tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87749885033234813482024-03-05T02:18:02.247-08:00Mimi KattiniClarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-88390058833906808832009-02-10T02:00:00.000-08:002009-02-10T02:20:23.047-08:00Where have I been?Oh goodness gracious...here I go again...neglecting my blog...new year and new things going on...that and the fact that one of my friends introduced me to <a href="http://www.facebook.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FACEBOOK</span></a> last year and I have been addicted ever since. If you haven't yet been taken in by the social network...good for you! Don't <a href="http://www.google.com/">google</a> the website...don't go anywhere near that thing. I thought <a href="http://twitter.com">TWITTER</a> was bad...I haven't visited there in a few weeks....despite the fact that some local celebrities have begun to follow me in the recent weeks. To my <a href="http://twitter.com">TWITTER</a> followers: Find me on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebook</span>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">FACEBOOK</span> </a> and all it's evilness just has the ability to suck you in...all of a sudden you are able to chat with your friends, see what they are doing, peek into their lives, view updated photos. AND, then when that isn't enough...you find out you are able to enter the name of that friend you had in elementary school and chances are---you WILL find them! AND, not just that person...but little by little you find everyone you've ever had any type of relationship with...whether it be an acquaintance, an old friend, former co-worker, college roommate, etc.... need I go on? <br /><br />I have reconnected with so many people...it has been a wonderful experience! I truly anticipate who I might "see" next...<br /><br />Alas, there is life outside of <a href="http://www.facebook.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">FACEBOOK</span></a>...I know some of you don't believe me...but there is...<br /><br />I'll be updating again soon...my wonderful group,<a href="http://theboutiqueangels.blogspot.com/"> The Boutique Angels</a>, will be launching shortly in March. AND, of course, I will be listing some of my designs and will have to showcase them here. We will be raising money for the Children's Tumor Foundation and I will have to introduce you to the beautiful little girl who inspired us to choose this charity...she is amazing!Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-47766248261131562752008-12-09T09:19:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:24:58.177-08:00I'm soft...like a teddy bear...Children see right past your imperfections don't they? The other night as I was tucking in the princess munchkin...I put my knee on her bed to reach the lamp above her to turn it off. She put her arms around my huge thigh and I on impulse jumped back...just my self-consciousness...she proceeded to tell me, "you feel good mommy...so soft, like a teddy bear!"...uh, okay...not exactly what I want my thigh to feel like...but a few minutes later I realized that children love teddy bears because of their cuddly appeal...and that was a wonderful compliment coming from a 7 year old...so I went in and gave her an extra little kiss on the forehead...nighty night little princess...dream of pretty things.Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-41977633367931111622008-11-26T14:17:00.000-08:002008-11-26T14:20:38.675-08:00Amazing things happen around the Holidays!<div style="text-align: center;">Hi Everyone! I hope you all have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING and that you find that you have many, many things to be thankful for!<br /><br />I don't have much time to gab...but I HAD to post this right quick!!!! They have found a <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2008/11/26/sew-many-amazing-things-are-happening-here/#comment-4554">perfect match</a>...can't wait to hear who the Angel is!!!!!<br /><br />Lisa, we are all sooooo happy for you!!!!<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-89581499548131216112008-11-19T00:17:00.000-08:002008-11-19T00:55:03.303-08:00All I want for Christmas...I read a blog today that just puts so many things into perspective. I am Catholic and am a firm believer in teaching my children that Christmas and Easter is not always just about receiving, nor receiving a lot. BUT, even then I do believe that children should have some fun in unwrapping something they might have wished for all year long. <br /><br />Here is the <a href="http://amamasblog.com/2008/11/17/wanted-for-christmas-socks-with-no-holes/#comments">post</a> from A Mama's Blog, I stumbled upon it on <a href="http://twitter.com">Twitter</a>. Now, you can read it, but I'll tell you what reached inside me and clenched my heart. Heather (A Mama's Blog), has a sister who teaches Second grade. AND, like all children...all 7 & 8 year old children...they write letters to Santa. Here is a sampling of what a few wrote:<br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);">"…I need some socks because all mine have holes in them.”<br /><br />"…I would like two blankets because my house gets cold.”</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);">“…in the store, I would like new shoes.”<br /><br />"…I need some pencils at home because I don’t half any and I half to wait until my couzin is done with his homework. Also his homework has a lot of pages to do and it takes forever and ever and I don’t get to finish not much of my homework.”</span></em><br /><br />Can you understand what I'm feeling here with out me writing any further? <br /><br />After reading those words...I sat here in disbelief. <br /><br />Disbelief because I can't imagine the child that sat there in class, knowing that they were writing a letter to Santa Claus...probably someone they whole-heartedly believe in...there only chance of the year to ask for the toys they have been longing for, for months-perhaps years...and they had to sit there in their little desks and outweigh whether or not they should ask for the toy...so that they could play with it, enjoy it, cherish it, basically have the freedom that childhood brings every person only a few years in one's lifetime...the years of no "responsibilities" (you know what I mean)... OR, should they ask for the things they NEED, perhaps recalling the night before when they didn't get a good night's sleep because it was too cold...perhaps being embarassed when it's okay to take your shoes off, but you'd rather not because you know you have holes in your socks...<br /><br />What child should have to make that type of decision...that's too mature of a decision...that's an adult's decision, right? Balancing our WANTS from our NEEDS. Sure, we need to teach our children that we can't have everything...I certainly do. BUT, is it too much to WANT a blanket or new socks? SOCKS? Can you believe that a child is wishing for that? Today, in 2008? In our great country of America? <br /><br />We do live in a great country and I am very proud to be an American, and yet I think we sometimes take too much for granted here. We place so much focus on the wrong things.<br /><br />My husband and I are not wealthy...no where near it. AND, yet we are so rich. Rich in the fact that we have each other, our children and our families...a roof over our heads, food not only on our table but in our pantry and refrigerator, we have transportation, we have heat...and now to add to that list...we have "pencils", "blankets", and we ALL have socks...with out holes in them. <br /><br />I was interviewed here locally a couple of months ago...the subject was budgeting and Christmas shopping. I recall the interviewer asking me if I would be having a budget this year...I answered, "...of course, we do every year." She then asked me if we would be buying any big ticket items, to which I replied that "there is a lot more to Christmas than expensive gifts." <br /><br />There is a lot more to CHRISTmas than any gift. <br /><br />If you can't help send anything to this classroom, please try to find a family locally who is not as well off as you are...remember there is always someone out there who is worse off than you...always. <br /><br />Heather...thanks for the reminder!Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-89821514360256975562008-11-18T22:51:00.000-08:002008-11-19T05:39:41.712-08:00I got an award...doing the HAPPY dance!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh1N71dc8wHIa0Ej8UkgYFxUlL0RY56F21qqsBr8IdkxLmM8oOOwoN3bgv5EA-YKJTg473N0COhB_OFsugXy8RuHek0FCreTy-PStGH95-sf_mzr-B3CjLn2GUwK8LH_I3F-Bsms3BEaW/s320/smile_award.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh1N71dc8wHIa0Ej8UkgYFxUlL0RY56F21qqsBr8IdkxLmM8oOOwoN3bgv5EA-YKJTg473N0COhB_OFsugXy8RuHek0FCreTy-PStGH95-sf_mzr-B3CjLn2GUwK8LH_I3F-Bsms3BEaW/s320/smile_award.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Okay, so honestly who doesn't like to receive an award? AND, the SMILE award at that!<br />My sweet friend, Tam, from <a href="http://tammyhassett.blogspot.com/">Painted Patooties</a> bestowed this sweet little honor on me...THANK YOU Tam! You have such a great sense of humor, you are so very sweet and not to mention very inspiring when it comes to the area regarding FITNESS...and you are also the only women I know who can eat chocolate for a whole week and actually DROP a dress size...that in itself is pretty miraculous! Again, thank you my dear, you have brightened my day and put a larger than usual smile on my face!<br /><br />Okay, so here are the CHARACTERISTICS for the SMILE award;<br /><br />1. Must display a cheerful attitude.<br />2. Must love one another.<br />3. Must make mistakes.<br />4. Must learn from others.<br />5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.<br />6. Must love life.<br />7. Must love kids.<br /><br />And, well every thing has rules...so these are the RULES for the SMILE award:<br /><br />1. The recipient must link back to the award’s creator.<br />2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.<br />3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.<br />4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.<br />5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.<br />6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.<br />7. You must thank your giver.<br /><br />AND, now the award goes to:<br /><br />1. Traci from <a href="http://bloomdesignco.blogspot.com/">Bloom Design</a> , there is just something about Traci that I love. I think she is very genuine and she will at times send me all sorts of virtual goodies...so what's not to love? Plus her creations are wonderful...I own one, and her craftsmanship is wonderful!<br /><br />2. Beth from <a href="http://the-pink-tulip.blogspot.com/">The Pink Tulip</a>...another sweet lady. I also enjoy reading her blog and about her vacations here and there. She has a gorgeous little girl and she looks so much like her mother it's almost unreal.<br /><br />3. Vera from <a href="http://doodlebugzmom.blogspot.com/">Doodbugzmom</a>...Vera is great...she has a great personality and a generous soul. Plus I haven't seen her around much lately and simply want to nudge her a bit! When she does pop in, she always makes me smile...Vera, come get your award!<br /><br />4. Michelle from <a href="http://eatsleepcreate-michelle.blogspot.com/">Eat, sleep, create!</a>... Michelle always puts a smile on my face...this woman is truly amazing! She has been a foster parent to so many children all the while rasing her own. When ever she is blessed with a new child to care for or having one of her former "babies" come visit her...you can just read the excitement and warmth in her posts...simply oozing with kindness!<br /><br />5. Annette from <a href="http://picklesandco.blogspot.com/">Pickles and Co.</a> ...her photos on her blog really just make me sigh...ahhhh...I believe she lives in some type of Wonderland. I also enjoy reading her blog and the little tidbits in her life. Apart from that, I admire her work as a designer...I'm a big fan!<br /><br />So there you have it...it's really quite unfair because there are still so many more that I would like to award, but oh well...rules are rules I suppose...Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-16998439813036485472008-11-13T00:33:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:43:39.730-08:00Another plea...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thedomesticdiva.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/mcxmas2006unedit2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 267px;" src="http://thedomesticdiva.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/mcxmas2006unedit2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Please if you read this...please post it on your blog, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=4aa1c7df496c9313506ed5a33137ebff&">Facebook </a>or tweet it on <a href="http://twitter.com/home">Twitter</a>. You may remember my posts about Lisa, The Domestic Diva and her sunshine girl, Marielle. Well, Marielle is really in a lot of pain and is desperately in need of a kidney transplant...soon! After the childrens hospital in Philadelphia provided a lot of grief to their cause by the slow process in evaluating and testing donors...and might I add they were being very picky as to whom they would allow to get tested, Lisa will be now working with<br /> <span style="font-size:small;"></span><a href="http://www.columbiakidneytransplant.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:small;">NY Presbyterian-Columbia University Hospital</span></a>.<br />The NY hospital has agreed to test any and all willing donors!<br />So please, help us get the word out...<br /><br />Have I mentioned that Marielle is only 15 years old?<br /><br />Please read Lisa's updated information on her <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2008/11/12/sew-urgent-help-save-my-daughters-life/">blog</a> here and pass it on!<br /></div><a href="http://www.columbiakidneytransplant.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></a><span style="font-size:small;"> </span>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-68897690747406242482008-11-04T13:59:00.000-08:002008-11-06T14:42:48.237-08:00Boutique Angels launch again!I have some new skirts up for the <a href="http://theboutiqueangels.blogspot.com/">Boutique Angels</a>!!! What??? Can't find them under my ID???? Well....they were collaborations I created to match some wonderful friends, so I'll share the links with you!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I have to mention that, as always, 100% of the proceeds from each auction will be donated to charity. Our chosen charity for this launch is the Children of Fallen Soldiers Refund. Wonderful cause!<br /><br />My first twirl skirt was a super fun, super colorful <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Boutique-Angels-Charity-Euro-Knit-OOAK-IVYLANE_W0QQitemZ270297184081QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270297184081&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">collaboration</a> with some pretty talented girls. There are some wonderful hard to find European fabrics in this patchwork creation! The top was made by Jen of <a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=little*red*wagon">little*red*wagon</a> who is a member of Ivylane, the perfectly matched<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Angels-Charity-Heart-Clippies-POP-Kids_W0QQitemZ260310400413QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item260310400413&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"> clippies</a> were made by Heather of<a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=little*e*designs"> little*e*designs</a> who is a member of BoutiquePOP! kids and that yummy<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Angels-Charity-SUGAR-COOKIE-PIN-Twinkie-Chan_W0QQitemZ150307989716QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPins_Brooches?hash=item150307989716&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"> sugar cookie brooch</a> (no, it's not edible, LOL!) was created by Stephanie aka <a href="http://www.twinkiechan.com/">twinkiechan</a>! Thanks girls, it was a lot of fun!!!! You can find our<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Boutique-Angels-Charity-Euro-Knit-OOAK-IVYLANE_W0QQitemZ270297184081QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270297184081&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"> auction</a> here! Seriously, if you have ever wanted a Mimi Kattini...this is the one to get...so bid on it now!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOU-XprQLDF3REuaS1Eq4IzJx3vho2F1tcjWPgssIASkmvAsUnxtjzwdDsLRDGpfKEQebzBGM039Y4LRr9dxnBQd6ylZ6CaiZ2wNcHONsAXrHEgIxX4J9JgvClqidyHvACtpZIGNnFVGc/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOU-XprQLDF3REuaS1Eq4IzJx3vho2F1tcjWPgssIASkmvAsUnxtjzwdDsLRDGpfKEQebzBGM039Y4LRr9dxnBQd6ylZ6CaiZ2wNcHONsAXrHEgIxX4J9JgvClqidyHvACtpZIGNnFVGc/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264929776570211202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My next collaboration, again...some amazing designers! This time I worked with Michelle, couture4mycutie...she provided the wonderful park slope fabric we used to create this <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/BOUTIQUE-ANGEL-CHARITY-girl-custom-boutique-ATEAM-MAX_W0QQitemZ180304088305QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item180304088305&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">ensemble</a>! Patty of <a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=key*west*kids">key*west*kids</a> appliqued the made to match top and did a wonderful job! This set has a <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Angels-Charity-Handpainted-Wooden-Tote-Purse_W0QQitemZ290272323637QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_CSA_Girls_Accessories?hash=item290272323637&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">tote</a>...oh so cute and nicely painted by Julie of the <a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=paintedbutterflystudio">paintedbutterflystudio</a>! AND, of course what boutique set would be complete without matching accessories? Heather of <a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=little*e*designs">little*e*designs</a> once again worked with us to create the lovely <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Angels-Charity-Skinny-Flower-Headband-POP-Kids_W0QQitemZ260310487308QQcmdZViewItemQQptZHair_Jewelry_Accessories?hash=item260310487308&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">headband</a> with flowers. AND, wait this set has one more<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Angels-Charity-Park-Slope-Bow-Band-BowChicks_W0QQitemZ360104273551QQcmdZViewItemQQptZHair_Jewelry_Accessories?hash=item360104273551&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"> hair accessory</a>, this time from Melissa and Shelly of <a href="http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=thebowvine">thebowvine</a>...oh they also created that cute little <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Angels-Charity-Park-Slope-Necklace-Lil-Peas-DN_W0QQitemZ360104272217QQcmdZViewItemQQptZHair_Jewelry_Accessories?hash=item360104272217&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">necklace</a> too! Whew! I think that is everyone! Collaborations are so much fun...they really are, and I enjoyed every minute of them! Thanks girls! Grab this set <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/BOUTIQUE-ANGEL-CHARITY-girl-custom-boutique-ATEAM-MAX_W0QQitemZ180304088305QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item180304088305&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1208%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318">here.</a>..this one comes in custom sizes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/kwkids/bac/bac198.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v667/kwkids/bac/bac198.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Please make sure to check out the rest of the auctions...we have some AMAZING listings so get your bidding finger out!!!!! Search<a href="http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZboutiqueQ20angelsQ20charityQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ"> "Boutique Angels Charity"</a> on eBay!<br /><br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-71566143297702554572008-10-23T23:15:00.000-07:002008-10-23T23:33:11.142-07:00Will the Puffy Taco be knocking on doors this Halloween?A couple of weeks ago, I posted about what my children wanted to be for Halloween. Munchkin #2 wanted to be a Puffy Taco...<a href="http://mimikattini.blogspot.com/2008/09/halloween-rock-star-and-huh-puffy-taco.html">read about it here</a>. Well, this is what happened...<br /><br />I've been very busy...and the munchkins dress up in their costumes for the annual Church's Halloween Festival, so I needed to have the costumes ready by this Friday...like tomorrow...and time just passed me by. Well, we are at Target the other night and we just happened upon the costume aisle....which of course I then proclaimed to munchkin #2..."oooooh, look at all of these costumes...which one do you want?". Munchkin #1 had many suggestions for him, and I of course retorted, "honey, this is the one time out of the year you get to be ANYTHING you want, so let HIM choose what he will be".<br /><br />*pause*<br /><br />Did you hear what I said? I was telling my daughter that she should let her little brother choose what he wanted to be...well, for the last 2 months we were all aware that he wanted to be the Puffy Taco...and up until the day before he still wanted to be the Puffy Taco...but now suddenly we are in the Target Costume aisle and picking out something else...so in essence, I guess I wasn't letting him be what he truly wanted to be...but in my defense...I've been busy.<br /><br />He picked out a really cute "muscular" Captain America...you know the kind that makes your little one look like a Hercules...so fitting too, since it is an election year, don't you think?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/17059.jpg?is=350,350,0xffffff"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 350px;" src="http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/17059.jpg?is=350,350,0xffffff" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He's been wearing the costume everyday and loving it...but of course he was asked today by the lady at the post office, "What are you going to be for Halloween?", to which he replied, "The Puffy Taco", aye, aye, aye...well, I'll have to explain that one tomorrow...and perhaps I will eventually make him a Puffy Taco costume for him to play with around the house since I really was now looking forward to making the darned thing...Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-49631751807500642432008-10-17T01:25:00.000-07:002008-10-17T01:45:23.552-07:00My heart aches for this mommy...Remember this<a href="http://mimikattini.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-want-golden-ticket.html"> post</a>? At the end of my post, I wrote about Marielle....Lisa, the Domestic Diva's Sunshine girl. Marielle was recently admitted back into the hospital and spent a few days in ICU. She is still in the hospital but out of ICU and is now in END Stage Kidney failure. Lisa's sister and brother have both gone through the process of testing to see if they are a match for their niece...but, they are not. Both Lisa and her husband are also unable to donate their kidneys to their daughter. Lisa's younger sister will now be tested to see if she can possibly be a donor.<br /><br />Marielle had a liver transplant as an infant and so she is harder to match since she carries her own antibodies and those of her donor's.<br /><br />Anyone considering being a donor must be in good health. You may contact Joann Palmer of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at (215)590-2449, for more information about how you may be able to help by being a kidney donor for this beautiful, 15 year old girl.<br /><br />You can also help by posting this on your blog and help spread the word! You may read more about Marielle's recent admittance into the hospital on <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/">Lisa's blog</a>.<br /><br />Above all, please say a prayer for my friend, Lisa and her daughter, Marielle and the rest of the family.<br /><br /><strong></strong>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-5258744361118843892008-10-06T23:58:00.000-07:002008-10-07T00:02:09.763-07:00New Designs coming soon!The Boutique Angels will be launching on November 3 and I am so excited about this one! I am collaborating with some wonderful ladies and can't wait to see all of the yumminess come together...stay tuned!Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-16916160400798427272008-10-06T14:22:00.000-07:002008-10-06T23:52:35.904-07:00Beautiful days....The weather has been absolutely Fall-ish the last couple of days! I LOVE taking the munchkins outside when it is this beautiful!<br /><br />Gone are the days of being in the pool...but that's okay, now we are able to see the miracle that is nature. Days like these allow my mind to focus on other things...and not asking myself questions like, "I wonder if they are ready to go inside...whew... it's hot out here?".<br /><br />The mosquitos are still out in full force...and not dousing yourself with Off! will certainly mean that they will be calling all of their friends and treating them to a buffet at your expense. Trust me these little pests eat as much as they want no matter how much you swat at them. I think I overheard a couple of them talking about how mighty tasty I was and if I didn't leave them alone there were two other buffets they knew of watching some roly polys play hide and seek. *SWAT*<br /><br />The leaves are still on the trees. In a couple of weeks, you won't even be able to see a blade of grass on our front lawn...and no matter how much we rake or mow...or rather I should say my husband rakes or mows (<span style="font-size:85%;">I can do ANYTHING---anything I tell you, however I have never been able to turn on the lawn mower nor push it...go figure, hee hee</span>) it will continue on through all of winter. I like to call it TEXAS SNOW. If I'm inside sitting on our sofa in the living room, I can honestly hear the *crunch, crunch* of the mail man walking to my door bringing my daily goodies. AND, I don't have to tell you how much the leaves delight the munchkins...they love everything about them...after all you can throw them up in the air or at each other and no one gets hurt, you can jump in them, lay in them, even hide in them...perhaps we could even make "leave" Angels...I don't know...we'll try it.<br /><br />Ahhhh...Fall...pretty soon it will be Halloween...and here in Texas we never know what the weather will be like...we've had FREEZING trick or treating...and OH MY GOSH, it's HOT trick or treating...who knows what this year will bring...but for now I'm enjoying the weather!Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-85548826046120973032008-09-25T21:10:00.001-07:002008-09-25T22:00:17.143-07:00Halloween: Rock star and, huh? Puffy Taco?Well...Halloween is right around the corner and it is nearing that time when I need to start making the munchkins' costumes. I've made their costumes every year except for one. This year I think munchkin #1 has settled for wanting to be a ROCKSTAR...I'll probably get her a pettiskirt, make her some lace gloves, glittery corset, add some pink highlights and do some major teasing of the hair. She'll have everyone asking, "whose that girl?" and "how did she get a time machine to take her back to the 80s?", hee hee...no influence from me.<br /><br />Now munchkin #2...well...let's just rewind to about a month ago. The 2 year old LOVES baseball! REALLY loves baseball...it is constantly on his mind...he can even watch it on television...like the major league baseball games and it grabs his attention more than any cartoon or preschool show out there...seriously, he'll watch the whole game...but won't sit through 30 minutes of Little Bill. We had a brilliant idea to take him to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_Missions">San Antonio Missions</a> play live...and of course, he LOVED every minute...the only thing that would occasionally pull him away from the action on the field was this guy:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.texascooking.com/gif/rest/henry1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.texascooking.com/gif/rest/henry1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oh...you don't know who (or what) that is? Why...that my friends is the "Puffy Taco" himself. He seems to be 1/2 of the mascot team for the Missions. Munchkin #2 was so taken in by this "edible?" being...that he now wants to be him for Halloween! A month ago, he wanted to be a baseball player...and although he still lives and breathes baseball...upon answering the question, "what do you want to be for Halloween?", he quickly and anxiously answers with "the puffy taco"...*sigh*... foul ball for me...I don't want to create a puffy taco on my serger...I don't mind frying one up on my stove, but sewing one...no not really! Hubby tends to think that this could be kind of "cool"...so, I told him I would make him a Quesadilla costume and he could help the little one go door to door asking for salsa...and somehow the puffy taco idea has lost a tad bit of it's luster...it's still there...lingering...but the coolness factor has plummeted some. In all honestly, if the little one wants to be a puffy taco...I guess...I'll wave my magic wand and turn him into one...for a couple of hours. BUT, this mommy thinks she still may be able to hit one out of the ballpark and change his mind...the question is should I? Pick your battles, my mother always says...technically, no one is getting hurt in this one...so we shall see...Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-44630353363429593482008-09-24T22:32:00.000-07:002008-09-25T00:36:25.445-07:00What have you been up to?Hi everyone! Yes, I am still here...<br />I haven't blogged in a while...and I am not sure why, because I love to...just haven't had the time, I suppose...I've been busy and not feeling well...and well, life is happening all around me as we speak...it's going around you too, I predict. Yup, the world enjoys playing "Ring around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rosies</span>" with me in the middle, and when it's time "to fall down", I have to yank it back up and sternly tell it to stop doing that and ask if it could please play the "quiet game" instead...do you know the "quiet" game?<br /><br />The first couple of months of back to school always seem so disorganized for me...have to get into routine mode. Technically, I should have a lot more time on my hands since munchkin #1...the 7 yr old...is back in school, but no...somehow I don't...and then there is the fact that munchkin #2...the 2yr old...keeps asking for his big sister...wants to go to school with her...in fact, I'm surprised he hasn't tried jumping in her backpack because that is totally something he would try to do...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hmmmm</span>, I think I'm going to leave it on the floor in the morning...just to see what he does...I'll let you all know if an attempt was made.<br /><br />Anyway...I really do LOVE being a stay-at-home mother, my munchkins are the BEST...they make me laugh...HARD...sometimes...and of course they allow me to stretch out my vocal chords every once in a while too...okay, well I seem to try them out a lot...goodness, I never knew I could get that loud...and perhaps I would have never known had it not been for them.<br /><br />On the other hand...boy do they like stopping to smell the roses...technically, we haven't any roses in our garden...but you know what I mean. AND, again if if weren't for them...I'd never do so. It seems I am constantly scurrying them out the door and into the car...then out of the car and into the house...and ever so often, I realize my haste and stop to join them in whatever they are looking at...did you know concrete has a lot of interesting swirls and lines in it? I never knew this...or perhaps I did when I was a child...but I had forgotten it all. Did you know that seeing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">roly</span> poly (aka: pill bug) come out from under a blade of grass was fascinating? Um, no I didn't...I mean I knew they did this, but never thought the concept to be too interesting to stop and look...apparently they are "playing hide and seek" with one another and we should try to see if we can find the other players...and to my amazement...there always ARE other players to be found.<br /><br />Yes, the munchkins are an irreplaceable JOY in my life...truly you feel JOY when you have children...I mean I thought I knew what JOY felt like before...especially around Christmas time...but the munchkins really embody what that word really "feels" like, they make it something more concrete (ha...with swirls and lines in it).<br /><br />We were talking with some friends the other night and they have a 10 month old little girl. We were all sitting around with some other friends and the topic of having more than one child came up and of course the chaos that can accompany that type of " setting". We all seemed to believe that the second child was much more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rambunctious</span> than the first, I was asked if munchkin #1 was a "good" child...you know what I mean...and of course, I answered "yes" and then I quickly added..."at least I think so"...and what I meant by that was that I believe that as time passes us by...we forget the late nights, the "no-no"s, the wagging of the fingers, the food fights and the tantrums, I honestly believe that when my children are teenagers I shall be erroneously remembering the perfect children that they were through their infant and toddler years. But, that's motherhood isn't it...focusing on the "good" and not dwelling on the bad? I honestly believe I will somehow make my self believe that I PAID someone for voice lessons and that my strong vocal chords are now the product of an amazing voice coach-in fact I will probably be trying to locate them on <a href="http://www.new.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>! AND, yet I will remember that my children taught me how to play with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">roly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">polies</span> in the grass.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ahhhhh</span>...yes, this is what life is truly all about! For me anyway...<br /><br />So, what have you been up to?Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-16003896234555853212008-09-12T05:56:00.001-07:002008-09-12T06:01:13.361-07:00Like mother, like daughter...Quick and short:<br /><br />The tooth fairy visited munchkin #1 last night...<br /><br />Munchkin #1 came running to me this morning saying,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Mommy...LOOK the tooth fairy gave me some money! Now, I can donate it to my school for the fundraiser!" </span><br /><br />Awwwww....that's my girl...she has a heart for charity already!<br /><br />(That's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth)Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-67956241442328733862008-09-11T11:50:00.001-07:002008-09-11T23:47:13.078-07:00The day Americans paused.<div style="text-align: center;">Where were you? Do you remember?<br />I'll bet you do. We all do.<br />The day Americans paused.<br />September 11, 2001<br /><br />I was at home with our first child, munchkin #1, who was at the time 4 1/2 months old. I was sitting in bed with her when I received my daily phone call from my mother. BUT, this time I could hear that something was wrong when she asked, "what are you doing?". I remember her telling me to turn on the television. I had long given up TV-I figured I was at home to give munchkin #1 my undivided attention...I have since realized that you need to let children know that they can not be given ALL of one's attention...ALL of the time. (BUT, they still get a lot of my attention, they relish in being the centers of attention, and I relish in the fact that I am able to see them receive this attention)<br /><br />I remember watching the towers. I remember the fire. I remember seeing the replays. I remember listening to some who had witnessed what they saw, most not really sure what they had seen and most of all what was to come. My mother all the while trying to catch me up on the events thus far...was this really happening? My eyes and ears engrossed in details that I could never have even imagined.<br /><br />Then the second plane came...this left me wondering where else is this happening? What is really going on here? I recollect my phone call with my mother being interrupted, by several beeps...ahhh, the wonder that is "Call Waiting". My husband was on the other line making sure that we were fine and making sure that I had heard of what was happening. Fortunately, we were no where near NYC, and I am just realizing how many women were grasping at the hope that soon their husband would be on the (phone) line.<br /><br />I was aware of what was occurring, I was seeing what was happening, what was still materializing, and nevertheless so unsure of it all. Really...how could this be taking place? We are America! This does not happen here...we don't get attacked like this...uh-uh, no way, no how!<br /><br />I recall feeling a bit scared, yet feeling confident that our country was already doing what they could to ensure that this was going to be isolated to these very symbolic towers.<br />Tears streamed down my face in abundance upon hearing of those who were unaccounted for. My heartfelt sympathy for those who already knew that there loved ones would not be joining them for dinner that evening, and for those who had lost their soul mates forever, was very strong. I turned off the television and turned it back on so many times that day, it was all so draining of ones human spirit. Yet--at the same time so uplifting to see and know that all of us paused at the same time through out the day. It was as if each of us personally knew someone in those towers. AND, although we didn't know them personally or by name...I guess in a sense we did know them, they were all part of our extended American family- mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, cousins, neighbors, friends, etc... and we weren't resting until we heard of each ones fate.<br /><br />I remember this day, and it will always remain imprinted in my mind and heart. I can not watch programs related to 9/11...it still depletes me of all of the tears I can possibly give out in one day.<br /><br />If this is how I feel on the anniversary of this tragic event...I can only wonder how those who lost their loved ones feel. I hope that they have been given strength through the years. I hope they know that we were all giving them a hug that day and the days, weeks and months that followed. Seven years have passed...I can't believe it...it is still so vivid in my mind.<br /><br />I could never express the gratitude I have for all our service men and women who are in our Armed forces...NEVER...it is in an abundance unimaginable. What you do for us on a daily basis, while we can go on about our daily lives with no worries...because we know that you all are taking care of us...cradling America and all it stands for. Ensuring that all the world knows that you can not just come barging in here and do what they did without consequences. We are Americans and don't you forget it!<br /><br />My group, <a href="http://theboutiqueangels.blogspot.com/">The Boutique Angels Charity Organization</a> , announced the children's charity which will receive all proceeds from our 4th Quarter launch, November 3-9, today! AND, coincidentally, it happens to be the<br /><a href="http://www.cfsrf.org/">CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS RELIEF FUND</a><br /><br />Hmmmmmmm...how appropriate...it just happened that way.<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-75725016014236846052008-09-08T23:50:00.000-07:002008-09-08T23:57:32.954-07:00Win a FREE Lounge set!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=polkadotsandpigtails">Polkadotsandpigtails</a> is giving away a free custom sized lounge set to the winner of the <a href="http://boutiquebuyersblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-game-win-prize.html">Boutique Buyer's Blog</a> contest! All you have to do is play the <a href="http://boutiquebuyersblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-game-win-prize.html">Designer Word Match game</a> in the comments section! <br />I am one of the Designers...try to match the word that matches Mimi Kattini!<br /><br />Good Luck!<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-85609844694180541552008-09-04T05:57:00.000-07:002008-09-04T17:21:04.998-07:00Word of the Day: NEGLECT<span class="hw">ne-glect </span><span class="pron" onmouseover="return m_over('Click for pronunciation key')" onmouseout="m_out()" onclick="pron_key()">(n<img src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/ibreve.gif" align="absbottom" />-gl<img src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/ebreve.gif" align="absbottom" />kt<img src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gif" align="absbottom" />)</span> <b></b><b></b> <div class="ds-list"><b>1. </b> To pay little or no attention to; fail to heed; disregard<span class="illustration"></span></div><b>2. </b> To fail to care for or attend to properly<br /><br />Oh no...according to the definition above...I have been neglecting my blog. BUT, let's not carry that neglect over to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">MANY, MANY</span> loyal readers I have...should I look up the word: SARCASM? I'm not being sarcastic by the fact that I have loyal readers...just that I have "MANY, MANY" of them!<br /><br />Neglect, I have...BUT, I have good reason. An unwanted guest arrived in our home two Sundays ago. We have been making the said guest feel very uncomfortable. We weren't really aware of how to ask this guest to politely leave us alone, and so we assumed that within time it would eventually go away...as it normally has. It had been irritating the munchkins, thus frustrating the mommy (me)...I mean really, who likes to see their children unhappy?<br /><br />The guest is very rude...it didn't even send a little note, a little nudge, a small phone call to let us know that it would be arriving...it just showed up...barging...in the middle of the night! It apparently assumed that it could just come on over and we would afford it a place to spend how ever long it meant to stay with us! Grrrrrrr....<br /><br />Lysol and bleach have become my constant companions...we have always been friends, however in times like these...we seem to realize how much we really, really like one another.<br /><br />The guest became a nuisance on Sunday and so we loaded the munchkins in the car and decided to find out once and for all how to get rid of it. AND, we finally found out it's name....Group A. Streptococcus...it goes by the nickname "strep", but I don't want it to feel any more at home then it already does...so I'll just call it Mr. Streptococcus. Hah...and get this, it had a friend...Respiratory Infection (no middle initial)! It all makes so much sense now!<br /><br />Well, needless to say we were given a couple of medications to give to Mr. Streptococcus and it's friend, a sort of kryptonite for unwanted visitors. We are on day three of the dosing and I think I see them packing their bags. I'm going to show them the door here in just a moment and won't even shake their hands ...yes, I am going to be an ill-mannered hostess *gasp*, no hug or kiss on the cheek from me! No, I will simply usher them out with a graceful wave of my hand.<br /><br />I shall be thinking in my head, "Go on, get out and take your friend with you...you've wreaked enough havoc on my munchkins!<br />Excuse me for a minute...*cough, cough*... <em></em>don't even think about coming back to this house...next time we won't be so nice!"Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-76756430104455326302008-08-26T00:53:00.001-07:002008-08-26T01:15:44.392-07:00When life hands you lemons...<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT3KhNWZUi0kXFUh2AgJs7KM8iqitM1rZqKVUEfbOGkJ6nEWmojrKaIv2qgekRmnUMTQIK3HY3D5qmRNgX3VSHVm2fyjFNd0V6ICDO9qrn2vFJanre9c0QQbSjsX7pZ-ruoa9Qy9xyiVk/s1600-h/lemons1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT3KhNWZUi0kXFUh2AgJs7KM8iqitM1rZqKVUEfbOGkJ6nEWmojrKaIv2qgekRmnUMTQIK3HY3D5qmRNgX3VSHVm2fyjFNd0V6ICDO9qrn2vFJanre9c0QQbSjsX7pZ-ruoa9Qy9xyiVk/s320/lemons1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238735518306288114" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">You know, sometimes during your life you are handed lemons...<br /><br />...some people let those lemons harden and they place them on a shelf as a constant reminder...that they've been handed lemons.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There are those who do the ever so popular making of lemonade.<br /><br />AND, then there is me...I make lemon bars...really yummy, sweet lemon bars.<br /><br />AND, then I gain 10 pounds <span style="font-style: italic;">because </span>of those yummy, sweet lemon bars.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">10 pounds???<br /><br />What???<br /><br />What is that life???<br /><br />Did you just hand me another lemon?<br /></div><br />**NOTE TO SELF: You can still be optimistic if you just squeeze the lemon into some water and discard the juiced lemon away<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-70016807612979744742008-08-21T19:50:00.000-07:002008-08-21T21:32:33.094-07:00I want a Golden Ticket!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I love the original <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067992/">Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory </a>movie with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Wilder">Gene Wilder</a>! I like the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367594/">re-make</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Depp">Johnny Depp</a> as well...but mainly because of Johnny Depp!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But for many years, the original has been seen in our home many a time! Who doesn't want to visit the Chocolate Factory and the candy man...AND, the room where EVERYTHING is edible? A dream for any sweet tooth, indeed!<br /><br />Well, I have heard of a place...a place where the candy is stacked so high...high into the sky!<br />Well...okay, maybe not that high...but stacked none the less...and writing that, makes for a great visual!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you are reading my blog...chances are you are in the boutique community. AND, if you are in the boutique community chances are you have heard of the Diva...the <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/">Domestic Diva</a>! AND, if you are reading my blog and NOT in the boutique community...then YAY for me...I'm crossing over!!!! BUT, then I must explain the candy...and the Diva... and how they all come together.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You see the Domestic Diva has an <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2008/08/03/sew-funbbq-2008/">annual BBQ</a>...on Staten Island...in New York...and she welcomes those in the Boutique Community! Well the boutique community extends far and wide. Now, we get invited to many BBQs...who doesn't? AND, we attend many of those BBQs as they are normally where we live or at least within an hour and a half drive. Well, somehow the Diva has been able to get families to fly from one side of the country to the other...to attend her annual bash! AND, I hear every year it gets bigger! AND better! AND more exciting! I'm not going to get into all of the specifics...you can read her blog for that...but I will speak of the candy!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I have never attended the BBQ! BUT, I have heard of the candy cart! The one the children come up to all wide-eyed and jaw-dropped! Okay, this is why I believe the candy is stacked so high. I hear the children get to fill a goodie bag...with whatever they would like. AND, some adults do as well. Well...I don't know about you, but I have been to some Birthday parties where the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi%C3%B1ata">pinata</a> has been broken and the candy has fallen to the ground...reminding me of Easter when the confetti litters the lawn and sidewalks after a <a href="http://austin.about.com/od/lifestyle/p/cascarones.htm">cascarone</a>-fest...but not more than a minute later... the children just can't seem to fill up their goodie bags with enough...and just like that it's gone...beautiful grass once again! YET, the children at the BBQ...are given free reign to fill up their bag...AND, somehow there is candy left over! WHAT? How can that be? Is that possible?? SURE, if the candy is stacked high...high into the sky!<br /><br />Anyway, she's giving it away to one lucky winner! AND, I want it! LOL! SO, that's why I'm blogging about it...to enter this yummilicious contest! SO, now all you have to do is visit her blog <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2008/08/21/my-300th-post-blog-giveaway-more-pattern-making-and-a-kidney-transplant-update/">here</a> and help me win OR you could simply enter yourself and blog about it and if you win...just share some with me, LOL!<br /><br />On a more serious note...while you are there...please read about her daughter, Marielle...her Sunshine Girl! Ironically, the clouds are trying to put a damper on things...she is in stage 5 Kidney failure...and is desperately needing a kidney transplant. Please be giving to this generous woman and leave her some big hugs and prayers!<br /><br />Aaaahhhhh...forget about the candy...I don't need it...just send some well wishes...here's praying the sun shines through the clouds and a rainbow soon leads you to the pot of gold...<br /></div><br />Who can make the sun rise...the candy man can...<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k9B_6PH4dhU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k9B_6PH4dhU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-11639421368453418472008-08-16T23:34:00.000-07:002008-08-17T00:02:26.188-07:00My 2nd Arte Y Pico Award...YAY!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5BVxS15DrZYMh_Gh_wmuuF_k-g6bzlCkxZFqblk8777w_moJ1ADjp8sVAaVT1gfl0WQEdES9qrkvq2WVObOVYyhjgFgw33zqJxsgow17m64wna2pqAXhggmMroUdnBM3t4QpC2Sc2J1j/s320/award.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5BVxS15DrZYMh_Gh_wmuuF_k-g6bzlCkxZFqblk8777w_moJ1ADjp8sVAaVT1gfl0WQEdES9qrkvq2WVObOVYyhjgFgw33zqJxsgow17m64wna2pqAXhggmMroUdnBM3t4QpC2Sc2J1j/s320/award.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The talented graphic designer behind <a href="http://the-pink-tulip.blogspot.com/">The Pink Tulip</a>, has given me<br />the Arte Y Pico Award. I last received this award in <a href="http://mimikattini.blogspot.com/2008/06/award-for-me.html">June of this year</a>, and am honored to have<br />it once again. Much hugs, Beth...I love your blog, too!!!<br /><br />This award recognizes a blog’s creativity and overall contribution to the blogger community.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once you’ve been selected, please follow these guidelines and pay it forward:<br /><br />1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.<br /><br />2) Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog by so everyone can view it.<br /><br />3) Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.<br /><br />4) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the <a href="http://arteypico.blogspot.com/">“Arte y pico“blog </a>, so everyone will know the origin of this award.<br /><br />5) Please post these rules.<br /><br /><br />Well, here are my nominations for this award...<br /><br />Michelle from <a href="http://eatsleepcreate-michelle.blogspot.com/">Eat, Sleep, Create</a> (paying it back)<br />Steffi from <a href="http://mausbearsnaehkiste.blogspot.com/">Mausbar's Nahkiste</a><br />Angelica from <a href="http://www.childishcouture.blogspot.com/">Childish Couture</a><br />Tam from <a href="http://tammyhassett.blogspot.com/">Painted Patooties</a><br />Julie from <a href="http://paintedbutterflystudio1.blogspot.com/">Painted Butterfly Studio</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-57788539519437803022008-08-16T23:25:00.000-07:002008-08-16T23:28:13.933-07:00Hee hee...I just have to share this!<div style="text-align: center;">OMG, my sister-in-law sent this to me today...AND, I just had to share!!<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" width="384" height="304"><param name="movie" value="http://www.paltalk.com/marketing/media/vanksen/main.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="flashvars" value="firstname=Clara&lastname=Zamora&urlfin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news3online.com%2Fspread.php"><param name="BGCOLOR" value="#000000"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.paltalk.com/marketing/media/vanksen/main.swf" quality="high" width="384" height="304" align="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="firstname=Clara&lastname=Zamora&urlfin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news3online.com%2Fspread.php" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" bgcolor="#000000" allowscriptaccess="ALWAYS"></embed></object><br /><br />You have to send one to your politically obsessed friends...<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-53619573997627001882008-08-14T12:40:00.000-07:002008-08-14T13:11:57.689-07:00Totally Custom Twirl Skirt up for bids!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Well, I have one more for <a href="http://theboutiqueangels.blogspot.com/">The Boutique Angels</a>' launch on eBay! Again, all proceeds will go towards the research of Juvenile Diabetes through <a href="http://www.jdrf.org/">JDRF</a>. We still have a few days left to raise money to help children like <a href="http://theboutiqueangels.blogspot.com/2008/07/big-hearts-come-in-little-packages.html">Mitchell and Jamie</a>...so please <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37.l1313&satitle=boutique+angels+charity&category0=">search our auctions</a> and bid what you can, it's a donation to a very worthy cause, with something great in return!<br /><br />Okay, well...my camera has officially shuttered it's last click, flashed it's last flash, heard it's last "Cheese". Never again, will it allow me to capture life's little moments. In the last 3 years that it has been by my side, we've seen so much together, experienced many emotions...but alas, everything comes to an end. Farewell my camera, thanks for the memories!<br /><br />I now need to buy another camera, but I also must make a very informed purchase! I don't want to just go out and buy an inexpensive camera to hold me over...because...well..then I will just get comfortable with it and forgo buying a REAL one!<br /><br />SO, why am I telling you all this? Well, because I wanted to list another auction for the Boutique Angels and I figured out that I can't take pictures to have the set modeled. AND, so after sharing my plight with a very dear friend of mine...she suggested I do a Totally Custom Twirl Skirt auction...I wouldn't need new photos for that, I'd simply use examples of some skirts I've done in the past. Well a couple of hours later, I listed the <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230281211563&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013">auction</a>! AND, you must bid...I guarantee a very happy little girl to whomever wins this set...have I mentioned your money will be going to<a href="http://www.jdrf.org/"> JDRF</a>????<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoVhBw6kkjETHvo888aoyoQ6Bukj-ylNmwYHFpFpEyFc1hriFVX6pIxC3OQPg00grxX9_R5USrxK-NY_iD-Q6ykI3TP0lDKvODsRGGacFxa21C57XDPKcZLCVZfEmSNkhQjRqezcKKU_6/s1600-h/Title.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoVhBw6kkjETHvo888aoyoQ6Bukj-ylNmwYHFpFpEyFc1hriFVX6pIxC3OQPg00grxX9_R5USrxK-NY_iD-Q6ykI3TP0lDKvODsRGGacFxa21C57XDPKcZLCVZfEmSNkhQjRqezcKKU_6/s400/Title.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234468615550650402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJoOi7Oc1L9dIOaNDH6Ch0JipY-GJgt_2EjLphdBXgu83H0JTnRcI5Q6z4H3uGnDvQ59IlCDH6Jc3vym7lHTb_TZp8WlXejGNwTyEgzGSJLtLr5SutnBMMXqDjc2-71ipCOo9lIZ0d1Fm/s1600-h/Title.jpg"><br /></a></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-83436620384779423002008-08-10T16:41:00.000-07:002008-08-10T17:00:06.574-07:00Want a FREE Mimi Kattini twirl skirt?<div style="text-align: center;">Then head on over to<br /> <a href="http://boutiquebuyersblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/blog-contestenter-to-win.html">A Boutique Buyer's Blog!</a><br />The wonderful ladies over there are having their first ever contest and<br />the winner will receive a twirl skirt from ME!<br /><br />All you have to do is leave a comment on anything you'd like referencing the Olympics and you'll be entered! The contest ends, Friday August 15...so hurry...and...um...your odds are pretty good right now!!!!<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-67813223660954951292008-08-08T00:58:00.001-07:002008-08-08T10:36:30.987-07:00The Angels on the eBay Chatter!<div style="text-align: center;">My group, <a href="http://theboutiqueangels.blogspot.com/">the Boutique Angels Charity Organization</a>, is being featured on the <a href="http://www.ebaychatter.com/the_chatter/2008/08/spotlight-on-eb.html"> eBay Chatter</a>!<br />Please take a peek! Also, we'll be on <a href="http://www.powersellingmom.com/">Danna's</a> Radio show once again, discussing the <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37.l1313&satitle=boutique+angels+charity&category0=">Boutique Angels' launch </a>on Friday, August 8 at 8pm EST.<br /><br />Please tune in or call in...I'd love to hear from you!!!!<br /><br />You can find the link <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dannacrawford/2008/08/09/Charity-Event-Supporting-Juvenile-Diabetes-Research-Foundation">here</a> and the call-in number is (646)595-3995<br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8774988503323481348.post-20832849525075887362008-08-06T19:18:00.000-07:002008-08-06T23:14:03.289-07:00Vintage Pink<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl0Ni-4krcKHQyZNzXFMK36rbW8NUs9B5kZUdpce3cYxZBx2Hwu_VnZu2SYP0anPARrI9rOsb-2od8QFou9UOuhBqgDtyJh57QqpPBH7qh_H7QsmlIjWuRmw7_WhyoPs1so4uI5ES4lJ0/s1600-h/7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl0Ni-4krcKHQyZNzXFMK36rbW8NUs9B5kZUdpce3cYxZBx2Hwu_VnZu2SYP0anPARrI9rOsb-2od8QFou9UOuhBqgDtyJh57QqpPBH7qh_H7QsmlIjWuRmw7_WhyoPs1so4uI5ES4lJ0/s320/7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231596234300198354" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have another one up for the Boutique Angels' launch benefiting the<br /><a href="http://www.jdrf.org/">Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation</a>. 100% is being donated!<br />Search <a href="http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=boutique+angels+charity">"Boutique Angels Charity"</a> on eBay to view our listings now through August 17.<br /><br />This little dress is absolutely beautiful in person! I must remember to take some lessons in<br />photography, LOL! I bought these vintage, embroidered panels a while back, and they<br />are in pristine condition. This is such a feminine little dress...great for portraits or any other special occasion. You can see more of it<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230278961454&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=013"> here</a>!<br /><br /></div>Clarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08634316463189850749noreply@blogger.com3