How far can ONE DOLLAR BILL go?

Turn your crinkly dollar into shiny new jewelry and help a great cause at the same time!

As some of you already know, my husband is a member of the Run For Research marathon team and had just completed the Boston Marathon this past Monday! With that major feat behind us, we still have yet another feat of closing the gap toward our fundraising goal for the American Liver Foundation. This year has been tougher on fundraising efforts due to the current state of the economy, so we're incredibly grateful for all the generous support we've received already. And if you currently have one dollar hanging out in your couch cushions, you can still help out! :)

Your one dollar can go a very long way! You can't even buy a decent cup of coffee with one dollar these days, but today, your dollar can make a huge difference! By donating it to our Run-Alex-Run fundraiser for the American Liver Foundation, your dollar will go toward funding vital research that can ultimately save the lives of those afflicted by liver disease.

AND... that same dollar will also go toward your entry into my giveaway! I'll be raffling off THREE eNVe Designs gift certificates in the amount of $30 each. All it takes is your one dollar donation.

Here's how to enter the drawing (A and B are required to enter):

A) Make your donation at www.run-alex-run.com (in any desired amount)
>>> $1 = 1 entry
B) Come back here and post a comment. You must include:

your name (as it appears on the donation)
your donation amount (to verify # of entries)
your email (so I can contact you if you win)
and mention any bonus entries (see below)

Bonus entries (optional):

C) Make any purchase from my Etsy shop (# additional entries = dollar amount of purchase); for the duration of this final fundraiser, I'm donating 100% of my shop proceeds to run-alex-run, so you can help a great cause and add to your spring/summer wardrobe!
D) (5 additional entries) Blog about this charity raffle with a link to this blog post and a link to www.run-alex-run.com; be sure to include your blog link in your comment here so I can verify.
E) (1 additional entry per tweet) Tweet about this charity raffle as many times as you'd like until the day of the drawing; be sure to include your twitter username so I can verify.

Winners will be announced here on
Friday May 15

Boston Marathon Weekend Recap

(at home after completing the Boston Marathon)

Marathon Monday came and went. I can't believe how quickly it creeped up and just as quickly passed by. Alex kicked major asphalt and finished the race under his goal of 4 hours (3:48:45). I'm so incredibly proud of him and hope that someday, I'll be able to run a fraction of a marathon without dying.

We held a couple of fundraising events over the weekend leading up to the marathon and they were a lot of fun. The first was a karaoke contest held at a local bar. Jax and I were able to be there early on in the night, but had to leave as soon as things got started. You know how 1-yr-olds can't really hold their alcohol very well. (totally kidding... Jax can hold his alcohol just fine). :P While he was there, he even worked the crowd for us taking donations.

is it wrong to pimp your child so early?

he even got the singer to make a donation!

And Alex even took the stage to perform his rendition of I Believe In A Thing Called Love, by The Darkness. A definite crowd pleaser!

watch as he transforms from normal guy to karaoke monster

like father like son

Well, the little guy just woke up from his nap so that's all the time I have. We're still looking to close the gap in our fundraising goal (we have until May). Anyone have any ideas??? I'd love to hear them. I'm also thinking of having another jewelry raffle... not sure yet, but I guess it wouldn't hurt. Every little bit helps. To track our fundraising progress, you can visit www.run-alex-run.com.

BOSTON MARATHON MONDAY is here!!!

(2008 Boston Marathon)

As I type this, my husband Alex is already pounding some pavement in the 2009 Boston Marathon. I wish I could be there on the course to cheer him on in person, but it would be utter chaos trying to maneuver the crowds with an 18-month-old, all by my-(36-week-pregnant)-self. Been trying to get live video streaming of the marathon, but no luck. :( But according to my tracking notices, he's keeping an awesome pace and hopefully will finish under 4 hrs like he hoped!

Be back later with more updates!

VERSATILE FIND :: for your home and beyond

This spa pillow from Mireio is just what you need for that relaxing retreat, whether you're jet-setting or just taking a breather at home, at the office, or on the train in between. This pillow is versatile in that it's a spa pillow (has a custom insert made of muslin and filled with Organic buckwheat hulls and luxurious Lavender from Provence!), a travel pillow (is the perfect size), and a lovely visual accent to any decor! Beauty and functionality.. all in one! I also love that each side is a different fabric/texture. This particular one features a soft knit in creamy white (like snuggling up with your crush on a chilly autumn day), backed by a refreshing floral cotton. The more I think about this pillow, the more I feel like I need it! :) I bet this pillow would also be great to take with me to the hospital when I go into labor! *hint hint* husband. I'll need all the comforting I can get!

There are also other patterns and fabrics available, like this gorgeous lavender pillow in a Danish cotton (front) / silk and cashmere knit (back). Silk AND cashmere together in one knit? Can it get any more comforting than that? I don't think so... Unless it also makes you chicken soup and gives you nice shoulder rubs. I want this one too. ;)


And this one....



And this one....



Do you have a versatile find? Let me know!

Pssst... Kreativlink giveaway!

You don't want to miss out on this one, folks. These Kreativlink journals are incredible! Go to somewhat voluble to enter!