Cute Invitations

I got a really cute invite to a BBG (friends getting married) from here. Well I was looking on their website and saw this invite- its a replica of Carrie's (1st wedding) in the Sex and The City Movie! SO CUTE...

Chuck Close

Chuck Thomas Close is an American painter and photographer who achieved fame as a photorealist, through his massive-scale portraits. Though a catastrophic spinal artery collapse in 1988 left him severely paralyzed, he has continued to paint and produce work which remains sought after by museums and collectors.

I think this is SO cool- he paints himself a lot big portraits and after he was paralyzed he continued to paint. I learned about him at Opportunity Village a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. I am volunteering here this summer while school is out. Its been a really cool experience.

Sen. Ensign: "He has no credibility left?"

The following post is by my friend, Peter, who is the author of The Kaintuckeean. You can also follow his tweets @kaintuckeean. He writes here in pursuit of targeting an audience of Nevadans.

John Ensign, in 2004:

Marriage is the cornerstone on which our society was founded. For those who say that the Constitution is so sacred that we cannot or should not adopt the Federal Marriage Amendment, I would simply point out that marriage, and the sanctity of that institution, predates the American Constitution and the founding of our nation. Marriage, as a social institution, predates every other institution on which ordered society in America has relied.

Sen. John Ensign today announced that he violated the sanctity of marriage by having an affair. It is certainly undisputed that people make mistakes (Christians would cite Rom. 3:23, "for all fall short of the glory of God") and politicians are no exception.

I will not admonish Sen. Ensign for his adultery. Rather, I am more concerned with his hypocrisy. When President Clinton was in the middle of Monica-gate and impeachment, Sen. Ensign stated that President Clinton "has no credibility left."

After fellow Republican Senator Larry Craig was caught in a Minneapolis airport restroom soliciting another man for sex, Ensign stated that "whether it's a Republican or Democratic senator — we certainly have had plenty of Democratic scandals in the past — we need people who are in office who will hold themselves to a little higher standard."

Admittedly, both Clinton and Craig did have criminal liability at stake, and there is no evidence that Ensign did anything criminal. Perhaps an analogy to former Republican Senator David Vitter would be a fit? [Vitter was the Senator whose number was in the D.C. Madam's phone book.] To that scandal, Ensign did not suggest resignation because the infidelity "happened before he got into the United States Senate, and there were no laws that were broken as far as anybody knows."

These quotes show Sen. Ensign's history of casting stones [John 8:7] at fellow politicians who err in their personal lives -- those who do not "hold themselves to a little higher standard," as he would put it. John Ensign has fallen below that personal standard by both his acts and through his hypocrisy.

His hypocrisy is exacerbated by his organizational ties. According to the New York Times, Ensign is a "born-again Christian" and is active in the evangelical group Promise Keepers. Promise Keepers pledge to keep Seven Promises, including "#3: A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity" and "#4: A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values."

Again, I will reiterate the message of Rom. 3:23, "all fall short." But those that "hold themselves to a little higher standard" should -- in the interests of your family, your faith, your state and your country -- not remain in the United States Senate.

Please, Sen. Ensign, resign.

Apartment for Rent- Lexington KY

*Apartment for rent on Waller Ave. Its a secure building, close to campus, with a pool.
Its one bedroom $600 for rent only utility is KU which runs under $30.
If you are interested please let me know!
It ofcourse doesn't have the furniture in it still.

Weddings

I am in two dear friends weddings in the next 6 months.
Melissa and Daniel get married in August in Lexington.

Whit and Rob get married over Thanksgiving in KY too.
Both couples are high school sweet hearts like Nate and I...what are the odds!
I am so grateful to be apart of their lives and so excited for what the future will hold.

Shoes

I tried on a dress (that i loved) with these shoes.
I may or may not get the dress but I think I MUST have tan/beige shoes
Any seen comfy heals that aren't as expensive as these? (BCBG)

Flip and Tumble

I love re-usable bags!
These are cute cute cute!
Pretty cheap, here.

MILK

I saw this tonight. I recommend it.

Tom's for Moms!

My mom probably wouldn't wear them but if your would you should get them!
Mother's Day May 10th!

New Blog!

A friend of mine started a decor blog called VARNISH.
She is a fabulous interior designer and a wonderful stay at home mom!

Las Vegas march to save children in Africa

The plight of children half a world away took center stage for people in the valley on Saturday.

Members and supporters of a non-profit group known as "Invisible Children" marched from the Stratosphere to Hertitage park to make their message clear.

They're trying to spread awareness, gain support and use their voices for change.

About 150 signed up for the event, mostly teens, giving up what they call the comforts of home to symbolize all of the children in Africa who are being forced into a Ugandan civil war.

Alot of outrage and alot of compassion culminating together for all of the youth being abducted and forced into violence.

"They were forced against their will, and it made me appreciate what I have even more. To see the children deprived of a regular life, it's really sad to see the hurt that they've gone through," said Amanda Walters, a student at Seville Middle School.

Walters says she never knew about this widespread suffering for children in Africa, until she saw a video at school. That's when she knew she had to get involved.

It wasn't just Las Vegans joining in on the march. Tourists who were around for other reasons also got word of the event.

"They're having to murder other people, not something they want to do. No one is speaking out for them. We need to speak out for the children," said Jennifer Drake, who was visiting from Fresno for a wedding.

Drake brought her 12-year-old son along, who is suffering from diabetes. She thought it was important for him to see that other childrens' struggles are worse than his own.

Organizers of the event said they planned on spending the night outside in sleeping bags at Hertiage Park.

What they're hoping for is a brief appearance from a local politican or celebrity to help speak out for the cause.

They say, if that doesn't happen, they plan to take their march to the front steps of City Hall until somebody recognizes.

Stay tuned to Channel 13.

Invisible Children

A road team has been staying at our house

(and showed a screening at our church) this week.

They have a big event all over the nation this Saturday April 25th raising awareness of the children abducted in Eastern Africa to become child soldiers.

The event in Vegas starts at the Stratosphere at 3PM.

Go to there site to see if there is a Rescue by you!

PostSecret of the Week

I love this. This is so me.
saw on Ingenue Perspective

Doing whatever it takes to save a child

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF was founded in 1947 to support the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) by raising funds for its programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children. The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, we are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives.

*There are so many great organizations out there that I would love to work for one day. This one is based out of NYC. Advocating for social justice is so appealing to me- through my school practicum I was able to spend time today at a WIC clinic. We have so many services in the US for those struggling with poverty not all nations are as blessed.

Hotel Rwanda

I can't believe I've never seen this.
This movie is unbelievable how could we as people ever let this happen.

Volunteer in Southern Nevada

You do not want to miss the LIVE UNITED t-shirt Flash Mob taking place, Saturday, March 14th at 10am. Who wants to say they were buying groceries or sitting on their couch at home when history in southern Nevada is being made?

Why?
Because underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people. Connected, interdependent, united.

Come be a part of history as United Way of Southern Nevada and its Volunteer Center embark on its first LIVE UNITED t-shirt Flash Mob in Las Vegas. The first 200 participants to register will receive a FREE LIVE UNITED T-shirt.

The “top secret” details will be emailed to you in the next few days.

Not sure what a flash mob is?
It is a group of people who quickly assemble in a public place, freeze for less than 5 minutes, and then disperse. Click HERE to view United Way of America’s LIVE UNITED t-shirt flash mob that occurred November 13th of 2008 at Union Station in Washington DC.

Children under 14 are welcome with a parent/guardian.

All participants must pre-register prior to the event!

Check in opens at 8:45AM. All participants must be checked in by 9:30AM. Check in closes promptly at 9:30AM with the event starting at 10:00AM.

Impact Areas: Community Enrichment, Arts and Culture, Citizen Action/Academy, Community Enrichment, Other

"Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress...requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them."

- Henry Steele Commanger

Ken Starr, who led the campaign to impeach President Bill Clinton, filed a legal brief last month -- on behalf of the "Yes on 8" campaign -- that would forcibly divorce 18,000 same-sex couples that were married in California last year before the passage of Prop 8.

Watch "Fidelity" and see what you think about this issues. Please do not leave any hate or remarks that I will have to remove from my blog.

couragecampaign.org/Divorce

Blessed our those who are generous, because they feed the poor. Proverbs 22:9
Friends of ours live in Haiti as full time missionaries.
Read about this organization on their blog
Feed My Starving Children

Jacqueline Phoenix

Trading acting for rap? really?
And that beard....
But he is with Miss Kentucky!!

Donald Miller's recap of the inauguration.

Pure Barre

The Pure Barre Technique is a total body workout that burns fat and produces lifted seats, toned arms, thin thighs, and flat abs by fusing elements of ballet, pilates and weights in a 55 minute intense session. It is the most effective, fastest, yet safest way to change your body.
Pure Barre is an intelligent exercise technique- each strengthening section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create strong, long, lean muscle without the bulk, while increasing range of motion. Pure Barre will not only quickly transform your body, it will clear your mind, help you focus and contribute to a happy and healthy life.

*A friend told me about this today so I did a littler research.

There is a location in Lexington but NOT Las Vegas yet!

Domino Mag

Domino is mabye my favorite magazine and they may be closing.

Still together!

At a Broadway show this week!

Look of the Day

She looks great other than the cigarette. JustJared.

A historic day!

Donald Miller at the Inauguration

Donald Miller will be attending the Presidential Inauguration and you can follow his updates on twitter "follow donmilleris" to 40404.

Found first at here.

SJP

I hated to here this.

Christmas Sales

12 Days of Christmas ornaments over 50% off at Crate and Barrel
BUT I need a tree skirt...anyone seen a cute one for cheap??

All Living Presidents got together today!

"One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country," Bush told Obama before lunch with the former presidents.
Very good Bush. Very good.

I love this. AllPopart.
Found through Hostess with the Mostess

Happiness is a place between too little and too much.
- Finish proverb

Ring in the New Year...

With a 2009 Calendar from MEllen Design

Happy New Year! 2009

Had a wonderful time with friends and family last night- went dancing!
Also received beautiful and delicious strawberry cupcakes from Edgar's Bakery
My friend Celeste and her mom Elaine brought them back from Alabama!

7 things

Cameron tagged me on this and since I haven't been up on my blog I thought I would do this one.. its suppose to be things people don't know- I am sure you know atleast one of these about me.

1. I don't like dogs...or really any animals
2. I'm not remotely ready to have kids.
3. I love tattoos, I only have a small one though.

4. I don't think many things are funny. movies/tv especially.But I laugh a lot... Christmas this year with my cousin Molly!

5. I'm going to do a triathlon this year!
6. I have moved up a pants size.
7. I have two more semesters of college.

*Miss Amanda you should do this.

PostSecret of the Week

I think I would do this.
I am praying for our country this holiday season...

Obama's White House

Keeping Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense

Senator Clinton as Secretary of State

Evangelical pastor Rick Warren will deliver the
invocation at the presidential inauguration next month.

* I am really excited about what Obama is doing.
Even though I am a democrat I like to see he isn't choosing single minded people
What do you think? It will be interesting!

Let it Snow!

Outside my house.
Largest snow in Las Vegas in like 30 years!
Last time schools were closed was 1979...we will see.

Bookcase of the Day

Found at MadeByGirl

Snow Patrol at The Hard Rock Cafe

Nate and I went to see Snow Patrol tonight at The Hard Rock's Wasted Space
Any one a fan? I went for Nate but it was really good!

I am Second is a movement where significance in life is a shared value among people of all kinds. Actors. Musicians. Business leaders. Your next-door neighbor. People just like you. Their authentic stories here on iamsecond provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. You’ll meet people who overcame destructive lifestyles. Plus you’ll discover those who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed, yet still found a life full of hope, peace, and fulfillment.

We believe there is a reason why you are here. We all have needs and could use some help. Here you’ll find issues relevant to you as well as answers to challenging life questions. I am Second is designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Have you discovered yours? Visit the full site.

Trail Mix in a Jar Cookies

I am thinking about making some of these.

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup quick oats
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup packed flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup flour mixed with 1 tsp. baking powder
(makes 4 2/3 cups of mix )

Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until completely blended. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls. Place 2" apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. (Yield: 2 1/2 dozen.)

* I also found 63 Gift Ideas for Under $10

Kids Helping Kids

MAC Cosmetics.
A set of six assorted Kids Helping Kids greeting cards with envelopes in a shiny red metallic carton. Each card features children’s art specially created for this seasonal program. 100% of the selling price goes to support pediatric AIDS organizations around the world.

* Thanks Tina!! You Rock!

Christmas Cards

I really need to get Christmas Cards.
I like these because its WARM here so far this holiday season.
These are from here.
Where did you get yours?

Yummy Pumpkin

I don't know how good the cocktails would be but the dessert looks awesome!
I can't wait for Thanksgiving...
Found: Hostess with the Mostess
Source: Simply stated

Give One Get One!

Thought this was really cool- a friend sent it to me.
Find here.

Water for Christmas

Statistics show that Americans spend 450 billion dollars on Christmas every year. Experts estimate it would cost 10 billion dollars to give the whole world clean water. This has become a national campaign to see if we can change these statistics. To swing the pendulum from consumerism to compassion.

To see what happens when we come together and buy Water for Christmas.

charity: water is a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We give 100% of the money raised to direct project costs. With the help of exemplary organizations on the ground and individuals here, we can drill wells and provide people with this basic, essential need.

Look of the Day

love her.
JustJared

PostSecret of the Week

My prayer for those that have been hit by the economy-
that is doesn't tear families apart.
PostSecret

Beautifully written blog post

Josh Bottomly's Reflection Blog