miscellany monday

Monday.  Bleh.  But at least God has allowed me another day here with my delicious family.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  And have at least one terribly exciting random to share today.  Well.... it's exciting for me at least but I hope you'll share in the excitement with me.  So off we go with another edition of miscellany monday...

{ONE}  One Mom's Perfect Imperfections as well as my family blog, The World of Noffs, are moving to Wordpress!  And I couldn't be more thrilled!  Blogger and I have been growing apart for quite a while now.  The hiccups and lack of creative freedom have put me in a blogging funk, so to speak, and I just believe it's time to say goodbye.  Two Moms Designs made me an offer I couldn't refuse to move my blogs  and Ashley has already gotten started with the transition.  As far as I know, followers/subscribers shouldn't have to do a thing.  Everything will be redirected and it will be business as usual - just on a different platform.  Ashley has been a joy to work with and I highly recommend Two Moms Designs if you are contemplating a move yourself.  EXCITING!!!!

{TWO}  My daughter has decided that when we go to a store, she no longer wants to sit peacefully in the cart.  She also does not want to walk.  She wants to be carried.  I have had no previous experience with this behavior.  Keegan, her older brother, preferred to walk if he decided he didn't want in the cart.  He wasn't much on being held.  And because Presley is vastly approaching the age of two, temper tantrums ensue if I do not oblige her.  So I can A)  pick her up letting her win and continue to carry a 27 pound child while trying to herd her older brother AND pull the cart while I "shop".  Or B)  let her scream, causing all those nosey people that think I'm beating my child to run straight for us with cell phone in hand ready to call social services.  Hmmm.... Decisions....

{THREE}  This heat is killing me.  I'm so ready for cooler weather.  With triple digit temps and humidity I feel like I'm melting.  God, send cooler weather - or at least a strong breeze.  Or maybe just drop a swimming pool in my backyard filled with ice.  

{FOUR}  A group of ladies in BlogFrog got a discussion going about the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels - the brutal personal trainer from The Biggest Loser.  We've all decided to start the 30 day shred today (doing it only 3 days a week).  By the time some of you read this post, I will have weighed myself, taken a few measurements (then gotten sick a few times), eaten some rabbit food and possibly have been completely beaten up by Jillian.  Prayers welcome.

{FIVE}  To prepare for the previous random, I spent Sunday eating and sitting on my tail quilting while the kids played and watched movies.  

To read more random thoughts or to link up some of your own, head over to Carrisa's blog, lowercase letters now by clicking the logo above.  

Have a great week!

A Touch of Spirituality

I have been using the same picture for this Sunday post for a while now - the hands of a family praying together. It deeply touched me and I believe it touched many of you as well. It got so much attention that I decided to use it every Sunday. However, I think I've decided to post a new picture I've taken each Sunday.  I have many shots that kinda fall to the wayside and I think I'd like to use them for this weekly post.  Some may be edited, some SOOC.  Either way, hope you enjoy & hope it brings you a little inspiration.  

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.  John 4:24

SOOC Saturday

I took this picture at Birdsong Marina on the TN River last weekend. We docked our boat and hopped out to see the only freshwater pearls in North America. It was less than we hoped for. We didn't go on the tour or anything so that might have been interesting but outside the gift shop/museum there was an old boat with these hanging off of them...

Now, don't ask me what they are actually used for because I have no idea.  Obviously, something to do with harvesting mussels but that's as much as I can tell you.  The pearls themselves were magnificent.  Wish I could have snagged a pic of a few of those.  Anyhow, I thought this made for an interesting SOOC shot today.  

To see more SOOC shots or to link up one of your own, head over to Melody's blog, Slurping Life now by clicking the following logo:

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Macro Friday

Hello Friday! Another weekend is upon us and I couldn't be happier.  Not sure what the weekend has in store for the family and me but can't wait to find out.  So I tried to NOT post a picture of a flower or a plant.  This is one of my vintage cameras.  Thought it made for a cool shot.  Different than what I've been posting, if nothing else.  

To see more macro shots or to link up one of your own, head over to Laura's blog, Blogging from Bolivia now by clicking the logo above.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Before & After

Before & after photos with Pixel Perfect today!  So, I tried to be original this week and try something I've never done before where my editing abilities are concerned and it was a big fat FAIL.  So I fell back on old faithful - layers.  I love layers and blending and they hardly ever steer me wrong.  Gonna have to do some practicing in PSE to be original next time.

Here is my SOOC shot, using my Canon Rebel T1i, 18-55mm lens:

I just love seeing the layers of the rose petals, but the color is a little bright and heavy on the eyes.  So I wanted to do something about that.

My edited shot:

So I really didn't do too much - added a black/white layer, added a another layer and played with the blending mode (can't remember which I used just now) and then a heavy vignette and rounded corners.  Subtle, but I think it softened the shot and makes it a little dreamier.  I used Photoshop Elements 8 for my edits.  

To see more before & after pics or to link up one of your own, head over to Pixel Perfect now by clicking the following logo:

Review - Ecostore USA

Today, I think going green is as common as going to a movie.  Maybe more.  As moms, we all want what is best for our kids and I think that includes the kinds of products we bring into our home.  Ecostore USA is an extension of a 20 year old New Zealand company www.ecostore.co.nz that makes plant based, non-toxic household cleaning, baby and personal care products that contain no nasty chemicals™.  I've recently had the pleasure of using a few of their products.  When they arrived, this was the first thing I was greeted with:

How refreshing is that?  To know that even the packaging is environmentally friendly was refreshing to me.  

The products I received were the Naturally Antibacterial Spray Cleaner, the Goat's Milk Baby Soap with Lavender & Wheatgerm oil, and the Manuka Honey & Kelp Soap.  Again, none of these products contain any kind of chemical.  They are all completely natural.  

I've had a couple of weeks with these products and I am very pleased.  The spray cleaner is perfect for wiping down kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, etc.  It's a general everyday type of cleaner.  It has a very mild, citrus scent and leaves no residue behind.

The baby soap smelled wonderful as soon as I pulled it out of the box.  The lavender scent is present but not overpowering.  It lathers up immediately and my kids' skin is soft and clean after use - even Presley's delicate skin handled the soap very well.  She has a nasty case of eczema.  

The Manuka Honey & Kelp soap I am still using and love it.  It has a very mild, clean scent as well and also lathers up instantly.  My skin feels clean after using it.  

I will definitely purchase these products as well as others in the future and I highly recommend them to other moms.  They're affordable, chemical free and environmentally friendly.  What more could you want in a product?  And if you head over to their website now, you'll see Ecostore USA is celebrating a grand opening for a new location and are having a BOGO sale through the month of July.  So if you hurry, they'll double your order!  Also, free shipping for orders $25 or more.  

So what are you waiting for?  Head over to Ecostore USA now and take advantage of going green!

Disclosure: I was provided with these products at no cost by Ecostore USA in order to test the products’ abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free products provided.

Black & White Wednesday

As most of you might know, I usually reserve pics of my kiddos for my family blog, but I just shot these and they warmed my heart so much I had to share.  I was sitting at my desk and happened to look over & see this...

They are so sweet with one another - most of the time.  The love the feel is apparent to anyone that's ever been around them.  My cup runneth over.  

To see more black & white photos or to link up one of your own, head over to The Long Road to China now by clicking the logo above.  

Shutter Love Tuesday - Faces

This week for Shutter Love Tuesday the theme is 'faces'. I recently posted this pic for Black & White Wednesday but it was too perfect not to post again. So I thought I'd just edit this one a bit differently so maybe you wouldn't think you're seeing the same picture over and over.  And if you still think that, well... Sorry.  Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

To see more photos with the 'Faces' theme or to link up one of your own, head over to Trendy Treehouse now by clicking the logo above.  

I'm also linking up this week with my3boybarians for Sweet Shot Tuesdays.  This is my first time linking up to this challenge and I'm really excited to participate.  This is a pretty sweet shot, in my opinion.  To see more sweet shots or to link up one of your own, head over to my3boybarians now by clicking the logo below.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

miscellany monday

I'm running out of clever ways to start this post.  So I think this morning we'll just get down to business with posting some random thoughts.

{ONE}  We woke up to a wet, dreary day.  And quite frankly, I'm okay with that.  We've needed the rain and I also like rain on a Monday.  It matches my mood.  I hate for the weekend to come to an end.

{TWO}  I am getting the official boater's tan.  The front is getting nice and tan (in today's case, a little red) and the back is pale.  Gonna have to find time to flip over and expose the backside to some sun.

{THREE}  I have lots of sewing projects I want to do but can't find the time to sit down at the sewing machine.  Seems like there's always something else that has to be done first.  Like laundry {cringe}.

{FOUR}  We took the kids to see "Despicable Me" this weekend and it was pretty funny.  Steve Carrel cracks me up no matter what he does.

{FIVE}  I am almost out of laundry detergent and a few other things I like to purchase from Costco.  Need to make a trip but because of my love/hate relationship with that store I keep putting it off.  I love Costco for obvious reasons and hate it because I can never get out of there for under $200.  {sigh}

To read more random Monday thoughts or to link up some of your own, head over to Carissa's blog, lowercase letters now by clicking the logo above.  Hope you all have a great week!

A Touch of Spirituality

A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  John 13:34

SOOC Saturday

My addiction to water droplets may be moving more toward... obsession.  

To see more SOOC (straight out of the camera) shots or to link up one of your own, head over to Slurping Life now by clicking the logo above.

Have a GREAT day!

Show Us Your Life - Meet Jes

So this isn't your average post you see here at One Mom's Perfect Imperfections.  Kelly's Korner is doing a singles link up and a friend brought it to my attention.  Now, said friend really wanted to link up but she is a big scaredy cat too shy to link herself up. SO.... after much hinting around on her part, I felt compelled to do it for her.  Jes is about to find out what happens when she leaves things in my hands.  I'm not a sit around and wait kinda gal.  And truly, all you single guys out there would be missing out if I were.  I've kinda taken Jes under my wing since we've met and have somewhat adopted her as my little sister.  And Big Sister is looking for a good, Christian man for Little Sister.  So a little about Jes in her own words...

I am a young, single, college educated, Mississippi Girl!  I grew up on the Mississippi Coast in a rural town. I have an amazing and supportive family that I am blessed to be apart of.  I am so blessed to have two precious little boys that call me Auntie, along with 2 Pups that call me Mom. 

About 2 years ago, I left home and all I knew and moved 9 hours from home to Savannah, GA, where I enrolled at Savannah College of Art and Design to finish my college career and achieve my degree Fine Arts in Interior Design. I will officially graduate from SCAD on August 28, 2010.  After the summer, I will be ready for the real world of finding a job and working to achieve my dreams for life.

I am a southern gal who loves God, family, blogging, writing, all things interior design, twitter, the beach, Mexican food, cooking, shopping, traveling, and spending time with my 2 pups.

This girl is oozing with talent, sweetness and all kinds of fun!  Better yet, she is motivated, a great cook, loves kids and oh yes, guys... she likes sports.  If you're interested and would like to learn more, please head over to Jes's blog to learn a little more about our southern gal and click the 'contact me' option in her menubar to send her an email.  Or feel free to leave a comment here - Jes will be watching this post, I'm sure.  So will Big Sister.  ;)

If you want to nominate a good single guy or gal, head over to Kelly's Korner now!

Macro Friday

  

First of all, TGIF!  I feel like I blinked and this week is over.  Hope everyone has big, exciting plans for the weekend.  I think we're heading back out on the boat for at least one day.  Can't get enough of being on the water.  Hope the weather holds out.  

For macro friday, I've been submitting a lot of shots of flowers & plants.  I just can't help myself.  There are so many beautiful flowers to capture this time of year.  Still, I'm trying to do something a little different this week, though it still includes a favorite - water droplets.  Maybe I'll get brave and do something completely different next week.  But until then, here is my entry for today...

To see more macro friday shots or to link up one of your own, head over to Blogging from Bolivia now by clicking the logo above.  

Before & After

I've been posting lots of flower pics. I love taking pictures of flowers and editing them are quite fun also. I tried to mix it up this week a bit. I need more practice with the brush tools in PSE so I tried to pick something that allowed me to use them.  As I was editing this pic, I realized I've done one quite similar to this as well.  I digress.  At least I got some practice.  Here is my SOOC shot:

Presley and Keegan played in the huge puddles after a monstrous rain storm here in TN - right before the Nashville flood happened actually.  I had just gotten my big girl Canon Rebel T1i and made my husband all kinds of nervous snapping pictures of the kids in the water with that camera.

Here is my edited version:

I changed everything to black & white and then because I needed some practice brushing, I brushed the color back on the boots only using the brush tool.  There's also a vignette and would you believe I forgot my rounded corners???  That's what happens when you're playing in Photoshop Elements 8 late at night, people.  I was just too tired to open it all back up and add them.  So square will have to do this week.

To see more before & after pics or to link up one of your own, head over to Monica's blog, Pixel Perfect now by clicking the following logo:

Black & White Wednesday

I mentioned in Monday's post that we'd spent our weekend on the boat in the TN River.  While I don't post a lot of personal family pics on this blog (I save those for my family blog) I thought a couple of my favorites from the weekend were perfect to share for Black & White Wednesday.  

You can see all our boat pics by heading over to my family blog, though I admit to being a little behind there as well.  

To see more black & white photos or to link up a few of your own, head over to The Long Road to China now by clicking the logo above.  

Getting Crafty - Burp Cloths

I recently made a scrapbook page and framed it for a sorority sister and great friend who had just had her third child.  I think it turned out pretty cute and all she has to do is add her pictures and hang it on her new little boy's wall.  Here's my finished product:

Once I finished this page, I started looking around for something else I could make for Drew.  I had just bought some fabric scraps at Hobby Lobby that would be perfect for burp cloths; however, I had never made burp cloths before.  I started my search for a good tutorial and stumbled upon this blog with lots of great homemade projects.  Making these literally took less than 30 minutes from start to finish.  Easy peasy.

First, I printed out my template, cut it out and pieced it together.  Then I pinned it to my material.  

Then I cut out my pieces, including quilt batting.

I then pinned it all together - wrong sides facing and quilt batting in the middle.  This is one time you won't actually sew it wrong side out and flip it when you're done.  You'll see why in a bit.

Then sew around the edges allowing a little extra on the ends.  Once it's sewn together, cut the extra quilt batting as close to sewn edges as possible.  You're also going to sew a straight line straight down the middle to keep the quilt batting from slipping.

Once everything is sewn, cut slits around the edges to create fringe.  

Once you wash it, it will look something like this.  The fringe will fray out and be oh so cute.  

The finished product.

My baby projects are complete and on their way to Kentucky.  Hope you enjoyed it!

Shutter Love Tuesday - By the Pool

I admit to having been somewhat challenged with this photo challenge today. Trendy Treehouse chose the theme "by the pool" and I wasn't sure if that meant only BY the pool or if you could be in it. So I decided by the pool meant just that and this is really the only photo I had to enter. If my kids or myself are near a pool at all, we're actually IN the pool.  So this is my friend, De Anna and her dog, Scout.

To see more pics themed "by the pool" or to link up one of your own, head over to Trendy Treehouse now by clicking the logo below.  

See What's Cookin' - Garlic Shrimp

Some might shy away from this dish because there is no melted better, no olive oil. But before you do, just hear me out. This is really a delicious dish that is extremely healthy - even without the butter.  Paula would be so disappointed.  

You're gonna start with raw shrimp - shelled and deveined.  Dump those babies in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and paprika.

In a skillet, heat up chicken broth, sliced garlic cloves and crushed red pepper flakes.  

When the garlic is just beginning to brown, add the shrimp and cook, stirring often.  Shrimp only takes a minute or two, depending on the size of the shrimp - and the pan.  Don't overcrowd your pan like I did.  I got lazy and didn't want to wash my large skillet.  

Now you're going to hit those with some lemon juice and parsley.  

And that's it!  So easy, so healthy and so DELISH!

Enjoy, y'all!  

To print this recipe, click here.

Linking up today with Tasty Tuesdays.  To get more delicious recipes or to link up one of your own, head over to Alicia's blog, A Beautiful Mess now by clicking the following logo: