Tag: blog awards

Ceremony Treasure

On By AngeliaIn Life is what you make it.23 Comments

Or……blog awards if you prefer.

I was going to wear a strapless sequins evening gown, but it’s probably too cold for all that. I am pretty much in my comfy sweats. It’s a little chilly in North Texas during one of the few times in the Winter we get to freezing. Brrr! And if Mrs. Always Hot is cold, it’s frickin’ COLD.

I received two blog awards this past week. I am so honored by the warm gesture of recognition. Truthfully, I have thought about closing the doors on this blog many times this year.

It’s been a tough year. Tough to find time. Tough to fight the emotions, and stress of day-to-day needs and issues. I get home from a busy job and I just want to crash in front of the TV and watch silly shows to keep my mind numb.

I certainly don’t want to pour my heart onto my blog, but the things is…that is exactly what keeps me going. My days are on this blog. My thoughts. My heart. My time.
And do you know? That is precious to me.

I can look back over the last two years and re-live so many wonderful memories of all things I have written and photographed. Plus, reading back over all the comments from friends, bloggers, and family.

And really? It’s not even about me. It’s about life. About finding those things that keep you going, and engaged. It’s about sharing life, and loving life, and being able to be thankful for the good stuff, and forget about the bad.

So truly, I am grateful for every award bestowed to me and this little place I call home.

I have received other awards, that got lost in the shuffle of sporadic blogging, and A.D.D web surfing. You know when you go to look at one thing, then end up at another, and that leads to another. Yeah. A.D.D. web surfing. I am the Hang 10 girl of that. Then, my lap top DIED and those awards went into deep space. So if you have awarded me in the past and still read this blog don’t hate me. Please accept my apology for not responding.

Ahem, I think someone is giving me the hurry up sign here as we don’t want the ceremony to run wordy..heh.

My first award is the Liebster award from Little Miss Vix.

Here is what she wrote about it.

“Liebster is German and translates to the English word dearest. I really touched to be awarded this as it’s meant for up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers so thank ladies for passing it on to me! I hope we all get over 200 soon and can play with the big guns :)”

Here are the award rules:

Thank the donor and link back to their blog
Publicize your top five picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
Post the award on your blog.
Encourage the people who receive it to list their five favorites.

The link goes directly to her post on the award. I love what she says about me (awww!) how she met me when I was Freshly Pressed. Seems like eons ago, and I’m not sure which freshly pressed it was. I’ve been freshly pressed four times since October 2009, but my run of fame is long over. I never did get to 200 followers either. But that’s okay, it’s the ones that have been around from the beginning that bring me the most joy. Not quantity, but quality, right???

I deem these five worthy of the Liebster.

1. One of my oldest blog buddies, and one I have met in person Square Peg in a Round Hole. She has blogged every day in 2011. For that she deserves many awards! It’s not easy to do.

2. I met this blogger through NaBloPoMo, I don’t know her well, but I really like her flow Chi Speak.

3. Long time blogger, and step-mom like me. She writes daily about her family’s outings. I truly don’t know how she does it all, Missy from The Hughes Daily News.

4. She may have more than 200 followers, I don’t really know. I do know our paths crossed before on ediets.com They were meant to cross again in blogging. She is one of the most influential writers I have ever read, and she touches those places deep inside of all of us. Please visit her blog Karen CL Anderson.

5. This blog is from my photography circle of peeps on Clickin Moms. Her name is Eve and she blogs at Around The Corner. She has an adorable little girl and beautiful photographs.

And my second award is from Word Nerd Speaks. The rules state: Tell 7 things about yourself and then pass the award on to 15 bloggers.

1. I am consistently sleep deprived. For some reason (genetics?), I get this burst of energy at 10:00pm. Usually just after I’ve dozed off in the recliner. I’m up til midnight every night, no matter how many bribes I give myself to get into bed earlier.

2. I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease – an autoimmune disorder – two years ago today. The autoimmune breaks me out in lovely hives several times a day. I usually itch them to scabs. I have no idea what it’s like to not be itchy and bumpy. Soooo not fun.

3. Tonight is the first night in a long time I have not taken Benadryl for said hives. I laugh in the face of the itchy bump on my head. I may regret this decision.

4. I will never gasp at the show Hoarders again. My garage is full of “stuff” that I moved from my duplex over a YEAR ago. It’s still there hoarding collecting dust.

5. My disorganization embarrasses me and this is why we don’t have guests over for dinner.

6. I live by the motto – Do Something that scares you every day. I have always been a horror fan, which is why I invited guests over for dinner Saturday night (gulp!).

7. I have lost four pounds in the last two weeks. I have worked out every day for thirty minutes or more – EIGHT days in a row. This is the first time I have lost weight since December of 2008. It’s a great feeling to know I still can.

I don’t know who participates in awards and who doesn’t. If you do, share, if you don’t, it’s not a problem and I COMPLETELY understand. These are off the top of my head.

1. Suzicate – She does not do blog awards, but we have been blog buds since September 2009 and she is my most frequent commenter.

2. Joshua -I love a Dad that blogs and writes very well too.

3. Terre – another long time blog friend. She teaches Nia and teaches me a lot about other things too.

4. Kimberly – She is hilarious and makes light of many serious situations in her life.

5. Stacey– Author, editor, mom, grand-mom, and care-taker. She wears many hats.

6. Ellen– My dutch friend living in America. I got to meet her when I visited California. She is a beautiful soul.

7. Sparkle Me Zen – You will be inspired.

8. Booshy– Never thought it would happen, my long-time(and first) blog friend is having a baby.

9. Mom of the Perpetually Grounded – She has daughters and many stories.

10. Living, Laughing, Loving, Learning – my blogger namesake, wife of a solider and a very inspirational christian blogger.

11. Shannon – she lives a few miles away and we still haven’t met in person. What’s up with that?

12. Thoughtsy – Wonderfully funny and full of great lists.

13. Carl – Talented cartoonist with a hilarious sense of humor.

14. Sherri – Super talented in the kitchen. Love her recipes!

15. Rach – She is super cute along with her adorable husband and puppy Oreo. I love all the things she crafts, makes, and entertains.

Click away and enjoy!

Blog Award EXPLOSION and Giveaway!

On By AngeliaIn Blog on with your bad self, Wee Wee Wee all the way home!, Why yes I do GLOW91 Comments

I have to tell ya’ll, it makes my heart proud that you give me awards. ME? Really?

Seriously, I am just HAPPY to be here. Happy to be a bloggity blog blogger. I am THRILLED you’d offer me these tokens of acknowledgement.

In fact I’m so blown away that I’ve decided today is the day I give back. Not only will I pass on some awards, but I will also be having a GIVEAWAY!!! Yes!!! My FIRST EVER giveaway.

Hey, I just feel generous. What can I say? Feel the love. Reap the rewards.

ONE winner will recieve BOTH prizes below. The winner will be picked randomly by random.org.

$10.00 gift card to Borders

$25.00 Target gift card

*no compensation was given, nor am I part of either business*

You don’t have to have a blog or be a blogger to enter. All you have to do is leave a comment. That’s it!

In fact, I’ll open the floor to questions. If there is anything you’d like to know. Ask away. If there is anything you’d like to share. Share away. This is a free-for-all. Share, ask, or just comment.

And let me just say to YOU. THANK YOU! Thank you for commenting. Thank you for following. Thank you for being YOU. I LOVE every comment. I read every one and although I try to respond, sometimes I don’t but believe me, they make me laugh, chort, smile, and just feel REALLY special. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Now for the awards.


This is from Jeanice at Journezine. She is in the process of rebuilding the site bigger and better. Go Jeanice! You are amazing and THANK YOU for this. I am so humbled. I don’t feel worthy of such an honor. I contributed two articles if you’d like to check them out in archives.
August 2009- A Father’s Love.
November 2009-A Day in the Life, A Day in the Park.

Um. Guys? You might think I’m a little HAPPY. YES?

This is not a mistake. I recieved the Happy 101 award from SIX bloggers. That is not counting the two previous ones I was given on my 100th post. Eight times I’ve been given the happy. Can I just say…..that makes me VERY HAPPY!!!!!!

I love happy. I do happy. I bounce happy, be happy, am happy.

I am not pretending I promise. I really am THIS happy. Now, during that PMS time of the month (you know). Well I hide. I don’t do UN-happy.

Thanks goes to.
DJ Kirby at Chez Aspie. My wonderful England blogger twitter friend.
Spot at What Passes for Sane on a Crazy Day. The funniest conversationalist I know.
Mrs. Foxy at Foxy Den. She did this award up nice. With an Oscar dress and everything. Woot!
Heather at Welch Happenings. My fellow Texan. Incredibly sweet and down to earth.
Holly at My Bubbled Mess. This girl is so full of heart it overflows in all she says and does to the people in her life she loves. What a blessing it is to know her.
MOTPG at Mom of the Perpetually Grounded. Hers was in a meme but it’s the same as above, so I am adding here. I immediately connected with her because we are both moms of teenagers.

List 10 things that make you happy.

1. Blog Awards.
2. Giveaways.
3 Winning giveaways.
4. Getting to know people.
5. Smiling.
6. Laughing.
7. Singing.
8. My new camera.
9. iPhone.
10. My wedding date being 8 months and 1 week away.

And the award goes to…. I just recently passed this on. But I do want to honor a few happy folks.

Jean at Jean has been shopping. She makes me smile. She makes me laugh. So HAPPY to connect with her.

Just a Mom at The Eyes in the back of my head. Her children made posters saying, “Less Homework. More video games. Signed the Angry Mob”. They posted them all over the neighborhood. Funniest thing EVER.

Stephanie Not the Oxygen, Stephanie is doing love horror stories by guests. I probably shouldn’t laugh, but I have some of those. I can laugh NOW that I have Jason, but man I was there in thick of online dating madness. Ah Steph, you gotta be happy to get through it. 🙂


Given to me from Deiala. My dear German friend who says the SWEETEST things about me. I can never repay you for your incredible kindness.

I am passing on to a new blogger who probably won’t know what to do with this and that’s okay!

Square Peg in a Round Hole-New blogger, sister to Suzicate. She writes super funny stories. She has beautiful daughters. I can just relate and laugh at what she writes.

Award from Believe in yourself. Stop by and see Luisa, you will LAUGH WITH DORAZ too.

I have to award this to my friend and NOW blogger. Brooke Brooke Knows Beauty. Does she ever! You have to stop by and read all her wonderful ideas, beauty tips, and beauty advice. I had NO clue. It’s really not just about outward appearance but things you can do with your girls.

Thanks to Wide World of Gary. Dude! (sorry every time I hear sweet- I think of that movie Dude, Where’s my car?). If you’ve seen it you get what I’m talking about. Dude! Sweet!

Please stop by and say Hi to Gary. He is the greatest!


From Purple Hatter. If you love adult humor and fantastic art work (free blog awards). Go see this super talented guy!

PLEASE no one feel obligated to do ANYTHING with these awards. If I missed someone that gave me an award. I am so sorry! Please let me know. I lost my notes and tried to remember.

And don’t forget…ask any question, share anything you like, or just leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway.

I can’t wait to see who wins. That’s the most exciting part. I will announce on WEDNESDAY morning FEB. 10th. On the day my wedding is eight months away. Yipppeee!

It’s a Bloggy Bling Parade!

On By AngeliaIn Wee Wee Wee all the way home!, Why yes I do GLOW47 Comments

What better way to celebrate my 100th post, than to proudly display my awards in all their glory. It’s a parade of wonder. It’s a parade of fun. It’s a parade of blogs and thanks and cheers all around. I am sure I did not properly follow the rules by hoarding them to my 100th post. I apologize, since these are my FIRST bloggy awards ever, I hope you let me slide.

I am so blessed by the blogging community. By the wonderful bloggies I have met and the future bloggies I will meet. You are all precious to me! Your stories, your hearts, your laughter, and your love, each unique, each astounding. I am awed by your talent and contribution to all things blogging. But most especially, for being so supportive of me. I am excited about our future blogging and where our blogs will go.

And now, without further delay, begin drums, blow the horns, and commence marching!


This was my very first blog award. Presented to me by a very talented artist. Not only is she brilliant in paint and prose, but she is one of the sweetest, caring hearts I’ve ever met. Thank you Bliss Bait.

The rules are to pass on to 15 people. In no particular order, these are the blogs I’ve read the longest on a daily basis. Links open a new window.

1. Jessica, Booshy. Real life told with the crass we all think (don’t deny). She cracks me up with all that happens to her. Great stuff! (if you don’t mind some curse words).
2. Josie, Yum Yucky . My foodie friend. Her greediness makes me feel normal. Her posts are so creatively funny and informative.
3. Lance, Jungle of Life. What a HUGE inspirer he is. Everywhere he goes, he leaves happiness and light as footsteps. You can’t help but be affected by him and his blog.
4. Peggy, Serendipity Smiles. Peggy’s real life journey of overcoming, not just reaching the top, but coming out swinging and kicking her way to a black belt in life and love. Incredible! Not to mention, a best-selling writer in my book.
5. Wilma and Ann-Marie, Wilma’s Blog. Women living life differently. Inspiring women to change the norm, and really understand how to make a difference. The posts and comments are worth reading again and again. What great works they do.
6. Mindy, The Suburban Life. Witty, interesting, and fun. I love reading her days. I love how she writes.
7. Emily, A Sacrifice of Praise. When I need some soul food from the Bible. I go here. What devotion she instills in everyday life.
8. Peedee, Queen of the Dogs. My Floridian friend with labs that I love and a Cowboys fan too! She is a riot and a kid at heart like me.
9. Weezer, Weezer’s Haven. Life stories past, and present. Adorable grand babies, giveaways, and interesting info. She is dear to me and I love her dragonflies.
10. Heather, Welch Happenings. I love her laid back life with never a dull moment. She has dial-up in the sticks and still she blogs and comments. That is true dedication.
11. Peggy (again), The Step Mom’s Toolbox. She has been a Godsend to me as I step carefully (and fearfully) towards the wonderful world of step motherhood (aka-the hardest job in the world). Without her, and her resources, I’d be lost.
12. My kashi,  My Kashi Diet. A journey to weight loss. A journey to self. A very dear person, I support whole heartedly. She has been absent and I do miss her.
13. Jenera, Just me. Don’t let her fool you. This girl has great courage and takes life ON. She is accomplishing dreams and has done more this year than I have in many years with two small children in tow and a husband on the road. Amazing!
14. Jenny, Flying Icarus. Fun spirited, happy, and beautiful. I love to laugh with her. She has been absent lately too, and I think she needs some bloggy love.
15. Spot, What passes for sane on a crazy day. Great writer. Her conversations with her family are so funny. I think we can all relate to the “non-normalcy” in our own kind of way.


No you are not seeing double. I got two awards – thanks to Suzicate, The Water Witch’s Daughter and Heather, Welch Happenings.
Thank you both!! I enjoy reading your daily entries about your life.

Rules are to share seven traits about yourself and pass it on.

1. Stubborn.
2. Loyal.
3. Compassionate.
4. Giving.
5. Friendly.
6. Positive.
7. Happy. (yes, this is really how I am)

Since it’s 2010, and it’s a 2009 award I have chosen not to pass it on.
Blog award fail. In my defense, I just noticed it said 2009.

Hey, there’s no crying in parades unless you’re scared of clowns. On we go to my next award. She is a purdy one!


From Weezer, Weezer’s Haven.. She awarded this to me the week my Dad died. It was sweet in more ways than you know to receive when I needed it the most. By the way stop by and congratulate her for stopping smoking. I believe it’s been about three months.

Rules are to tell 10 things about myself that may or may not be common knowledge, then pass it on.

1. I’m the youngest of four children. I was such a brat growing up my two older brothers figured out the only way to stop me from tattling was to make me do what they were doing. This included chewing tobacco, and taking a drag off a cigarette. I couldn’t tell anymore, because I did it too. They were scary smart.

2. My step dad was a computer programmer and college professor. He instilled in me a curiosity of gadgets. I love all things technology and am eager to figure them out. I have a new toy I just got. I am so pumped! It’s going to be revealed very soon!

3. I was on Facebook when it was still mainly for college kids.

4. I have traveled to Mexico, Canada, Aruba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St John, Dominican Republic, and all over the USA with all of California being one of my favorites (so far). But I really want to visit Seattle.

5. I moved to Dallas, Texas a few months after I turned 18 years old. I lived on my own without any help from my parents (ever). I worked hard and earned my way by working 40+ hours a week.

6. I am named after my Uncle Angel, but my big sister wanted to name me Leah. Mom got creative and named me Angelia. However, I grew up being called Angie.

7. I love talking and learning about people and their lives.

8. Jason asked me to marry him December 18, 2009. Although I’ve been married twice, this was my first real proposal on bended knee with a ring.

9. My daughter Sydney is the coolest, most beautiful 15yr old daughter in the world. I still pinch myself not believing that she is not a “normal” teen and wondering how I got so lucky when I was such a bad one.

10. I have worked in the travel industry for over twenty years. I still love it.

A new friend whose story of her baby son touched my soul, Kellene, Remembering Leo. Bring your hankie and honor this sweet boy.

To one of my first readers to say, “I LOVE your blog and it is the highlight of my day.” That really warmed my heart. Thank you so much. You deserve this more than you know.
Belleringer, Stadium of my heart.

A wonderful mother and blogger who just recently went on a trip to New York City with her adorable children. Jen, Post Modern Jen.

And the last blog that gives me the warm fuzzies, Mommy Bear, The Bear Bunch, great photos and giveaways, plus who doesn’t love bears.

Next in line, a happy award. Yay!


Another double award!
From Peggy, Serendipity Smiles. And from Jen, Post-Modern Jen.

The rules are:


1. List 10 things that make you happy.
2. Try to do at least one thing on the list today.
3. List 10 bloggers who brighten your day.
4. Those of you to whom I give this award are to link back to my blog and perpetuate the happy with your own lists and recipients and whatnot.

Ten things that make me happy:
1. Laughing.
2. Playing with my future step daughters, Molly and Bridget.
3. Tucking Sydney into bed at night.
4. Getting hi-five with both paws from my dog Salem. Coolest trick on the planet!
5. That first cup of coffee in the morning.
6. Jason’s hugs.
7. Getting a new comment.
8. Reading an amazing blog post that tugs my heart.
9. Discovering unending uniqueness and inspiration by fellow bloggers.
10. Receiving bloggy award love and passing it on.

Ten blogs to pass it on to:
1. Kellene, Bella Lucia Photography, talented photgrapher and writer.
2. Suzicate , The Water Witch’s Daughter , hilarious stories, especially about her husband Dirt Man.
3. Jaymie, Jaymie Thorne’s Personal Musings, poetry, reflection, and thoughts. I always enjoy my visits.
4. Lisa-Jo, The Gypsy Mama. I feel like I know her, but I think it’s because she has been so many places. Fascinating blog!
5. Holly, My Bubbled Mess. She just moved and need lots of extra love on her blog. We ALL know how tough moving is.
6. Terri, Massage by Terri. She is so supportive of her commenters. She posts some great videos. I love how her blog evolved.
7. Jenny, Scented Pixels. Extremely talented artist. Sweet disposition and she has a cute new puppy named Jiggy.
8. Lita, Senior Debutante. Wisdom, and history with a wonderfully centered and beautiful lady filled with heart.
9. Deia, Deiala. My friend from across the pond. She is a delight to me in all things German and hip.
10. Hurley Burley Girl, A Star Danced, and Under That I was born. She has the most wonderful short stories. They make me laugh, and cry.


The rules for this are similar to the previous: state five things you like to do, and pass it on to five friends. (Please let them know they received the awards with a comment or email).

1. Play Wii.
2. Anything iPhone related.
3. Photograph kids, and dogs.
4. Eat Sushi.
5. Savor a glass of red wine.

Passing it along to:
1. Luisa, Doraz says. Fun all around and her smile is contagious!
2. Blond Duck, A Duck in Her Pond. She loves cookies, and stuffed animals. We are soooo much alike! Except she writes fantastic stories that amaze me with imagination. I always get sucked right into them. Very talented and fun.
3. Lori, Escape to Joyceland. Always good for a laugh. You just never know what she will come up with but it will be baby wipe clean.
4. DJ Kirby, Chez Aspie. I love her tweets. She is a very successful writer and funny too.
5. Bliss, Bliss Bait. If I haven’t mentioned her talent, let me remind you. Poetry, pictures, and true genuineness.


FROM DORAZ Rules are:
THERE ARE TWO RULES WITH THIS AWARD…

1. I MYSELF CANNOT GET THIS AWARD BACK EVER!

2.YOU MUST FIND 3 OTHER BLOGS THAT HAVE A GOOD POSTING AND AWARD THEM WITH THIS AWARD BY NO LATER THAN SUNDAY ONE WEEK FROM 1-10-10.. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HUNTING!

1. Christy, Tales of the Toot. Aiden’s cross is their cross, but where many chronic families find themselves as well. I love her attitude of gratitude in this post.

2. Tess, The Bold Life. She doesn’t write a bad post. She will change your life in a bold way.

3. Karen, A Peek at Karen’s World. I love her weekly themes. She just got a fabulous new hair do! Very cute!


This award was awarded by Purple Hatter to everyone on Doraz, Believe in Yourself blogroll.

I will end this parade with the same award – which is very adorable and creative – to everyone on my blog roll as well. If you want it, don’t be shy. Award yourself! I did. 🙂

Hope this parade has brightened your day as much as mine. You just got showered with candy and confetti!

HAPPY 100TH POST!! (and many, many more)