It Is What It Is

The Shame that Is My Life....plus

I kinda had a crappy, stressful week. I have A LOT going on with my job.  Not that I'm complaining, because Lord knows, I'm grateful for having a job in the pharmaceutical industry right now, as so many companies have downsized.  So, because of that, the attitude that pretty permeates all things is "Bend over and take it..." if you know what I mean.  This week was the official kick-off of the bending over part and will cumulate in a 5 day frenzy of bending over in a few weeks.  (i.e. National Sales Meeting.)

That all being said, I needed to cut loose last night.  Have some fun- and guess what I did?  I drove to two different theaters with Youngest to try to get tickets to see "New Moon."  Yes- I was one of those moms- in line with all the other moms (very few dads- I must say...)  and teenagers galore!  I will also say- there were lots of other women in my age category out with their friends minus the kids part....

Now, I don't go to many opening night premieres of movies so this was a treat to have so much audience participation.  When the trailers ended and the opening of the film was starting- the entire audience gasped and applauded.  Throughout different parts in the movie- (primarily when one of the lead male characters was on screen- especially without a shirt..) the audience would erupt in cheer, followed by "shush" because no one wanted to miss a word of the dialog. 

My opinion of the film?  I thought they did a fine job of telling the story of New Moon- but as a reader- I feel you can never the do the book the justice it truly deserves.  That being said- I do think the casting of these characters is spot on- and they bring the characters to life.

Youngest and I had a great time and it was just the stress reliever I needed to forget about my crappy week....can't ask for more than that.

Oh- and the winners of the Jewels by Jules contest-

Beth and Terese!  Congrats and thanks for your comments. 

p.s.  Management reserves the right to not photograph the official contest winner being chosen- because if you waited for that to happen you would have to wait until next Christmas to wear the winning items...(see above for explanation.) Thank you.

Jewels by Jules

If I didn't think it would sound kind of snobby- I'd probably give this post a number as one of my Graces- but stating that you have a personal jewelry designer just doesn't sound grounded.  But I do- actually- she could be your personal jewelry designer too!  My friend, Julie is a hard working, creative gal.  She started designing and making jewelry a few years ago and her little creative outlet just continues to grow- as well as her talent for creating beautiful, fun jewelry.  I've gotten a little spoiled.  If I'm looking for some accessories to go with a certain outfit, I give Julie a ring and she tells me what she has in stock or she makes something up for me. 

She is extremely busy this time of year, as she participates in quite a few craft and holiday art shows.  However, she came up with a couple of adorable holiday earrings that she is making available as a special order item. 

These "holly berries"  are made of 6mm glass round beads that dangle 1".  They sell for $9.  I think they could be worn year round with the right outfit- but are especially darling during the Christmas holidays.

How cute are these little snowmen?  These earrings are made of 6 x 8 mm glass crystal facted rondelles and dangle down to 7/8".  They also sell for $9. 

You know you have a stocking that needs stuffed with these earrings.  Or you need to wear them yourself.  These earrings would work for young girls as well.  What about that hard to buy for family member or teacher- who would not appreciate  a pair of handcrafted earrings? 

Shipping is just $3 for one pair or free if you purchase both pairs.  If you are interested in purchasing these earrings or checking out other Jewels by Jules please contact her at julieturi@aol.com, be sure to note Jewelry Order in the subject line.

Now for some fun- Leave me a comment on where you are with your holiday gift buying.  Do you have a list?  Are you organized and methodical in your holiday shopping or do you fly by the seat of your pants?  (I'm a little bit on the flighty side myself..)  I will be awarding '2" lucky readers with a pair of earrings from Jewels by Jules.  Please post your comment by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm EST. 

 

Help A Friend Out and Have Some Fun

My friend, Karen at Strictly Simple Style, (www.strictlysimplestyle.blogspot.com)  has entered a contest over at http://paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/10/time-to-vote.html.  This blog is another beauty if you're looking for decorating panache. 

Vote for Karen's fall decorating display.  (I must say, it really was my favorite and much different than the usual fall decorating fair.)  You'll be glad for checking out Karen's beautiful site as well as the Paula Grace Designs. 

Happy Fall!

Easy on the Eyes- A Winner!

Once again- using my super scientific random generator, a winner was chosen based on comments submitted-

 

First, we verified that all entrants were legal citizens and then we had an  accounting firm  (don't ask which one, but I'll tell you, they also verify all submissions for the Academy Awards.)  You're not dealing with some slipshod blog here, I tell ya'!  Then we had all of the submissions mixed up real good and put them back in the contest receptacle so a winner could then be chosen. 

 

This is one of Eldest's good friends, D.  He was hanging around so I made him participate.  (Only after I verified his legality and had him fingerprinted by the proper authorities.)

 

A winner was chosen....who could it be...the tension is mounting.....

But before I announce it, I have to ask, why is that guys get the best eyelashes?   These photos of D don't really do his eyes justice, but let me tell you, he has the most gorgeous eyes and eyelashes.  It's not fair...

 

So- there you go, LAF!  I know you said you don't read for pleasure, but perhaps this book will get you started.  After all, you deserve it!  I will get Easy on the Eyes out to you, once it's released.  (Which is this week!  July 22!)  Thanks to everyone else for playing along and if you ask real nice, I bet LAF might share.....

It's Not too Late....

Alright now, I know that I have more readers than the one's who graciously leave me comments.  I'm having a contest people- you could win a free book!  So- comment already- tell me what you're reading and you will be entered into a drawing to win the to be released novel, Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter.  Even if you don't read- send me a comment and tell me what you do in your free time in lieu of reading....

In the meantime, since I can sometimes be a sick and twisted individual, I highly recommend the website- Funny or Die.  (www.funnyordie.com)  This site is the brainchild of Will Ferrell.  It's filled with spoof videos.  There are videos made by celebrities that make fun of themselves.  The one that is especially amusing to me of late is this spoof on Jon and Kate Gosselin.  I haven't said anything about my disgust of Jon and Kate Plus 8- so let me go on record now and say- they disgust me....these spoof videos of them are showing their new match.com  videos now that they are both "single" again.... it's very funny.  Check it out if you're so inclined.  I will also mention that there are some very raunchy videos on this site- so if you are sensitive to this - beware- but the Jon and Kate videos are pretty benign- funny but not dirty. 

Oh- and send your comments by Sunday evening at 5:00 pm EST.  Winner will be announced shortly thereafter...

"Easy on the Eyes" - A Surprise

I received the nicest little surprise in the mail today.  I'm going to share it with all of you.  It was a little package with some goodies in it promoting a new novel about to be released. 

The new novel is "Easy on the Eyes" by Jane Porter.   'Easy on the Eyes" is an "entertaining novel about a a late thirty-something woman struggling to find happiness in her glamorous Hollywood life."

I've written about Jane Porter before on this very site.  She's a wonderful author who also writes a blog and is very accessible to her readers.  Check her out at www.janeporter.com.   Her new novel will be released on July 22, 2009. 

 So, what did I get in the mail today?  Let me show you....

 

What is all this? It's a PR Kit filled with fun promotional stuff for the new book.  There's a pen, a compact mirror, a cool nail file, a bookmark, a reader's guide for book club questions and a promo post card. 

I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff.  It makes me even more  excited about the book and the author.  I love knowing that authors I enjoy make themselves so accessible and and care about their readers. 

And in that vein, I want to introduce you to Jane Porter, the author and make you aware of her new novel.  While we wait for the new book, be sure to check out other books by Jane, "Odd Mom Out," "Mrs. Perfect," and "Flirting With Forty."  I've read them all and recommend them as a great read. 

Who are your favorite authors/novels?  Share with me in the comment section and I will award  one random winner a copy of the new book when it's released.  (This is coming from me- I'm not getting paid to do this...just wanted to have some fun and share my love of Jane Porter!)

So- talk to me...tell me what or who you're reading...I'm interested!  C'mon and comment and you could be a winner!!