Finally found my voice

I have loved blogging and exploring the blog world, but something was missing. I wasn't sure what it was, but I just knew it wasn't whole. I have found my voice and my style. I have a special friend that helped me through this without truly knowing that she did.

Kim at Home is Where the Heart is has helped me.
Her blog was inspiring and just her personality. We are constantly sending each other links to blogs that we think each other will love. Our tastes are similar and our dreams and values kindred. Thank you so much Kim for guiding me and helping me find my voice in blogging land. xox

I am just so thrilled that it all has hit me and come together. Now the transformation begins!

Snow Dayssssss x 4

I know you'd think that since I had 4 days off from work that I'd be posting on here. Au contraire mon amie, I totally was decluttering and cleaning and it feels SOOO good!!! I have piles of clothes and trinkets to go to the salvation army and some to go to the consignment store.

I'm still so upset at myself. I have 2 rebates from Verizon that are Visa cards, do you think that I can find them.... NO!!!! Wth I really would like to find them and USE them. Oy. I put them in that "safe place" the dreaded one that you can never find again.

Well I bid you adieu and off I go to declutter some more.

Valentine's Day My Way

My wonderful handsome wanted to take me to my favorite place, Bedford Springs, for Valentine's Day. He emailed the hotel to ask what they offer for V-day and forwarded it to me. I was so surprised that he would take me there because it is not an everyday place, it's rather expensive. I love that place and to me it's for special occasions.

I looked at the menu options and made my decision. This was several weeks before V-day so I thought we had time. Well just last week we called and the only opening was 9:30pm for dinner at the room we wanted. Ok, I have to wake up early the next morning and we are over an hour away. I won't be able to relax. We decided against that. Another time just because.

To me I'd be happy with a nice bottle of champagne and a home cooked meal or just an everyday place. We had the best New Years Eve ever with a bottle of Dom Perignon and each other. Simple and sweet, but with what matters. Call me silly, but my recipe is- good company + simple meal + bottle of Clicquot = the BEST time ever.

LL Bean and Me

I had my first real credit card with LL Bean... mainly because that is what my family used. It was fine, it was nice getting the coupon rewards towards free stuff. I hated their website for paying online. This was through Bank of America. Then, they broke away and went with some other company.
When my card expired I decided to go for one that would give me rewards for my future child's education. Yes, call me whatever, I like to plan ahead and be set. That is just who I am. I had one with Citi that opened a Upromise account. I loved my Citi card, their statements, and their website. They were fabulous and I never had 1 single issue with them EVER. Then, the Upromise card switched companies and then I was stuck with Bank of America again... I have had 2 different incidents with fraud and now I'm having my doubts about where it's coming from. I read "I See Rude People" by Amy Alkon and she mentions how it was an inside job when she had fraud on her Bank of America account.

So I decided to LEAVE BOA and go back to my old faithful LL Bean card. They have great customer service, they genuinely care, and you get coupons to put towards goodies. Their stuff is quality and doesn't wear out. I do remember reading that if it does they will replace it. I like how it's casual and sturdy. I'm not a huge fan of the LL Bean style but for teaching I'm all about it. I have already picked out what I want for my first purchase on my card :)

It feels good to be back with a card company that I can trust. Peace of mind.

Mango bag for Haiti Fundraiser

Check out the Mango bag line that will be available in March. I just love the map of Haiti and how this is super simple but intriguing to the eye. It's a bag I'm interested in!

This is my town...

Ok, well a few years back...lol It's funny though, it hasn't changed entirely that much. That is part of the charm. We have our "Diamond", or to those that aren't from around here the town square or circle, that is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, antique stores that are almost outnumbering anything else, and just the Pleasantville, Stars Hollow, Mayberry style of living.

This photo was used on the placemats at one of our local restaurants. I loved looking at it and imagining all the people that had lived here before my time.

Saving up nickels and dimes

Well.. I think it would take me entirely too long if I just saved those in order to get the purse that I am drooling over. I love love love the Neverfull PM Damier Azur purse from Louis Vuitton. Anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with LV. I have a small collection of new and used pieces and constantly am growing that collection.

I like this purse because it reminds me of spring and summer. I love the warmth and sun that comes with those two seasons and the light color makes me think of the dresses and clothing that I wear during those times. This purse would go so well with the outfits I wear and it has plenty of room to put things in it.

I can picture myself walking along on the sidewalk in a dress with my sunglasses on and a pair of espadrilles with this on my shoulder and a few shopping bags in hand on a sunny summer day.

This will be put into a small budget. I have my winter purses and this will be my spring/summer purse. :)

Jewelry + Refreshments = TOO MUCH FUN

This past Saturday I hosted my Kickoff Silpada Jewelry Party. When I first signed up to be an Independent Representative I knew when I'd have my party and booked it right away. I invited lots of people knowing that just like a wedding that not everyone that you invite comes.

I cleaned the house the week before and did a quick cleaning a few days before the party. I ran around that morning making last minute errands, the grocery store for light appetizers-pillsbury 3 for $10 finger food things (I'll try to get the name of them, they were delicious), homemade brownies that are my Mammy's specialty (a popular favorite for anyone), pumpkin dip for chips, pretzels, and sunflower baguette bread, some fake chicken or vegetarian chicken nuggets that everyone loved and couldn't believe were not real chicken, and paczquis-the jelly filled donut with sugar on the outside. I ran to the liquor store to get some 2 bottles red wine of merlot and cabernet sauvignon and 1 chardonnay and champagne. I had a bottle of Coke and of course water available, I offered to make fresh coffee, but there were no takers.

I put them out on a card table that had my favorite table cloth- white with gold stars- on and put a cream blanket on the coffee table to display the jewelry, catalogs, and information.

An hour and a half before the party I took a shower and got all "dolled" up, went down to put the food in the oven to heat up, open the wine and get ready for some jewelry fun.

My guests arrived a half hour early and helped me put the refreshments out and test them. LOL The early guests were my handsome's family, aunt, 2 cousins, and their 3 kids amongst them. I forgot to get coloring books so I got my Mammy to run to the Dollar store for crayons and coloring books. That's what happens when you either have adult parties or no little ones over ever.

I had around 6 guests that came through out the 1pm -4pm time frame. They had fun munching on food, trying on jewelry, talking with the other partygoers, and trying on the jewelry/looking at the book and having some pop or wine.

Some guests could not come and placed orders before and after the party. In total I had 16 guests and some possible bookings. It was a huge success considering it was my first party/show. I am still touched by all the support and sweetness that I got from my friends and family.

I loved chatting with friends and catching up. What a truly great way to have an excuse to have a party!?

Note: I meant to take pictures of the party and totally forgot while having so much fun!!!

My New Silpada Business

I just had to share my excitement with you all!! I'm so giddy I can't stand it!


In January I decided to jump into selling jewelry, Silpada Jewelry to be exact. I'm sure some of you have heard of it. People are independent representatives that sell the jewelry.

The jewelry is .925 sterling silver jewelry the same quality as Tiffany & Co. jewelry. The jewelry is sturdy and I should know because I am rough on my own. If something is not sterling silver I turn green and my jewelry eats away and breaks.

There are three ways to have fun with the jewelry. Home Parties, Book Parties, or becoming a rep yourself. The three services are offered to fit your own needs.

If you want to earn FREE jewelry you hold a home party. Home parties are held at your house, restaurant, or wherever the location may be, with the hostess supplying some light refreshments and the fun atmosphere, there is no pressure and just fun to be had. Ladies can try on the jewelry that the representative brings. The rep lets you dress up and try on the jewelry and see pieces live. The orders are taken then and there (outside orders can be gathered from people that could not make it to the party) and the rep totals up the amount of jewelry that the guests bought to determine how much the hostess earns.

For example if there is $500 of jewelry sold the hostess gets $150 free in jewelry. The typical total for party sales is around $950. It is VERY easy to do when you're having so much fun at the party trying on the jewelry with friends. If the total is $950 the hostess earns $285 in free jewelry! There are monthly specials/incentives and if guests book a party you get a bonus as well. For January the special was a $100 jewelry bonus for having 10 orders. February's bonus is $50 worth of jewelry for hosting a party with 10 orders.

Book parties are when the hostess gathers orders herself and turns them into the rep. This can be a very simple and easy way to get orders. There is no location and it's all mobile/portable. The same example applies to this.

If you are interested in becoming an Independent Representative it is easy. You let me know or your rep and we get the paperwork for you and you fill it out, pay a small fee, and mail it in. It is so much fun picking out what jewelry you want to start with, plus you get everything 50% off this time.

You can go to my website and look at the jewelry by clicking on the jewelry catalog option at the top. It's a quick way to check out the awesome jewelry.

Comfy Shoes Mission

I am on a mission to find comfy shoes. I'm not sure what is my problem, my back, neck, and feet hurt so I'm assuming comfy yet proper supporting shoes would help me alleviate and eliminate these problems. I'm tired of being in pain. I'll get back to you all when I find out more on this subject.

A Mellow Time Had By All

This is what I like to do most Tuesday nights. Mellow Mike is what we call it. It started last fall of '08 and has been going strong since. MM has endured some changes but the general feel has lasted throughout.

When I was away at college there was this neat little coffee shop, super simple, but had lots of personality. I started to go there all the time and enjoyed what went on there, some informal music and readings. I liked how it was an option instead of going uptown to the bars. I would get a caramel macchiato or a cafe latte and sit down either to chit chat with friends, study, and enjoy the different readings and music. I begged and posted on the local blog about getting something going. There were other people that wanted this to happen so the lady that started the blog began by holding MM and being in charge of it. She is still doing it today. We're at a different location, we used to be at the Ivy's Cafe, but because of it being upstairs and that being their only room so when a large party would book it we'd have to move. Now we're at the Ligonier Tavern and have the whole front room to ourselves.

People come and play guitar, keyboard, Indian flutes, sitar, drums, etc. and everyone else sings their hearts away. We have Mellow Mike books with the tunes in them, though the book keeps changing, that are placed around the different tables. It's an intimate gathering with tables and chairs cozied up to one another. There's a fire place beside the performing area where we've had music go up in flames. The restaurant manager welcomes us with open arms and keeps the drinks flowing along with the food.

For my boyfriend and I it is our night out.

This Made My Night

Super cute by Tali Schiffer

Look at all the expressions...they need captions.

My Romance With Cupcakes

This year I have realized that I have a love, that love is cupcakes. There's something about them that is just so special. I'm not big on sweets, let alone cake, but give me a cupcake and honey I will be basking in it. I adore how cute they are. Something that is small, round, and can be consumed in a few bites if you want to savor it or one single bite if you wish to devour it just is so special. I like how the icing can be any color imaginable and fun confetti can be added.

When I was at the local grocery store the other day, I went down only for some milk and scavenged for cappuccino coolers and came up empty handed, I came out with a container of cupcakes. They just were sitting so pretty, 3 each vanilla and chocolate. They are even Valentines Day cupcakes, the confetti is little red, pink, and white hearts.

Guess what I enjoyed when I came home from work... :-D

I See Rude People by Amy Alkon

A friend of mine lent me the book because we are always talking about manners and how they used to matter. Well, to some of us they still do and that is what the book is about.

I like how Amy describes her experiences with the rude people and how she handled it. She has dealt with car thieves, telemarketers, rude children with rude parents, cell phone abusers, and more. She encourages people to call others out on their rude behaviors and bring standards back.

The way she writes is as if she has been a friend for years and you are reliving those moments. It is aggressive and pro-active in advice and experiences. Amy has received lots of heat for her words and actions. She definitely has chutzpah.

I read the book in a day. It was one of those ones that you just enjoy.

A little birdie and Iphone

I was just messaged on my Droid by my good friend telling me that the Iphone is coming to Verizon!!!! I have the Droid because I cannot stand AT&T and will never ever use them again. My experience has been years ago, but they were horrible. I had so many issues. One of the issues was getting a phone that apparently didn't work in my town ?! I even did the online thingy where you put in your zip code etc. We had issues with customer service, billing, and contracts. They are a nightmare to say the least.

I am beyond happy that I will finally get to have my Mac fix in the cell phone category. I already have a MacBook and love it dearly. I am a Macgirl for life! Although I am happy with my Droid, I probably will splurge for the Iphone :) I'm a techie and just love the latest. For Christmas I got the Ipod Touch and played on it all the time. I love the set up!

You can check out the article for yourself here

My growing collection of Wade whimsies. I love searching for them. Never know which ones you'll find. I've been lucky I've had people find them and give them to me.

The Playroom into Library

I have started off the new year with a BANG! The one room that I had been wanting to tackle has been tackled and hard.

What used to be the "Play Room" or place where we housed toys and junk is now changing into a library/music library and exercise room. I have gone through the old books, kept what I love or care to revisit, ditched the ones that I thought someone else could enjoy and threw away junk, old papers, and gave away lots.

This is all thanks to the wonderful boyfriend that I have in my life. He knows how I love a tidy and organized house. Contrary to what it usually is my style and habit are pretty Type A and everything has a home and is in it's place.

As a child I had a sparkling room. I actually enjoyed cleaning and making sure everything was tidy. People were amazed. College came and schedules got hairy. I tend to throw things on the floor in my bedroom, mainly clothes, when I have a hectic life. When life slows down all is in reorder. I have come to the realization that less is more. That pertains to my wardrobe, food, material possessions, etc. Less also makes it easier to clean and maintain.

Back to the room- I'm thrilled to see it taking shape. My goal is to use what I already and have and make new use of things that I wouldn't have thought I could use in my decorating scheme.

Cheers to cleaning and organizing. You can then enjoy your home better!

new year

I would like to do the following:

Record my grandparents and their stories about when they were growing up, life experiences, advice, and family stories.
Blog regularly and become more prominant in the blog communities
Save money
Eat healthy and exercise
Laugh every day, a good hearty laugh from the belly
Play music both on the stereo and on instruments more, had lost my passion since my cousin died, but it is now back.
Live within my means
Be happy and content
Use up what I have before getting new or repurpose things
Work on a book idea
Buy used if possible and if it is still nice
Start to jog and attempt to run
Simplify material possessions
Live more simply
To not be so hard on myself!

It is up

Now I can relax for both holidays and enjoy the company that is expected. I can also just enjoy the little bits that come with both. :-)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Something simple and happy

I had a bunch of fun last night at our local town's "mellow mike" night. It is like a pub sing, folk sing, instrument playing, poetry reading, get together at the Ligonier Tavern. The vision was for a place where it wasn't a bar and you could enjoy coffee or tea or any drink of your choice, dinner, and listen to a relaxed and informal setting of sounds.

It has really taken off. I try to go when I can, I give lessons on Tuesday nights and that is when it is held. 6:30 pm- now 9:30. We seem to fall short on chairs lately, which is a good thing!

We sing loud and enjoy other music that we really don't know. My handsome and I enjoy each other's company and have made friends from there as well.

You never know what will happen or come out of that night. It's always magical.