In a Blog Fog...

Hello readers! I have returned! My apologies that I have been away for awhile - was it really October? *blush* The end of 2010 brought some urgency to SIMPLIFY - daily activities, personal belongings, etc. in order to start 2011 off on the right foot. I took a well needed break from blogging, reading blogs, and being online in search of overall balance. So far, so good!

Ali Edwards sponsors these wonderful Big Picture Classes for scrapbookers. One of the workshops is called 'One Little Word'. From her blog, she explains, "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow. From my own personal experience, it can be a catalyst for enriching your life." Following her lead, the word I have selected for 2011 is COMMIT. This year is about challenging myself to make good choices about opportunities that are presented to me, commit to them and follow them through to completion. The rule of thumb states it takes 21 days (3 weeks) to develop a behavior into a habit. Lisa Leonard designs beautiful jewelry and offers a simple but gorgeous necklace (pictured below) that could serve as a wonderful reminder of your chosen word. Please check out Lisa's shop and blog for more inspiration and a glimpse into her world and the love she shares.

Some positive commitments I have made so far are:

1) I've changed my eating habits (eliminated soda and lost 3 pounds so far)
2) I've made more dedicated time for my daughter during the day
3) I'm planning on setting up some TRUE date nights with my husband
4) I have some exciting developments in my work life - I still will remain a stay-at-home mom, but have found something that will allow me to contribute monetarily to my family. Stay tuned as I will share more in a later post...very, very soon!
5) I've identified craft projects that have been started but never finished (we all have some of those, right?!?)
6) I've promised myself not to accumulate or buy any new or unnecessary craft supplies until I've depleted my current supply (seriously, I could open up my own shop tomorrow)

At the end of 2010, we sorted and purged through most of our boxes and totes in storage and happily donated ten (10) boxes and fourteen (14) huge bags of miscellaneous items to people in need. Boy did that feel wonderful! And we're still not done - we have about ten to fifteen boxes to still sort through.

Have you set some goals for yourself this year? Maybe you've chosen one little word...if so, do you care to share? As they say, if you put it out there either by saying it or writing it down, the more likely you are to COMMIT to that goal. Cheers to a good start for everyone to a fabulous new year and thanks for staying with me through my blog break - I appreciate you!

(Images courtesy of Ali Edwards, Big Picture Classes and Lisa Leonard)

FREE shopping money for YOU!!!

Yes, you read it right...you will get a FREE $20 credit to your account when you sign up for RueLaLa.com!!! Yup. Just for creating a free account! RueLaLa.com is the destination for 2-day-only Boutiques, filled with the designers we love at private sale prices. It's free, fabulous, and invitation-only. Here's your invitation!

PLEASE GIVE ME MY $20 CREDIT TO START FINDING DESIGNER DEALS!!!

HURRY! The FREE $20 credit is only available via personal invite and through 10/24/2010!!!

Enjoy and happy shopping!!!

Shop the Unexpected

The summer has been busy as with the start of school, so I apologize for my disappearance. We've also been ill recently which hasn't helped with staying on top of the to do list. One thing I did want to share was a recent AWESOME purchase at a local resale shop. I am still in shock and still floating on cloud 9. I stopped in our Once Upon A Child (children's resale/consignment shop) to pick up a new rewards punch card and walked past Plato's Closet (tween resale/consignment shop) next door. I rarely, if ever, go into that shop but something inside me said to stop in. As I walked in, I looked around and thought, why am I in here...I'm not in the mood for clothes shopping...plus I really don't NEED anything else...until I looked across the store and spotted IT. Yes, the it I am talking about is an Orla Kiely square flowers midi sling purse in geranium.

I casually walked up to it thinking, they must have JUST put this out! Why hasn't anyone snatched her up yet?!? Expecting to be tackled for the find, everyone in the store continued to browse around as if I had picked up a plain black shirt. Still in awe, I checked it over expecting the price tag to be something like $85. I was just stalking, I mean - looking - at one on an online discount site. However, they sold out within 2 minutes of posting their sale. Ugh. To my surprise the price tag was $15 and it is in near perfect condition. Are you serious?!? I couldn't get up to the register fast enough. And then, get this...the girl rings it up and says, $7.87. Yes. I about fainted. It was 50% off...THAT day. Seriously?!? She asked if I wanted a bag and I mumbled something like I knew where my car was...that's how much in shock I was.

I left the store, got in to my car and let out a huge scream. I then drove to the nearest gas station and bought a lottery ticket. Unfortunately I didn't win anything on the ticket, but finding that Orla Kiely purse at 3% of retail cost was just like winning the lottery for me that day. My advice ladies: listen to Clarence Clearance when he speaks to you and shop the unexpected. You'll never know what treasures you'll find!

Uppercase Living® FREE Halloween Expression with Order!!!

It’s Customer Celebration Days at Uppercase Living®! I currently am hosting an online/virtual Uppercase Living® show. Uppercase Living® offers products called "expressions", which are quotes, sayings, and solid pictures, that look like a painted-on stencil. They adhere to your wall or whatever surface you want to put it on. When you're ready to redecorate or move, the product is removable.

Great for homeowners, renters and college kids alike! Think outside of the box - decorate your mirrors, windows and doors as well as create unique holiday decorations by applying to painted wood for something that lasts season after season! Own your own business? Create your own unique car decal and drive around advertising your biz! Do you have a favorite quote or inspiring message? You can create your own design with their easy to use design tool!

Place an order on Thursday, September 23 between 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (MT) and you will automatically receive a FREE Halloween Expression (a $14.95 value)!

Available exclusively in Valencia Orange, this fun seasonal expression will enhance any Halloween décor. Apply it to your entryway, to your front door, or to any of our 22" x 4" accessories to create a spooky display.

This special offer is only available for orders submitted on September 23, so don’t wait. My online show will remain open through Thursday, September 30th, but this awesome promo of the FREE expression is ONLY available ON THURSDAY, September 23rd. Please remember to select me, Catherine Stern, in the upper right hand corner of your screen as your show hostess prior to completing your order.

Here's the online catalog link once again: https://lynn.uppercaseliving.net/OnlineCatalog.m

Have fun shopping and thanks in advance for your order!!!