Really sorry about the lack of posts. The old cliche stands "I was really busy".
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm going to visit my parents. This year my mom wanted a non-traditional meal. Instead of turkey we will be having brisket for the main entree.
Not to show up empty handed, I'm going to take my mom some of her favorite dark hot chocolate from MarieBelle. It's my favorite as well. I'll add a post about it Friday or Monday.
I haven't decided if I'm going to bring a dessert or not but probably something chocolaty. Well I have the rest of the day to decide what to make if I do. I really looking forward to relaxing and catching up with family and what's going on with them.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Coffee Set Carol Brady Would Love
Whether it's for a quick pick me up or inviting over a guest or two for coffee. These retro inspired coffee sets are not only quaint and cute but also a perfect gift for your coffee loving mom, your friend whose the perfect hostess or yourself.
The coffee sets are available for $64.00 each from notNeutral (notneutral.com) and includes a coffee pot, creamer and sugar bowl. The three sets available are: Black Ribbon, Blue Flora and Brown Links.



The coffee sets are available for $64.00 each from notNeutral (notneutral.com) and includes a coffee pot, creamer and sugar bowl. The three sets available are: Black Ribbon, Blue Flora and Brown Links.



Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Cold Comfort: Food Banks and Homeless Shelters in Need of Donations
With the nights becoming cold and freezing, homeless shelters are starting to fill up but many shelters and food banks are in a real need of donations. From blankets to food they are in need of assistance. The economy being what it is, many charitable organizations are taking a hit.
The higher food costs are resulting in lower donations and supplies for many food banks. If you are unable to make any monetary donations there are other ways to help. You can organize a small collecting project with family or friends by collecting a box or two of non-perishable items and donate them to your local food bank. It doesn't have to require a lot of your time just go through your kitchen and find a few items that could help. Since, many homeless shelters are in need of warm blankets, you can donate a few older blankets or purchase a few fleece blankets to donate. You can also inquire if they are in need of clothing as well. If so you can donate some of your old (gently used and clean) clothing to the shelters.
Every little bit can help to make a difference.
As Thanksgiving approaches it's a great way to help others and to feel thankful.
The higher food costs are resulting in lower donations and supplies for many food banks. If you are unable to make any monetary donations there are other ways to help. You can organize a small collecting project with family or friends by collecting a box or two of non-perishable items and donate them to your local food bank. It doesn't have to require a lot of your time just go through your kitchen and find a few items that could help. Since, many homeless shelters are in need of warm blankets, you can donate a few older blankets or purchase a few fleece blankets to donate. You can also inquire if they are in need of clothing as well. If so you can donate some of your old (gently used and clean) clothing to the shelters.
Every little bit can help to make a difference.
As Thanksgiving approaches it's a great way to help others and to feel thankful.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Savvy & Co. Designer Sample Sale -- L.A.M.B, Jill Stuart and more
What:Savvy & Co. Sample Sale
Featuring designes from L.A.M.B, Jill Stuart, HaraJuku Lovers and Kidrobot
When:
Tuesday Nov. 18th
8AM - 1PM Private Savvy Customers Only
1PM - 8PM Sale open to the Public
Wednesday Nov. 19th - Thursday Nov. 20th
8AM - 8PM
Where:
Savvy & Co's NYC Loft
145 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th ave)
New York, NY 10011
Tel: 212.388.0339
ABOUT LAMB HANDBAGS
L.A.M.B handbags first launched in 2006 and have become a household name in the handbag industry. They are a favorite among the most stylish celebrities including Cameron Diaz, Carrie Underwood and Penelope Cruz. Gwen Stefani’s inspiration is gathered from her world travels and her designs delineate both that and her own eclectic personal style. “I love the designing process for the handbags. It’s always evolving and changing each season. This season I loved mixing different materials like leather and suede and then putting the LAMB twist on it.” Stefani says.
ABOUT JILL STUART HANDBAGS
New York designer Jill Stuart, renowned for her eponymous line of contemporary ready-to-wear, had her beginnings in accessories, having sold a collection of suede-fringed hobo bags to Bloomingdale’s at the young age of 15. Stuart’s feminine, vintage-inspired fashions have quietly solidified her position as a quintessential New York designer with a devoted celebrity following. Inspired by her personal collection of more than 1,000 vintage handbags, Jill has created a line of stylish and functional satchels, shoulder hobos, cross-body handbags and totes for today’s contemporary “fashionistas.” The Jill Stuart philosophy of design is practical and gracious. “I appreciate personal style more than noticing a designer outfit. To create fashion and images that enhance individuality is my passion in life,” says Stuart.
ABOUT HARAJUKU LOVERS HANDBAGS
Gwen Stefani found inspiration for the Harajuku Lovers collection the first time she went to Tokyo and saw kids in Harajuku that were all about self expression, unique individual style, making their own clothing mixing and matching with western inspiration and Japanese traditional style. The Harajuku Lovers line is an extension of Gwen’s music and a visual to its lyrics.
ABOUT KIDROBOT HANDBAGS
Founded by designer Paul Budnitz in 2002, Kidrobot is the world’s premier designer and retailer of limited edition art toys and apparel. Kidrobot merges urban street trends, fashion, and pop art to produce limited edition, collectible toys and apparel. Kidrobot launched their first handbag and small accessories collection Fall 2008. The Kidrobot handbag collection is available at Kidrobot stores in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Kidrobot.com, as well as better department stores across North America.
Style and Focus News Bites
** Tony Dow better known for his role on the classic TV series "Leave It To Beaver" will have his artwork displayed at the famed Louvre museum in Paris, France from Dec. 11 - 14. Dow is one of serveral artists from the Karen Lynne Gallery to be featured at museum as part of the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts exhibition. The sculpture that will be displayed is titled “Unarmed Warrior,” and is a bronze figure of a woman holding a shield. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
** The Mayor of Boston, Thomas M. Menino launched an enhanced holiday promotional website designed to boost holiday sales and encourage families to enjoy the city's broad range of holiday events - many free or deeply discounted. Working in partnership with the local hospitality industry, arts organizations, businesses, neighborhood Main Street programs, Downtown Crossing Partnership, Copley Place and Prudential Mall. The city has pulled together a central marketing effort to offer discounts for: The theater, Dining, Shopping, Lodging, and Parking at www.MayorsHolidaySpecial.com. (Press Release)
** Jennifer Hudson would like to thank fans for all the support during this most trying time for her. She wrote on her personal blog "I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time... My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern." (World Entertainment News)
** Hilary Duff has signed with NBC to create a new TV series. Also, the one-year contract will allow Duff, to guest star or appear in other NBC series. (Us Magazine)
** Whoopi Goldberg to produce "Sister Act" on the London Stage. Goldberg is headed for the West End to open a musical version of her hit film "Sister Act" in London. Casting is underway and will be announced next year. The musical will open June 2, 2009, at the London Palladium, with preview performances beginning May 6. Goldberg will join forces with Stage Entertainment, one of Europe's largest theatrical producers, a company headed by Joop Van Den Ende, in presenting the show. The musical will feature music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. (Black Entertainment News)
** The Mayor of Boston, Thomas M. Menino launched an enhanced holiday promotional website designed to boost holiday sales and encourage families to enjoy the city's broad range of holiday events - many free or deeply discounted. Working in partnership with the local hospitality industry, arts organizations, businesses, neighborhood Main Street programs, Downtown Crossing Partnership, Copley Place and Prudential Mall. The city has pulled together a central marketing effort to offer discounts for: The theater, Dining, Shopping, Lodging, and Parking at www.MayorsHolidaySpecial.com. (Press Release)
** Jennifer Hudson would like to thank fans for all the support during this most trying time for her. She wrote on her personal blog "I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time... My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern." (World Entertainment News)
** Hilary Duff has signed with NBC to create a new TV series. Also, the one-year contract will allow Duff, to guest star or appear in other NBC series. (Us Magazine)
** Whoopi Goldberg to produce "Sister Act" on the London Stage. Goldberg is headed for the West End to open a musical version of her hit film "Sister Act" in London. Casting is underway and will be announced next year. The musical will open June 2, 2009, at the London Palladium, with preview performances beginning May 6. Goldberg will join forces with Stage Entertainment, one of Europe's largest theatrical producers, a company headed by Joop Van Den Ende, in presenting the show. The musical will feature music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. (Black Entertainment News)
Friday Fashion Pick: A Shoe for Work or Play
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Payless ShoeSource to Give $1 Million in Shoes This Holiday Season Through Its New "Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids" Program
Now More Than Ever, It's Time to Help Families with Children in Need; Payless Calls on Non-Profit Organizations Nationwide to Participate in a Grass Roots Effort Aimed at Delivering More Than 65,000 Pairs of Shoes
Topeka, Kan., Nov. 11 -- Leading family footwear retailer, Payless ShoeSource, is launching a first-of-its-kind national, grass roots shoe-gifting campaign, the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, aimed at delivering $1 million of shoes -- more than 65,000 pairs -- to American families of children in need through a partnership network of local non-profit organizations across the nation.
Payless is giving more than 65,000 $15 gift coupons redeemable through Jan. 31, 2009, towards a pair of shoes at any of the nearly 4,000 stores across America (excluding Shopko).
"With the economic challenges in America today, the underprivileged are hurt more than any other group. Now more than ever, it's important to step up and help out," said Matthew E. Rubel, Chairman and CEO of Collective Brands, Inc., which owns Payless ShoeSource. "Footwear is a basic need that many of us take for granted. Yet a significant portion of children across America need shoes.
"A great pair of shoes can lift spirits, bolster self confidence and bring a huge smile to a child's face. We are happy to help families across America with the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program this holiday season."
Payless said that the impetus to the nationwide shoe-gifting program included the significant need for children's shoes across the United States and today's economic crisis. In a tough economy, individual and corporate giving to charitable organizations tends to slow down at a time when they need the support the most. Smaller nonprofit agencies that provide direct support are often, in general, under-supported as well.
Payless took a grass roots approach to ensure direct, diverse and immediate nationwide coverage in delivering the shoe gifts.
"Holidays can be stressful enough, but in today's economy with rising unemployment, high gas and food prices, we want to take one thing off parents' plates and alleviate this basic need for thousands of families this holiday season," Rubel said.
A Call to Non-Profits Nationwide
Non-profit organizations interested in participating can apply at http://www.paylessgives.com by completing a short online application. Selection criteria for non-profit participation includes IRC 501(c)(3) status, as well as direct access to underprivileged children in local communities during December. The application process for non-profit partners of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program starts today and ends Nov. 21. Selected partners will be notified and the shoe gift coupons will be distributed in various quantities to the partners based on the number of constituents they serve.
Payless will select as many well-suited non-profits as possible to serve as its partners in the significant grass roots shoe-gifting effort. In early December the company expects to announce all of its selected partners with an aim of blanketing the nation in both urban cities with dense populations, as well as rural regions of the United States.
Greater Horizons of Kansas City will serve as the independent third-party to manage the selection process based on Payless' core selection criteria. Greater Horizons, also a non-profit, is focused on helping donors connect with local and national charitable causes nationwide.
"Our mantra is 'when the causes you care about reach far and wide' and that fits very well with this new Payless program," said Brenda Chumley, executive director of Greater Horizons. "We are thrilled to assist in connecting Payless to the non-profit organizations that make most sense given the goals of the program -- to get a free pair of shoes into the hands of underprivileged children across America this holiday season."
About Payless:
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of second quarter 2008, the company operated more than 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet at http://www.payless.com.
About Collective Brands, Inc.:
Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands American Eagle, Airwalk, Dexter, Champion and designer collections Abaete for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice + olivia for Payless, among others; Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and athletic branded footwear and high-quality children's footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite, Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Robeez, and Saucony, among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit,
with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk, Vision Street Wear, Sims, Lamar and LTD, World Snowboarding Championships, Sugarboards, Carve, genetic, Dukes, Rage, Ultra-Wheels, and Skate Attack brands. Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at http://www.collectivebrands.com.
About Greater Horizons:
Greater Horizons helps donors across the entire Kansas and Missouri region connect with local and national charitable causes and encourages donors, no matter where they live, to reconnect with causes in their hometown.
###
Topeka, Kan., Nov. 11 -- Leading family footwear retailer, Payless ShoeSource, is launching a first-of-its-kind national, grass roots shoe-gifting campaign, the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, aimed at delivering $1 million of shoes -- more than 65,000 pairs -- to American families of children in need through a partnership network of local non-profit organizations across the nation.
Payless is giving more than 65,000 $15 gift coupons redeemable through Jan. 31, 2009, towards a pair of shoes at any of the nearly 4,000 stores across America (excluding Shopko).
"With the economic challenges in America today, the underprivileged are hurt more than any other group. Now more than ever, it's important to step up and help out," said Matthew E. Rubel, Chairman and CEO of Collective Brands, Inc., which owns Payless ShoeSource. "Footwear is a basic need that many of us take for granted. Yet a significant portion of children across America need shoes.
"A great pair of shoes can lift spirits, bolster self confidence and bring a huge smile to a child's face. We are happy to help families across America with the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program this holiday season."
Payless said that the impetus to the nationwide shoe-gifting program included the significant need for children's shoes across the United States and today's economic crisis. In a tough economy, individual and corporate giving to charitable organizations tends to slow down at a time when they need the support the most. Smaller nonprofit agencies that provide direct support are often, in general, under-supported as well.
Payless took a grass roots approach to ensure direct, diverse and immediate nationwide coverage in delivering the shoe gifts.
"Holidays can be stressful enough, but in today's economy with rising unemployment, high gas and food prices, we want to take one thing off parents' plates and alleviate this basic need for thousands of families this holiday season," Rubel said.
A Call to Non-Profits Nationwide
Non-profit organizations interested in participating can apply at http://www.paylessgives.com by completing a short online application. Selection criteria for non-profit participation includes IRC 501(c)(3) status, as well as direct access to underprivileged children in local communities during December. The application process for non-profit partners of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program starts today and ends Nov. 21. Selected partners will be notified and the shoe gift coupons will be distributed in various quantities to the partners based on the number of constituents they serve.
Payless will select as many well-suited non-profits as possible to serve as its partners in the significant grass roots shoe-gifting effort. In early December the company expects to announce all of its selected partners with an aim of blanketing the nation in both urban cities with dense populations, as well as rural regions of the United States.
Greater Horizons of Kansas City will serve as the independent third-party to manage the selection process based on Payless' core selection criteria. Greater Horizons, also a non-profit, is focused on helping donors connect with local and national charitable causes nationwide.
"Our mantra is 'when the causes you care about reach far and wide' and that fits very well with this new Payless program," said Brenda Chumley, executive director of Greater Horizons. "We are thrilled to assist in connecting Payless to the non-profit organizations that make most sense given the goals of the program -- to get a free pair of shoes into the hands of underprivileged children across America this holiday season."
About Payless:
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of second quarter 2008, the company operated more than 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet at http://www.payless.com.
About Collective Brands, Inc.:
Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide. The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing. Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands American Eagle, Airwalk, Dexter, Champion and designer collections Abaete for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice + olivia for Payless, among others; Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and athletic branded footwear and high-quality children's footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands including Stride Rite, Keds, Sperry Top-Sider, Robeez, and Saucony, among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit,
with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk, Vision Street Wear, Sims, Lamar and LTD, World Snowboarding Championships, Sugarboards, Carve, genetic, Dukes, Rage, Ultra-Wheels, and Skate Attack brands. Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at http://www.collectivebrands.com.
About Greater Horizons:
Greater Horizons helps donors across the entire Kansas and Missouri region connect with local and national charitable causes and encourages donors, no matter where they live, to reconnect with causes in their hometown.
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