via..guess. yup, weheartit.com.

My Creative Dinner + Blog Party WINNERS

I'm home alone tonight, trying to finish up some schoolwork.

...Dinner consisted of nearly a whole package of rice crackers, and as much pomagranete/acai berry juice as I could drink. Yeah, I'm creative when I'm busy.

But, have I ever mentioned how much I like rice crackers and pomegranete/acai berry juice? It's up there on my "foods most wanted when cramming tests" list. :] And tonight, it was dinner. Ooh..I also just realized how much I love spelling out, "acai berry." Ahhh..it's something about seeing the "a" next to the "i." ACAI. A-C-A-I. 

Hehe. :]

..Getting back to my subject line: I was sitting there straining over a biology quarter test, munching a rice cracker and taking a long swig of juice when I realized that blog party winners were due to be announced today. Woops. Totally fogot. So, I decided I needed a break anyways--and, here I am, ready to play announcer. :] Without further adiu (sorry, no long and heartwarming speeches tonight, friends..tests are calling!):

Ring from TheElephantGarden

..goes to #2, Nela.

Earrings from BlueSunEmporium

..go to #48, Lilly Grace.

Ring from CreativeKates

...goes to #12, Eyebright.

Prize pack from TheCove

...goes to #41, Monica.

Two tinted lip balms from Burt's Bees

...go to #36, Grace @ Guarded Heart

Headband from AdornmeGirl

...goes to #27, Anna @ God is an Awesome Designer

Body polish from rawolive

...goes to #64, Courtney.

Necklace from TheJeweleryBar

...goes to #53, Kelsey @ The FlipFlop Farmgirl.

$20 gift certificate from JustPureMinerals

...goes to #49, Julianne.

Lipstick from PureMineralSource

...goes to #29, April @ Delicatley Fierce.

Ring from MollythePirate

...goes to #43, Crista Moriah.

Journal from PatchworkMill

...goes to #8, Charity.

Purse from Ahmelie

...goes to #20, Cynthia Grissom.

Necklace from OlivesandPearls

...goes to #50, Ashley @ Cheery-O.

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..And that about sums it up! A *big* thank you to all our participants and sponsors. I hope you all had fun with our Summer bash, and CONGRATULATIONS to our {randomly selected} winners!!! Please shoot me an e-mail ASAP with your contact info {address, etc.}.

lmmorud@gmail.com

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Bless y'all!

Bangs and a Haircut.

Yup. You read the title right. I got bangs. For the first time in my life.

...Now, for you heavy-hair-over-the-forehead people, these may not look like bangs, but they are. Just not hardcore. I never thought I'd do it, but today at my haircutting appointment I just decided, "Whatever! Let's go for it!"

 ...And so, I did, and I must say I am pleased with my little side thingys that are bangs to me but not to most people. :] So? How do you like them? Did I do the right thing? Did I do the wrong thing? And..just for a better look at my newbies:

*cough cough cough*

..No, we're not related. Well..ummm..just...distantly related.

Distantly.

;]


{Please pardon the poor picture quality. Our camera is still in the down zone.}

The Ultimate Vintage {Giveaway} Is...Here!!

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Yes, I know I am posting early...I just found out that I am getting my hair trimmed tomorrow (TRIMMED. NOT CHOPPED. Haha..), and thus will most likely be unable to type this whole thing up.
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Two weeks and twenty-five little faces ago, I reached 400 followers here at my little home sweet blog.

:{)

..It was a happy day, and seriously one which I never imagined would come to me. I mean, me? Little Lucia of the dusty blog around the corner? 

::sigh:: ...I love y'all. Because I don't blog for tons of followers. I don't blog for tons of readers. I blog for the want of expressing myself--my innermost thoughts, loves, and feelings--with the most encouraging and friendly buddies anyone could ask for. :]

♥♥♥

Kay. Done being sentimental. ;) Because there are bigger and better things ahead! It is with the utmost pleasure, excitement, gratitude, and...yeah, all that good stuff, :] that I announce what has been "in the works" over here since I realized this {rather} prominant goalpost was coming up. Hold your breath, ladies...

You all know how much I adore vintage anything. And dresses. Vintage dresses = happy me. Literally. So. To express my deepest thanks for your continual loving support as I stumble through this blogging adventure, and to celebrate another milestone reached, I present to you:

::The {Vintage} Giveaway::

*lets out all of the squeals she has been holding in for so long*

...YES. I am giving away two vintage dresses, with the generously wonderful help of the ones who are making this possible: Miss Desiree from  Prance and Swagger, and Miss Rachael from The Paraders--both exquisite gems in the Etsy shoppe world. Well, what are we waiting for? Let me introduce our prizes and their sponsors more thoroughly!

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From Rachael and The Paraders comes a creamy 1970's polka-dotted day dress, long sleeved and puffy-skirted.  It features red buttons, a read ribbon 'round the waist, and a folded collar. I am not sure on the size just yet, but I will keep you posted! Sizing: large-ish (below). This gorgeous piece would be perfect for formal outings, dress-up, dances, Sundays, or even daily use!

MEASUREMENTS:

length (back of neck to bottom of hem): 44"
bust (armpit to armpit x2): up to 42"
waist (sideseam to sideseam at waist or approx. x2): 30-36" (elastic)
hip (sideseam to sideseam at hip x2-usually fullest part of garment): free
sleeve (shoulder seam to bottom of sleeve): 18"
shoulder (shoulder seam to shoulder seam): 15.5"

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From Desiree of Prance and Swagger, we have an adorable and delightfully sunny 1960's "Darling Daisies" dress; short-sleeved, cotton, and lightly pleated for fullness of the skirt. It is in a size large, but can be easily shortened or taken in.

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...and, my dear readers, that is the secret. I won't even go into my jealousy. ;) Special, special thanks to Rachael and Desiree for their generosity. Ready, girls? One..two..three..

"Thank you!!!"

Now. Ready to call one of these dresses your own? Then read all of the directions carefully.
You must complete the mandatory entries to be eligible for winning.

{MANDATORY}
Leave ONE comment for BOTH of these entries.

*Be a public google reader follower of this blog*
AND
*Tell me which dress you would most like to win*

{EXTRA}
Leave ONE comment for each extra entry, unless specifically stated. All entries are equal to one entry, unless specifically stated. 

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Visit The Paraders and leave me the link to your favorite dress there
and
Visit Prance and Swagger and leave me the link to your favorite dress there.
(^^COMPLETE THIS ENTRY ALL IN ONE COMMENT^^)
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"Like"/follow Prance and Swagger on facebook and/or on Twitter, leave a comment saying I sent you!
~
"Like"/follow The Paraders on facebook and/or on Twitter; leave a comment saying I sent you!
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Follow The Paraders blog; leave a comment on one of the posts saying I sent you!
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Add my button/link to your sidebar.
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Post/tweet/facebook about and link to this giveaway; leave me the link.
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Add either of these buttons to your sidebar and leave me the link to your blog:





<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/06/ultimate-vintage-giveaway-ishere.html"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/alla2.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /> <br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/06/ultimate-vintage-giveaway-ishere.html"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/Picnikcollage-2.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /> ..There! Seven chances for you to win! How's that? :] Now, read these last details very carefully...then, you may type away.  ♥  This giveaway is open to all U.S. residents (this may/may not change..check back!) aged 10 years or older. If you are below sixteen, please ask your parent/guardian before entering, as you will be required to give me your address in case of winning. This giveaway will end on June 29th, at 12:00 a.m. NWPT. The randomly selected winner will have 48 hrs. to respond before another name is drawn.  *PLEASE LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS OR VALID, ACTIVE BLOG LINK IN EVERY COMMENT. ALL COMMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED.*

today is just one of those days...

{today is just one of those days}

that makes me want to type all in lower case letters.

and so, i do.

 

 {today is just one of those days}

where i feel like wearing cherry blossoms in my hair.

and so, i do.  

 

 {today is just one of those days}

that have me craving for homemade fudgesicles. to eat, and to share with you.

and so, i do.

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Low Fat Fudgesicals

2 cups low fat or skim milk

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2/3 cup sugar

2 tbsp cornsyrup or agave syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, sugar, corn syrup (or agave syrup) and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, and cook just until all of the sugar and cocoa powder is dissolved. Pour hot mixture into popsicle molds and freeze overnight, or until solid.

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{today is just one of those days}

that finds me wanting to sing "you make me smile" at the top of my lungs.

and so, i do.

{today is just one of those days}

that makes me want to be happy, even though it's cloudy out.

and so, i am.

{today is just one of those days}

that makes me randomly search "pink ball gown," just for the fun of it.

and so, i do.

{today is just one of those days}

that finds me wanting to give the whole world a hug.

and so, i do..to the best of my ability. :] 


{today is just one of those days}
that forces me to wear a green sweater and blue jeans.
and so, the world is conquered in such attire.


{today is just one of those days}
that causes me to be thankful for you. and all of my dearly loved friends.
and so, i am. always.


..what can i say?

today is just one of those days.

Favorite Quote Friday + Lilla Rose WINNER ♥



♥

And our Lilla Rose flexi clip giveaway winner is...

#21:
Miss Libby

..congratulations, Libby! Please visit my contact page and send me an e-mail as soon as possible, so that I may contact Laurel with your information. Thank you all for your participation--check back on Wednesday, the 15th, for a delightful giveaway suprise!!

~Have a blessed Friday.~


-Quote photo via weheartit.com-