Guest Blogger: Kimsey

I have spoken about Sassy Scoops before. They have even featured The R House Couture a few times! (including in their Valentine's Day Round-up going on right now--get a 10% off coupon code!)

In case you haven't heard by now, Sassy Scoops is looking for ONE more Sassy to join their team. You heard that right. One. I have known for some time that Lindsey would make a great Sassy. As we discussed over work Tuesday night, somehow or another the idea of a conjoined twin came to mind. At first it was just a joke, but it snowballed into actual glitter, unicorns, diet Coke and Snuggie goodness.

Then, the forces of the universe invented a new persona of bliss and wonder.

KIMSEY KIMSEY KIMSEY



Yes, it's ridiculously awesome, I know.

Yes, Lindsey and I both have glitter stuck to our eye balls. Yes, it would have been better with Leisha in it (Leisha is not so much into blogging ...but she IS into being the birthday girl today! happy birthday, Leisha!) Yes, we are probably disqualified because there are two people in the audition if we are getting technical (although the posted rules said nothing about persons joined at the hip!), but the persona of KIMSEY is worth it!


So, want to help us win? It's sooooo easy.

1. Go to the Sassy Scoops Facebook Page. (You will have to 'like' it to participate.) This also means that you will have to have a Facebook page to vote--which means Lindsey' mom won't be able to vote for us seeing as she hates Facebook. (Is she winning your sympathy vote yet?) My mom however has recently found the light and indeed likes our video on the Sassy Scoops Facebook Page.
2. Click on the 'Just Others' tab.
3. The above video will show up. If you feel so inclined, 'LIKE' our video--that's how you cast your vote.

As of right now we are in the lead ...because we are the only entry! HA! But, seriously, if you support rule bending (spirit of the law!), persons joined at the hip, diet coke, unicorns, glitter and snuggies--well then--your vote seems pretty clear.

Do it for the children.

Voting ends on Valentine's Day. Don't worry, I won't be harassing you for your vote for too long.

...and glitter.

***Edited to say that if indeed Kimsey must be disqualified and the Sassies can only take one winner, I truly think it should be Mrs. R. She is a great lady and would make a super wonderful Sassy.***

Friday.

I am so thankful it is Friday. I don't know why, it is no different than any other day. It is not like I am going to spend more time with my family than I normally do, or see my husband any more. Perhaps it is because I get to have a free day on Sunday. No working out. Possible nap. I get to see my brothers and my step mom. I dunno there is just something about it.

In other news, thank you to the -6- people who shared about the auction for Jenny.

*Crickets*

I think those six people all deserve something for sharing, so throughout the next few weeks each one is going to get a Claire de Lune CD from me. Please send me an email at: kimsueellen[at]gmail[dot]com with your address.

This auction meansso much to me because I am a mother. I would do anything for anyone to help comfort his/her fight with cancer, so thank you. THANK YOU!

Also, a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated to Jothan's jump for Parker. He raised $190 almost twice as much as his goal of $100. My heart was full and I cried tears of joy at your ginormous hearts and willingness to serve so others can have good and healthy hearts as well.

Stay tuned for next week. I have lots of emotional vomit to spout off. Blogging is cheaper than therapy, and heaven knows I need lots and lots of therapy.

xoxo

~Kim

We Love Jenny Auction and a Giveaway

A few weeks ago I was on facebook when a dear friend of mine posted a link to an online auction in honor of Jenny.

I, of course clicked and began to read. With tears streaming down my face I knew I had to act. I emailed the donation form and donated what I could. I got a prompt response back from my dear friend Emily (the one who had shared the link on facebook). I was surprised (but not so really because Em is amazing, in fact you can read about her amazingness here.) that she was in charge of such an enormously beautiful act of love and service to her friend.

Through the course of the last two weeks, I have watched this auction grow from a few items to nearly 50. I have seen it start with items for the D.C. area, and move into Utah and across the country. I have had people write on my facebook wall, "Hey Kim! I know Jenny, we went to college together, how can I help?"

Well, do you want to know how you can help? You can donate, bid on February 14, 2011, share the word on facebook, twitter, your own blogs. You can pray for Jenny and her family. There is so much you can do, so that is what this post is about. Just by doing that and I will give you the chance to win one of Emily's Little Claire de Lune: Lullabies on Harp CD's. This beautiful CD is guaranteed to help me be sleepy and to take my stress level from 10 to 0 by the time it is finished. The good thing about this opportunity? If you don't happen to win the giveaway, you can purchase one here for a STEAL and help benefit orphans in Bulgaria.

So, how can you enter:

1) Leave a comment here if you plan to donate OR bid on Jenny's auction on February 14, 2011.

2) Facebook a link about Jenny's Auction: http://welovejennyauction.blogspot.com/

3) Tweet about Jenny's Auction: http://welovejennyauction.blogspot.com/

4) Post to your blog about Jenny's auction, then leave a link to your post in the comment.

5) Share about this post anywhere, facebook, twitter, blogging.

That is up to 5 chances to win this beautiful harp CD. Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

I will choose a winner Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. MST.

***Disclaimer: I was not asked to, nor given anything for posting this blog post or giveaway. We should all do good things for others, I am just giving people the opportunity to do so. xoxo***

That first of two giveaways, remember?

Sigh.

Deepest apologies.

I got a migraine.

For. Two. Days.

Today was a wee bit better.

So, on to those giveaways, to celebrate my birthday, I wanted to give you guys presents, feel the love?

First off, we have three, YES, THREE lovely little wallets from The Rubied Apple.

I contacted Nakia, the owner and master designer behind The Rubied Apple about purchasing one of her adorable wallets to give away to my readers. She was so excited she donated ALL. THREE. WALLETS. to you!

Let me tell you, The Rubied Apple is more than wallets. They are sexy, sophisticated, back to your roots, high heels in the kitchen, APRON wearing kind of days. That is how I would describe The Rubied Apple. One meal wearing these aprons will bring back the whimsy and excitement of days gone by, and may put more home cooked meals on the table (and your bedroom). (Zumm, zumm.)

The Rubied Apple recently started carrying the most adorable baby bibs as well. Makes me long for another slobbery baby to put them on. Oh well, there are always massive amounts of baby showers in Utah. They are on the gift list for sure.

Anyway, onto the giveaway:

So, how do you win?
Easy.

Leave a comment here telling me which product in Nakia's shop is your favorite. Simple, easy, fun.

I will give one additional entry if you "Like" The Rubied Apple on Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rubied-Apple-Aprons/118227098204285

And another one, if you decide you "Like" my new photography page on Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-Orlandini-Photography/167210249989237

Lastly, if you want on last chance, either twitter or facebook this entry to your friends.

Please be sure to leave an additional comment per entry.

Giveaway ends Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. I will try to be a good girl and choose the three different winners Wednesday evening.

Have a good weekend friends. Happy Birthday to all of you this year. May it be one of your best and most fulfilling, as I hope mine is for me.

***Disclaimer. I received no compensation for this giveaway, besides the three wallets that Nakia gave to me for this giveaway. She was so kind and dear to give me one of my favorite wallets as a thank you present. This in no way influences my opinion of her shop, because this here is my blog and my opinion has always and will always trump any form of compensation. I just like to have a good time and share the love with others. -Insert giant grin here-***

Of Moosh's, Mozzi's, and amazing friends.

Dear Casey,

8 years ago. Can you believe it has been that long?

It all started with you taking over being Princess of Ladies Tops while I was downgraded to Wench of Men's Tops. I would have much rather fondled the male bottoms all day, then I wouldn't have had to look over and wonder, "Who is that new girl?" I would ask around, "So who is this Casey girl? What was the name of that bundle handler? Oh, you know the older one with longish hair and nails for days, my mind escapes me. She was my source of info. You were loved and adored, and somehow I had to get in on it.

Then, oh! One day a treat, it was a late summer treat in the break room. Orangesicles, and fudgesicles. You took the last orange. I was obviously pregnant and on a rage, and opened my big mouth! "Way to go and take the last orangesicle, Casey!"

That was it. We have been friends ever since. This is how most of my amazing friendships start, and I am thankful you were no stranger to my tremendously odd ways of, "Oh my goodness, I could NEVER be friends with her." *giggle*

I have watched you become a mother once, and happily, now twice. I know the journey has been long and stressful and one full of tears. Sadly, I know that journey too. My heart has ached with yours, when I found out much too late about some of your bouts with depression while pregnant with Moosh, and now with Mozzi. It doesn't help that I am so far away from you that there isn't much I can do but check up on you through email, text, and phone calls. It just isn't the same. Please know massive amounts of thoughts (ALL good now) and prayers are coming from this home all across the country on your behalf. The Big Man loves you tremendously, tremendously.

So today, today my gift is all about you. It is about the strength and ability to keep our cool, keep our heads in the heat of the battle, in the depths of depression. It is about recognizing our strengths in the turmoil of our weaknesses. YOU are strong. You are fighting the battle...and winning. You are going to be an amazing new mother to this Mozzi girl. (Gift is in the mail, you should have gotten it with STRICT instructions not to open it until today. I don't know if I could have waited, but I hope you did, it will make it funner. Sorry it isn't raw bacon.)

That is what we BFFs do. We stick together and fight, with the occasional hard words to be said and chocolate cake, sausages, and vacations along the way.

Love you to the moon and back and onto Pluto. Enjoy the next 15 weeks of Mozzi love.

Mwah.

xoxo,

Kim

Follow along on Twitter, hashtag #mozzi.

Utah Museum of Natural History

A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to hang out with some of my favorite local bloggers and friends. The Utah Museum of Natural History invited us on a tour of the construction site of their new museum.

The day started out bright and early and beautiful. It was a hard hat tour, so needless to say we donned our finest boots, safety goggles and hard hats. We all looked super stunning and fabulous. You want to know what was truly stunning though?

This museum. Breathtaking.

It sits at the foothills of the Wasatch mountains just east of the University of Utah campus. The panoramic view from this space is awe inspiring. Being a photographer, I can appreciate the beauty that my eye sees both from this building and this building itself. It is going to be amazing folks. Amazing.

I may or may not have gotten a little crush on the tour guide. I am sure he is my dad's age, but he was just so handsome and funny and sweet in that 'dad' sort of a way.

Truth be told, a few times a year I try to drag my kids out and up to the current museum. I somehow always talk myself out of it. "Parking will be a nightmare, I can't do Traxx with three kids, yada, yada...". This new museum will have none of those excuses. I am so excited to take my kids there all the time. It will be the perfect venue for my dinosaur/science loving 7 year old. They will even rent out the venue for parties and weddings. (I can't wait to photograph my first wedding there.)

The builders and planners thought of everything, from the coat check at the front door, to the Canyon Room to the walkways that lead you over the canyon. It is just beautiful. Words cannot do it justice, and even though it is a severe construction site, you can get an idea of its grandeur and beauty here.

Seriously though, construction and hard hats run in my veins. I look pretty stunning in this photo with Lindsey don't I?

Emily, thank you for this hawt photo, next time tell me to stand up straight. Oh I have such a mighty hump.

P.S. If you don't read Emily's blog, you should...she is one of my most favorite people in this world.

I hope it will geek you guys up as well. Make plans to visit the grand opening, you won't regret it.

Afterward, we all were treated to lunch at the Corner Bakery. The manager was so nice and helpful when it came to ordering. I love sandwiches and always have the hardest time deciding. I went with a BBLT. Double bacon. The world is truly a better place when it comes to bacon in my face, you double that? I am a happy queen. Next time I have a sitter, I am definitely going back. Especially now that there is one by the mall...double bonus.

I am going to leave you with one last shot of myself and my lady friends in all of our glorious orange-ness. I forgot to mention the vest above. So slimming.



***Full Disclosure: I was given the amazing opportunity to see the new museum under construction and was then given a delicious meal with my friends at the Corner Bakery. I was given the opportunity to blog about this experience if I so desired, which I did desire, therefore, here you see me posting about it. I truly hope you will all visit both places in the future, to experience the awesomeness for yourself.***

Toren

Watch this video of my cute little friend.
From beginning to end.
Freaking awesome he is! I have known him since he was a tiny little thing. Now he is all grown up and entering contests, and going to get all the ladies with his mad skills!

Good Luck Toren!

Giveaway: Be Still Necklace from The R House Couture

(this was suppose to post Friday, but blogger is being a 'doob' so I guess I start early? check out my other ladies tomorrow to enter.)

In honor of the r house couture's first real publication in the spring 2010 edition of:
Latter-day Woman Magazine
(see page 8)

Leisha, Lindsey, and I have decided to reward all of our wonderful customers and friends with the chance to win the necklace in the feature.
We are each giving away one of these beautiful pairs.

Sterling Silver "Be Still" Necklace with Butterscotch Amber
and matching earrings.

It has been a remarkable past 10 months since opening The R House Couture with two of my best friends. We have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.

If you would like to enter this giveaway, here are some ways to do it :

• Just leave a comment here on my blog and include your email address so I can contact you in the event of your winning.
• Enter Lindsey's giveaway on her blog.
• Like The R House Couture Page on Facebook and enter Leisha's giveaway there.
  

Extra entries available:

...leave an additional comment with your email address for each extra entry.

• follow my blog
  
• subscribe to simply me
  
• follow me on twitter (http://twitter.com/kimsueellen)
• tweet about this contest, using @kimsueellen in your tweet! (this can be done once per day.)
• blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post (leave a link to your post in your comment)
  
• email your family and friends about this giveaway (send the email to me too)

for example, if you are already a follower of my blog you would write in your comment:
"already a follower. here's my email: blahblahbla@whatever.com."

then if you tweet about this contest you would make an additional comment:
"tweeted about it today. here's what i wrote: check out this giveaway at simplyme: {link to this post}.
here's my email: blahblahbla@whatever.com."

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 11:59 PM MST.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 9, 2010.

(Please note: I am co-owner of The R House Couture)

envision:

My last post was also my 500th post.

(But if you count the two years I de-blogged, it is more like my 1000th post.
Just FYI.
Love you, thanks for coming back and loving me through all the shee.)
Please come back next week for a special celebratory giveaway!

FRIENDS!

The most amazing thing is happening this summer.
on
July 13, 2010!

My friends Natalie Norton and Jonathan Canlas are having a one day Workshop.
I am going to be there.
Are you?
PLEASE oh please come and hang with me, and meet these amazing photographer's and people!
I love the name:

envision
(ironically my 'Norton' anti virus just popped up on my screen, it is a sign you must come!)


e-mail Natalie or Jon for details:

natalienorton{at}gmail{dot} com
jonathan{dot}canlas{at}gmail{dot}com

and have a glorious day.

<3 me.

Have you done any good in the world today?

...if not, here is your chance!

Photos used by permission.
All photographed by our bestie Jon.

Isn't this photo of myself gorgeous? Amazing? Stunning? Breathtaking?
Can you believe that is ME?!
I am anything but narcissistic, but that could change now.
I need to have it printed in some huge form and hang it in my
bathroom to remind me every day how lucky I am.

When my friend Jon posted to his blog about helping his friend Sarah, I knew I had to jump on it in a big way.

You may have noticed this link in my sidebar:

<-----------------------

That will take you to the blog set up for Sarah and her family.

Upon learning about Sarah, could not help but stop and think about what Sarah
was going through, I tried to put myself in her shoes and tears formed in my eyes,
trickled over, and flooded.

I wanted to do SOMEthing so badly for her.

I was touched and thankful to get something so beautiful in return.
I just want to thank Jon for doing this for Sarah, and allowing us to serve her too.

I do not know her, but service is a powerful thing.
It heals.

Spring and Summer are wonderful times of year to get your family photos done.
Don't wait until fall or winter this year when your mind starts going to Christmas cards and such.

Send Jon and e-mail now and do something wonderful for Sarah and her family!

jonathan{at}jonathancanlasphotography{dot}com

While you are at it, take a moment to go oogle over our beautiful photographs on his blog.
My mom always told me to set a good example...so I am.



I cannot look at these photos without crying.
Honestly, tears form every time.

Priceless treasures, just like my family.
My ever wanted, hoped for, miracle family.

Oh how I love my handsome best friend.
Heavenly Father sure knew what he was doing when he led me to him.


xoxo

Little Claire de Lune Winner!

...Mary!

Mary (MEM) said...

How beautiful- (lullabies on the harp AND helping orphans)!

And at the risk of sounding like a total brown-noser I have to agree with Natalie's comment, YOU'RE beautiful too, Kim!

Thursday, March 25, 2010 8:38:00 AM

(Apparently brown-nosing totally pays off...either that or she and random.org have an in...lucky number 7!)

Mary, e-mail me at kimsueellen [at] gmail [dot] com and I will have Emily send over your new CD!

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Let's do this more often shall we?
xoxo

Giveaway: one Lone Harp, helping thousands...

...firstly, let me introduce you to Emily.


(the irony of this haircut, is that every young boy in my neighborhood has it...hmm.)

a.k.a 'Emily, Emily, Emily, Emily, Emily...'
(as I serenaded her all through high school Senior year (channel Cheers' "Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, Kelly" by Woody))

I freaking love this lady with ALL of my heart.

She has been such a good friend to me all my adult life. Like this day:



She introduced me to this man's work.
Love her for it.
It is because of her I am friends will ALL of these people.

Let us discuss how big of a heart she has?

It is huge.
I look up to her in SO many ways.
She is gorgeous, INSANELY smart, talented and giving.

She has recorded this AMAZING CD called:



Little Claire de Lune
Lullabies on Harp

She compiled these songs that! she! played! on! the! harp!
(she has been playing for over 20 years!)

For what?
To make millions?

Well, yes.

For herself?

NO!

To help thousands of children in Bulgarian orphanages.
*tears*

Specifically for:

One Heart Bulgaria

The images will stun you, will break your heart, and I guarantee you will not be able to turn off the computer until you have purchased this CD.

I. Dare. You.

You know of my love for adoption.
I cannot look at that site without wanting to hop on a plane and bring
all of those littles home with me.

So heavy.

Will you help?

Get your CD here.
(there is an amazing sample song at the bottom)

or email Emily:
emilia.kelly@gmail.com

Leave me a comment, Emily is giving a CD away to one lucky reader.

mrs. r just schooled me on how to do a giveaway so here:
(thank you lindsey...borrowed text from her blog. xoxo)

If you would like to enter this giveaway, here is what to do:

• Just leave a comment and include your email address so I can contact you in the event of your winning.
  

Extra entries available:

...leave an additional comment with your email address for each extra entry.

• follow my blog
  
• subscribe to simply me
  
• follow me on twitter (http://twitter.com/kimsueellen)
• tweet about this contest, using @kimsueellen in your tweet! (this can be done once per day.)
• blog about this giveaway, linking back to this post (leave a link to your post in your comment)
  
• email your family and friends about this giveaway (send the email to me too)

for example, if you are already a follower of my blog you would write in your comment:
"already a follower. here's my email: blahblahbla@whatever.com."

then if you tweet about this contest you would make an additional comment:
"tweeted about it today. here's what i wrote: check out this giveaway at simplyme: {link to this post}. h
ere's my email: blahblahbla@whatever.com."

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, March, 302010 at 11:59 PM MST.
The winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 1, 2010.
No joke.

Casual Blogger Conference...are you going to go with me?

Friends!
I just signed up to attend the CBC with mrs. r in May.

I am STOKED for this conference.
I want you to come with me!
It is going to be LEGIT.

Some RAD local bloggers will be speaking, people like CJane and Loralee...and Vanessa, and Kristina,
and, AND, A N D
My! BFF! CASEY!
as well as loads of other really rad bloggers.

Two of whom I have met IRL already...one I can't wait to meet.
We all need a party...so come and hang out with me. I need a jolt awake back into my blogging groove...don't you?
Also, who doesn't like swag and to party it up away from the kids from time to time?

<--------sign up to come with me over there! Let's meet IRL if we haven't yet. xoxo

Home Made Bump-its

Have you seen that commercial for bumpits?

Well, my kids have. And apparently they have seen it a lot.
I caught them the other day making home-made bumpits.
(I am not sure if I am more disturbed that bumpits is one word
(think bum-pits)
or just disturbed period?)

See for yourself:







I about died when my friend Jon saw these and was all, "Is that a bumpit?!"
Hilarity.
According to J-Dawg this was the "Hollywood Tall Bumpit".
After eating lunch in Provo last week, and I saw all the hair...I am wondering if Utah County is the number one buyer in the country of bumpits.
(love you Utah County!)

Still rolling.

Tell me YOUR bumpit story.

Allison is the BOMB...please vote for her!

Remember when I asked you to vote for my friend Allison the last time?



(photo taken from Allison's blog. Allison, need more photos of YOU.)

Well...you did...would you do it again?

Vote here

Third video down entitled:

inspire me mexico

I think she is totally rad. She deserves this.
and WE are all rad, and can do great things when we help each other.
Thanks mucho.

And have a kick-a V-day.

xoxo

Pray for Weston

Blatant thievery from Jon's Blog: Image by Jonathan Canlas

Our dear friends Jon and Callie
are up at PCMC in the PICU with their baby Weston.

Weston and Millz are the same age.
(I secretly have them betrothed.)

(You will recall his beautiful photography here.)

Weston was born with Tetrology of Fallot, and is now battling RSV.
RSV on freaking speed. It is bad.

You can read more about it here:

Our Life Right Now - Fuji FP-3000B

Will you please. Please. PLEASE...

Take the time to pray for this sweet, loving family.

Especially pray for Weston and a swift recovery.

It is not a question, but a begging from the bottom of my soul.

Love to Jon, Callie, and the kids.
Squishes and huggs from all of us.

Scam-a-lam-a Ding Dong

This post dedicated to never having to lie to my children EVER again.
Thank you for the picture Leisha.

Remember this post?

Update here.

You really, REALLY, R-E-A-L-L-Y
don't want to miss out on reading it.

"Chelsia" I just want you to know that I did get your e-mail last year.
(It surprisingly made it past the blockade I built around you and into my junk e-mail folder.)
It was a miracle that we were able to read it.

I had forgiven you at that point.
I still forgive you.
I accepted your apology and was thankful for it.

There was just a part of me that didn't want to give you the satisfaction of knowing that.

Now you do.

Hope you are telling the truth and that you find happiness in your heart and in your life.

My Millz.

Just checked my mail.

As in, the old skool kind.

Had a pleasant surprise from Crystalyn today.

Thank you.

I had forgotten she was ever this small.

Love you.

Heavy Heart

My mind and thoughts have been consumed heavily with
Natalie, Richie, and their sweet family this week.

There are lots of things I need to blog.
Lots of things to tell you about.
But all of those seem so insignificant.

It has been difficult to think of anything but them.

While I hope to never understand fully what they are feeling, I do know my own personal hell in the loss of our baby almost two years ago. Perhaps this is why Nat is on my mind continually.

Even then I can't imagine loving and holding and kissing your baby
and then to have to let him go.

I have been hugging my three babies close to me, we have been cuddling on the couch more, playing more games, and taking the time to truly cherish all of our blessings.
I hope you are doing the same.

We know and understand that life is precious.
How thankful we are for a plan that will allow us to all be reunited with those we love.

I ask for your continued love and prayers and support to this sweet family.

I am taking the weekend off from blogging and e-mail,
to truly enjoy the blessings I have.

Until Monday.

All my love.

Tiny Gavin

pic courtesy of natalie's blog

Please send your love their way.

No one should have to endure this.

No one.

Natalie's faith is amazing and inspiring.
Let it change you.