According to the Boston Globe, the word “literally” is “literally the most misused word.” (via)

This morning when I checked my email I saw one of the most beautiful phrases in the English language:

Hallelujah.

And just FYI: a week or two ago someone left a funny comment saying that they hope Steinmart(s) pays me for all the free advertising that I give them. Oh, that it were so – but the fact of the matter is that I have never, ever heard from the Steinmart(s) people. I’m not even remotely on their social media radar, and that is fine with me. I think it’s good and healthy that I can adore the Steinmart(s) without any sort of bloggy attachment.

Giveaway Round-Up: MouseMail ($100 Visa gift card), bodycology rich&creamy (bodycology gift basket), Purina ProPlan Selects ($100 Visa gift card).

Two guys named Seth and Jeff – who work at LifeWay – were in charge of the little video that Mel and I did for .MOM last week. Our friend Paige told Melanie and me ahead of time that they are both just crazy gifted, and listen – she wasn’t kidding. Within two minutes of meeting them I felt so comfortable (I am not necessarily a fan of participating in videos/acting/any sort of skit), and their VERY sharp senses of humor totally won me over.

Anyway, yesterday Paige sent us an email with a link to a short film that Seth directed. Apparently it has movie people all abuzz (the short film, not Paige’s email). We watched it last night and LOVED IT.

I think you will, too.

Tomorrow I’m spending the afternoon here. I probably won’t sleep tonight because of my OFF THE CHARTS EXCITEMENT. It really is a little bit of a dream come true for me, so just rest in the peace of knowing that I will probably be blogging about it FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

All righty. Now I must fold clothes. And perhaps shower. I might even unload the dishwasher, but I can’t make any promises. Hope y’all have a great Tuesday!

Oh, this is an eclectic assortment. Please do enjoy.

– If you’ve ever wanted to show your kids what TV and movies were like in the good ole days, you can, thanks to an app (for iPhone or iPad) called the Video Time Machine. My husband told me about it last week, and not too long afterwards the little man said, “Mama? Was there a show called Battle of the Network Stars when you were little? And The Six Dollar Man? Big fun for only 99 cents.

– My friend Shaun is looking for some places to speak and sing in August. Even better? HE’S FREE. Here are the details. And also: Shaun has a new album called Third World Symphony. You can listen to online.

– Giveaway round-up: 1) Purina ProPlan Selects ($100 Visa gift card) and 2) Lands’ End ($100 Lands’ End gift card).

– I love this story about a dad who made his son’s first year of high school oh-so-memorable. (link via Veronica)

– Let us pause and perhaps applaud when we consider the wonder that is the Mrs. Meyer’s rosemary-scented countertop spray. Glorious.

– One day last week D bought this book for our little guy. I know it probably sounds weird, but it’s been so fun to watch him read it. I have a feeling that it’s going to be dog-eared and well-worn within a matter of months.

Happy 4th of July!

My friend Elise – who, for the record, is one of my favorite people IN THE UNIVERSE – is staying with us tonight, so I haven’t written a “real” blog post because I’ve been way too busy holding my sides while I laugh until I hurt. Her boys are here, too, and it’s been so fun to hang out and visit and enjoy all the aforementioned laughing. We just love ’em all to pieces.

Anyway, I do have a few links I want to share, and I’ll be back with the regular mediocrity sometime tomorrow. Also on my agenda for tomorrow? A fresh round of highlights and a haircut. Because I don’t mind saying that my hair is BROKE DOWN right now and in dire need of professional help.

Oh! Before I forget: I LOVED your suggestions for TV marathons. I don’t know when I’ve felt more inspired in terms of my TV marathon planning. So thank you, Internet, for being so very helpful.

All righty. Links.

– The Samsung Power Foam Sweepstakes is still up and running. The prize? A $100 Best Buy gift card.

– Sweet Marla Taviano has written an e-book called The Husband’s Guide To Getting Lucky: Six Simple Steps to Great Sex With Your Wife. It’s only $4.99, and you can download a PDF or buy a copy formatted for Kindle, Nook or iPad. Full disclosure: I haven’t read the whole book yet, but what I have read is honest, frank and challenging. For more information about the e-book, just look here.

– A couple of weeks ago I made Ina Garten’s Scalloped Tomatoes as a side dish. THEY ARE DELICIOUS. So fresh and summer-y and good.

– This past Christmas my friend Cynthia gave me a bottle of Philosophy face wash called (fancy name, huh?). I didn’t start using it until I’d finished using my previous cleanser, but Y’ALL. This stuff is so good. I normally have a hard time using anything that’s exfoliating because I have super-sensitive skin, but this cleanser is really gentle. I use it every day and am completely smitten with it. Such a fan, I am.

Hope y’all have a great Thursday!

I’ve read a few things lately that have made me smile. Aye, and wistfully.

Here! I will share them!

– J shares what her kids have taught her.

– Lindsay’s little boy has a theme song (your kids will love this one, too).

– LoraLynn’s son has totally figured out where babies come from.

Enjoy, y’all.