Thursday, April 30, 2009

Jewels

I've gotten jewelry in the past that I love. Like my engagement ring and wedding band of course, or some earrings that stand out in my mind, a Claddagh ring, and I'm sure there's more. Anyway I got this necklace for Christmas and I got a couple of compliments on it again today, that I just had to write a post about it. As you can see it is a simple chain with a couple of small squares hanging on it, along with a pearl. Those simple squares have my kids names. I just love this necklace. And it seems as if anyone who sees it, loves it too. The designer is Lisa Leonard. She has her own website. Which actually when I first got the necklace, about a week later, I broke the chain. I emailed the designer and she sent me a new chain with no extra charge. That just made me want to tell even more people about her. Check her out. Very cool things.

After the compliments I got today, and seem to get everyday that I wear this, I had to tell you all about this designer.
Thanks again Jenn!!
These two names really are my most prized jewels!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What were they thinking?


So who has heard of this "fly over" that happened over NYC on Monday, sending people into the streets, fleeing from their office buildings, basically causing panic?

What were "they" thinking? Now, who is the infamous "they"? The government? From what I've read, President Obama was "furious". Who authorized it? I find it all alittle strange that it was a photo op featuring a presidential jet, and the president didn't know about it. The mayor of NYC didn't know about it. It's all alittle weird to me, no?

Offices evacuated!
911 inundated!
People running in panic!

Why wasn't the public, or the people of NYC informed of this ahead of time? Seems as if there was some unnecessary panic. Or at the very least panic that could have been lessened had people been told ahead of time.

"the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes" in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor's office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out."
WHAT?

And why fly over the financial district? Flashbacks of 9/11 would certainly come to mind. Have we forgotten what that day was like? I am sure the people of NYC have not. I know I have not. And most Americans have not.

"To say that it should not be made public knowing that it might scare people it's just confounding," Sen. Charles Schumer said. "It's what gives Washington and government a bad name. It's sheer stupidity."

I guess I just don't get it.

Thoughts?

Friday, April 24, 2009

So we meet again...


Tonight's the night.

Red Sox.

Yankees.

7:10pm.

Fenway Park.

Jon Lester.

Joba Chamberlain.

Should be a good game.

You gotta love a good rivalry.

(plus my boyfriend, Jon is not bad to look at).

Go Sox!!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

45 Lessons

45 lessons life taught me
Written By Regina Brett, 50 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday,May 28, 2006

"T
o celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. Love your parents because they will be gone before you know it.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare and then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this really matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."


I recently got this in an email.
Quite inspiring.

Click here to read recent columns by Regina Brett.

Monday, April 20, 2009

For my favorite 8 year old...

I took the In Town Bag pattern, by Amy Butler, that I have been cranking out purses from, and made a "little girl" version. I just took about an inch and a half off each side and here it is...I really need a camera that does these bags some justice.

I also used the extra fabric and made her a headband to match. I think she liked it. It didn't hurt that I gave her a jean jacket too. :)

Happy 8th Birthday, Angeline!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

It won't be like this.

I heard a song recently that I guess has been out for a little while now, but to me it was new. It is called "It Won't Be Like This for Long" by Darius Rucker.
Yep, the former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish. I used to say to Gordon, "what happened to Hootie" (I've always been a fan), and he would reply "he doesn't have anything else to say". I guess that wasn't true.
Darius went out on his own and jumped onto the country scene. As many of you know I have gone a little country myself.

Anyway, I digress.

If you have a daughter or even a child, no matter how old he or she is...this is a tear jerker for sure. (or atleast for saps like me) Or even if you are a family member to small children...

The offical video is on YouTube. Grab some tissues and click here.


I guess everyone knows that time flies. And everyone wishes it went a little slower.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Healthy and Yummy!

So, I have been really trying to watch my weight, eat healthier, and exercise more. For the most part I have been able to do it all. In my quest for new healthy recipes that will not only appeal to my wonderful hubby, but my two little ones, I came across a meal that is simply wonderful.

I was out at my good friend, Stacey's, house a few weeks ago and she made Lemon Horseradish Fish Cakes. I know, if doesn't necessarily sound good. But it was!!! I just loved them. I think I even told her that night that I couldn't wait to try them out on my family. So yummy! So easy! Two of my favorite things when it comes to a weeknight recipe: yummy and easy. Stacey made them with tilapia, but I made them with flounder. I think any white fish would do.
It was a hit. I just had to share. Try them, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Stacey!

Friday, April 10, 2009

My Friends and Family are the BEST!

I think I always knew that, but now that I have asked for help with a cause I truly believe in, everyone, and I mean everyone, seemed to step to the plate. People came out of the woodwork to donate to my March of Dimes Walk. I was so close to reaching my goal for about a week, and then sent out another email to all of my family and friends to "gently" remind them that I wanted to reach a goal. I can't believe who and how many of you responded! I wish there was a way to list all the wonderful people who opened their hearts and wallets to donate.

From some of my best friends, to co-workers who are also friends, to principals at schools where I work (who I didn't even know knew about this walk of mine), to strangers just reading my other post. It is crazy how generous people can be.

It really warms my heart to know that I have people out there that not only believe in me, but also believe in a cause that has touched my life in so many ways.

How do I say thank you? I have no idea, but I am hoping that this reaches all of you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! You all mean so much to me!

Anyone who still wants to donate...the walk is April 26th, so there is still time, just click here.

Here are some small photos of those special little ones that I walk in honor of: Anthony, Christian, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jason, and Meghan!! Love you all!



Thursday, April 9, 2009

For Mom...

Yep, it was my Mom's birthday this week, so I made yet another bag. Here it is:This is not the best photo, but it is a pretty large bag, that she can use for a variety of different things. I found the pattern in Amy Karol's book Bend the Rules Sewing. I used some basic neutrals and then one of my fat quarters by Heather Bailey as the accent fabric. I also added the flowers for detail with some buttons. I really can't take too much credit for that, it was all in the pattern.
Now what's next? Maybe a better camera...