NEW ITEMS!

**SOLD**Pressed Tin Door Bucket ~ $15.00 Southern Living At Home's Pressed Tin flower Bucket is a favorite among collectors. It is so versatile . Displays a bouquet of flowers or can store mail, or a magazine! It has a cottage, weathered look and the finish will vary slightly. It measures 12 1/2 by 20 inches tall, including handle. This item pictured used as display only. (Retail price $32.95) **SOLD**Vera Bradley Mesa Red Bowler Bag ~ $36.00 Strike! This very fashionable style zips open end-to-end for full access to the roomy interior (which includes a large zip pocket, three slip-ins and a removable base._ Finished with soft, rolled handles, two handy magnetic flap pockets in front and a full zippered back compartment. 13” x 10½” x 5¼” – 9” strap drop. Slightly worn in the handles. Retail Price: $72.00

**SOLD**Tole Painted Pots (Green Pot only) $6.00 Tole painting is a charming style of decorative painting on metal that became popular in New England in the 18th century. Each of these hand-painted square metal pots feature a tole design in a contrasting color. Retail Price: $44.95 for a set of three **SOLD**Gallery Collection Pacific Accent Plates $12.00 Brighten your table with these upbeat, sky blue accent plates. With traditional Gallery Collection details and a contemporary square shape, they are beautiful alone or in combination with the white-wear. A light brown rub highlights the detailing for added dimension. Retail price: $24.95 for a set of two
**SOLD**Harrison Plate Rack $15 each Southern Living at Home's plate rack is a well made rack from the Estate Iron Collection. This is a very versatile piece. It measures 9x32 and can display two large and small plates (I've also used it to hold picture frames.) I have 3 of these new and in the box. Retail Price: $34.95 each. **SOLD**Red Mountain Two Tiered Stand $10.00 Take your favorite serving pieces to new heights with this rectangular stand. Accommodates the Dress-Me-Up Platter, Somerset Tray, Christmas Memories Platter, Tuscan Appetizer Tray, Cinnabar Appetizer Tray and the Mt. Vernon Pine Sprig Tray. Retail Price: $32.95 **SOLD**Astoria Collection Cookbook Easel $20.00 Decorating your kitchen isn't just about counter tops and cabinets – don't forget the details! Perfect for when you need an extra hand in the kitchen, this easel has a removable acrylic shield that keeps cookbooks clean and open for quick reference. It also features an expandable base which will accommodates even the thickest cookbooks. Original price $44.95 **SOLD**Central Park Plaques $12.00 (set of 3) Inspired by elegant stone shields in New York's Central Park, thus the name. These plaques will bring a special touch to any décor. Hang them as a collection or display them separately. Lightly rubbed with umber to show the rich detail, each has a hanger and is backed with felt. These are for indoor use only. The plaques are 6” in diameter and 3/4” thick. Retail Price: $9.95 each **SOLD**Ltd Edition Studio Pottery Candle Holders $6.00 (set of 2)

This is just for the base of this bowl (the green part). These are beautiful hand painted and signed candle holders. They are made to display the SLAH bowls to add height as seen above, but can also be used as a tapered candleholder. Retail Price: $15.95 each. (These originally sold as individual pieces, but I am selling them as a set of 2.) I have 2 sets.

**SOLD**Alexandria Container $12.00 This is a beautiful container perfect for serving, entertaining or using as a unique centerpiece. It is a coppery hammered tin and would look wonderful with any decor. Retail Price: $27.95

Everything is on a FIRST COME ~ FIRST SERVE basis. I don't have boxes for most of the Southern Living at Home items, b/c they have been used in demonstrations, they are in great condition!

Buford, GA

These are a couple of the pictures that Lindsey took (LDC Photogrpahy) on Sunday. She gave me a sneak preview of whats to come. I can't wait to get all of them back! I'm so excited. Lindsey is a great photographer and a wonderful new friend.

Survey

Who was the last person you were under a blanket with? Birken

Has anybody ever told you that you have pretty eyes? Not really....there's not a lot of things attractive about poop brown eyes.

Name something great that happened today? I finished interrogatories & request for prodcution of documents 2 weeks in advnace of the deadline.

How many different people of the opposite sex have you really cried for? 1

Who was the last persons voice you heard? My boss, Mark.

Have you ever passed out on the bathroom floor? Not that I am aware of...

Do you like your life as of now? Yes.

Who's car were you last in? Mine.

Did you kiss or hug anyone today? No.
What color is your hair? Brown with blonde highlights and chocolate brown lowlights.

How did you wake up this morning? Hunger Pains around 4.30am.

How many letters are in your last name? 7

What are you excited about? Getting my pictures back from LDC Photography and the Fall Festival at church on Friday. And CHRISTMAS.
Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? On most things...

First person you talked to today, boy or girl? Boy

When was the last time you cried really hard? About a month ago when Lucas left.

Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you, and meant it? Yes, at least I am guessing so. :) He better mean it!

Are you a morning person or a night? I'm both, but I can stay up easier than going to bed.

Does anyone like you? Matt LOVES me.

Whats something you really want right now? A pumpkin cheesecake.....but do you know how many points are in that junk?!?!? That's exactly why it is a want...not a need.

Do you want someone dead? Heavens no!

Is there anyone you want to fight? Goodness no.

What's the closest red object to you? Ladybug stapler & tape despenser.

Do you live near your best friend? Approx 30 minutes from Matt's house.

Have you ever had a surprise birthday party? Yes...when I was 16 my friends threw me a surprise bday party at McDonald's...it was fabulous.

When was the last time you had butterflies? Last time I weighed in at WW.

Have you ever cried and didn't know why? Yeah.

Do you have any plans for tomorrow? Yes, Biggest Loser Workout with Aggie, then home to decorate for the Fall Festival and make cupcakes.

Have you ever kissed anyone who's name started with a S? No.

What do you currently hear right now? AOL Christmas Music...I know...I'm a nerd...but the snow yesterday started it!

How old do you think you will be when you finally have children? Probably 35ish at the rate I'm going.

What are you thinking about right now? All that I need to get accomplished before Friday.

Where will you be in an hour? On my way to church for the Children's christmas play practice.

Could you date someone taller than you? Absolutely. Matt is like a whole head taller than me.

Are looks important? No.

What are you looking forward to in the next couple of months? Thanksgiving and Christmas and getting ready for both. I LOVE this time of year.

Do you think you would make a good wife/husband? I would like to think that I would.

Are you happy? Absolutely

Do you trust all of your friends? Most of them

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? Yes, God has a great plan.

Are you afraid of falling in love? Not at all.

What are you wearing right now? Black 3/4 sleeve shirt, yellow tank top, Black dress pants and red heels

Been to Mexico? No, not yet.

Did you buy something today? Not a single thing....that is def a GOOD thing though.

Do you miss someone today? Yes...always.

WHAT: happened at 9:00 am today? I was at work.

ARE YOU: wearing something you borrowed from someone? Nope

WHAT: is the last thing someone bought you? Lunch - Thanks Matt.

WHATS: your current problem? Flab

LAST: person to lay in your bed besides you? I sleep alone....and I like it that way.

THE LAST: food you ate? Almonds 23 = 4 pts

DO YOU : crack your knuckles? No.

DID YOU: cry at all today? No.

ARE YOU: ticklish? Yes

HAVE YOU MADE: a mistake this past week? Yes, did just recently and felt HORRIBLE about it...but I did laugh b/c it was funny.

DO YOU KNOW: anyone with the same name as you? Yes a girl that went to FHS a couple years behind me. But just the first name. I've been told there is a porn start with the exact same name spelling and everything...but I don't look at porn so I wouldn't know.

WHEN WAS: the last time you really laughed? Yesterday w/ the girls at the office.

DO YOU USE: an alarm clock? Yes...and I also utilize the "snooze" button as well.

ARE YOU: social or antisocial person? I can be both....I like to think I'm a social person but if I don't know you that well, I will be very shy and won't say a lot.

WHO WAS THE LAST: person to disappoint you? I dunno....

WHAT WERE YOU DOING at 5 in the morning? Fighting off Hunger pains.

Last movie you saw? Final Season on Starz.

Last person you hugged? Brian

How is the weather right now? Flippin COLD! 29 on my way to work.

What do you have handy next to your bed? A table w/ a lamp, chapstick and a bottle of water.

Are you afraid of the dark? I'm not afraid of the dark, I'm afrightened of what is in it!

First thing you'll save in a fire? Me!

What do you always take with you? Phone, Keys, and purse

Has anyone put their arm around you in the past 5 days? Yes.

How about called you beautiful? Yes.

Ever turned anyone down you shouldn't have? I'm not sure the nature of this question....

Do you swallow gum when your done with it? No...I freak out if I do.

The last person you held hands with, did it mean anything? Matt. Of course I LOVE when he holds my hand.

In the past week have you felt sad? Yes, Sunday and Monday were pretty sad days but I got over it.

Snow even before Halloween

As I walked outside to my car this morning, this is what I saw.....it was so exciting. As I drove up the mountain it got heavier and heavier. This is what I seen as I was driving through the Little Savannah area.

As most of you know, I am a huge Christmas fanatic. I love EVERYTHING about Christmas. Therefore, I usually start my Christmas decorating, planning, gathering, and gifting a little early. However, I do wait until the day after Thanksgiving to actually put the tree up. But come November 1st I am usually listening to Christmas music. Well, this morning I couldn't help myself. I had to listen to my 'Totally Jammin Christmas Tunes' playlist I have on my iPod. It only seemed right, because of the snow, and the chilliness of the day. I was wearing a tobboggan and scarf and it only seemed like the perfect thing to do. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. And I plan on doing it on the way back home. haha I've already started looking at the pattern for my Christmas cards as well. The week of Thanksgiving I will be buying new Christmas ornaments. I'm going with a new theme this year....so I am pumped! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Reality Check

I had a great weekend. Friday was dinner with friends. Saturday was breakfast with friends, working at the church, and then a wedding. The wedding was at the Maggie Valley Country Club, it was beautiful and very simple but elegant. The ceremony itself was outside, so it was VERY cold...the wind was blowing and the sun was slowly going down. But we had a good time. Sunday we had to miss church, b/c we met a friend of mine from college who is doing some photography on the side. We went to a cool shopping center that had some great vinettes and then headed over to historic Buford where there was a pumpkin patch and then lots of cool structural shots. We also had some pics taken on the railroad tracks. Then we headed to the Bona Allen Mansion for some pics as well. I think Lindsey took approximately 200+ photos in a little over an hour. I can't wait to see the pictures! Then we went back to her house where we met up with her husband and son (Matt & Max). We went to Taco Mac's where we had dinner and caught up with each others lives. It was loads of fun. Then we said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways. Matt and I went down to Discover Mills Mall where he had to go to the Bass Pro Shop so that he could get some stuff for his upcoming Canada trip. He will be leaving in two weeks. All in all we had a good time. But on a different note, do you ever have one of those moments when someone says something that causes you to rethink everything you thought was an absolute to begin with? Well I've had one of those moments and it is really getting on my nerves. Because I hate to think that I've been wrong about something especially when I was so sure of it! I am frustrated and irritated and feel like I'm a loser. I konw that I not, but still...I feel like I've been blindsided and been hit with a rock that I should have seen coming.

UPDATED Sale List

** EDIT - ALL ITEMS HAVE SOLD **
I went through more of my Southern Living at Home items last night. SALE ITEMS: **SOLD**Tole Painted Pots (Green Pot only) $6.00 Tole painting is a charming style of decorative painting on metal that became popular in New England in the 18th century. Each of these hand-painted square metal pots feature a tole design in a contrasting color. Retail Price: $44.95 for a set of three

**SOLD**Gallery Collection Pacific Accent Plates $12.00

Brighten your table with these upbeat, sky blue accent plates. With traditional Gallery Collection details and a contemporary square shape, they are beautiful alone or in combination with the white-wear. A light brown rub highlights the detailing for added dimension. Retail price: $24.95 for a set of two

**SOLD**Harrison Plate Rack $15 each Southern Living at Home's plate rack is a well made rack from the Estate Iron Collection. This is a very versatile piece. It measures 9x32 and can display two large and small plates (I've also used it to hold picture frames.) I have 3 of these new and in the box. Retail Price: $34.95 each. **SOLD**Hospitality Collection Sage Casserole w/ Caddy $35.00 This 1½ quart casserole dish has a loose-fitting domed lid that keeps food warm while allowing ventilation. It's specially designed Red Mountain Iron Caddy allows you to serve hot meals right at the table. [Pictures above show the color of the casserole dish (top) and how it looks inside the caddy (below.)]Retail Price: $79.95

 **SOLD**Red Mountain Two Tiered Stand $10.00 Take your favorite serving pieces to new heights with this rectangular stand. Accommodates the Dress-Me-Up Platter, Somerset Tray, Christmas Memories Platter, Tuscan Appetizer Tray, Cinnabar Appetizer Tray and the Mt. Vernon Pine Sprig Tray. Retail Price: $32.95 **SOLD**Mt. Vernon Pine Sprig Tray $ 10.00

This beautiful tray features a pressed pine sprig in the center. Perfect for serving or for hanging on the wall as a display. Fits perfectly on the Red Mtn Two Tiered Stand. Retail Price: $24.95

**SOLD**Astoria Collection Cookbook Easel $20.00 Decorating your kitchen isn't just about counter tops and cabinets – don't forget the details! Perfect for when you need an extra hand in the kitchen, this easel has a removable acrylic shield that keeps cookbooks clean and open for quick reference. It also features an expandable base which will accommodates even the thickest cookbooks. Original price $44.95  **SOLD**Central Park Plaques $12.00 (set of 3) Inspired by elegant stone shields in New York's Central Park, thus the name. These plaques will bring a special touch to any décor. Hang them as a collection or display them separately. Lightly rubbed with umber to show the rich detail, each has a hanger and is backed with felt. These are for indoor use only. The plaques are 6” in diameter and 3/4” thick. Retail Price: $9.95 each **SOLD**Ltd Edition Studio Pottery Candle Holders $6.00 (set of 2) This is just for the base of this bowl (the green part). These are beautiful hand painted and signed candle holders. They are made to display the SLAH bowls to add height as seen above, but can also be used as a tapered candleholder. Retail Price: $15.95 each. (These originally sold as individual pieces, but I am selling them as a set of 2.) I have 2 sets.

**SOLD**Alexandria Container $12.00 This is a beautiful container perfect for serving, entertaining or using as a unique centerpiece. It is a coppery hammered tin and would look wonderful with any decor. Retail Price: $27.95

Everything is on a FIRST COME ~ FIRST SERVE basis. I don't have boxes for most of the Southern Living at Home items, b/c they have been used in demonstrations, they are in great condition!

MORE ITEMS COMING SOON!

Budokon

A couple of the girls here at the office have been getting together after work and doing various workout DVDs. It has actualy been myself and one other person so far...but we are recruiting. Monday we done the Biggest Loser Workout and let me tell you...oh my gosh! My legs were jelly afterwards! It hurt so bad...mainly b/c we had to do like 500 lunges in each directions (both sides and front). Tuesday I could barely move. But that is good...I was stretching out those muscles and using them for once! ha! We skipped Tuesday b/c I had to be in Franklin. But yesterday we tried a new workout. Mainly b/c we couldn't stand to do the lunges again. It is called Budokon. It is a combination of yoga, martial arts, and meditation and lasts about an hour. I used to do pilates so I was cool with doing the yoga they are very similar. I stretched out muscles I didn't know I had, and by the time we were done, I had definitely worked up a sweat and I felt great. I wasn't sore or anything. It was a great feeling. All of us girls are bringing in our workout DVDs and we are picking what we want to do each day. I've got a medicine ball and resistance band dvd that is great, we've also got some TaeBo, Denise Austin workouts, and tons more, but it is cool b/c we've got a plethora to choose from, but at the same time, we can work out all the areas that need to be targeted, so it works out great. Then a couple of us are walking during out lunch hour, so we can normally get in 3 miles during that hour and still have time for a healthy lunch. Some ladies at my church (one a licensed dietician) have started a Healthy Living Program. There will be an inspirational devotion at each meeting, we'll get great tips on snacks, meals, and work outs, and we'll get a health screening of sorts from the dietician. There will be scheduled walking and workout sessions that we can attend if our schedules allow us to do so. Each meeting we are going to take up a collection. The collection will be split 50-50 between the person who meets their goal in the set time frame and the other half will go to a charity of our choice. We'll be getting healthy and giving back and getting a little inspiration from the Word of God. So cool! Overall, I believe that if I continue my WW, the office workouts after work, and take part in the Healthy Living Program....I should really get to my goal weight! Now...just say a prayer that I stay motivated!

Downsizing

I have deicided that I need to downsize my collection of Southern Living at Home products. I have WAYYY to much stuff and I have NO WHERE to use it or to display it. So it stays in the boxes in the garage waiting for my next party. Which I don't have a lot of those, so I figured what the heck, I'll just get rid of some of them. I've not had a chance to go through everything...but here is a sample of some of the items that I am selling along with a picture and a description. SALE ITEMS:

**SOLD**ole Painted Pots (Green Pot only) $6.00 Tole painting is a charming style of decorative painting on metal that became popular in New England in the 18th century. Each of these hand-painted square metal pots feature a tole design in a contrasting color. Retail Price: $44.95 for a set of three

**SOLD**Flower Market Door Bucket $15.00 You’ll fall in love with this multi-tonal metal door bucket! The moss bronze finish is compatible with any door color, and the bucket’s curved tulip shape makes it great for styling flowers with ease. Line with plastic when using with fresh flowers. Will weather over time if left outside. Retail Price: $37.95 **SOLD**Gallery Collection Pacific Accent Plates $12.00 Brighten your table with these upbeat, sky blue accent plates. With traditional Gallery Collection details and a contemporary square shape, they are beautiful alone or in combination with the white-wear. A light brown rub highlights the detailing for added dimension. Retail price: $24.95 for a set of two

**SOLD** Tribeca Glasses $12.00 The glasses feature a widened bowl and thick glass stem with a bubble in the base. Retail Price: $27.95 for a set of two. **SOLD** Large Virginia Hurricane $15.00 Great for fall and holiday decorating! This is item is now retired. It measures approximately 7" wide at the opening and 12" tall. Versatile item that will go great with any decorating ideas you may have. Retail Price: $37.95
**SOLD**SLAH Celebration Wreath $35.00 NEW & IN THE BOX! The Celebrations Wreath is a beautiful wreath in metallics of bronze, gold and silver. Made of various types of pine cones and ball ornaments. Hang the wreath inside above a mantel or on an armoire or on a covered outside door or window. Retail Price: $99.99

**SOLD**Black Decorative Shelves $6.00 NEW & IN THE BOX! Solid wood, 22 inch ledge. Ready for hanging, will hang flush to the wall. I bought these but haven't used them. I have three of these shelves, never been out of the box. Retail Price: $14.99 each. I bought them on sale for $6.00 each.

**SOLD**Martha Stewart Mirrored Urn Lamp Bases $6.00 each Beautiful contemporary lamp bases. Perfect for your living room or a bedroom. 6” maximum width, 16” tall, 3-way switch. I bought these but haven't used them. Retail Price: $19.99 each. I bought them on sale for $6.00 each. Everything is on a FIRST COME ~ FIRST SERVE basis. I don't have boxes for most of the Southern Living at Home items, b/c they have been used in demonstrations, they are in great condition! MORE ITEMS COMING SOON!

Suggestions appreciated....

As some may know, I'm having photos made this weekend. However, my coiff is a little out dated...and by that I mean...I've got some horrible root rot. But at the same time, I really don't want to spend a ton of money getting highlights put back in my hair. My questions are: 1) do I just suck it up and go get my hair done? or 2) do I go to walmart and purchase a hair color there and dye my hair back to its natural color? or 3) leave it as is b/c hopefully the root rot won't show as well with my hair curled?

October 21, 2008

It has been a LOOOOOONNNNNGGGG time since I’ve posted and I apologize, life has really gotten the best of me lately. Sunday will be my 90th day here at the office…meaning that I am out of my probation period and will be eligible for FULL BENEFITS! And believe me..it has come at the right time! I’ve been sick for the last 3 weeks. Week 1: just the sinus headache and pressure, no drainage or anything. Week 2: mucous flood gates burst open and I do nothing but blow my nose and sneeze. Week 3: respiratory infection and bronchitis resulting in horrible nights of sleep and loss of voice. I’ve not been able to go to the doctor b/c I haven’t had insurance, so I am self medicating with OTC meds. Which are doing some good but not as good as a stout antibiotic would…o-well. I went to Carson Newman’s Homecoming over the weekend and I had a blast! It was super cold, but other than that it was great! I was able to see old friends and catch up with them. Definitely good times. This is going to be a crazy weekend, Saturday we’ve got the Pumpkin Fest in Franklin, Cullowhee Valley Fire Dept BBQ dinner, The Pumpkin Patch in Cullowhee, and a wedding in Maggie Valley. I don’t think we are going to be able to make it to everything, but we are going to try. Sunday we are going to have to miss church, which I really hate to do b/c I feel that the week is SOOO much longer when I don’t go to church on Sundays. Anyways, we are going to Buford, GA to meet a couple friends of mine from college, Matt & Lindsay. Lindsay is a photographer and I have scheduled a photo-shoot with her, check out some of her work here. Matt and I’ve never had our picture made “professionally” we’ve had candid snap shots but nothing of this calliber. I am so very excited. I know that they will be great!! We are going to use them as Christmas presents this year for our families. Next Friday is our Fall Festival at the church. I’m in charge of it, so next week will be full of preparing and getting ready for it. We’re going to have pizza, fingerfoods, relay games, a picture spot, prizes, treats, hayrides and tons more. I really think it will be great! I’m really excited about it! So the weightloss…yeah, I’ve not done that great at all espeically while I’ve been sick. I’ve not really had an appetite, but when I have, I’ve not done the greatest. I was hoping to be down more than what I am right now, but o-well….I’m down a total of 11.6 lbs which is good, but it shoudl be more…at least I think so. I’ve been at it for 2 months. One of the attorneys I work with and I have been doing various workouts afterwork in the basement. Right now we are doing the Biggest Loser Cardio Workout. Let me tell you…it definitely works your rump and legs! It has killed me. haha I’m walking around today like a little old woman. But I know in the long run it will be worth it. Plus I’m still walking as well. I know that the holiday season is not the best time to try and diet, but still…it shows self control and really, that is what dieting is really all about. I read a study that was done not long ago which said that people always believe they gain about 5-10 pounds during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays, but in acualtily, they only gain approximately 1-2 pounds. That makes me feel better…but still…I don’t want to gain anything! So I’m really going to be stepping up my game! WW hardcore for the next 2 months and we’ll see what I look like come Jan 1. :) I promise I will be better about my blogging experience.