tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62143547705598462352024-03-05T21:28:46.515-08:00Beachy KeenThis is the rambling, prose and banter of two silly, hardcore Californians. Jen and Crystal welcome you into their world of periodic glitz and glamour, misadventures and ponderings. Enjoy and comment!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-67286327348696458992010-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:002010-10-19T10:04:16.415-07:00Etsy Feature - Blue Marbles<div style="color: #351c75;"><b>Crystal:</b> Shameless...I know....but I had to take the opportunity to promote my own Etsy shop on here since I've finally got it up and running....I have much more stock to come, but I wanted to start getting the word out, so figured I'd use the resources I had at my fingertips!! :) :) Hope no one minds!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="51" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.7749815.jpg" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AveryJamesPhoto?ref=seller_info">Blue Marbles on Etsy</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75;">So my Etsy shop,</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AveryJamesPhoto?ref=seller_info">Blue Marbles</a><span style="color: #351c75;">, mainly houses these awesome frames I've been creating...I am a photographer, so it was only natural that my products would relate to pictures...they are really basic black frames, but they're matted with some great looking fabrics which is what makes them stand out.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58969012/brown-and-pink-flower-fabric-matted">Brown and Pink Flower Fabric Matted Frame - $12.00</a> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.183318081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.183318081.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;">This idea started because I remember being at my aunt and uncle's home a few years back around Halloween, and they had all these cute Halloween themed frames everywhere with past pictures of their kids in their costumes. It was so festive and such a great way to remember past years every Halloween.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;">So I built on that idea and figured that it would be great to have this concept every holiday....Christmas,Valentine's, even summer/winter vacations, etc. I LOVE frames and I love displaying pictures around my home. I also have a short attention span and so I like to change what I'm looking at a lot...so being able to rotate my frames and pictures every month or so is such a tempting idea! And I figured there had to be other people out there who shared this little quirk of mine. :) :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59318209/christmas-holiday-matted-frame">Christmas Holiday Matted Frame - $12.00</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.184483145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.184483145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;">In the next week or so, I've got some more Christmas/holiday frames to post, as well as a USC frame. If you've got a favorite school or sports team you would be interested in getting a frame with, let me know so I can start hunting for the fabric! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;">In addition, I'm always going to start working on some fine art prints to post in my shop...I've only got one so far, but more will be in the future! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58976701/the-gap-sunset-fine-art-print-8x10?ref=v1_other_2">The Gap - Fine Art Print - 8x10 - $25.00</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.183343120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.183343120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-90708113776710136282010-09-28T01:13:00.000-07:002010-09-28T11:39:20.251-07:00Blog Sharing<div style="color: rgb(32, 18, 77);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crystal:</span> Oh my, I just came across the absolute CUTEST blog right now in my browsing-ness....you must check this out, especially if you have kids...but either way it's just so creative and fun to look at:</div><br /><a href="http://kpolizzi.blogspot.com/">Crouching Mother, Hidden Toddler</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> These lunches are adorable! What a fun mom! I love the Muffin Tin Monday meals :)</span><br /><br /><br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLlLDA9pbWwpMElpqcex7rcGsdQUoseKqbTwqXS3gXsrR6nKrwccDM8jxiDmCtEaUSMf7K9Sf-XiZR_b-dzAHR73VcEKisgtOmkEU9cclhCM9qSI17Uj7ZXNjcDxh1XHymxSzPawmoYj0/s320/9-23-2010+026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" border="0" height="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Crouching Mother, Hidden Toddler blog<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLlLDA9pbWwpMElpqcex7rcGsdQUoseKqbTwqXS3gXsrR6nKrwccDM8jxiDmCtEaUSMf7K9Sf-XiZR_b-dzAHR73VcEKisgtOmkEU9cclhCM9qSI17Uj7ZXNjcDxh1XHymxSzPawmoYj0/s400/9-23-2010+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-55840816197657815702010-08-20T13:09:00.000-07:002010-08-20T22:37:32.692-07:00Opinion - Disneyland vs Religious Garb?<div style="color: #990000;"><b>Jen:</b> So, I heard an interesting Disneyland related news story from my mom this morning. I'm curious as to what you think. A woman is a hostess at one of the Disneyland restaurants, and she's Muslim. She wants to wear her hijab, but Disneyland said no because they consider all of the Disneyland uniforms to be "costumes", and that's not part of her restaurant's specific costume. Disneyland is EXTREMELY strict about what their cast members wear. </div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;">There was someone from our high school who was a cast member, and she wore the wrong shoes, and they sent her home without pay and a 3 day suspension. So they're definitely not singling this woman out. It's just their policy.</div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;">As a huge Disney fan, I fully support the company on this one. It's all of those little details that Disney has that makes the experience. Allowing everyone to wear "accessories" of their choosing takes away from the aesthetic of the experience. </div><div style="color: #990000;"></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;">Anyway, what do you think?</div><br />
<div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><b>Crystal:</b> hmmm, thats a tough one. i did hear about this on the news, but i didnt hear about the whole story so didnt fully understand what was going on....but based on what you said - i think i side with Disneyland.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">It's a tough one, because a lot of companies have uniforms, etc. and you have to abide by them - and a lot of places say that you can't have facial piercings, visible tattoos, you can't wear certain types of clothing, etc.....but a lot of places will still allow items having a religious stance on them.....</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">BUT - on the same note - because Disneyland's uniforms are considered "costumes" and they are part of the role-playing of Disneyland and walking into this magical world so to speak...so, just as an actor on a movie or tv show wears what the costume designer and director tells them to, so should a Disney cast member, right? If it bothers you or goes against your religion to abide by the company's rules, you shouldn't work there.......I don't want to wear a Hooter's shirt and booty shorts, so I won't apply there....and I don't want to wear a stripper's uniform (or lack of one), so I won't work there....and I don't want to wear a covered-wagon-era costume like they do at Knott's Berry Farm, so I'm not going to work there either....and as much as I want to wear flip flops to my current job (it's a business casual dress code), I'm not allowed to and I'd likely be sent home...so I don't. The dress code is something you consider when taking a job - it's just how it is.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">So after I wrote this, I went and did some quick googling on the subject...I saw that this specific employee went back and forth with Disney on this and they were working on a compromise (offering to have one designed to fit with her costume even) - but it sounds like they were completely dragging their feet on it...........</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">With that piece of info - completely unprofessional of Disney to string her along for such a long time, BUT - as I work in a corporate office and am exposed to the schedules of executives and various people who are usually the "[wo]man behind the scenes", I know how hectic and busy people's schedules can be....I know that sometimes it takes months and months to have tiny decisions made simply because you can't get on someone's calendar to have decisions approved. I see both sides.....</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">And it appears that there are also various communications out there saying that based on anti-discriminatory laws, etc. people should be allowed to wear the hijab for religious purposes.......................which I wholly support if the only contradictory explanation is purely for bigotry reasons....but I don't feel that one rule always applies to everything and that there are always exceptions.....Disneyland is one of those exceptions and I feel that law and policy makers should leave room for these things.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">Obviously this is purely my opinion, and if there are facts that I'm not aware of or considering, I'd love to be enlightened so that I can rethink my opinion based on these other pieces.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">Readers...what do you think??</div><div style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #741b47;">Article from AP: <a class="linkification-ext" href="http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2010-08-19-muslim-disney_N.htm" title="Linkification: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2010-08-19-muslim-disney_N.htm">http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2010-08-19-muslim-disney_N.htm</a></div><div style="color: #741b47;"></div><div style="color: #741b47; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by By Jae C. Hong, AP</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/dispatches/2010/08/05/disneylandx-inset-community.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/dispatches/2010/08/05/disneylandx-inset-community.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I also read a few articles after we talked (they all seem to leave out one detail or another, but all together I think I have the whole story now). Yes, Disneyland offered to create a hijab for her. I think that was going above and beyond, personally, but that's their choice as her employers. They have even gone through a fitting process for her, but the costume department still needs to finish the design and manually create it. They're just not moving fast enough for her. It's been 2 months. But why does she assume that her costume gets top priority and should be moved to the front of the line when that department has it's hands full already (I knew someone who used to work in their costume department, and from what she said, there's always A LOT of work to be done)</span>.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">If anyone of us broke the dress code at work, we'd have consequences! And if my job's dress code made me uncomfortable, I'd leave. Isn't that common sense?<br />
<br />
I'm feeling a little riled up here because this new "Politically Correct" world that we live in is taking things a little too far. In fact, I'll be posting something on Haute Whimsy next week regarding racial tension. I'm really excited about the post because I found someone who drives the point home very nicely.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div style="color: #351c75;"><b>Crystal:</b> So I saw an interview with this lady on CNN at lunch today in the breakroom...and I couldn't help but feel like there may have been someone behind the scenes pulling her strings almost...she didn't seem like she was really moved to wear the hijab because of religious reasons....she went 2 years working there without wearing one and no complaints. When the anchorman asked her why she decided to now after 2 yrs, she just said that she "was ready"....and then on a side note mentioned that she had learned during studying for her citizenship that legally she was allowed to wear it. So at that point, I feel like she was making a big deal about this purely because she could and that the religious reasons behind it are just a supporting excuse.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75;">In addition, the anchorman asks her if they offered her other options for work...she responds saying that they offered her a position in the back where she wouldn't be seen by the customers in the interim while they worked on a compromise (i.e., the Disney approved hijab). But she kinda just wrote it off in an ungrateful 'how dare they throw me in the back' kind of way.....which I can see being annoying - I'd rather have results vs being pushed to the back.....but it's such a large company with so many different pieces involved (legal people, costume people, human resources people, etc.) that you just can't expect results to happen that quickly. It unfortunately just doesn't work that way in large corporations.</div><div style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #351c75;">After watching the interview today, and assuming that i know all the facts that play a role in this, then I completely side with Disneyland 100%. They were very accommodating for offering to design a hijab for her (that's above and beyond in my opinion), and they offered her another position temporarily so that she could keep a job and still observe her religious rites. I feel that they did what they could in this situation and she is being ungrateful and unmoving.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> Just to be clear on moving her to the back, and so people who may not understand Disneyland to the extent that we do can get a better understanding ...<br />
<br />
Disneyland considers every employee a "cast member", and they don't have uniforms, they have "costumes" for every position. When she word the hijab, she was altering her costume, so she was told she could:<br />
<br />
1. Remove it and continue working "on stage"<br />
2. Continue wearing it and work "back stage"<br />
3. Go home for the day<br />
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I don't know this for a fact, but there's no doubt in my mind that her employment contract covered the dress code. Therefore, she knowingly broke the rules. When she was given a consequence, she continued to break the rules with no regard to the company. I see this as her creating a hostile work environment!<br />
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One reader has asked what the woman is trying to get out of this situation. It looks like a payoff. She's suing for racial discrimination. HA! Of all the companies to sue for that! Disneyland has always been such a wonderful melting pot of all races, ages and gender. They are the epitome of equal opportunity!<br />
</span><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-69363856840229738982010-07-30T07:45:00.000-07:002010-08-06T16:19:51.197-07:00Sweet Bella Baby - Etsy Feature<b>Crystal:</b> I was browsing through Etsy shops early this morning as I saw something posted on Facebook that I wanted to check out....and then the whole addiction that is clicking on picture after picture of various Etsy items took over. I saw many, many things that caught my eye....but this one in particular I stopped at because it was just so darn pretty. I don't have a little girl, and personally I think I prefer having boys, and I'm not very into pink at all....BUT I just thought this would look absolutely gorgeous in a little girl's room....so I had to share! :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.6945136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.6945136.jpg" width="640" border="0" height="83" /></a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1458201736"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetBellaBaby?ref=top_trail">Sweet Bella Baby - Etsy Shop</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52547296/boutique-flower-lamp-pink-and-white">Boutique Flower Lamp</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.161841959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.161841959.jpg" width="311" border="0" height="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> It's so darling! I love it! </span><br /><br /><strong>(#11 - July 30, 2010)</strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-67110320007192057322010-07-07T09:25:00.000-07:002010-07-07T09:25:34.820-07:00Sucre<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> You know, I absolutely love finding unique gifts....stuff that isn't your usual chain items.....as much as I love Harry and David pears, and Popcornopolis popcorn, I also love sending and receiving things from little-known vendors as well....or at least little known to me and likely most of those I associate with.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">So I was catching up on some old email and found some info about this yummy looking chocolate and goodies company. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">It's called Sucre - what a fun name! :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/">http://www.shopsucre.com/</a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/a/saltedcaramelgiftbox_main_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rw="true" src="http://www.shopsucre.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/a/saltedcaramelgiftbox_main_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I saw these yummy looking</span> <a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/seasonal-featured/summer-chocolate-collection.html">chocolates</a> <span style="color: #4c1130;">which really caught my eye:</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopsucre.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/m/a/main_mothersdaycollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" rw="true" src="http://www.shopsucre.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/m/a/main_mothersdaycollection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Just wanted to share in case anyone is looking for some fancy gifting options. :)</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-82025637551950859302010-05-25T18:02:00.000-07:002010-05-25T18:11:38.999-07:00Dorota Jewelry- Etsy Feature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprbBxRaCykO3j-2ExINNQd-QM5V-Xya4QUrFF7SxWmQm5sJVP_6SsHZ8I0oOhvIcajvj9aHeOAYEYz0TdJsQpzIsYwguxh2-778T9xw6WUc4cErbxXo9JFAH3WqA1t43ywrXTt-hNLAY/s1600/il_430xN.145769898.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprbBxRaCykO3j-2ExINNQd-QM5V-Xya4QUrFF7SxWmQm5sJVP_6SsHZ8I0oOhvIcajvj9aHeOAYEYz0TdJsQpzIsYwguxh2-778T9xw6WUc4cErbxXo9JFAH3WqA1t43ywrXTt-hNLAY/s400/il_430xN.145769898.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475378913820813506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBpl0Y-bostdXh63SZLY032BxSxOT4STH9CdUyP5L5Z3_3hQDCpxypUZ-CzGL9bA-LOJJdVZFTF0tkQhiXu27GA2vAGvDN1YIKG3ee5oi5Lw5Gp22_swo90ZAVyc23x4lb1QYVe_yAow/s1600/il_430xN.146618354.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBpl0Y-bostdXh63SZLY032BxSxOT4STH9CdUyP5L5Z3_3hQDCpxypUZ-CzGL9bA-LOJJdVZFTF0tkQhiXu27GA2vAGvDN1YIKG3ee5oi5Lw5Gp22_swo90ZAVyc23x4lb1QYVe_yAow/s400/il_430xN.146618354.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475378909336093122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jmTNgDhkXGCkUqB2m8DsHFW8KR4xRN4IQ0ezF3X-PAgdD4AfceLoAOXYx8usOqYzHH5EtgD9BVoiBF1CUgKymNC6KNKSQ6GRAwIpzJVKpxbq1ot5PEuk9Gy3i7OtbRDuLPSM6zxITH0/s1600/il_430xN.146563480.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jmTNgDhkXGCkUqB2m8DsHFW8KR4xRN4IQ0ezF3X-PAgdD4AfceLoAOXYx8usOqYzHH5EtgD9BVoiBF1CUgKymNC6KNKSQ6GRAwIpzJVKpxbq1ot5PEuk9Gy3i7OtbRDuLPSM6zxITH0/s400/il_430xN.146563480.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475378902821652274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9PKsTk9flKUiammfICwdvtGz1SNGEjRv79TJ2o3fBYAbeGWtqmy502ECE49Axw4PalQplqVGTDll8_5_POcHFpMJBIFNinQrtF98gIXr-jou5e_tWlo4pY9fEzngJ2qxVy63AYVjGlk/s1600/il_430xN.145701473.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9PKsTk9flKUiammfICwdvtGz1SNGEjRv79TJ2o3fBYAbeGWtqmy502ECE49Axw4PalQplqVGTDll8_5_POcHFpMJBIFNinQrtF98gIXr-jou5e_tWlo4pY9fEzngJ2qxVy63AYVjGlk/s400/il_430xN.145701473.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475378901526101426" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Jen: </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I just discovered <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DorotaJewelry">Dorota Jewelry</a>, a gorgeous shop filled with gemstones, pearls and crystals! Each piece is handcrafted with care. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I can think of just about a million events where I could wear this jewelry, from dinner parties to movie screenings. I adore it all!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">You can follow Dorota Jewelry on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gainesville-VA/Dorota-Jewelry/109760259054819?ref=ts">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/DorotaJewelry">Twitter</a> for updates and sales :) Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><strong>(#10 - May 25, 2010)</strong>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-60256698545547647192010-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:002010-05-24T12:00:44.507-07:00What really mattters in life...Golf Balls<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> I've read this a few times before, but a friend just forwarded it to me this morning and I re-read it...and I just absolutely love it. It's just a great example and holds a lot of truth. I encourage you all to read this and really absorb the meaning behind it...there are few things that are more true than this. Pass it along. :)</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong>The Mayonnaise Jar </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and started to fill it with golf balls.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. </div><br />
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. <br />
<br />
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' <br />
<br />
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. <br />
<br />
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. <br />
<br />
The golf balls are the important things- God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. These are the things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.<br />
<br />
The pebbles are the things that matter- like your job, house, and car. <br />
<br />
The sand is everything else- the small stuff. <br />
<br />
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. <br />
<br />
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. <br />
<br />
So... <br />
<br />
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.<br />
<br />
Play with your children. <br />
<br />
Take time to get medical checkups. <br />
<br />
Take your partner out to dinner. <br />
<br />
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.<br />
<br />
'Take care of the golf balls first- the things that really matter. <br />
<br />
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'<br />
<br />
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://orglamic.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="213" src="http://orglamic.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/golf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Image: http://orglamic.com/2009/06/15/eco-golf-balls/</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-5296619630048873002010-05-21T15:42:00.000-07:002010-05-21T15:42:49.099-07:00Kristabela - Etsy Feature<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal: </strong>Sorry everyone - slacking again over here....my turn for the Etsy shop feature. :)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">So I'm tried out this "Pounce" thing on Etsy because I love things that are random (just another quirk about myself). And so I chose "undiscovered" and checked out what came up...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">So I'm also a fan of random knick knacks and gift items...things that you don't necessarily need, but that are fun to have....so this is what I came across and would love to get them as a gift for someone! Or myself if I still had a baby around....</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristabela">Kristabela</a></strong> (no shop logo...yet i assume)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She's only got a few things up, but I love what she does have!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46425733/fabric-wipes-case">Fabric Wipe Cases</a> are an awesome idea! I would have been all over these back when my son was in diapers if I knew about it.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.142774130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="239" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.142774130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142774053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="239" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142774053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And I LOOVE diaper covers....especially monogrammed and personalized ones! And look how cute her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46424965/personalized-monogrammed-owl-diaper">owl design</a> is!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.146026036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="232" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.146026036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142770553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142770553.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And then of course, the awesome <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44519535/baby-toddler-or-big-girl-tutu-dresses">Tutu Dress</a>....i love tutus :) </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.136442519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="212" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.136442519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy shopping! :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>(#9 - May 21, 2010)</strong> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-89846356149361675552010-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:002010-05-21T16:20:08.042-07:00Paris Gal 56- Daily Etsy Feature<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Parisgal56" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471289629092454258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x3QHZKTvS5UBESkrOGATc6ARU9gbZGQ7pkBHwmtO7lkFGYgK7yyXDwShRWT3zF_ULRWcHXOl7hljlP0JziOAeLpk_lI8TczqRdW80R5Hwjw9i2IqtgnSIL6-KjBFQIDGr1IyLsoWpKA/s400/il_430xN.136493405.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Parisgal56" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471289622173534818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnyhnIoEEENe1T1PgY3LhZi77gRE5ZKymEJkR6OfJDx13tWAy9vZMDOC7si6nzQws7YFimrFxrw1qNr7eGrbkihrIDugp2m29upMcHUa9_3dVDJ6ezwndQR3FC-1KMQDihoiAO8qUz_0/s400/il_430xN.143735196.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I love these French goodies by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Parisgal56">Paris Gal 56</a> (reminds me of Department 56!), an Etsy shop fit for a princess! They sell journals, art, pots, tags ... tons of lovely items for the Paris obsessed, like moi ;)<br />
<br />
At this time, shipping is only available in the U.S. and Canada, but they have a blog you can visit as well! They do Friday giveaways- how fun!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> Oh I just went and checked out their shop - awesome stuff! I love the look. It's so creative. I loved the little box with the goodies in it. I don't even know what I would do with all that stuff, but I'd still want it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Fun shop!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"></span></span><strong>(#8 - May 14, 2010)</strong>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-17291833074013369632010-05-12T10:08:00.000-07:002010-05-14T17:34:27.622-07:00The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal Book<span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal:</strong> An interesting book I came across today...I haven't ready it myself, yet, but from what I've seen it looks like it might hold some great ideas.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><a href="http://reneetrudeau.com/book/">The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal by Renee Trudeau</a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://reneetrudeau.com/images/booklg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://reneetrudeau.com/images/booklg.jpg" wt="true" border="0" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">I feel that it's really important for mothers to have a self awareness about who they are and what they want out of life. When you have kids, you tend to get so wrapped up in the day to day, that you forget what living is about. For me, having children completed my life, and everything I do in my life is in a roundabout way for them...but I also realize that for the purpose of my sanity, it's important for me to also just be me and do something for myself once in awhile...and sometimes it's hard to figure out who that isor what I want when your whole life has been repurposed for your children.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">I don't know that this book is the final solution, but it's probably a good start. I read the mini review from an</span><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"> an <a href="http://www.urbanbaby.com/">Urban Baby</a> email I received last year (that I'm now barely reading)...this is what they outline as some of the suggestions in the book...all fabulous ideas in my mind!</span><br /><ul><li>Go to a deli or natural foods store and pick up items for a delicious picnic. Bring your treats to a local park and enjoy your meal under a shady tree. </li><li>Head to your favorite bookstore and browse the career, self-improvement, women’s health, psychology and spirituality sections. Take note of what topics are most interesting or appealing to you. Make sure you take time to be quiet; sip a relaxing beverage. Resist the urge to turn this into a shopping trip; this is your time to reflect. </li><li>Visit an ice cream or yogurt store and enjoy a new flavor as a special treat. Maybe indulge in a sundae while you sit outside and just chill. </li><li>Take off for a relaxing walk in nature, perhaps near a local lake, river or pond. </li><li>Write a poem about your life and how it’s changed since you’ve become a mother. </li><li>Visit a bookstore or gift store and buy yourself a new journal. Take time to break it in while sipping on green tea. </li><li>Go to one of your favorite outdoor spots to relax and journal on twenty things you’re grateful for. </li><li>Visit a wine bar and have a glass of your favorite wine. Reflect — what are your three favorite things about yourself? Have they changed since you were 20? </li><li>If it’s rainy, use your imagination: where can you find a cozy, quiet kid-free corner in your neighborhood to relax, unwind and de-stress? </li></ul><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">And if you don't have kids of your own, you could always pass this along to your own mother...this can also apply to a lot of fathers out there. :)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> What a fabulous book! It reminds me of a book I have called "Snap Out of It". The whole point is to become self-aware and give back to yourself.<br /><br />Mom's have it rough! I just watched the Mother's Day episode of that new show, The Middle. It showed 3 generations of mothers and daughters melting down over their pressures and stressors (in a hilarious way!). My mom really related to it, as she told me later. Maybe I should get this book for her ;)<br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-34770507831504251642010-05-10T13:44:00.000-07:002010-05-11T07:59:06.221-07:00Hold My Bag - Etsy Feature<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> I came across a super cute Etsy shop today...it's called "Hold My Bag" (also very cute!).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HoldMyBag">http://www.etsy.com/shop/HoldMyBag</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.7173216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.7173216.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She has some gorgeous fabric that she's used...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This little beauty caught my eye right off the bat!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46448959/extra-large-tote-in-michael-miller?ref=sr_list_9&ga_search_query=purse&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Extra large Tote in Michael Miller Falling Leaves OOP fabric</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.142849662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.142849662.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's another one...I'm already trying to picture what I can wear with this. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46448275/amy-butler-extra-large-tote-in-nigella">Amy Butler Extra Large tote in Nigella Water Lotus in Forest</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142847185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142847185.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ooh, and this one is super chic...love it :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45850952/amy-butler-tote-handbag-in-wallflower-in?ref=v1_other_2">Amy Butler Tote Handbag in Wallflower in Sky and Oxford Stripes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.140869204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.140869204.jpg" tt="true" width="316" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you see anything you like??? :)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> Wow, these bags are great! I like her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46447910/extra-large-amy-butler-tote-in-lacework">Extra Large Amy Butler Tote in Lacework Brown</a>. It feels so bohemian! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>(#7 - May 10, 2010)</strong> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-65925680344891727912010-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:002010-05-05T08:49:00.232-07:00White Earth Studio- Etsy Feature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/27999151/thousand-petal-ceramic-vase-white"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHuH2ZiRsOPBcXL753VctbNwxO1pBY9NwlenXabP2LDvlx6M4wYDV3jtgNTgXQ39Lb1mQA1bd0U8v0K4Fdc07ixWf2J69cDstVmAhpga8A08nZDehw_pTkNZmOoGFVlS21eFnhMJDKjc/s400/il_430xN.80609721.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466886331422392354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/25942209/morning-glory-vine-framed-piece"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2npDHqZidmbaCJ2U-nkyTPN296A-z-_iW9luOUmoMiP-TVeXAusQoJpvG6wFs2r5m6d5-iMwWdH60ALMJ6V_afktPYWd7w-9d_cce8GFtcxUJ6_sCXVtWdnkmOq3hZvsc_aVe24zbPI/s400/il_430xN.77749146.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466886329981200562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/26383799/vase-handmade-ceramic-modern-pottery"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKbQmEC7U5OxZek0ktNtnb86lyviMKpeg28vypKfDu2dSvlrKZUZVIs3S9_HEeOljT3Udm9tK3yfU731YVUvTDg5cfS3qMnD2XiDQHJM86CIgH45uSHXzGai8SnaPsW92g2LE0yX4X7Y/s400/il_430xN.75202899.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466886325488496850" border="0" /></a> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> Nancy Monsebroten's shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteEarthStudio">White Earth Studio</a>, takes handmade to the extreme! Not only does she create the structure of her vases on a wheel, but she then hand-forms each petal and attaches it to her beautiful pieces. </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I can't even imagine how much time goes into her work!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br />I love how these vases could find a place in a classic home, as well as a very whimsical home! If I were to own one of these beauties, I would keep it near my laptop for constant inspiration and happy vibes!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(#6 - May 5, 2010)</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-84417557683281328002010-05-04T14:33:00.000-07:002010-05-04T14:40:56.094-07:00Doodlebugs - Etsy Feature<span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal:</strong> Oops! For some reason I had thought yesterday was Jen's turn to post an Etsy feature, so I didn't post anything...but now that I'm looking back at our blog, I realized that was my miss! Sorry!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">Good thing though, because I just found this awesome shop....I'm a sucker for anything personalized....so this monogram shop is right up my alley, plus offers super cute items!!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.5371876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.5371876.jpg" tt="true" width="320" border="0" height="42" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/doodlebugsga">Doodlebugs Personalized Gifts and Embroidery</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out this adorable <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43316269/zebra-bib-and-burp-set-for-the-diva-in">bib and burp cloth set</a> for $14.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.132353519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.132353519.jpg" tt="true" width="274" border="0" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A great gift in this personalized <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39833668/personalized-travel-tumbler-dotted">Travel Tumbler</a> for $17.00</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.120466659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.120466659.jpg" tt="true" width="270" border="0" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this one is my favorite!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This beautiful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46195989/pink-and-brown-dot-and-brown-and-pink">photo album</a> that can be personalized with various fabrics and lettering for $20.00...I'm fairly certain I'll be purchasing one as a gift in the near future...seeing as how I'm a huge fan of pictures!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.142011903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.142011903.jpg" tt="true" width="320" border="0" height="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LOVE this stuff!! :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I love personalized items, too! I have so many pads of paper and pens with "Jennifer" scribed on them. My grandma got me into the trend as a kid!<br /><br />Doodlebugs has some really cute things- good find, Crystal! I love the albums, and for $20, not bad at all! They would make great baby books ;)<br /><br />By the way, the wink was because Crystal's cousin will be welcoming a baby boy into the family in the near future! Crystal is very happy!<br /></span></div></div><br /><strong>(#5, May 4, 2010)</strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-17307139913042422622010-04-30T15:46:00.000-07:002010-04-30T15:57:41.304-07:00Baggino<span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal:</strong> Jen - I feel like you've posted something similar to this in the past, or maybe another product from the same company? Either way, I just came across this site for Baggino, a diaper-bag-changing-pad-thatyouweararoundyourwaist-MacGuyver-looking-thing...at first I was like, wow - this is weird looking...and way overboard for my personal taste...but as I watched the video play and saw them start pulling out the items in the little pockets, I started to think that although it's completely silly looking, and I'd totally walk out of a public bathroom laughing to myself at anyone I saw wearing one of these, it actually was kind of handy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">Judge for yourself. :)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baggino.com/CombinationDiaperBagChangingBelt/"><span style="font-size:x-large;">Baggino</span></a> (<a href="http://www.baggino.com/CombinationDiaperBagChangingBelt/">http://www.baggino.com/CombinationDiaperBagChangingBelt/</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baggino.com/product_images/A0001_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.baggino.com/product_images/A0001_02.jpg" tt="true" width="320" border="0" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baggino.com/product_images/A0001_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.baggino.com/product_images/A0001_07.jpg" tt="true" width="320" border="0" height="320" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> How funny! I actually blogged about them last year <a href="http://www.hautewhimsy.com/2009/12/baggino.html">here</a>. I love this company, even though I don't have any children yet. The owners are so sweet! I'm glad to see their business is catching on!!!</span><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-16811043355711948602010-04-30T11:07:00.000-07:002010-04-30T12:13:58.903-07:00Circa Ceramics- Etsy Feature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CircaCeramics"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LzDwrvNG_iiQhsMqjOVdS5nUEJ0ojLo01ETJVxPlgOnqOijwxFfuFq0vKBKF_O2RrqOSvaWOGBnBTrWdkmswDBo1OiJDW7rIkujnk270N57WTfq0tMVipkVq_tcHDf7KVA4ad6q9hkg/s400/il_430xN.134489124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465996844205519074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CircaCeramics"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCs4xpxhjMaUEuGTM8oYxxXRSPqSuk_kP8f4_lSpDXaNRCp0AjhC5wApn_WhokiNevBUgmtY30swLC-IwcPp1N7NbO0bsJwjgPoecnjGnbjO7Z5Luu1uTbtU1xpV2tBHSyf0vSEnjvP4/s400/il_430xN.125358714.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465996833031322514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CircaCeramics"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt5jqznsXnEaJHyw3zI-rWw2DwzLzx9b33etABRo4Oj2GhZhu6eenbO-TGMu1nM4ii-ca2dV9eS69w8gTQ0H-iiD0VCxEpUg37kp1ZOEdsVwhFxVB6PZI6IOl0ga_Pusy5dNaUZeFVBc/s400/il_fullxfull.135535098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465995786094239282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CircaCeramics"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlCMQxeQVZ2PeO9PKSaKADtTnoYuCme1omV0bQkUG24QiLOK6KU50TQ5zPZg5CPnmH32creF2QocxE0SxkWZCCPi40YTSB2denaonP38d7ZcvQOXdAbH2bAJVaXusg218uoyAMfTz-uw/s400/il_430xN.135348943.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465995779750668258" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I think I want to throw out all of my old dishes and start over with a collection from Circa Ceramics! It's a two-person ceramics business that started back in 1999.<br /><br />Be sure to check out their:<br /><br /></span><ul><li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CircaCeramics"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Etsy Shop</span></a></li><li><a href="http://circaceramics.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Blog</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.circaceramics.com/"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Website</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/CircaCeramics#%21/CircaCeramics?v=info"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Facebook</span></a></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/CircaCeramics"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Twitter</span></a></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br />I love the camera collection best! What's your favorite?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">(#4 - April 30, 2010)</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-31184078713518674922010-04-29T09:44:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:04:02.331-07:00Card Maven - Etsy Feature<span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal: </strong>I think I've found my new spot for greeting cards!! I do love going to Hallmark and browsing through hundreds of cards to find the perfect one, but this shop has got some super cute options as well, and even after shipping cost just about the same as a Hallmark one (the nice ones at least!)...plus they're unique, which I LOVE.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/iusb_760x100.5128991.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardMaven">http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardMaven</a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">I mean seriously, look at how cute this is! And only $2.45!</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45764549/butterfly-birthday-handmade-greeting">http://www.etsy.com/listing/45764549/butterfly-birthday-handmade-greeting</a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><img src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.140587465.jpg" width="350" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">Oh, and don't forget, Mother's Day is coming up (May 9)!! Check out this one:</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44624201/mothers-day-handmade-greeting-card-with">http://www.etsy.com/listing/44624201/mothers-day-handmade-greeting-card-with</a> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.136796347.jpg" width="400" /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">And even </span><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">beautiful sympathy cards...butterflies are a beautiful symbol when faced with the loss of a loved one...</span> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37465373/classic-thinking-of-you-a-handmade">http://www.etsy.com/listing/37465373/classic-thinking-of-you-a-handmade</a> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.112447962.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">Have fun browsing. :)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> These cards are too adorable! You can tell she puts a lot of time into them. I love this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45695633/vintage-style-all-occasion-greeting-card">vintage card</a> the best I think!</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>(#3 - April 29, 2010) </strong></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-49379013862439671652010-04-28T12:14:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:05:10.661-07:00Food Revolution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iX2d-BSEJ8QWzoYGNvmZJBKnz8MdNzCS7-FEroCALWNFeKd0uH4Ep2Cilmk5wjteqKST53GV1T_XpOxinUkqGd9LhdgL-NG_aqckXZIaSSXrl4l3uOZLsV0XorpKK-p8CQm5M7zsH2Q/s1600/Jamie-Food-Revolution-Cover-Art.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465274294391179010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iX2d-BSEJ8QWzoYGNvmZJBKnz8MdNzCS7-FEroCALWNFeKd0uH4Ep2Cilmk5wjteqKST53GV1T_XpOxinUkqGd9LhdgL-NG_aqckXZIaSSXrl4l3uOZLsV0XorpKK-p8CQm5M7zsH2Q/s400/Jamie-Food-Revolution-Cover-Art.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 309px;" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> Thanks to <a href="http://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano">Alyssa Milano</a>, who is the world's best Tweeter, I signed this <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition">petition</a> yesterday. I fully back this movement because after working in the public school system, I can vouch for the crap they feed our kids. It's awful. You can tell by their stinky little toxic farts after lunch. It smells just like the poison "burgers" they scarfed down with ketchup colored corn-syrup. Super gross.<br /><br />Jamie Oliver is a God-send, and I think he's pretty brave for standing up to Americans and challenging them to feed their kids nutritious food! This petition is meant to supplement his current TV special, "<a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution">Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution</a>" on ABC. After his special is over, he's going to take the petition to the White House to prove that Americans are taking a stand against garbage food in schools.<br /><br />This shouldn't be a difficult feat seeing as how Michelle Obama is all about natural foods. When she moved into the White House, she planted a massive <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/the-white-house-garden/index.html">garden</a> and allows local children to come garden with her. To me, that's walking the walk. Food Network even had a special <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/super-chef-battle/video/index.html">Iron Chef America episode</a> where the chefs had to use fresh veggies from the White House garden as their secret ingredient!<br /><br />Please take a quick moment to sign this petition for the health of our kids, and our country!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal:</strong> LoL - I'm still laughing at "stinky little toxic farts"! That was a great line.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">I suppose if I ate better myself, I might care more about what they serve in school....and I suppose when Caydan is actually in school and eating in the cafeteria, I'll care more then as well....but as of now, this isn't a topic that's even crossed my mind yet. But soon enough I'll have more to say about it I'm sure. :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">That is really awesome though about Mrs. Obama having the local kids come and garden with her...how awesome would that be to say you gardened with the First Lady???</span> </span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-7891980809807907602010-04-28T11:07:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:04:33.078-07:00Heartworks By Lori- Etsy Feature<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4STN3tQHQhJIvikWl2z2E_Qnf7MmISxFbBAlhyphenhyphenIYQpFkN68UqTGmBknofYGdV-ESc9AoBcs-LxbfXWb6tLvt-Eseb29otkrPWssscQZkuyR_S07CnXytNsmo8NfMLrGFZt0jFDr5NH8I/s1600/il_430xN.139865128.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465251995164284834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4STN3tQHQhJIvikWl2z2E_Qnf7MmISxFbBAlhyphenhyphenIYQpFkN68UqTGmBknofYGdV-ESc9AoBcs-LxbfXWb6tLvt-Eseb29otkrPWssscQZkuyR_S07CnXytNsmo8NfMLrGFZt0jFDr5NH8I/s400/il_430xN.139865128.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 385px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45191657/this-bird-has-flown-sterling-silver-art" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465251986047668802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNL_Yrew3OnBrEoQbunjaOusNgh1VwbWCZGrtd-ua92gRidVDiEMxxPCDH_2zLoBlZsaZtMHIaILdwqFF9cPs-DI8ZU5pz_1yfYIemjByHdAfz4Ncv56G_B-uGF9-Q__MIrtqQYkzjtmY/s400/il_430xN.138688683.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 412px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px;" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvHr-81XaFqei0HilrAgcFNdFLKwAmcplqzm04zTG9hNNLaW8EQpzy5i-ArM4Q9A2AEL-AePnhRR_zCksZ5QZNmhkVP8224R0gij9Azs7xccQM8ZXd8Gg2vgHxZGgVxGgvmzYVYRJaPM/s1600/il_430xN.122851864.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465251982985860818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvHr-81XaFqei0HilrAgcFNdFLKwAmcplqzm04zTG9hNNLaW8EQpzy5i-ArM4Q9A2AEL-AePnhRR_zCksZ5QZNmhkVP8224R0gij9Azs7xccQM8ZXd8Gg2vgHxZGgVxGgvmzYVYRJaPM/s400/il_430xN.122851864.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 392px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MLBmc9Uwx_uQ3bb7tkQuIjsuWX4zalHhbvFbqHDftk1rIIvpUsHC5x3vdMOA3ZY7e1yzmC9_MsV82J3gQfNEexCjF7HXWeHQGDDlMEn-884EZVhw_mM1p4UxgHac5N0sDS2qjsHxnPE/s1600/il_430xN.91119850.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465251980075579026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MLBmc9Uwx_uQ3bb7tkQuIjsuWX4zalHhbvFbqHDftk1rIIvpUsHC5x3vdMOA3ZY7e1yzmC9_MsV82J3gQfNEexCjF7HXWeHQGDDlMEn-884EZVhw_mM1p4UxgHac5N0sDS2qjsHxnPE/s400/il_430xN.91119850.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 397px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I've been a long-time adorer of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartworksbylori">Heartworks By Lori</a> "art lockets"! What makes her work so unique is that she collaborates with other artists and turns their art into jewelry. The designs embedded in her lockets are miniature versions of paintings and photography prints!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Heartworks By Lori has worked with two of my favorite Etsy artists, A Black Apple and Irene Suchocki. To have an opportunity to buy my favorite images in print <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> in accessories is priceless to a fan like me :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal:</strong> Oh how fun! Maybe one day she'll want to put some of my photos on jewelry...I don't take any landscape/object pics right now, but someday I plan to branch out to that. :)</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />(#2 - April 28, 2010)</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-54926763150156471042010-04-28T10:58:00.000-07:002010-04-29T09:48:48.384-07:00Boobquakes?<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal</strong>: "Women who do not dress modestly... lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, increases (consequently) earthquakes." - Iranian cleric Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Really? That quote is going to show up on some comic strip somewhere down the line...if it hasn't yet already.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">I remember reading the inital quote when it was first said...and I remember actually laughing at how silly it sounded...I don't want to step on anyone else's beliefs...but it just seems like such a far stretch to somehow hold someone accountable for natural disasters...and women at that.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Then I saw this event on the news the other day:</span> <a href="http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20100428-213019.html">http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20100428-213019.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">"Cleavage for Science"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Basically a bunch of women standing around and flaunting their cleavage to prove that it doesn't cause earthquakes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">I find this all a little smile-worthy...although interesting as the article points out there was a large earthquake in Taiwan around this same time that the protest was going on.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Besides, if this was all true, wouldn't Las Vegas be riddled with earthquakes on a daily basis? Just sayin'.... :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> It reminds me of a conversation I had with someone recently who insisted that the Haitians brought their quake upon themselves by practicing voodoo. I mean, seriously? And you know what their argument was?! "Well, look at the name of their country! Haiti, as in Hell." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">No, sir. Haiti is NOT the same as Hades. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> That conversation actually happened with someone you know??? Wow...that's a far fetch. And seriously... Haiti/Hades??...probably a good idea to actually know what you're talking about when you make such bold statements.</span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://news.asiaone.com/a1media/news/04Apr10/images/quake-02.jpg" /><br />
Photo: Daily ChiliAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-49768706899712522822010-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:002010-04-27T12:53:22.742-07:00New Beachy Keen feature!!! Daily Etsy Shop feature<span style="color:black;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> I just talked this over with my trusty partner, Jen...and we think this is going to be fun!</span><span style="color:black;"> </span><span style="color:black;">She absolutely loves Etsy and is constantly browsing through the shops....I don't get on as much as her, but when I have the time, I find myself perusing as well.</span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:black;">We always find such fun stuff, but don't always have someone to share these great finds with....so we decided to do a new feature on this blog - Daily Etsy Shop Feature (maybe we'll come up with a more creative title as this goes on though!).</span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:black;">Each day, we'll take turns posting some of our favorite items from an Etsy shop...it should be interesting to see what we post too, because Jen and I, while very similar in many things, are also very different in terms of what interests us. You'll probably notice a trend as the days go on. :)</span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:black;">We hope that you'll like this new feature and find some awesome new stuff for yourself from our finds as well! :)</span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:black;">So I'm going first - Jen will post her feature tomorrow. :)</span><br /><span style="color:black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:black;">Etsy Feature #1 - April 27, 2010</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamSpunKids">DreamspunKids</a></span><br /><span style="color:black;">I actually came across this site yesterday as I was researching how I could make my own tutus for my photography business...I came across these pettiskirts and loved the photos.....and the pettiskirts! Aren't they just beautiful??</span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.140152327.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love all the fluff in them...they look super soft and just completely girly. I don't have a little girl, but if I did - she would be wearing one of these just for the fun of it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45633965/sweetheart-pettiskirt-your-choice-of">Sweetheart Pettiskirt (you choose the color) - $65.00</a> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.140152328.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br />Check out all the colors!</div><div align="center"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.140152331.jpg" /><br /><br />And if you'd like to venture into your own pettiskirt making (which I let that idea go pretty quickly once I realized that I couldn't even keep up with the directions on one site I read)...she also sells pre-cut strips of chiffon (the super fluffy part of the pettiskirts!).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45544817/pettiskirt-lingerie-nylon-chiffon-fabric">Pettiskirt Lingerie Nylon Chiffon Fabric Rolls - $17.50 for 60 yards</a><br /><img src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.139859477.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />Happy shopping! :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> Umm, can I have one?! I'd happily clean my house in one of these! Perhaps my little niece, Zoey, will have to have one ;)<br /><br />How cute would it be to have a tutu party for a little girl??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed my own little girl one day!<br /></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-53985790636817298302010-04-27T08:53:00.000-07:002010-04-28T16:52:25.018-07:00DWTS...fair?<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);"><strong>Crystal:</strong> So, I don't watch Dancing with the Stars at all....but I saw some highlights on Fox 11 news this morning from last night's airing....I hadn't realized that Nicole Scherzinger was on this season...isn't that unfair to the other contestants??? She's in a girl group who is pretty much known for their dancing (Pussycat Dolls)....yea, they sing too....but they're more known for being entertainers versus singers. </span></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">How do you throw into a dancing competition, a professional dancer (who is drop-dead gorgeous by the way), and a bunch of others who if anything have just done it for fun on the side. I mean, Nicole Scherzinger vs Kate Gosselin or Shannen Doherty...or Buzz Aldrin?? I guess Kristi Yamaguchi would go under the "experienced" category too, although dancing on ice and dancing on stage are a bit different.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">It just seems very weighted on one end...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(76, 17, 48);">Again, I haven't watched the show, so I don't know how well Nicole is actually doing, but I would bet she's doing pretty well....please fill me in if I'm incorrect though.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I'm not a huge fan (my mom is!) but I've caught bits and pieces this season because I was interested in Kate Gosselin. My very first thought was that the choice to extend an offer to </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Nicole Scherzinger </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">was SO wrong! This is what she's known for! That makes it unfair, but even more importantly for the success of their show, <span style="font-style: italic;">uninteresting</span>!<br /><br />Again, I don't really watch the show so I can't say for sure, but is there enough room for </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Scherzinger to grow to keep audiences tuned in? I couldn't care less about the show now that Doherty and Gosselin are gone.</span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://www.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/nicole-scherzinger-dancing-with-the-stars.jpg" /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-52738437999798148462010-04-08T23:17:00.000-07:002010-04-08T23:21:39.512-07:00Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hautewhimsy.com/2010/04/lisa-leonard-designs-giveaway.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhaOrJLLpB904fVCbND5u0YEDDQqVqthYMIXoxOQnh4GORMctDru-A6S9Q7KnJ8NauS5C6l9wao-IZnz77IgWFnL228DQaE-GBCrcL-94Lt2Dw0fNaBfZEX89wE8RE93od40rHYmtTqk/s400/Lisa+Leonard+Collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458018556524999042" border="0" /></a>{<a href="http://www.hautewhimsy.com/2010/04/lisa-leonard-designs-giveaway.html">Lisa Leonard Designs Giveaway</a>}<br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> I just wanted to let everyone over here know that there's a great giveaway on my other blog until 4/18! Lisa Leonard Designs is offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky Haute Whimsy reader!</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-40863982643324216402010-03-25T14:10:00.000-07:002010-03-25T14:10:53.028-07:00Bernie Madoff<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> So I'm catching up on reading old emails, which means I'm reading emails from April of 2009, lol!</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Anyways - I read this blog post I subscribe to from a friend who has some very interesting points of views....</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">This one was about Bernie Madoff...I don't know much about him, just that he swindled ridiculous amounts of money out of rich people by pretending to be their friend....</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Your immediate thought is - he's greedy, he wanted all that money, but how on earth did he think he was going to get away with it??</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Then I read this blog post by Gerry, and wow...interesting perspective...he wasn't greedy...he just hated rich people and was willing to sacrifice his own freedom just to take them all down...he wanted to see the rich housewife cleaning tables at a local diner, or similar....and going for Trump? Wow...ballsy. :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Interesting thoughts...regardless - what a cruel, cruel man...</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Check it out if you're interested in the read:</span> <a href="http://gerrymaxeyworkshop.com/blogging/?p=596">http://gerrymaxeyworkshop.com/blogging/?p=596</a> <br />
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<div align="center"><img src="http://33crosbystreet.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/bernie_madoff_newyork1.jpg" /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10898772903843322011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-75015316771698420152010-03-16T15:53:00.000-07:002010-03-16T15:59:14.038-07:00Lost in Creativity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7pCW84I_t7EWAAWPr3tqSErwo8fY-ZPLJlT4PoVzwDJyENuZ3qEZRBNRr8ETW51y_eTa5kDojXLo-GxKkbuze9TLbKlejgvdBqKHZNBqNRSF54HsKBlwQflnt6ULUkp2rGtvu4o6vpI/s1600-h/2970227152_85d6506e7a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7pCW84I_t7EWAAWPr3tqSErwo8fY-ZPLJlT4PoVzwDJyENuZ3qEZRBNRr8ETW51y_eTa5kDojXLo-GxKkbuze9TLbKlejgvdBqKHZNBqNRSF54HsKBlwQflnt6ULUkp2rGtvu4o6vpI/s400/2970227152_85d6506e7a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449370058593073618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Jen:</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> Just checking in :) I've been uber busy preparing for my upcoming Etsy shop, and since I'm almost done prepping and can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I can finally breathe again! I should be done creating the first batch of products by Friday, and then our own lovely Crystal of <a href="http://averyjamesphotography.blogspot.com/">Avery James Photography</a> is kindly going to take the product photos for me!</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214354770559846235.post-36351275174205536112010-02-18T14:31:00.000-08:002010-02-18T14:45:36.086-08:00Arrested for Doodling<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jen:</span> Wow, did you hear about the junior high student in New York who doodled on her desk and was arrested for vandalizing? She wrote something along the lines of "<span style="font-style: italic;">I love my friends</span>" and the teacher caught her. The teacher told the principle who then called the police, and they cuffed her in front of her classmates! Now she has a record, and for what? Doodling? I know I did that as a student back in the day! I get that they're trying to set an example, but in the end I think the school comes out looking like a bunch of idiots. This punishment doesn't fit the "crime" in my opinion! Have her clean desks as punishment for crying out loud! Thoughts?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>Crystal:</strong> Serious??? That's nuts! I hate tagging, and think that people who do it are dumb...but I did my share of desk doodles as well....not respectful in any way, but I was a dumb teenager and it was harmless in my eyes. I didn't do it with malicious intent....so had I been arrested for it...wow! What a change in my life that would have been. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I would have hated the teacher, the school, the police...I would have grown up with this thorn in my side towards authority and the police for sure...may have changed my whole path in life!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">Punishment shouldn't be thrown off the table....it's still wrong to vandalize property on any level...but I definitely think cleaning desks or something to teach you a lesson, without leaving a mark on your legal records, is much more called for!!</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038243684683702349noreply@blogger.com15