authentic. yup, that's me.

I haven't done a blog party for...oh, ages. Actually, thinking about it, I have only done one blog party in my entire blogging experience--and it was also hosted by Miss Abigail Kraft of Rear Window.

Looks like I love her parties. :]

..I thought it was time to break the habit and join in on the fun that is the "Authentic People" blog party. I suggest you do to, because you know what it's all about? Being authentic. Being you. Not being a conformist to the patterns of any world, including the blogosphere. I'm all for that, so I'm in.

Basically, I just have to "introduce myself" all over again, and tell you some random facts about me through a slew of questions Abby has selected. It seems like I've been "introducing myself all over again" a lot this year..ah, well; you can never learn too much about me, aye? ;)

---

1.) What's the nerdiest/weirdest/geekiest thing about you?

  

I talk to myself, pretending I'm an actress in a movie reciting her lines. I read books aloud and pretend I'm the characters. I sing "The Star Spangled Banner" as I'm walking the dog, at least twice a day. Okay, that was three things..you decide which is the weirdest. ;) People tell me I should be an actress because I have so much expression when I talk..maybe someday?? :)

2.) If you could live in a fictional universe from any book, television series, or movie, where would it be?

I think Anne Shirley's world on Prince Edward Island. I just love that place, and the whole story..<3

3.) Do you like animated movies? If so, which is your favorite?

First of all, YES. Absolutely. Especially Pixar! I have seen tons of amazing animated films this year, but my absolute favorite? Tangled, hands down. And then "Up," coming in close second. ;)

4.) What is your favorite household chore?

 This sounds weird, but..sweeping. It gives me satisfaction. :)

5.) Have you ever dyed your hair?

Nope. But I do have these really light blond natural highlights in my hair, so people assume I have. ;) "Where did you get your hair done??" 

6.) Do you make your bed every morning?

Yup. I couldn't get away with not doing it. ;)

7.) What was the last thing that made you laugh?

...Looking at this ^ picture (photo credit Greg H.), which my dear friends sent me "to put a smile on my face." Just because. And it did made me smile--and laugh, because I remember how silly we were and what good times we had with them. ;)  

So now you've learned a little more about me. Why don't you join in so I can learn some more about you?

-picture two via-

-picture three via-

i'm letting you in on my future kids' names.

...So feel special. :]

Yes, I already have my kids' names picked out, if the Lord sees fit for me to marry and have children. And if He doesn't? Then these are my future horses' and cats' and dogs' and chickens' names. Okay, scratch the chickens. Scrap the entire animal names idea, actually--if these names aren't destined for my babies, they are destined for no one. :) And that is a fact.

So what's in a name? A lot.

..Especially since this particular girl is extremely picky with names. I can tolerate all names (okay, besides Philomena and Wilma and Artemus, etc.), but I can't like all names. There are very few names I seriously like, as in, "I am so naming my kid that." This doesn't mean I don't like your name, my dear reader, on you. I simply am picky about what my children will be named.

As I was saying--what's in a name? And as I also was saying: a lot. Because besides me being choosy about them, names are really, really special. For instance, have you ever really truly thought about the fact that God gives parents a wonderful gift when he allows them to name their children? He writes our names--not code names, not numbers, not Latin mumbo-gumbo, but the names out parents gave us, in His book of life. And someday, be it His will, I will have that privilege...to name a child permanently. To give him or her the title which God will identify them with, which everyone they meet will know them as, which they will have for eternity.

How awesome--how truly awesome is that?!

Thus, I thought it would be fun to show you a little list of names I love (or even adore. The asterisks are by the names which I adore).

Girls:

Laylee*

Lora

Emilee

Emilia

Autumn*

Olivia

Jourdann*

Violette

Rebekah

Julia

Analise*

Michele

Lucy 

(yes, I know this is close to my own name--but even if I weren't named "Lucia," I love this cute little name. :)

Boys:

Joseph

Joel

Nathaniel (I really like the nickname 'Nate')

..looks like I'll only be having three sons! Haha. :) No...I know I have more than this--I just can't remember anymore! I think about the girls' names more often than the boys. ;) And don't worry. I have wayyy more favorite names than this--these are just some of my tops. :) So don't take it to heart if your name isn't on here. ;)  

What are some of your favorite names?

// image via //



me oh my..our giveaway winners!

Me oh my! The giveaway is at an end, and the giveaway was a success. Not only did we get a total of 1,885 entries (the largest turn-out I have ever experianced), but I think everyone (including me!) had a ton of fun. :]

Thank you all so, so much: first to my amazing sponsors for providing these uberly lovely prizes:

ohzie

Ploctopia

tyrahhandmadejewelery

JulieRebeccaDesigns

ForevermoreCreations

ThatOldBlueHouse2

TheNestSLT

BrittanyChavers

Wicked Soaps

Persylla

flOwerbUcketbOUtique

Tiny Tokens Designs

Fairy Bubbles

Blossom & Twig

SilverLotusDesigns

RingsofDesire

Toocutecustomcrafts

mtkENGINEER

SweetArtSweets

dozi

*round of applause from everyone*

...and secondly to YOU, my dear friends and readers, who make my blogging days so worth while. I am ecstatic about the wealth of new faces on here since this giveaway! I am sincerely glad you are joining me on this blogging journey, and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do!

..And now. On to some WINNERS!! I used www.random.org to generate the winners, and I have a headache from counting out comments..;) so, winners, feel *extra* special, okay? :D

The prizes' winners' names are listed right below each prize's picture. If you are named here, congratulations! Make sure to click on the name's link so you're sure it's you--there may be name duplicates.

^  Modern Buttercup!

^  Julia M.!

 ($10 gift card)

^  AmyB!

 ^  Jenna!

 ^ Marcia!

^  Bekah!

 

  ^ mary ann!

^ Lèrowen!

^ Miss Grace!

^ Emily!

^ Shiloh from Ebenezer Forest Farm!


^ Camille!

^ Talia!

^ PolkaDot!

^ Madeline!

^ Julia Holmes!

^ Autumn!

^ Stephanie!

^ AnneKatherine!
(1/2 dozen cookies)

^ Raquel!

 ^ Mary Myers!

(any color/style)



You can refresh yourself on the exact prizes here. Also, you will be receiving an e-mail or comment on your blog within the next two days or so, so be looking. :] Please do not e-mail me first unless it has been more than three days! 

Again, thank you all for participating and making this event worthwhile! Presently, we are only 8 followers from 700..(wow. You guys are amazing, and I am so blessed. <3) let's make the next giveaway date 750, okay? ;)

And to keep you occupied until then, here are some other giveaways I promised I would mention!

"Because You Deserve It" Giveaway @ Raquel's
-
Huge giveaway @ Kellie's!

..go check 'em out, and stay tuned for more goodies and events around here. ;)