April Showers

New Camera!

2010-02-09T15:56:00.001-07:00

I've been dying for one, but since I'm not a professional photographer or anything I just decided to get this little point and shoot. I think it does an awesome job! (With a little post-editing of course...here are some fun ones...LOL!)

My creepy eye. Hey it's deep and mysterious and artsy.

I am obsessed with these shoes. They are Steve Madden's and I could wear them to sleep.

I don't have kids so I have to take pics of my cats. That's just how we roll. This is Allie.

This is Lulu.

And this is the bling. Okay, okay. I MAY have added the sparkle.

UPDATE: I guess I should probably tell you WHAT CAMERA I got...LOL!

It's a Canon SD780 IS. Check it out here.

Giveaway!

2010-02-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

The title of this post is meant to lure you in. Mwah ha. I'm blatantly announcing someone else's giveaway for a FREE ticket to the Casual Blogger Conference because...well...I want to meet you. And you want to meet me. And we want learn how to be awesome bloggers and frolick together with our cute flats and Bump-Its in the awesomeness of Sandy, UT. And even if you don't win you will want to go get a ticket anyway. And come listen to me speak about HTML and how easy it REALLY is. *evil laugh and wringing of hands* And you will forgive me for starting every sentence with "And." And that is all.

Enter the Giveaway at Pulsipher Predilections

Look at my way-important bio at the Casual Blogger Conference site.

Learn more about what the Casual Blogger Conference IS.

Guarantee a ticket with an early-bird price here. (And get a $75 gift certificate to April Showers. Contact me for details.)

Who should attend The Casual Blogger Conference:

The person who knows nothing about blogging, but wants to learn. By the end of the conference they will not only know HOW to start a blog, but how to design it, photograph for it and have inspiring posts.

The person who wants to take their writing or photography to the next level but just does not know how.

This conference has some of the best teachers in the industry available to help you learn the basics all the way to "the real deal".

The woman who feels she is "just a mommy blogger". There is no such thing as "just" a mommy. This conference will offer her opportunities to see that her life has power as a mommy blogger.

The person who wants to learn more about design, programming, and the importance of backing up your blog.

The person who has a small business and wants to get different ideas on how to market better using social media. CBC'10 has something for everyone!

You!

Awww Baby!

2010-02-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

My SIL had a baby today!!!!! Paxton Bennett - isn't that the CUTEST name? It's their FIRST baby and they waited a LONG time to get him here. I'm so happy!!!

Plus, one of my BFF's is pregnant with a GIRL! We just found out!

My step-sister also happens to be pregnant.

And lastly, my little brother is gonna have a baby too.

*chirp* *chirp*

*tumbleweed*

Dear Womb/Ovaries,

Get your act together. I'm already picking baby names.

Valentine's Theme Ideas

2010-02-05T09:00:00.001-07:00

You voted, and the results are in for my Girl's Night Valentine's Day themed party!! It was REALLY close at the last minute between "Chocolate" and "Glitz and Glamour"! But ultimately, CHOCOLATE is the winner! Queen of Hearts was in a close third, and Red Hot was in fourth. Maybe I should just have a party with each theme each month. Why the heck not.

So CHOCOLATE it is!!! I was going to call it "Death by Chocolate" - but I don't like the idea of the word "death" appearing in the name of an event. So it's still just a "Girls Night In." I have a lot of budget-friendly ideas and am going to keep the whole thing under $100 (or hopefully less...it's not like it's my kids birthday or anything.) Thinking more about it, who says the color scheme has to be just plain light pink and dark brown?? I went to Adobe Kuler and made these swatches for the other themes in case you guys wanted to have your OWN party!

(My Theme) Chocolate!

Dark chocolate, pink frosting, milk chocolate, raspberry truffle, and whipped cream... sound delectable? It's not the menu, it's the color scheme!!! Thanks Rachelle! Actually, the menu will include items from Tastefully Simple as well as a ridiculously large amount of chocolate themed desserts!

Glitz and Glamour

Bling it out with hot and light pinks, glitterati silver, clear diamond, chic black, and sparkle, sparkle, sparkle! Get silver glitter to adorn the tables, mini fake plastic diamonds... I am giving out gift bags full of sample-sized products from mark. So see - I AM sort of doing a glitzy theme!

Queen of Hearts

Bring a royal flair to the party with red roses and tiaras! Use playing cards as invitations or decorations and play wonky croquet for prizes! Thanks Heather!

Red Hot

Serve a plethora of spicy foods to tingle the tastebuds! From salsa to jalapeno poppers, to cinnamon cupcakes and cinnabears! Thanks Ashley!

I'm so excited to go shopping for everything I need! Woo! Any tips on some awesome things I can make for the Chocolate theme? I'm thinking a chocolate fondue pot of course, pink lemonade or punch, hot chocolate, dipped strawberries, cupcakes (of course)...what else?

The Kids Menu

2010-02-04T09:52:00.002-07:00

Encourage your child to start their very OWN BLOG with their very own design! Or if you're an awesome kid reading this blog, what better way to use your allowance money!? (I'm also pretty sure that if you tell your parents that you want to start a blog, they'll give you whatever you want.)

These prices are ESPECIALLY for kids 17 and under! (SORRY...I mean kids 10 and under, preteens 12 and under, and teenagers 17 and under. Happy?) The best part is, there's NO waiting in line! Get your design 3-5 days from order date!*

Package A: $10
- Header
- Background
- Signature

Package B: $15
- Header
- Background
- Signature
- 5 Sidebar Titles

Package C: $20
- Header
- Background
- Signature
- 5 Sidebar Titles
- Button
- Post Title icon

Super Amazing KIDS Package O'Fire: $30
- Header
- Background
- Signature
- 5 Sidebar Titles
- 4 Link Menu Bar
- Button
- Post Title icon
- Custom Post Title Font
- Post Divider
- Button w/ Copy Code

* To be eligible for The Kids Menu:

- You must prove that you have (or ARE) a kid 17 and under with a blog. If they haven't yet started one, that's okay. Fill out the The Kids Menu order form and have them start a blog right away.

- THE BLOG MUST BE ACTIVE FOR AT LEAST ONE WEEK AND HAVE AT LEAST THREE POSTS before I begin your layout.

- The blog can not be private. (Or must be viewable by myself at least.)

- The blog must continue to follow all the necessary criteria while my design is up.

- Designs are non-transferable and all parts can only be used on the blog it was made for.

OKAY
- Parents who blog FOR their children or child. (i.e. if you have a one year old who can't type, but you still write "Today I got my first tooth!") This only applies for children who can't yet read or write. (Nice try mom, but your 15 year old probably won't appreciate you blogging FOR her.)

NOT OKAY
- 18 year olds (Hey, you're a big kid now.)
- Parents who blog ABOUT their children or child on a blog. (That would be every blog on the planet.)
- Parents who blog FOR their children, but also blog about other things. (i.e. The blog must always be in the "voice" of the child. "I did this today" or "I burped for the first time today")

Custom illustrations are not available for kids blogs, but you can choose from a variety of customizable stock photos from iStockphoto.com for about $30 each.

I Would Just Like to Say...

2010-02-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

Out of over 409 post titles on my blog, only 75 of them DO NOT have exlamation points (!!!) in them.

Of those 75 post titles, 67 of them end with "..."

I guess I'm a very EXCITED person who doesn't know the meaning of a full sentence. <---wait...there! I did it!

I Posted a Poll...

2010-02-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

And I'd love for you to VOTE! (It's EXTREMELY important...probably the most important thing you'll EVER use your voting rights for.) Check it out on my sidebar.

A Couple Valentine's Freebies!

2010-02-02T11:31:00.001-07:00

Here ya go! Some freebies for your bloggy blog! More to come soon! Just click on the links below the images.

Click here to view live and get instructions for installation.

An "Enchanting Evening" - Great except for the death...

2010-02-01T13:00:00.013-07:00

How often do you crack open a fortune cookie with winning lottery numbers? Or one that actually comes true? Mine are usually really awkward and say things like "You’ll have a great night with a long lost lover.” Just as Bradley open his that says “The love of your life is right in front of you.” Mine never come true of course. Unless it’s one of those lame one’s that say “You are surrounded by family and friends.” Thanks for the heads up Fortune Cookie Maker of Ohio.

Last week I got a fortune that said "Next full moon brings an enchanting evening." I shoved it in my purse, thinking nothing of it. But secretly wondering if it might still come true. Sort of like a pregnancy test. You take it, you “know” it’s negative…so you don’t set yourself up for failure, but you’re hoping it’s positive. Then when it’s negative you shake it, hold it up to the light, let it set for a few more days…just to make sure.

Brad and I were invited to a church prom Friday night. Being Mormons, you always have friends in high places of course, and the bishop happened to own a tux shop. (That’s how we roll.) So hubbs scored a FREE tux, and I was left to fend for myself and go SHOPPING!! So catastrophic I know…

Purchases:
Black halter top dress, sheer bottom, rouched corset, sequined top: $25
A pair of black peeptoe heels with frills and a little bow that I can TOTALLY wear again: $25
Biatch red smudgeproof lipstick: $6
Black shrug top for modest hotness: $15
SUPER blingy earrings and diamond bangles: $15

My first prom wasn’t that cheap! So I gathered all my stuff up, and drove two hours to where my husband NOW lives *sad panda.* I was so excited to see him that I MAY have gotten there in an hour and a half. Shh!

On the way, I was really sore and my body was aching. I figured it was the “Turbo Kick” class I took the night before. I used to be a cheerleader and could pretty much watch and learn any dance or exercise move right away…but I suppose almost 8 years out of practice is code for “looks like a confused whale being harpooned.” It wasn’t pretty, but at least I stayed the FULL HOUR trying to keep up with the energetic 18 year old hip-hop dancer teaching the class.

Moving on. Just as I pulled into town, 20 minutes before the dance was going to start (makeupless and NOT ready I may add) I got LOST. On this lost jaunt around town, I looked up and the moon was so full and bright it was like daylight out!!! WOO! My fortune was TRUE!

Well, sort of.

I eventually found my way and hubby and I got ready together - him in a silver vest and tie and me…well…squeezing into my wedding corset. Luckily it fits better now than it did at my wedding, so my confidence level was boosted. (As were other parts.) So was my hair. With the Hollywood bump-it this time! I literally debated the entire trip on whether or not to sport the whorish red lipstick, or go with nude lips. Either way sounded dirty so I took a chance and whored it up. With red toes, red nails, red lips, a black dress, and red coat…yeah, you would totally want some of this. And I totally wanted some of Brad. My next major project is putting a law into effect that would require husbands to wear tuxedos at least once a year.

A formal dinner kicked off the event, and dancing was to follow. Brad wooed the single girls and made them laugh, while using his Cupid-like matchmaking skills for his friend. I got stares from the guys…which I am going to pretend were the kind that Cinderella got when she arrived at the ball. And less like the kind you get when no one knows who the heck you are and why you’re at their dance.

After dinner I felt super flushed, hot, and dizzy. Then I began to get chills. Brad basically held my body up during our dance together. Even though it was an LDS dance, those girls can get down like drunk sorority girls…I almost would have joined them if I didn’t feel like I was going to pass out.

I should reiterate that I’m a child, and I refuse to not have fun. I will hold my pee through a movie, I will stay at the local pool until dark…and I won’t leave a PROM unless I’m being eaten by wolves. Or if I felt the way I did Friday night!! So two hours in I pouted and Brad took me home.

The moment we left I started bawling and shivering uncontrollably. I couldn’t stop full-body shaking until we got home and I got under the covers. I popped two extra strength Tylenol to get my fever to go down, but an hour later I still felt half-dead. We took my temp at that point – 103.6. AGH! Imagine what it was BEFORE the Tylenol!

The cutest part was that hubby went and got me ice cream and watched Twilight for the first time. Hee, hee!

I slept in a full face of makeup AND my bump-it. THAT’s not comfortable. But by 3 or 4 the next day, I felt awesome! (But still LOOKED like death.) My body kicked that infection's BUTT! No symptoms or anything!

So all-in-all it was great except for the death. I miss my Bubba sooo much. He's working his face off so he can later ROCK our families face off with lots of money. And money means love. We all know that. It's cute to see him all organized - he actually folds his clothes. *gasp*

This was right about the time I almost hit the floor - but we look cute still!! He's SMOKIN!

Brad and his friend who invited us. He might kill me for saying so, but ladies...he's single and awesome...sooo yeah. Hit me up ...heh.

I look a little Elvira, but these earring were too awesome NOT to show off!

Rowr!!!

Need Party-Theme Ideas! STAT!!!

2010-01-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

You're the only ones I can trust, blog friends. I'm having a girls night...and need a theme. Well, it's actually a VALENTINE'S theme...but I need an edge. Something better than pink, red, white and hearts all over... I mean, of course you have to have pink and heart for a Valentine's theme...do you know of any good party-planning websites???

If you know me in real life, and live close to me....first of all - you need to comment on my blog. That's just a rule. Secondly. Come to the party or perish.

Love, April <----that's a command, not a signature.

Just kidding...just kidding.

Facebook Giveaway!

2010-01-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the Facebook widget on my sidebar and go the April Showers page for an AWESOME giveaway and details on how to enter!!

A Day in the Life!

2010-01-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

My awesome BOF Untypically Jia suggested I do a "Day in the Life" post...so I am!!! How (not) fun! Let me know if you do one too, and link up to it in a comment!

6:00am - Alarm clock goes off in hopes that I will get up to work out. I get up about 50% of the time.

7:00am - Wake up. Shower. Run out the door at 7:55am with mascara in hand for application in traffic, and a hard boiled egg for breakfast.

8:01am - Arrive at work. Do all my workly duties...Try to do my work for online classes if I get a spare second. Try to answer personal e-mails on my cell phone so I don't come home to a mountain of e-mails later. Make excuses about using "text" lingo in professional e-mails to clients. Ask for forgiveness.

11:00am - Go home for lunch, furiously check e-mails on computer which takes 1/100th of the time it takes on a cell phone. Try to design something - anything. Lose track of time. Burn salmon. Overcook vegetables. Eat it anyway. Have a sugar-free candy to get out the grody taste.

12:00pm - Back to work. Be busy the rest of the day FedExing things, creating things, talking to people, doing budgets, organizing, gossiping, looking hot.

5:00pm - Go home. Change into comfy clothes. Check e-mail.

5:30pm - Workout if I didn't earlier. M, W, F, and Sat I do Couch to 5k. T and Th I do Yoga, Pilates, or some other class at Gold's Gym and try to improve my mile time.

6:30pm - Back home. Take time cooking dinner from a cookbook. Something unique...maybe from a cookbook. Something with lots of spices, little carbs, and lots of protein. Answer e-mails. Design stuff while simmering. Watch the Food Network while eating.

7:00pm - Here is where I sometimes go shopping, go to a church event, or do whatever I need to/can - depending on how busy I am. Clean up, run errands...

8:00pm - 11pm - Design stuff, answer e-mails. Pet cats.

11:00pm - Decide I should go to bed soon....

11:24pm - Really consider going to bed....

11:45pm - Actually get off the couch and go upstairs and wash my face.

12:45am - Actually fall asleep and consider getting a scrip for Ambien.

Weekends: Fall off the wagon completely Friday night, hang out with my family, play board games, Band Hero, go shopping, go to movies....basically cram in every possible fun activity in Friday night. Work diligently all day Saturday. Go to church Sunday. Be evil and break the Sabbath by designing all day. Decide to get "back on the wagon" on Monday. Repeat.

Going Angelina

2010-01-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

So...I've NEVER lived alone. Not once. There was that one time when I was 6 and I ran away from home and lived on the grass in the back yard for two hours with a handful of grapes, a large spoon, and a Strawberry shortcake suitcase. But other than that I've always had someone in the next room over, usually willing to be the "@$$kicker" in any tough situation (or at least invite me to sleep in the room when I got scared.)

Now that my husband is living 109345 miles away (or like 119 to be more exact), I've gone commando. I've gone J Lo in that movie "Enough." I've gone Angelina in pretty much every movie she's been in. Guns are strapped onto every appendage, my cats have been classically trained in CatJitsu, my house is armed with a military-grade security system that releases and army of genetically enhanced German shepherds, Dobermans, and pit bulls…I even have Billy Blanks hiding in the closet. (Tae-Bo will scare ANYONE away.) My windows have an invisible matrix of lasers that will cut any intruder into teensy easy to manage pieces for clean-up later. I’ve also invented pointy barbs that can be easily installed into the vajayjay. Gotta keep out the rapists. (Did I go to far? Maybe…but hey, they ARE a good idea and you know it.) But I AM wearing dirty wifebeaters without a bra, leather pants, and stiletto boots with weapons hidden inside...so I could see the appeal.

So I’m feeling pretty safe. I no longer sit straight up in my bed gasping for air when I hear the slightest creak from my fat@$$ cat coming into the bedroom. Nor do I strategically use every reflective surface in my bedroom to point into the hallway looking for strangers, or keep every light in the house on. Nope…I got the US Armed Forces standing at the end of my bed. And a gun under my pillow. And the pointy barbs ready for installation at any moment.

On that note, I’d like to remind the person who stole our cooler from the front porch that there is still another cooler and two crappy chairs they can feel free to take. Also, if you could mow the lawn and wash the windows, or find anything else to do that would make my life easier – go right ahead!

Now if I could only keep my blog content and images as safe as my house *sigh.* Stealing is sad. *installs pointy blog barbs for right-clickers*

(YES, I did disguse the word "ass" twice in this post with an "@" symbol and two "$" symbols. It's cool. You should do it.)

Giveaway!

2010-01-22T11:58:00.002-07:00

Check out Beautiful Blog Designs today for a sweet surprise!

WAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

2010-01-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

My husband is GOOONNNEEE! He got a call from nursing school yesterday, and they told him he got in EARLY! So he picked up and left me last night. *pout* It was a tearful goodbye - but one we knew was best. We will be apart until May at least. The second he told me I was this raging mess of tears and ugliness. Then I got over it, and we hugged and kissed until he had to leave and he cried like a giant baby. I'm gonna miss him SOO much.

Then of course I self-medicated by eating cakey things, ice cream, and getting pedis with my nieces.

Life is so tragic.

Vacation Time!

2010-01-19T15:08:00.001-07:00

So I was literally ON the plane to Tahiti when I decided that staying home and finishing blog designs during my week off would be MUCH more fun!!!!*

So here I am...in yoga shorts (I can call them that since I'll actually be going to a yoga class tonight), a t-shirt, wet hair, watching the food channel, and realizing that all my cats do all day is lick and sleep, lick and sleep.

Here's what I got for my BIRTHDAY!

- Brad set up a little "office" for me! I got a new swively chair (that HE set up), a new bookcase (that HE set up), and a NEW printer (that he WILL set up) - and he did it all with NO swearing! LOL.

- Brad also FIXED my camera! If I wasn't sans-makeup, with wet hair, in grubby clothes...I would totally take a bump-it pic. (I know, I know....you're going through April-Self-Portrait withdrawls...me too.)

- My AMAZING mother hand-made me a recipe book full of all my favorite recipes that she cooks! She hand wrote every single recipe on a card, and even found old pictures of us making the things in the book to put beside each recipe!

- A Kindle!!!! Nothing like the gift of knowledge!!!! Brad and I (yes...both of us...who are we kidding) can't wait to download books and be all smart and stuff.

- Font Creator Pro. That's right...I am going to start making FONTS! How fun would that be???!!! I think I will offer people the ability to use their OWN handwriting as a font on their blog!

I also did a little shopping and got the most delicious organic body lotion, brown sugar body wash, "Fancy" fragrance by Jessica Simpson, and some other girly things all on CLEARANCE!!! Isn't clearance stuff the BEST!??

I also was invited to dinner with my friend and her family where her adorable five year old girl took about 1000 pictures of us playing games....then as luck would have it...she dropped the camera and all the pictures were erased. LOL!!!!

* Ha!

It's My Birthday....

2010-01-17T00:20:00.001-07:00

... and I'll:

- eat oatmeal cookie ice cream....
- stay up late....
- cuddle my husband...
- watch random movies...
- clean my house...
- open presents...
- go to church...
- do my work...
- blow out candles...
- make a wish...
- sleep in late...
- paint my nails...

...if I want to!!! Thanks for stopping by today! Getting comments from you all makes it like my birthday EVERY DAY! *spoiled rotten*

De-Lurk or Perish!

2010-01-15T09:24:00.003-07:00

I'm really not sure what flashing has to do with commenting on blogs - but someone took the time to make this slightly creepy logo and I'm going to use it. Apparently it was De-Lurk day yesterday and I missed the boat...but it doesn't mean I'll want you to flash me your goodies - just comment! I won't bribe you this time with like a signature for free blog design. But I WILL comment on all YOUR blogs! I'm so excited!!!!!! *dies*

By the way, I start a WEEK long vacation today!!! I'm going here*

*not really. I will be doing design stuff and working on my house.

In your comments you can tell me things like:

- What is a good camera to buy? I'm in the market...
- Did you brush your teeth today?
- What is your favorite DIET food?
- What kinds of free layouts would you like to see?
- What are you getting me for my birthday on Sunday January 17th?
- What's the best ~~vayvay~~ you ever took?
*OMG and by "vay vay" I meant "vaycay." Not sure I want to know what a vayvay IS.
- How many licks DOES it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?

You Know You're Hanging Onto Your Youth When...

2010-01-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

1.  You order dessert whenever humanly possible. Most refined women skip the extra calories and costly desserts at restaurants. But if you're going out and cheating on the diet, you make room.

2.  You can't WAIT to open presents. Regular women say, "Oh, I don't want to ruin the surprise." or "I can wait until Christmas/my birthday." But you tear into them unless your mommy (or husband) says you can't. *pout*

3.  You hold it. If you have to go, you do a potty dance until you've finished doing what you were doing, getting a bite to eat, watching Conan, THEN you go...bound for a kidney stone or not.

4.  Your nail beds look like death.

5.  You play video games, and more specifically Guitar Hero/Band Hero. And can play on expert.

6. Board games are literally the highlight of any night or weekend.

7. Your best friends are 10, 14, 15, and a 28 year old who acts 15.

8. You have a hot pink phone that slides in so many directions it's like "phonagami."

9. You still call your mommy "Mommy."

10. You use glitter pens at work.

PLEEAASSEE Go to the Casual Blogger Conference With ME!

2010-01-13T08:26:00.005-07:00

I can NOT tell you how excited I am about going to the Casual Blogger Conference. But I'm going to try, so just multiply my exlamation points by three to really get the gist of how serious I am.

I've never been to a blog conference before, but I am SO glad that I am choosing to go to this one because first of all, it's for CASUAL bloggers! Just us NORMAL people who blog for fun, to blog about our hobbies, mommy bloggers, mommy-wannabe bloggers (ahem), and SO much more. It's the cheapest conference I've EVER heard of too - and it's on May 28th-29th so we have plenty of time to save up! (Though you should probably get over there and register early...)

They're going to have some amazing classes on everything from basic and advanced HTML, to design, to how to write great posts, take great photographs, and more. I'm a little excited that I'm sorta teaching a basic HTML class for BOTH Blogger and Wordpress - but of course one of the creators of the conference is LeeLou, from LeeLou Blogs...so I can't steal her blog design thunder! LOL!!

If you have any questions about HTML, give me some ideas on what to talk about!!!

Anyway, I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to get a small (only cool people of course) group together to maybe share a hotel room, go to dinner with, etc...etc...Possibly make t-shirts because we're just awesome like that. Wear our Bump-Its. (Or not.) So if you're interested just shoot me an e-mail at apriljdurham@gmail.com.

By the way, all my pre-made layouts will be available this weekend! Here is just a sneak peak at two of them:

See Live Preview!

What Heart Attacks Do For a Marriage

2010-01-12T09:00:00.002-07:00

You know when people go on and on about bad things happening to good people, and how it builds your marriage and strengthens your soul, and totally turns your life around for the better, and some how makes you rich?

Well it's all true. Aside from that last part about being rich. The rest of it though - right on the money. (Ha. No pun intended.)

Seriously, our marriage, our relationship, our friendship - it's all 100 million times more amazing since Bradley had two heart attacks (and the other horrible ailments that happened afterward). It's not that it was "bad" to start with, but we had our share of fighting and nagging. Ever since then, it's like I'm living in this dream marriage where he cleans the whole house, writes me love notes, has deep conversations with me on a daily basis, goes to church, reads the scriptures, works out...Not that I was doing all this ALONE before - we are both now just realizing how important all these things are. Doing things for each other and WITH each other just because we LOVE one another - not because we "have" to.

Okay, for example - you know the reasons you fell in love with your husband? The specific ones - not "he's hot" or "he thinks I'm smart." The ones you can't describe, but are the reasons you fell in love with him? After awhile, I think in both partners that tends to fade. Instead of this beautiful relationship, it turns into a business exchange. You do the dishes, and I'll clean the bathroom. You take the kids to soccer, I'll take them to school. You prepare Family Home Evening, I'll cook Sunday dinner. You kiss, make love, and do everything that you’re supposed to. It works and you think this is how marriage is SUPPOSED to feel because you’re so busy that there’s really no other way.

However, there IS a better way, and apparently my 28 year old husband had to have a heart attack for us to see it. So in a way, I’m glad that it happened at such a young age. Why would I want a marriage wake-up call after children, after our golden anniversary, after our life had been lived? I think HF threw us a curveball, and we hit it out of the park!

Woot!

BTW I've been writing on my "Babymakin' Blog" lately about my plan, diet, etc..etc.. so you can check it out if you wanna!

FINALLY! FREE LAYOUTS!

2010-01-11T12:27:00.001-07:00

Well, here they are! Five free layouts to use as you please! Just click on any of the images and it will take you to a LIVE PREVIEW. There are instructions on each page for how to install them.

Each layout also includes a favicon!

Custom Color Layouts
(Customize the background color yourself!)

Let me know what you think, and if they work okay for you!

“Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being Freaking Hot and Smart.”

2010-01-07T15:08:00.005-07:00

My mom told me once that a person's frontal lobe isn't fully developed until they're about 25. She made a point of it in a heartfelt letter once which stated: "And until you're 25 I will be in charge of you and your frontal-lobe challenged brain."

Thanks Mom.

So of course I had to Google it. (That's how I learn anything and everything. Boo college.) Guess what I found out? (It HAS to be true since I found it on the internet and all.) The frontal lobe is in charge of problem solving, spontaneity, memory, language, judgment, impulse control, social, and sexual behavior - but is primarily in charge of decision making abilities. This makes sense given that people under 25 seem to get knocked up “by accident” far more than those over 25. Personal opinion there.

Basically, the frontal lobe is responsible for self-control. Is this why I haven’t been able to truly deny a cookie for the past 25 years? (We’ll call it 24 years, assuming I wasn’t able to eat a cookie until about 1 or 2. However, you should know that my first word was actually “cookie.” Which explains a lot.) So on January 17th, when I turn 25…I’m thinking this “frontal lobe” will finally be complete and I will be all-wise with brilliant self-control and the ability to move objects around with m y m i n d.

They say there are a few ways in which you can make your lobeness more awesome. (According to this site.)

Increased Activity in Frontal Lobes
• Increasing activity in the left and right frontal lobes (e.g. by engaging in one of the activities listed in the 'Frontal Lobes: Suggestions' section) can increase hemispheric communication.
• This increase in hemispheric communication can reduce stress.
• Reducing stress helps to prevent adrenal fatigue.
• Without adrenal fatigue, blood sugar levels are more stable.
• If the blood sugar levels are more stable, the level of serotonin is likely to be stable.
• Since serotonin and dopamine counterbalance each other, the levels of dopamine are also more likely to be stable.

Frontal Lobe Suggestions:
Aerobic Exercise
Improvements in Cognitive Function
"What we found so fascinating was that exercise had its beneficial effect in specific areas of cognitive function that are rooted in the frontal and pre-frontal regions of the brain," said James Blumenthal, Duke psychologist and study principal investigator.
Other cognitive functions that were measured by the team -- attention, concentration and psychomotor skills -- did not appear to be affected by the exercise program. Interestingly, the researchers noted, different regions of the brain are responsible for these abilities."

So, wait. Let me get this straight. Increasing activity in my frontal lobes will not only stabilize blood sugar, but working out is a way in which to increase said activity? It’s like someone handed me a “Complete Idiot’s Guide to Being Freaking Hot and Smart.”

I mentioned before that I wanted to train for some sort of marathon back in September, but babymakin’ got in the way. (The last thing I wanted to be doing is bouncing around creating a womb-quake while eggo and spermie are trying to blissfully frolic through my uterine meadow to embrace.) But since THAT didn’t work, I have a feeling my body is comprising a letter to myself that reads:

Dear April,

I realize that we were a meager 5lbs at birth, but I recall the pit in our stomach when the MIL told us the husband was a good 9lbs. Now it could really go either way here, but the last thing I want is to be carrying fetuszilla in this teensy womb surrounded by heaps of insulation. I’m pretty sure we stopped growing vertically in the sixth grade at 5’2”. So for my sake, lets give fetuszilla a little room by shutting your gob and moving your @$$.

With Love,
Your Body.

Thanks body. I think you’re right. So here’s the plan. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s the “Couch to 5K Running Plan.” 9 weeks! I’ll post more later, but for now I’m doing P90X so I can get a little buff before I hurt myself.

P.S. This “Lap-Band” thing is just as much work as a real life diet. Boo whore. I started a low carb diet on Monday and have lost 3lbs already. Tells you how much water weight I was hanging onto from Christmas. GAH!

P.P.S. I need to give the husband a SERIOUS shoutout. While I’ve been completely involved in blog designs, blogging, work, working out etc… Bradley has graciously cleaned the house daily top to bottom, wrote me love letters every day for me to find before I go to work, put up with my grumpy behavior due to this stupid diet, and willingly spent time with me every single night, even if it meant just sitting next to me with my eyes fixated on my computer screen the whole time. I freaking love you.

2010 Resolutions!

2010-01-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, I am being featured ALL WEEK on Incredible Women. How sweet is that?  *feels special* Check it out!

Secondly, like I said before, I need to share my resolutions so that I can be held accountable, because let's face it...I would forget them all by February! Here they are! (In no particular order.) They're lofty, but important, and it's time to have a wonderful year!

Physical Goals:
- Follow My "Making Babies Plan of Action"! (You can find it on my babymakin' blog!)
- Get under 160lbs before June. (Lose 30lbs.)  Two of my BFF's are getting married this year! (And I'm even the Maid of Honor in one. Well, technically the Matron of Honor but who wants to be a matron? How about Maiden of Honor. Yeah.)

Blog Goals:
- Stay on schedule all year with my designs and waiting list.
-  Double my followers. (1450 to be precise.)
- Comment on the blogs of those who comment on my blog, or reply to all comments. I really appreciate those who take time to comment, so I need to be sure and recognize them!
- Attend a blog conference like BlogHer or SITScation! Either one will do!
- Meet a bloggy friend in real life.

Spiritual Goals:
- Read and study my scriptures daily.
- Organize and have Family Home Evenings with hubby.
- Go to church regularly.
- Visit the Temple at least twice, each for different reasons.
- Pay tithing.

Financial Goals:
-  Continue to contribute to a 401K, and possibly set up a Roth IRA.
-  Continue to make timely payments and organize a plan to get out of debt more quickly.
-  Save $1000 to invest in something.  Anything. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds...a good peice of equipment, Brad's education (nursing school, which he will attend in the fall.)

Random Goals:
- Fix my cameras or get a new one. Yes, you heard right - BOTH my cameras have something wrong with them, and I can't blog properly if I can't take self portraits daily.
- Do a craft once per month and post about it on my blog. I have a "Sew Everything Handbook" as well as Martha Stewart's "Encyclopedia of Crafts." They are neglected.
- Cook at least one new meal per week out of the awesome cookbooks I got for Christmas. And naturally, blog about my favorites.

New Year! New Layout! New Stuff!

2010-01-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

I have SO many awesome announcements to make now that it is the *NEW* year (including my gigantor list of resolutions that I need to post in order to be held accountable), but first how do you like the new layout? Seriously, that little "me" in the header couldn't be cuter...and of course you know I totally look like that in REAL life. (But 3 dimensional.) I used the advice y'all gave me awhile back to try and "optimize" my blog - which really means just make it cuter. There are a few things that need to be finished, but I just couldn't wait any longer to get the design up! My current clients are far more important than my own measley blog, so I need to devote time to them first! So it'll be a work in progress.

Here are some annoucements on what's *NEW*

- I am now offering Blog Design Packages! I know, I know...I was always sort of against the whole "pre-packaged" idea - but I think it will help those who aren't really sure what they want in a blog design!

- Keep your eye out this week for FREE and CHEAP pre-made templates! I will be offering free layouts that you install yourself, as well as inexpensive pre-made templates that you can customize.

- Though blog design is quite obviously my specialty, I also do logos, business cards, invitations, announcements, and more! They will all be listed under the "Services" tab above. You can click there now to see a comprehensive list until I get all services listed in the drop down menu.

- I am also now looking for a trustworthy and reliable accountant/bookkeeper to work as an independent contractor as needed! I work from 8pm-5pm every day, and do design work after hours. I simply don't have time to keep everything organized and up-to-date! Pay DOE. Use the "Contact" tab above if you're interested.

- The "Sponsors" area currently has room for THREE more sponsors!!! The funds raised by sponsors pay for giveaways, charitable design contributions, and freebies. Use the "Contact Me" tab above if you're interested and want more information.

- The "Tutorials" will follow a new format! The "Make Your Blog Three Columns" tutorial is the only one that currently follows the format, and the others do not. Let me know how it looks!