{Giveaway} @ Pretties and Posies

Do you know Melanie from Pretties and Posies??

I first met Melanie when I started my blog through her sweet sister Leslie

Melanie has a GORGEOUS blog, she is a wife and mother of two darling Girls

She is also an amazing artist...in fact, before Lucy came home I won a give away from Melanie for a painting for Lucy's bedroom, and I cherish it.

Well...Melanie is celebrating her 500th Post by giving away a pair of 

THESE

I AM NOT KIDDING!

Can you believe the generosity...well actually if you know Melanie you can!

So...head on over to Pretties and Posies and enter to win these lovelies (actually a color of your choice!)

I know once you're there you will be captivated by Melanie's lovely blog.

Progress {40 bags in 40 days}

So far, so good :)

Well, honestly it has only been 2 days (I haven't done today's bag), so maybe next week will be the true test

I started with the living room side table where I have stored past issues of Mary Engelbreit Home Companion and Victoria magazines.  Since this is about some sacrifice, I knew it was time to part ways with all of these.  The reality is...I have not looked at one of them in over a year....

Today I am taking them to a local antique store who is interested in them!!!

My next spot....

behind the living room sofa...yes really!

I have a console table behind the sofa with a lamp, it sits at an angle, and this is where I store home decor things that I tend to switch out regularly (candle holders, decorative bowls, etc)...so I moved all of that into a new home and got rid of quite a few UGLY picture frames that I had been "hiding" back there...much better!

(I love the idea of using dark bags...out of sight, out of mind!!)

Well 2 down, and it already feels great.  I know I may not end up with 40 bags, and some of them might only be the size of a grocery bag, but anything is better than nothing!

Off to the Goodwill!

Here we go!

My Family has also made their decisions on what they will give up:

Toby - sugar

Powell - fast food

Blake - energy drinks

Bennett - soda & candy 

Lucy - lent jar filled with little things she can do each day for someone

I picked up my bags

I wrote my list

Check back Friday to see what I accomplished :)

40 bags in 40 days!

I have several friends preparing for their Lenten sacrifice.  I am not Catholic but value Lent and the idea of giving up/doing something out of my comfort zone in preparation for Easter.

So, for me this year, I am going to participate in the "40 Bags in 40 Days" challenge

It seems like I am always taking a bag here, a bag there to Goodwill, but do I really dig in and "sacrifice" things that I might like, but no longer use or need?? 

 I also plan to re-read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, and doing the 12 week study to remind myself to find intimacy with God in the busyness of life. 

I am linking up with white house, black shutters, and plan to post my progress here every Friday as a way to keep me accountable :)  I will also post a pic of my list of what I plan to tackle!

Care to join me??

Beating the Winter blues~

Sometimes a girl just needs a little pick me up to get her through these grey days :)

Essie polish in Sand Tropez & Nice is Nice..did you know Target & Walgreens now carry Essie??  Love that!

L'oreal Sublime Bronze...my FAVORITE spray tan...I usually always have a can!

Oxygen Mag...my favorite fitness magazine

Vanity Fair...well, who doesn't love it??

National Velvet...have not see this in years...a gorgeous and young Elizabeth Taylor!

and always a book....Three Weissmans of Westport...there is a little review from Dominique Browning (LOVE HER!) on the cover, so that sold me :)..and then they say Cathleen Schine writes with a homage to Jane Austen....SOLD! (I'll let you know what I think :)

Fashion Friday!

Lucy shares 3 of her favorite coats and gives you ideas on how to style each :)

My Fashionista is Featured!

My Lucy is today's "Cool Kid"You must check out B's "cool" blog!