Starbucks Giveaway!

If you haven't checked out my new web site yet then get over to http://www.dianeestrella.com/ immediately. I'd love to see you following me there!

A giveaway is in the process that you don't want to miss! :O)

Looking for Me?

I've moved!

Come and visit me at http://www.dianeestrella.com/ and see what's new.

More giveaways, more craziness and lots more fun.

Follow me?

The trek has begun to my new cyberhome. Word on the street is that Wordpress is the hip and happening place to be. Supposedly, I can now begin my quest for world domination and any rocket science projects I had temporarily set aside because of all the power I can now unleash from my keyboard. I hate change, but feel that this one is necessary and will eventually help me get to my goals (listed above). ;o)So here it comes, a huge favor to ask...... the help a friend move call that everyone dreads getting. Because we own a truck, I get the call all the time. Please take 3-5 minutes and unfollow me here and then become my follower at my new home dianeestrella.com. I can still be followed with blogger, facebook or by subscribing. I promise good things will be yours. I am going to do three giveaways to launch my new site, but in order to qualify you must be a follower of some sort. I don't usually require following in order to win, but I really want you all to tag along for the ride. Giveaway numero uno is awaiting you..... Thanks in advance and I'll see you on the other side!

Gingerbread House Delight!

You see the kits...... no child can resist the promise of a perfect and beautiful gingerbread house upon completion.
Dad's can enjoy it too, in their own special way.

The masterpiece!

Pride in a job well done.

Think About it Thursdays

Cell phone vs. Bible: Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?

Something to make you go....hmmm...

What my kids really think about me...

A friend on facebook had this cute idea. Copy this note, ask your child the questions and write down exactly how they respond. I see some odd themes rising..... Can't wait to hear your funniest responses!

1. What is something mom always says to you?

Daughter(9 years old)-Time to get up.

Son(7 years old)-I love my son.

2. What makes mom happy?

D-The color green

S-Getting great big hugs.

3. What makes mom sad?

D-Thinking of Grandma

S-When it snows

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

D-Telling jokes, that does make you laugh, right?
S-She tickles me sometimes.

5. What was your mom like as a child?

D-Stubborn

S- Small and cute

6. How old is your mom?

D-38

S- 39
7. How tall is your mom?

D-I would say maybe 4 feet, I mean 5 feet.
S- Tall. About the size of the treadmill.

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

D-Read or garden
S-Sell Twillypop's

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?

D-Does all the chores

S-Goes to the store

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?

D-Your crocheting
S- For selling Twillypop's to people

11. What is your mom really good at?

D-Crocheting
S-Cooking, I like your stew you make

12. What is your mom not very good at?

D-Knitting

S-It seems like you're good at everything.

Uncle Cal

Every family has the older, wiser members that at times can come off a little cranky. One of my earliest memories of my Uncle Cal is from when I was about 9 or 10, my daughter's age now. She reminds me a lot of myself, VERY inquisitive and persistent in the Q & A department. Side note on my own persistence..... growing up Catholic, I was very fascinated with the offering envelopes. I would look at my parents, want to put my own money in and ultimately drop it in the offering plate as it was passed. No greater goal could a child have in my mind, then to have their very own envelopes. Week after week, as we were leaving the church, I would greet the Father and then pester this poor man on how I needed my own envelopes. I can only imagine now, my parents embarrassment at my badgering. Ultimately, I began to cut and glue together my own envelopes that I wrote my own name and number on. Finally, I wore that poor man down, and my very own envelopes arrived. Could there have been a happier day? Ironically, two weeks later we started attending a new church........Oh yea.

Back to Uncle Cal...... the memory of him that has never left me and probably has shaped me into the person I am today, started out innocently enough. Uncle Cal and another adult were discussing their jobs and different aspects that a 10 year old can not understand. After listening to their exchange, I pipe in, "Well, when I grow up I am going to get a job and I am going to love it and make lots of money and be happy." Innocent enough, right? Uncle Cal feels the need to set me straight, and in his low gruff voice informs me that you don't work to like it, or be happy or even make a lot of money. You get a job to work and that's it. I was speechless. I could not believe that this was the reality of how working.... well, worked. I determined in my heart that as soon as I turned 16, I would go out and get my first "real" job and continue on my quest until every possible stone was turned to find my ideal job, and that's exactly what I did.

How about you, still searching or has your dream job been discovered and now being pursued?

The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville

The Most Forgotten Element of Success – RESPECT!

Deborah Norville’s latest book provides timely information on how to give, at times earn, and also receive respect. This book is written from a journalistic point of view with extensive research being done, many statistics provided and interviews with different individuals included. She touches on six different areas where we can use the power of respect to benefit our lives:

· At Home
· In Relationships
· At School
· In Business
· For Leaders
· And Self-Respect

Respect is shown from coming alongside others and learning to acknowledge the value of each person you come in contact with. It seems that this would be an obvious mindset that I know people used to have, but shockingly today, it seems to no longer be taught or modeled in our present day society. After reading this book, I was immediately able to hone in on different instances where respect was, and unfortunately was not, being shown.

For me, this book was not a fast read, but an important reminder of an easy, courteous and free technique that I need to apply to my daily life, and to always remember to treat others as I wish to be treated.

Thomas Nelson sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Thomas Nelson.

Tomorrow!

I'll be back to bloggin' tomorrow and starting next week will begin to throw in some personal posts.

I was amazed by all of the kind comments I received regarding my answers to the award questions. Many commented that they were glad to get to know me better.

Also, soon I will be making the trek to WordPress and having the dianeestrella.com account fully activated. You can stop now to take a peek. New blog design, new dirt on me and a new attitude from my days away. Yeah!!!!!

Selah.

A fast of sorts to slow down.

I've decided for the next five days to not blog, not tweet and not facebook. Too wrapped up in this computer. I will be checking my e-mail for any such emergencies.

Just need to pause and make sure my focus is where it should be. The holidays are coming, are we physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally ready?

Over the Top, Who Me?

A week of awards. I am so humbled and thankful!

Jennifer at Me, My Muse and I blessed me with Honest Scrap award. At times I think I may be too honest..... :O)

Thanks Bina for honoring me with this Over the Top award and I will follow thru with the quiz of one word answers...mostly. Here goes!

Where is your cell phone? Purse

Your hair? Thick

Your mother? Heaven

Your dad? Missed

Your favorite food? Chocolate

Dream last night? Many

Favorite drink? Water

Goal? Knowledge

What room are you in? Computer

Hobby? Blogging

Fear? Bondages in life

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Regarded

Something you aren't? Over-exciteable

Muffins? Bagels :O)

Wish List? Peace

Where did you grow up? New York State

Last thing you did? Read

What were you wearing? Pajamas

Your TV? Off

Your pets? Cat

Friends? Few but faithful

Your life? Heading in the right direction

Your mood? Uplifted

Missing someone? Yes

Vehicle? Truck

Something you're not wearing? Jewelry

Favorite color? Green

Last time you laughed? Today

Last time you cried? Recently

Best friend? Tried and True

Place you could go over and over? Beach

Person who emails regularly? Facebook updates

Favorite place to eat? Greek

I am supposed to now pass it on, to few bloggers who have been Over The Top to me. Seems to be a girlie award, so sorry fellas!

Hannah at Cultivating Home

Teri at My Digital Clutter

Heather at Azure Island Designs

Think About it Thursdays

Crystal at SoulMate Coach found this poem that I love by Maryanne Williamson. It was used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light , not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make and manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Five Little Words

Barn, excited, red, eggs & snicklefritz..... !

These are the five words the most adorable Jeanette offered to me to incorporate into a story. If anyone is feeling game and wants me to pass on five words to them, just let me know. I guess for me, this is a test of sorts..... So here goes:

Brother and sister run hurriedly out to the barn, both eager and excited to see if this was going to be the big day. Sister holds the red basket tightly in her anxious hands, wondering if the chickens are finally mature enough to lay their first eggs.

The chickens were a welcome addition to the lone cow Mildred, that enjoyed her home here at the farm. They all had agreed, Mildred needed company.

Upon entering the barn, they look all around the stalls on a scavenger hunt of sorts to find that first golden brown egg. Brother sees it! Over in the cow's stall he spies the perfectly shaped egg sitting atop a pile of hay. He lets out a yelp of excitement and both he and sister scurry in to get the egg.

"No Mildred!" both children shout at the same time. She has accidentally eaten the egg along with her breakfast. It is like a balloon of joy has burst apart and both children hang their heads in sorrow over what they have just witnessed.

Unexpectedly, Mildred begins making some gurgling noises and all of a sudden "snicklefritz"! A noise erupts from her that the children have never heard before, and out regurgitates the broken up egg and some hay.

Both children laugh and hurriedly run back to the house to tell Mother their latest discovery. Mother smiles and says, "well, that's one way to make scrambled eggs in the morning!"

YOU can be a Twillypop too!

My friend Sara is holding her first ever giveaway contest on her blog. The exciting part is that the winner will have a custom made necklace crafted and named after them. The "Diane" is already out there and is an original like me. Square beads for a slightly squared gal.

You will be in control of the colors, beads and ribbon choice!

Sound like fun? Go over to the Twillypop blog site for more information and to enter.

An Award & A Winner

Tamika from The Write Worship bestowed upon me an award. I wasn't 100% sure what Humane meant so I looked it up:

1. Characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion
2. Marked by an emphasis on humanistic values and concerns

Aaawwwww! Tears forming. Thank you!

My daunting task is to pass the award on to other bloggers that I have recently discovered and think are great! And the award goes to:

karen r. evans

Larie at My Heart Speaks

Louis at Pursuit of Something Real

Bear Bear at Live, Love, Learn

Jody at My Life as I Know It

So glad getting to know each of you! :O)

The winner of the Winter warm up pack is Terri Tiffany. Have a great week!

Will she be the one?

Waiting......... yes, on you Taylor Swift!

I've seen others come along looking oh, so cute and innocent. Talented, young, lovely.....

But then, it happens. The complete and utter meltdown. The no-brakes applied roller coaster ride into the Temple of Doom.

We've all seen Brittany, Jessica, Lindsey, Paris etc. take their turns. All starting out the same as you are, but then it happens.......

I have to say, lately you are impressing me. That whole Kayne West thing...... CLASSY! That showed poise well above your years. Your latest song "Fifteen", I have to say I love it. Giving those young followers of yours the heads up that you don't have a clue at fifteen, so on point.

So please, be the one! Not just for me, but for the entire world. Don't have a complete and total meltdown, drug or alcohol addiction, sex scandal or anything else involving the police. If you do fall into temptation, do it privately. I will pray for you and wait on the other side to see you come out smiling and happy.

Just show me and the other 4 billion people watching you that it can be done. Make your mark in a different way! Please be "the one".

There's still time to enter my giveaway. Scroll down and join in! :O)

Think About it Thursdays

"If it were easy, someone else would do it."

Art Fry, Inventor of Post-It Notes

Things I Noted Whilest I Was Sick

Last week, not a fun week.

Rampant sickness that ended for me in a double ear infection with a sinus infection sprinkled on top.

Always trying to see the bright side in things, I made some keen observations on what full blown-out sickness means to me.

1. Any type of special hygiene options you were working on are immediately thrown out the window. Cracked heels, facial scrubbing, shaving the legs (oh yes that's me), those luxuries are the first casualties and any ground you may have gained on them is lost and then some.

2. Asking for help... I am literally unable to open my eyes, raise my head or stop profusely sweating and yet when a friend or relative calls to ask what I need, "Oh, no, don't worry about me, I'm fine". Pride does not taste good on any given day, much less with a mouthful of germs to swish around with it.3. The laundry! Many other household jobs will fall to my left and right, but somehow the mound must be beaten down. Needing fresh sheets and pajamas are just a necessity

4. And finally, I swear this is the truth, "I was going to start tomorrow". The last thing I said before I took the downward spiral. I swore this was going to be the day I started exercising and would have exhibited all kinds of self-control and discipline unknown to the common man. Obviously, didn't happen. I can feel the mental taunts now, "Ha ha, better luck next time!"

I'm Here For You Giveaway #4

I hate winter, so I decided to do a stay warm for winter gift pack to gear up for the cold. Things to keep you warm in the upcoming months......First, a book of your choice from the above selections to warm the mind. Inspiration, Romance or Adventure? All are either new or gently read.

Secondly, things to warm the insides. Good Earth "Sweet & Spicy" Tea, (my all-time favorite), Gevalia "Blueberry Creme" ground coffee, and finally Canterbury Naturals "Vanilla, Peppermint & Chocolate" Cocoa mixes.

I would love to hear your thoughts on what's good about winter in the comment section. Please leave me a comment, and consider signing up to be a follower if you're not already. All comments must be received by November 8th in order to qualify and the results will be posted on the November 9th post. Good luck to all my blogger/facebook friends!

Think About it Thursdays

A five minute skit I thought was powerful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84gfPg45xOo

The EcoStore USA winner is.....

Who's going to have a few less chemicals in their home thanks to EcoStore USA?

Kathryn Magendie that's who! Congrats and enjoy. My next giveaway is scheduled for November 2nd. Hope you'll try your luck again.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman

“This book is about success and significance,” the opening line from the introduction of Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman.

This book is for the:

“Person who truly wants to succeed in life and is willing to do the hard work necessary to make it happen.”

Individual who can recognize good ideas.

Risk taker.

Ultimately, someone who gets the job done.

I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that I loved this book. From page one of the introduction through all 226 pages, this book is oozing with encouragement and insight from a man that does not just theorize about success, but has lived it. The stories that he shares from his personal experiences, makes you want to have him and his ENTIRE family over for a BBQ so you can find out more.

It’s not about money, or necessarily being given special opportunities, but taking what you have, giving 110% to wherever you are in life, at whatever job you are currently in and just having an excellence and integrity to strive for more. The encouragement and ideas in this book are excellent for any first time entrepreneur, current manager over others and even parents with kids. Being excellent and striving to get better in all areas of our lives and doing it with a smile on our face and thankfulness in our hearts, is what being a Knockout Entrepreneur is all about.

Thomas Nelson sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Thomas Nelson.

Stuck in a Rut

Once upon a time there was a little bulldozer. Bulldozer did lots and lots of hard work. He worked so much and so hard that one day he got stuck in a rut. Uh oh! What can we do to help him get out of the hole he was in?

Here is the GIANT tow truck that was sent to get said bulldozer out of it's rut.....

The two men that were sent tried different angles and really had to redirect with much effort to get bulldozer out of his dark hole. His tread just kept spinning and spinning in its same old pattern, almost making the pit deeper.

Then finally, he was free!

So I ask you, my little bulldozer friends, are there areas of your life where you are stuck in a rut? It's so easy to work so hard and have life circumstances go on for years and years, that finally when the day of liberation out of that hole comes, we are hesitant.... almost setting ourselves up to fall back into that pitfall again? When the opportunity comes for you to get out that rut, don't set yourself up to fall back in again. Back up a little, examine your circumstances and make a new path into a different mindset.

For all you Matrix fans out there....."Free your mind Neo."

Make the jump today!

EcoStore USA and a GIVEAWAY!

Look what came to my house last week....How cool is this? EcoStore USA contacted me to sample and review two of their products. I was thrilled, and of course said yes. I am all for organic and anything natural.

EcoStore's website boasts: "All of our products are made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients, free of toxic chemicals that bring people closer to nature with non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions that also help to reduce our carbon footprint. "
The product categories they sell are: Baby Care, Bath & Body, Hair, Household and Petcare. (Click on any of the categories to take you directly to the store link!)

I chose the Laundry Powder and the Auto Dishwash Powder. We have hard, well water and I figured if these cleaners could stand up to that, then I would be sold. They did wonderfully! The thing I absolutely loved, was that when I opened the washing machine up I didn't encounter a huge perfume smell. Just clean smelling and great looking clothes. Dishes came out great too.

"We know it's expensive to buy natural or organic products but we've found a way around this by safely super concentrating our formulations. "

Using less and getting more bang for your buck is what it's all about today. Smaller quantities of recycleables to dispose of, e-gift certificates available (just in time for Christmas!) and always free shipping on orders over $25.

"No Nasty Chemicals™ is the foundation of the entire product line and philosophy of ecostore." Please take a minute and check them out today.

Now for the Giveaway!

EcoStore has generously donated a $25 gift certificate for their store as a giveaway. In order to qualify for the drawing, click on the above link, look around the store, and leave me a comment telling me what two products you would like to win. You must list your favorite two products in order to qualify. All entries must be received by October 27th. with the winner announced on the 28th. Please consider signing up to follow EcoStore to receive updates and other promotional information. Good luck!

EcoStore USA sent me the above products for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the products. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from EcoStore USA.

Conduit - Can Do It!

I got payed a lovely compliment from a friend last week. She called me a conduit. Instantly, I loved what I thought the word meant but wanted to look up expanded definitions:

1. A pipe or channel for conveying fluids, such as water. (I do have fluids..... )
2. A tube or duct for enclosing electric wires or cable. (I do not have a desire to be electrified... )

Hmmmmm.......that couldn't be right, so let's try again.....

1. A means by which something is transmitted
2. To contribute or lead to a specific result
3. Contribute to the progress or growth of

Much better! I love to encourage others. I love hearing all their "crazy, far-fetched" ideas and being a cheerleader for them. I see a lot of times where a person has no one in their court. No one believing in them. This is disappointing to hear about and devastating to the person. I pride myself in being a realist, so no, I won't tell you that you are going to be the next Bill Gates, but I will tell you that all things are possible. Working conditions are hard, family situations, unbearable at times. Are you there with a friendly ear, even if that's all you can do at the time?
Are there people in your life that you could contribute to the progress or growth of? Am I transmitting something positive that may influence my child, husband, friend, etc. that will stay with them for a lifetime? Join me in getting out the pom pom's and giving out a big cheer: Go Team!

Loved this over at Christine's blog:
If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart. If someones burden was lighter,because you did your part. If you caused a laugh ,that chased some tears away. If tonight your name is named, when someone kneels to pray. Than your day has been well spent.....Author Unknown

Bonus Giveaway starting Wednesday October 21st! Don't forget to check back.

The One Thing

Many will be surprised to know that I have had a cosmetic procedure of sorts done.Growing up, nothing would make me cringe more than the thought of swimming. I can swim. I even took the Red Cross classes in freezing cold water. I enjoy swimming.... a lot. However, the problem for me arises being a woman, and having to shave to wear a bathing suit. Men are so lucky... but I digress. I'll blame it on being half Italian. Oh Diane, your hair is so thick and beautiful...... are you following where I'm going with this? I would shave and then EACH AND EVERY hair that was attempting to grow back in would produce a red, ugly sore bump. Each one. Very painful.... very ugly. So, that was it, shave one time, pay the price for weeks. Finally, at age 34 I went and had laser hair removal and wallahhh! They are gone! It is a miracle. I had it done before it was the "it" thing and they jacked up the prices. It was painful for a short time and now, at a moments notice I am ready to swim. Go ahead and ask me.... swim?.... Oh sure I'd love to, I just have to throw on my suit and I'm ready to go.

This one thing in my life turned dread and pain into happiness and confidence. So I ask you, what is the one thing you would do if money or being self conscious was not an obstacle? What is the one thing that you would like to alter or change about you?

Tommy can you hear me?

Over the summer, Tommy's daughter went missing for about a week but happily returned, now it has been over a month and no Tommy. My daughter made this picture this morning as we believe he is no longer coming back. I guess part of me can always say, well, we don't know for sure what happened and that is what I've told the kids. We all assume to know what's occured, but there is always that small grain of hope, maybe.... just maybe.

Think About it Thursdays

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

When anger rises, think of the consequences.

Joys of the Week!

Getting to sleep in my bed until 8:30 AM one morning, and then laying in that same bed and reading for two uninterrupted hours..... need I say more?
If Dove ever wanted me to be their spokesperson, I would have no problem telling it from the heart and tastebuds. I found these this past week and have enjoyed each and every one. I kinda hid them in the back of the freezer..... but I digress... Mmmmm Mmmm Mmmm Good! The plain vanilla are entirely acceptable, but the chocolate chip is three bites of complete yumminess that just leaves a smile on your face.
Come to me, my little pretty!
Conversation with my son this week. "Mom, when my wife lays an egg and has a baby, it's gonna look just like you, because I love you so much."
I know, right?!

Watching Chickens

Since I'm new to this whole chicken ownership thing.... I've found myself going out to the chicken house and just watching them. My original intent of getting the chickens was eggs. Free, organic, yellow yoke eggs. An added bonus that I had not originally anticipated, was the odd delight and sense of peace in just observing them and seeing nature just...be....nature. The way it was designed to be.

So here are my odd thoughts on how chicken nature has similarities to human nature:

1. Chickens like to be pretty. Especially the one male I watched. They preen themselves over and over. They are trying to stay clean. They aren't going on any dates or have to primp up before their spouse comes home. They just know instinctively that their outer shell needs to be kept up. Isn't it in us too? Why do we look in the mirror all the time? Making sure there's no food stuck in our teeth or that our hair hasn't windblown into an up do. Kept up, but not vain is the chicken way and should be ours too.

2. Chickens follow a leader. We have a few sticks in the coop for them to fly up to and sit on. As soon as one gracefully (ha ha on that one) flies up to the branches, the others start to follow. Regardless, if I have just thrown food in for them and they begin to eat, as soon as one goes they all stop what they are doing and follow along suit. Do I at times follow someone else's lead? Do I want to be part of a particular group and am willing to make sacrifices or even bad choices to be part of the "in" crowd? No one wants to be left behind..... Do I have the courage to be the lone one on any given issue, or do I give up thinking for myself and follow the leader?3. Huddling for warmth.... It's been 40-50 degrees here at night. We do have a light for the chickens to keep them from freezing (aren't we so kind). They know that physically apart they would be chicken Popsicles. Staying close to each other in trying circumstances gives us support. Do I turn to loved ones when I get dealt a hard blow, for a shoulder to lean on? Am I a friend that others can turn to, to keep their insides warm when the going gets tough? Isolated and alone we are vulnerable and cold. Together we are a support system that keeps us insulated from the at times hard world.

4. And lastly the indisputable, no way to deny it, final proof.... aren't we instinctively a little too good at the chicken dance for it not to be a coincidence?