PISTACHIO BLOOM

Tuesday, September 30, 2008






I recently purchased this lovely apron to wear at jewelry craft fairs, although it could be used for many different purposes if you are not in the craft scene, gardening, yard sales, waitressing. I received it yesterday and I know it will be worth every penny. It was very affordable at $22. It is handmade with a zip-secured pocket for the cash; 2 ample, easy-to-access pockets for namecards,pens,mobiles and the like;and a handy & sturdy loop for hanging keys or tools finished with a vintage button. It can be found at www.RumahKampung.etsy.com


Check out her page to read her story and peruse other items such as Bags,
Brooches,Scarves n Shawls, Cozies, Aprons,Coasters, Runner n Hangings, Paper n Stationery

I am hooked...

Monday, September 29, 2008

Okay, I didn't want to give in and read the book that everyone else was reading, it is usually not my style, but I did. I stood there in Target searching for a book and Twilight kept starring at me. I couldn't resist anymore, so I bought it...Friday afternoon. It is now Monday evening, and I have finished the 500 page book. WoW! I would have finished it earlier, I could have finished it probably in a day or two had I not had life going on. So here I share just some thoughts, opinions, questions...

This book was a very easy read. The 500 pages intimidated me at first, but once I began the story I could not put it down!!!
The descriptions in this book played out like a movie in my mind---there will be a movie this Fall, although I refuse to watch the trailer because I do not want it to ruin my reading experience.
I very much relate to Bella, always feeling a little odd, out place, like my mind did not work like others' did, clumsy, not easily romantically attached to guys. Edward makes my heart melt. I know it is a fictional story, but to me, what makes a good story is when I feel the characters almost become real in my life. I admire Edward and his family for the life that they lead and the strong will power they have to resist what is in their true nature. I believe the vampire lifestyle can be compared somewhat to the human life. There are always things that we love, that are hard to resist, but could be the end of us if we continued to give into them. Edward and Bella's love story began like many of ours do, he was attracted to her "scent". It was a strong pull to her that he could not resist, even though he tried. For anyone that has fallen in love, you know...you are drawn to certain people, sometimes not knowing why at first. There is just something there, something often indescribable for words. When two people are in love with each other, that is one of the best feelings in the world, and you would do anything to hold onto that connection, that person forever. But to want to sacrifice your human life to become a vampire to be with that person forever, that is a huge sacrifice. Man, that would be a tough decision! One of my favorite lines is this book...

"That's the beautiful thing about being human," he told me. "Things change."

This line stopped me. I tend to be a creature of habit, I like routine, I like a schedule, I like familiarity, and when I find something or someone I like, I tend to hold onto it. I get anxious about change, although I change my mind about everything about 100 times a day! When I read this line though it really made me think. Could I spend eternity doing the same thing everyday. Never changing, never growing old. At times it seems like this would be a great alternative to hold onto to our life and people forever, to avoid awkwardness, sadness, anxiety, change...but then I realized change is not necessarily a bad thing. We grow and learn from change. And it is also comforting to be reminded that when things are bad, things will change. "Things change."

This book could be intense at times, which I loved. The intensity of their conversations, their looks, the situations Bella always ended up in. I was on edge when she was being followed by the four guys on the empty street, and then at just the right moment Edward was there to save the day. I melt just remembering the scene. And when Edward REALLY saved her after the attack from the Tracker, Edward took a HUGE risk by sucking the venom from her blood. That really took strength and proved his love for her. I can see why she wants to be a vampire ;)

I love it that Edward insisted on it being known to her family and his that she was his girlfriend. She was nervous to meet the Cullens, not because she was afraid of them attacking her but for fear they would not approve of her. Of course they love her because Edward loves her...awwww.

I have so much I could say about this book, I truly enjoyed every minute of it. I am anxious to begin New Moon...


Twilight

Friday, September 26, 2008



I have jumped on the bandwagon! I had to. In the break room at work it is like everyone is speaking a foreign language, chatting it up about these Stephanie Myer books, geez! I never got into Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, any of the mythical stories. From what I hear though, this one involves a love story. I am a sucker for a love story. And since we are taking a road trip this weekend, I figured this would be the best time to begin the series. 5-8 hours in the car, I can only beat my boyfriend so many times at the alphabet game ;) So today I begin Twilight. I hate to admit it, but I am kinda excited about this read...I hope it isn't disappointing
...

What a FLIRT!

I have found a new-well, new to me- makeup line. It is called FLIRT and it can be found at Kohl's. It is very afforadable,
especially since Kohl's is always having a
sale. So far I have bought





BRING ON THE BRONZE™
Bronzing Powder
size .28oz / 8g
suggested retail price $12.00
Give skin a tantalizing summer glow all year long.




I'M WHIPPED™
Eyeshadow Mousse
size .08 oz./ 2.4g
suggested retail price $12.00
Whipped and creamy, soft and shimmery…cream color that leaves eyes gleaming.



PLUSHIOUS™
Liquid Velvet Lipcolor
size .2oz / 6mL
suggested retail price $10.00
A liquid lipcolor that applies like a gloss but covers like a lipstick for incredible color intensity with a shellac shine finish.



OPENING LINE™

Liquid Eyeliner
size .11oz / 2mL
suggested retail price $11.00
This liquid eyeliner draws on easily to line and define the eyes with a variety of shades and finishes.

I LOVE all of them! The bronzer gives my PALE skin a nice natural glow. The mousse shadow is great alone, but I mainly bought it as a primer for my loose powder shadows. Having an eye primer helps the shadow to last longer on your lids, and show a truer color. The liquid liner is surprisingly easy to use. My favorite of all the products so far is their lip gloss. It feels so smooth on your lips, not sticky at all! The color is great, especially for a gloss...I just LOVE it. Right now Kohl's is having a Buy One Get One Half Sale on the Flirt makeup. I will be stocking up :)

I Smell Divine!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008



This has to be my all time favorite perfume. I received a bottle a few years ago as a gift and loved it. Of course I always want to try new things, so as my bottle ran empty I opted to try a new scent. So over the past few years I have tried many different perfumes, I am a perfume junkie and can almost always recognize a scent. Over the years I had kinda forgotten about DK's Cashmere Mist. Until the other day, I met my best friend for lunch and she smelled lovely! So today I ran out to the department store and picked up a bottle, along with splurging on way too many other beauty products. Now I smell lovely too! Gosh, I can't stop smelling myself!!!! I know I probably look odd doing this, but at least I smell great! I think I will always own a bottle of this for now on!

Here is a description of the scent, if you can imagine...I love all the scents individually that they combined to make this one...read on...

CASHMERE MIST perfume by DONNA KARAN was launched in 1994. CASHMERE MIST DONNA KARAN is inspired by a soft, sensual feeling of cashmere against bare skin. CASHMERE MIST DONNA KARAN is an intensely feminine scent infused with blends of lily of the valley, suede, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and jasmine maroc. This fragrance seduces the senses with hints of sandalwood, orris, amber, vanilla, cedarwood, patchuouli and musk.

Traveling Tunes

Tuesday, September 23, 2008




OH yeah...I am responsible for downloading and creating a mixed cd or two for our weekend trip. So I need some suggestions for any good traveling tunes. Music that will keep you awake while driving 5+ hours at a time. We like a wide variety of music, new, old, rock, country, whatever. Any good recommendations?!?!

What a Treat!

So I get excited about food...does that count as an eating issue?!? This weekend we are headed out of town to Kentucky/Ohio(to me it's all the same)to visit family, friends, and enjoy some football. First, I must say I am excited to have 2-day work week, why can't all weeks be this great? B., I am excited because when traveling to visit the fam, I always get to eat two of my FAVORITE restaurants, that we do not have here in Atlanta. They are...



-and-



Bob Evans has yummy, artery-clogging, biscuits and gravy...mmmmm, I can taste it already!

Skyline chili has a different taste than any other chili I have had before. I don't know what their secret ingredient is, maybe cinnamon, but it is fantastic. I always get a coney and a three way, which consists of spaghetti, chili, and cheese. Gosh, why do I get so excited about food?!?!

So even though this is a find I discovered when I was about 7, or old enough to remember, I felt it was definitely worth sharing. If you are ever out and about and come across one of these places, check them out!

Across the Universe

Wednesday, September 17, 2008




WOW! What a fantastic film. I never knew how much I love Beatle songs. This is a film I will watch again and again. It is a great story, a love story between two and a great story for standing up for what you believe in. Great visuals, great music...I can't wait to watch it again, I am off to buy my own copy now. And I wonder if I can buy a soundtrack that has all 33 songs played during the movie?!?...

Fringe

Tuesday, September 16, 2008




So this seems to be the new show to be seen for fall. I have not seen the previous episodes, so I will have to get caught up online. I watched tonite's and I am very intrigued. At first it gave me a bit of anxiety, but I have to tell myself that it could not really happen...right?!?! Is anyone watching this? I have so many questions and will have to read up on it. I will definitely be watching this one, Tuesdays 9pmeastern. I will have more to share when I figure out what the heck is going on...oh yeah it has this hottie...

MMM...Beards!

Monday, September 15, 2008










I don't know about y'all...but I LOVE a guy with a beard...they are HOTTTT! This is definitely a FF for me. So, I thought I would post a few pics of my favorites today. I am hoping my boyfriend will grow his back out this fall, and I would love to post his pic with a beard, but he probably would not be too keen on it ;) So for now just drool over these hotties.

I Love Sunday Nights...

Sunday, September 14, 2008

While my boyfriend watches Sunday night football, I get to enjoy blogging, reading, writing, surfing...and eating my favorite ice cream-



I just bought it tonight at the grocery and I may have to replace it tomorrow...they go QUICK!

So I became a member of twenty-something bloggers today, and am ecstatic to find lots of new blogs to read(like I am not on the internet enough already). PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read this post. I was laughing so hard I was crying, and had to stop and dry my eyes so I could finish reading. http://twentysomethinggirlinsf.blogspot.com/2008/09/please-wait-for-puberty-parade.html

It is not for the faint of heart, but worth reading if you need a laugh...let me know what you think...

Bath Time!



I am a hair stylist, working in an Aveda salon for three years now...and let me tell you, I am hooked on some of their products...especially this one. It is such a little treat to take a nice hot bath and exfoliate your skin to silky softness with this scrub. One reason I like Aveda products is because they do not smell fruity, just clean and earthy. This scent is kinda like a caribbean scent(as the name would notate), but it is not overpowering...although, the scent does linger until you bathe again. But the MAIN reason I use it is for the exfoliation...and I am sure we can all use some removing of dead skin cells(ick!). This treat does the trick. I personally love that it leaves a lasting oil on the skin to moisturize, making the water bead up on your skin, resulting in a healthy looking glow that I can not seem to get from any other product. The cost is $39.50 for a 15.8 oz little tub. It will last you forever though, a little goes a long way. So if you are into to soft, healthy, glowing skin... check it out!

Auspicious

Saturday, September 13, 2008




Probably on a daily basis I use www.dictionary.com I do not spell well, so I LOVE this site(it's the little things).Plus I always think the thesaurus is fun, and they have lots of other cool features on the site. So this morning as I am typing and using my online dictionary I stopped for a minute to read their word of the day...Auspicious. What an uplifting word of the day to come across. Especially since two friends are getting married today on this lovely Saturday. Their wedding is sure to be an auspicious beginning to their lifelong marriage.


Word of the Day
Saturday, September 13, 2008
auspicious

aw-SPISH-uhs, adjective,Giving promise of success, prosperity, or happiness; predicting good; as, "an auspicious beginning."

Whoa!










Check out these awesome rings over at www.CatherinetteRings.etsy.com...they are just amazing! These are being added to my Christmas list!

Start Saving Today!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008



Everyone needs a savings plan, especially women. I believe that a personal savings plan is a confidence booster and a much needed security net. You never know when something may happen...car breaks down, loss of job, or any other emergency situation. And it is nice to know that if an emergency situation arises you can depend on your savings plan and not your credit cards. Plus, with a savings plan you will not feel "stuck" in a situation...whether it be a bad relationship, a bad career, or any other sticky situation you may find yourself in.

I bank with Wachovia, and this is their plan, but I know just about all banks are doing this now. It is a savings plan that withdraws $1 from your checking and transfers it to your savings plan every time you use your debit card or make an online bill payment...which I am sure we all do fairly often. So you can see how, at this rate, the savings would add up fairly quickly. In addition to that you can set up automatic monthly transfers to add to the savings. For the first year your APY is 5% + a 5% annual interest bonus they add on at the end. I am very surprised at how quickly and easily my little savings plan is growing...and it feels great! If you don't have one...go by your local bank and check it out!

YOU DON'T KNOW JACQUES!

Monday, September 8, 2008



The color trends for Fall 2008 seem to be plums, grays, blacks, and whites. And gray seems to be the new black. This polish color is a shade of taupe, which looks very gray once applied. It is not as harsh of a look as the trendy black polish tends to be. And as all other OPI colors, it has a cute trendy name. This color is HOT for Fall...check it out, it is my new favorite!

FlyLady




I am realizing that cleaning and having a clean home can be very therapeutic. So when I heard of this website from a co-worker, I had to check it out. FlyLady is awesome. She shows you how to get a handle on chaos. Which sometimes when you are in the middle of the chaos, it can seem a bit overwhelming to even begin clearing the clutter. FlyLday breaks it down for you, day by day. She suggests to start small and build a routine. So stop procrastinating and check out www.flylady.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008




This is my website for my hand crafted jewelry creations, a small hobby of mine :) Check it out for more pieces, about me, and contact and purchasing information. Thanks for checking it out!

Delicious



I LOVE this body wash...it smells fantastic, it is so creamy and leaves your skin feeling so soft, and the best part is that the scent lingers for quite a while. Check it out! And it is only about $5.50...what a steal!

Little Black Boxes

Monday, September 1, 2008



www.littleblackboxes.com

Support the indie revolution! This great website has came up with a way to support independent artists trying to get their name(like me, www.simplylotus.com) out there. Sometimes people are hesitant to buy from indie sellers because, well I do not know why. Maybe they are unsure of the quality, being that the items are handmade, when actually it is quite the opposite. I know when I am handcrafting a piece, I pay close attention to detail to ensure the client will be happy with their purchase. Anyways, this is a win-win idea for all! Artists can advertise their goods and buyers can get a sampling of some fabulous handcrafted creations! Happy Shopping!

My Dream Car!!!