A million dollars and some kind awards

Erin tagged me to play a little game.  She asked us to pretend we had a million dollars that we had to spend.  She specifically encouraged us to share things we would buy as sort of indulgent purchases (that is how I took it anyway).  Of course, I would want to help any families that needed help bringing their lil ones home from China and do some other philanthropic deeds. But I would not want to disappoint Erin, so here are some material goodies I would love to splurge on too.

So, here are some things I would buy....

I love this chunky photo bracelet by Monica Rich Kosann.

I have a similar bracelet but I really have been coveting this one for a while.  Maybe Dave will read this post and he will have birthday/anniversary and Christmas hints (they are all coming up very soon).

I would love this wallet from Kate Spade. It has tons of compartments for all of the stuff (receipts) I carry around. 

I would indulge in this nightgown for Kate Emerson from Leontine Linens

and maybe some of their gorgeous monogrammed bedding (below) too! 

from The Well Appointed House

And I would order 10 of these (with a different fabric) for my dining room.  We sold our former chairs and I need new ones.

Photo courtesy of Country Living

Or these.  I love the ivory linen but I would put the monogram on the back rather than the seat and I would have far fewer ties.  I love this concept though.

I would buy another Quang Ho painting. These are two examples of his work above (already sold).  He does beautiful figures too though. We own one large painting by Quang Ho that we bought as an anniversary to gift to one another but I would love another.  Dave and I collect oil paintings but we have not bought any new ones in a few years.

Okay, we need a flat screen TV!  There is a media room in the new house and we need something.  This will be where the kids play Wii and Playstation and watch movies and television.  I have no clue how to pick one though.

A few years ago, Dave really wanted this car (BMW M6--it was an M5 then) but I made him be more practical and get something that would fit 3 car seats!  I would get this for him.

I would also like to take a family trip to Italy and France.

Of course, I would need a new Nikon D-300 to capture some great shots of our trip (and a new 85 mm lens).

Finally, I would hire a personal assistant to help me over the next month.  I have a mountain of work ahead of me unpacking and organizing the new house.  I am sure that will be no small feat with Kate Emerson under foot.  I also feel like I need help with birthday and holiday planning.

Okay, I have only made a dent in my million.  This was really fun.  It is  totally indulgent and I invite you all to play along. Leave a comment and I will come see your "purchases."  I will be doing some more fantasy spending later this week if I have time.

In other news, I was kindly given two awards recently.  Life is what you make it
gave me the "You make me smile award"  I am so honored. It was the first time I visited her blog and she seems so down to earth and so kind hearted. I love her life goals listed on her sidebar.  Go see them!  Thank you.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. This kind of made me laugh because I have not been as cheerful as I usually am. 
2. Must love one another. I do truly try to find the good in everyone.  This results in a very eclectic group of friends.
3. Must make mistakes. I am so good at this one!
4. Must learn from others. All the time!
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world. I hope so.
6. Must love life. I really do!
7. Must love kids. Most of the time!

These are the rules for the Smile Award:
1. The recipient must link backto the awards creator. Done.
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award. check.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself. See below.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award. think so.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient. my pleasure.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others. done.
7. You must thank your giver. and done.

I am sure that I am so late to the game and most of my buddies already have received this but here goes:

1. Erin at To Libby with Love always has a positive attitude despite the challenges she has faced in life.  She has a great sense of style and I love seeing what she is up to.

2. Leslie at Myah's Days has become a great friend to me.  We are kindred spirits and our conversations flow so easily.  Leslie is so thoughtful and creative.  In fact, she sent me an adorable little house trinket today and I love it!  

3. Kate at Living La Vida Lia is so sweet and thoughtful.  She leaves such heartfelt and specific comments to bloggers.  I often am at a loss for words whenI comment but Kate always seems to say just the right thing.  She is also a fabulous photographer.

4. Jennifer is a blogger I have had the luxury of meeting in real life.  She is warm and gracious and adorable.  I just know we would be the best of friends if we lived in the same city.  She has been so kind to me reaching out to our family during the hurricane and our move.

Then, Sebi over at Pearls and Grace gave me this award.  I admire her sense of grace and faith and style so much.  I was really honored that she thought of me.  Go on over and see her beautiful children.  She recently added a gorgeous little boy, Ashton to the bunch!

I would like to pass this award onto 

Diana at First a Pearl, then a Ruby because she is my friend and I love her.  She calls to check on me and she makes me laugh.  We have so much in common that it scares me. We were even in the same sorority!  Love ya, Di!

Debbie at the Pixel Fairy Princess because she is also my friend and she is brilliant too!  She is the most amazing photographer, digi scrapper and artist.  I want her to teach me everything she knows but I still would never be as good as she is.

Lisa at Osborn Odds and Ends is like Kate (above) in that she always writes the most poignant comments.  She really takes the time to listen and respond.  I was fortunate enough to meet Lisa in person and she is sweet and thoughtful in real life too.  

Wendy at Our five flowers was on my October DTC group and I got to know her just before our husbands traveled to China.  She is such an intelligent woman and she seems like a great Mom. She is very supportive and always leaves me thoughtful comments.  I feel like we could be very good friends as well.

Finally, I would like to give Heather at Our Little Ladybugs this award.  Heather is in my travel group and we met while we were waiting for Hannah and Kate.  She is such a thoughtful and kind person.  She is giving and insightful.  I wish we could spend more time together because every time I am with her, I am left wanting more time.

I always feel bad when I do these because honestly I could sit here all day and list blog friend after blog friend who is special in some way.  You all add so much to my life.  Thank you!