Is this goodbye?

So two years ago, we were hot and heavy. Barely a day went by when I wasn't thinking of you. Dreaming of you. Then as time went on, things cooled off. Where was the passion? The love?

And now, we barely speak. I go days, even weeks without even considering what you might want, what you might be thinking.

So I have to say, Blog of Mine, things might not be working out. It isn't you- it's me. I just don't have the time or energy to make this work right now.

Ok, it is you. I don't craft much at all anymore. When I do, it's for profit. I don't take the time to think up wildly exciting new things that draw in hundreds of people. I lack the motivation and the interest to really do much to run a blog with such specific needs.

So instead, I've started a new blog. A blog where I can be myself. Where I don't have to try and change who I am on any given day to make sure someone elses needs are met. You've been selfish with me, blog. You've demanded my attention, sulked, and pouted.

This isn't goodbye for ever, blog. This is good bye for now, because I just don't have the motivation to craft, photograph, and post every day week month.

Good bye, blog. I'll be back.

.....And now that the overly dramatic good bye's are done with the blog, here's the scoop.

A) I don't craft hardly at all anymore, and while the original intent of this blog wasn't for the crafting, that's where about 90% of my followers found me, so I'm not sure my new brand of blogging is a good fit.

B) I have found that in having a specialized blog like this, where there's a general topic that I've stuck to for a long time, it makes it very hard for me to blog unless I'm totally in the mood.

C) I just am not interested in crafting much, end of story.

BUT, I have started a new blog, which will be wildly popular soon someday probably never. But here's the official invitation for you to come read it.

I will save the blurb about what all it's about, except to say this: It's a say and do anything that's on my mind blog. No specified topics. Nothing off limits. JUst whatever comes to mind, when it comes to mind.

(And don't let the name put you off- it's a self deprecating look at myself more than anything else.)

And without further ado, please take a moment to come and visit me over at:

Because You're A Moron

I'd love to see some more people over there! It's only a week old, but I'm loving the freedom so far.

Happy 1 Year Anniversary!

Frankly, I'm being optimistic here, because I'm coming at you live... from November, 2009. I have no idea if my little blog made it, or if it will be active, or if anyone will even still be visiting with me. I have to say, I really hope that it does.

Because this is a blog being sent to the future, so to speak, or being plucked from the past, I'll write down some of the things I hope to accomplish by October 2010, and I suppose when the time comes, we'll see just how close to the mark I make it.

1. I hope to have built up a following of at least 50 people. Currently, I'm at 15.
2. I hope to start & finish a quilt.
3. I hope to take several sewing classes, so I can have more than a basic knowledge of how to sew.
4. I hope to be happy, and loved, as I currently am.
5. I hope for a good year, above all else, for myself, my family, my friends, and anyone who stops by to read my blog.
   
6. I hope to have an epiphany along the way, and actually start writing a book- any book, so long as it's written by me.
   
7. I hope... a lot, I suppose.

So, if the blog is still here, and people are still reading it... Happy 1 year anniversary, a bit premature from my current time frame. Let's hope the year was a good one!

Make New Friends!

As I typed the title, I am reminded of that Girl Scout song- Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. ;)

Today, I joined up with New Friend Friday, and it gave me an idea. (Psst... if you are looking for new friends, link up!) Every Friday, when I am around and remember, I am going to feature a blog (or several) that I have found which has under 75 friends. This way, they can be seen by more people, and hopefully, get some new friends!

First up is Cindy from Little Did I Know





Cindy is a mom of 3 kids, and they are currently building a new home. And, she still managed to find time to redo this bird cage and birds!






Next up is Rachel at Sew Ambitious.

Rachel only just started sewing about 9 months ago, and is already making some darling projects, including a sweater hat (very similar to one I made last fall!), and a darling little polka dot dress!

Last up for today is Janel at MacKenzie's Crafty Mom.

Janel is a stay at home mom to an adorable little girl. She also is an amazing cake decorator! For her daughter's teachers, she made a totally cool sunflower cupcake bouquet, which includes a tutorial. Check out her St. Patrick's Day cookies! (Psst... she's also running a $60 CSN contest right now!)

Make sure to stop by and check out these blogs, and let them know you found them on New Friend Feature at My Frugal Family!!

Last Birthday Week Giveaway!!

It's here- Friday! The last day of my Birthday Week giveaways. I hope you have all enjoyed them as much as I have enjoyed being able to bring them to you!

Starting tomorrow, winners will be drawn each day until next Friday. The winners will be contacted via email, and announced here on my blog. We need to hear from the winner within 3 days, or a new winner will be chosen.

Have you had a chance to enter the rest of the Birthday Week at My Frugal Family giveaways? Julie from Singing Three Little Birds is hosting a cool jewelry prize,  Brooke from Makin' It Domestic is giving away a cute little handmade purse, Joy from Mommas Kinda Crafty is giving away a minky stuffed animal, I (from here!) am giving away a pair of bib clips, Brittany from Love Stitched is giving away 1 of 3 crafted items, Veronica from Veronica's Korner is giving away a hand beaded jewelry set, and Tammy from Not Just Paper and Glue is giving away a purse full of adorable handmade flowers!! If you did enter, please go double check that you left an email address- several entries did not!!

 Today's prize comes from Rose at Really Rosey. She's volunteered up a cute little peach diaper clutch Grab & Go. The Grab & Go clutch is a fabric clutch with a velcro closure that fits a few diapers, and a pack of to-go baby wipes. Perfect for keeping in the car for emergencies!

Today is also the LAST day to enter the first contest, so if you haven't entered yet, make sure to go back and do so! The only way to win a prize is by entering!! (well, and then winning!)

Each of the contests ends at different times, so be sure to enter now so you don't miss out!

Giveaway #1-Fabric Jewelry, Ends 5/01
Giveaway #2-Pleated Purse, Ends 5/02
Giveaway #3-Stuffed Animal Baby Toy, Ends 5/03
Giveaway #4- Baby Bib Clips, Ends 5/03
Giveaway #5- Choice Of Prize, Ends 5/04Giveaway #6- Handmade Jewelry, Ends 5/05 Giveaway #7- Fabric Flowers, Ends 5/06
Giveaway #8- Diaper Clutch & Go, Ends 5/07

he Rules For the Contests:

1. Each Contest is being sponsored by another blog, except 1 contest that I'll be hosting myself. To help thank these wonderful women, I am asking that you to Visit Rose at the Really Rosy shop & website, and find either a product you love, a project you love, or a post they've done that you love, and comment back to me with it. This way, they get some new viewers, hopefully, and can feel the love from my viewers!

2. An email address is required- if you do not feel comfortable with email harvesting, please use something such as (at) and (dot) to break it up a bit, so that it can be used to contact you!

3. Twitter, Tweet, Facebook, and Blog about the contests for an extra entry. Post a link to where you twittered, tweeted (I know, it's the same thing), facebooked, or blogged about it, and post this as a second comment for a second entry.  

4. The winner chosen will be posted on the blog, and also emailed by me. Please check your emails & this blog to see if you won anything- if I can't get a mailing address from the winner after 3 days, I will have to pick a new winner!

Enjoy the contests, and please, visit the sponsors- they are a talented group of ladies!

The winner of this giveaway will be drawn on Thursday, May 6th, using Random.org to randomly pick a number from the comments. 

Winner:

• If no email address was given on the winning comment, a new winner WILL be chosen, so please, remember to leave contact information! If you are worried about web crawlers snagging the email address, please feel free to substitute the @ for (at) and the . for (dot) so your email address reads like this: herberkids3(at)yahoo(dot)com, instead of the normal way. As long as I can understand what it should be, you will be entered!
• The winner will be emailed by myself, and the sponsor of the contest. The prize will be sent from the sponsor, so it's important to make sure that you answer one or both of the emails with your snail mail address for shipping!
• If a response is not received within 3 days time, a new winner will be drawn, so please- respond!

Good luck to all the entries, and don't forget to check back again tomorrow for another exciting giveaway!!

Birthday Week, Giveaway #6!! CLOSED!!

 
This contest is CLOSED to entries! Watch for the winner to be announced soon!!

Have you had a chance to enter the Birthday Week at My Frugal Family giveaways? Julie from Singing Three Little Birds is hosting a cool jewelry prize,  Brooke from Makin' It Domestic is giving away a cute little handmade purse, Joy from Mommas Kinda Crafty is giving away a minky stuffed animal, I (from here!) am giving away a pair of bib clips, and Brittany from Love Stitched is giving away 1 of 3 crafted items!! If you did enter, please go double check that you left an email address- several entries did not!!

For Birthday Week, several of my awesome readers are sponsoring giveaways here on My Frugal Family! Today's giveaway comes from Veronica from Veronica's Korner. For this giveaway, Veronica made a pretty jewelry set, which includes a hand beaded necklace and two bracelets in shades of green! Perfect for a Spring or Summer dress, or to wear casually!

Aren't they just so pretty? Green is a great accent color for Spring & Summer, and even fall, too!

The Rules For the Contests:



1. Each Contest is being sponsored by another blog, except 1 contest that I'll be hosting myself. To help thank these wonderful women, I am asking that you to Visit the Veronica's Korner blog, and find either a product you love, a project you love, or a post they've done that you love, and comment back to me with it. This way, they get some new viewers, hopefully, and can feel the love from my viewers!

2. An email address is required- if you do not feel comfortable with email harvesting, please use something such as (at) and (dot) to break it up a bit, so that it can be used to contact you!

3. Twitter, Tweet, Facebook, and Blog about the contests for an extra entry. Post a link to where you twittered, tweeted (I know, it's the same thing), facebooked, or blogged about it, and post this as a second comment for a second entry.  


4. The winner chosen will be posted on the blog, and also emailed by me. Please check your emails & this blog to see if you won anything- if I can't get a mailing address from the winner after 3 days, I will have to pick a new winner!


Enjoy the contests, and please, visit the sponsors- they are a talented group of ladies!


The winner of this giveaway will be drawn on Wednesday, May 5th, using Random.org to randomly pick a number from the comments. 


Winner:

• If no email address was given on the winning comment, a new winner WILL be chosen, so please, remember to leave contact information! If you are worried about web crawlers snagging the email address, please feel free to substitute the @ for (at) and the . for (dot) so your email address reads like this: herberkids3(at)yahoo(dot)com, instead of the normal way. As long as I can understand what it should be, you will be entered!
• The winner will be emailed by myself, and the sponsor of the contest. The prize will be sent from the sponsor, so it's important to make sure that you answer one or both of the emails with your snail mail address for shipping!
• If a response is not received within 3 days time, a new winner will be drawn, so please- respond!

Good luck to all the entries, and don't forget to check back again tomorrow for another exciting giveaway!!

Each of the contests ends at different times, so be sure to enter now so you don't miss out!


Giveaway #1-Fabric Jewelry, Ends 5/01

Giveaway #2-Pleated Purse, Ends 5/02

Giveaway #3-Stuffed Animal Baby Toy, Ends 5/03
Giveaway #4- Baby Bib Clips, Ends 5/03

Giveaway #5- Choice Of Prize, Ends 5/04

Giveaway #6- Handmade Jewelry, Ends 5/05
Giveaway #7-

Giveaway #8-

Blog Shout Out

I'm in a lack-of-crafting sort of stage right now. Not for lack of projects. No, more like for lack of ambition. Yep, that sounds right. So, in order to actually have people remember my little blog here, I thought I would go ahead and do a few blog shout outs.

First up, and this is totally self serving, is the most awesome mom blog out there, Minions x 3.

....

Yes, I hear the crickets all the way over here. All right, so it probably isn't the most awesome anything out there, but it's brand new, and it's all mine. It's more about ME than about what I do, if that make sense. It's about being a mom, a person, having kids, and life. Go, read, friend it, and bask in it's awesomeness.



Next up is another cool blog- Sarah's Deals. Sarah is someone I've "known" online for several years through a state wide yahoo group I help run. She started her blog about a year ago, and it's got all sorts of cool deals through it- coupons, magazine deals, grocery store price matching, and more. Take a gander, and while you are at it, compliment her new banner (psst.. I made it!).


Next up is one of the first blogs I found and started following, Mad In Crafts. Jess has some great ideas, and they are almost all really frugal, like mine! She has been MIA for a week or two, but if you've never been to her blog, you'll find some really cool ideas!

I currently have over 100 blogs I am following, and these are only a couple of my favorites. Take a moment to check them out!

New Layout!

A few weeks back, I wanted to try and bump to a 3 column layout, and have a nice pretty new layout to go with it. I had a horrible time doing just that, though, and after some tears thought, I looked around for someone who could do just that for me, at a reasonable price.

I've seen some sites charge almost $100 for what I wanted, and that was just not an option. I found Bailey over at B's Blog Boutique, who did this lovely layout and all the graphics for just $40! She was fast, friendly, and I love the new look of my blog!

I'm still alive!

It's been a few days, and really, I have nothing fantastic to post. I haven't crafted- my desk is taken over by this huge light box, which I have no other place to store, and cats that want to use it for a house. Note to self- find a place to store it, so it's not covered in cat hair, or destroyed. That's numero uno tomorrow.

Why? Because I found some fantastic things I want to re-do tomorrow from Goodwill. I got a really cute wooden box with little ball feet on it. It could be used as a planter, or who knows what else. It's all scuffed up, though, so I have to re-do it. Well, I'd have re-done it anyway. ;)

I also talked it over with my hubby, and decided that my blog is worth the price of buying a make over, so I've been talking with Bailey from B's Blog Design, and hope to have a whole layout and design done in the near future.

I can't wait to do some crafting tomorrow. I'm itching to do it, and would love to right now, but it's chilly out, and frankly, I'd rather go lay in bed with a movie. It IS after 10.

So, just wanted to stop by, say HI, and let everyone know that come Monday, you'll see my next "A Craft A Week in 2010" craft, and I hope to also post my photo lightbox stuff, since I haven't yet, and people have been asking. My bad!!

Lastly, before heading off... I had a comment this week from the Good Things Utah morning show, asking if I would be interested in doing a segment with them. I would LOVE to, but being in Michigan, I'm not sure how doable it is.

I can't begin to describe just how flattered I am, though, and how excited I have been since seeing it. It started me thinking about another blog a friend runs, on saving money. I recommended her blog to a few local news channels, because I think it could be of great interest to the people in the community who don't know about it.

She was talking with the station today, and in turn, mentioned my blog, and they sounded interested. It's really surprising to me, how my little back room hobby has turned into another hobby, and one that so many people seem to be interested in. It really makes me smile to see new comments, and people enjoying what I post!

See you all either tomorrow or Monday!

Oh- Circus countdown is down to a week, and boy, are the kids getting excited to go!

Heather

HELP!!!!!

UPDATE: Starting over, ignore this!

Ok, ladies- I found a 3 column I love. Only, it's being a bit... testy.


Specific problems I need help with:

1. See those nifty moving clouds and butterflies? They show up in editor mode under layout, and they cover the EDIT button for the header. I can not access the header to remove the banner, or add text- at all!
2. See those links that say Home, Post RSS, Comment RSS, Edit RSS? I can not edit those to what I want, or make them links. They just sit there, all aggravating. 
3. If you look at the upper right corner of THIS post, there is text visible behind the box. What it is, and how it got there? Anyone's guess.

If anyone out there can help me, I would be VERY much obliged, and would be willing to chip in a free month of advertising on my blog. I'm totally lost, and ready to cry. :(


Heather

Blog Swap Friday! Meet Kaysi from Keeping it Simple

 Today, I am going to be posting over at Keeping it Simple! I'm really excited to be doing a blog swap with Kaysi. And with out further "ado", here's Kaysi!

Hello everyone! I am super excited to be here with you today!! I love going through Heather's blog and seeing all of her great ideas! She is so very talented!

Let me introduce myself, I'm Kaysi

from Keeping It Simple.

Here are a few things about me:

I am the mother of three boys, ages 4, 3 and 1

I have been married to this hottie and amazing man for 6 years

I love chocolate!!

I love color, green is my favorite but brown and blue are up there

I am a very simple person, I don't like to overdo

When I get a spare moment, I love to craft or look at crafts

I enjoy singing and dancing

I enjoy running but rarely am motivated enough to do it

Each day of the week, I have something different.

Motivate me Monday, that's where I have link party and you get to show me all the cute things that you have done.

Tutorial Tuesday, I give a tutorial of a craft that I have done

Whatever Wednesday, this is my day that I put anything up.

Scrapbook Thursday, this is the day that I post a scrapbook idea or give a scrapbook tip

Fridays are the days that I do Blog swaps with other bloggers.

Here are a few things that you can see at my blog:

Cookie Sheet Calendar

Wall hangings made out of gift boxes

Utensil Holder

Painted Countertops to look like stone

Ribbon Bow Tie

You should stop on by and see what else I have!!

Thanks so much Heather for doing this blog swap with me, it was so much fun and it has been great getting to see your wonderful talent!

Talented Tuesday & A Dollar Store Cloche

I have had a busy week, and as such, I was a slacker. I never commented on all of the posts last week, and I feel rotten about it! I did view them all as they were posted, and was very impressed once more with the talent people have!

This week, I am posting my craft today, instead of yesterday, so it'll be in with the Talented Tuesday bunch. I got this idea when I was at Dollar Tree, though it required 2 items from HobLob to finish them. Michaels, as an aside, did not have any type of wooden finials to use for this, so I wound up at HobLob.

Dollar Cloche

You'll Need:

1 Dollar Store marble candle plate ($1)
1 Dollar Store Candle Holder ($1 or less)
1 Wooden Finial (3 pack for $1.47, or $.49 each)
1 Wooden Ball Bead, with an opening the same size as the peg on the Finial (6 pack for $1.47, or $.245 each)
Paint (on hand)
E6000 Glue (on hand)
Sand Paper (on hand)

Cost: $2.74 (ish). This could probably be done cheaper, or more expensive, depending on the materials you use.

 

1.  First, sand down the peg on the finial a bit. Insert it into the round bead, until it's as flush as it'll get. None of the finials fit completely flush to the beads I had, though they were both the same size. The gap didn't look bad, though.
2. Sand any rough edges on the wood.
3. Paint the wood- I choose Antique White to use, because it's not glaringly white, but is still a very nice neutral color, decor wise.
4. Once the wood is completely dry, sand down the edges a bit, for a more weathered look.
5. Glue the finished finial to the center of the bottom of the candle holder.
6. Once it's dry, you are done!

For the marble candle disc I found, I preferred it upside down to right side up. All of them had little dark colored decorative stones on the up-side, and a lip for the candle. The bottoms are perfectly smooth, and rounded off, giving it a nice polished look for the cloche.

 For Super Bowl Sunday, I picked up a cute little dozen mini cupcakes, which were OH SO SWEET. Seriously, I just wanted to stare at them! All soft, squishy, with such bright heart shaped sprinkles. I had some left today, and they were the perfect size to try out the cloche, so I did!

This post is linked up at the link parties listed here.

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The Rules

1) Post a blog about something you've made- a refurnish, recipes, a craft project, a sewing project, room decoration, anything you've done!

2) Add a link to your blog post- not to the blog itself, but to the individual posts! You can post more than one project, just add more links! The links should look something like:

http://theherberfamily.blogspot.com/2010/01/love-banner.html

and NOT like this:

http://theherberfamily.blogspot.com/

3) Add the code below to each post you link to the MckLinky, so that others can post their projects here as well! The list will accept new links through Saturday, so if you make something new, come back and post it! Don't forget to look at the links on the list, and let people know where you found their post at!

This MckLinky will remain open and accepting links through Wed night, so feel free to come back and add more links if you post new things!!

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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://theherberfamily.blogspot.com/"><br /> <img src="http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/princessspanky/button_tuesdays.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width="125" height="125"></a></p>

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Valentines Day Crafts

I'll admit it freely- before this year, I never really looked at how many cool things can be done for Valentine's Day. There are just so many wicked cool crafts that look oh so sweet! On any given day, I'm finding more and more fun ideas, and more and more takes on already seen ideas.

I am in love with Valentine's Day right now!

Ugh- Site meter... Help?

Has anyone ever had any problems with Sitemeter.com? I wake up this morning, and go to check my nightly stats, and I was signed out of the site- for the first time since October.

Now, it's telling my my code name doesn't exist, and it has no information for my email address. Even just checking the stats without being logged in doesn't work. It's like my account is just GONE.

-weeps-

Any help?

200 Posts, 100 Followers!

I wish I could say I had some special post in mind for my 200th post, but alas, I don't. I spent all day sleeping. I'm an insomniac to start with, but between pain meds, and laying in bed entirely too much, my schedule is all messed up.

I woke up today to a nice surprise- I now have 100 followers! I'm speechless. About a month after I started this blog, I wrote up a post, and post dated it for 1 year after I started the blog, to the day.

I listed in it some goals I hoped to have accomplished by the time the post becomes visible. One of them was having more people interested in my blog. I had under 10 or 20 followers at that point, so my goal number was 50. I've also had an amazing week in views. My single highest view day ever was this week, with 840 views on Tuesday! I credit that to all the MckLinky posts I've been finally figuring out and adding to. You guys are all wonderful!

I'm hoping to finish my felt appliqued Valentine's Banner this weekend. Part of it requires sewing, and I've been going back and forth on whether or not I'll do it in bed by hand, or try to rig a seat at the sewing desk for 20 minutes or so to sew there.

It is my hope that I'll have it done to reveal on Monday. I have the individual letters "done", in that the letters are appliqued on, and I've done some minor embellishments. I tried adding sequins, but I wasn't loving the look, so I seam ripped em off. I do want to add some tassels, though, and I'm thinking of adding 2 more triangles to the banner, each with a heart on it for the start and end of the word LOVE.

Here's hoping for a big 'reveal' on Monday!

Numbers

I'm approaching 100 followers, and 200 posts. I'm not sure when I started that I would have foreseen how much this blog has come to mean to me. It gives me something to do during the day, and has lead me to a wonderful network of blogs and visitors that I love seeing & hearing from.

Thank you, everyone, for making my stay in Blog Land so welcome!

Today Is The Day Where...

I am going to be productive. I am heading to the post office now to send out 2 packages. One is the first contest win (yes, I was slow!). Which reminds me- I have emailed contest winner number 2 for the Fred Claus DVD, and have not yet gotten a response. The winner's name on the blog is: tgoforth1984. I will try to email you again, as well.



If you read the blog and see this, please email me ASAP with your shipping information! herberkids3(at)yahoo(dot)com

If I do not hear from you by Wed, I will pick a new winner of the Fred Claus DVD.

Moving on to productivity!

I am planning (ha...) to wrap more gifts today. I have things sorted, so it shouldn't take as long today to get started. I know what the kids are getting from us, and from Santa, and who all is getting what. Hopefully that means I can actually get a decent amount done.

Meanwhile, my back seat in my little car is halfway out of commission. I have stuff piled in there which needs to be taken care of. Most of it is trunk stuff, however, my trunk is filled with Christmas gifts for the kids. Mostly pillows and blankets, but either way, stuff I don't have room to hide in the house. I took the two oldest kids to school today, to save them the cold walk. I had to have Raegan (who is almost 14) sit in the front, because there was not room for all 3 kids in the back. -sigh-

Since it's cold now, though, I have a feeling I'll be driving them more often, so I need my backseat back. Today is the day where... oh, heck, I have enough on my plate for today. If I get what I want done, I'll save the car for tomorrow.

Last Day To Win The Fred Claus DVD

Today is the last day to enter my Fred Claus DVD giveaway! The contest will close at midnight, EST, and the winner will be announced at some point on December 2nd, tomorrow.

To enter, leave a comment on the contest post!

As of typing this, there are only 12 entries, so your chances are still good!

Add A Link ~ Find A Blog

Looking for new blogs? Check some of these ones out!

Got a blog? Add your link!

Comments FIXED- & A Contest!

After a few tears (yes, really), and some bad feelings, revearting my blog, and removing all the customization, I finally was able to fix the comments.

I was not happy, and was at the point where I was contemplating starting a whole new blog, because even after removing every customized item from my blog, the comments were still gone. I was NOT a happy Heather. I finally figured it out, though, and viola- my blog now allows comments again!

Now I just have to go through and re customize all of it. :(

This morning, I announced a contest on THIS post. I didn't announce it loud, you had to read the post to see it. However, it is there, so if you go back and read the post, feel free to now enter the contest!

In the mean time, back to working on my blog. Seriously.. I really wish Blogspot allowed for customization a lot easier than it does.

Excuse The Mess!

I'm reconstructing my blog. I really, really dislike that when you change the layout, you lose ALL your added widgets. SO annoying. -sigh- But, with a new layout, hopefully I can just change the colors & background now.

Heather