Kimberly Monaco Designs

Quote of the Day

2009-01-27T08:32:00.000-06:00

"The beginning is the half of every action."
- Greek Proverb

looking for a job?

2009-01-18T12:00:00.008-06:00

ok... this is being advertised as "the best job in the world" and it truly sounds that way to me!... and it pays $105,000 for only 6 months!!!
check it out.. it's for real!

job description
The Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef is a newly created position. There are a few minor tasks that need to be taken care of, but the most important duty is to report back to Tourism Queensland (and the world) and let us know what’s taking place on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

download the full job description here

read the Fox news story here

applications are being taken until Feb. 22nd!

another sweet animal post you just HAVE to watch

2009-01-13T08:55:00.002-06:00

Please visit elephantsanctuarytn (more about Tarra and Bella ) Youtube Channel or website (ELEPHANTS.COM) for more information about their non-profit organization and the 17 elephants that currently call the Sanctuary home.

found via PSam1776

bedtime prayers....

2009-01-11T12:37:00.002-06:00

couldn't help but share this...

...just look at the expression on that dog's face!

I found via bits & pieces

Quote of the Day

2009-01-08T17:27:00.000-06:00

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say...."I used everything You gave me."

~ Erma Bombeck

Six random things...

2009-01-07T21:11:00.005-06:00

I've been "tagged" by the amazing lillyella.. [check out her etsy shop (here) or her blog (here)]
The deal is to post six random things about yourself... now this is harder than you might think!

first... here are the rules:

Link to the person who tagged you
Post the rules on your blog
Write six random things about yourself
Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
Let each person know they've been tagged

ok... six things...

the only thing I'm allergic to is adhesive tape
my great, great grandmother was the bastard child of royalty from Austria - she fled to America as a child with her nanny
I hate talking on the phone... always have, always will
I love to make jewelry, but I never wear any... I have multiple piercings in my ears but still never wear earrings... the only jewelry I've worn in the past 5 years was my wedding ring
I'm a huge procrastinator
I prefer to use pencils (mechanical pencils to be exact) and hate writing in pen. If I have to use a pen - I like blue ones... I don't like black ink.

ok... so the next part of "the rules" I'm tagging the following six people... can't wait to read these!

capitolagirl ... http://www.capitolagirl.com/

Jen .... http://twobusymommies.blogspot.com/

Magriet Moss ... http://babushkajewellery.blogspot.com/

D'Elle Juwelen .... D'Elle Juwelen

Kim ... http://circlesareforever.blogspot.com/

moore magnets ... http://mooremagnets.blogspot.com/

HAVE FUN WITH THIS!!

going green

2009-01-05T21:09:00.004-06:00

After reading many blogs about new year's resolutions I started to do a little looking around.... I don't believe in 'resolutions' just for the sake of making them because it's "that time of year"... but I have noticed that quite a few people I know have resolved to becoming more eco-friendly this year. YAY!

I have a friend who's the best recycler I know and it's begun to rub off a little on me too!

Check out this designer who has taken recycling to the next level! ....by Studio Verissimo

"This is a lamp made from plastic spoons used in the coffee which are going to
the garbage daily by the thousands because they are only used once.The objective
was with this waste to create a luxurious lamp. "

How cool is this?!?! ...being 'green' doesn't have to mean simple, sparse furnishings... or having no sense of glamour...

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T18:28:00.002-06:00

wishing everyone who visits my little blog a very happy new year!

"Dance like nobody's watching;
love like you've never been hurt.
Sing like nobody's listening;
live like it's heaven on earth."

- Mark Twain

Quote of the Day

2008-12-31T09:13:00.002-06:00

“Wise men speak because they have something to say;

Fools because they have to say something.”

- Plato

what I've been working on...

2008-12-29T21:50:00.006-06:00

I'm not sure why - because it wasn't planned - but lately everything I've been creating is slightly ethereal... I guess it started with 'the man in the moon' necklace....

then continued as I learned some basic metalsmithing techniques... with "orbit"
and then 'orbs'

and it's companion... 'mars'and then 'earth'....

I'm not sure what the significance is here... I just thought it was telling that for some reason my sub-conscious has been leading me in this direction for a while.... any thoughts?

HOLIDAY WISHES

2008-12-23T06:05:00.001-06:00

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-------
[I'd like to give credit where credit is due.... but I have no idea who wrote this - I didn't write this... ... I got this in an email last year and saved it because I thought it was so funny~!]

Quote of the Day

2008-12-21T23:30:00.001-06:00

"If you want to make a huge impact on a person's life, give him or her a kind word or two."

- Jeff Orlopp

8 more days...

2008-12-17T13:22:00.003-06:00

...can you believe there's only 8 days left until Christmas?? I am soooo behind this year, haven't even started shopping, decorating, cooking... AAGGHH!

Are you behind too? If you are, I thought maybe I could help a little. I'm upgrading all shipping in my little shop (here) from now until Dec. 20th to Priority Mail - no extra charge!! If you're in the United States, the post office says you'll receive your package in time for Christmas if sent by Dec. 20th. I have everything in my shop ready to go... so I'll ship same day! (or next day if it's after the post office closes)...

Quote of the Day

2008-12-12T06:40:00.001-06:00

"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk."
- Doug Larson

is this a great idea or what?

2008-12-09T06:57:00.004-06:00

this amazing design company brandimage has come up with a fabulous idea!! Instead of polluting our world with more of those annoying plastic bottles ...

did you know that every single day, Americans throw out 60 million of those
little plastic bottles!!!! 86% of which do not get recycled -

that is 51,600,000 bottles!!!!

... this team has come up with a very do-able solution. I'm just in awe! I'm also in awe of the other design work they do... check them out here.

Click on the photo to see it better and read more! (or click here)

Quote of the Month

2008-12-07T21:38:00.003-06:00

"He who works with his hands is a laborer,
he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman,
he who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist."

- St. Francis of Assisi

friday funnies....

2008-12-05T07:02:00.000-06:00

all of the above via

via

Quote of the Day

2008-12-03T07:09:00.000-06:00

"Needing someone is like needing a parachute. If they are not there the first time you need them, chances are you won't be needing them again."

- Scott Adams

my new favorite earrings....

2008-12-01T19:59:00.006-06:00

I love these! I love the juxtaposition of the chunky brass (masculine) hardware with the feminine pearls... surprisingly lightweight too!

they're perfect to dress up a t-shirt and your favorite blue jeans, but dressy enough to wear with a business suit.

...and yep.. they're for sale in my Etsy shop... http://monaco.etsy.com/

still in time for Christmas shipping!

Pearls symbolize the best within us. Honesty, Purity, Wisdom and Integrity.
They remind us to walk with Dignity. Pearls can stimulate your femininity and help with self acceptance.

They lift your spirits and make you feel calm and beautiful. When have you not felt ultra-feminine when wearing pearls? - even with your favorite jeans!

Quote of the Day

2008-11-30T14:16:00.001-06:00

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners triumphed because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. "
- Bertie Forbes

12 more days!

2008-11-28T12:26:00.002-06:00

just 12 more days of free shipping in my Etsy shop (here).....

just mention that you read it on my blog and I'll refund your shipping costs!! YAY!

who knew this?

2008-11-26T21:01:00.002-06:00

...you know when you try to pull some foil out of the box, and the roll comes right along with it? It's never a nice, clean tear..... so then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over.

Well you know what??? Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. Yep... even on my generic Giant Eagle roll!

How long has this little locking tab been there? Have I been missing this all these years, or is it new??

I just read about this in the Etsy forums and had to go check it out... and sure enough!! YAY!

Quote of the Day

2008-11-26T06:35:00.000-06:00

"What you are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing you need to do."
- unknown author

EGAD!

2008-11-25T06:50:00.000-06:00

There's only 30 days until Christmas!! I'm way behind on making my gifts this year... as always... yes... I am making most of my gifts this year - and not jewelry either!! I think my family is getting pretty tired of getting jewelry.

Between making gifts and shopping online (the best way to shop) - I really won't have to go to the mall - thank goodness!!

Although I am going to the mall this Friday... crazy? Not me!... my daughter is taking my little grandbug to get his picture with Santa and I want to be there. (you won't catch me shopping though.... ) Now that my grandbug's a whopping 18 months old, he might actually get into the spirit a little and I want to see his expressive little face when he sees all the decorations... and Santa!

I think I might actually put up a tree this year...

just a reminder... there's still plenty of time to shop online... like in my Etsy shop for instance???

shop here

Quote of the Day

2008-11-24T14:23:00.000-06:00

"Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out."
- Katherine Dunham

prayer vials....

2008-11-23T11:08:00.004-06:00

as promised a couple days ago...

Introducing... 'prayer vials'

a simple word of guidance handwritten in sanskrit and captured in a tiny glass vial. The vial in just over 1" long (including the cap) and 1/4" wide. It dangles from an 18" thin, sterling silver ball chain.

Each one will come in a gift box - wrapped up in a ribbon - with a little card elaborating on the word chosen.

words I have so far...

acceptance, hope, prosperity, strength, grace, wisdom, goodness, integrity, love, respect, truth, faith, courage.

I can also try (within reason) to do custom words - but bear in mind that the space is quite small, so multiple words may not fit.

have other word suggestions? I'd love to hear them!!

you can find them here

Quote of the Day

2008-11-22T11:13:00.001-06:00

"Choose a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. "
- Confucius

Friday funnies....

2008-11-21T06:23:00.004-06:00

Actual headlines that got past proofreaders…. or maybe they were intentional.

Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over

Miners Refuse to Work after Death

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

War Dims Hope for Peace

If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

found via

introducing.... healing vials

2008-11-19T20:12:00.004-06:00

Introducing... 'healing vials' .... Fran Henry wrote about them in the Cleveland Plain Dealer - and since then I've had a lot of inquiries... (haven't seen the article? read it here ... sorry for the shameless plug :)

So what are they?

Tiny little gemstones captured in a tiny glass vial.
The vial in just over 1" long (including the cap) and 1/4" wide. It dangles from an 18" thin, sterling silver ball chain.

Each one is chosen for its specific healing properties and will come in a gift box - wrapped up in a ribbon - with a little card explaining the stone.

Moss Agate.... (mottled green)... is considered the most powerful of the agates - helps balance emotional energy. It helps the wearer to let go of anger and bitterness so the emotions are balanced. It also enhances concentration, persistence and success..strengthens in times of stress

The Howlite (deep blue): decreases an overly critical state of mind, selfishness, pain and rudeness. It increases subtlety and tact. It helps bones and teeth and calcium levels and leg cramps. It heightens creativity.
Aventurine... a very cheery orange tone... grounds emotionally & allows for thought that is free of fear, troubled emotions, indecisiveness and anxiety. It is a stone for leaders, protectors and counselors. .. adventurine not only enhances creativity, it grants the ability to see possibilities.... this is the stone for writers, artists, musicians or anyone in the creative field.

Rose Quartz (pink): is known as the love stone. When worn, the wearer feels a sense of self-worth. It gives inner peace and helps in all matters pertaining to love in all its forms. Opens the heart to love.

I'll have lots more stones coming very soon.... and stay tuned for 'prayer vials'!

oh... I almost forgot! You can find them in my little online shop... monaco.etsy.com

Quote of the Day

2008-11-19T06:12:00.000-06:00

"If you don't know where your're going, any road will get you there."
- Lewis Carroll

A to Z favorites.... Y

2008-11-18T07:29:00.001-06:00

Y is for...... Yellow lux... Yellow lux makes beautiful frosted glass jewelry and accessories and also custom items.

I love this cattails necklace... (which can be found here)

and this series of initial pendants that she calls the Narcissist Series - what a great name!
and beautiful Christmas ornaments..... what a great hostess gift! (...hint, hint to anyone coming to my place for Christmas dinner......)

very nice... simple... perfect. And I love her photography!

Yorktown Road... I love these small zipped, pleated bags! Find them here

hmmmm.... and more hostess gift ideas! these coasters are fabulous!

.... and these pop-up Happy Holidays cards!!!

Oh you have to check out this shop and see these wonderful greeting cards!!!

Her name is Tracy Chong and her shop can be found here.
I'm seriously in love with the Rudolph one... Red Nosed Rudolph Pop-Up Card

Quote of the Day

2008-11-13T14:43:00.000-06:00

"A ship in a harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for. "
- Anonymous

here it is...........

2008-11-12T21:37:00.005-06:00

ok... my daughter got a paper....

I couldn't find one anywhere!'

extra, extra... read all about it!

2008-11-12T07:29:00.002-06:00

YAY! Fran Henry -wonderfully nice woman and reporter for the Plain Dealer - wrote articles about Etsy and guess what ? drumroll please.....

She wrote about four local Etsy artists:

hiannie

lazyTcrochet

stonz

.............and me!!! monaco

YAY! I'll take a picture of the page later today... how exciting!

Quote of the Day

2008-11-11T06:51:00.000-06:00

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."
- Moliere

only 45 days~!

2008-11-10T06:34:00.000-06:00

that's right folks! Only 45 days til Christmas!

to help you all with your Christmas shopping, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING to anyone, anywhere, that purchases from my Etsy shop... from now until December 10th.

That's 30 days of free shipping!

- I'm only offering this to people who read my blog -so..... and this is important - you must let me know when you order, that you want FREE SHIPPING - and that you read it on my blog.

(when you go to checkout, there is a place where you can write in "notes to seller" just put it in there - nothing fancy - just say free shipping per blog -or something)

so now go ahead and shop!! HERE

boho magazine

2008-11-09T12:34:00.007-06:00

Have you seen this yet? It's fashion's first eco-friendly magazine! I guess it actually premiered in August, but this is the first I've seen it.

boho magazine, is the first "green" fashion/lifestyle publication to be printed entirely on recycled paper with natural soy inks and no glossy finishes. boho is for the creative, free-spirited women who loves fashion and beauty, but who also wants to make the world a prettier place by giving back and going green.

so... according to the publishers... this is a boho girl:

---------------------->

sound like you? Then check out this magazine! It's perfect for the eco-fashionista!!!

friday funnies.....

2008-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I had these saved on my computer, but I can't remember where they came from!

--------------------------------------
Labor Pains....

Once, a woman was in labor; she was having a really tough time dealing with the pain. The doctor came to her husband and her and told them of a new experimental drug that allows the woman to transfer 25% of the pain to the father. The husband feels really bad for his wife so he decides they will try it.

The wife takes the pill and a few minutes later the husband says, "I don't feel a thing. You women are babies. Take another pill I can handle this." So the wife takes another pill. Same thing happens. Her husband tells her to take another pill. Same thing.

By now she has transferred 75% of her pain to her husband. She is feeling a little pain but her husband is still feeling nothing. He is convinced that women are complete wuses. He tells her, "Take another pill. This isn't hurting me at all. Let me take all the pain away." So she does. Now they are both feeling great.

A few hours later, the wife gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. The next day they take their newborn son home, and there they find the mailman dead on the doorstep.

via

Quote of the Day

2008-11-04T22:33:00.002-06:00

"It's not enough to have a dream, unless you're willing to pursue it. "
- Unknown Author

going to vote this Tuesday????

2008-11-02T17:31:00.001-06:00

well get rewarded with a FREE DOUGHNUT!!

Krispy Kreme is giving away a free patriotic doughnut to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker, on Tue 11/04. Click HERE

Quote of the Day

2008-11-01T17:31:00.002-06:00

"Successful people in this world are those who get up and look for circumstances they want. If they can't find them, they make them. "
- George Bernard Shaw

trick or treat!

2008-10-31T20:49:00.005-06:00

ok... so last year my daughter bought me a sewing machine for my birthday... aha! now the truth comes out.... I'm to make my grandbug's halloween costumes for the next 12 years or so....

it's ok... I love it! Turns out, my daughter loved the fact that I always made her halloween costumes! - who would have known???

Anyway... little grandbug's daddy is a huge, HUGE Ohio State Buckeye fan... er.. fanatic!@

So he wanted little grandbug to be Brutus... the Ohio State mascot.

...here's the inspiration... ( one of like three of these he has)

and here's the finished costume....

what do ya' think???

A to Z favorites...... X

2008-10-31T02:00:00.001-06:00

so... I thought the letter X would be difficult, but I was so wrong....

let's start with XO Handworks soldered Map Pendants that can be found here.

Tam, handmakes each one of these in Osseo, Minnesota.

You can have custom map pendants made too!

What a great gift! Perhaps to remind someone far away of their hometown... or commemorate a fabulous trip... or a dream locale that you've always wanted to go to... mine would be Italy. Custom made pendants are only $24! What a deal!

Amber Coppings - from Pittsburg - makes these fabulous Xmittens!!!
They're fingerless gloves - get it? EX-MITTENS??

Xmittens! are practical, yet fashionable fleece fingerless gloves. Each has it's own unique stitched design and machine embroidery around the thumbhole for increased durability.

Apparently, Amber actually started making these because it was so darn COLD in her studio and she needed to be able to use her fingers, but also to stay warm while she makes stuff!

These totally fixed that problem - and stylishly too, I might add.

find them here

XO Designs......

oh I so want to get one of these with my little grandbug's picture!!!!

These make great gifts!! Everyone loves their image in POP Art!

Lisa, from Columbus, Ohio creates these one-of-a-kind POP Art pieces.... just send her a digital image of the person you would like to POP Art and within a week she will send you a printed image with POP!!

I especially love the doggie one!! perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for person!

find them at XODesigns here.

introducing Yoda Flubber Duck

2008-10-30T06:43:00.001-06:00

those of you who know me, know that I'm definitely a dog person.... always have been....

so what am I doing with this thing??? I don't even like cats!

A few months back my neighbors discover this little guy skulking about the basement of our apartment building. Well certainly he must belong to someone here, right? I mean, how else does he get into a secure apartment building?

He was skinny and scared. Both of my neighbors already have two cats so they asked me to keep him until we found the owner - ok... no problem - what's that going to be... a day? two days?

Well here it is like five months later... he's no longer scared and definitely not skinny... and I guess he's a keeper!

My friend, and neighbor named him Yoda - mainly because of his abnormally large ears... my little grandbug calls him "duck" (for some reason he calls everything 'duck')

.... and now he's gotten so fat my daughter refers to him as 'flubber" - so there you have it... he is officially Yoda Flubber Duck and I guess he's stickin' around!

he really is a little sweetheart... so affectionate... he might be growing on me a little :)

Quote of the Day

2008-10-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do.
There can be no courage unless you are scared."
- Edward V. Rickenbacker

Friday funnies.....

2008-10-24T07:45:00.000-05:00

found via
--------------------------------------------

What's Sex?

A little girl runs out to the yard where her father is working, and asks him, "Daddy, what's sex?"

Her startled father sits her down, and tells her all about the birds and the bees. He tells her about conception, sexual intercourse, sperms and eggs.

He goes on to tell her about puberty, menstruation, erections, wet-dreams... and, he thinks -- what the hell -- and goes on to tell her the works. He covers a wide assortment of topics and by the time he's finished, his daughter is somewhat awestruck with this sudden influx of bizarre new knowledge.

Her father finally asks: "So what did you want to know about sex for?"

"Oh, mommy said to tell you breakfast would be ready in a couple of secs..."

via

Quote of the Day

2008-10-21T22:16:00.001-05:00

"When nothing is sure, everything is possible"
-Margaret Drabble

drumroll please......

2008-10-21T07:03:00.000-05:00

wow! a total of 374 entries for my earring give-away on Designs by Vanessa's blog!!! What an overwhelming response! THANK YOU!

Since I had soooo many people respond, I decided to give away both pairs of earrings.!!

The winner is Jinxy & Me from Minnesota, and she chose the ruby tuesday earrings.

The runner up and winner of the may flower earrings is Jen from Nova Scotia!

Congratulations to both the winners! I hope you love them as much as I love making them!

Quote of the Day

2008-10-20T06:19:00.000-05:00

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience.
- Victoria Holt

today's the last day...

2008-10-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

to enter to win a pair of my earrings! Enter on Designs by Vannessa blogspot here.

You can win your choice of my 'ruby tuesday' earrings or 'may flowers'.

ruby tuesday

may flowersgo ahead and enter! It's easy!

Friday funnies....

2008-10-17T06:48:00.000-05:00

Zero to 200 in six seconds....

Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary.

His wife was really pissed.
She told him “Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE !!”

The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Bob has been missing since Friday.

via

..............................................................

Fridays in Hell…

One day a guy dies and finds himself in hell. As he is wallowing in despair, he has his first meeting with the devil …

Satan: ‘Why so glum?’

Guy: ‘What do you think? I’m in hell!’

Satan: ‘Hell’s not so bad. We actually have a lot of fun down here. You a drinking man?’

Guy: ‘Sure, I love to drink.’

Satan: ‘Well, you’re gonna love Mondays then. On Mondays, that’s all we do is drink. Whiskey, tequila, Guinness, wine coolers, Tab and Fresca. We drink ’til we throw up and then we drink some more! And you don’t have to worry about getting a hangover, because you’re dead anyway.’

Guy: ‘Gee that sounds great!’

Satan: ‘You a smoker?’

Guy: ‘You better believe it’

Satan: ‘All right! You’re gonna love Tuesdays. We get the finest cigars from all over the world and smoke our lungs out. If you get cancer - no biggie, you’re already dead, remember?’

Guy: ‘Wow … that’s awesome!’

Satan: ‘I bet you like to gamble.’

Guy: ‘Why, yes, as a matter of fact I do.’ Satan: ‘Good, ’cause Wednesdays you can gamble all you want. Craps, blackjack, roulette, poker, slots, whatever. If you go bankrupt, it doesn’t matter, you’re dead anyhow.’

Guy: ‘Cool!’

Satan: ‘What about drugs?’

Guy: ‘Are you kidding? Love drugs! You don’t mean …?’

Satan: ‘That’s right! Thursday is drug day. Help yourself to a great big bowl of crack or smack. Smoke a doobie the size of a submarine. You can do all the drugs you want. You’re dead so who cares.’

Guy: ‘Wow! I never realized Hell was such a cool place!’

Satan: ‘You gay?’

Guy: ‘No…’ Satan: ‘Oooo, Fridays are gonna be tough …

via

Quote of the Day

2008-10-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

"If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.
- Catherine Aird

A to Z favorites.... W

2008-10-14T18:07:00.001-05:00

and "W" is for.....
WackyJacky!!

Just look at these fabulous creations! Oh I just have to get my little grandbug one of these!

Each one is completely handmade and one of a kind. And they have their own personality with a little story to match!

To see the Sock Monstahs humble beginnings go to Sockmonstahs.com & learn more about them, the charities they help, and the crazy lady who creates them.

You can also find them in her Etsy shop... WackyJacky

and to top off all this monstah goodness... she even makes Charity Monstahs: Charities are specified in each Monstah's description. 100% of the sales of the item goes to it's specific charity.

And do read those descriptions... they're hysterical!!!

I love these 'any occasion' Window cards by Lucky Duck Designs.....

Lucky Duck Designs is home to a collection of sweet and thoughtful cards for you to share with loved ones near and far.

Who wouldn't rather have a sweet hand-made card as opposed to the mass-produced ones you can buy at any discount store.... and these won't cost you a bit more - in fact, they are LESS expensive... and oh so more beautiful.

She also has a line of customizable holiday cards!! What are you waiting for?

Her beautiful cards can be found here.

Stainless Steel Ball Tip Whisk

Ok... we all know I love to cook.... and I love kitchen gadgets, especially ones that look this cool!

...which is why I love Williams-Sonoma. Check out this whisk!

"Distinguished by its unique design, this 18/10 stainless-steel professional whisk is just what you need for quickly whipping air into egg whites or cream, or incorporating liquids into dry ingredients. The secret to its efficiency? The straight wires are topped with weighted beads that increase the whipping force and also reach into the corners of pans and bowls, at any angle. Dishwasher safe. 10 1/2" long."

find it here

Quote of the Day

2008-10-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

"A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. A woman must do what he can’t."
- Rhonda Hansome

Quote of the Day...

2008-10-11T20:10:00.004-05:00

Ooops! I missed "friday funnies!" I'm sorry... so here's a quote that a friend of mine sent me - I've tried to find the author, but haven't been able to.

So we're mixing "quote of the day" with "friday funnies"!!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.

If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.

If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.

If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.

She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So - if you give her any crap, you will receive a ton of shit."

Love and appreciate all the women in your life.

birthdays, umbrellas and friendship

2008-10-09T03:07:00.000-05:00

ok.. I know.. odd title... but I had a birthday a couple weeks ago (and no, I won't tell you which one), but it was so touching.

I've never really had a lot a female friends... and I've come to really appreciate what it means to have them. Not just the acquaintances we see or socialize with, but a true friend. We tend to use the term "friend" so loosely - in my opinion.

Friends are like rare gems (excuse the comparison to jewelry, but hey.. it's what I know!)... they know you better than your own family. They accept you for who you are, even if it is not like them... even if they totally disagree with you... they accept you... They accept that you're addicted to bacon, even if they're vegans.

They protect you.....they buy you umbrellas because you don't have the sense to come in out of the rain.

That is a friend. They respect your choices and will not judge you for them, they help you be they best 'you' you can be....

Quote of the Day

2008-10-08T07:47:00.000-05:00

"Do the common thing in an uncommon way."
- Booker T. Washington

Red Sponge Coral

2008-10-06T15:05:00.002-05:00

I've recently been using this a lot in my designs and I thought I'd share a little about this beautiful, vibrant stone. It reminds me of paprika.

Sponge coral is actually its trade name... it's real name is melithaea ochracea (see why they just call it sponge coral??)

Sponge coral really has nothing to do with sponges. It just looks like a sponge.

Other than shells and animal teeth, coral was one of the earliest materials used in jewelry.

Neolithic amulets in red coral found in digs in Switzerland date back to 8000 BCE.

Why wear it??

Sponge coral promotes a childlike, fun mood.

Coral helps restore harmony in the event of emotional conflict.

It works against nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy.

Mystical power: Coral is said to cure madness and give wisdom. It excites nerve power, brilliancy and gladness and is a true health-giver.

You'll find these (pictured) and many other designs in my online shop - which can be found here.

Or just click on a photo to be taken to that item.

Earring Giveaway!!!!

2008-10-05T13:37:00.010-05:00

I'm giving away a pair of earrings to one lucky winner who will get to choose between the "ruby tuesday" or "may flower" earrings.

Win them just in time for gift giving or as a special gift for yourself!! Either way, they will come in a cotton-filled gift box, all tied up with a ribbon.

Vanessa - of Designs by Vanessa - is hosting this giveaway!

To enter, go to her blog
Designs by Vanessa

and follow her instructions.

The winner will be picked at random from all the entries received on October 9th...

Good luck!!!
and a great big THANKS to Vanessa for hosting this for me!!!!
YAY !

the PERFECT alarm clock!

2008-10-04T23:59:00.006-05:00

Ok... this is it! Any of you who know me, know that I'm addicted to bacon. (yes, I'm sorry, but I am! ) I could easily be a vegetarian if it weren't for this salty, crunchy, smoky, delectible delight. (ok... now I'm hungry for bacon)

Check this out!!!!
by Matty Sallin, Daniel Bartolini, Hsiao-huh Hsu

WHAT: An alarm clock that wakes you up with the smell and sizzle of cooking bacon.

WHY: No one likes to wake up, especially by an alarm. This clock gently wakes you up with the mouthwatering aroma of bacon, just like waking up on a Sunday morning to the smell of Mom cooking breakfast. Unless you're Jewish.

HOW: A frozen strip of bacon is placed in Wake n' Bacon the night before. Because there is a 10 minute cooking time, the clock is set to go off 10 minutes before the desired waking time. Once the alarm goes off, the clock it sends a signal to a small speaker to generate the alarm sound. We hacked the clock so that the signal is re-routed by a microchip that in responds by sending a signal to a relay that throws the switch to power two halogen lamps that slow-cook the bacon in about 10 minutes.

OMG!!! Wouldn't this be fabulous????

found via

Friday funnies

2008-10-03T13:34:00.005-05:00

You've probably read the hoopla about all the "photoshopping" in magazines etc... here are some fabulous photoshop mistakes!!

no head!!! ... from Sports Illustrated via

need an extra hand????

via
apparently, Curves cereal turns your stomach white!

via
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Supposedly, these are actual advertisements that have appeared in papers across the country.

Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.

Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.

The hotel has bowling alleys, tennis courts, comfortable beds, and other athletic facilities.

Stock up and save. Limit: one.

We build bodies that last a lifetime.

Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.

UsedCars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated? Come here first!

Wanted: Hair-cutter. Excellent growth potential.

Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.

3-year-old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.

Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.

Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.

Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale.

via

Quote of the day

2008-10-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

"Failure seldom stops you; what stops you is the fear of failure."
- Jack Lemon

A to Z favorites.... V

2008-09-30T23:00:00.004-05:00

Valerie Tyler jewelry....
this one in particular, the earthy colored abacus necklace, is one of my favorites... but she has many, many beautiful things! Find them here....

Vain and Vapid blog....

check it out here!

... the name means "living earth" and is inspired by their dedication to living in harmony with nature - for a healthier life now and for future generations.

All of their products reflect a commitment to:

ecology and elegance: The finest goods that uniquely fuse exceptional quality and design with eco sensitivities.

organic, sustainable sources: The purest ingredients and sustainable resources possible - selected to be the best available.

earth and people friendly: Partners and suppliers who share our values and work to make a positive difference in the world.

handcrafted by artisans: Distinctive goods of uncommon value, handcrafted by passionate designers and artisans. celebrate life: Celebrate life and human spirit by honoring traditions from cultures around the world.

check them out! find them here.

Quote of the Day

2008-09-29T07:23:00.000-05:00

"There are really only three types of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say "what happened?"
- Unknown Author

Friday funnies....

2008-09-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

funny signs....

all found via AmyOops.com

if it's too small to read, you can click here

via

Broken heart....

2008-09-25T21:21:00.008-05:00

I haven't blogged this week. I have been a little pre-occupied.

I've had a broken heart before... actually, many times... but it has always been "theoretically"... now it seems that the light of my life... my favorite little man, actually does have a "broken heart."

Ever since my husband (actually my ex husband) was killed in a car accident back in January, the main purpose of my existence has been my little grandbug... he is my light, my joy, my everything!!! He is just 16 months old and on Monday we found out that he will need open-heart surgery.

It seems that he was born with two holes in his beautiful little heart. One has actually repaired itself (the worst one)... but the second one is going to require surgery.

What he has is called a Atrioventricular Canal Defect and it will require them to actually cut open his chest... break his sternum... take out his heart.. empty it, apply the patch and return that beautiful little heart to this beautiful little man.

Quite daunting... I've spent this week questioning, and researching to find out everything we can.

They are going to wait until he gains some weight and is a little stronger before the surgery - probably not until the summer... but it has been very stressful, to say the least.

Please, keep him in your thoughts and prayers....comments from anyone who has had experience with this sort of thing would be greatly appreciated.

Quote of the Day

2008-09-22T19:14:00.002-05:00

"Regardless of circumstances, each man lives in a world of his own making."
- Josepha Murray Emms

Friday funnies...

2008-09-19T05:25:00.004-05:00

How to hide your boyfriend from your parents..... found via

found via

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

this one's long... but worth it

Hell, Explained By a Chemistry Student

The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell.

With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you", and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over.

The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY "A"

via

Quote of the Day

2008-09-18T18:31:00.001-05:00

"It is essential to learn to enjoy life.

It really does not make sense to go through the motions of existence

if one does not appreciate as much of it as possible."

- Mihaly Csikszentmihalhi

Rose Quartz

2008-09-17T21:32:00.004-05:00

Rose Quartz is a Microcrystalline variety of quartz.

Named for its rosy pink color, this variety of quartz can be pale pink to peachy in color.

The gem gets is color from trace amounts of Titanium, and it is commonly included with tiny rutile needles. Usually found in large aggregated masses.

and from my geology class last summer.... this is a member of the quartz family it shares the same properties as the rest of its large family: hardness of 7, white streak, no cleavage.

... so what can rose quartz do for you???

Rose quartz is known as the love stone. When worn in jewelry the wearer feels a sense of self-worth.

Healing properties of Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz has a gentle vibration of love for the owner. It gives inner peace and helps in all matters pertaining to love in all its forms. Rose Quartz opens the heart to love. It also helps as a rejuvenator to the skin. It is a lovely stone for a young person.

and then pair it with sterling silver....

Silver is a mineral that is said to mirror the soul, strengthen the connection between astral and physical bodies, and enhance intuitive and psychic energies. Silver is mystically considered to improve speech, bring eloquence. It is also purported to attract, enhance and store the energies of gemstones, as well as draw out negative energies.

so.... I'm thinking that if you wear this bracelet you'll be able to not only feel peaceful and worthy of love, but you'll be able to express that feeling when it's most important!

I just purchased bunches of rose quartz and this bracelet was the first creation... you can find it for purchase in my Etsy shop by just clicking on one of the photos... but there will be many more rose quartz pieces to come!!!

Quote of the Day

2008-09-16T06:19:00.000-05:00

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them. "
- Lady Bird Johnson

It's a sunny day!

2008-09-15T20:46:00.003-05:00

Sunny Day Happy Face has included my 'boy named sue' bracelet in her quilt of etsy shops... check it out here

thanks Sunny Day! you can read more of her blog at sunnydayhappyface.blogspot.com

Quote of the Day

2008-09-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

"Devote to better living the energy that you could spend in criticism."

- Imelda Shanklin

Friday funnies....

2008-09-12T06:55:00.001-05:00

A 6 year old and a 4 year old are upstairs in their bedroom.

‘You know what?’ says the 6 year old. ‘I think it’s about time we started cussing.

The 4 year old nods his head in approval.

The 6 year old continues, ‘When we go downstairs for breakfast, I’m gonna say something with hell and you say something with ass.’

The 4 year old agrees with enthusiasm.

When the mother walks into the kitchen and asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast, he replies, ‘Aw, hell, Mom, I guess I’ll have some Cheerios.’

WHACK! He flies out of his chair, tumbles across the kitchen floor, gets up, and runs upstairs crying his eyes out, with his mother in hot pursuit, slapping his rear with every step. His mom locks him in his room and shouts, ‘You can stay there until I let you out!’

She then comes back downstairs, looks at the 4 year old and asks with a stern voice, ‘And what do YOU want for breakfast, young man?’

I don’t know, he blubbers, ‘but you can bet your fat ass it won’t be Cheerios!’

found via

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found via

Quote of the Day

2008-09-10T01:00:00.001-05:00

"The errors to avoid are those that eliminate opportunities to try again."

- Lazar Goldberg

A to Z favorites... U

2008-09-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

Useful Books.... each and every book has been joyfully handcrafted from start to finish by Cindy Leaders of Toccoa, Georgia.

"These books beg to be used. Their greatest hope and desire, like the Velveteen Rabbit, is to be loved into well-worn keepsakes. "

Most of the folios are ripped by hand so pages start out with the comfortable look and feel of a deckled edge.

She makes 'reinvented' journals out of wonderful old books - perhaps she could turn your favorite childhood book into a journal! I'd love to have a Harold and the Purple Crayon journal - wouldn't you? or maybe Goodnight Moon... hmmm...

I think my favorite journals Cindy makes are the ones I've shown here... made from and actual Whole Foods grocery bag!
find it (and all her Useful Books here)

Usona Home Furnishings.... I'm totally in love with this store!!!

Usonahome.com..... of course, nothing has prices.... and you know what that means... but how cool is this shop!?!?!?!

Upholstered Coffee Table
Upholstered low table with castors. Wood frame with removable fabric.

... Isn't this fabulous??? find it here

URBAN FLEA
design is design is design: loving the high and the low since 2008.

I love this blog... I should add it to my "blog roll" which hasn't been updated in quite some time...
http://www.urbanfleadesign.com/

Quote of the Day

2008-09-07T20:29:00.001-05:00

"Live in your hopes and not in your fears. "
- Johnny Majors

Friday funnies......

2008-09-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

Why did the chicken cross the road?

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialog with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves tocross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of crossing?

AL GORE: I invented the chicken.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmers Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.

JERRY FALWELL: Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it the other side. Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay, too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes with seemingly harmless phrases like the other side. That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never reboot.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

Quote of the Day

2008-09-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

"You are responsible for the world that you live in." - August Wilson

Blast off!

2008-09-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness! I was lucky enough to go to the Cleveland National Air Show on Labor Day... all I can say is "WOW" and why didn't I ever go before???

It was friggin incredible! I wish my pictures could do it justice but all I had was this cheap little camera...

The day started out early (well 9:30 is early for me) and we got to walk around and see the military airplanes.... let me tell you I have a whole new respect for our armed forces...

can you imagine working with all that instrumentation???

Check out the size of these things!!! It's amazing that they can even fly. The engines alone are 27 feet long!I was just in awe.... ...then there was the Shockwave Jet Truck.... it went from zero to 300 mph it 11 seconds!I loved the biplanes and their amazing stunts... this pilot, Sean Tucker did a solo performance and then performed stunts with his son in another plane! I actually felt sorry for this guy's wife... can you imagine your husband and your son doing this for a living?
Then there were the parachute jumpers from the Army... airplanes were actually circling them while they were free-falling!look how low to the ground these planes come! I swear my stomach ached just watching them....and then, of course, the finale... the Navy's Blue Angels. They fly in formation only 18 inches apart at 600 mph!!!!
Holy crap! I was thinking... most people I know work in offices, or retail, or factories.... can you imagine this being your job?

The entire day was just thrilling... and lasted til 6:00! We had perfect weather for it too. If you've never gone, I really recommend it. It was simply beyond words....

Quote of the Day

2008-09-02T05:48:00.000-05:00

"Expectations tend to be self-fulfilling."
- Unknown Author

A to Z favorites.....T

2008-09-01T09:26:00.001-05:00

Fabulous TOASTER! by george watson from uk

designer's own words: There has been little development of the toaster since the start of the century, whilst other appliances have developed and improved incorporating new technologies and thinking, toaster have remained relatively untouched. When the toaster was first invented eating toast was a social activity that took place on the breakfast table, these days toasters have been relegated to cheap plastic objects hidden away in the kitchen landscape. This toaster is designed to engage the user, re-invigorating the social context of toasting by questioning everything about what we toast with today.
can be found here....

self-taught metal artist Timothy Adams....
find these and more here...

TaskWatch whiteboard is a wall-mounted write-on/wipe-off panel with a clock in the middle. You can use markers to write all sorts of messages or draw images beside the relevant hour, which makes TaskWatch a helpful tool for organizing one’s time or sharing information with co-workers.

Thumbthing
A brilliant new invention forreading books – it makesreading more comfortable.
Also use it as a bookmark.
Ideal for reading in bed, or in the bath or on the beach. Great for commuters.
Everybody will want one,everyone should have it.

find it here

To-Do Tatoos......oh come on... admit it.. you've scribbled your "to-do" list on your hand before, right? Why not do it right??? found via fred & friends ..... here

Quote of the Day

2008-08-31T16:26:00.001-05:00

"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon."
- Doug Larson

(sorry Leah- you know I'd be a vegetarian if it wasn't for bacon..... I'm working on it)

Friday funnies....

2008-08-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

ok... make up your mind... is this so the police can give more tickets???? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A girl came skipping home from school one day.
‘Mommy, Mommy,’ she yelled, ‘we were counting today, and all the other kids could only count to four, but I counted to 10. See? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!’
‘Very good,’ said her mother.
‘Is it because I’m blonde?’ the girl said.
‘Yes, it’s because you’re blonde,’ said the mommy.

The next day the girl came skipping home from school.‘Mommy, Mommy,’ she yelled, ‘we were saying the alphabet today, and all the other kids could only say it to D, but I said it to G. See? A, B, C, D, E, F, G!’
‘Very good,’ said her mother.
‘Is it because I’m blonde, Mommy?’
‘Yes, it’s because you’re blonde.’

The next day the girl came skipping home from school. Mommy,Mommy,’ she yelled, ‘we were in gym class today, and when we showered, all the other girls had flat chests, but I have these!’ And she lifted her tank top to reveal a pair of 36Cs.
‘Very good,’ said her embarrassed mother.
‘Is it because I’m blonde, mommy?’
‘No Honey, it’s because you’re 24.’

found via

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"Only in America":

...can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance

....are there handicapped parking places in front of a skating rink

....do people order double cheese burgers, a large fry, and a diet coke

....do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters

....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and leave useless things and junk in boxes in the garage

....do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place

....do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight

....do we use the word "politics" to describe the process so well: "poli" in latin meaning "many" and "tics" meaning "blood-sucking creatures".

found via

Quote of the Day

2008-08-28T19:22:00.000-05:00

"You use a glass mirror to see your face: you use works of art to see your soul."
-George Bernard Shaw

Randomness...

2008-08-27T20:14:00.004-05:00

I've been tagged!!

I've officially been 'tagged' by Korinne from Crafteralla!

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3. Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up

ok... this is actually harder than I thought!! hmmmm.....
Six Random Things About Me:

1. I hate shopping
2. I can't whistle
3. I love to cook (just hate the grocery shopping part), and love to eat! but I don't like sweets
4. I love the smell of tomato plants, the concrete after it rains, and puppy breath
5. I've moved 27 times
6. I call roll my tonque and wiggle my nose (but not at the same time)

ok... now I'm tagging six more people! Can't wait to read what you have to say...

1 - Terri of Photography by Terri Harper
2 - Leah of Thought Out Loud
3 - Quirky of Angelic Quirk
4 - Kate of Peony and the Bee
5 - Patricia of Clay Mouse Studio
6 - Allison of Nimoy Creations

Quote of the Day

2008-08-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Live in your hopes and not in your fears."
- Johnny Majors

City Expressions 2008

2008-08-25T20:15:00.005-05:00

Cleveland Public Art and Cleveland area Scion Dealerships held the 7th annual City Xpressions Street Art Festival this past weekend in Market Square Park - Lorain Avenue at West 25th.
It was also the last weekend for Open Air in Market Square - Cleveland's only urban outdoor market. If you've never gone to it - you should make it point to go next year! It's every Saturday in the summer and there's always a wonderful variety of live music, performers, artists, and such a diverse group of people. I've met some wonderful people (and wonderful dogs!) here this summer.

Here's a glimpe at the aerosol artists at work this weekend! This is Denis DeVerteuil - working on "Bob" - the purple guy. Love this one!
It's a family affair! Artist John Forgus has help from his (really sweet) kids, Kyle, Paige and Bryson.
Ryan & Sam - probably the youngest of the artists had a fabulously colorful display!

It turned out to be a great day with perfect weather.. unlike last year when it stormed halfway through. Make it a point to stop down next year! It's always big fun!

oh.. and here's a shot of two of the friends I've made this summer.... Deby (Deby's Designs)

and John - who's a blast and just wonderfully helpful.

A to Z favorites. ... SSSSSSS

2008-08-23T20:09:00.003-05:00

Oh.. I may have to do "S" more than once.... there are just so many fabulous "S" things!!!!

Scribble it .... I love words.... I love word art... Scribble it makes word art for your walls!

Actually they create custom vinyl lettering for your home, business, vehicles... and they can put your sentiments on glass cubes or ceramic tiles too! What a wonderful house-warming gift!!

They'll even create custom designs for you... put your favorite inspirational quote above your workspace.... put a family monagram on your door. How about a nursery rhyme or sweet sentiment for your baby's room? Another great gift idea for new parents!

I just adore these!!!!Find them here or for even more designs... find them here.

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Spotty Dotty Bowl......

I love functional art... why buy something mass-produced, that everyone has, when you can infuse a little art and beauty into your everyday life with products like these?

I've coveted this Spotty Dotty bowl for quite some time now... doesn't it just make you smile???

find it here at chARiTy elise designs or CharityElise.com
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Sorapot.... although I'm mostly a coffee drinker - this has me re-thinking that! I may switch to tea just to have an excuse to get this. Designer: Joey Roth found via DesignSpotter

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Spicy Steak Knives..... Designed by Carlo Contin for Legnoart, they look like a bunch of pens but they're actually knives! I especially like the stainless steel ones.....

found via Contemporist

Quote of the Day

2008-08-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

-Sir Winston Churchill

Friday funnies....

2008-08-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

John was a salesman’s delight when it came to any kind of unusual gimmick. One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases. It was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.

It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son, returned home from school. Tommy was over 2 hours late. “Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late getting home?” asked John.

“Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project,” said Tommy.

The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking him completely out of his chair.

”Son”, said John, “this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you really were after school.”

“We went to Bobby’s house and watched a movie”, said Tommy.

“What did you watch?” asked Marsha.

“The Ten Commandments”, answered Tommy.

The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him, knocking him off his chair once more.

With his lip quivering, Tommy got up, sat down and said, “I am sorry I lied. We really watched a tape called Sex Queen.”

“I am ashamed of you son”, said John. “When I was your age, I never lied to my parents.”

The robot then walked around to John and slapped him and knocked him out of his chair.

Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said, “Boy, did you ever ask for that one! You can’t be too mad with Tommy. After all, he is your son!”

With that the robot immediately walked around to Marsha and knocked her out of her chair.

via

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yea.... not a moment too soon!

via

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Tryouts for the U.S. Olympic women’s marathon swim team were to be held.
The first was in California; a swim from from Santa Monica to Catalina doing only the breaststroke.

Three women signed up for the tryouts - a brunette, a redhead and a blonde.

The race started, and after approximately 14 hours, the brunette staggered up on the shore and was declared the winner.
About 40 minutes later, the Redhead crawled ashore and was declared the second place finisher.

Nearly 4 hours after that, the blonde finally came ashore and promptly collapsed in front of the worried onlookers.

When the reporters asked why it took her so long to complete this regulation breaststroke race, she replied, “I don’t want to sound like I’m a sore loser, but I think those two other girls were using their arms.”

via

Quote of the Day

2008-08-19T22:18:00.001-05:00

"Life is not a dress rehearsal.
Quit practicing what you're going to do, and just do it.
In one bold stroke you can transform today. "
- Marilyn Grey

A to Z favorites... R

2008-08-17T22:00:00.002-05:00

Today is all about R

Rachel Rene bath & body products....
just look at these soaps!!! Need I say more? Decadent!
find these soaps and more handmade lovliness here.

Rare Device Home / Housewares / Ceramic

Rare Device is, simply, good stuff for you and your home.

I'm particularly fond of the ceramics found here but they have loads of other cool stuff too!

....and I love this (taken from their "about us" page)
"The storefront is a place to promote designers, artists and artisans plus help them grow by taking on new projects and collaborations. Every object in the store has its own story, and has been chosen because it is either handmade, well-designed, useful, beautiful or all of the above. The aesthetic is modern and quirky while remaining warm and inviting - design that is accessible to all. Influences range from comic book art to entropy in nature, laser-etching to hand-lettering to nautical lore."

RADIUS Design fireplace...... imagine being able to put a fireplace anywhere you want to! How fabulous are these? I love the way the one (above) seems to just float on the wall....

the ones in stainless steel are simply incredible, but I also like these black models.

see them all here

Quote of the Day

2008-08-12T22:51:00.002-05:00

"Don't give up when you still have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying."
-Brian Dyson

Unleash your creativity!

2008-08-11T19:33:00.007-05:00

with all the "back-to-school" shopping, it made me remember......

Remember Crayola crayons? I always envied the kid who had the 64-crayon box with the built-in sharpener. I just had the smaller box... no sharpener.... but I always so wanted the larger box.
I also remember hating once my crayons got dull... you'd peel back the paper and make do but you always wished you had the pack with the sharpener.... I hated dull crayons, and I still hate dull pencils... that's why I always use mechanical pencils now... always sharp

I hear so many people say "oh, I'm not creative".... I don't believe that! Everyone is creative... maybe just in different ways. Perhaps you can't draw... I can't either! But I can create amazing abstract paintings....( or so says my mother!)

If you don't have the time... or the desire... that's one thing.. but it really doesn't matter - you ARE creative! We were all born that way it's just that sometimes it gets stifled! GO FOR IT! Unleash your own personal creativity - whatever that it to you - with reckless abandon.

Go back to that feeling you had when you got your new box of crayons (even if they weren't the 64-pack)
You (if you felt like me at all) were so excited and your mind was full of possibilities! Go back to that.... grab some crayons and create something. It feels wonderful!

Invisibility

2008-08-11T08:48:00.004-05:00

Perhaps you remember when I posted about this book I found on Ebay... it supposedly had the secret to becoming invisible!
Well maybe it wasn't too far fetched!
did you read the news today?

Invisibility Cloak One Step Closer

WASHINGTON (Aug. 10) - Scientists have created two new types of
materials that can bend light the wrong way, creating the first step toward an invisibility cloaking device.
One approach uses a type of fishnet of metal layers to reverse the direction of light, while another uses tiny silver wires, both at the nanoscale level.....

read the rest of the story here

Quote of the Day

2008-08-10T20:59:00.000-05:00

"The universe may not always play fair, but at least it’s got a hell of a sense of humor."
-Michael Patrick King

Friday funnies...

2008-08-08T13:15:00.004-05:00

ok... this is freaky! I guess I'm "usual"... take this test and find out if you're Usual or Unusual?
http://www.humorsphere.com/fun/usual.php

found via
..........
Trust your mom

Ben invited his mother over for dinner. During the meal, his mother couldn't help noticing how beautiful Ben's roommate was. She had long been suspicious of a relationship between Ben and his roommate and this only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Ben and the roommate than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Ben volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Allison and I are just roommates."

About a week later, Allison came to Ben and said, "Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful silver gravy ladle. "You don't suppose she took it, do you?"

Ben said, "Well, I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just to be sure."

So he sat down and wrote: "Dear Mother, I'm not saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not saying you 'did not' take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner."

Several days later, Ben received a letter from his mother which read:

"Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Allison, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Allison. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her own bed, she would have found the gravy ladle by now. Love, Mom"

found via

A to Z favorites..... Q

2008-08-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

today is all about Q

and Quote handbags... is all about "creating something practical with unconventional shapes."

The flat rectangular shape makes it lightweight and easy to pack, while the circle cutout allows the bag to fit comfortably on your shoulder and lends a streamlined silhouette.

I love this~ find them (and many more fabulous bags here)

Quizzes.... I don't know about you.. but I'm addicted to taking all of those quizzes you see in women's magazines and online... (as evidenced here... "what tree did you fall from?")
Here are some for you to try....

What type of fruit are you? (I'm a strawberry)

Which Superhero are you? (I'm Spiderman)

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Which Sex in the City gal are you? (I'm not telling:) ...and here's another one!
Which Sex in the City Vixen are you?

The animal in you (I'm a mountain goat!)

Of course there's the tried and true Meyers Briggs test (I'm an ENFP)

Curly Q Cuff... by bluenoodle I found her here on Etsy, but it seems as though she's closing that shop... find her amazing jewelry on her website http://bluenoodlejewelry.com/

Over 7 inches of hammered heavy gauge Sterling Silver wrapped conspiciously around your wrist. Ends cleverly curl upwards, showing the smooth, high polish insides

Quote of the day

2008-08-06T09:23:00.000-05:00

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good"
-Samuel Johnson (1709- 1784)