Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Fundraising do's and don'ts

I am almost back.
- Although it may only take one or two high powered women to run an event, make sure EVERYONE in the organization/congregation has a job. Make one up! Anything to insure that they must walk through the door to attend the fundraiser.
- BIG, HUGE sign in front of building as a reminder to anyone that might have forgotten the event. Flyer's in windows of local hot spots. Mass e-mail reminders day before and day of event. Announcements made in school or church/temple.
- Create incentives to encourage customers. Tricky trays, auctions, Holiday plant pick-up, etc.
- Have entertainment on the hour. Choirs, bands, Capella groups all love to perform. Give them a stage and their parents/ grandparents will show up and... shop.
- Coordinate date of event to coincide with other event such as Santa's breakfast, Hanukkah week, marathon/5K, parade, etc.
- Do NOT rely on vendors to invite their customers, friends, and family.
- Don't have 20 jewelry vendors and expect people to return the following year. ( good mix of vendors is a must.)
- Don't charge people admittance and then also bother them to buy raffle tickets, expect them to shop with the vendors and have the lame bake sale be the only food available.
- Do NOT blame the economy, because half the vendors just worked an amazing event the night before and know the real reasons ( lack of advertising, support from members, quality of vendors) why there is NO ONE at the #$%@ show!
- Do NOT, EVER have an event in the morning WITHOUT @#$% COFFEE!!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Not just because of Tiffany's.


Key necklaces are hot right now.Sunday, November 29, 2009
Opportunity missed...

Oh sugar!
- make a collage of all their baby pictures, put little wings on them and send it out as a Christmas angels theme? ( you can only imagine how that idea was received by my...ahem...angels.)
- take a pic of those that live here and photo shop the two other kids into the pic? ( my neighbor actually did that!)
- Take a pic of my husband and I and just put 5 dollar signs around us? ( so appropriate for this time of year, but maybe a tad too cynical.)
- wait until the weekend before Christmas when we will all be together, take a pic and send out cards the week of Christmas? ( will I still get cards from others, will they have any left?)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
New "green" product! Snacktaxis
Snacktaxis are reusable bags for snacks and sandwiches that come in tons of fun designs. They are used as you would use Ziploc bags, but these can be thrown in the dishwasher when they need to be cleaned.
I plan on selling them when I am out on the road vending, I think they fit in with the lines I carry.Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Happy Birthday Mom!
Dear Mom,A Christmas Carol, Mr Magoo vs. Jim Carrey

Went to A Christmas Carol last night. Friday, November 20, 2009
www.elfster.com
Just wanted to remind you about:Good advice.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Preppy Rides
The last sweet Saab we owned, 1993I have plans!
Not just for my garden either.
These topiary would look amazing in my front garden with clematis or ivy.
Same with these garden gates.
They are all free standing. I saw someone use topiary and gates very similar to these as display at an event and...Monday, November 16, 2009
Somehow I missed this...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Turn the page...

Thursday, November 12, 2009
Christmas request... sounds easy. Not.
MOTHER,
I have thought of other Christmas gifts if my budget has yet to be fulfilled..
-black blazer (no shoulder pads obviiiouslyyyyy) a couple girls have them here and they look adorable as like a going out over a tank to the bar type thing
-Tan sperry's..I ordered blue and white ones two months ago but they were too small so I had to send them back/have yet to so I might as well wait for christmas at this point..Actually before I send them back do you want them? I have up to a year to return them anyways.. They're an eight, If not i'll just send them back..
OKAYYYY love you : )



Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Facebook opportunity...
We can all agree that one of the best things about Facebook is finding long, lost friends.Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Crockpot time!

Not just because it's dark out earlier.
Boxwood crazy...
I love box wood, but am very particular as to how it is used. I love it when it is used almost as a lawn as I have seen in New Orleans.
My ideal use of boxwood is as a low, trim hedge defining a garden as in this pic.
This garden is either a boxwood dream or nightmare...
Although I can appreciate this tall hedge, I like it tidy- so this wouldn't do.Monday, November 9, 2009
More silverware caddies... to die for!
This would be lovely in a bathroom or on a desk...
Can't you see this as a catch all on a dresser or bureau?
This belongs in my preppy bathroom?
Can't you see this on your holiday buffet?French Heraldic Bee hostess items
The wine coaster prevents a ring of moisture on any tablecloth or surface.
The utensil caddy makes buffet organized and dazzling.
And the beverage bucket?Sunday, November 8, 2009
Surprised? Pea Coat Reveal
J. Crew- $255.
Polo $450.
LL Bean $199.Saturday, November 7, 2009
Elizabeth lambert, bad sportsmanship personified.
Wow, doesn't she look like she is so nice?Friday, November 6, 2009
Best Pea Coat...
Is it this beauty? #1
How about this? #2
Or is it this? #3visual aides needed for... vision!
I really needed one like this with extra large numbers.
It's not like I am blind, but I have to say I was really squinting all day and would have paid for glasses had they been available and maybe even for the old lady magnifiers shown above!Wednesday, November 4, 2009
How do you do it?
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, a time of togetherness.Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Brine Lax Wall- buyer beware

Do you have a Brine Lax Wall in your yard, just over a year old that is already ripped and shredded?
Italian Cookies= I have a problem
I consider cannolies a cookie, especially the mini's. Luckily the richness of the creme deters me from having too many.Monday, November 2, 2009
Bungalow scout bags? Lunch time!
Star pillow
Secret Santa=Elfster
Are you thinking about the holidays yet? (hope so!)Sunday, November 1, 2009
Victoire de Castellane and my daughter...
File this under, kind of interesting.One of the most interesting jobs she did was a jewelry fashion show for the Dior jewelry designer, Victoire de Castellane. It was to raise money for the Boys Club of New York and was held at The Rainbow Room in NYC.
The crowd was a mix of fashion insiders, high society, and New York movers and shakers. The event kicked off the New York social season.
My daughter and nineteen other little girls/models were dressed in adorable white eyelet nightgowns and then bedecked in jewels. The premise of the show was that a couple was going out for the evening and that their little girls were having a slumber party and while they were gone they went into the mother's jewelry box and tried on the jewels.
It started with them kissing the little girls goodbye and as soon as the door closed with a chorus of sweet little goodbyes from the girls... the girls rush with a mass of giggles to a beautiful jewelry box spotlit. ( really most of the girls already had them on.) Then the girls walked among the tables speaking to the guests and giggling with one another. To me, it was a mix of a production of a Midsummers Night Dream and Annie. It was beautifully done.
Before the show there were meetings to determine which girls wore what. Victoire de Castellane met with each girl and personally decided what she would wear. In our meeting I was impressed with how much time she took to decide what would be right for my daughter. She asked her many questions and was quite friendly.
Even then, I don't think I understood that the jewels the girls would be wearing were real jewels...REAL JEWELS!
As in, there were body guards for the girls the entire show.
WOW.
I knew that the girls were wearing important, one of a kind, original pieces and that they were worth a lot of money... I just didn't realize HOW much money.
I also didn't realize HOW one of a kind the jewelry was until a few months after the show and I began to see the "one of a kind" necklace my daughter wore turn up in Vogue... and on Hilary Swank! I often wonder who ended up with that beautiful, emerald and diamond necklace worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But I, and now you know who wore it first!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
ski-in ski-out rental property at Copper Mountain, Colorado

I know I have written about the amazing ski-in ski-out rental property at Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Cabbage Night Extortion
I am wondering if I should be concerned or give Andrew (whoever he is) props for taking advantage of the opportunity.platform tennis et moi

Thursday, October 29, 2009
Happy Birthday Frau!
I hope I am the first person in the United States to wish you a Happy Birthday!I can't resist!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fleur de lis
ACME OYSTER HOUSE, New Orleans
Well, I'm home.Saturday, October 24, 2009
Charles in Charge?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
New Orleans, Laissez les bon temps rouler!
I'm not there yet!
This time we are staying in "the quarter" as the french quarter is referred to locally.
Don't worry though, we will make it uptown too.
We are not renting a car this time and will make due with street cars as our mode of transportation.
First day? definitely head down to Cafe du Monde,
For this!
And I'm sure we will cross the street to Jackson Square to finish our coffee and for a walk around.
Then, how about uptown for early cocktails at The Columns. You might remember that this is where we had a graduation party for our son.
Or- we could go to the Monkey Hill Bar and say hi for our sonny boy. He used to work there.
Big plan? Dinner at Jacques-Imo's is something we have tried to do for years, the wait is horrific. I say we give it a try.
We might return to a famous courtyard restaurant, Court of Two Sisters. Brunch is a favorite there- although expensive.
A good meal and great margaritas, ( not expensive) can be had at The Superior Grill
In five years we have never gone to The Camellia Grill... I think it's time we gave it a try.
Cafe Degas is recommended by many. The brunch menu is unique, it's on the "try" list.
Of course shopping on Magazine St. is a MUST. I always come back with an antique or a dress. New Orleans is crazy like that. It will be sad not to have my shopping companions ( Beck and Kev) with me. My husband would rather skip this tradition.
I definitely will take a carriage ride. We do every time and it never gets old. It is well worth the money. I learn something new every time as each driver has his or her own take on the "quarter." They all like to show you Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's mansion. Except, it's a different one every time. New Orleans is crazy like that!
We have done many things in New Orleans, but never one of the cemetery tours.
One thing I don't want to tell my family is that our favorite breakfast place closed last spring. Bummer.Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sixty-five roses
Betcha didn't know that sixty-five roses is an easy way to teach a child how to say, cystic fibrosis.Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Halloween hair redux
The all powerful ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB!!!
So, today was Walk to School Day.
Oh no. they were actually trying to hurry and run away from the all powerful club before they were spotted exiting my car.Monday, October 19, 2009
Jack Wills...protest!
nail polish- which are you?
Are you buffed?
Do you like bold colors, long nails? You are confident and like attention. You may be a wee bit self conscious.
Black nails? You could be the adventurous type. You may like to keep up on trends, feel "young."
These nails? You are out to shock or impress... you may live in another country or culture.Saturday, October 17, 2009
My favorite, new product and why!
What more could happen?
Ode to a Lacrosse TournamentFriday, October 16, 2009
How it was...
The good:- Great DJ
- festive atmosphere
- topnotch vendors, from as far away as Delaware!
- passed hor d'oeuvres and wine flowing all night.
- Huge, huge crowd of "shoppers."
- did some great shopping for Christmas!
- Too many vendors for the amount of space
- not organized regarding set-up, very chaotic.
- Shoppers weren't actually shopping much...
- Too high of a vendor fee considering the amount of space for each vendor.
- Food, other than the cheese and fruit was TERRIBLE!
- I spent too much money.
- Barely covered my fee.
- My "preppy" table couldn't have been more foreign to this demographic.
- The Jersey girl look ( high, high heels, tight, tight, jeans, gaudy everything, too much hair and make-up) does NOT fly if you are over 30. ( personally I don't think it EVER flies.)
- I didn't recognize ONE person from my area which explains the lack of interest in preppy anything.
- Listening to true jersey accents all night, my ears still hurt!
- Feeling snobby, not a way I like to be. I was actually eye rolling all night- I never do that!!!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
SASSY SHOP GIRL EVENTS!!!
This gal will be a vendor there...
And so will she!
I hope they don't get mad at me when I sell so much more than them!
Thanks to the frau!
My darling sister, The Frau over at http://fraukmwest.blogspot.com/ gave me some type of award that I'm sure I don't deserve which included this one word meme.
This came in handy as my posting has been spotty. Please feel free to cut and paste and try it yourself- not that easy!
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? dyed
3. Your mother? Irish
4. Your father? mutt
5. Your favorite food? sushi
6. Your dream last night? none
7.Your favorite drink? coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Dream: peace - Goal: health
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Blogging!
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Beach
13. Where were you last night? Mt. Fuji
14. Something that you aren't? patient
15. Muffins? bran
16. Wish list item? KITCHEN!!!!
17. Where did you grow up? college
18. Last thing you did? shower
19. What are you wearing? sweats
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pet? heaven
22. Friends? valued
23. Your life? grateful
24. Your mood? Good!
25. Missing someone? always
26. Vehicle? old
27. Something you're not wearing? bra
28. Your favorite store? Nordstrom
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When was the last time you laughed? morning
31. Last time you cried? commercial
32. Your best friend? funny
33. One place that I go to over and over? NYC
34. One person who emails me regularly? partner
35. Favorite place to eat? home
I really enjoyed that!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Autumn Street Fair
Left at 6:30 this morning for the last street fair ( for me) of 2009.Saturday, October 10, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are!
Copper Mountain Vacation, ski-in – ski-out
It's time to start planning!
One unit, Moose lodge is what people think of when they think staying mountainside. Can't you just picture the apres de ski fun? Lots of room for card games, football game viewing, eating, drinking all by a roaring fire.
The second unit called, Bear lodge, offers some of the same amenities and all of the charm.Where have I been?
This is the longest I have gone without posting!Sunday, October 4, 2009
Apple picking accomplished
Friday, October 2, 2009
Pashmina!
It's Pashmina time!Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Bib necklaces...

Trend alert!!!
Old school baby!Sophie's Choice...
OK, it isn't that drastic!Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Joya- soy candles
Joya soy candles may solve my problem.Monday, September 28, 2009
Scout Bags- The Weekender

Scout Bags are my biggest seller and The Weekender has become the "hot" bag of the season, perfect for sleepovers or weekend sojourns.Sunday, September 27, 2009
fundraiser- Girls Night Out Shopping Event!

Goodie bags for the 1st 100 guests. Start your holiday shopping with us with exhibitors selling, handmade jewelry, handbags, women and children clothing, spa treatments, stationary, home decor, holiday gift items and so much more all at a great price.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Candle Damage!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Golden...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tis the season!
My business has certain slow periods.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Next project...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Infinity or circle?


OK, I saw these at the accessory show last Spring and...Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Jack Wills- picks for Fall


Jack Wills has a nice fall/winter line, but nothing unique or original.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ski season soon...
Time for the Ski Season checklist:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Old Mother Hubbard...
Yup, that's me.Saturday, September 12, 2009
Soccer Gifts
This time of year we start thinking of soccer gifts- end of the season team gifts and coach gifts.Friday, September 11, 2009
I repeat, it's all about scarves!
I am now selling this style, perfect for my teenager. I had her wear it to school where it was an instant hit. ( poor girl, as my muse she is required to model many items I sell)
This pashmina is more my style. I sell these too. Perfect with a black turtleneck, jeans and black boots. I feel so put together and comfortable too, especially in the freezing cold frozen foods aisle at the grocery store!Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday Question.
lafayette women's lacrosse Fall Ball 2009
Looks like the first Lafayette women's lacrosse first fall ball tourney is:| Sep. 26 | 11:00 am | Rutgers, Lehigh, Lafayette | New Brunswick, NJ |
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Last ever first day of school pics!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Back to school night... as in plural
So I was at Back to School Night this evening. Bento Box lunch
Even if you are not a big Japanese food fan, you have to appreciate the Bento Box Lunch concept.Visiting NYC? Nolita

My new favorite NYC neighborhood for shopping?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Oudin's Tennis Shoes!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Great tennis today! US OPEN
US OPEN- Maria Sharapova and Melanie OudinFriday, September 4, 2009
Blogger question!
Are you ever solicited by retailers ( in my case preppy retailers) to post about products or sales?Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
VERY Sperry!
Have you noticed?
These grey, suede beauties are perfect for my guys.
YOU know I need these.
These denim and blue patent top-siders would look so cute with the new denim leggings and a polo or starched white button-down.Monday, August 31, 2009
An open letter to J. CREW...

Dear J. CREW,
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The big Climb
Happy New Year! (kinda)

So, I feel as though I am ready to get organized.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Rainy day remedy

If you live in the Northeast and are home on this rainy day,
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wow! Latisse...
Pretty amazing. Except for this little caveat-Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bringing my girl back to school!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Jack Wills, end of Summer Sale!





























































