What You Missed and More Challenge Reminders

Hi peeps! Another week has flown by and now we're ready to hit the first week of the second month? Can you believe it??

I've had a lot on my mind this week as we prepare for February and can't wait for the upcoming month! Truly....I have some amazing stuff waiting for you guys! But...you will have to wait for it! ;-)

My Twitter Favorites:

Emily Thomas ‏@emitoms

Wake up every morning and find something to change about yourself for the better.

Jennifer Seigler ‏@jenseigler

10 Essential Questions To Decide If You Are Ready To Be A Pro Blogger? http://goo.gl/2opLEY via @SteamFeedcom

90 Days Through The Bible

Yesterday, I posted about my Word for 2014 and how commitment defines what I want to achieve this year. One specific point I want to focus on that I also spoke about when we discussed the New Year in Sunday Social, is spiritual growth!

It is so important to me to see our family becoming a centered unit in Christ.

www.ebay.com

2014 Word for the Year

I’ve seen a lot lately in the blogosphere about our words for 2014. You know me, a usual skeptic to bandwagons....I first did a little research (aka I googled the heck out of that shiz!). And what I found...I liked!

The idea is that instead of setting a ridiculous amount of goals or unrealistic resolutions, you choose a word or two to focus on for the year! It’s kind of a way to put your energy into something and create your own results.

www.bbc.co.uk

I’m not a fan of resolutions. I don’t make them and honestly, don’t hold too much into what people say about them. Now....I’m all about taking some time to look into the past year and think about what you want to do differently. I’m all for creating a ‘clean slate’ to begin the New Year with and setting up a plan of action for where you want the year to take you!

With that in mind, peeps, I jumped on that bandwagon like it was racing the MotoGP. Being that this is my first year with the #word2014, I decided to focus on only one word. One word to sum up where I wanted my energy and motivation to be headed. One word to lump all my goals together.

Twitter Hop 2.42

It's another week for the Twitter Hop and I'm so grateful you guys are joining us! Link up and follow around! <center> <a href="http://dawns-disaster.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLAQnAzs9Z9KrUGZm8PWggSGKY7NSKMMmxSigwkaRp3QHOaL83uL-73W_FGxWSqTjJ0Qfqua8J6X2DcO33db7yHtokbu14ZpfRjqaq9ptcWGB1zit6d5NeQG1QRt6DNh_Z9H1alRzhic6/s200/Twitter+Hop.jpg"/></a></center>

Wordless Wednesday: A New Me

Surprise Surprise...I kept it long! But I'm loving it! It's so much lighter and prettier now!

Check out my highlight sponsor this month!!

XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Immigrant or Expat?

Am I an expat? It’s a question that has crossed my mind a lot lately. Expat blogs are some of my favorite to read. I love hearing how they’re adapting to the new culture and how they’re handling being away from loved ones. I am always curious as to whether they consider their new position...home.

An expat is defined as a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country. An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than that of the person’s upbringing.

So far....I fit the definition.

My sense of friends are my family proves my feelings that this is my home!

Tuesday Tunes: God Gave Me You

Check out my highlight sponsor this month!!

XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Sunday Social Glam Style

Hey peeps! Thanks for stopping by for another Sunday Social! This week we're talking makeup and beauty....now you know it's not my particular strength...but I'll share a secret or two! While you're at it, click on that image below and head over to read what lots of others have to say...maybe even link up too!

Sunday Inspiration: Faith

commentskark.com

Saturday Funny: Tantrums

appliedbehaviourstrategies.wordpress.com

What you Missed: Week 4

 

So, here’s a little insight to what you missed this week!

Late Friday I posted another in the #2014BloggerChallenge series. This time we were discussing skin! Spoiler alert....my go to tip is water! Saturday I lightened things up with some braai humor and Sunday we discussed God's word on grace!

Buckle Up and Break Into Routine

I’m in a funk peeps. Not with writing....that seems to be going okay (knock on wood).

I’m in a funk with work. I love my job. I love the creative outlet I get and to socialize a little where children aren’t attached to whichever limb they can access first.

I enjoy the self gratification of having employment and let’s face it, my family literally needs the income to get by.

But....I’m missing my boys. Tremendously. Each morning my heart literally wants to scream out that I must stay at home.

Sponsor Highlight: Carolynn from Kitty Adventures

Have you noticed that fancy banner at the bottom of my posts?!? You have! That is awesome! Well, that dudad right there belongs to the wonderful and inspirational Carolynn at Kitty Adventures! And she is gracing us with her presence here today!

Carolynn is a not-so-new newlywed (meaning she's still in the early years but got a few months under her belt!). She is like a coat of many colors (no seriously, this girl has amazing depth!) and will definitely put a smile on your face! She knits, loves spending time with Mr. Adventure, and can give you amazing encouragement in her walk with Christ!

Raising Reagan Sponsor Highlight and a Giveaway

Whoop whoop! It's another exciting day here on Organized Chaos! Lanaya over at Raising Reagan is featuring her b-e-a-utiful sponsors today and they've come together to offer you ANOTHER giveaway! Can you believe it! So please...don't wait! Head over to her now and check out all the amazing ladies and don't forget to enter the giveaway!!!

Take it away Lanaya....

I would love for you to be included in a sponsors highlight! Please visit my sponsors page and see what I can do for you! Sign up and mention you came from the Sponsor Highlights and receive 15% off ANY Ad Space with CODE: Highlights15
For the January Sponsor Highlights {MUST have a blog to win cash and ad space}-- Winner receives: $10 PayPal Cash and 30 days First Confessions Ad Space - Janine's Confessions of a Mommyaholic | 30 days Reagan's Sponsors Ad Space - Raising Reagan | 30 days The Big Time Ad Space - Organized Chaos | 60 days Sidebar Ad Space and {1x} weekly Twitter ShoutOuts - God's Growing Garden | 30 days Ad Space - Mama's Got It Together Please see the official rules of all sweepstakes and/or giveaways here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out my highlight sponsor this month!!

XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Twitter Hop 2.41

<center> <a href="http://dawns-disaster.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLAQnAzs9Z9KrUGZm8PWggSGKY7NSKMMmxSigwkaRp3QHOaL83uL-73W_FGxWSqTjJ0Qfqua8J6X2DcO33db7yHtokbu14ZpfRjqaq9ptcWGB1zit6d5NeQG1QRt6DNh_Z9H1alRzhic6/s200/Twitter+Hop.jpg"/></a></center>

Welcome to Twitter Hop 2.41!

The only "rule" here is to follow as many people on the hop as possible!  I'd love it if you would grab a button and put it on your sidebar or "where hop/party" page.  Alright, let's get this party started!

Hairstyles Wordless Wednesday: I Need Your Opinion

My Wordless Wednesday is going to be a little wordy....okay?

Peeps, this is a picture of me in November of 2011.

Tuesday Tunes: Daughtry

This song just does it for me....

XOXxx

Shana Danae..

2014 Kick Off Ad Space Giveaway

Hey, peeps! It's that time again! A giveaway on Organized Chaos! I know the holidays were chaos for everyone and as much as we enjoyed them....some of us need some uplift for the new year! So, say hello to these lovely ladies who've stepped up to bring you more than $100 in ad space across the blogosphere!

Sunday Social: 3 Things

Happy Monday morning, peeps! I've been linking to Social Sunday for, well, months now! And one thing I love the most about it; how personal it is! It is an awesome way to get to know other bloggers more personally! The questions are always about us and what we do, like, and what we're up to! So, if you're looking to find some bloggers that you can really click with...you're in the right place! Head over and link up as well!

Sunday Inspiration: Grace

smscs.com

Saturday Funny: Ons Gaan Nou Braai

Because we take our braai very seriously.....Boere maak a plan!

asoftheworld.com

Water is my skin guru!

africagreenmedia.co.za

When Gaby proposed our second topic for the year....I was a little thrown. You all know I’m not a beauty blogger. Not that I don’t like to look pretty, I just don’t have anything new to add to the mix of what all those amazing bloggers are already telling you! Honestly, what I do know I probably read in the same places you did (ahem*google*ahem).

So, the topic of skin and skincare....it threw me for a loop. I sat wondering what in the world do I have to tell these people about skin.

What You Missed: Randomness and Links

Hi peeps! Another week done and dust, no?

It’s been...quiet! Not on the blog, but in life in general. Slowly, over the last few weeks, we’ve been transitioning back into routine mode. Bedtimes have become more structured, Mama has been getting things done in the evenings, and our social life has been put slightly to the backburner!

Not that I’m complaining. This was, is necessary. This was nice! Saturday, Hubby had gone fishing the morning and afternoon and when he got home, we quickly went to the shop and took LJ to the doctor. While out a close friend asked if we wanted to braai. My gut reaction was NO. We’d been very specific about not wanting to do anything for a few weeks, but this friend is a rustig (calm) friend. Don’t get me wrong...he can enjoy a party! But he knows the deal with kids too.

School is back on!

Wednesday school began again here in South Africa! I think it was a joyous morning for hundreds....a crazy, hectic, flabbergasted morning for thousands!

www.parentreviewers.com

I personally spent the night before scrutinizing my children’s clothing for damages created by two months out of school....playing in mud and dirt and whatever else stroked their fancy while at home and marking each and every item with names!

10 Reasons Why You Should Bring Me on Your Next Disney Vacation: Guest Post with Fallon

Hello there loves my name is Fallon (better known as Fal in the bloggy world) and I blog over at Fal Finds Happiness! For some crazy reason Shana has allowed me to take over her blog today (someone make sure that woman isn't ill or delusional)! If there's one thing you need to know about me it's that I love anything and everything Disney related. I even have a weekly Disney series on my blog! Today I'm bringing you 10 Reason Why You Should Bring Me on Your Next Disney Vacation.

You should really take me on your next Disney vacation. Or else.

Twitter Hop 2.40

Welcome to another week of the Twitter Hop! I hope you guys are loving this hop as much as I am! Want to help a friend out and spread the word?!? It means more chances for more followers for you too! Hit that share button down at the bottom! Spread this baby all over the www! Okay, thanks! <center> <a href="http://dawns-disaster.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLAQnAzs9Z9KrUGZm8PWggSGKY7NSKMMmxSigwkaRp3QHOaL83uL-73W_FGxWSqTjJ0Qfqua8J6X2DcO33db7yHtokbu14ZpfRjqaq9ptcWGB1zit6d5NeQG1QRt6DNh_Z9H1alRzhic6/s200/Twitter+Hop.jpg"/></a></center>

Wordless Wednesday: Week 3

Let's face it.....they're happy!

XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Tuesday Tunes: Mercy Me

I love, LOVE Mercy Me! I can sit for hours listening to their music! My favorite right now is You Are I Am....it speaks so much to my heart!





XOXxx

Shana Danae..

When Your Toddler Says He's the Boss

You know, peeps, sometimes I have a hard time being honest on here. No...I don’t lie! I just don’t tell you everything. I guess that is kind of normal. I know very few bloggers who genuinely share everything!

We all take sanction rights and pick and choose what areas we will reveal and what areas remain private for us! For some, they are very honest with every detail of their lives but keep names and faces private....others share every picture they have of their child but refuses to admit to having a 2 hour battle every night at bedtime!

I guess the point I’m getting to is that I need to be honest about something!

A Bug Birthday: Lil Mister turns 3!

 Lil Mister turned 3 last week! We held his birthday part the Saturday before his actual birthday. I've realized that with the boys' birthdays falling during the summer here when everyone is on holiday...I'm going to have to start sending out invites much earlier and planning ahead because no one is home and available for parties! :-( This mommy had a very sore heart when only one friend was available for Lil Misters' party but it was still a success and Lil Mister was beyond happy with how the day turned out!

Decor Behind the table

Sunday Social: Introduce Yourself

This Weeks Questions:

New Year lets introduce ourselves again 

Sunday Inspiration: Waiting

ibibleverses.christianpost.com

Saturday Funny: Back to School

For a lot of you...your kids are headed back after a winter break...mine are headed back for the beginning of the school year after 2 months at home!!!

dumpaday.com

What You Missed Week 2

Hi peeps! How’s 2014 going so far? Mine....lazy! No seriously though, this coming Wednesday everything goes back to normal! Lil Mister begins school again....so although I’ve had a million things that needed done this past week, I’ve just enjoyed the peace of an empty house. Of course the kids and Hubby are there....but it’s nice just being able to melt back into routine.

Speaking of routine....we are working hard to get that started again! I won’t lie...my laziness isn’t helping (neither is LJ’s teething!) but we’ll get there. Next week....it’s all strict again. Clean kitchen at night, lunches made and bags packed before bed! Lil Mister will begin school now and LJ starts his first day of school ever asof the 3^rd of February!

When Crime Violates Your Personal Space

If you don’t follow my personal page, you won’t know this, however, a couple of months ago....South Africa’s crime eventually affected my family. Finally seems like such a better word than eventually, but finally makes me feel as if we were waiting for it. Which we were not. In fact, I had been living quiet blindly up until now.

I love this country and am grateful that we choose to make our home here. I’ve mentioned on several occasions how much I miss America and this is wholly true. Yet, I love our life here. I love the values this country is instilling in my children and myself as well as the cultural diversity we are exposed to daily!

Twitter Hop!!

<center> <a href="http://dawns-disaster.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLAQnAzs9Z9KrUGZm8PWggSGKY7NSKMMmxSigwkaRp3QHOaL83uL-73W_FGxWSqTjJ0Qfqua8J6X2DcO33db7yHtokbu14ZpfRjqaq9ptcWGB1zit6d5NeQG1QRt6DNh_Z9H1alRzhic6/s200/Twitter+Hop.jpg"/></a></center>

Welcome to Twitter Hop 2.39!

The only "rule" here is to follow as many people on the hop as possible!  I'd love it if you would grab a button and put it on your sidebar or "where hop/party" page.  Alright, let's get this party started!

Your Hosts:

Dawn~from Dawn's Disaster

Natasha~from Serenity You



Your Co-Hosts this month:

A Peek Into My Paradise Mail 4 Rosey Confessions of a Mommyaholic Organized Chaos MaMadeCreations

Don't forget to share and Tweet about this link up!

Tweet

We would love to have you as a Co-Host!  Great special for February co-hosts, please email me: dawnsdisaster {at} gmail {dot} com to get the special price.










XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Wordless Wednesday: Lil Mister Throwback

In light of Lil Mister's birthday....I decided to do a throwback to the first couple of months of his life in 2011!! We've come so far!!

6.5 months pregnant

Lil Mister is officially 3!

My Dear Lil Mister,

Today you have turned three! It's hard for me to grasp that so much time has already passed and yet you still have such a long future ahead of you! 

You were so adorable this morning when everyone was telling you Happy Birthday! Since your party was on Saturday, you can't quite grasp why you're being told Happy Birthday again....but today is the big day!

Tuesday Tunes: If we've ever needed you

One of the things I mentioned yesterday in my Sunday Social post was that a goal of mine this year is to grow my family deeper in Christ. This song gives me so much encouragement because it constantly reminds me how much I need Christ and how dependent my family is on Him! Christ is not a crutch to get through life but the reason for living!





XOXxx

Shana Danae..

Sunday Social: A New Year

Whoop Whoop! 2014 is officially here! I know I'm a few days behind on all the excitement, but that is how I roll peeps! 

So let's kick off the first Social Sunday of 2014!

2014 Blogger Challenge: Inspiration

 

I’m a day late this time to the party and I’m so sorry! The holidays have been hectic with family coming and going over the last month. Add to that a vacation, a baby shower, two birthdays and New Years Eve...well, let’s just say as much fun as it was...I’m glad the last two months is over!

Life is beginning to go back to normal and so will the flow of this blog...I promise (I hope)!

Gaby over at Another Girl Blog proposed a 2014 BloggerChallenge. Normally, I avoid these types of things. I tried it once and I just got exhausted always trying to follow up with the memes. But this one seemeddifferent. It was a chance to stretch my content, expand my community and still stay real to who I am.

Happy New Year and some random stuff....

Happy 2014 all my peeps! I hope you all had an amazing New Years. Ours was fantastic, but I will recap on that later. At the moment, I can't upload any photos from my camera because it has decided to stop working! :-/ I can't figure out what is wrong either. It was working fine...I was viewing the photos from Tuesday night and when I shut my camera off it just didn't pull the lens in. Now, the lens is stuck out and won't retract! I'm really hoping this is a simple problem that can be fixed!!

Lil Mister showing off our tree to Maggy!

Wordless Wednesday: A Christmas Story

We totally surprised the boys with a swing set for Christmas! Hubby and Pa and V set it up Christmas Eve after the boys were asleep.....and it is definitely the hit we expected it to bed!