Nicolino's Blog

30 Simple Rules to Live By....

2008-09-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Forgive.
Always do your share and a little bit more.
Always buy what little kids are selling.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
Watch at least one sunrise and one sunset a year.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
When you say, "I love you", mean it.
When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
Believe in love at first sight.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.
In disagreements, fight fair
Talk slow - think quick.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
Laugh....A Lot!
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone.
Open your arms to change.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Read more books and watch less TV.
Always read between the lines.
Learn to share - your time, your knowledge and your wealth.
Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
Always respond to a compliment with a sincere and heartfelt "Thank You"!
Mind your own business.
Go places you've never been before.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
Learn the rules, then break some.
Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.

Ready for Change?

2008-09-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

I came across this article today and thought I'd share it with you. There's so much truth in it. Nothing new and revealing, but sometimes you just need to see the truth in black and white. I for one, need to make a few changes in my life and well, I'd better just get going and commit! Read on...

Commit to Change & It'll Be Yours...
All of us - every single one of us - has at least one change we need to make in our lives. We know full well what change needs to take place, and we certainly know WHY we want it to come about. The WHY may be more money, better health, better relationships, or better organization. Whatever the details, the change will be one that we know will add happiness and harmony to our lives.

Seems simple enough, right? What person in his or her right mind wouldn't do whatever needed to be done to bring more happiness into their lives?

Unfortunately, there's a reason I wrote "Seems simple enough" rather than just "Simple enough." Change is hard! Funny, we always look at people around us and ask, "Why won't ____ just change?" or "Why can't ______ just give up smoking? He's not even trying!" Yet, when it comes to ourselves we fully recognize how difficult it is to change habits - many of which are habits of a lifetime. Trying to develop a new, better habit while trying to ditch an old one is like trying to create a new bike path, while ignoring the one that's already there. It's so easy to steer back to familiar territory, isn't it?!

I wish there was an easy answer. If one existed, I'd be typing it out right now - happily letting my readers know the simple thing they needed to do to achieve all they wanted to achieve and to be all they wanted to be. I've given it a lot of thought and have done a great deal of reading and research (to say nothing of the trial and error approach I've had with my own habits!). I know I'm dangerously close to oversimplifying, but success really does come down to a single word: Commitment.

If we commit our mind, body, and soul to a one single, reasonable purpose - we won't be able to fail. However, that commitment can't come and go. We can't be as strong as a lion on Monday just to weaken into a kitten by Thursday. We have to "roaring" with determination and commitment every day. It doesn't matter if we're battling a bad temper, our weight, an addiction, or procrastination - in order to come out on the winning end, we have to commit ourselves to the win.

Part of the solution lies in battling FOR something rather than just battling AGAINST something. Focus on the positive - how wonderful you'll feel once you're standing on the winning side, how proud everyone who loves you will be of you, and how you'll be in a position, then, to help others. Commit yourself fully to the change you want to bring about and you'll leave your habits with only one choice: To come around to your way of thinking.

About the Author:
The article above was written by Joi Sigers for Self Help Daily - a web site dedicated entirely to helping people bring out the best in life by bringing out the best in themselves.

Getting Ready For Fall

2008-09-06T05:18:00.000-07:00

Turned the shop upside down last week so we could put out all the new merchandise that came in recently. We are officially ready for the Fall Season. Pumpkins, witches, door hangers, wreaths and rich, deep colors in hand-painted pottery. Do stop by and take a LOOK...

Behind the Scenes: The plan was to spend one day (Sunday) working, and then spend one day, (Monday-Labor Day) doing nothing! But gosh, the weather was so beautiful on Saturday, it was hard to stay inside. So with the slightest bit of nudging, I was off to lunch. We went to the Italian Market Deli on Rt 69 in Wallingford for a bite to eat and then headed to the Half Moon Cafe on the other side of town for coffee/tea. In my world, it makes perfect sense to go across town for coffee/tea...Don't you agree? Well, once out in that beautiful weather, it was impossible to go back to work! I found myself at a sidewalk table with just the right combination of warm sun and cool breeze; stimulating conversation and the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea. What more could I want? If you've read the book "A New Earth" or "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle...well, then you know what I mean when I say I was enjoying the present moment!
Frankly I was enjoying it just a little too much...truth be told, it was a very loooooong lunch. Sooooo...up bright and early on Monday to finish what was left undone!

By the way....these little cuties are back in stock. Leopard design ring holders...

And you might want to check these out...a new collection of jewelry holders in a denim/jean style...

just the right amount of style and attitude!

Fall Fashion

2008-08-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Just back from the NY Fashion Accessories Show at the Javits Center. After previewing all the new fall collections, here's what I can tell you about the trends I saw.

Deep, rich and luscious colors are coming through in everything from clothing, shoes, handbags, etc.
Purple is the "in" color of the fall season... a very beautiful shade of purple!
Handbags are big, big and bigger...lots of detail and hardware.
Large crochet hobo bags are gaining popularity
Fashion jewelry is bold, colorful and chunky.
Animal prints are very much in style - zebra and giraffe top of the list
Monograms on everything

Take a PEAK at what's coming in September....

Adorable Makeup Bags - two sizes (large size shown), six assorted colors

Brand new wallet purses - you can fill them with everything...credit cards, money, license, your keys, cell phone and more. Use it as a compact purse or put it inside your larger purse to keep everything organized. Great item!

Sampling of just a few of the new fall handbag styles coming - assorted colors....

PLUS...Loads of new jewelry...necklaces, earrings, pendants and bracelets. No pictures available yet, but they will start arriving next week through the end of the year. Of course, we get in only one of each and rarely reorder the same item...so if you see something you like...better grab it! Better safe than sorry!

Mama Mia!

2008-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Saw the movie Mama Mia last weekend. Definitely a feel good movie and one you don't want to miss. Probably more for the girls than the guys, but the music just makes everyone happy. I was humming the tunes for 3 days. Besides wanting to move to Greece, I felt the urge to dance and twirl and sing. Meryl Streep was fabulous...AND she looks amazing! The breathtaking landscapes and views of Greece alone are worth seeing. You won't be disappointed.

More Time, Less Stress?

2008-07-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

Do we really manage our time? Not really. After all, we each get 24 hours every single day no matter what - rain or shine. You can't pile it up, stretch it out, get more delivered or move it faster or slower. Time is not something we control. What we choose to do with that time is what we control. So we're not managing time - we're managing priorities.

When we move about our days and don't act or spend our time in a way that actually lines up with what we believe to be our priorities, we experience stress. Perhaps, you say that spending time with family and friends is a high priority. But if they start by asking for your identification... well, maybe it's time to take another look at your actions vs. priorities.

I define stress as the difference between the way things are and the way you want them to be. The bigger the gap, the bigger the stress. Think about it for a minute. Anytime you're stressed, it's because you're in conflict with the way things are. Let's say I'm running late for a meeting or appointment and suddenly there's traffic. I get stressed, right? That's because the way it is (stuck in traffic and late) is not the way I want it to be.

Take a look at your own life. When you feel stressed, ask yourself if it's because deep down you wish things were different. If that's the case, you probably need to take some action for things to be different. Make it a priority and get it done by allocating your time to it.

If you say that completing a certain report, project or letter is important, but you skirt around it and spend time doing other things, then clearly your actions say it's not a priority. Unless you acknowledge that it's not a priority, you will have stress. Lining up your daily activities with the things you have identified as priorities is essential to reducing stress and being the best that you can be.

In this world where we clearly want more of everything - we are constantly doing, thinking, wanting, talking and reading more, it's imperative that we take a hard look at our priorities as we define them and how they line up with how we spend our time.

Bottom Line: you will get the same amount of time each and every day for the rest of your life. How you manage your priorities within that allotted time is what makes the difference between you and me, stress or no stress, getting things done or not. You decide!

Tasty Food Additions

2008-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple picks from our recent trip to the New York Fancy Food Show. We taste test everything before we bring it in and only pick the best of the crop. (I know, it's a tough job - but somebody's gotta do it!) Let us know what you think about these two little gems.

Stonewall Kitchen's Artichoke Pesto - made with the freshest ingredients, this pesto is wonderful to add to pasta, spread over pizza or blend into couscous.

Stonewall Kitchen's White Bean Dip - eat this one right out of the jar. It's a wonderful blend of mild white beans with a kick of lemon and chili pepper. Delicious, nutritious and flavorful! We brought this one in a few weeks ago, and it's quickly rising the charts to our best seller list!

Here's a quick little recipe you can whip up for that next get together with friends...

White Bean & Artichoke Dip - Serves: 8

Ingredients

1 Jar White Bean Dip
1 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and coarse chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the White Bean Dip, artichoke hearts and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
Mix well and place in a 2-cup (16 ounce) shallow baking dish.
Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve with crackers or sliced French bread.

Entertaining is quick and easy when you take advantage of these wonderful specialty foods. A few friends, a few cocktails and some easy to prepare lite fare...and voila...it's a PARTY! Keep it simple...you'll do it more often...and it will be more FUN!

Over the next few months we'll be adding many more new items as we gear up for the holiday season. I'll keep you posted as they arrive...

Finding the balance...

2008-07-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Finding balance is like catching a butterfly. It's there...you know it...you see it...you reach for it...and you think you've got it...but, then when you look again more closely...you suddenly realize it's not there anymore.

I believe there are periods in my life (sometimes brief moments) when I achieve balance, but it is something that needs constant adjustment. It takes hard work, diligence and brilliant awareness to maintain it.

Here's a quote I think sums it up best...

"Balancing life is like standing on a balance beam.
You must keep adjusting to find the center,
and then readjust to find it again and again."

"You won't always be able to give equal amounts of time

to all areas of your life that are important to you, and that's okay.
Balance is about giving each area a turn in the spotlight -
just not all at the same time."

Lisa Hammond

Here's what I do to keep more balance in my life:

Let It Go! Forget the nonsense. Don't hold anger. I don't replay over and over what happened yesterday and the day before if it really doesn't matter. That just drains my energy.

Be Decisive! Save time for the really big decisions, but for all the little ones...well I just decide quickly and get on with it! Decorating, gardening, entertaining, shopping this or that - all the small stuff...I don't waste much time deciding in these areas. Piling this stuff up for any lengthy analysis would just clutter my brain.

Ditch Perfection! I kicked this habit a long time ago and it was the best thing I ever did. Now I see the beauty and quirkiness of imperfection and it has really lightened the load. I live with "good enough is good enough". I'm not suggesting that you bring mediocrity into your life, but lowering the bar for perfection does work. What is perfection anyway? No dirt on the floor? No hair out of place? No fingerprints? Does any of that really matter? (Besides, who's really looking that closely anyway). Perfection is elusive...good enough is not.

Keep Learning! This one's easy for me because I'm a curious seeker. I am mildly obsessed with reading...OK maybe a little more than mild. Anyway, reading affords me the opportunity to learn. I am interested in everything. Reading makes me smarter, more informed, open to new ideas and it helps me learn to live my life better...and that translates to finding more balance.

Stop Worrying! Easy to say...but I try not to worry about things too much. Worrying is such a huge time waster. So I avoid it at all costs. When things are going in the wrong direction (as they often do) I concentrate on the things I have control over and what action I can take. I think about my options and make the best choice I can at the time... and then move on. I trust that the universe will rise up to meet me in the end.

Eliminate the Word Should! Perhaps this comes easier with being "of a certain age". But, I have worked hard to stop doing things I "should" rather than things I "want to". By that I mean stopping all the little voices in my head telling me I should do something because "what will they think" or "they expect me to" or whatever other reason there might be for a should. I ask myself if I "want" to do something...if the answer is yes - I do it. If the answer is no - I don't. The power to choose is always mine.

Now I'm not saying I never do anything I don't like to do such as washing the floor or cleaning the bathroom, but I do it because in the larger picture, I "want" a clean house. The trick is that when you do what you want rather than what you should, you can't fret over what others might think of your decision.

Clean Out the Clutter! I remove anything that brings clutter or stress into my life. This includes possessions, activities and people. People who are negative, dreary, or highly stressed make me anxious so I try my best to move away from these types. I continually question everything. Does this add or detract from my well being? If the answer is yes - I keep it. If the answer is no - I remove it. Getting rid of the clutter and stress in my life always calms me down.

One Thing At A Time! My goal is to concentrate on the present moment. The notion of multi-tasking does not work for me. It only leads to a lack of concentration and nothing gets done with intensity or awareness. Single-tasking throughout the day is my mantra. I find I actually get more done with less stress when I stay focused on one thing at a time. The truth is my "to do" list always has been and always will be never-ending...so I stopped over-planning each day. Instead I choose the 2-3 really important things each day that I must get done. The rest is just frosting! Honestly, the world won't fall apart if much of what's on my "to do" list doesn't ever get done. Single-tasking, not over-planning and knowing what's "really" important just seems to smooth out my days.

Paint Your Life Happy!

2008-07-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

This bright yellow is painted on my kitchen walls, front entrance hallway and stairway to the 2nd floor. Actually I painted a bright yellow first, then sponged on a deeper gold and a smidgen of red. Then I antiqued the whole thing with burnt umber (brown). Perhaps too much for some, but color makes me happy! I feel happy and vibrant when I wake in the morning or walk in the door at night. When the sun is shining in...it's beautifully bright and cheerful.

I know adding color to your life can be a bit scary, but it really does lift your spirits. I don't believe life is best lived in a neutral and colorless environment. After all, it's the highs and lows in anything that make it interesting. Take your time, test the waters a little...stick your toe in first. Before you know it your whole foot will be in and your fear of color will begin to disappear.

Don't Rush...

Collect paint chips, look through magazines - get some ideas
Buy a pint and paint a test patch on a board or right on the wall
Live with it for a few days...day and night so you see it in different lights

Lots of people choose their room color first and then begin to decorate. I find picking the paint color once everything else is in place is much easier. First fill the room with everything you LOVE. Then pick a paint color that brings it all together. Decorating is a lot like making lasagna...it's done best by adding layers a little at a time.

P. S. As I look at this photo, I must confess that the plants shown in this picture are no longer with me. I managed to kill them a while back (although I did have them with me for a bit longer than most). Note to self: must tune up that green thumb one of these days!

New Arrivals

2008-07-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

A truckload of hand-painted pottery just arrived. It will take us about a week to unpack, price and get it all out on the floor. But, let me just say there's lots of variety in patterns, shapes and sizes to choose from. Some designs are one-of-a-kinds that never went into production. (We have connections with the manufacturer to get these items).

Take a little PEAK...

For those who collect, this is a Jim Shore Cookie Jar

Here's a one of a kind...

Another one of a kind....

Have a few pieces of this sunflower pattern...more will arrive in August

Roosters continue to be HUGELY popular...this one's a cookie jar

This is a 3 pc canister set - there's also a matching cookie jar

Another one-of-a-kind

Several pieces available in this pattern...when they're gone, no more!

There's loads more in the store...definitely worth a visit for a little LOOK SEE!

Paint Project Update

2008-07-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ok...I was in the mood for a little painting. Here's some of what I added to the soffit at the store over this weekend. I have a ways to go still...right now it's at the half way point (as far as completion goes). Who knows when a new spurt of energy and inspiration will come along...you just can't rush creativity!
Must be ready when the mood strikes again!

There is no rhyme or reason to what I'm painting. They are just random designs that come to me as I go along. I did coordinate a few ideas like the animals are over the baby section. The wine bottle/cheese artwork is over the wine and martini glass display. But since we move things around in the store quite often, I kept the designs pretty random.

Stay tuned for the next run of painting...

Tracking Ideas

2008-07-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me, you have tons of ideas. Plus, you collect information from all sorts of places. The problem is having a system to organize all this information for later retrieval. I just read an article by Dustin Wax at Lifehack - he had some good tips. Here's some of what he said...

Ideas are cheap, memory is expensive
Humans are exceptionally good at thinking up stuff. However, psychologists say we can only hold about 5 to 9 thoughts in our immediate memory at any given time. That means, on average, the last 7 things you've thought are all you get. Add #8 to the list, and something falls out.

Our long-term memory is much better, but the process of moving items from short-term to long-term memory is quite complex and isn’t really “on-demand”. So, we have lots and lots of ideas and only a limited memory to hold them in before we lose them.

Capture everything
The solution is to develop the habit of capturing everything important that crosses your mind, when it crosses your mind. Ideally, you have a single point of capture for your ideas.

Get a notebook - whether it's a high-quality Moleskine, a cheaper knock-off or just a plain wire-bound pocket type doesn't matter - the important point is that you use it.

Other methods...

a stack of index cards, bound with a binder clip
a pad of post-its
a composition book
a journal
a dayplanner

You get the idea. Whatever you choose, here's what's important -

it must be easy to use
something you always carry with you
something you can rely on.

There are digital solutions, too...

If you’re very comfortable with your cell phone, you might Jott everything to yourself – leave a voicemail that will be transcribed and forwarded to your email inbox or to Evernote.
Leave a message on your home answering machine.
Email notes to yourself.

Again, the only criteria is that you’ll actually use whatever system you set up, regardless of circumstances.

OK, it’s captured. Now what?
Treat your capture device like an inbox, that is, get in the habit of reviewing and processing everything on a regular basis. The ideas you capture won't do any good locked away in a notebook. It will be no better than letting them slip away during a conversation or losing them in the aftermath of a good night's sleep.

Remember that the space you use for capture is not long-term reference storage. While you might jot down a couple of things you know you’ll need later in the day, you still need to have a trustworthy system for archiving and using the information you collect over the course of the day.

So process the phone numbers, addresses, names, and URLs you collect into your PIM (personal information manager, e.g. Outlook, Palm Desktop, Lotus Notes). Add the tasks you remembered or thought up over the course of the day to your todo list. (I use tadalist.com) Ideas for projects you’re working on can go into your project files.

The random ideas you have and want to hold onto present a special problem. I add these to my todo list under the category “Think Abouts” and keep them sorted to the bottom.

Trust the system

Get into the habit of always capturing and processing ideas as they occur to you. If you’re not capturing and processing your thoughts, then there probably is something escaping your mind – lots of somethings, marching like lemmings over the cliff and into eternity!

Use these tips to develop a reliable system that works for you. Be consistent. You will find that the collection of your own thoughts, ideas and bits of information will become a great resource for future inspiration.

Let the ideas start flowing!

To read the complete article click here.

Kitten Heel

2008-07-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

Finally...the switchflop sandal in the sexy little "Kitten Heel" is in stock. These little beauties are adorable, and oh so incredibly comfortable. They won't last long and rumor has it the company is selling out fast...soooo I'm thinking what we have right now might be all we have this season.

Comes with the black and white houndstooth strap and, of course, you can pick from dozens of other straps to change the look. These are keepers...don't miss out!

Of course, there's still the flat and the wedge....I was in New York walking the Fancy Food Show (literally on my feet for 7 hours straight) last week wearing my flat switchflops. Let me tell you, these flops had a true workout. Honestly, my feet felt YUMMY all day long! (My stomach on the other hand...not so good from all that food sampling). Gotta love those SwitchFlops!

Fancy Food Show

2008-07-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just spent two days in New York at the Fancy Food show. Picture a buffet the size of a shopping mall. Starting promptly at 10am till 5pm you can literally eat yourself sick. Vendors from all over the world come to this 3 day trade show to capture the hearts and stomachs of would be buyers.

Cheeses from all over the world...stuffed grape leaves, de-sensitized garlic, waffles, sushi, snails, prosciutto di parma, plus every kind of dip, cracker, chip, chocolate, etc. you can imagine. Oh, and the olives...thousands and thousands piled high...never knew there were so many different kinds.

What I noticed this year was a huge trend in "gluten free products". Of course, not everything tastes good...those light fruit sodas are pretty awful. Some really tasteless teas too. Crazy stuff like "belly bars" for pregnant women. I said huh?

Paula Dean was there signing autographs (with hubby, son and bodyguard!) The line was pretty long so I didn't get one. I'm not really big on that kind of stuff. She looks great and her southern accent was going strong!

All in all it was a productive weekend. Found some wonderful new products we will be bringing into the store. Lots of new holiday gift items also! I will keep you posted as the new stuff arrives!

P.S. I wore my switchflops for two days...feet felt YUMMY all day long! (More than I can say for my stomach by the end of Day 2).

Under the Weather

2008-06-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Summer colds are the worst and now I have one...aarrrgh! For me, it's a minimum of 3 weeks with a cold. Just have to grin and bear it! All the cold medicine in the world won't make it go away. Best part though - an excuse for lots of tea and ice cream! (ya know, to soothe the sore throat)

Summer Blast

2008-06-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our Summer Blast Party here at Nicolino's. It was a nice night for fun, food and savings. We had some specials and discounts and customers were treated to hand massages while they nibbled on fruit kabobs, dips, chips and brownies . Frozen wine-a-ritas and cosmos were also served.

Everything seemed smooth on the outside, but I must confess there were a few behind-the-scene mishaps. Seems no matter how much you plan, life has a way of living on its own. I'll share a few with you...

I wanted to serve brownies that night...the Barefoot Contessa brand that we carry in the store. I've made them many times before and they are absolutely decadent. This time though (ya know, when it really counts), they came out of the oven sort of burnt and crumbly. Not good! I said a few things I can't print here...but with a little research, I discovered I only used one egg instead of two. BIG MISTAKE!

Lesson learned: next time get all the ingredients in front of you and check before you start. Oh well, they were gone by the end of the night...funny though, not one person asked for the recipe!

Second, we have these wine-a-ritas (frozen drinks almost like a sangria) that were a big hit at our open house last year. So I thought let's add the cosmopolitan frozen drink from the same company as a second choice. I mixed the recipe fine and I thought we could just put them out in a thermos pump and make it self-serve. BIG MISTAKE! Didn't realize it until it was too late, but the liquid was coming through and all the slushy ice was stuck. Had to go to plan B - but it was a little late by then.

Lesson learned: Always test drive a new plan.

All in all it was a fun night!

A New Look

2008-06-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

As we continue to evolve...

This year brought CHANGE...and with it, lots more fashion accessories, jewelry, handbags, wall art, inspirational frames, serving trays and baby gifts. Brand new product lines at the shop include:

Eric Decitus and Dolly Mama greeting cards (lots of humor)

Lolita's hand-painted wine and martini glasses - wide collection of themed glasses...queen, princess, flip flop, Who needs a Man, 50 & Fabulous, Birthday Girl, just to name a few. There are dozens more to choose from.

Eyewear (readers)

Switchflops (changeable flip flops) - these are so cool. Available in a flip flops, wedge or heel. Then you have fun choosing all the different tops that are interchangeable. You get a whole new look in seconds! There's about 50 different tops available and that number is growing.

How about these adorable snuggle duffle bags. Perfect for little ones to pack up all their treasures and really get excited about visiting grandma! There's Tippy Toad, Smurtle Turtle and Pluto Pig. All three styles are sooooo cute!

Naked Bee (lotions, shampoos, lip balms and cuticle salves) - organic, all natural ingredients...all of the good stuff and none of the bad stuff!

At the same time, we said goodbye to kitchen tools, cookware, bakeware, everyday glasses and yankee candles. Our commitment to fresh, new and unique products means we must weed out items carried by the big box stores - once they are there...well frankly, they are no longer special.

Change is bittersweet, and there are some who will be disappointed not to find items we once carried. But for most, change is expected. Change makes us grow. We let go of the past and look to the future.

And so here at Nicolino's we grow, we change, we evolve...always, we hope, for the better.

List Making Made Easy

2008-05-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a person who likes lists. I particularly like crossing things off...makes me feel like I'm making progress. Found this wonderful little website - http://www.tadalist.com/ that lets you create all sorts of lists quick and easy. You can categorize them like "vacation", home repair projects", party on the 20th, etc. You list each item and check them off as you complete.

It's simple to use, it's FREE, and you can access your list account from any computer. You can even share the list with others...perhaps if you were working on a group project. It's a great little tool...I love it! You should check it out!

Simple Pleasures

2008-04-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

Look around...they're everywhere. They lift our spirits. Sometimes in all of our busy-ness, we forget to notice and they slip away. Make it a point to take notice of life's simple pleasures, and be grateful when you have the chance to enjoy one. Find the joy in...

Your favorite song comes on the radio and you can sing out loud... unleash the passion.

The quietness of the morning when all you can hear is the birds chirping...calm and blissful.

A bowl of ripe, firm cherries in season..sweet and sumptuous.

Piping hot cappuccino mid-afternoon on a rainy day...soothing and comforting.

The laughter of a little baby...simply magical.

Studying the stars at night...wondrous and mystifying.

A giant rhododendrum bush in full bloom...just beautiful.

The sounds of a waterfall flowing...peaceful and relaxing.

Brand New Pajamas...silky and smooth or maybe soft and warm...heavenly.

A love note from your sweetie pie...so romantic.

Reminiscing with a friend about a trip you took together...re-live the memories together.

Your favorite magazine arrives in the mail and no one's home...how divine!

A Bit Out of the Box

2008-03-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I spent two full days in my house just doodling around tweaking things. Besides cleaning, I moved some stuff, re-hung some stuff and re-accessorized. It was a nice little lift for the spring! In the process, I stumbled across a few ideas I thought I would share...

I have this chest of drawers I love...it's black and each of the 16 cubby drawers are painted different colors. I had an oval mirror I wanted to hang above the chest. Dilemma: just didn't feel right when I hung it vertically or horizontally. So I hung it on an angle, and voila I liked it! Maybe not for everybody, but it adds just a little of that unexpected! On the left, I placed a tall skinny lamp that puts light in that corner and balances out the mirror. Funny how you can just stumble upon something when you open up your mind a little!

I have this large metal candle holder that's designed to hold 7 pillar candles in a line at different heights. I placed it on the sideboard in my dining room in front of a large mirror. Didn't have enough pillar candles and besides I wanted something different. Soooo... I put some of my pretty espresso cup and saucers where each pillar would sit. Love it! I will put votives or tea-lites in each cup when I'm ready to light them...

I bought these two black and white polka dot buffet lamps a couple years ago for my dining room. My dining room walls are teal, and the dominant accent color is poppy red. The lamps don't really go...they've always been like the elephant in the room, but I love them and so they stay. This weekend, I wanted to work them into the room a little better. So, I bought some really delicious trims, one a teal colored fringe and the other a ribbon with deep red beads. Using my trusty hot glue gun, I layered the two trims onto the lampshades. Guess what? My two lamps look like they belong after all! Plus the added layer of detail is Just Perfect!

Truly, the best ideas come when you think outside the box.

Artist Inspiration

2008-02-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

Just returned from the Philadelphia Handcrafted Trade Market and I must say what an amazing group of talented artists to be gathered together all in one place! There is so much to see in every corner in every aisle in every booth. Twenty minutes and my brain has reached overload... swimming with new ideas and inspiration! I swear the creativity in this atmosphere is contagious!

Unfortunately, many of these artists struggle to compete in markets over-saturated with cheap, low-quality imports, but their talents are undeniable. From hand-thrown pottery to painted furniture to jewelry to hand carved wood...it's a remarkable array of imagination. They gather at this venue twice a year to showcase their wares in the hopes to attract interested buyers.

As a store owner and buyer, I am always conflicted. On one hand, I appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the their work and would love to fill my store with this handcrafted art. But the truth be told, many customers would resist the higher prices. And so, what I can bring back to the store is just a small sampling (a tiny tease) of all the wondrous things I see. As a seasoned buyer I know full-well the golden rule of retailing - what you want is not important...it's what your customers want.

And so as I leave this market, I am somewhat disappointed that much of what I see today will never reach my store. But, I will return again next year hopeful to find some new and exciting treasures. One thing is certain...with each visit, I am sure to get another giant gulp of fascination and inspiration to fill my creative glass.