E, Myself, and I

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Poppy

Hi friends... Just popping in (haha, no pun intended) to ask for some prayers for my Poppy this afternoon...

I realized I've kind-of left you all in the dark about him for a while now - somehow I could just never make a post about hospitals, ear infections, rashes, and nursing homes fit the "tone" of the blog - but I know many of you have come to know and love Poppy through this place over the years, and he could use all the prayers he can get right now...

To make a long (and rather gross) story short, what started as a bad ear infection back in June has turned in to a full-on bone infection of his entire face, and my usually spry and fiesty Poppy is feeling pretty weak and miserable right now. About a month ago, he had a surgery that we had hoped would bring some relief; but, instead, it has landed him in a rehab/nursing home, and his health continues to decline. It seems that, in the last six months or so, his body finally realized that he is 95 years old.

Other than some reactions to medication, we are blessed that his mind is still pretty well intact. He knows us all, and we've been able to have some good conversations and time together over the last few weeks. It is hard to say how much time we have left - Tuesday, I was convinced that we were saying goodbye, and then yesterday he was awake and dressed and up for a roll down to the common room in the wheelchair. (Of course, the fact that he is well aware of his physical condition and limitations makes some of that even more difficult too.)

Selfishly, I'm having a harder time than I thought I would seeing his decline. As someone who talked about dying ALL THE TIME, Poppy made sure we've all known he wouldn't be here forever; but, I don't think I was at all prepared for what the process would look like. Old age is really hard.

My prayer right now would be, first and foremost, for comfort, peace, and rest for my dear Poppy. Please pray that this stage will not last long and that - one way or the other - God will provide relief for him. If you would also keep my sweet mom and the rest of my family in your prayers over these next few days (or weeks/or months), we would really appreciate it.

Thanks for laughing (and crying) with me when I need it.

P.S. Here are some of my favorite Poppy posts from better days:

Poppy and Sam: A Venn Diagram
Poppyisms
Poppy Goes to the Beach
Road Rage
The Poppy That Cried Wolf

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Would You Get a Pixie Cut?

First, a quick note: THANK YOU for your sweet words and participation in my Get & GIVE Away yesterday! I have absolutely loved reading all of your comments and hearing about the charities that are close to your hearts. I love this community so much and can't wait to see all the good we can do together! (Contest runs through Dec. 15th. Click here to enter.)

*Also, for those of you that prayed for my friend Annie on Thanksgiving Day after I told you about doctors finding cancer in one of her ovaries. They got the results of 19 biopsies back yesterday and found NO more cancer! She will not have to have chemo or receive any other treatments. THANK YOU for your prayers - God works miracles!! :)

And now, on to the (very important) regularly scheduled programming...

So, I saw Catching Fire over the break. LOVED it. It made me think about a lot of things, but mostly - my hair. Naturally. Surely you've heard by now about Jennifer Lawrence being the latest star to chop off all her hair...

Source

I guess its just the latest "it" thing; but, many of the most classic beauties in Hollywood today have sported the pixie cut at some time or another...

Google Image search for "celebrities with pixie cuts"

I've actually always really liked this style. (I think Selma Blair's hair in the late 1990s was the first time I ever paid attention to it.) There is just something about really short hair on a woman it that just says "confidence" and "class" to me. My friend Libby - who cut her hair into an adorable pixie after finishing chemo treatment a few years ago - says her husband was crazy about the cut. He said there was nothing she could hide behind. (Who knew I could get so deep about a haircut, right?)

Anyway, I love it, but I've always felt like I could never pull it off. My face is too round. My face is too boring. I am too short. I am not skinny. I don't wear enough dramatic eye make-up.

I'm happy with my long hair for now; but, I wonder if I will ever have the courage to do the chop. I kind-of hope so!

Would you get a pixie cut? Why or why not?

Monday, December 2, 2013

2nd Annual Get & GIVE Away

This is a tradition that I started a year ago as a way to thank YOU for being a part of this blog community and to give back in a small way during a season that is usually so focused on "getting." It was a big success last year, and I knew I wanted it to be something I continue from year to year....

This year, in addition to some of my personal favorite things, I've also been able to partner with some wonderful internet businesses to bring you even MORE great prizes and a total donation of $350.00 to charity.

Check it out:

That's right, one lucky winner will receive...

1. "Oh Happy Day!" mug from Crystal Faye

I've been following Crystal Faye since she started her business a little over a year ago (and actually ordered a necklace from her for last year's give away) and have had my eye on one of her adorable mugs for a while now! After I posted this one on my Christmas Wish List, she sent me one to try, and I am obsessed with it!!! They are so fun, I just had to include one in this year's give away!

2. Old Navy Tassel Zip Tote (in camel)

I actually carry this bag myself in teal right now and love it. It looks great and fits SO much (perfect for my little toddler not diaper bag). When I started thinking about this give away, I knew I wanted to include one of these, so I picked one up especially for YOU on Black Friday! Guaranteed to be your new favorite bag for 2014.

3. JCrew Factory Stone Fan Necklace

Obviously, I had to include a statement necklace in the prize (you know how I love them), and when I found this beauty in orange and navy at JCrew Factory online (my go-to spot), I couldn't resist. How cute will it look with a chambray blouse or a navy and white striped top?!?

4. Handmade cowl scarf from Libby (in mustard)

My friend Libby made me one of these great scarves last year, and it is - seriously - the ONLY one I wear in the winter. It is SO warm, and I love the look of a cowl/infinity. This year, Libby is making a mustard yellow one just for YOU.

5. 3 Pack of Pilot V-Ball Extra Fine Pens

These are my FAVORITE pens. Warning: You will never settle for a regular pen again!

6. Your very own Plum Paper Family Planner

I know many of you had this on your Christmas list this year after I posted about them as a great alternative to the Erin Condren Life Planner here. I have been using mine for about six months now, and I'm totally hooked! (In fact, I ordered a new one for 2014 not because I needed it, but because I just love a new planner soooo much!) You choose your own design, personalize the cover, and customize 7 different sections with the names of family members, activities, etc. (See my post for more details.)

7. Hair ties and earrings from One Delightful Button

I have a couple pairs of Katie's adorable earrings, and I always get SO many compliments on them. This year, I'm also loving her fabric hair ties in a variety of cute colors and patterns - who doesn't need a million of these to keep in every purse, bag, etc. you own?!? The winner gets to pick her own from ALL the great options in her shop now.

AND, a $350.00 donation to the charity of your choice!

I mean, this is good stuff, right?!?

As I mentioned, this wouldn't be possible without the help of some awesome ladies that run their own businesses making and selling great products that I already know and LOVE. Before we get to all the ways you can enter to win, would you take just a minute to show them some love?!?

As my "Sparkle Sponsor" for this year's give away, Plum Paper Designs donated the Family Planner for the give away and is matching my $100.00 donation to the charity that the winner chooses! I said it above, but I LOVE my Plum Planner & cannot recommend them highly enough... At almost half the price of some of the other "designer" planners out there, these are just as adorable and well made, and even more customizable and practical. I'd consider this a MUST HAVE for the new year and a great option for the gals on your gift list this year! Working with Plum Paper has been so easy and so fun... They are really good people with a great product and big hearts. (And, Kristina, my contact there, is also a new momma!!) Visit the shop on Etsy and at www.plumpaper.com for more information and use coupon code EMYSELFANDI10 to save 10% on your order!

*** The last day to order a planner in time for Christmas is December 10th. Plum Paper has agreed to credit the winner of the give away if she purchases a planner before it officially ends on Dec. 15th.

Have a few people left to shop for on your list? Grab one of Crystal's adorable Christmas mugs or spoil them with some monogrammed goodies!! Use code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off and be sure to order all personalized items by Dec. 4th and everything else by Dec. 15th for Christmas delivery. *Crystal will also offer a credit to the winner if he/she has already placed an order before the give away ends.

My friend Libby from the blog "Don't Waste Your Cancer" makes the most wonderful cowl scarves! They are only $24.00 (A STEAL) and can be purchased through the blog or by emailing libbyryderblog@gmail.com. Order by December 17th for Christmas delivery and use code DWYC for FREE SHIPPING!

There are some amazing deals going on at One Delightful Button right now on headbands, earrings, bookmarks, key chains, and more!!! I absolutely love the idea of "stocking up" here for the "bulk" gifts you need to buy - think: teachers, neighbors, co-workers. Her prices are super reasonable and her designs totally original. If you miss the great Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, you can always use code EMYSELFANDI for 10% off!

*As "Shimmer Sponsors," Libby, Crystal, & Katie each donated a gift AND contributed $50 to the charity of choice!

And, finally, a quick thank you again to my sidebar sponsors for their continued support throughout the year:

Now... Get busy!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So... What are you waiting for?!?

The give away will close at 11:59PM on Sunday, December 14th, and the winner will be announced the next morning. Good luck!!