Another Website for Sale!
By Lara | August 6, 2008
OK, I am in the process of learning Time Management! LOL! I am going to be unloading sites and things that are not what God wants me to prioritize. I am a woman with a log of great ideas…but LIMITED time. So…another one bites the dust!
Click Here to view this High Traffic Niche site for sale!
Talk more soon…
Topics: Announcements | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 5 Comments »
Website for Sale!
By Lara | August 5, 2008
I am selling Web Designing Moms. I just do not have the time for the upkeep. YOu can view the ebay listing here:
Feel Free to post any questions here too…
Topics: Announcements | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 1 Comment »
Rain Rain…or should I say Thunder and Lightening GO AWAY!
By Lara | July 9, 2008
Man! It has been storming every day here! How can a girl…who works online…get any work done??? I mean EVERY time I get in the groove…boom…there goes some thunder and a crack of lightening! Time to shut down. GRRRRRR! I do know we need rain…LOL…but man, every day!!! AHHHHHH!
Can any of you online workers relate?
Hubbie wants to look into buying an uninterruptible power source or something. We need something that can protect the computer AND keep me online during a storm…BEFORE the next may be on it’s way Bertha hurricane! Don’t even get me started on hurricane season! ROFL!
OK…one last scream….
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Thanks for letting me vent! Whew…LOL!
Topics: Ramblings, Me, Business, Blah Blah Blah, Things I can't Stand, Venting | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 2 Comments »
Better Enjoy it While we Still CAN!!
By Lara | July 4, 2008
OK, so first I want to say HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to all my readers, bloggy friends, and the rest!
Thank GOD we still live in a free country…for now. With the way things are going, Lord knows how long it will last! I mean I can just feel not so good things on the horizon…
And what about those poor people in Gualala, California that can’t have fireworks because some bozos said the noise will disturb nesting birds??? HUH???? I mean COME on! ROFL! I think they have WAYYYY too much time on their hands! Where have the birds been for the past 100 years??? I really think they will survive as they have been! LOL!
Stuff like that really annoys the you know what out of me! Makes me want to rebel! ROFL!
I mean I LOVE fireworks! What would the fourth be with out them??? 
Thankfully, we still get to see fireworks where I live…they actually have two. One tonight and one on the fourth. Plus we are going to a pool party and going to eat way too much food…LOL…but hey, it’s fun and it’s a great opportunity to spend with friends and family!
Anyway, what are you doing for the fourth? Do you have any traditions? Does your city allow fireworks? From what I hear there are many that are NOT allowing it!
Topics: My Stuff, Me, Blogging, Holidays, Questions I ponder, Independence Day, Fireworks Banned???, Announcements, Ramblings, Things I Love, LOL!, Venting, Things I can't Stand, Family, Life as a Mom, Blah Blah Blah, Gab Fests | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 1 Comment »
What ever happened to PG-13???
By Lara | June 27, 2008
OK…so I am REALLY becoming disgusted with this INSANE society that we live in! Where can a Mom find a good movie that is safe or her kids…and for MOM!
We rented Fools Gold the other night to watch with our teenager. She loved Matthew Machonehey. Unfortunately, we never finished it…Somewhere between G-d and bare b oobs (yes, I know the space is there) I had to call it quits. I mean HUH??? Have I been asleep? I mean I KNOW G-d has become a staple for any movie over PG…but BARE B OOBS?????? (yes, I know the space is there) GRRRRR!!!!! We do our best to pick clean movies and G-d is one of those tasteless word combos we refuse to watch or keep in our library. We have let e few get by over the years depending on the overall movie….but this was just YUCK! I mean there was even a scene when a bimbo type character opened her legs WIDE for the camera….sure she had a bathing suite on…but…COME ON!
OK…so today was the boiling point for me….We are going to our very close friend’s house tonight and I had to decline her movie pick. You see, I now MUST read James Dobson FIRST to make sure I am prepared! Well…27 dresses had some questionable scenes in it…I mean my FOUR year old does NOT need to see 2 people getting hot and heavy in the back seat of a car and taking each others clothes off…even if they show nothing!
Honestly….neither does the teenager whom I am teaching to wait til marriage!!! Cause let me tell you…what goes in WILL come out one way or another….Personally, I think these movies would be just as popular…or even MORE so if they left the crap out! KWIM?
WHEW…ROFL…sorry for the rant…I am just so GRRRRR!
OK…so are there ANY decent movies that the WHOLE family can enjoy without being too cornball???
Topics: Me, Blogging, Ramblings, My Stuff, Movies, Questions I ponder, Morality, Life as a Mom, Blah Blah Blah, Raising a Toddler, Venting, Raising a Teenager, Things I can't Stand, My Reviews, Life is Learning, Parenting, Gab Fests | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 8 Comments »
The Shack - The Great Sadness
By Lara | June 26, 2008
Well…I hope there is at least ONE person joining me…LOL…
Please note…this book is not for the faint at heart and there will be some that cannot handle it and will even find reasons to criticize it. However, I can tell you thins…if you press in you will learn so much more than you ever imagined about the heart of God and His GREAT love for us!!
I let my teenage daughter read it and when I asked her what was the main thing you got out of the book she said; “God isn’t some big angry person up there just wanting to hurt us. He really loves us…a LOT!”
This is a VERY deep book. The Great Sadness is what I am going to talk about today….and let me tell you it is VERY sad.
I am a Mother and the loss of a child…well…it is the worst pain any parent can ever feel. In the great sadness, our main character, Mack, takes us back to where the great sadness began…several years ago he took his kids camping and on the day they are to go home, the two oldest get into some trouble on a canoe and take their dad’s attention away from the shore where Missy is and out to them…when they all get back to shore they discover that the youngest, Missy, is gone! Later to find out that she has been abducted.
They discover that Missy was not only abducted, but taken to an abandoned shak in the woods and killed…though her body is not found there, her dress and blood are.
OK…so yeah…Great Sadness??? That’s an UNDERSTATEMENT!!!
In this chapter, the reason Mack is thinking back, is because he received a hand written note in his mail box that said; “Meet me at the shack. - Papa.”
“Papa” is the word that Mack’s wife, Nan uses to call God. So he is VERY puzzled…confused…and angry. He is wondering WHO would write such a thing and if it IS God…WHY would He even attempt to bring Mack back to that AWFUL place??!
Hmmmm……
Next Time we will find out who and WHY this note was written….
What do you think so far???
Topics: Camping, My Stuff, Book Club, What I am Reading, The Shack, Me, Blogging, My Reviews, God Talk, Parenting, Blah Blah Blah, Ramblings, Gab Fests | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | No Comments »
Will you join me at The Shack?
By Lara | June 13, 2008
Hello All,
I am about to begin a new book, The Shack, by William P. Young. It has come HIGHLY recommended by several of my friends. I will be reading and posting about it on a regular basis starting tomorrow…
I must warn you…it is a very deep book. From what I know about it, you will laugh, cry, and learn more about the love of God then you ever thought possible.
so…I would LOVE some company if you are up for it! 
Topics: Updates, Book Club, What I am Reading, The Shack, My Stuff, Me, My Reviews, Life is Learning, Blah Blah Blah, Blogging, God Talk | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 3 Comments »
Been MIA…
By Lara | June 13, 2008
Hey Everyone,
I am sure many of you have noticed that I have been offline for quite awhile…I hurt my back a year ago and have been dealing with severe pain on and off. Well, right around Mommy’s Day, things got MUCH worse and I was forced offline for a bit.
I am still in pain and trying to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan…but I AM able to be back online again because of some meds…NOT how I want it to be forever…but helping me now.
So…PLEASE keep me in your prayers….and keep reading!
Topics: Updates, Me, Announcements | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 3 Comments »
Happy Mother’s Day!!!
By Lara | May 10, 2008
Hello to all the Mommas out there!!! I wish you all…and myself…a VERY happy Mommies Day!!!
A Mother’s Day Salute to YOU:
Proverbs 31:25-31
Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it!
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness giving counsel and instruction.
She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness, gossip, discontent, and self-pity she will not eat.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; and her husband boasts of and praises her, saying,
Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well, but you excel them all.
Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates of the city!
Random Quotes:
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. - Tenneva Jordan
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs… since the payment is pure love. - Mildred B. Vermont
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. - Sophia Loren
Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. - Marion C. Garretty
A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest. - Irish Proverb
Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children. - Sam Levenson
My Mother Taught Me:
To Value A Job Well Done
“If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
Time Travel
“If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”
Logic
“Because I said so, that’s why.”
Foresight
“Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
Irony
“Keep crying and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
Osmosis
“Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
Stamina
“You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
Weather
“This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
Hypocrisy
“If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”
Circle Of Life
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
Behavior Modification
“Stop acting like your father!”
Envy
“There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
Anticipation
“Just wait until we get home.”
Receiving
“You are going to get it when you get home!”
Medical Science
“If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”
How To Become An Adult
“If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
Genetics
“You’re just like your father.”
Wisdom
“When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
Justice
“One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you”
Have a WONDERFUL Mother’s Day…and make sure y outake the time to THANK GOD for ALL the many blessings that you have!!! (((hugs)))
Topics: Mother's Day, Holidays, Life as a Mom, Blah Blah Blah, Parenting | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 1 Comment »
Quick and AWESOME Momma’s Day Sale!!!
By Lara | May 9, 2008
I am having a quick sale for Mother’s Day at http://designedbylara.com
To get any of the following 10 deals just email me at
contact[at]designedbylara.com (replace [at] with @ symbol)
with “Mother’s Day Sale” in the subject line.
Sale Prices Good from May 9-11, 2008
- 25% off ALL premade blog templates (excluding bargain designs)
- Buy one get one FREE custom blog templates
- 50% off any order of $200 or more (cannot be used with website deal)
- FREE blog design with any SMF forum design purchase ($100 value)
- FREE 125×125 with ANY purchase ($20 value!)
- $50 credit with any $100 purchase or more
- FREE logo design with any $150 purchase or more ($85 value!)
- FREE Custom Image OR Simple Signature with any purchase of $25 or more
-Buy one get one FREE on all ebook cover design options
- FREE matching blog AND SMF forum design AND one year hosting AND domain name with any website design of $500 or more ($407.97 value!!)
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!
Topics: Cool Stuff!, Announcements, Business, My Designs, My Businesses | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | No Comments »
I AM VERY SEXY!!!! Who woulda thunk??? LMBO!!!!
By Lara | May 8, 2008
You Are Very Sexy |
 Damn! You are one hot number. You have a lot of sex appeal. You know you’re sexy, and you’re not afraid to put it all out there. And while you’re very appealing, you’re careful not to be trashy or over the top. Sexy is all about attitude. And you totally have the attitude that people love. How You Are Sexy You are secure in social situations, and you definitely have a confident vibe. And that’s very sexy. Your modern look is sexy. You don’t give people too much of the same old thing. You like to change it up. You feel gorgeous, and you always try to look your best. You make the best of what you’ve got. Totally sexy! You are open to all sorts of experiences, and you have a taste for the exotic. Your adventurous spirit is very sexy. |
Hee Hee Hee…
I just HAD to do this one…
Hey don’t hate me cause I still got it!
ROFL!!!!
Topics: Blogging, Me, Quizzes, Cool Stuff!, Announcements, FUN!, Fun and Silly, Beauty, Blah Blah Blah, LOL! | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 1 Comment »
American Idol Results (5/07/08)
By Lara | May 8, 2008
Sniff Sniff…well…I was right…Jason Castro went home last night on American Idol. Honestly, as much as I liked him and secretly hoped Syesha Mercado would go home instead…he DID do pretty bad on Tuesday night and unfortunately, this business is unforgiving. I also feel like his heart has not been in it for the past two weeks. It’s like he lost his luster or something.
Ah, Jason…we will miss your sweetness and simply way about you. You made American Idol casual and pleasant!
No need to fret…your life is JUST beginning! Hats off to YOU, Jason!
Home town visits next week…..
Topics: Blogging, American Idol, Announcements, Blah Blah Blah, Things I Love, My Reviews, Gab Fests | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | No Comments »
Good Job, Crusher!
By Lara | May 7, 2008
Well, we are in the final stretch of American Idol. Last night was a clear win for Archuletta. Simon declared that he CRUSHED the competition in his performances last night. I must agree…he just had it all. Right song. Right attitude. Right voice.
OK…let’s get to the review…
David Cook :
Song 1 - (hungry like a wolf) - He could have picked a MUCH better song! It was SOOOOOO karaoke. I was completely UNimpressed. Bad song choice. No Vote.
Song 2 - (bob o’riley) - He sounded good….but something was missing. It was too slow and since I hear it every time I watch CSI New York, it really did not do much for me. No Vote.
From the Teenager: Song 1; sounded like a sick wolf. Mmmm…no good. Song 2; I don’t need to fight to prove that it stunk! No Votes from me this week.
Syesha Mercado:
Song 1 - (proud mary) - HORRIBLE. I thought it stunk. She did NOT do Tina justice. I TOTALLY agreed with Simon. It was shrieky. Blech! No Vote.
Song 2 - (a change is gonna come) - It was a real snoozer. Nice run at the end, but that was about it. I didn’t like her dress this week either. I also felt VERY played by the tears…could be pms on my part. rofl. they were very manipulative and seemed NOT genuine considering she was smiling happily seconds later. Hmmmmm….No Vote.
From the Teenager: Song 1; Whiny. I agreed with Simon. Song 2; zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. No Votes.
Jason Castro:
Song 1 - (i shot the sheriff) - I wanted to shoot myself. ROFL! I really detest do not like that song. His performance was a huge disappointment. I do think Simon was a little harsh though. No Vote.
Song 2 - (mr. tambourine man) - He forgot his lyrics!!!! That is SO bad. The performance was better than the first. BUT…neither was very good. WHAT IS WRONG with Jason???? I gave him 1 sympathy vote.
From the Teenager: Song 1; I liked it. I thought it was a funny song. Song 2; Poor Jason (insert pout lip). I voted for him!
David Archuletta:
Song 1 - (stand by me) - Excellent! Very, very, very, VERY good! WAAAAAAAAAAY better than his competition this week! I voted.
Song 2 - (love me tender) - I LOVE Elvis. I though he made him proud! He really DID crush the competition like Simon stated! WHOO HOO for David Archuletta!! I voted again!
OK, you know the drill…ROFL…cover your ears…
From the Teenager: Song 1;
MOLTEN HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIS IS SMOKIN! WHOOOO HOOOO!!!! Simon was on the money…EXCEPT for the comment about the ending! I SO voted! Song 2; WONDERTASTIC!! HE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME! HE IS SO SWEET TOO!!!! WHOO HOO!!! XOXO I voted!!!
OK…well, unfortunately, I really think that this will be Jason Castro’s week to go home. He just has not been “on” for the past two weeks…we will see though…you know how American Idol is! Filled with surprises! 
Topics: Me, My Stuff, American Idol, Blogging, Blah Blah Blah, Raising a Teenager, Things I Love, My Reviews, Gab Fests | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 2 Comments »
MY American Idol went home… :(
By Lara | May 1, 2008
I was SO bummed last night…Brooke White went home.
She is just SO sweet and kind, she handled it with such poise…and she was VERY sad. I will miss her beaming smile, great voice, and positive attitude.
She is such a wonderful person, I am sure that there will be MANY opportunities for her!
Hats of to YOU, Brooke! To me you ARE the American Idol! You are an AWESOME role model in this YUCK of a world!!
Topics: American Idol, My Stuff, Announcements, Blah Blah Blah, Things I Love | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | 1 Comment »
What’s Paula on…and where can I get some??? ROFL!
By Lara | April 30, 2008
Did you see what happened last night? Paula was quite a bit WaCkY. I mean she went to judge the FIRST song and was talking about BOTH songs when the second one was not even sung yet…she was a bit loopy all night.
Possible Reasons…
1. the show is not really live…
2. there is something more in that cup than soda???
3. Simon is intoxicating her with his cologne.
4. she can see into the future…
5. ROFL…she had a major…and I mean MAJOR blonde moment.
OK, on to a review of last night…
Neil Diamond was the mentor and they had two songs. I am going to do my review by song and then overall.
Jason Castro:
Song 1 - (forever in blue jeans) - 5 stars. Very nice. He looked like he was enjoying himself and I liked the way he sounded.
Song 2 - (september morn) - No…no…no. Blech. Very bland and not good.
Overall - I think the second song REALLY hurt him. He just did not see “in the zone.” I did like the first one. I just hope it is enough to keep him in! I voted.
From the Teenager: Song 1; I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVED it! WHOO H OO! Song 2; I’ll stay! YOW! Cool! I did NOT agree with Randy or Simon! He got my vote!
David Cook:
Song 1 - (i’m alive) - It was OK. It really did not do much for me. He sounded like any other rocker would singing that song.
Song 2 - (all i really need is you) - Good. Very Good. FINALLY! ROFL.
Overall - Honestly, since his April 9th performance, I have had a hard time liking him again…that is how BAD it was! ROFL! Tonight, however, with his second song choice, it was reminiscent of his “Hello.” However, I am still NOT convinced. I gave him one vote.
From the Teenager: Song 1; liking the guitar. Nice. Song 2; zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-middle was ok-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I voted.
Brooke White:
Song 1 - (i’m a believer) - It was fun. Nice to see her having such a good time. She looked SO happy…and VERY pretty. WHOO HOO for her!
Song 2 - (I am, I said) - Excellent. My fave ever from her. LOOOOOVED it!
Overall - Brooke White is STILL my American Idol! I think she is awesome…a GREAT role model! She got my vote…a few times!
From the Teenager: Song 1; Nice hair. Awesome performance. GREAT! Song 2; She is SO sweet. My favorite from her too! I voted!
David Archuletta:
Song 1 - (sweet caroline) - Awesome. He was carefree and happy. Very fun!
Song 2 - (america) - Very, very nice. Great runs. Not too many, not too long, just right.
Overall - He seemed really comfortable and relaxed for the first time. I liked him tonight. He did a really good job. I voted.
OK, now remember…watch your ears…
From the Teenager: Song 1; He is just SO adorable! KA-CHOW! LOVE HIM! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Song 2; WHOOO HOOOOOOO! INCREDIBLE! LOOOOOOOOOOOVED IT! MOLTEN HOT! He did AWESOME tonight!!!!! He got my voteS!
Syesha Mercado:
Song 1 - (hello again) - ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…again, VERY whiny. I did not like it or her.
Song 2 - (thank the Lord for the night time) - NO. Whiny. Yuck.
Overall - Not feelin’ it. NO vote.
From the Teenager: Song 1; I do not like her hair that way. Her voice makes my spine cold. Song 2; I did not like it. No vote.
OK, so…ROFL…you go how WE feel…LOL!
Anyhoo, OK, my prediction for the bottom two is Jason Castro (sniff sniff) and Syesha Mercado. I have a feeling it will be Jason though.
What do you think?
Topics: Blogging, American Idol, Thoughts from My Teenager, FUN!, Ramblings, Things I Love, My Reviews, Blah Blah Blah, Raising a Teenager | | Parenting Toolbox | Fight Fat! | | No Comments »
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