A Nice Way to Start Your Week

I was reading Tamara Lackey’s book on Children’s Portraits the other day and came across something in the marketing section that I thought was worth sharing. It was geared towards business but I think it’s something that we can all benefit from in our daily lives.

While I saw this quote in Tamara’s book it actually comes from How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, which Tamara sings its praises. I’ve add it to the list of a million other books I plan to read this summer. :o)

 

 

A few words of wisdom from Dale Carnegie:

Be nice. Avoid being negative. Be genuinely interested in other people. Listen to people when they talk. Don’t just hear them but listen. Engage in conversation that is interesting to others. Avoid arguments or the practice of telling people that they are wrong. Admit when you are. Let people vent; try not to interrupt. Be sincere.

 

 

Love that! I try my best to all of these things when I’m interacting with others but sometimes it’s good to be reminded.

I’ve Found My Direction as Blogger!

 

My journey as a blogger……….

Via

In life in general I feel like I’m all over the place. I have to sleep with the TV on to quiet my mind. I’m  here. I’m there. I’m thinking about this oh and that. I have so many ideas, interest and things I want to do. I have “Shinny Object Syndrome.” Even though that’s just a metaphor I really do. If I see something shinny I’m gone. ;o)

Are you wondering where all this is going?

Well I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this ole blog.

“What is it?” I ask myself. “What kind of blogger are you?” “Who do you blog for?” “Where do you want to go with your blog?” Yes I have conversations with myself all the time. Don’t you?

 

What is it? – I have a feeling that as my life changes my blog will as well. I know for sure that I don’t want to lock myself into one genre.  Although the “Blog Experts” say every successful blog needs a genre to stick to. I’ve realized………this is where you’re suppose to click play on the clip below. :o)

 

 

I don’t want to be put in a corner. I want to blog about anything and everything I want to blog about. If THAT makes me an unsuccessful blogger than I’m willing to take on that title. 

 

Via

What kind of blogger are you? - I love to………..

CRAFT

BAKE

COOK

DECORATE

I have a STRONG PASSION for LIFE!

I get GIDDY when I find a good DEAL!

I’m OBSESSED with PHOTOGRAPHY and BUILDING my BUISNESS!

I’m a THRIFTER.

This may be a SHOCKER to you but I’m a DEEP THINKER.

I LOVE to SHARE FUNNY STORIES and things I’ve LEARNED in LIFE.

I LIKE to BLOG about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!

I’m starting to get comfortable with the idea of VLOGGING from time to time. I feel that it’s a better outlet for me to tell stories.

Do you see what I’m saying. I’m all over the place here.
No room for tight corners!  

 

Who do you blog for? – I blog for…….

Myself

Kent (my fiancé)

Our future kiddos

My family. Hey family! I love you!

My fabulous readers. Hey guys! I love y’all too!

Yes I blog for you too! I love reading your comments and visiting your blogs. It’s so neat to meet people that I would have otherwise never met. If I write a post that does not receive a comment I wonder why (just being honest here). If your blog is not set to private then you too blog for your readers. Come on, it’s okay to say it! You may not be blogging solely for them but they are a part of the process. I think it’s silly when people say “Oh I don’t care if I have comments.” or “Oh I could care less if I have a follower.” Really, really, is that the honest truth? If so then why is your blog public or why don’t you just keep an online journal?

I LOVE having followers, I and I LOVE getting comments and I’m not ashamed to admit it! It’s all part of building a successful blog. It shouldn’t be a shameful thing to want more readers.     

 

 

On to the next question I’ve been asking myself……

Via

“Where do you want to go with your blog?”

I feel that I need to give myself some sort of direction on my blog. Not sure why I feel this way, but I do.  I have all these ideas and things I want to share but I just didn’t know where I want to go with it.

Some of you may know that I’m a photographer and have a photography blog as well. I’ve been miss treating that blog. As of now I’m mainly using it for picture previews for my clients. It’s lacking personality and it needs a little fixing up. I toyed with the idea of posting more regularly about photography related stuff over there. 

This question also dabbles in a bit of my business as well. I’m in the mist of deciding just how much I want to grow my little photography business. Do I want to grow it slowly or dive right in? These are things I’ve been thinking about and surprisingly enough it ties into where I want to go as a blogger.

Here’s what I’ve decided – I’m going to continue to blog about anything that tickles my fancy. There may be months that all post are craft related and there may be weeks that I only blog about my pets. I may even blog about a piece of trash that inspired me. This all falls into the “Whatever Tickles May Fancy” category.

I’m not going to get bogged down with blogging rules!

I’ve decided to keep my photography blog mainly for my clients. You’re more than welcome to following along over there if ya like but be warned it will be full of sneak peeks and specials I’m running for my client's. I’m going to give it a facelift pretty soon but I think I’m going to continue to use it as my store front and hold off on a tradition website. Gasp! I know ALL successful photographers have their own website. I do plan to get one in the future but as of now I’m fine using my “photography blog” as my store front!

That means not only will I be blogging about all the things that tickle my fancy I will also be blogging about photography related topics HERE from time to time. I have a passion to teach and share and while I am still learning to fly as a photographer I hope to share things with you that I learn along the way. Perhaps even a funny story that happens while I’m on a shoot.

I’ve deicide to be a rebel blogger! I’m going to go against the “Blogging Experts” and blog about anything my little heart wants. I do hope you stick around but I understand if you’re main interest is craft/home décor blogs. You may get that here from time to time but as I said above I’m not going to put myself in a corner. I have “Shiny Object Syndrome” and tight corners just don’t work well with that disorder. :o)

It’s nice to finally feel that I have some direction as a blogger! My direction? Whatever tickles my fancy! Hope you’re willing to tag along for the journey. I’m not sure where it’s going to take us but I promise we’ll have fun along the way!

Via

For the Love of Movies

Not sure what happens to me after Christmas.

I want nothing more than to stay in my PJ’s and watch movies all day long.

I’m not a big sitter for the most part. In fact I HATE sitting for long periods of time.

That all changes after Christmas. I turn into a BIG couch potato; for a few days at least.  :o)

It must be my body’s way of recuperating after all the holiday craziness.

The holidays this year were a doozie!

In case you’re like me and turn into a movie lush after Christmas I thought I would share a few movies that I really enjoyed……ones that are not record breaking hits but little gems that I rented on a whim and was happy I did!

 

-Away We go: This was such a GREAT movie. This one is definitely a must. I laughed, I cried, and pondered about few things in life. It was a great flick!

     

-The Scoop: Thrilling, funny, and a great story line. I plan to watch this one again while I’m on break. :o)

 

 

-Stardust: Kent and I both loved this movie! Creative storyline, fun characters, coupled with several laugh out loud moments.  Not sure why but every Christmas I get the urge to watch this while I’m baking. It’s become my little holiday baking tradition. It has nothing to do with Christmas so I have no idea why I like to watch it while I’m getting my Christmas bake on, but I do!

 

-Last House on the Left: Tristyn Faith, if you’re reading this do NOT watch this preview! My youngest niece reads my blog from time to time.

This is a thriller and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole movie! Let me forewarn you, this movie is not for the faint of heart. It’s bloody and graphic. I had to fast forward though a certain scene that takes place in the woods. I’m sure those of you that have seen this know exactly what I’m talking about. With that being said it’s a really good thriller…..if your into suspenseful movies.

 

 

-The Orphanage: Oh my goodness! This move gave me goose bumps! Another one that will have you on the edge of your seat. Not graphic or gory like Last House on the Left  but will definitely keep you on your toes.

50 Frist Dates: Another good one! I saw this when I was still living in China. It was my 1st movie experience in China. You actually get to pick your seat….as if you were going to watch a play , so fancy! Although this movie has been out for awhile I still watch it from time to time. Love the story line, it’s lighthearted, funny, AND has a great soundtrack!

If Only: I have no idea how I came across this movie but boy was I glad I watched it. I think I even called a few friends to tell them about it after I finished watching it. It was really, really, good BUT it’s a tear jerker so be warned.

I think that’s enough for now. I have tons more to share but I’ll save them for another movie post. 

Our Plans for New Years Eve: No fancy-smancy New Years Eve outing for us this year. Kent is recuperating from oral surgery so we have big plans to hang out on the couch and do nothing but watch movies New Years Eve! Is it lame that I’m looking forward to it? 

 

I Want to Hear From You……….

-If you would like to add any of your favorites to the list feel free to share in your comment. I’m always on the hunt for a good movie!

-Also if you’ve seen any of the movies above I would love to know what you thought!

Our 2010 Christmas Card and a Little Daydreaming

Let’s do a little daydreaming. I’ll  set the scene………….

 

It’s a chilly Tuesday afternoon in December. You see the mailman OR mailwoman (have to be fair right) placing mail in your mail box. You think to yourself…….”Oh goodie, the mail is here!” Not because you love to see what bill awaits you…..nope, because you LOVE to see if you’ve received any Christmas cards. Am I right? Once the mail person is done you slip on your finest pair of Louis Vuitton heels. You know, the ones that go perfectly with your Donna Karan dress (we’re daydreaming remember?) and sashay gracefully to the mail box.

 

Once you open the mailbox you find a Christmas card from yours truly.  It looks a little something like this………………………………… 

Front

Image taken by Mr. Tripod (He is not easy to work with. More on that later) and edited by moi.

 

Back
  Images taken by Mr. Tripod and yours truly. Edited by me!

As your reading the card you say to yourself “Oh that Kendra she sure if silly.” You chuckle at the picture of Abby (the Chihuahua). That picture is sooooo her.

 

You head back to house. During your walk back you look at your neighbor’s house and whish that you too, had a 5 car garage. You really do need a place to park your new pink Bentley that Santa‘s brining you. Oh well, you’re moving to Bora Bora next year anyway. You can get a 6 car garage then!

 

As you continue to walk back to the house you think to yourself……..”Why in the world am I getting the mail. Don’t I have people to do this for me?” Unfortunately it appears that you cannot walk and think at the same time. You trip, breaking the hill of your Louis Vuitton shoe and ripping your Donna Karan dress. As you’re falling you stumble right into your front door. The door opens. You look around and shout “WHAT, this isn't my house! Whose messy kids are these and where is my high end furniture?”

 

Then you realize….oh yes, you were daydreaming, duh! This IS your messy house. Oh, and the screaming kids are yours too.

 

You stop for a second and take a moment to look around.

 

You see the the joy that fills your home. The walls are dripping with thousands of memories; even if they were made in a big fluffy robe and Target pajamas. You look at your crazy kids and see that they are indeed crazy but you love them. They make you laugh, they fill your heart with hope, and warmth…..even if they try to kill each other on a daily biases.

 

You look at the mess, oh the mess! Scattered shoes all over the floor and the laundry is piled high, but you know what? It’s okay…..you chose to spend time with your family.

 

You baked cookies.
You had a glass of wine and watched an old sappy Christmas movie with your honey.
You talked to an old friend on the phone for way too long.
You chose to celebrate the season.

 

The mess will wait but the memories that are waiting to be made will not. You don’t need a 6 car garage, name brand clothing, and a perfect home to be happy. Nope, it’s about the little things. The things that warm your heart.

It’s okay to daydream from time to time. To think about the things you wish you had or the places you long to visit. It’s part of our adult imagination. Yes, it’s okay I promise! Just as long as you come back to reality and realize that it’s not so bad and that you have thousands of things to be grateful for right in your very own home no matter where you’re at in life!

 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

From our home filed with thrifted treasures, clearance clothing, and closets full of unorganized mess.  

I’m Grateful for…….

Today and always I am grateful for the gift of sight.

Do you take your sight for granted?

Think about all the wonderful things you’re able to see and experience with your sight.

I think about it often and am beyond grateful for the ability to see the wonders of the world no matter how big or small.

 

From glitter sparkles that always seem to be on my craft desk, the smiles and faces of my loved ones, to beautiful landscapes, and the changing of the seasons……….

 

 

 

 

Our sight is a marvelous gift that should be cherished.

 

 

One of my favorite quotes:

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.”

-Eleanora Duse

 

 

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Your turn!

If you’re not a blogger tell us something that you’re grateful for in your comment!

*Link up a post that talks about something that you are grateful for. If can be an old post or a new one!

*If you’re new to linky parties McKlinky is very user friendly and will walk you though everything you need to do. You can copy and past our party button onto your post or create a hyperlink back to Domestic Princess in Training.

*Play nice and be sure to link your “grateful post” (NOT something you are trying to sale) or I’ll have to get the blog party police after you.

I Hope I’m Not the Only One at the Party

 

I can have fun by myself but it would be a lot more fun if you would join me! This Thursday that’s one day from today I’m starting our weekly “I’m grateful for…..” linky party.

Stop, smell the roses, and be grateful for what’s in front of you…..
then blog about it!

 

It can be silly, touching, motivating, whatever! It just needs to be a post about something you’re grateful for.

 

I ‘m one of those annoying people that often talks about how grateful I am for all the joys in my life. It’s not out of the norm for me to say “Isn't it so great that we’ve been given the gift of sight.” or “Yes, this situation is not fun, but what are we going to learn from it.”  What can I say……I LOVE to live and try hard to do it with joy in my heart and a smile on my face!  I have a passion for life and am grateful for all the gifts it brings from a tiny fallen leaf all the way to good health.

Life if good let’s be grateful for it! 
Not just during the holidays but always!

   

Grab a button and link up!
I’ll see you Thursday! You’ll be able to link up at 8pm central standard time.

Little Food For Thought

I came across this quote today and I thought it was something that I needed to share.

 

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”
     -Paulo Coelho

   

      I try really hard to be open minded and see the other side in situations I’m faced with. I’m not always prefect at it but I do give it my all. Who am I to tell you what’s right and wrong. We all (hopefully) do what’s right for ourselves and those around us.

 

     Perhaps the screaming child at the grocery store is autistic and the parent is doing the best they can. Maybe your neighbor believes in a different religion than you do but that does not mean they are unworthy of your respect. Perhaps the clerk behind the register is not providing you with the best customer service. Instead of getting upset give them the benefit of the doubt and truly ask how their day is going.

 

    Sometimes it’s hard to step outside of our box our “safe zone” if you will but before jumping to judgment try to look at the whole picture. Sometimes things may not be what they seem and someone may just need a little understanding and a warm smile.

Snail Mail AND a Challenge!

    Sure texting and e-mail is great and efficient but nothing compares to receiving a hand crafted message in the mail. Some of us get so caught up in our daily lives that we find it impossible to take the time to practice the old and diminishing art of snail mail. It’s important for us to remember that we are ALL busy. That’s just the way the world is. True, some of us are busier than others and we may be busy with different things but it takes a special person to step outside of their hectic world and take moment to let someone know they are thinking about them……not through an e-mail or a speedy text but a written letter.

                                              

   I’m guilty of it as well. I use to send out letters on regular bases but let the practice dwindle until it was none existent. I was looking though a cooking magazine the other day and came across several recipes that I knew my friend would love. I ripped them out and thought I would pass them along next time I saw her. They sat on my desk for a few days until one day I decided that I would mail them to her with a little letter to let her know that I was thinking about her. That letter to my friend ignited my snail mail bug. I have since sent out several letters to friends and family letting them know that I love them and wishing them a wonderful day. I hope that my silly letters brought a smile to their face when they opened them.

 

    My challenge to you is to send out 2 letters. That’s it….just 2! If you choose to send more, more power to ya! I promise it won’t take long. Get up a few minutes early to write your letters. Do it before you go to bed or while you little one is napping. Write them during a commercial break or while you’re eating breakfast. I promise you can find the time to do it! No need for a fancy card or stationary. If you’re crafty use things you have on hand to craft a note card or write your letter on printer paper.

 

The only requirement is you must include a hand written message (if you’re able to do so) and your letters must be sent out using the old method of snail mail! That’s it simple and easy. If you plan to join in let me know in your comment. I would love to know how many letters you plan to send out! Once your letters are mailed come on back to check in and let me know that you sent them. Some of us need that sometimes…..right? Make sure you do it as soon as possible so you don’t fall into the “I’ll do it tomorrow” trap. 

Interesting Planters

No words needed…………………………..






Okay maybe just a little explanation. My aunt has a great sense of humor…….can you tell? She has quite a few acres out in East Texas and decided to get a little creative with her planters. A powder room for plants, too funny! They even have a working shower. :o) Talk about high class!

One of these Eggs is NOT Like the Others

A few weeks ago I told you that my Mom welcomed chickens into our family. Well, what started out as 4 chickens has turned into 12! I know, that’s a LOT of chickens.

Last week I brought home dozen eggs and was floored by the difference between a store bought egg and a farm fresh egg, really it was crazy!
Let’s see if you can tell which eggs in the bowl are store bought cage free eggs and which are straight off the farm. (Answer: The bottom 2 yellow yolks on the left side.)
Did you get it right? It’s pretty crazy huh? Not only is there a big difference in the color of the yolk, the shell of a FF egg is harder and they have rich creamier taste to them. It’s even a different experience scrambling them. With store bought eggs you can whisk them right up before pouring them into the pan. With FF eggs the yolks are so creamy and dense that you have to whisk a bit longer to break them up. So far we’ve baked, poached, scrambled, and fried our FF eggs. I could tell a difference in each way that I’ve eaten them.
Here's a picture from our breakfast last weekend. Farm Fresh scrambled eggs, French toast dredged in FF eggs, fresh squeezed Orange Juice, fresh strawberries, turkey bacon, and a little powder sugar to sprinkle over the French toast. When I put the powder sugar in a coffee cup my youngest niece asked if I was going to drink it. Ha, I do love me some sugar but I haven't resorted to drinking it straight out of the cup……yet! 

I'm linking up with:
The Girl Creative

Tour Around Historic Swiss Avenue

The Swiss Avenue Historic District in Dallas Texas includes nearly 200 restored homes dating from the early 20^th century. I thought you might like to take a leisurely walk down Swiss Avenue as well so I brought my trusty camera along. I have quite a few pictures to share so grab a cold glass of southern sweet tea and settle in for the tour.

The street is lined with white picket fences that really
add to feel of the neighborhood.

I was in love with this quaint blue home! It was my 1st favorite. I say first because every time we walked to a new home I would say “Oh no, no, THIS one if my favorite!”. They were all so different and beautiful in their own way.

 







 

Not only were the homes beautiful the surrounding trees were amazing as well! I’m sure my family got tired of hearing me talk about how pretty the trees were.
Ah, they were just breath taking!

Just another sign that Spring is right around the corner! We had such a wonderful afternoon. If you live in the area I would highly recommend taking a little stroll around Swiss Avenue. They have a dog park as well as a people park ;o) right in the middle of the square so it would also be fun to take a little picnic. I will definitely be going back soon!  

I'm linking up with:
A Southern Daydreamer