Weekend is off to a great start!

Last night we spent awhile looking in T.J. Maxx, I absolutely love that place. Sometimes it's hit and miss, but when it's a "HIT", you definitely don't want to miss. I walked out with a very cute necklace and this (I think I'm in serious trouble when I start taking pictures of my purchases, haha)...

How cute is that dress? I think I'm going to wear it to my BFF's wedding rehearsal dinner in June. It's a ways a way, but I think I found the dress :o) The shorts are definitely cuter on then on the hanger, and I think I might dress is up with the red shoes and find a cute red top!


I fell in love with these shoes and couldn't pass them up and for such a great price, you'd have to call me crazy if I did.


Okay, now I saw a girl come into my work with these shoes. And looking at these shoes on the shelf, you wouldn't think much of them, but with the the cutest skirt, she pulled them off. So I saw a similar pair last night, and had to get them. Call me a copy-cat, but I LOVE them!!!!


So there you have it. I loved my purchases and it's so nice to treat yourself every now and then.

Then after we left T.J. Maxx, my mom and I went and ate at a WONDERFUL, and I mean WONDERFUL, Japanese restaurant and just wanted to stress WONDERFUL, haha! We had...

Amazing Lettuce Wraps!


Melt in your mouth Edamames!


And out of this world Fried Wontons!


So, nevertheless, a dinner made in heaven, but something tells me the food prepared in heaven will be nothing like here on this earth, haha!!!

Well, better get going, have to start getting ready for a lunch date. Funny story actually. Most of you have probably heart of Tammy Trent, and if you haven't, click here. She is an amazing singer/author/speaker. Well, Tammy, her ministry coordinator Anita Rundell, and Anita's mom are all my friend's on Facebook and I talk with them regularly, and Anita's mom happens to be in my area right now, and we decided to go ahead and meet for lunch today. It should be alot of fun and looking forward to meeting her. So, like I said, if you haven't heard of Tammy before, check out her website. What a testimony she has!!! And Tammy and Anita are both in South Africa ministering right now, so please keep them in your prayers! I know Cherryl reads this, and if/when you read this, I'm sooooo happy we have the opportunity to meet :o)

Have a GREAT Saturday everyone!!

The winner of giveaway!

And the winner is........ Drum roll please........

Luck #4 and that is Kelsey!!! Congratulations Kelsey. I'm so happy to give away this piece of jewelry. Please e-mail me at LaurenBella6@hotmail.com and we'll work out the details! :o) Thank you to everyone who participated and there will be more giveaways in the future, so don't worry. And for those newbies that stopped by for the giveaway, come by again, would love to have ya :o)

So is everyone as stoked as I am that it's Friday????? Last night a few of us went out after class because it was Sarah's last night at school. She's moving to San Diego and going to pursue her schooling out there. We're going to miss her soooo much and it won't be the same without her. But we had some major laughs last night to end her time with us. Of course, come to find out I had my camera with me, but it was dead. So no pictures :o( And I think there's a road trip in our future to go out and see her!!

Thank you for all the wonderful shower game suggestions. Such great ideas. And keep those prayers coming for my Aunt. Thank you so much, you don't know how much it means!

What are everyone's plans for the weekend???? :o)

Wedding bells are ringing and the power of prayer!

Last night I met with my best friend Monica’s sister Susan for dinner and to do some bridal shower brainstorming. A lot goes into this, haha! We did get as much as we could get accomplished. Trying not to jump too far ahead of ourselves. We’ve picked a day and time, but first we need to secure a place to have it. Which that is in the works and then we’ll go from there. I only have one question; we’re limited to a two hour time period. Do any of you have suggestions as to what kind of games to play that might be fun and different? We’re stumped, and so thought I might ask for some of your ideas. So fire away :o)

Then after that I went to go visit my Aunt, please, please, continue to keep her in your prayers. There have been some complications. During the procedure on her heart there was a complication and blood started filling up around her heart. The procedure itself was a success besides this set back. They weren’t too concerned because the blood would usually absorb back into the body, but after a few days, it’s still not. She’s in a lot of pain and right now she’s at home. It’s nothing life threatening but tomorrow she might have to go back to the hospital and possibly be readmitted and they might have to go in and drain the blood that’s sitting around the heart. Like I said, nothing life threatening, but just more extensive then what she thought and more complicated and going to be a longer process of healing and getting through all of this then she would like. Last night as I was sitting there talking with her, something was telling me to pray for her, to just take her hand and tell her that I wanted to pray for her right then and there. Seriously, I was so close to doing it, that my heart was beating so fast. The reason it was beating so fast is because I don’t know where my Aunt stands in her relationship with the Lord. I believe a part of her believes but then there’s a part of her that’s hesitant. So I really just felt in my spirit to pray for her, and no sooner than I was going to do that, she and my grandma broke out into a conversation about prayer. And my Aunt proceeded to say that she wish people would stop saying they are praying for her because she said every time that someone prayed for her or said they were praying for her, that something bad happens, and she was referring to this whole ordeal with her heart procedure, and that she wished people would just say they wish her well and not mention praying. And nevertheless, I was stopped dead in my tracks. I was saddened, because there’s so much power in prayer. And I tried to let her know that and said that prayer is a good thing but sometimes our prayers are not always answered in the way we’d like and we don’t always understand God’s ways, but they are always PERFECT, and that she’s going to be fine but just needs a little patience while getting through all of this, even when it’s not turning out the way she’d like. A part of me wishes I’d gone ahead and prayed for her anyways, but maybe there was a reason I wasn’t to pray for her at that particular time. I have no idea. But there is huge power in prayer, so please continue lifting her up.

On a wonderful note, I got my car back yesterday and it’s back and looking better than ever. They cleaned the whole inside and everything, and whatever they cleaned it with made it smell mighty fine and so it feels like it’s brand spanking new. They went above and beyond. Don’t you love getting that kind of excellence in service??? :o)

WOW, say the word giveaway and people come flocking, haha!! I LOVE IT!! And loving this opportunity to give. Remember to stop back by tomorrow to find out the winner!!!! :o)

Giveaway and other randomness!

Okay, this is going to be so random and all over the place, so hang in there with me!

First off, I have to brag. The Christian rock group “Fireflight” who I personally know and have talked about in a previous post have been nominated for 4 Dove Awards, yes 4, and I couldn’t be any prouder of them. They are seeing the fruits of their labor and God is blessing them incredibly. So here’s the deal, Dove Awards will be handed out Thursday, April 23rd at the Grand
Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and broadcast live nationwide on Gospel Music Channel. For more on Fireflight, please visit www.fireflightrock.com, www.myspace.com/fireflight or www.flickerrecords.com.

For the first time, fans have an opportunity to vote for the winner of the Artist of the Year along with the New Artist of the Year. Fan voting, which will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) and at www.doveawards.com, will open on Feb. 26, the same day online voting opens for GMA members. The cumulative fan vote, which will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.

So, please, please, go and vote for them!!!! They would be humbled and honored. Thank you!!!

This is on a totally different topic here, but as I sit here and write, I know there are millions of people out there being affected by the slump in the economy in more ways than one. Tons of people are losing their jobs and for those who haven’t are in fear of losing their jobs. I have a good friend of mine who I talked with who come this Fall might not have a job. Nevertheless, the stress of all this is really getting to her and you know, it’s easy to tell somebody not to worry about it, when you have a secure job. But I really just tried to let her know not to stress about something that hasn’t even happened yet. That God is in control and that he knows the beginning from the end. He is the ultimate provider and is holding her in the palm of his hand. All those words are good and VERY much true, but what else do you say to those people that are really being affected by all that’s going on in the world and with the economy. My heart goes out to them and even I’m struggling, but everyone has their levels of responsibilities in their life and everyone is being affected in some way, whether big or small. But in the end, one thing remains, God IS in control! So for those of you who are really being affected and really stressing in a lot of areas, please just remember that. And that is just as much for me, as well.

I’ve really been thinking about the many hats we wear. Mother, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, granddaughter, niece, co-worker and etc…. And there just really is not enough hours in the day to be everything to everyone and really feel like you’re putting everything you have into each relationship, but you just try the best you can and with family, the good thing is they love you no matter what. The relationship I’m specifically thinking about right now is granddaughter. I’ve really been struggling because I made a promise to myself that I was going to make a point to visit my grandpa at the nursing home he’s staying at more often, but I haven’t been very successful at this. I let too many distractions get in the way, and before I know it, the week has gone by and I haven’t seen him. Don’t get me wrong, I do go and see him, but I just wish I would take that time to go see him more, pour that love out on him and spend time with him, even if it’s just sitting there with him and saying nothing at all, sometimes those unspoken moments are the best, and I know it just means a lot to him to just have someone there. I try not to beat myself up over this, but just need to make a change, and start carving out that specific time for him each week. I just want him to know I care! So just please be praying that my priorities may become aligned and balanced so I can make this happen.

Okay, I saved the best for last. Yes, the BIG giveaway, haha! I’m feeling generous and wanted to bless somebody!!! So, with that said, since yesterday was all about jewelry, I would like to give away one Pandora Bracelet and one charm as a starter. Just leave a comment and the giveaway will end Thursday evening and winner will be announced Friday by using the Random Integer Generator. If you’re not interested then tell anyone you want about it that might enjoy this piece of jewelry and have them stop by here. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

So, today is Ash Wednesday! What, if anything, are you planning to fast and give up for the 40 days??? I'm thinking soda and TV for me!

P.S.

Thank you so much for the prayers for my Aunt!

Jewelry is a girl's best friend!

Yesterday was a very hectic start to the week. I forgot until I remembered at 9:30pm on Sunday evening that I had to take my car in Monday morning to get fixed. Nothing like waiting till the last minute, haha! So I was scrabbling at the last minute to try to rectify the car situation and figure out how to get here and there and thrown in the mix getting to school, haha. It all worked itself out but it could possibly take as long as Friday to get my car completed. So this is going to be a fun week, haha! I was watching someone's kids and they backed into my car when leaving. It's been quite a frustrating ordeal and took well over a month to get this whole thing settled. But all is well and it's at the doctor now!

I really don’t have much going on this week thus far, except for the same ole’, same ole’ :o)

Sooooooo, I thought it would be fun to show you a couple of my favorite jewelry lines. You might or might not have already heard of them. Nonetheless, they rock my world, and they just might yours.

First off…. we have Pandora.



I have a bracelet and absolutely love it. There is such a wide selection of charms and different colors that both bracelets and the charms come in. Although, at the moment I don’t have very many charms. It’s not cheap I must say, but VERY good quality stuff, I might add. I hope to be adding to my collection. So, put it on your birthday, anniversary, christmas list, or any other special occasion :o) Go here

Then we come to Brighton…



Oh my, people, I have so many pieces of Brighton jewelry that it’s not even funny, haha! I love that line and they have such fun pieces for every occasion; it can dress you up or dress you down, whatever your heart desires. My mom got me hooked on this because she’s a Brighton freak too. Click here

So ladies, or gents, but don’t think there are too many men that read this, haha. But nonetheless, didn’t want to discriminate; what are your favorite jewelry lines or pieces of jewelry???

And check back tomorrow for a giveaway you won't want to miss :o) (Hint: It could be your best friend too :o))

P.S

Please keep my Aunt in your prayers. She's recuperating from having heart surgery. She's going to be fine but not an easy recovery process. Thanks! :o)

Photo tag Monday!

Thought we would have some beginning of the week fun!

I was tagged by Jodi to do this picture blog. Here are the rules:

1. Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.

2. Go to the 6th Folder and then pick the 6th Picture.

3. Post it on your bloggy and tell the story that goes with the picture.

4. Tag 5 other glorious peoples to do the same thing and leave a comment on their bloggy tellin’ them ’bout it.




This was taken back in December 2007. The sky was soooooo beautiful and unique that day and I wanted to capture it :o)


I tag:

Holly

Melissa

Kaitlyn

Megan

Kim

Enjoy, girls!

I hope you all have a GREAT Monday! I pray it's a great week full of abundance and grace!

Happy Monday!

P.S.
YAY! Figured out how to do the direct links :o)

Mardi Gras fun!

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun we had last night at Mardi Gras. I don't think I've had that much fun in a LONG time. Here are some pictures of our fun-filled evening. Enjoy!!

My BFF Monica and I at the beginning of the evening!


Monica and her Fiance Greg! They are getting married in June!


There were tons of people there!


This is a thing that spins you around and around. This guy was hysterical to watch. You can see his feet sticking up in the air, haha!


Pictures of the parade!


Monica and her sister Susan!


My sister and I!


My sis and her boyfriend hung out with us during the parade!


Suz and I! (and Sam's hand in the background, haha!)


Susan and Sam being goofy!





















She's excited about all her beads, haha!


Some random person, haha! I liked his get-up. So I asked if I could get a picture with him, haha!


The girls! (And Sam's hand again! He's such a goofball, haha)


And at the end of the night, the whole gang!


Thanks for enduring all my pictures, haha!! It really was a fun night and a late night. Then I had to wake up for church this morning and went to lunch after. So I think I'm going to take a quick nap and get some things done! I hope everyone is having a GREAT Sunday :o)

Entering the "Rest" of God!

This is going to be a lengthy one. Sit back and enjoy :o)



Tonight I went with Malena, my good friend from school, to Orlando because Joyce Meyer was in town for a conference, and I’m the biggest Joyce Meyer groupie you will ever find, haha. I love that lady and she blesses my socks off. She is so relevant, and she’s in your face but in a good way. She speaks on your level that you can relate to and she is just flat out funny. I’ve been to so many of her conferences I have lost count, ha. It was Malena's first time to ever see her in person speak, and she had a blast, we both had a blast.

Tonight she spoke on "Entering the Rest of God". It was a very, very great message.

Sit- Sit in the rest of God
Stand- Stand against the devil
Walk- Walk with God
Run - Run the Race

She touched on all four of these points, and she always speaks to me right where I'm at. I think the biggest thing I got out of the message was to have rest no matter what circumstance I'm going through and the trials that this life might bring, and most importantly to not stress over the things which I cannot change and have no control over. Seriously, find whatever TV station she is on and watch her, if you don't already. I like to call her my spiritual momma :o) Here's some pics, we had such a good time...

I went to Malena's house first. This is her rabbit. I so wanted to take it home with me!


Malena & I before the conference started!


Wish you all could have joined us in Orlando. It wouldn't have disappointed!


We had to get some yummy glazed nuts for refreshments :o)


Nothing like being in a crowd full of people worshiping God!


Switching gears here... Last night was my friend Laura’s lingerie shower. It was such a good time and got to see some old friends from high school and some other friends as well that I haven’t seen in a long time. So that was really neat. Laura got such cute stuff. Here are a few pictures…

The bride-to-be opened her gift sent by her Dad that he recommended she wear for her wedding night. It was a cute little joke because as you can see, it's not the most sexiest thing in the world, ha!


How funny is this? haha!


She got sooo much cute stuff. I think it's safe to say she's set for a loooong time!


Laura with cake!


Parties are not complete without some refreshments!



Laura with Shelly!


Me with the bride :o)


Shelly and I. I went to high school with her!


Laura's sister Christina and I!


And last but not least Jackie and I, and she's a good friend from high school as well!


Tomorrow night I'm going to Mardi Gras. Yes, our little town throws a Mardi Gras each year, haha. It’s definitely not New Orleans style, haha, but it’s actually a huge deal for us and always draws in a big crowd and there’s so many activities going on that week. So there will definitely be pictures to come of that.

I hope everyone had a good week. Have a good weekend and may it go slowly :o)