Play by Play, Lotta (Link) LOVE & a Giveaway

How I wish I could payroll someone to come up with clever catchy Titles. I just don't have the knack. Ya know they can afford to pay someone just for that reason-to come up with catchy titles-at real news worthy get ups.
Alas, I never claimed to be "worthy". But I am Thrifty! But before we continue on any futher.....

There is so much to chat about today! Pull up a chair and sit a spell won't you?

First and foremost,
A Big HUGE ROLL TIDE!

I cannot express how proud I am of the Univeristy of Alabama football team, Coach Saban (real men do wear pink ;) and the athletic staff! My heart swells with pride today for both how the Tide represented themselves both on and off of the football field. A great effort by both teams. Both played with dignity and class on the field.A big "Well Done" to both teams, Univeristy of Alabama (Crimson Tide) and University of Texas (Longhorns) that played in the Citi BCS National Championship game.
But I have to say it, ROLL TIDE!!!!!

I cannot tell you how excited my household was on the result of the game.
My brother and sister in law actually went to the game and are staying in Pasedena through Sunday. They have had a blast! It was amazing to be able to talk to them during the game as well as post game. I felt the electricity through the phoneline. I felt it in my house.

Incidentally enough, my brother and sis in law have been enjoying the sights of California (where the game was held) and "schmoozing". They actually shared a flight with AL. Governor Bob Riley, took in a Lakers game, seats away from LL Cool J ( Going Back to Cali, Momma Said Knock You Out, Wild Thang...)
They went out to eat and ended up meeting and chatting up one of my most favorite actors (aside from Tommy Lee Jones), Morgan Freeman! And ended up running into some other family members in California (none of which knew the others were there. It really IS a small world!).It's been fun to live vicariously through them in the play by plays from the field to Rodeo Drive ( BTW-I did ask, they didn't find ANY thrifty finds-by my scale- while there! LOL).

Yesterday's Thrifty Thursday seemed to take on a Thrifty Craft theme and I loved the creative inspiration so many of you shared. Honestly, you have inspired me to get on the stick and craft a silly spell! I cannot wait to get started. But first I wanted  to share a quick recap of Thrifty Thursday.

Someday Crafts had several crafts to share, all of which are craft worthy. All of which I will be creating! How cute is this book made of cards?

For future answers of things you may or may not have known about Leigh.... I am trained in American Sign Language(though it has been awhile....). I had hoped to be an interpretor, but then I became a Mom. I job I was blessed to have!  And you know I love photography so it's no surprise that I ADORE this way of saying I love you.

Heidi of Heart and Home shared multiple thrifty projects, all of which were fabulous, creative, thrifty  and with amazing results. My favorite was the weather vane, seen below.

My very good friend, Keetha, The Eclectic Company, has the most wondeful way of weaving a story and telling tales. And she comes through once again as she shares several of her thrifty treasures she has had for many years. You will adore Keetha!

Just Devine Style had the most elegant monogrammed frame, she made as a Christmas gift for someone special. I am a HUGE fan of homemade anything, so this is a thrifty idea I adore. Great idea!

Tracy at Blessings Over Flow Found a set of Pfalzgraff dishes...and the price-unbeleivable! The setis worth over $300.00!

This was one of my most favorite ideas in yesterday's Thrifty Thursday, because I too have the same photo in my idea notebook. Stephanie  of  Under the Table and Dreaming used a photo from a Pottery Barn catalog as her inspiration to create a dirt cheap (almost free, really) art piece that  I would challenge someone to find the fake. GREAT job!!!

Another idea I loved was featured by a blog I equally love...I mean, for goodness sakes, she's thrifty like me!
All Things Thrifty featured a lima bean wreath that is so simple, so natural and yet so elegant it can be used many months of the year. Just change out the ribbon.

Barbara Jean at Threasures from the Heart purchased a thrifty treasure, and it came with hidden treasures inside!Clcik to find out what she found inside. Bonus treasures!

And finally, my sweet friend Robyn of My Southern Cottage  (She knows my friend Diva!) created these GORGEOUS grain sack (looking) pillows. Visit her blog for the complete tutorial.  Sadly, I cannot SEW so I will be envious of these beauties from afar. Great work, Robyn!

If you have read Tales from Bloggeritaville for any length of time, you know I often chat up my girlfriends in the "Clematis Club".  When I first began blogging, I cannot begin to tell you the hard time they gave me about the blog. And don't get me wrong, they still do.
All but one.
I am proud to announce I converted (along with some other of her blog friends) my friend, "High Mae" to the world of blogging.

Mae has a way with writing. Her dry humor often is peppered throughout her tales and adds much expression and wit to a story. She is in the process of penning a Children's book. But now, you can read some of her writings in her blog, High Maintanence + 3!
And she didn't stop at that, she also has a Photo a Day blog, you can find by clicking HERE.

I do so hope you will take some time and "Show the (bloggy) Love" and visit her 2 blogs. I have told her so many times of the wonderful friendships I have formed and the inspiration I have received. I would love for her to be able to find your blog, so please, leave her a roadmap (comment) to your place and Feel the Love!

Funny enough, High Mae (and Mari of  365 Day, Recipe Blog and Mari's Little Corner of the World) inspired me to begin posting my own, "Picture a Day" blog. I admit it has been hard to juggle and get picks posted daily, though I do photograph daily. You can find my Photo a Day blog here, as well as being listed on my sidebar under "Leigh's Blogs". I am hopeful that in the new year I can expand the ole blog with buttons to make the transition to my other blogs easier.

I interupt this post for a giveaway, a BLOG makeover giveaway, that I just found out about. How's that for luck!?
**On a note of an upgrade, Designer Blogs is celebrating their first birthday with a giveaway in the form of some bloggy makeovers. I so need this.
But you can enter too-there are four giveaways!.
And should you decide to, which I dont know why you wouldn't, 
 I would be MOST appreciative if you would say that you found out about the contest from Leigh at Tales from Bloggeritaville.

Did I mention how appreciative I'd be? Really I would!!!

Back to the original post:
Speaking of my other blogs, you can find some great new recipes at Plates and Places. With a family of five who expect me to cook every day, I HAVE to come up with delicious and eye pleasing meals to please my family of VERY PICKY eaters.  I found some wondeful new dishes and recipes over the holidays. These are recipes that have been taste approved in the kitchens of family, and friends... as well by my own family.

Thanks for dropping by Bloggeritville today! I always enjoy your visit!
Thankyou for indulging me in being long winded...and excited!
Have a wonderful weekend! LIVE (truly LIVE) Out Loud.
ROLL TIDE BABY!
HUGS!
Leigh

Sensa-Product Review-

I was recently contacted by Sensa for a product review. As a mother of three children, who juggles a busy schedule, I thought I would like to see if Sensa is something that I might be interested in trying as a weight loss system to boost the effects of my lifestyle.

What is Sensa?
Sensa is unlike any other weight-loss program. It is a 6-month system of "Tastants" that are sprinkled on your food to help you feel full faster, stay satisfied longer and lose weight.
It is not a diet. You can continue to eat all your favorite foods and still lose weight. There are no prepackaged meals, stimulants, drugs or diuretics.
It uses your senses of smell and taste to control appetite. Although many people think the feeling of hunger or fullness comes from your stomach – it is actually governed by the satiety center in your brain. When Sensa Tastants are sprinkled on food, it triggers this satiety center, so you feel satisfied with less food.

I tried this product and found it to be simple to use.....if you get into a routine of using it. I had some memory issues, which now puts me back at square one. The product comes in a package slightly larger than a tic tac box. It has a salty side and a sweet side. Depending on your meal, you shake a dusting of the Sensa seasoning over your food and then eat.

I could not taste the product, which was a concern of mine. Who wants to taste something bad? I knew I would never stick to it if it was...... BUT it wasn't!!! Because it has no taste and did not affect the taste of my food, I didn't mind using it. It was remembering to use it. Like any weight loss routine and healthy lifestyle, it is about making concious decisions. I needed to be more aware to "shake".

I plan to give this product a fresh start and see if I can achieve some results. If you would like to try Sensa with me, please do. The year is still fresh for those weight loss stalled resolutions.

For more information:
Dr. Alan Hirsch has written a book about Sensa, the title of the book is The Sensa Weight-Loss Program.

This book is available for presale at a discounted price through Amazon at the link below. It launched on November 3rd and is available wherever books are sold.


I am not sure whether you are currently interested in losing weight, but wanted to share this opportunity with you, Right now you can use the promotional code RXL1 and get 15% off your total order!

If you would like to try Sensa you can take advantage of the free 60 trial offer!
You would have 30 days to try the product free of charge. If  you like it, then do nothing but enjoy your weight loss results, and you will then be billed for 60 day supply. If you do not like it, then you can return it within the trial period and not pay anything but shipping. If you decide that you don’t like the product and don’t want to get charged,you will need to ship the product back. However, you can keep the $25 glow.com gift card.

To learn more about Sensa and take advantage of the trail offer, visit www.trysensa.com.

Thrifty Thursday # 47, plus a Tablescape

Hi! It's Thrifty Thursday! I am your host, Leigh. Thank you so much for stopping by and additional thanks to those who also participate in Thrifty Thursday! I am most delighted to have you join in..for it's YOU who makes it a "show and tell party". I also participate in Tablescape Thursday the host of that fun carnival is the Hostess with the Mostess...Susan of Between Naps on the Backporch. That's no lie or exaggeration, each week I visit Susan's porch and just long to be a guest at any of her tablescapes...especially those held on the porch.

(You can click on any pictures for a closer view)

*Thrifty Thursday takes place each Thursday and is hosted here at Tales from Bloggeritaville, but the party is a progressive one, visit the links to see all the Thrifty Thursday links to see the thrifty treasures participating bloggers have to share.

*Don't forget to copy and paste the Thrifty Thursday logo button to your computer so you can add it to your side bar and your Thrifty Thursday post. That way visitors will know that your are participating in Thrifty Thursday.

For Thrifty Thursday I thought I would share a little tip I have to (ha) "pimp my bedroom pillows".

I pin antique and vintage brooches on my decor pillows to add some "zing" so them. It also gives me a "spot" to "show off" the brooches that I have inheirited from family and was given by friends. The pins are much to pretty to sit in a drawer, I prefer to enjoy them everyday, so...I add some bling to my bedding.

Of course, these pillows are just primping ones, just for looks.  How I heart pillows!!!!! At night, they go on a chair, not on my bed to head.
Hope you like my thrifty tip!
Now, onto to Tablescape Thursday, which is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch.

My tablescape comes with a little added color. As we get deeper into winter, I long for a little vibrance, thus the napkin and twisty napkin rings....

What is a tablescape without the food? I invite you to stop by my food blog, PLATES & PLACES, tomorrow for Foodie Friday!

Thanks to all of you for stopping by and participating in today's Thrifty Thursday. Please use Mr. Linky below to link up your blog.I encourage you all to spread the love and visit the other thrifty Thursday participants, for that's what half the fun is. Aside from seeing a cool treasure it's making friends!
Thank you, all, FRIENDS! I appreciate YOU!

THRIFTY THURSDAY PARTICIPANTS:

Outdoor Wednesday

A quick post today, as I am off to Huntsville to retrieve my brothers car. He flew out of Hunstville(rather than Bhan-saved some $$ in doing so) to Pasadena for the game. yes, THE game.
If you don't know what I am talking about, pretend like you do. (smile)
 It's HUGE here. University of Alabama fans have been counting down since they/we secured the SEC Championship. Now it's on to National Championship. My brother and sis in law, as well as friends and my cousin (who will be on the sideline) are all there.
And I am not there. :(
Someone had to pay Santa this year.
But I will be parked in front of the TV come tomorrow night. The kids have all been given "stay up late" passes to watch the game. My son, "Bama" (who goes to Bama) is driving me batty he is so stoked, he's bouncing off the walls.
Before I hit the road.....
I bring to you my Outdoor Wednesday post. Outdoor Wednesday is hosted by my friend, Susan of
A Southern Daydreamer.

Be sure to drop by her blog to visit all OW participants.
My Outdoor Wednesday post is of birds at the feeder. I think they all heard we, yes WE, are expecting snow tomorrow!!!!  Frecasters are predicting a "possible inch or two", but that is BIG NEWS to people in the south, if in fact it comes to be. The grocery stores are packed with folks clammering to get milk and bread. I have always wondered why the milk?
Anyway, the birds are preparing and getting their fill. My daughter actually took these shots with her camera.

See you tomorrow (this evening links will be up) for Thrifty Thursday!
Happy Day, y'all!
ROLL TIDE!

New Year 2010 and 40th Birthday Party

New Year's Eve was a big night, not only did my friends and I ring in the new year together, but we also celebrated the 40th birthdays of High Mae, The Boss and Bassmaster (Diva's hubby), all of which received their "crowns" for the 40 Club. The ladies also received septers and sashes that read "Fabulous and 40". That they are! It was also the birthday of Sweetness who turned 38, so she didn't get her sash yet. In due time.
That night we had a great celebration. All of our children came too and we very well behaved I might add. We had karaokee, we danced, played pool, ate and ate and ate. Here is a look back at the evening...

A Clean Slate, A Fresh Datebook!

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Can you believe how fast 2009 went by?

I just wonder more and more how time seems so speed up as one grows older. But then I have to snap out of it and embrace the now before it too slips by. I am not one for resolutions. I am more of a "fresh slate" type girl. I love having a new calendar with uncluttered lines and boxes. I think of it as a new beginning that the Lord has given to me.

Make List.
I am a "list" girl. I make list of things in the back of my datebook, I jot down  goals that want to achieve in the new year. This can include various ideas, from household projects (I have a list of items in my house I want to paint white) to places I want to visit, to restaurants I want to try. I am a list girl. I make list, or I will forget it.

Go with the Flow.
Everyone has to plan certain things. But don't allow some of life's surprise moments and opportunities to pass you by because they weren't on the calendar. I always have a plan "B" in the back of my head. Should the Publisher's Clearing House folks show up at my door, I am certain that I could drop everything on a whim and head off the the Virgin Islands, because I know life will eventually return to "normal". I like to preach spontaniety. Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine. Someone once said, "“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything.” I agree with that statement. It's fun to loosen your belt up a bit and fly by the seat of your pants in life. That doesn't mean to completely loose grip...but loosen up. Relax and Breathe and literally go with the flow.


MAKE TIME, Take Time.
As much as I love the cleanliness of a fresh date book, I am equally as joyful of taking a pen and beginning to carve out "time" of things I want to do or places I want to see. My dates include things as big as a family vacation to as little as girlfriend suppertime. It's important to make time for the simple things in life, for those are the ones that truly matter.
If we can make "important" appointments to go to the dentist or hair salon, we should make time for personal improvements to ones soul as well. These are just as important!!!! I have to have my girlfriend time at least once a month. If you don't already, do this for yourself. You will be amazed at how your attitude will improve having friends to confide in and laugh with, people who are your peers to share their perspectives. Don't just say your going to do it, Save the date! Make it a point. Friendships are worth it. You're worth it.

That being said, it is one of my personal goals to be more prompt in my responses to your comments and my visits to your blogs. I do however have a question in the best way to respond to comments. How do you respond to comments?
By direct email to the comment (many of you do not have a direct email link, be sure and chekc your settings so that your comments can be addressed. I am always thrilled to have you visit and want to personally comment to you as well).

Do you respond to comments in  the comment section of your blog or do you email? Or do you visit the commenter on their own blog and  respond regarding a commenton your blog?
What is the etiquette?

Anyone that takes the time to visit Tales from Bloggeritaville as well as those that comment...I am truly grateful for that and want to respond to your comments accordingly.Thankyou!

I look forward to a Fabulous 2010!
As for me, I am off with paint bucket in hand to knock off some projects off that list.....

But before you go-you will want to check out this amazing idea from Completely Coastal using time worn sails to make pillows. Oh, I can imagine that'd whisper some tales of island fantacy as I suggled into one. And right now, there's a chance to WIN!
Click the link above for a chance!

PS-FYI- Having breaked for the holidays, We WILL be having Thrifty Thursday this Thursday!

Happy New Year from Tales from Bloggeritaville!

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

CHEERS! (clink)