Great Full (almost) Friday

I hope that you are currently drifting into dreamland with a belly full of yummy treats and a heart full of love. We spent the day with the hubby's family and enjoyed some great time with his grandmother. Afterward we headed to my parents to say hello and spent the rest of the evening relaxing while watching movies.

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful day...every one is reminded to be grateful and to appreciate blessings big and small. I know I become more aware of the beauty around me on this day. It is my hope to carry this feeling with me the entire year through.

I am grateful today for many things but I'd like to list a few that stand out in my mind today as making my life especially great and full:

• a Lord who has given grace, new life and forgiveness
• my husband
• my family: parents, sister, cousins, uncles, in-laws...all mean the world to me
• visible evidence of God's love. today it was glorious sunlight beaming from behind the clouds.
• a full belly and warm bed. little things often overlooked in daily gratitudes
• clients who allow me to do what i love
• fabulous online buddies who have helped me grow and offered their friendship
• my sweet pup

Today I hope you'll join me and take a moment to count your blessings.
Happy, happy Thanksgiving and thank YOU for reading!

Great Full Friday

It has been so long since I have done a great full Friday post. Sad, just sad! It is not that I haven't been grateful, just busy. But I really want to try and get this going again. I hope you'll join me and share you gratitude lists...it will help me stay motivated!

This week I am grateful for:

• my doggy's health
• beautiful, kind families to photograph
• a warm, cozy bed on cold days
• my sister who is my best friend

Photo Sources:  Healthy Dog Biscuits, family feet,  Day 306: Warmth at Last,  365 Days of Two Sisters 27 August 2008

Great Full Friday

I've fallen off the "Great Full Friday" wagon and I'm disappointed in myself for it but I'm climbing back on! So many things to be thankful for.

This weekend we don't have any big plans which is nice. Last weekend was quite busy and next weekend will be full of friends and photography. So these few days will be a welcomed break. I think the hubs and I are going to watch a few movies and I want to work on organizing my office closet. What are your weekend plans? Any movie recommendations?

This week I am grateful for:

• my new camera
• Souvenir Foto School, Miss B. has inspired me to shoot more for myself: something I often fail to do.
• Magnolia Bakery purchasing rights to some of my images for their website. I'm so incredibly proud to see my work on their new site and to be a part of such a landmark's growth!
• a stack of new magazines I've been waiting to delve into.

What's made  your week great and full?

Photo Sources:  O is for Orange,  'T' is for today.,  All the bomb frostings,  u is for uppercase

Great Full Friday

As you can imagine I am extra grateful this week. Having my hubby back home is so great! Everything beyond that was lagniappe as we say in Louisiana (Cajun French for "a little something exta") but that doesn't mean I am not appreciating each and every blessing.

This week I am grateful:

• my husband returned home safe and sound after a long month apart.
• the other side of the bed is no longer cold and empty.
• my doggy received a clean bill of health at the vet.
• that my sister's first day of teaching went well.

What made your week great and full?

This weekend I am looking forward to spending time with the hubs. We don't have any plans so we'll just take things as they come. It is supposed to rain quite a bit some I'm thinking of movies, cuddling and yummy dinners.  Do you have any fun weekend plans?


photo sources landing plane, Empty, weapons of grass destruction, Per Diem

GreatFull Friday

This past week has been just great. So many wonderful things going on, I feel so very blessed. For the weekend I have plans to work on some projects around my house. Lots of redecorating going on these days and I can't wait to reveal some before and afters to you...including a fun review from one of my favorite online stops: csnstores (just found out they carry Le Creuset, another fave of mine...this could be dangerous!).  Hope you guys have a great weekend!

I am grateful this week for:

• being able to find the perfect items for my redecorating projects.
• booking new clients who are just as sweet as pie!
• getting to do what I love and get paid for it!
• helpful hands around the house.

What made your week great and full?

Shopping Cart Hero,  Cherry pie & vanilla ice cream, morning polaroids, Peace Love

GreatFull Friday

Sorry I've been so absent from the blog this week friends. Next week will be much better. It's been a busy few days here and I am so glad the weekend is upon us. Need some relaxation time!

This week I am grateful for:

• safe flights
• new clients
• good books
• family

What are you grateful for this week?





photos forms and shapes,  OH, WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!,  Theme 52 - A book,  Bronger family, approx. 1900

Great Full Friday

I've been in a bit of a rut this week...I have a lot going on and I feel like my mind is spinning but I'm not getting anywhere. Ever have one of those weeks? Good thing this week was a short work week! I'm looking forward to some celebrating this weekend and lots of cuddling with my hubby. What are your weekend plans?

This week I am grateful for:

• my new mascara
• having good talks with my mom
• the sunshine peeking out more this week
• getting to watch movies while cuddling with the hubs

Tell me, what made your week great and full?

photo credits 1, 2, 3, 4

Great Full Sunday

 

Had a great week and this weekend is amazing thus far. The sun is out here and while it is hot, hot, hot I'm still excited to see some rays. We haven't ironed out plans for the day but I think we'll be playing a round of putt-putt...wish me luck!

I thought I'd post this sweet message I got from reader Relyn, it is exactly what I wish for all of my fellow Americans today:

"May your day be full! May you enjoy laughter shared with family, great food shared with friends, fireworks to make you gasp, a lump in your throat at the anthem, and a full and grateful heart at all we have been given. Happy Fourth of July!"

Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. If you are here in the USA please remember to keep our soldiers, politicians and officials in your prayers. I am so thankful to live in this great country.

This week I am grateful for:

• long weekends
• a really clean house
• date nights
• freedom

What made your week great and full?


photo credits: one,  two,  three,  four, five

Great Full Friday

This week hasn't been too eventful or exciting but sometimes that is good. This weekend will be fun however. We are attending the wedding of two of our friends (I went to school with her, hubby went to school with him) tonight. Tomorrow I get to take photos of sweet 6 month old. And my sister is coming to town to visit. Do you guys have any fun plans this weekend?

This week I am grateful for:

• a new client on the books
• a new dress (for the wedding)--found it in the first store, it was just what I wanted and it was on sale too!
• a sweet, unexpected and encouraging card from a friend
• a new opportunity*

What are you grateful for this week?

* This week the thoughtful Jamie from CSNstores.com contacted me. Remember I did a giveaway for them in the past? They offered to make me a preferred blogger for their 200+ sites. This means I'll get special perks like review items and I'll be able to do giveaways too. They have just about every thing you can imagine: headboards, lighting, bedding--you name it they've got it! Stay tuned for more about CSNstores.


Photo credits: calendar and clock, lace dresses on hangers, sending you my heart., Window of Opportunity..

Great Full Friday

Hope you guys had a great week! Lots of changes and exciting things going on here. I plan on spending the weekend doing a bit of relaxing, watching The World Cup with my soccer-loving hubby, and having my dad over for brunch on Father's Day.  Do you have any exciting plans?

This week was great and full because:

• my hubby built me shoe shelves in my closet (I feel like Carrie Bradshaw!)
• generous friends have helped me support the gulf
• I had a slumber party with my mom and sister
• I'm blessed with a great man for a father

What are you grateful for this week?

photo credit: dad cupcake

GreatFull Friday

Despite the rainy days we've had here in southern Louisiana I have been pretty cheery! My darling husband celebrated another year and despite feeling otherwise I have accomplished some things this week. I'm very excited to have a long weekend.

And I'm very excited to share some things with you too:
First be SURE to drop by The Bright Side Project this weekend (and next week too). Have I mentioned this before? You are going to want to be there!
Also, I am going to launch a new "series" on my blog next week. It is something that I've had "in the works" for a while and my heart is saying "just do it!"

So much to be grateful for this week (and every week!).
Below are a few things I'm grateful for:


--The promise our Creator has given that made a death in the family a little easier to bear. Although my cousin will be dearly missed I know that he is truly living now.
--My husband being granted another great year. We much cherish each day
--The fact that (for the first time in a long time) when school let out this week I didn't wish I was a teacher...just to have a few months off. I am finally at a point where I am beginning to feel at "home" and in the right place for me.
--A close knit family. There is absolutely nothing in the world that is more important to me.

I hope that you all have a great extended weekend. I'd also like to express my gratitude for the men and women who serve our country. Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The families who are deprived so we can be free. And those who have the courage to stand up for what is true and just.

Happy weekend!
See you back here soon...

Great Full Friday

It has been a full and exciting week with lots of great things happening. I had my first Etsy sales (don't forget about the sale!), made friends with a local wedding planner/blogger, lined up some really awesome prizes for The Bright Side Project and was generally productive work wise.

Last weekend I worked a lot--shot a wedding Friday night then a party Saturday. By Sunday I was exhausted! This weekend I plan to spend lots of time with my hubby, attend a flower festival and host lunch for my mom for Mother's Day. What are your weekend plans?



This week I'm grateful for:

--My mom. I am grateful for her EVERY day and EVERY week but I especially wanted to say so this week because of Mother's Day
--My job. I love being able to be creative for a living.
--Our dishwasher. Washing every single dish by hand? No.thank.you.
--Dr. Pepper. Haha, sad but true. There have been a few times this week that a little caffeine really helped me out!

What made your week great and full?

Photos: Tattoo Cupcake, Street photographer, camera, US/Mexico border town, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, I know, who wants to look at some dirty dishes..., Truck load - Dr. Pepper

GreatFull Friday

It has been such a busy few weeks but exciting things are to come, I can feel it in my bones! Stay tuned. The weather here has been amazing and I've opened my office windows to let the sun shine in. Our flowers are blooming and I'm feeling quite happy. We're attending a fun festival this weekend, my goddaughters first communion and celebrating a friend's birthday. Do you have any fun weekend plans?



This week I'm grateful for:

--my sister's happiness
--hope and possibilities
--scratching things off my to-do list
--my hubby's love and support

What made your week great and full?

Photos The Kiss, The Yellow Brick Road, Pencils with Erasers, Untitled

Great Full Friday

I've been a very bad blogger lately and I apologize. It has been weeks since I've done a "Great Full Friday" post. The "I've been so busy" excuse is not a good one. There is no good excuse for not being grateful...ever. And I feel like I've let you guys down by dropping the ball with this and that ends now! So I hope you'll join me once again.




Here are a few things I am grateful for right now:

--having a job
--The Bright Side Project
--my mom
--spring finally making an appearance
--my sister's happiness
--big progress on my home office
--new clothes
--everyone who reads my blog, that means you!

This weekend I have a few fun things planned. Lunch with some of my favorite ladies. A great day of outdoor games with my hubby and friends. And finally (weather finally permitting) planing our veggie garden. What will you be doing this weekend and what are you grateful for this week?

Photos:Parisian "want ad"...but in the Chinese district : Belleville, Stop smile breathe, life is beautiful, Hands, Magnolia, `169 | High.., Work in Progress, stack of clothes from ismodern, Finger Pointing at you ..........

Great Full Friday

It has been a really fun couple of weeks since I did my last grateful post. We had a great trip to Disney World, watched the Saints when the Super Bowl, spent some quality time with family, celebrated my cousin's 40th birthday, enjoyed some Mardi Gras revelry, and much more. It has been a busy bustling few weeks but they were great! One thing is for sure, after all the fun we had, going back to work was hard! I'm thinking that this post deserves double the gratitude...




I'm grateful for...

--a safe trip
--fun memories
--time with family
--yummy meals
--my own bed
--the Saints victory
--successful projects
--photos to relive the memories

What are you grateful for this week?

Road Trip, Cinderella's Castle, 9th gen, 15 - Cinderella's Royal Table, 363/365 The comfort of your own bed, Drew Brees Super Bowl MVP Football, Keyboard - golden key Success, studio

GreatFull Guest Post: Dionne

Guest posting today is lovely Dionne who is a fabulous illustrator and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet (even if it is just virtually).

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Do you ever have those weeks when your jaw drops open at how many things you are grateful for? When SOOOO many good things happen that it's almost like a dream?

My name is Dionne, and I blog over at City of Dionne. I love stopping over here at Lindsey's blog because it reminds me that these jaw-dropping moments should be every day - we are just so used to how blessed we are that we aren't in awe of it any more.

Here are a few of the little everyday pleasures that I am grateful for:

- Time to sit down, relax and contemplate



- That when one door closes, a whole new pathway opens up



- And of course - CHOCOLATE!!!!



What are your everyday pleasures that you sometimes forget to be in awe of?

GreatFull Guest Post: Cyndi

Cyndi is a sweet friend who I met through blogging--it is amazing what great joys the internet can deliver! Cyndi keeps a blog titled Southern Daze which chronicles her life and her inspirations. Be sure to check it out!

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I’m still pinching myself over the fact Lindsey asked me to do a guest post! I’ve been a huge fan of hers for quite some time and can’t believe a few of my words will be gracing this lovely blog. Before I get to my list I guess a little introduction is in order--my name is Cyndi and my blog is Southern Daze. What started as a way to keep our far flung family & friends informed of our adventures in a new city almost 5 years ago has turned into an outlet for the random + fun, things that catch my eye, inspirational words to live by, and photos of our travels. I’ve “met” many amazing people in the blogging community because of it and still can’t believe how blessed I am.

There are so many things that make my life both great + full…my supportive + loving husband, amazing family, good friends, and our sweet + cuddly kitties are always at the top of that list.

Other things I am grateful for this week include…

--Healthy recipes via Cooking Light. One of my goals for 2010 is to eat healthier and I’ve found a plethora of quick, easy, and incredibly yummy recipes that have made eating healthy much simpler than I ever thought possible.

--Volunteering at Sutton Children’s Hospital. Each week I spend at least one morning volunteering on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) holding babies, playing with kids, and doing whatever I can to make them and their families feel more comfortable. Each and every time I walk through those doors my perspective changes. Kinda hard to be upset over silly little things when sweet little kids are dealing with things like infections + surgeries.

--February has arrived. Cold + dreary days will soon be replaced with perfect Spring weather. Here in Louisiana we have about three weeks of fantastic weather (sunny + warm with no humidity) and they’re one of the highlights of my year (seriously, Spring here reminds me of perfect summer weather in Lake Tahoe). With the flipping of the calendar pages it also means that fun trips are drawing closer. My step-daughters will be spending Spring Break with us and we’re on the hunt for a fun road trip, my 20^th high school reunion is in June, and most of our family will convene together in Park City in July. This will be the fourth year in a row we’ve all enjoyed “summer vacation” together and it really is so wonderful to hang out with everyone. This will be our first year in Park City and we’re all really excited!

--A guilty pleasure. I may be eating healthier these days but that doesn’t mean I’m not indulging my sweet tooth from time to time. Recently my husband and I took a quick trip to Dallas and I finally got to satisfy my months-long craving for a Sprinkles cupcake. I’ve always liked them but didn’t start craving them until I tried the very simple vanilla cupcake with sprinkles. Oh my. It’s full of the most amazing flavor and to me, is pure perfection. Great…just thinking about it has made me start craving one again!

I hope you enjoyed the list of things making my week both great + full. What are you grateful for today?

GreatFull Guest Post: Mrs. Limestone

When it comes to beautiful home decor and creative DIYs (and invitations!), Mrs. Limestone is the queen! If you've never visited her amazing blog and seen her Brooklyn Limestone tour click on over. Today she tells us a bit about what she's grateful for.

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It's Mrs. Limestone here. I always love to stop in on Great Full Day to see what eye candy she is sharing with her readers. So when Lindsey asked me to share my grateful list, I jumped at the chance.

Here is what I'm grateful for:
-Cheap flowers from the corner deli (Reminds me that spring will eventually get here!)
-Paint (Just about any piece of junk looks better with a coat of paint)
-My camera (So I can remember.)
-New York City (A great place to live.)

photos from here, here, here and here

GreatFull Guest Post: Melisa

Today's guest post is from my sweet friend Melisa who is a new mom to the sweetest little girl. She is also the genius behind Feather Report, also known as "every girl's best friend."

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Hi GreatFull Day readers! I’m Melisa from The Lil Bee (a blog about design, photography, pop culture, and my favorite people) and Feather Report (a daily fashion blog and iPhone app based on the weather). Here’s a list of some of the things for which I am eternally grateful. Thank you, sweet Lindsey, for having me!

• My daughter, Devon
• Spanx (I’m a bit late to the game on this one, but supremely grateful, nonetheless, given my new post-baby bod)
• Family walks with my husband, daughter, and dogs
• The community of people that have come together in the wake of Haiti (I can only hope that we’ll keep this fire burning and make 2010 the year that we eradicate poverty once and for all)
• New York City (because it will always be my home)
• Being able to work from home and be with my little girl
• Coffee (does wonders for sleep deprivation)
• Coffee ice cream (doesn’t serve quite the same purpose as its predecessor, but I am quite grateful for it after a week’s worth of dieting)
• The friends I’ve made through blogging
• My husband’s cooking
• Frequent flyer miles (because even though I can’t afford a vacation right now, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel)
• Music (when I am stressed out, sad, happy, exercising, need motivation, or just plain bored, there is nothing quite as uplifting as singing my heart out to my favorite songs)

I could go on, but I’ll end this list with one final note: I am grateful for moments like this, when I am asked to take a minute and think of the things that make me happy. It is so easy sometimes to take things for granted—family, fresh air, my body, my health, that there are children and families in this world who might never be blessed with the things I have in my life. I am thankful for people like Lindsey who remind me how important it is to just stop, take a deep breath, and appreciate all the wonderful things I have in my life.

GreatFull Guest Post: Tracie

Today's guest post is from my friend, Tracie. She too is a photographer and keeps a lovely blog full of her amazing photos and inspiring writing.

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When Lindsey asked if I'd be willing to guest post while she's away, I jumped at the chance. I love the premise of this blog ... being grateful for the everyday of life and the things we're surrounded with everyday. Whether that be "deep" thoughts or something as fun as a new stationery find!

Lindsey originally asked we write a simple list of things we're grateful for. But if you know me, or read my blog, "simple list" doesn't compute with me very well. ;)

After I replied to her that I'd love to be a part of this week's guest posting ... I got to thinking about what I'm grateful for. What's the one thing that I could "list" that would make the most impact ... well, and has impacted me the most?

And that answer, pure and simple, is: Grace.

There are many definitions and meanings ... but the Grace I'm talking about is the unmerited favor of God. Unmerited :: not deserved. God gives us favor we do not deserve and for that I'll be forever great.full.

"You have been saved by grace through believing.
You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.
It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it."
Ephesians 2:8-9

That's the kind of grace I'm talking about. That's the kind of grace I believe in. You know the old gospel hymn? Amazing Grace ... how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

It wasn't until I truly understood. Truly mediated on what this magical word ... Grace ... really meant, that I was able to appreciate the full extent of the unmerited, undeserved favor, that I've been given.

And here's the thing ... let me tell you what you get for believing in that unmerited favor:

"And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right.
He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling.
He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever."
1 Peter 5:10

Whew ... I have suffered, I have fallen ... but His support did make me strong. His grace did keep me alive.

Okay and listen to this ... this is the second verse of that old gospel hymn ... T'was grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.

Powerful? Don't know 'bout you, but I've got me some chills right now!

Let me break this down for you a bit more. An everyday application that might hit closer to home.

There's a song I love that helps explain how we can give Grace to each other. The basic premise is ... there are some "bratty" kids the mother isn't seemingly able to control. But what we don't understand is that their father just passed away, or maybe even ran away. Let's give them some Grace.

Or there's an old man holding up traffic on the interstate. We yell, frustrated, that he shouldn't be driving. What we don't know is that he doesn't have anyone willing to drive him where he needs to go. His wife has passed and his kids don't have the time. Let's give him some Grace.

And oh, look at this ... I've got one last verse to cover that too ...

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Colossians 4:6

I am over-the-top grateful for the Grace I'm given everyday. Aren't you?