All Aboard to All Inspired!

Day 22, Rant about something.

Helloooo...Have your heard?

OH MY Goodie-bags...fill 'er up!

I am ranting and raving about this impressive, peachy-keen online store called, All Inspired Boutique. You probably know about it already, but let me refresh yawls memory about this boutique's all inspiring items for the girl and the girl's home.  If you remember this post  about my favorite giblets, then you will understand why I am loving on this boutique and what it's owner has to offer.  Both in the store and out of the store.  Get on board and check it out!

Let me give you some history why I am head-over heels in awe with this boutique.

Meet Melissa Cherry

Could her name be any sweeter? 

Q&A with this 'lil honeysuckle shop owner.

What is the philosophy behind your online boutique?

Our philosophy is a simple one ~ it's all about being strong, being true, and showing your heart.   Each product is hand picked with that in mind-to help you show everyone on the outside just what you're made of on the inside. That could be a sassy burn out tee that says, "Dang blessed," or a beautiful cross bracelet to show your faith, or a sign reminding you to be brave today.  It's all about being inspired to be your best self and sharing it too.

What part of your online business do you find most rewarding?

I love hearing the stories about our products and the meaning they have to other people.  I helped a woman who had recently lost her husband put together a bracelet stack with the word courage and another one with the tree of life.  She wears them daily as a reminder to be strong.  I have heard stories of giving our, "Love you a bushel and a peck sign," to grandmothers who sing that song to their grand babies. We are here to make a difference with the positive messages our products share.  And hearing these stories just fills my heart!

What sets you apart from other online boutiques?

I believe it's our heart and the many different and unique products we offer.  Many of our special pieces are handcrafted by local artists, and some of them are even one of a kind.  The Inspired Girl line is something special too.  As the mother of an eleven year-old (going on sixteen) daughter, I see a great need to fill these girls with strength and confidence as they go through a challenging time in their lives becoming young women.  We are having fun with some quick 48 hour snap it up, sister sales and love sharing lots of inspiration too through our blog and on Facebook.  It's more than just the product~All Inspired is really a way of living.  Not perfect, mercy no, but always about being strong, being true, and showing your heart.

Now you know why I have a sweet tooth for this lady, Mrs. Cherry, and her remarkable boutique.  She is true to herself, spirited, takes pride in her philosophy, and is thoughtful and passionate about the products she offers.  I put my money with this boutique owner, because she genuinely cares about the All Inspired shopper.  So go on...get on board.  And follow her on Pinterest too for inspiring tips on style in your home, with your food, what you wear, well...all things Pinteresty.

Happy Hump Day Shopping, you deserve it!

this is not a paid advertisement

And remember to check out Robin at the The Sunshine Diary

and 

Diamond, Pink, and a Valentine...Is it What You Think?

And

Day 21 Link back to some of your favorite posts. Let me ask Ootsie. 

Ootsie, which posts do we Declare are worthy of coming back to life?

Ootsie, say's these three are worthy.  Let us explain why. Remember Diamond?  She taught us what it truly means to be and feel FIERCE! What Make You Feel Fierce? And let's not forget about cutie patootie Sophia Grace when she met Russell Brand on the Ellen show.  And he asked her, "What's on your mind Right Now?" And she answered, "PINK!" There's more to the story...check it out if you haven't already. It's a Pink, Pink Kinda Day! What does PDA and throw up have in common?  Well check out this post and find out, you might be surprised. Are You a Valentine PDA'er? I Declare those are some head-scratching, make you wanna dance a little worthy kinda posts. Have a positively fierce day my homies, Happy Tuesday!

Get to Gettin' for the Hostess with the Mostess

School is ending and summer travels are beginning.  It's the season for lounging on sandy beaches, boating on pristine lakes, sailing away on a cruise, far off European get-a-ways, and re-connecting with family and friends.

This post is for all of my expat friends who will be traveling back to their home countries visiting family and friends and in need of the perfect hostess gift.  Or for anyone that likes to leave a little something, something for someone special.  Here are some fresh, simple, yet stylish gifts to show your gratitude for a trip well spent.

For the writer.

Playful, yet simple monogramed stationary from CWonder, for the host that appreciates handwritten notes.  Each set comes cheerfully wrapped in a colorful ribbon with matching monogram charm.  It just seems so well thought out and personal.  Love it.  And for that extra touch, what about this stylish acrylic container that keeps assorted pens and pencils organized and handy.  You could even throw in some colored pencils to make the set complete.

                                           source                                                                                                      source

For the gardener who likes to entertain.

Bring the outdoors in with this lead-free pewter salt cellar and sugar bowl.  Both are cast by hand from a real Chardonnay grape leaf.  And the spoon is hand sculpted from the shape of a spring branch.  I mean, how organic can you get?  Handcrafted, beautiful, made with natural elements in mind, and packaged in an elegant box.  Purchases support the New York Botanical Garden. 

source

For the traveler who likes to keep things organized.

Echo Design has been around since 1923.  Their philosophy:  there is a pattern for every moment and a color for every mood.  They keep function, and equally important, style in mind for the traveler.  I will order the neon clear zippered cases for my techie friends to keep their digital world sand free.  This tote is just one example of the many fun, colorful bags they have available.  I picked this one for it's touch of whimsy with the Mexico map.

source

For the home.

Dabney Lee just opened it's retail doors in 2012. What sets this designer apart from others is they offer full custom design for any of their products or even for something you don't see.  Interactive gifts are not only useful, but fun.  So, offer up some entertainment with these vibrantly patterned personalized playing cards.  Want to create a bit of luxurious ambiance and lighten the mood while your playing gin rummy with your hostess? Then light Kat Burki's signature, sweet, floral scented Tuberose candle.  Reviews say the smell is not overpowering at all, it burns clean, and provides a fresh Spring scent to any room.  Just the right touch for a relaxing evening.

                                                        source                                                                                  source

The hubbs and Peanut will be traveling to Germany this summer to visit our oldest.  So, I better get to gettin' and order some of these goodies for the in-laws.  What do you think?  Which of these should I buy?

Falling for Friday with Just Dawnelle

Turquoise Teasers

1.  I have five Buddhas in my home, why not six?  I find them peaceful, serene, and calming.  And I like having objects that represent Spirit around me.  I bet I could find the perfect spot for this one.   via

2.  I am from New Mexico, so I have my share of turquoise jewelry.  My mama started dressing me in turquoise as a young girl.  This one has me falling out of my my chair.  Rows and rows of that beautiful blue stone. via

3.  This turquoise and leaf necklace feels organic to me.  I am not in to the big trendy bauble necklaces.  I don't care for heavy things around my neck.  I am always attracted to smaller, feminine pieces.  It would show off beautifully against my simple white tees. via

4.  These wings need to be in my home.  Like, now!  My Buddhas need a little spiritual company, don't cha think? via

5.  And when you are not sure which path to walk down, which direction to travel, which choice is best for you in that moment, flip a coin and find out how you really feel. Works for me every time!

I am also falling for this Stella & Dot Vintage Twist Bracelet

If you like it too, you can order it from my trunk show.

It's a beauty!

What are you falling for today?

Sup, Life's a Dance With Me and Tina...Fey?

It's Thursday, one day away from the weekend and sleeping in.  Hallaleur, can I get an amen.

Get here already Friday, I have a margarita or two I need to wanna consume.  This one to be exact.

 Cook the Story

Today I am linking up with Kristyn from Carolina Fireflies.  The subject is share three of your favorite quotes.  I have so many that I decided to settle on a topic for the quotes I choose.  

I remembered a conversation I had over dinner the other night with my rockin friend Tina, my movie playing in my head, stay for the show.  We were bitching gabbing about why girls/women are struggling with self-image, how we should be more evolved as a unit, it's 2013 for crying out loud, and the role of social media in all this.  It's everywhere, in your face, all the time.  And don't even get me started on those Kardisatrians. 

I know, your crushing on my friendship right now.  I get that all the time when I mention her.  It's ok, you can be jelly and live in my shoes for the moment.  Anyway, back to our convo.  This is what she had to say about it.

“Every girl is expected to have caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama and doll tits. This is why everyone is struggling.” -Tina Fey

Good point Tina.  Couldn't have said it better myself.  Many nations all rolled into one...one body.  Except that's impossible.  Her point exactly.  And who is responsible for that point of view?  I know it's not me or my besties.  It's the fashion powerhouses.  If I remember correctly, my response was something like... if we are taught to believe in individuality from the start, basically from infancy, then maybe we will discover...

We ordered another glass of wine.  Laughed a little.  More like I was laughing at her. You've got some lipstick...right there...no more to the right.  Silly Tina, she was so blown away by my deep thought that she forgot she was putting on her lipstick and smudged it clear to the other side of her face. No worries, I had wet wipes.  Funny girl. Oh, dinner is always eventful with this one.  Anyway, we both agreed we all will have a better chance to be who we are meant to be if we shift our thoughts away from ourselves, how we should learn to be our kind of awesome not your kind of awesome, get rid of negative thoughts and images we play like a video in our head, make friends with ourselves, and stay away from fashion magazines.  Well, the last one is impossible.  Because we are girls, and girls like their fashion.  Unless, your like me and you like your bluejeans and tees.  Anyway, just appreciate every little morsel of you and don't compare you to what you see airbrushed on glossy pages.  It was decided that we are both brilliant, in our own right, and that...

Now, to get your rock star, inner goddess mojo moving in the right direction.  
You will need some bling to make you shine on the outside, like you are shining on the inside.  
Stella and Dot Jewelry Party

As we say in the South, go on...get!

Stella and Dot and Soulvaki, Why of Course!

Need some on trend, high quality jewelry to go with your

Soulvaki dinner?

ahh...yea you do!

Stella and Dot Trunk Show 

hosted my moi.

This is what I will be wearing while I cook.

Make it Mine Challenge

Janes Adventures in Dinner

Cook the Story

Soul..vaki?

hmmm...

Is this something that's gonna be good for my soul?

Somehow become a better person by it?

And vaki?

Does that mean I will valikie to eat it?

According to my good friend Wiki,

I missed the mark.

 suvlakia is a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It may be served on the skewer for eating out of hand, in a pita sandwich with garnishes and sauces, or on a dinner plate, often with fried potatoes. 

source

Ok, if you have been following me...follow them

then you will know by now

I never have an ounce of a clue

to what these dishes are about.

That is why

I can't get enough of these challenges.

So far we have traveled to Britain and Greece.

Love this!

And hey, I've cooked soulvaki before and didn't even know it.

I've grilled meat and veggies on a skewer before.

Ha, what do you know!

My version

Started off by marinating my chicken with Smokehouse Marinade for several hours.

all natural, no sugar added, gluten free, msg free, no artificial color or flavors, sweetened with agave

One of these days I will be able to whip my own marinade up in a flash.

Off the top of my head.

Like my idol Jane.

As I have said before, she is my inspiration in the kitchen.

One day, I hope to cook with ease like she does.

It's a process.

Om....

Time to grill.  Beer in hand. They go hand in hand, like one in each.  Am I right?

Yikes!  A little scary.  No, a lot scary. Time to clean the grill.

Pass!

Kitchen skillet it is.

Oh Laud.  This is going to take all day.

Screw the screwer.

Off they go.

Why am I not surprised.
I did scrub these.  How did I miss that bugger.

 Roasted potatoes instead of fried.

I just threw it all together in a bowl instead of in a pita.

Grilled french bread slices on the side.

And I forgot about the dipping sauce.
Recurring theme with me.

And
Wiki you were wrong.
It was good for my soul.
Was it the beer?
 Or did I just have a good time with this recipe,
 because I found it simple and enjoyable.
And I valikied it a lot too.

While your here,
head over to my

Stella and Dot Trunk Show

If you are ever in need of great quality, beautifully made, on trend costume jewelry
Hook up with my friend Mary

She is super friendly and the sweetest gal!
 She was one of the first people I met when I moved here and she made me feel so welcome.
She'll make you feel that way too.

Zesty...Ten Things That Make Me Happy

I Declare Tuesday

Today I am Declaring 

10 Things That Make Me Happy

with Jenni's blog everyday challenge.

And 

Northernbellediaries

hmmm...this is tough.

I have a lot of favorite things.

I will narrow this down to the important stuff.

Just Because...

1.  Pizza dough, of course.

2.  And pizza's made made (ok I'm stuttering now) by hand.

3.  Whoa...don't forget scrumptious pickled artichokes. 

4.  Pizza ovens and khaki's.

5.  Always taking my time.

6.  Zesty salads of course.

7.  Doing things right the first time.

8.  OOPSIES, wink, don't mind them at all.

9.  Gyms, wink-wink.

10.  And my favorite Zesty Italian Dressing by Kraft!

Sold!

Grab a button over there and link up with

Christa and me

What are your 10 things that make you happy?

disclaimer...hubs gets my sense of humor...no feelings were damaged in my declaration tuesday...heehee

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Pure Health

Pure Eating is the place for me
Clean noshing is the life for me
Junk Dives spreadin' out so far and wide
Keep your crusty trans fats, just give me that food air-fried.

Well, not much of a song writer.
But, I do know a tasty taco when I eat one.

I have been hitting up this restaurant lately.

source

And this is why.

Their standards are high.
Read what they have to say...

Mission and Philosophy

We know at Pure Eatery, the importance of eating healthy and nutritious meals for adults and kids alike. We encourage an organic lifestyle by purchasing all natural and hormone free ingredients. Our foods are always made without trans fat or hydrogenated oil, never deep fried. You are what you eat!

Pure keeps everyone in mind.

It can be challenging finding eateries that offer alternative food choices

for those of us with food allergies and intolerances.

My friend is lactose intolerant (like me) and has a gluten allergy.

Put us in a restaurant and we are rearranging the menu and recipes.

Pure provides a hassle free dining experience for us.

No flip flopping around with the menu.

My girlfriends both had the Bison burger with a gluten free bun.

Thumbs up!
Just look at that lean bison burger beauty.
No iceberg lettuce here.
You get the good for you greens salad mix.
And a Texas size portion to boot.

MY favorite, the fish tacos.
Air fried cajun tilapia.
Fantastic!

Fresh smoothies are made to order.
This one is called the Kitchen Sink.

Carrots, apple, ginger, and beets.
Yummy!

At PURE you get to eat toxic free, hormone free, organic whole food~
and informative, useful tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well.

LIKE THIS

Healthy Eating Tips:

#8:Eat Breakfast! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It kick starts your metabolism and gives you the nutrients you need to keep you going through the day. A good breakfast will also mean you are less likely to overeat throughout the rest of the day too.

Merry Monday!

The Embarrassing Moment...

Day 10, Blog Every Day Challenge
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT

Why did I join this challenge!

Just kidding.

No not kidding
 Really, just kidding.

As an adult, not much embarrasses me.

If I have been embarrassed, I have no recollection of the experience.
Or it could have to do with selective memory.

Or, whatever it was didn't affect me enough to store in my noggin.

Either way...works for me.

But who hasn't been embarrassed as a TEENAGER?

finger biting

Well, you know... if it has to do with being a teenager
more than likely
 a kiss must be involved.

Popular boy

innocent girl

I was thinking this

 He was thinking this

I did this

Normally after the first kiss

This happens

In my case

What the eff just happened?

This was supposed to happen

Adieu my love...

'til next time

Instead this happened

Thank goodness for 

redemption

Because this has happened since...

How about you, any embarrassing moments involving a kiss?

Check out Ashley's Friday's letters my lovies.
A letter to my younger self about this embarrassing moment.
No worries my dear...moments pass and people forget.

Fall over to Dawnelle's blog too and read about her most embarrassing moment.
Any parent with little ones or previous little ones will TOTALLY relate.
And see what she is Falling for Friday about.

I am falling for my new blogmate Christa
themeandminebook
She is one of the most clever, funniest people I know.
Her humor about life and parenting teens will keep you glued and wanting more.
I learn so much from her all the time.
Mostly, be still, stay calm, phases pass, and stay in the moment.
Life is full.

One Moment...

Time flys.

A moment with my boy in the car.

He recently started driving.

Just yesterday this day seemed so far off.

Funny how it came upon me this quickly.

Can time stand still?

Just for one moment.

What about you?

Did you have a special moment yesterday?

Please join Jenni and Amber

A moment in your day

and 

It's Ok