Valentine Gifts for Women

Ladies, what is it that your heart desires?

My 10 Minute Disappointment - Vibrant Nation

This is a sweet post about one of those sweet moments between a mother and son.  Enjoy!

My 10 Minute Disappointment - Vibrant Nation

How to Buy Your Wife Jewelry

Dear Husbands,
Contrary to what you might think, your wife (most likely) would not care for a printer, toaster, or exercise DVDs for Christmas. If you would like to give something that will truly be remembered, and deemed as a thoughtful gift, buy your wife a token of your appreciation and love – jewelry. Your significant other is the person who brings the utmost joy in your life, the person who tolerates your snoring, and the person who picks up your unmentionables off the floor. Demonstrate your gratitude with something that will delight her eyes!

Here are some tips to help you begin your search:

1. Take a look at your wife’s jewelry to get an idea of her style. Does she prefer small/dainty or large/chunky jewelry? Does she wear silver, gold or both?

2. What is her favorite color? What color(s) does she wear most often? What is her birthstone?

3. Determine your budget. Remember how much you spend on tools;)

4. If you are planning to buy a bracelet, measure her wrist while she is sleeping.

5. If you planning to buy earrings, make sure her ears are pierced.

6. Choose a piece that is similar to her current jewelry or another option is to purchase personalized custom jewelry that has special meaning, e.g., jewelry with names of children or grandchildren, anniversary dates, etc.

7. Inquire about exchange and return policies, just in case your perfect gift is not so perfect in your wife’s eyes.

8. Plan your jewelry buying in advance, in order to avoid added stress and impulse buying.

9. Try not to choose something that look like fishing lures from your tackle box.

10. Don’t ask your mother for advice:)

English from Around the World

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen :
WE TAKE YOUR BAGS AND SEND THEM IN
ALL DIRECTIONS.

In a Bangkok temple :
IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER A WOMAN, EVEN A
FOREIGNER, IF DRESSED AS A MAN.

Cocktail Lounge , Norway :
LADIES ARE REQUESTED NOT TO HAVE CHILDREN IN
THE BAR.

Doctors office, Rome :
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER
DISEASES.

Dry cleaners, Bangkok :
DROP YOUR TROUSERS HERE FOR THE BEST
RESULTS.

In a Nairobi restaurant :
CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE
OUGHT TO SEE THE MANAGER.

On the main road to Mombassa, leaving Nairobi :
TAKE NOTICE: WHEN
THIS SIGN IS UNDER WATER, THIS ROAD IS
IMPASSABLE.

On a poster at Kencom :
ARE YOU AN ADULT THAT CANNOT READ? IF SO
WE CAN HELP.

In a City restaurant :
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND
WEEKENDS.

In a cemetery :
PERSONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING FLOWERS FROM
ANY BUT THEIR OWN GRAVES.

Tokyo hotel's rules and regulations :
GUESTS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO
SMOKE OR DO OTHER DISGUSTING BEHAVIOURS IN
BED.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant :
OUR WINES LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO
HOPE FOR.

In a Tokyo bar :
SPECIAL COCKTAILS FOR THE LADIES WITH
NUTS.

Hotel, Yugoslavia :
THE FLATTENING OF UNDERWEAR WITH PLEASURE IS THE
JOB OF THE CHAMBERMAID.

Hotel, Japan :
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE
CHAMBERMAID.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox
monastery :
YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CEMETERY WHERE FAMOUS
RUSSIAN AND SOVIET COMPOSERS, ARTISTS AND WRITERS ARE BURIED
DAILY EXCEPT THURSDAY.

Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand :
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE ON YOUR OWN ASS?

A laundry in Rome :
LADIES, LEAVE YOUR CLOTHES HERE AND SPEND THE
AFTERNOON HAVING A GOOD TIME.

Cute Mother-in-Law Joke

The newlywed wife Monica said to her husband when he returned from work, "I have great news for you. Pretty soon we're going to be three in this house instead of two."

Nick, the husband, started glowing with happiness and kissing Monica purred, "Oh darling, I'm the happiest man in the world."

Monica smiled and added, "I'm glad that you feel that way, Nick, because tomorrow morning my mother moves in with us."

LOL!

Pampering Yourself is Not Selfish

I love this article by the Flylady about this month's healthy habit. Take care of yourself, do what makes you feel your best, and wear those jewels, ladies. Let those sparkling faces (and sinks) shine!!

(If you don't know who she is and you are a disorganized cluttered mess, like me, you might enjoy her coaching sessions. There is no charge and her daily emails make cleaning & organizing a lot less painful!)

Dear Friends,

The Habit for this month is Pampering. The reason that we have you
work on a habit each month is to help teach you how to make something
a part of your everyday routine. Pampering is really really important
to your over all health and well being. Learning to take time out for
yourself is a huge part of FLYing. If you don't take care of you who will?

FlyLady and I can't stress enough the taking care of YOU! This begins
with getting dressed to shoes, getting enough sleep, eating well and
blessing your heart by moving each day. The Pampering Habit is
building on to those already established habits to take better care
of you. It may feel silly or extravagant to pamper yourself. Some of
you may even feel as though you don't deserve it. Some of you may feel
that it is too expensive to pamper yourself - I promise you it is not.

We are going to spend this whole month sharing different ideas and
ways to learn how to build pampering into your routine. Pampering is
not selfish, it is all a part of Finally Loving Yourself. Investing
time in who you are and the way you feel is not a waste of time,
it is an investment that will keep paying you back over and over.
Feeling good about yourself changes your mental outlook and attitude.

When you roll out of bed, throw on whatever is handy, somewhat brush
your hair, make an attempt at slapping on some lipstick and throwing
on whatever shoes you see, is not the way to start your day off
feeling as though you can conquer the world. When you lay out your
clothes the night before, have an established morning routine for
fixing your hair and make up and then pamper yourself by putting on a
favorite piece of jewelry that doesn't get worn often, a spritz of
perfume that you love, you will feel totally different when you
walk out of the bathroom stepping into a new day.

In reality not taking care of yourself is actually selfish. You are
robbing yourself of feeling good about who you are and you are robbing
your families of you being the happy and content person that you can
be. It takes BabySteps to teach you to Love Yourself but that is okay
we are striving for progress not perfection.

Pay attention to all the Pampering ideas and tips that are coming your
way and please participate. You will love how you feel about yourself!

Love,
Kelly

There's a new kid on the block

...and we are so happy to be her new family. Thanks to my brother-in-law and his girlfriend to bringing her into our home. She cleans up after spilled food & drinks, runs the kids haggard, and likes to annoy my brother; what else could I ask for in a dog=) Stay tuned for more puppy pics.

Men and Shopping

Hope you're in the mood for a few chuckles.


BANNED FROM WAL-MART...

This is why women should not take men shopping against their will.

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in a nd get out. Equally unfortunately, my wife is like most women - she loved to browse.

Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart:

Dear Mrs. Gilbert
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr. Gilbert are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras .

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4 July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares... Get on it right away.'

5.. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7.. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the ' Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through yelled, 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed, 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least...

15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!'
Sincerely,
Wal-Mart

Baby Boomer Humor

(Ok, it's not really that humorous:)

I thought you would want to know about this e-mail virus. Even the most advanced programs from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one. It appears to affect those who were born prior to 1966.

5. Causes you to forget to attach the attachment. well darn!

6. Causes you to hit "SEND" before you've finished. oh no - not again!

7. Causes you to hit "DELETE" instead of "SEND." and I just hate that!

8. Causes you to hit "SEND" when you should "DELETE." Oh No!

IT IS CALLED THE "C-NILE VIRUS."

Hmmm......Have I already sent this to you?
2. Causes you to send a blank e-mail! that too!

3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person. yep!

4. Causes you to send it back to the person who sent it to you. DUH!

Symptoms:

1. Causes you to send the same e-mail twice. done that!

Church Chuckle

Some humorous little quips from times past. Which one is your favorite? Hope you enjoy.

They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church
bulletins or were announced in church services:
--------------------------
>>> The Fasting & Prayer
>>> Conference includes meals.
>>> --------------------------
>>> The sermon this morning:
>>> 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight:
>>> 'Searching for Jesus.'
>>> --------------------------
>>> Ladies, don't forget
>>> the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those
>>> things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your
>>> husbands.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Remember in prayer the many
>>> who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard
>>> to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care
>>> much about you.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Don't let worry kill
>>> you off - let the Church help.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Miss Charlene Mason sang
>>> 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious
>>> pleasure to the congregation.
>>> --------------------------
>>> For those of you who have
>>> children and don't know it, we have a nursery
>>> downstairs.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Next Thursday there will be
>>> tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Irving Benson and Jessie
>>> Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a
>>> friendship that began in their school days.
>>> --------------------------
>>> A bean supper will be held
>>> on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
>>> --------------------------
>>> At the evening service
>>> tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?'
>>> Come early and listen to our choir practice .
>>> --------------------------
>>> Eight new choir robes are
>>> currently needed due to the addition of several new members
>>> and to the deterioration of some older ones.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Scouts are saving aluminum
>>> cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will
>>> be used to cripple children.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Please place your donation
>>> in the envelope along with the deceased person you want
>>> remembered..
>>> --------------------------
>>> The church will host an
>>> evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious
>>> hostility.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Potluck supper Sunday at
>>> 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
>>> --------------------------
>>> The ladies of the Church
>>> have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in
>>> the basement on Friday afternoon.
>>> --------------------------
>>> This evening at 7 PM there
>>> will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church.
>>> Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Ladies Bible Study will be
>>> held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to
>>> lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
>>> --------------------------
>>> The pastor would appreciate
>>> it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their
>>> electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Low Self Esteem Support
>>> Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
>>> - -------------------------
>>>
>>> The eighth-graders will be
>>> presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement
>>> Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this
>>> tragedy.
>>> --------------------------
>>> Weight Watchers will meet
>>> at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large
>>> double door at the side entrance.
>>> --------------------------
>>> The Associate Minister
>>> unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday:
>>> 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.

How would you feel?

It's daunting how your life can change within a matter of minutes. You can be relaxing at home, having a meal with your family, and living in the moment. Relishing in contentment, you are still smiling as you get up to answer the knock on your front door. That smile immediately diminishes upon seeing who is at your doorstep. It is the sheriffs. They are there to tell you that they are evicting you and your family from your home.

What would you do? Where would you go? Would you have family or friends to help you? Those who are not fortunate enough to have someone to turn to, end up homeless.

Andy Bales, CEO of the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission writes, "Today, as our economy worsens, more and more professional and middle-class people are losing their jobs and homes — and joining LA's homeless population. Most are homeless for the first time and many are turning to the Union Rescue Mission for help. They are the new face of homelessness in L.A." In other words, homelessness is no longer privy to the poor and destitute.

I received this email from the Union Rescue Mission and am forwarding it to you in the hopes that you can open up your heart to help someone who is not as fortunate. Thank you so much for your compassion and God Bless!!

Dear Adornments,

Imagine how hopeless you would feel, knowing you did everything in your power to care for your family, yet ended up destitute on the streets of Skid Row!

Because so many people lost their homes and savings in the recent economic downturn, there is three times the number of families coming to us for help than just one year ago.

Families like these need the renewing power of EASTER -- NOW MORE THAN EVER.

During the Easter season, I need partners like you to help provide hot meals, dignity and a future for individuals and families who come to us hungry, discouraged and desperate. People like Victoria . . .

Recently, Victoria and her husband, with their five beautiful children came to us -- abruptly evicted from the home they were renting because the landlord had defaulted on the mortgage payment.

The meals you provide can be the first step to transforming life for families like hers who are now facing serious hardship.

Because a portion of our food is discounted or donated, each gift of $22.08 will provide meals for 12 people. $27.60 will feed 15 people and your gift of $40.48 will help provide 22 Easter season meals.

As a partner with Union Rescue Mission, your gift today will help bring EASTER L.A. -- A SEASON OF MIRACLES to Skid Row's most desperate people.

In deepest gratitude for all you do,
Andy Bales
Rev. Andy Bales, CEO

P.S. Thank you for any amount you can send now or by April 4 at the latest. Your gift to provide Easter season meals will help families who are facing some of the worst blows life has to offer.
Provide Easter meals and hope for hungry families
Help provide Easter meals and hope for hungry families.

545 S. San Pedro Street • Los Angeles CA 90013 • 213-347-6300 • www.urm.org

Mailing Address:
Union Rescue Mission
545 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
US

Contact Name: webmaster@urm.org
Telephone Number: (213) 347-6300

Merry Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, Maligayang Pasko

Ooops, guess we're a little late posting this but we would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Years. God bless you and your loved ones.


Numbah One day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
One mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Two day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Tree day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Tree dry squid, two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Foah day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Five day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Five beeg fat peeg... foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Six day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Six hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg,foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Seven day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Seven shrimp a-swimmin', six hula lesson,five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Eight day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', six hula lesson,five beeg fat peeg (that make TWENNY!), foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Nine day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin',six hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah let, tree dry squid, two coconut, an'one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Ten day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Ten can of beer, nine pound of poi, eight ukuklele, seven shrimp a-swimmin'six hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg,foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Eleven day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Eleven missionary, ten can of beer, nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', six hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut, an'one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Twelve day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Twelve TELEVISION, eleven missionary, ten can of beer,Nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', six hula lesson, forty steenkin' peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Last Minute Handmade / Handcrafted Christmas Gifts

Having fun at the malls yet? Lest you think that it is too late to order gifts online, I'm here to tell you that it is not. We use USPS Express shipping for those last minute gifts. It's a mere $16.00 and it can save you a trip to that car-infested mall that you've been dreading. Besides, shopping in your pajamas is a lot more fun & comfortable than shopping with crowds full of frantic people:)

http://www.adornmentsbymilani.com
http://www.adornmentsbymilani.etsy.com

Popular Christmas Gifts Hanukkah Gifts Holiday Gifts for Grandma and Moms

If you are searching for something that is personalized, sentimental, and lovely to buy your mom, mother-in-law, and grandma, our Mommy and Grandma Necklace are the perfect solution. Not only are they aesthetically appealing (as we've been told), they evoke a deeper meaning for the recipient. The necklaces are not just jewelry, but they are keepsakes about some of the most important people in our lives - children and grandchildren. We love to hear about and witness the response when moms and grandmas receive their special, custom created keepsake jewelry. It gives us great pleasure in knowing that our little creations can give such joy to someone.

As always, thank you so much for visiting our blog and for buying our jewelry. We are very grateful for our wonderful customers.


Grandma Necklace

Mommy Necklace

Food for Thought

Despite the picture of Apple Latkes recently made for my familia, I am not here to woo you with food. Instead, I am hoping to appeal to your other "senses" - your sense of compassion, kindness, and generosity. There are so many people that are depending on your generosity this Christmas. The homeless mother that looks forward to a meal to feed her children and safe place to stay for the night. The father that recently lost his job and needs just a little help to be able to support his family. The child that is abandoned and has no where else to turn.

Granted it always seems that there is barely enough to fend for our own family. But then I am reminded that compared to 3rd world/developing countries, my family has more than enough. We have a car to drive, a home to live in, food to eat, and a reliable income. We have the basic necessities that others only dream of having.

There are so many non-profit organizations who would be so grateful for your act of kindness. Listed below are a few of ours. Thank you for reading our blog and thank you for the desire to help those not as fortunate.

The Sheepfold
Union Rescue Mission
Focus on the Family
American Center for Law & Justice

Happy Thanksgiving from Adornments by Milani

We are so grateful for all the things that we have been blessed with throughout the year: our family, friends, and all our wonderful customers. Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to provide you with gifts and jewelry.


For the month of November and December we will be increasing our charitable donations from all jewelry sales from 10% to 15%. Thank you for your continued patronage and we hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with all your loved ones.

I've been neglectful

Sorry, haven't written much lately, not that I'm much of a writer to begin with, but I'm having serious writer's block. The less I write, the easier it is to let days lapse until I feel bad and force myself to write something. It's kind of like working out.

The first couple of weeks, your motivation level is at a high peak. Then, something happens or changes occur that may prevent you from exercise i.e, getting sick, family schedule, laziness, etc., so your motivation level decreases and then you stop working out as much. Until, eventually, you stop working out completely and then feel guilty about it and make another New Year's resolution to start working out again.

Well, hopefully I won't let it go that far (the blog that is), which is more than I can say for the working out part. The motivation level there is completely stagnant:) Hope your motivation level is much higher than mine!!! Have a great Tuesday!

Non-Partisan Political Humor

In light of voting day, here's a little something to make you chuckle. (Thank you MountainAsh).

While walking down the street one day a politician is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there
is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so
we're not sure what to do with you.'

'No problem, just let me in,' says the politician.

'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have
you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where
to spend eternity.'

'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the politician.

'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down,
down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a
green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of
it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake
his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at
the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy and who has a
good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that
before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises ..

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter
is waiting for him.

'Now it's time to visit heaven.'

So, 24 hours pass with the politician joining a group of contented souls
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good
time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'

The politician reflects for a minute, then answers: 'Well, I would never have
said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren
land covered with waste and garbage.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting
it in black bags as more trash falls from above...

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I
don't understand,' stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here and
there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar,
drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a
wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'

The devil looks at him, smiles and says.......

Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted.

Whew - Finally Fixed

If you tried to access our site within the last two weeks, you may have noticed that pesky little Internet Explorer problem, which would not open our blog. Apparently, IE does not like all the Pacman, art, foodblog, etc. gadgets on the sidebar, so, some fall cleaning was done to extrude/expel/exterminate the problem (sorry, I'm half asleep and can't decide which adjective to use right now). Hopefully, the problem has been fixed and we can get on with our merry blogging. Have a great TGIF everyone. P.S. Thanks, again, to Cindy for letting us know about the problem. I'd be blogging to the wind, if you hadn't told me know. Well, I probably already am;)

Back from Hawai'i - Aloha e kakou

...and all my brother brought back were these pictures...plus a few more things. As much as I like to complain about him, he's not too bad of an uncle. As a brother, well, that's another story;) Malama pono kakou. A hui hou.

Dog and Cat Humor

Hope you all have a great TGIF!!

Cyber Chain Letter - Do You Really Want to Know Seven Things About Me?

Cindy, a loyal blog follower (our only loyal blog follower) and fellow jewelry artisan, recently left us a comment, "I'm tagging you and what you need to do is list 7 things about yourself and then go tag 7 other people!! Have fun". Thanks, Cindy;) Since cyber chain mail is a lot less effort than actual tangent chain letters, and since it didn't add the customary, "something very bad will happen if you don't forward this to 100 people", and since she is kind enough to read and comment on my otherwise commentless blog, I am happy to oblige.

Anyways, here it goes:

1. I like to eat ice cream when everyone else is sleeping - that way I can take all the time I want to savor each bite (and don't have to feed anyone else).

2. I look forward to our household purchase of Girl Scout Cookies every year. (Samoas and Do-si Dos, baby)!

3. I have a spare tire that won't seem to go away. (I refuse to give up ice cream and girl scout cookies).

4. My favorite topic other than jewelry is FOOD (in case you haven't noticed).

5. I love to cook for my family (food thing again).

6. I have one husband, three kids, and one dog (the ones who consume the food).

7. I wish that I had a bigger house to invite family and friends so I could cook for & feed them more food.


Hope you all have a great hump day!!!!

The Other Bedtime Prayer

I came across this and had to share it with you (thanks Jerilynne). Happy Monday Everyone!!

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles, Please no bags
Please lift my butt before it sags.
Please no age spots, Please no gray
And as for my belly, take it away.
Please keep me healthy, Please keep me young,
And thank you Dear Lord, For all that you've done.

Democrats vs. Republicans - Heated Political Debates

I come from the old school of business ethics wherein discussion of politics is considered taboo for the workplace. And since this is my workplace (ahem), I refuse to even tread upon that topic. Sorry to disappoint you, but hot and heavy political debates is not something that I will be discussing here. My views are privately shared with my loyal, loving dog who always wags her tail in agreement to all my economic and social views. And of course my DH, but he just grunts to whatever I say (no tail wagging from him). So, instead of trying to persuade, convince or coerce you into some kind of political arena, I'd rather bring a little humor before you. Enjoy!

"We're leaning more and more about John and Cindy McCain. He's on this big biography tour. I guess his wife Cindy is worth over $100 million because the family made money selling Budweiser beer. So he has a wife 20 years younger than him, free beer, and unlimited money. I think I speak for all guys when I go, 'Why is he running for president?'" --Jay Leno

"Barack Obama was speaking to a Jewish group, and he told them that his name Barack is the same as the Jewish word 'baruch,' which means one who's blessed. That's what he said, yeah. Obama had a harder time explaining his middle name, Hussein. Things got quiet there." –Conan O'Brien

"Barack Obama gave a big speech on race, and there was one heckler in the audience, kept screaming crazy stuff the whole time. Turns out it was his pastor." --Jay Leno

"Earlier today, John McCain released 1,200 pages of his medical records. Or, as his doctor calls it, Chapter One." --Conan O'Brien

"Vice President Dick Cheney's wife, Lynne Cheney, said that Barack Obama and Dick Cheney are related. She said they are actually eighth cousins. ... Lynne Cheney says that Obama and Dick Cheney's connection was the result of one of Obama's ancestors marrying one of Cheney's ancestors in 1650. Even more interesting, you know who introduced them in 1650? Bob Dole." --Jay Leno

"You see Barack Obama at that rally surrounded by all those Kennedys? Man, I couldn't tell if he was running for president or bartender." --Jay Leno

"John McCain is now crisscrossing the United States campaigning. Or, as they're calling it, Antiques Roadshow." --Jay Leno

"Are you familiar with the Hillary Clinton 3 a.m. phone call commercial that she's been running? … Well, she's got another one of those, and the phone rings at 3 a.m., Hillary answers the phone, she picks it up, and she says "Stop bothering me, President Obama!" –David Letterman

"And John McCain has one of those 3 a.m. campaign commercials. In this one it's 3 a.m. and he just gets up to go to the bathroom." –David Letterman

Compiled by Daniel
Kurtzman.

Reprieve from Cooking - L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

I am soooo excited/giddy/stoked that the new location of L&L finally opened it doors right next door to where we live. Well, not really next door but very very close. Close enough for my eldest and I to sneak off to while hubby and the other kids were taking a nap. The anticipation of waiting over a year for the construction to be finished and then stalking it every other day to see whether they've opened is finally over. Hello Chicken Katsu, Lemon Chicken, Spam Musubi, Kahlua Pork, and Loco Moco. (Hello spare tire, that will eventually look like a regular tire around my waist, after eating here). I think that we finished our food in less than five minutes flat. No, we didn't order everything on the menu;) Our plate lunch was onolicious and well worth the wait. I guess maybe next time we should bring DH and the rest of the kids=)

In case you have a craving for some local Hawaiian food and there are no L&L's around you, AlohaWorld has plenny of recipes to try. Enjoy and don't forget to save some for us;)

Happy TGIF

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, sleep-in, and eats lots of good food. Flowers from my MIL's beautiful garden.

From the Kitchen to the Tummy- Seared Ahi (Tuna)

Here's something I made last week. Our DSL connection was frustratingly intermittent/unreliable the past week which is why I haven't been able to post much. One of the technicians came by to determine the problem, and lo and behold, could not find anything wrong. Oh wells, at least it's working fine now.

Anyways, this Ahi was marinated in shoyu (soy sauce), salt, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar. Then seared, topped w/ toasted black sesame seeds and set upon a fried wonton wrapper. I can't remember who the recipe is from - someone on Foodtv, although I changed it a bit to save on some time. Have a good Thursday!!

The Sole Reason to Exercise

Most people exercise to lose weight, stay in shape or just to be healthy. Although, I wouldn't mind firming up the extra-midsection-postnatal-addition to my body, I really don't give a hoot about the other two reasons. (Well, maybe just a little. Although, ask me again after hitting that mid-century mark). So why exercise (I ask my imaginary surplus of faithful readers)?

How else am I going to shovel in more ice cream without having to buy bigger clothes??!!!!!!!!!

Hee hee. Who wants to buy bigger clothes when all you have to do is a little exercise? Ok, maybe a lot of exercise, depending on how much ice cream consumption your indulging upon. Besides, what other options are there? Decrease ice cream consumption? Buy bigger clothes? As much as I'd like to cut down on my portions, one or two scoops is just not enough. And as for the latter, buying more clothes will cut into the income for household food necessities - ice cream.

In conclusion, working out is not so bad, when you have a bowl of ice cream to come home to:)

My Morning Face

I have never been a morning person. Even as a child, it would take my grandmother more than several wakings during to get me up for school. By the time college came around, my "morning" classes started no earlier than 11 am. Fast forward to now, by the time morning rolls around, I have not only counted numerous sheep in my sleep, but have started to develop a sort of bond to these animals. With eyes half open, looking a bit disgruntled, this sheep happens to look a lot like I do in the morning.

As for the second picture, well, let's just say that it looks like me trying to get back into bed. Happy Tuesday everyone:)

E Hula Mau is Here

E Hula Mau is a cultural event filled with Hawaiian arts & crafts, foods, workshops, and of course, hula and chant competition. It is a spectacular, annual gathering of the best halaus (hula schools) in California and takes place this labor day weekend, Aug. 29-31. For more info, please visit Na Mamo or the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Thanks for your support and God bless.

Photo by Adam Lejak Photography.

Insomnia is Always Fun

I'm sure everyone has experienced a sleepless night or two. Here is my take on the possible causes. According to the Mayo clinic, some of the causes include the following:

* Stress - Does stressing over what you're going to eat count?
* Anxiety - I get anxious over undercooked beans and overcooked vegetables
* Depression - The thought of a messy house and piles of dirty laundry
* Stimulants - Does black mango tea count?
* Change in your environment or work schedule - Um, having kids changes lots
* Long-term use of sleep medications - Huh- insomnia with sleeping pills?????
* Medical conditions that cause pain - Does my DH's flatulence count?
* Behavioral insomnia- Why inflict more reasons not to sleep?
* Eating too much too late in the evening - Yes, this may be the culprit

And my favorite cause:
Insomnia becomes more prevalent with age- Great more reason to worry and not get sleep.

Hope you get some sleep everyone!! Good night or for some of us, Good Morning:)

I Need Pants with Elastic Waistbands

Why does it seem that when the weekends roll around, all we do is eat. Saturday morning, everyone will wake up, eat breakfast, do errands, eat lunch, take a nap (well kids and DH), wake up, have dinner, and then repeat the same thing on Sunday. By the time Monday arrives, I am tired of eating (well, not really). Maybe I just wish that we had more neighbors that would invite us over for barbeques:)

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week everyone!

Happy TGIF

Wishful thinking that today was being spent at the beach. Oh how I long to breathe in the salty sea air and feel the warm sand on my feet. Relaxing days at the beach are so wonderful yet so few and far between lately. Instead, today I'll be doing this. Yes, cleaning toilets. Sigh. Hope you have a wonderful weekend everyone:)

We Were Featured in the Etsy Treasury

Yay, I'm so thrilled that someone thought enough of our earrings to feature them in an Etsy Treasury. What is a treasury? Well, usually it's a theme or collage of shops wherein Etsy members feature the work of other members. Here's a screenshot of the treasury. Our earrings are in the bottom right corner. I've always wondered how someone would know whether they have been featured, since there is no type of formal notification. Fortunately, Maia from Maiaart , was considerate enough to send me a convo to let me know that our shop was being featured. Thanks, again, Maia, for taking the time to let us know. Please check out her amazing artwork. Not only is she thoughtful, but her indigenous/tribal art is a must see. Here's the link to her Etsy shop: http://www.maiaart.etsy.com

Have a happy hump day (Wed) everyone! Thanks for stopping by.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

We were gifted with tickets to the Dodgers vs. Brewers game this past Sunday. We all had a blast, of course, but since it's been about four years since our last baseball game, my memory conveniently blanked out on how to prepare for the joys-of-a-day-at-the-ball-park. Here are some helpful tips just in case you are going to a game in the upcoming future:

Tip #1 - Don't listen to the husband when he tells you that they will not let you into the stadium with the can of sunblock because it is a metal can.

Tip #2 - The big bag you stocked with cold water and goodies, to keep the kids from getting hungry, won't be allowed into the park unless it's less than 14 x 14 inches.

Tip #3 - Stadium seats are not insulated from the heat of the sun. Don't forget to bring towels unless you want to pay $29 for a shirt just to cover up your blistering hot seat that won't seem to cool down.

Tip #4 - Be prepared to buy a portable water fan to cool off whining oldest child.

Tip #5 - No matter how much you feed your family prior to the game, everyone will still be very hungry at the game.

Tip #6 - Whatever snacks you bring to try and save money, will be shunned for the ice cream and junk food vendors.

Tip #7 - When doing the "Wave", be wary of drunken neighbors who participate with drink in hand.

Tip #8 - Before sitting back into your seat, wipe off the spill made by drunken neighbor.

Tip #9 - Be prepared to speak very LOUDLY to the children when drunken neighbor spews off obsceneties.

Tip #10 - When husband does not return to his seat after a long time, do look for him. Chances are that he is sitting in a completely different section/row/seat not even realizing that he left you and the kids (well just one of the kids) in a completely different area.

All in all, we had a great time. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to take the kids to the game and to be able to spend time with our family.

Hope you have a great week. Thanks for stopping by:)

Some New Danglies For your Earlobes

Just in case you were wondering if we have made any jewelry lately;)

Summer Fruit Medley

Ok no food humor on this one. Well maybe some jokes found from the web.

What did one strawberry say to the other strawberry?
Look at the jam you've gotten us into

How do you make a strawberry shake?
Put it into the freezer until it shivers.

What is the most romantic fruit salad?
A date with a peach.

Happy TGIF everyone!

Lemon Pound Cake...for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Tangy and Tart Lemon Pound Cake
Serves 12 skinny people or 7-8 people with healthy appetites
Prep time 15 minutes minus bathroom breaks
Bake time 1 hour and 30 minutes (it will go by very fast if you try to take a nap)

Ingredients
3 cups cake flour (I used Swans)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not to be substituted/mistaken with baking powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt (don't space out and think that you're salting your veggies)
1 cup/2 sticks of room temperature butter (I Can't Believe it's not Butter is not real butter)
2 cups sugar (yup the original version called for 3 cups)
5 large eggs
1/2 cup lemon juice (you might as well pucker up to your honey and kids after sucking on the lemons)
1-2 tablespoons of grated lemon peel (I love my zester)
1 cup sour cream (no light stuff - you want people to like your cake)
1 pt heavy cream - optional (not the stuff in the can that gets sprayed into everyone's mouth)

Preparation
Wash hands. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Don't stick your head in the oven waiting for it to get hot. Grease a 16 cup pan. I just used a large bundt cake pan - who wants to pour 16 cups into a pan. Lightly dust pan w/ cake flour and tap out excess flour. Throw excess flour at everyone around you. Sift flour, baking soda and salt into medium bowl.

Using electric mixer, beat butter in a large bowl at medium speed until fluffy. Try not to mix your fingers off while you sneak a taste. Gradually add sugar and beat 5 minutes. Hop on each leg to delay that bathroom call. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Don't watch your favorite tv program or else you'll overbeat. Beat in lemon juice and peel.


Using rubber spatula, mix in dry ingredients. Scoop some sour cream into your mouth, I mean, mix/fold in sour cream. Wipe your fingers of any excess sour cream (even though you'd like to lick them clean). Transfer batter to prepared cake pan. Unless you want salmonella from the raw eggs, don't lick the bowl.

Bake cake until tester (some skinny utensil or toothpick) inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on rack 15 minutes. Hover around the cake and tell everyone that it's not ready yet. Cut around cake in pan.
Don't let the crumbs go to waste.

Carefully turn cake right side up on rack and cool completely. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Dollop a very large spoonful of whipped cream on each piece of cake. Better yet, add a small piece of cake to a whooping dollop of cream. Eat to your heart's content and maybe save a few pieces for the rest of your family:) Hope you enjoy our recipe!

*The original recipe was found on Epicurious.com but I altered it due to the fear of the original version putting us in a diabetic coma and cholesterol attack.

A past love that doesn't include my husband;)

In the very early eighties, my friends and I were the "hippest" little Catholic school girls around. We would walk around the neighborhood donning our plaid green skirt and white top uniform, carrying this beastly large boombox (after school of course;). Our preferred musical choice included bands such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Journey, Journey, and more Journey.

Those who cared to hear our music and those who did not care to hear it, were subjected to the very loud sounds that projected from our portable radio. Our boombox was non-exclusive and non-discriminatory, it included everyone within hearing distance. So, there we were proudly blasting away "Faithfully", "Anyway you want it", "Wheel in the Sky" to all that passed by us, on foot and vehicle. Three preteen girls determined to convince the people in the neighborhood (and the world) that their lives were incomplete and meaningless unless they have heard the music of Journey.

25 years later, unless it's Miley Cyrus, the Cheetah girls or anything tweenish, I rarely even get to listen to music these days. If it weren't for all the news buzz about Journey's reformation and the new lead singer, I wouldn't even think twice about my old favorite.

Being very skeptical about Steve Perry's replacement, (after all he was one of my first crooners) I had to look into the matter myself. After watching the YouTube CBS interview with Journey and the new lead singer, Arnel Pineda, I am happy to report that I have rediscovered one of my old loves (don't tell hubby). Here is the CBS interview, but be forewarned, it might bring tears to your eyes. Arnel's story is very inspirational and heartwarming and in my humble opinion, he is a wonderful addition to Journey. What do you think?

Single Women Wanted

I really really wanted to post some embarrassing pics of my DH but I just didn't have the heart to do it. Rather, I didn't want any retaliatory pictures of me;) So, instead, here are some pics of my brother-in-laws. Single and looking for a mate. Well, except for the one in the yellow trunks, he just started dating someone after a long hiatus. A really long seven or eight year hiatus. Needless to say, we were all happy (relieved) when he finally brought someone home.

So the other one, with the closeup picture, is the single one. He's a stand-up comic and not just amongst family members;) "E-man the Pool Man" (his other profession) performs at the Icehouse , Comedy Store , and all those other places that comedians go to tell their stories.

I wonder if his monologue includes any of his early twenty-year-old antics. There were quite few since he was always a funny guy, but there is one in particular that always made his brother (my DH) chuckle. Let's just say that it wasn't the cat who was intoxicated, urinating on the bed in middle of the night, with a loaf of bread in his mouth. Oh boy, I'm really fearing retaliation now. Anyways, maybe tomorrow I'll post some non-embarrassing pics or at least not too embarrassing of DH:) Have a great TGIF everyone!