Quote of the Day

"Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward."
- Victor Kiam

Friday funnies....

While out one morning in the park, a jogger found a brand new tennis ball.
Seeing no one around that it might belong to, he slipped it into the pocket of his shorts.
Later, on his way home, he stopped at the pedestrian crossing, waiting for the lights to change.
A girl standing next to him eyed the large bulge in his shorts. ‘What’s that?’ she asked, her eyes gleaming with lust.
‘Tennis ball,’ came the breathless reply.
‘Oh,’ said the girl sympathetically, ‘that must be painful. I had tennis elbow once.’”
___________
the next two are thanks to Photobasement
check out their site! It's hysterical!

...notice how cheap the Pineapples are.....

Quote of the Day

"Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way."
- Booker T. Washington

I wanna be invisible too!!

ok... I was on Ebay today... I found this

Become INVISIBLE!

No Lies! Become 100% invisible!

The Secret of Invisibility is an amazing book that renders you completely invisible.
This method is currently used by the CIA and foreign intelligence agencies.

Don't Scoff! You CAN go anywhere without being seen.
You're invisible to
all you meet... NOT EVEN A SHADOW.
This works even when you're completely
surrounded by
cameras or people.
Lets you vanish & reappear as you
wish, wherever you may be!
-- Kept secret for thousands of years _________________________________________

Ok.... so who's going to buy this and tell us all the results?????

Any takers?????

I'm darn curious, but not willing to shell out the $24.95 to find out.....

....click on the title "become invisible" to be taken to the ebay auction...

Quote of the Day

"An apology is a good way to have the last word."
- unknown

Friday funny

To My Dear Wife,

You will surely understand that I have certain needs that you, with your 55 years, can no longer supply. I am very happy with you and I value you as a good wife.

Therefore, after reading this letter, I hope that you will not wrongly interpret the fact that I will be spending the evening with my 18 year old secretary at the Comfort Inn Hotel.
Please do not be perturbed... I will be back home before midnight.

When the man came home, he found the following letter on the dining room table:

My Dear Husband,

I received your letter and thank you for your honesty. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that you are also 55 years old.

At the same time I would like to inform you that while you read this, I
will be at the Hotel Fiesta with Michael, my tennis coach, who, like your
secretary, is also 18 years old.

As a very successful businessman and with your excellent knowledge of math, you will understand that we are in the same situation, although with one small difference.

18 goes into 55 a lot more times than 55 goes into 18.

Therefore, I will not be back before lunch time tomorrow......

A to Z Favorites... today it's "F"

F is for.....

Function Tiles not a new design... in fact, you can't even get them anymore! But why? It's a fabulous idea!!!.... could someone please manufacture these again? That would be a great idea.... the concept is brilliant!! (That is, getting more out of your shower or bathroom with limited space.)... or for people like me who just HATE clutter!

I hate having the silly tissue box sitting on my bathroom counter or the top of the toilet tank. Messy, messy, messy.

Frank... a fabulous sofa found at Verzelloni... A very comfortable model, with a high backrests and rigorous and stylish line. This collection comprises an armchair, “Love Seat” armchair, four different sizes of sofas and four different poufs. The cover can be entirely and easily taken off. It reminds me so much of the space my late husband and I lived in... we had this fabulous industrial loft space wtih walls just like this! 3000 sq. ft of open space - pure heaven! We had a sofa similiar to this one - only it was tan. Oddly enough, my late husband's name was Frank! odd, no?

Flakes.... on this site you can actually design your own furniture! (With this tool you will be able to on-line, in 3D, build you own customized FLAKES chair or table in 3D. )

Pretty cool!

Finger Puppets ... by Stacey Rebecca

In her words.... Stacey is "a wife and mama to two wonderful guys. One of those guys is only 4 and the most amazing 4 year old I've met. & I've met a lot of 4 year olds. The other one is my husband. He's the most amazing husband I've ever met.For almost 6 years, I was a puppet designer, builder, and performer with Elastic Theater. After the group dissipated, two members re-formed to make Die Puppet Die. I am one of those two members.I've been showing my work in galleries & art spaces for a couple of years now. My finger puppets have a seemingly permanent home at The Trunk Space Art Gallery in Phoenix"

FREE STUFF~ !!! Have you checked out my links on the right sidebar??? Lots of free stuff to be found... I swear I get stuff in my mailbox 3-4x each week just by doing this... everything from toothpaste, to shoe polish, to snacks!! I only list the ones that aren't "hokey" and actually send you what they say they will without a lot of b.s. Try it! It's fun to get free stuff!!

Flowering Dogwood Soap

from Karen's Soaps.....

This 4oz black and white polka-dotted soap bar is lightly scented with a Flowering Dogwood fragrance oil.

This fragrance is a sweet floral blend of violets, jasmine, and plumeria with hints of soft musk and sandalwood.

It is made with a vegetable based glycerin soap with added Vitamin E for extra softness. You'll get a great lather.

Smells great, works well, looks cool!

She also makes these "fish-in-a-bag" soaps that are just too cute...

...they remind me of summer carnivals... only Mom doesn't have to feed it or remember to change the water!

EEEWWWW cow juice!

fyi: humans are the ONLY species to drink the breast milk (yup - cow juice = cow breast milk) of another species.

wrong: wrong, wrong, wrong

I'm not a big fan of milk.. in fact I haven't had milk since I don't know when. I just considered buying it again for my grandson but I just can't stomach the idea....

if you'd like to read more about why milk sucks... go to milksucks.com..... you'll see what I mean.

a terrific alternative??? Soy milk. (it's wonderful - really! especially the chocolate!)

Here's some interesting info from Ideal Bite (Ideal Bite offers bite-sized ideas for light green living.)

Think there ain't nothing like the real thing?

Not so - at least in the dairy department.

Take Silk Soymilk. It looks like milk. It pours like milk. It tastes like milk (although some discriminating Biters prefer the taste of Silk to cow's milk). And you can find it next to the regular milk at your local supermarket.

The difference? It could be the soy-lution to a few of the world's problems, due to the natural health benefits of soy and Silk's commitment to going green (like using clean wind energy). Vive la difference!

Company Background

Back in 1977, entrepreneur Steve Demos sold tofu products from a small store in Boulder, CO. After his ice cream and meatless hot dogs brands failed to take off, Demos put all his energy into making soymilk, selling it from dispensers at his store. Thirty years later, Silk's the number-one producer of organic soymilk. And when Ellen Feeney, VP of Responsible Livelihood at WhiteWave Foods (Silk's parent company) tells us, "We take our commitment to the environment seriously," she's not kidding. The company's alternative energy use and green HQs prove it. Eco-initiatives aside, pour some Silk on your cereal, stir it into your coffee, or just sip it as a filling snack, 'cuz this is soy you're gonna enjoy.

Why Care?
Through Silk's GreenCaps program, it donates 30 kilowatt-hours in offsets for every UPC code customers enter at its website - enough to run a fridge for 13 days. (Plus, these customers are auto-entered for a chance to win a green home makeover.)

• It offsets 100% of the power used in production by supporting clean, renewable wind energy - the equivalent of planting 22,000 acres of trees each year since 2003.
• Silk operates a "Zero Waste" program at HQ, with biodegradable utensils, and full-scale recycling and composting programs.
• All chairs and workstations at HQ are made from at least 40% recycled materials and are at least 95% recyclable.
• The company uses partially recycled shipping materials and reduced the amount of material used on each shipping box.
• 92% of employees participate in the Boulder Community Food Share program's Annual Corporate Giving Challenge, with funds matched by Silk.
• Silk soy is not genetically modified.

Keeping It Real

While Silk's a big supporter of wind power, it has just begun looking at the total carbon footprint of its products, from the farm to your fridge.

Says Feeney: "We recently completed an audit to determine the energy used to take Silk to market," which should help the company get closer to carbon neutrality. Also, Silk does not use recycled cartons, but neither do most similar food brands, since "there aren't a lot of FDA-approved options for food-contact packaging."

Quote of the Day

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."
- Danny Kaye

A favor to ask, it only takes a minute . . .

The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle).

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS TO TELL 10 friends...and so on... and so on...

Quote of the Day

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
- Norman Vincent Peale

EEEEEEEE

today we're checking out my favorite things that start with "E"

Engrish.com

Q. What is Engrish? A. Engrish can be simply defined as the humorous English mistakes that appear in Japanese advertising and product design.

ok.. before you get offended... here's a little disclaimer from the site.

"Please remember that the point of Engrish.com is to have fun
with the Engrish phenomenon, not to make fun of (criticize/mock/ridicule) the
people who made it. ..... You will also find that the vast
majority of the English examples on Engrish.com were produced by companies - not
individuals and that most of the Engrish found within the site is not an attempt
to communicate, but are examples of English being used as a design element. "

check out their website .... they truly are very funny!

the Emmebi brand - established in 1971 - has incredible, innovative designs with a slightly industrial feel and just a wonderful aesthetic. Check out their website for more fabulous products here. Perfect clean lines....

engraVe

Our world is full of mass produced identical products. The mission of engraVe is to help you express yourself through the customization of your personal electronics. Laser engraving can transform your standardized device into a unique piece of art, or promotional piece. Check them out here or on Etsy!

Happy Birthday!

pardon me, in advance.... for being one of those grandmas....
Yep... I'm about to show you photos of my grandbug!! It was his very first birthday on Thursday!! YAY!

I can't even begin to explain how quickly this year has flown...

he got a sandbox to play in

and a firetruck to ride on!

and lots of cake!
Isn't he adorable????
ok... I'm done bragging for now......

Quote of the Day

"Fall down. Make a mess. Break something occasionally. Know that your mistakes are your own unique way of getting you where you need to be. And remember that the story is never over. "
- Conan O'Brien
" Harvard Commencement Address"

McDonalds - Free Chicken Biscuit or Chicken Sandwich

Free is good!

McDonalds is giving away Free Chicken Biscuit in the morning or Chicken Sandwiches in the afternoon! Tomorrow - May 15th!

check it out here... http://cep.mcdonalds.com/foodnews/biscuit/

Quote of the Day

"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones."
- Phillips Brooks

Happy Mother's Day

a friend forwarded me this in a e-mail a while ago... I thought it was so appropriate to share it with all of you today!

JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a......?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,

"I have a continuing program of research, [what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".

Quote of the Day

"Find the good.
It's all around you.
Find it, showcase it, and you'll start believing in it."
- JESSE OWENS

A to Z .... things I love "D" version

D is for.....

DROOG -

I came upon these amazingly innovative designers on 2Modern.com...

they're fabulous!

I love how they describe themselves...

"Our products and projects connect with the individual, the user. They deal with slowness, memories, nostalgia, re-use, craftsmanship, nature. They generate experience, interaction, participation, products that are easily to comprehend, have meaning, tell stories; products that are meant to be cherished and not discarded without thought."

David Horvitz I can't even remember how I happened to stumble upon David Horvitz... but I get such a kick out of reading his blog...

here it is... http://davidhorvitz.com/blog/ (make sure to check out the archives, too!)

He also has a section where he will do things (for a price)... I love this!!!

For example... for $1,626 he will go to the small Okinawan island called Taketomi and send you an envelope filled with star-sand! (Isn't it so beautiful!?!)

or... for $250 he will read the Little Prince in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in the middle of a work day. He will send you photograph documentation of this. (or: if you give him $1000 he will buy as many copies of the Little Prince as he can and give them away to people leaving the New York Stock Exchange after a days work)

DWELL ... love the magazine... love the website...

LOVE THE DWELL homes!

hard to believe that these are "pre-fab" homes, no?

Do Frame Tape ... designed by Marti Guixe ...

how fun is this???

The brilliant Do Frame Tape can be used to 'frame' anything.

Turn pictures, posters into exhibition standard artworks instantly. There's enough tape per roll to create an admirable collection of fine art! Buy it here at the Design Museum Shop!

The Dinner Party Invite... I see that this print is no longer for sale in her shop but DazeyChic has lots more cool stuff!!

According to the artist, she...

"believes that art prints should be special. That is why we have NO runs over 200!

My Limited Editions are printed 25 times or less and I stand by that!

There are no surprise prints popping up after the limited number has sold out.

You can feel great about your purchase knowing it is not a mass produced piece.

Each print here is meaningful and truly special...and we love that!"

Yep.. I love that too! I just wish I would have gotten this one before they sold out!!

Quote of the Day

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
- Eleanor Roosevelt

A to Z today is all about C

is for.....

Copper rivet series necklace
by Timothy Adams

a self taught metal artist.... because, "Everyone needs a little metal in their life."

a steal at only $35! ...he has lots of other very cool stuff too... check it out here

Campfire Goods, Inc. …Good Typography, Good Design, and Good Humor! ... (and as far as I can tell.... nothing to do with camping! Except perhaps that the T's are a little "campy"!)

...three graphic designers/illustrators/printmakers who are looking to spread state and city pride worldwide! They have great typographic t's too - check them out here. Very reasonable prices too!

Chimo fireplace... is this the coolest fireplace or what? I want this!

It mounts on any wall with no need for a chimney, gas line or professional installation. Enjoy a fabulous fireplace anywhere!

The secret is that the flame is generated from Ethanol which is a safe, clean burning fuel that is completely organic and made from renewable resources like corn, potatoes, wheat and other vegetables.

Furthermore, Ethanol is green since it is not a fossil-fuel and burning it does not increase the greenhouse effect like other fuels.

You can find it here.

Comfort Food... I love cheese fondue... and I've made mine from scratch in the past, but quite frankly - this is better! and sooo quick and easy.. and so tasty! Some good, crusty bread, a little wine .... oh now I'd love to have some of this while sitting by that fireplace!

Cities wall decorations....

aren't these cool? I love words... fonts....typography.... I love the clean lines of these have too. They're by Granada Design®and you can find them here!

Quote of the Day

"The greatest achievements were at first and for a time dreams.
The oak sleeps in the acorn. "
- James Allen

A to Z ....today we're on B

B is for.....

Beads –

noun... a small, usually round object of glass, wood, stone, or the
like with a hole through it, often strung with others of its kind in necklaces,
rosaries, etc.

I guess since I am a "jewelry artisan" that beads would naturally be a favorite thing.... I'm particularly fond of vintage beads, pearls, metal, and semi-precious stones....I guess I discovered this passion for beads while I was in Massachusetts years ago and went to my first official bead store...... I was like a kid in a candy store!! I didn't yet know that my passion for collecting beads would turn into a passion for creating jewelry.

Books - ok... so I'm a bit of a book snob... I really only like hardcover books. Something about the printed word, bound in such a way... hmmmm... even the smell of books. I love libraries, and bookstores.... I LOVE books... The smell, the feel, the words and the pictures, the "right at your fingertips" knowledge they contain. It amuses me that I can learn different things from the same book at different stages of my life... I love to go back to them years later and re-read them to discover new things.... Books I'm reading (or re-reading) now?
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert... a great book to take to the beach this summer!

... I have to admit... the "eat" part was my favorite!

Bacon - I think I could easily be a vegatarian if it weren't for bacon. No other "meat" calls to me like this one. I like it extra crispy....hmmmm... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! My husband and I could easily eat an entire pound of bacon with our Sunday brunch!

Anyone remember these? Flashback: 1981 - Holiday Bacon Appetizers

I know I'm not alone... there are even entire blogs dedicated to the fabulous flavor of bacon! http://www.baconunwrapped.com/
http://baconshow.blogspot.com/

Brave Space Design

A Brooklyn-based design company producing playful, modern high-end furnishings that are durable and environmentally sustainable.

Biggs & Featherbelle

..a health conscious company that promotes the healing elements of Mother Nature by creating body care products free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives. Quality ingredients and research are infused in every handmade Biggs & Featherbelle product.

Many Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are vegan and all are vegetarian.