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Around/About: The "When spending is worthwhile" edition

A collection of links I love, sites I like,
interesting reads or cool happenings.

 

Tsh Oxenreider aka Simple Mom is one of my friend-heroes... frienderoes?  Before you do anything else today, please take time to read her post, "Holiday Shopping?  Wait Just One Second," on how your ordinary spending can produce extraordinary results.

 

I don't agree with her every tenet but you should make time to read Sarah's piece, "happiness isn't that important." Juxtaposing personal happiness at the expense of another's misery, she speaks to parenting and culture at large.  Thought-provoking and pinching your toes.

 

A friend of mine has been writing letters to her teenage daughters; Shelly and I connect on a lot of levels--faith, same stage of life and similar parenting styles.  These letters are a great idea, touching on themes of peserverance, generosity, pressure...and more.  Read them; then maybe write some letters of your own.

 

I'm been a fangirl of RedLetterWords.com for years; my love language is "words of encouragement," so OF COURSE I'm drawn to word art.  Their scripture section is 20% off today (Saturday), and a little bird told me to be on the lookout for these darling stocking stuffers (a personal gift from Dee) to be on sale later this week.

 

I wrote First Night/Last Night through a blur of tears; an emotional post for me.  What's funny is several people picked up on my Swiss Diamond frying pan shout out (asking me about it privately).  Seriously--I pour out my heart and tell a rambling story ten months in the making and people noticed that?  Which, actually is a great thing IF they decided to buy one...because I made eggs this morning and slummed with some Tefalon inferior wannabe (because mine is still on its way home).  And cried.  (Guys--this would make a GREAT gift for your wife if she likes to cook (or for you if YOU like to cook) and though it's not cheap, I've had mine about seven years and have never regretted its price.).

 

My new favorite blog du jour is seePrestonblog.com; the timing and truth-telling in when i live by revision is a good example why.

 

If you live near Chattanooga, you have GOT to check out dishtpass.com.  My brilliant friends Amanda and Sarah have JUST THIS WEEK soft-opened their cooking school and catering company.  Reading their 2012 Holiday menu will get your mouth watering, and they're already filling their calendar with fun, delicous events.  Make plans NOW to stop by their Sip and Shop on the 18th, then thank me for the head's up on my new favorite, local business.  

I had a gazillion more links I wanted to share but accidentally closed out eleventy-seven tabs then lost and forgot 'em.  So...do share your favorites in comments!!

 

Around/About: The "It's about time I got back to the linky-love" edition

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings.

It's been quite a while since I shared an "Around/About"; but since I always enjoy reading your curated posts and links, I want to get back to the practice.  A few good things I've stumbled across are linked below, and if you have a links post or something you think I should read, would you mind sharing it in comments?  

Pure Charity is the coolest, best New Thing I've discovered on the Internets in ages.  I'm not going to use a lot of words to describe it here because I'd rather you use that time to learn more (Jen Hatmaker wrote an easy-to-understand post, too.)

A wonderful way to get involved is through The Legacy Project; you can learn about its specifics by clicking the image below.

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My dear friend, Amber, has a very sick little boy and I know she'd appreciate your prayers for him (they can't figure out why he cannot gain weight and it's critical to solve his mystery illness).  She shares an update on Titus but has some powerful, poetic words on guilt, too.  No one writes like Amber.

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I love these FREE Chalkboard Printables Kellie has created at Nest of Posies.  Oh, and while you're visiting her site, you'll probably wanna enter her iPad giveaway, too.

 

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5 Elements of Powerful Stories.  Michael Hyatt knows what he's talking about.

Pear and French Toast Breakfast Casserole.  Mmmmm, mmmm, GOOD! (Thanks to my friend Tracey for introducing me!!)

An affordable way to create your own ebook?  Thanks to my brilliant friend Heather of the EO for sharing this service from Blurb (and for putting ideas in my head).

Ever wondered how many Twitter users joined AFTER you did?  You'll have fun with these statistics.

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Last, y'all already know I'm a Lisa Leonard Designs fan--of the woman, her story and her jewelry.  I've already told you how you can save 30% on her Faith Collection at DaySpring, but in addition, all day on Cyber Monday orders will be discounted 25% at her personal website USING THE CODE cybermonday12.  (Be sure to check out her Holiday Guide--darling selections already discounted 15%!) NOW is the time to BUY!

YOUR turn:

Please share your favorite recent post or webular discovery in comments.

I can't wait to see what I've missed.

 

affiliate links used

Around/About ~ The "5 wonderful links NOT to miss" edition

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

I cannot find the source for the photograph above, but everything about it is breathes fire!  I can at least hattip where I found it, at Esther Maria Swaty's Frequency of Words, one of my favorite recent online discoveries.  An excellent curated site.

 

Noah's Dad has an encouraging post about a recent Target ad, one that he points out says a lot without saying a thing.  A small but important step on behalf of those with Down's Syndrome.

 

Chattanooga is a wonderful place to live AND visit, and it's always fun when outsiders catch a glimpse.  Score a BIG one for the small city, recognized in The New York Times piece "45 Places to Go in 2012."  The article might not been trending on the world's radar, but Chattanoogans were Tweeting and Facebooking the link to infinity and beyond.  We're one of only three U.S. cities tapped with this distinction. 

 

I'm definitely a Carpe Diem kind-of-a-girl, and yet I agree with every.single.word. in Momastery's post "Don't Carpe Diem."  I don't know if that means I'm complicated or conflicted, but she absolutely nails the slippery concept of time as it relates to parenting...and I think she absolves the guilt of many who struggle with what they think they're supposed to be doing.  A million people have read this post; if you haven't, you need to!

 

My friend Jill and her husband Ryan have launched a new marriage blog, For Better and Worse.  I think they're gonna have some encouraging, important, relatable things to say in the future.  Give 'em a visit and a pat on the back, k?

 

Your turn:  What have you seen that I've missed?  Yours or someone you love?  DO share in comments!!

UPDATED! Around/About: The "Help Others" edition Week ending May 29th

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

Lisa's call to action for the residents of Joplin is a small initiative with big heart.  Help her help them.  A perfect example of "Just Do Something!"

Jessie aka Vanderbilt wife wants to buy some Pajamas for Kelly; Kelly recently found out she has a rare type of brain tumor sitting on her optic nerve.  Donate just $3 and become a part of this lovely story.  UPDATED:  So far $450 has been raised!!

Compassion Bloggers are in The Phillipines this week ministering life and love to those in need, then sharing their experience with the world wide web.  Please follow my sweet friends and (in)courage co-writers Emily and Tsh and the entire fantastic blogging team as they become agents of change as they're changed. 

I'm in the running (and not doing so well...!) for Top 25 Faith Moms at Circle of Moms.  Would you pretty-please-with-sprinkles-on-whipped-cream click through and offer me your vote?  I'd love to be included in this list!  While I have no aspirations of making the top, 25th place sure would make me happy.  (If you're feeling really generous, you can even vote daily til the 8th I think.... :) ). 

Your turn:  Please share your favorite link of the week, a post of your own or any great site!!

Around/About: The "Miscellaneous" Edition :: Week ending 4/16/11

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

Excellent post for parents of doubting children

A Rick Warren quote that has stuck with me all week.

What you need to do if you're at Mom 2.0 Summit; what you're missing if you're not (as passionately shared by Velveteen Mind).  Storytelling for a great cause.

Keep Your Thumbs Still While I'm Talking to You.  It makes me sick to think sometimes I'm guilty.  

I'm feast or famine on the blog partly because I have a new job.

Your turn:  DO share your favorite link of the week, your own or someone else's!

 

Around/About: The "Heros & Parties" Edition :: Week ending 4/2/11

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

"I Couldn't Be Any Luckier" ~ If you haven't been a Phil Mickelson fan, you will be.

The Sage of St. Anthony ~ I was introduced to Coach Bob Hurley in a 60 Minutes segment last week; he defines hero.  Do not miss getting to know this one-kid-at-a-time World Changer.

"the girl and the Genius" ~ A post recently featured on Story Bleed, the spectacular, amazing prose-poetry of Amber Haines.  She makes me want to write better.

Biltmore Estate's Festival of Flowers has begun and from what I hear the grounds are floral fireworks!  If there's any way you can travel to Asheville, NC between now and May 15, treat yourself to breathtaking beauty!

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THERE'S STILL TIME TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!!  A wonderful event benefitting Chattanooga Endeavors, Inc., a local charitable organization I've only recently discovered.  Because my in-laws are deeply involved with prison ministry, I'm thankful to learn about what we're doing locally to help ex offenders.

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Janice and Susan from 5 Minutes for Mom are hosting their annual Ultimate Blog Party.  Especially if you're a newer blogger (or thinking about beginning), you will want to jump in this frantic, fun annual cyber event.  Plus, thousands of dollars in giveaways are up for grabs!  

{And if you're here visiting PENSIEVE from the UBP, skim through my 100 Things imaginary party post & let me know how we're similar/different in comments.} 

Your turn:  Please share a must-read link you've written or seen this week!

Photo credit:  Biltmore Estate

Around/About: The "Spring Has Sprung" Edition :: Week ending 3/26/11

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

The Presence of Greatness ~ from Jeanne Damoff, breath-taking wordsmith, beautiful storytelling.

Rob Bell and C.S. Lewis ~ a guest post at Scot McKnight's Jesus Creed, in case you're following the controversy swirling around Bell's hell perspective.

How Your Daughter Dresses Matters ~ by Shelly Wildman, preach it sistah!

What to Do When You Are Forced to Wait ~ by Michael Hyatt, Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, his blog is all about intentional leadership.  I like this guy and this advice is practical, smart and well-serving.

When Your Art Has a Life of Its Own ~ Emily Freeman, a rallying cry for writers/artist to trust and believe.  

Locally, Moss Media Labs is hosting a "LinkedIn for Professionals Workshop" Wednesday, March 30.  Learn how to serve your career and your company during this content rich afternoon.

Do I dare admit I have a birthday wish?

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Photo credit

Around/About: The "I love every one of 'em" Edition :: Week ending 3/12/11

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

Dream {Expressing the Vision Within} ~ This isn't a typical post about "dreaming big;" it's the kind that makes you wanna do what she did....  I love-love-LOVE this one from Stephanie Bryant.

Borealis Press ~ I have a mad crush on this greeting card line; I wanna buy 'em all!

Vidalia ~ My friend Dawn is a mama of eight and she can tell a story in a hurry; this one made me giggle.  Plus, I love the piccha.

Some Advice On How Best To Communicate With Irrational People ~ Shaun Groves offers sage advice in the Guinness Book record holder for Shortest Blogpost of All Time.

Paula Deen Riding Things ~ Ummm, this is exactly what it suggests it is.  Thanks to my BFF Paula's not-so-baby-boy Jamie for passing along the link.  

Chattanooga Business Expo ~ Coming up next Wednesday, March 16, if you're in the area be sure to attend the Scenic City's only business trade show of the year.  Check out this helpful guide by Business Chatt.

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Your turn:  Why not share your favorite link from the week, even if it's a post of your own.  Especially if it's a post of your own!!

 

Around/About: The Inspired Edition Week ending 3/6/11

A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby.

Friendship, Tea Parties and a Little Inspiration, at (in)courage today, a peek inside our annual Valentine Tea and a coupon code for the (in)courage/DaySpring Shop.

LoveDrop ~ a bunch of givers.  I know this month's recipient and her story will make you eager to support Love Drop.  Please check it out...I love these guys! 

What My OB/GYN, Hallmark, and the Bible Taught Me About Loving My Husband ~ Um, with a title like that, you just know the post is gonna be...interesting :D.

5 minutes:  5 years ago ~ Sara, a wonderful (in)(en)courager, has a faith that builds your own; a glimpse through her eyes and life and you'll be inspired...and realize you have little (nothing?) to complain about.  

In Reflection ~ A heart-squeezing story delivered only the way Novel Doctor can bring it (painstakingly beautiful), once again reminding me he needs to finish that novel he swears he began years ago!  Now.

Live the Sheen Dream ~ I'm kinda ashamed to admit it, but Trainwreck Walking aka Charlie Sheen is my newest guilty pleasure.  I know I shouldn't but I can't stop listening for what comes out of his mouth next.  If you haven't yet seen it, this random quote generator spreads the insanity.  

Your turn:  Why not share your favorite link from the week, even if it's a post of your own.  Especially if it's a post of your own!!

Around/About: The "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" edition Week of February 5th

Typically Around/About is a collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings nearby, but since Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition is in town (the family will learn who they are TOMORROW!!!) I thought it'd be fun to share how you can help support the build if you live in or near Chattanooga... or in some cases, even if you don't!

~ Make a difference for thousands of local familes:

• Donate heavy non-perisable items to the Extreme Food Drive.  Our goal is 310,000 pounds of food, to surpass all other Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition community food drives to date!  Collection venues are popping up all over town!
  

 

~ Learn how you can save more to give more!

• Attend a FREE Couponing Workshop on February 15 offered by the generous gals at Time2Save!!

~ Attend a Special Event:

• Mountain Grove Bluegrass Band Benefit Concert on February 12 (two times to choose!)
• Make it Over with Music at The Honest Pint, February 13 (music from local bands all...day...long!)
• Attend the Big Hearts Bash, February 17 (includes great food, music & silent auction offerings)
• Attend the Colt Ford Benefit Concert on February 16th.
• Attend Echoing Angels concert on February 18 at Metro Tab; admission is 5 HEAVY non-perishable items for Extreme Food Drive.

 

~ Wear your Extreme Pride.  Buy a tee shirt.

Tee shirts are available for $15 at First Tennesse Banks in the area.

 

 Wanna know anything else?  Check out the Big Hearts Wear Hardhats and builder Extreme Vision Homes website!

 Your turn:  Tell me something FUN happing in your neck of the woods or please share your favorite link from the past week (even if it's a post of your own!).