Have I told you lately that I love Lee? I do. I was recently selected by Lee to be a “Fit Ambassador”, and what a cool gig this is. I get to try out product, tell you all about it, and GIVE YOU FREE STUFF. Wee! It works for me.

I have to tell you, when I first received these Colorwashed Khakis, I was a little concerned. You know when you hold up a pair of pants on a hanger and you think “um, no.”? Yes, well that’s what I kinda thought when I took them out of the box.

But wait! NO WAY, they slid on like a glove! They’re 97% cotton, 3% spandex, but you’d think they were more like stretchy cotton microfiber, they are so soft. Super light, too, which I love. Within about 15 minutes of wearing them, they relaxed and had a really cozy broken in feel.

They sit lower on the waist but not TOO low. They’re a little long, and have a nice wide leg which is super flattering for people well endowed in the thigh area. (ahem. Memememe!) The boot cut makes it really easy to give ‘em a couple of rolls up and call them capri’s, too!

Okay so on to the good stuff, which I know you’re waiting for. You want a pair now, don’t you? Oh, yes you do. These come in some really pretty spring colors - here they are:

Cocoa, Jade Green, Riviera Blue, Strawberry, Sunlight Yellow, White

They’re also available in the following sizes:

Misses: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Petites: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 (colors may vary)
Plus: 16, 18, 20, 22

Though you do NOT choose the color or size right now - you tell me that after you win a pair.

Want a pair of your own? Just leave a comment (valid e-mail addy and at least your first name, please). Want to increase your chances? Here are a few ways to do that - please leave additional comments for each additional entry:

1. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail or via RSS. (if you’re already subscribed, THANK YOU! You will need to choose another method to earn extra entries.)
2. If you commented on this post, you get an extra entry. Leave another comment that indicates you replied to that post (and, if you’re html savvy, grab the link to your comment as well).
3. Tweet it (1 entry per day, link to the tweet)
4. Mention it in your FaceBook status w/link (1 entry per day)
5. Mention it on your blog and link back here. (1 entry per day)
6. Become my fan on Facebook! (1 entry)
7. Become a fan of Lee Jeans on Facebook! (1 entry)
8. Click here and send this to a friend! (one entry per e-mail sent, must use this link - independent e-mails can’t be verified, sorry.)

Open to Ladies only who reside in the US and Canada - (International entries are welcome but will incur shipping charges.)

Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each extra entry, as I’ll draw using random numbers from comments.

Comments will close on April 30th (by 8pm) and I’ll draw 10 winners on May 1st.

My good friend Pam gave me an interesting and extremely flattering award yesterday, the Zombie Chicken.

Now, in standard fashion, I am flattered and honored that anyone in their right or wrong mind would think of me when dishing out any kind of blogger-created award.

Usually, I bookmark the award and have every good intention of paying it forward, but… uh… well, as many of you know, I am full of good intentions.

Pam, however, dished out a heaping helping of guilt and pressure along with the award. Ahem. Get this.

I know from experience that waiting to post awards is never good; I end up losing them and the blogger from which they originated.

Aaak! You mean, I have to not only graciously receive my award (for which I am humbled and thankful. Every time.) but if I don’t pay it forward, karma bites me in the butt? Butt…. Butt…. I have other posts to publish! And stuff! And things! Aw crud. Okay. Just for you, Pam. And those who I may have lost (have I lost you?) because of my failure to pay it forward:

The rules of the zombie chicken say…

“The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all…”

Now, I know a bunch of excellent, graceful and persistent bloggers who regularly produce remarkable content. I don’t, however, know what the heck a zombie apocalypse is. I’m also not sure I’m intimidated by a wrath of zombie chickens. But I’ll play along, because the artwork is cute. And if you drew that? You deserve an award, too. I’m also not sure how I’m going to limit my list to 5, so pardon me, Zombie Chickens, if I exceed my limit.

Without question, Pam herself is deserving of the award. I love her blog, I love the way she thinks, and I also love her dogs.

Sarcasmom is always an enjoyable read. YellowRose is thoughtful and inspiring. Usedtobeme is consistently introspective and personal. Mir’s blog will suck you in and never, ever spit you out. Lisa’s Chaos is just beautiful. Melissa is fun and creative, June is kind and nature loving kindred spirit, Melissa @ Inspired Room and Laura make me feel at one with my inner home-makeover cravings, and Pricilla has to be my newest, most favorite blogging critter.

Is that more than five? Oh well.

I have seen a lot of blogs and bloggers come and go, and while I know that we’re all here because we crave interaction, I also know that the amount of time I interact with others is always limited. I wish for more, but it just doesn’t happen. I always hope that you all know that I love you and appreciate you and that if I had more time to give to each of you, I most certainly would.

For each of you who make the time or take the time for me, I appreciate you and hope that though my gestures may be small, you know that they’re packed with a punch.

I pray you all have a blessed Easter, and enjoy your weekend!

A few hours remaining in this weeks Custom Portrait Giveaway, share a photo and a story of your pet, that’s all you need to enter to win my weekly giveaway! I’ll choose the winner and draw a 5×7 pencil portrait and post it on Monday. Easy peasy - click here to enter this week!

I do encourage all entrants to keep trying - there are still 42 weeks left in the year, 42 more chances to win - so don’t give up!

Don’t forget that there’s only one day remaining to own a teenie tiny original painting of a cute little imaginary creature! Snairy’s auction ends tomorrow, Saturday, March 7. My second ACEO - absolutely a great investment for you art collectors! It’s definitely going to a new home - the question is - will it be yours? Click here to bid!

I’ve completed this pencil portrait of Audrey and Janeice, matted it and have it wrapped in and ready to present to Audrey today at Church. I’m not sure if all my little modifications are even noticeable to you, the eyes, a bit more blending in the skin tone and deepening, I’ve tweaked both of their noses - little things that seemed off to me as I kept looking back and forth from their photo to the drawing.

Here’s the piece matted and I’ve signed the matboard and it’s ready to drop into a frame, just in time for Christmas.

It’s been a busy week here in the studio, I’ve tried to get away a couple of times to get some Christmas shopping done - I’m so glad I can do so much of it online! Today I’ll be getting another piece ready, I’ll be drawing a brindle Pit Bull named Josie over the next week. I’ll also put together my Handmade Gift Exchange packages (Catie joined in on the fun, and her gift is just so cute!), get a hundred or so Christmas cards and postcards addressed, and attend the girls Church Christmas Program later on in the evening.

If you’re on Facebook - I did get the girls Piano Recital videos uploaded to my wall - go have a peek if you haven’t already, I’m so proud of them!

I hope you’re all doing well - and that you’re getting everything in order for the Holiday without panic! It always seems there’s less and less time every year, doesn’t it?

Hey! How are you? Me? I’m well, thanks. It’s been a few days. Why has it been a few days? Hm. Well, I have a mild Facebook addiction (You don’t? Then you haven’t joined yet. You can thank me later.), I’ve even made a page, where you can become my fan.

Now, lest you think I spend every waking hour updating my status on Facebook, I have to show you that I have, indeed, been working! I’ve finished up a site design for Houston Photographer Patrick Bertolino. The design itself is simple, it’s the gallery that makes it what it is - and it’s his own Photography that makes the site delicious. You have to see his work! Go! I’ll wait.

I’ve also started another drawing, and have been doodling a bit on a custom dog illustration to be used on a previous client site. Very interesting things going on over here!

Last Friday, a very large package landed on my doorstep. Four new backdrops for my pursuit of studio photography! I will be revamping my studio to better accommodate portrait and still life sessions. I’m really excited about that, and will update you (and my site) when portrait packages and studio sessions are available.

I’m expecting another shipment in the next day or two - of course that would be the Christmas Postcards that I designed, and I’m so excited to send! If you received a card from me last year, you’re still on my list. If you’re a regular here, I am going to ask you to click on my “contact” form and don’t be shy about sending your address! I’d love to share my card with you this year!

I’ve also heavily discounted my “Eye Ate It” Series as well as Kiki, my beautiful Calico Cat painting in my Etsy Store, so there’s still time to give something sweet to someone you love for Christmas!

* * *

Those of you participating in my Handmade Gift Exchange, you received your partners last week. Just want to remind you that your Handmade gifts should be in the mail by the end of this week (the 14th), beginning of next at the very latest to be sure they reach their destination in time for Christmas. I’m really excited to see how it goes, and would love to see photos of your gifties, too! If you haven’t received your partner, then something has gone amuck. Please let me know if anything is amuck, as I have a brand new box of Hello Kitty band-aids, and I’ll fix it right up.

* * *

On the home front, we’ve all had the flu here, and I’m glad to see it depart our household. It’s a nasty bugger! I hope that none of you are down with this!

The girls have piano recitals tonight so I’m really looking forward to that - they’ve got brand new dresses, of course, because you can’t wear the same dress twice. I’m raising my girls up right, you know! I’ll get video of them and post it to my Facebook. Catybug will be playing a tune herself, as well as accompanying another wonderful young pianist with vocals.

It’s going to be a good day, as long as this rain doesn’t turn to ice!

Update: I’ll be making my annual dough ornaments this afternoon. I gave the recipe a couple of years ago but here it is again, for those of you who are :cough: bored today and want something creative and fun to do!

DOUGH ORNAMENTS
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Knead, add more flour to make it really doughy if needed, sprinkle water to make it more pliable as needed. Roll on very lightly floured surface, cut shapes using regular cookie cutters of your choice, bake at 250 for 2 hours.

Handy & Creative Tips:
- Roll them out on the backside of a non-stick cookie sheet so they don’t need to be transferred to the sheet.
- Fill in any cracks with water, smooth with your finger.
- Use a straw to punch out holes for ribbon before you bake them.
- Once completely cooled, paint them using metallic craft paint, or use a shimmery iridescent glaze over a solid color.
- Glue foil to the back to reflect the lights on the tree
- Use glitter sparingly to make them shiny
- String with ribbon and hang them on the tree!

I’ve just drawn ten random numbers from all entries using this random number selector.

Here are the numbers/winners of these awesome Lee Jeans!!

12 : Taba
72 : Grace @ Sandier Pastures
81 : Mary Beth I
70 : Lady Lu
20 : Becky
17 : Mir
66 : MomW
91 : Charlotte (Life’s a Charm)
5 : Usedtobeme
61 : Patois

Congratulations!!!! I’ll be dropping you an e-mail to get your size, color preference and mailing address!!

Here are your choices:

The One True Fit premium bootcut comes in four different washes: Union Blue, Blackdigo, Shadow Blue, and Galaxy blue. Union and Blackdigo are darker and Shadow and Galaxy are more of what you think of when you think “blue jeans.” These are available in sizes from 2-16, short, medium or long. The plus size scale ranges from 16w to 26w, available in short or medium. For this jean, there is also a petite scale from 2-16.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

If you could just hold off on the laughter for a moment (yes, I can hear you way over here), I’ll explain why I’m sharing this ridiculous photo of me modeling a pair of Lee Jeans that I have photoshopped SO much you would NEVER be able to pick me out in a crowd. (haha. I kid. No, I don’t kid about the thinify tool, but about most other things, I kid.)

Hahaha! Okay stop laughing, I said.

Last year, I lost a whopping 20′ish pounds strictly eating core foods from the WW core food list. Of course, in standard girly girl fashion, I went shopping. I tried on a pair of Lee Jeans. I loved ‘em. I even wrote about them.

Fast forward to this year. It’s jean season again, and I’m just a smidge frustrated that uh, well, my jeans from last fall don’t fit so good.

I would say that’s cool, cause I get to go shopping again, but honestly? I’d rather save my money for a personal trainer and a fridge full of core food.

Heaven must have heard that.

I woke up one morning to an e-mail with an offer to try out a pair of Lee Jeans. All I needed to do was pick out a style and a size. Seriously? How often does this happen? Not often enough, I say! Here’s the cool thing - now it can happen to you!

I’ve been given 10 pair - yes TEN PAIR of jeans to give away. The style I chose is a little hip because I wanted to try something different. The wrap waist, button pockets and low rise might not suit everyone, but I really dig them. The style I’m wearing is “Cristina” if you’re out and about and want to pick them up.

In an effort to be a little more conservative with the jeans I chose to put up for grabs, however, I’ve selected a more traditional style for ten lucky winners:

FOR THE GALS:

The One True Fit premium bootcut comes in four different washes: Union Blue, Blackdigo, Shadow Blue, and Galaxy blue. Union and Blackdigo are darker and Shadow and Galaxy are more of what you think of when you think “blue jeans.” These are available in sizes from 2-16, short, medium or long. The plus size scale ranges from 16w to 26w, available in short or medium. For this jean, there is also a petite scale from 2-16.

UPDATE!

Lee Jeans is happy to accommodate the guys, as well. Here are the jeans that you boys will get if you should be drawn as a winner:

FOR THE GUYS:

Lee’s custom fit for men - relaxed seat & thigh, straight leg jean. Colors available are Medium Stone (denim color), Vintage Dark, and Shadow (black).

These are the jeans I’ve chosen for ten of you.

Want to enter to win a pair? Leave a comment. Want to increase your chances? Here are a few ways to do that:

1. One extra entry: Subscribe to my blog via e-mail or via RSS. (if you’re already subscribed, THANK YOU! You will need to choose another method to earn extra entries.)
2. One extra entry: Share it on twitter, facebook or another social networking site. (leaving comments on other blogs is great, but will not result in additional entries.)
3. Two extra entries: Mention it on your blog and link back here.

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, as I’ll draw using random numbers from comments.

Drawing will be held December 1st. Good luck!!

This year, in an effort to encourage creating and purchasing Handmade gifts, I’ve decided to host a Handmade Christmas Gift Exchange.

Over the years, I’ve made and received many beautiful, unique gifts around Christmas. From ornaments to framed needleworks, I have always been extraordinarily touched by the thoughtfulness and time that goes into a personal, handcrafted gift. I encourage you this year to be personal with your gift giving. If it’s coming from the heart, make it with your hands - whenever possible.

If you choose to participate, I will ask you for three things. Your favorite color, your favorite textile (this includes all fiber based products including canvas, papers and fabrics), and your favorite season. This will help me partner you with someone, as well as help that person send you a gift that you will treasure.

Would you like to join in? Here are the guidelines:

• Gifts should be handmade by you, or a handmade item can be purchased on Etsy or purchased at a craft fair, as long as you’re certain the item is handmade. Maximum gift/supply cost should be $20, not including shipping.
• Leave a comment that you would like to participate no later than November 30th.
• Plan to ship gifts no later than December 14, this gives you two weeks to create or purchase a handmade item.

I will accept participants through November 30th, then match people together and send everyone their partners information by December 5th.

That’s it! Please feel free to grab my badge and put it on your blog, the more the merrier!!