Chic Talk

LeRoi, You Will Be Deeply Missed

2008-08-20T13:38:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesty of http://warehouse.davematthewsband.com/

[LeRoi Moore, Dave Matthews Band]

Please Visit Our New Website

2008-08-03T14:21:00.001-04:00

We have moved! Come visit our new website www.chicgalleria.com.

Go Click Crazy

2008-07-23T08:24:00.004-04:00

In the mood for some shopping? Looking for a special gift? Stop by My Chic Things Top 100 Sites List. I started this little list about a year ago and it has grown to over 260 members. Just yesterday, I had emails telling me 3 more people had joined. I let it reset every thirty days so everyone has a fair chance of being listed in the top 10.

If you aren't familiar with Top 100 Sites Lists, these are lists that sponsors join for free. The only rules are that they have to put the banner or URL code of that Top 100 Sites List on their website. It is a special code generated specifically for them. When people visit their website and click the special code, they are sent to that particular Top 100 Sites List. This is considered in IN vote for that site. Sites move up the list based on the number of IN votes they receive. The more people that click off their website to the Top 100 Site, the more IN votes for that sponsor. Clear as mud?

The reason you would want to visit my Top 100 Sites List is to see all the wonderful sponsors (remember I bragged about over 260) and visit their websites. You can go click crazy! It really is fun and you find so many new and different gift ideas. So if you happen to have a little free time, have a look!

[Top 100 Sites Lists]

Idols and Tickets To The Last Show

2008-07-22T00:09:00.000-04:00

I finally decided to purchase American Idols Live Tour tickets for my daughter and I. Now, I've taken my son to numerous concerts over the years including the Dave Matthews Band, The Police, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam and John Mayer. Obviously these were not tickets he had to twist my arm to buy! But, American Idol........well a little twisting had to be done.

My daughter is really looking forward to seeing Jason Castro. David Cook is my favorite. I give these kids so much credit. They are performing over 50 concerts, night after night, until mid-September. Tulsa is the last stop on the tour. At that point they will either perform with gusto because it is their last show or they will fall flat from pure exhaustion. I hope that they are having such a ball that the go out with a bang!

I promise a review after the September 13 show at Tulsa's new BOK Center. Right now I'm getting excited to see John Mayer in Dallas August 1st. I have tickets to the Dave Matthews Band in August too, but I'm letting my son have them. He's actually going to go without me. The nerve.

[American Idol]

Florist By Day, Jeweler By Night

2008-07-20T01:27:00.005-04:00

I have a new necklace! My friend Tammy McCain, owner of White Iris Designs, made it for me. This extremely talented jeweler is also a gifted floral designer. I can only dream of a dozen exotic purple dendrobium orchids showing up at my door. These are just awe inspiring!

Tammy is always creating something new. When she isn't working on wedding reception floral arrangements or designing a vase of beauties, Tammy is working with beads and other materials to create stunning pieces of jewelry.

My necklace is the first in a series of the Vintage Button Collection. A Vintage button plays as a backdrop to charms of copper beads, melon colored gemstone beads & a lovely little lampwork bead. This necklace is designed on a natural colored leather cord with a copper toggle closure.

Tammy's flower shop is located in Delphi, Indiana, but you can visit her at her blog White Iris Designs Blog. View photos of her gorgeous flowers and jewelry. Her boutique website is opening soon. You will wonder if she ever rests!

[White Iris Designs]

BCBGMAXAZRIA Is Tops In My Wardrobe

2008-07-20T00:59:00.005-04:00

My jeans and my BCBGMAXAZRIA, what more could a woman ask for?

This lightweight silk-cotton jersey knit with satin puff sleeves is just the top I need to take me into fall. It's black, which I can wear any time of day. It's banned empire waist and V-neck are perfect for my body shape.

I have found that BCBGMAXAZRIA runs small, so I always buy a size larger. You will certainly enjoy the look and feel of these fabulous tops. Having a few in your closet always solves that "what do I wear" dilemma.
Shop Bluefly!

[BCBGMAXZRIA]

Stamp Some Style On Your Mail

2008-07-19T08:44:00.002-04:00

Still using the USPS to mail cards, letters and electric bills? What better way to show off your school spirit or sorority sisterhood!

These self-inking customs stamps accommodate up 60 characters around the center design and come with a standard black in cartridge. Don't want black? There are 9 other colors to choose from. With 10,000 to 14,000 impressions per cartridge, you can jazz up your mail for years.

Customize a stamp for yourself or as a gift. You can find many stamping possibilities at A Gracious Plenty.

[stamps]

Delicious Paper Hor d'Oeuvres

2008-07-18T23:19:00.003-04:00

My friend Paulette Kinney, owner of Pink Paris Papiere, is an incredibly gifted artist. I have always been mesmerized by her gorgeous creations. Her hand printed cards deserve to be in frames because they are truly works of art.

I recently visited her Etsy store, sweetly entitled Paper Nosh Printed Paper Luxuries. Her royal designs encompass crowns, chandeliers and French brocades. It was as if I was instantly thrown back in time to the opulent life of Marie Antoinette and her rival Madame DuBarry. Her cards shimmer with German glass glitter and the envelopes are lined with exquisite detail. My personal favorites are the Chocolate and Pink crown as well as Marie Antoinette "Let Them Eat Cupcakes".

Take a minute to stroll through the Dances at Versailles, French romance and crowns fit for a queen. You'll find it hard to decide which cards to purchase because, I promise, you will want them all.

You can find Paulette's designs at La Pink Paperie, Paper Nosh, Pink Paris Papiere, and Zazzle.

She also owns and operates Chez Paulette's French Market.

[French][Marie Antoinette][Paper Nosh][Crowns]

Cottage Farm Soap

2008-07-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

Cottage Farm Soap - Made with 100% vegetable and seed oils such as olive oil, sesame seed, soybean, coconut and apricot. Infused with premium oils like jojoba, wheat germ, rose hip and calendula. These oils are used for their soothing healing properties.

Choose your Soap

Baby Don't Cry - Softens tender sensitive skin. Lightly scented with lavender & jojoba infused with chamomile and shea butter for extra nourishment.

Plain Jane - Vanilla soap is relaxing and calming. Made with Peru Balsam essential oils and Dragon's Blood - both know for their healing properties.

Sow your Oats - Oatmeal soap is mild and exfoliating for all skin types. Contains apricot & wheat germ oils, high in vitamins E & C. Unscented

Rise & Shine - Peppermint soap is a great body soap for waking up the senses and

soothing for tired feet. Minty peppermint and healing tea tree essential oils.

Available at the Pink Pig.

[spa][soap]

Reversible Is So Practical

2008-07-17T10:19:00.003-04:00

These beautiful Denise Tjarks handbags are one-of-a-kind treasures. Handmade in Hawaii

This stunning vintage fabric circa 1960 will make any outfit a knock out!

Need something more subtle? This purse is reversible!
bamboo handles
reverses to a green polka dot print
made from a vintage Hawaiian mu' umu' u
measures 13"w x 9"h
reverses to a light-hearted light green polka dot
$64.00

I love this mod black and brown aloha print, reverses to a black and white polka dot...Denise

This purse is reversible! 15"w x 1"h 18" handles

$45.00
This is an amazing color combination.

This Tahiti 18"w x 12"h 19" shoulder strap three pockets for your important stuff. This bag is a great size!

Reversible to black with white polka dots.

all cotton, washable
a roomy hobo style with an oval bottom, pockets inside and one outside for your cell phone.

The shoulder strap is 19" long. It has a tie closure
This Tahiti is done in a black with pink, brown, yellow and green flower aloha print...so chic and fun.
$64.00

See these and other Denise Tjarks handbags at MyChicThings.com.

[handbags][Hawaii]

"My" Must Have Jacket

2008-07-16T10:33:00.003-04:00

I currently have developed an obsession for this Galynda Jacket at Chicos. I tried it on (twice) and we bonded. I wasn't even really looking for anything when I went in the store. Just browsing with my mom. This jacket was actually not out in plain sight. I was shoved on a back rack with some other brown items. I seriously think I heard it calling my name....

Here is the description from the website: Crinkled fabric gives it a laid-back look, metallic yarns lend a glamorous shimmer. Finished with flirty ruffled cuffs and curved seams for shaping. Fully lined. Imported. 94% Cotton, 6% Metallic.
Machine wash.

Here is the description from me: I need this jacket because it will go with everything I own! I think I need buy this jacket now before I drive myself crazy.

Colorful Prints. Chic Jackets. The World-Famous Travelers™ Collection. And More. Now at Chicos.com.

[shopping]

Marilyn Monroe Wine Box

2008-07-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

Marilyn Monroe Wine Box

Not only is this the perfect conversation piece, but it's also the perfect gift! What woman wouldn't love this fabulous wine box with pictures of the legendary actress, Marilyn Monroe? A leather bound wine box with metal handle and enclosure features a picture on each side of Marilyn Monroe. $28.00 at the Pink Pig.

[marilyn monroe]

Forget Bad Hair Days!

2008-07-15T00:41:00.001-04:00

Madcapz are flattering, fun to wear and feminine. Smart and statement-making. The Madcapz woman will turn heads on the golf course, tennis court, beach, pool, walking path – even at the mall! Madcapz are colorful, patterned caps that are fashionably sporty and terrific for those bad hair days!

100% cotton and made in the USA!

Sizing

Madcapz are made with an adjustable strap. The cap fits sizes 6 3/4 inches to 7 1/2 inches. The bill on the cap is 2 3/4 inches long.

Reg. $19.50 SALE $13.00 at www.MyChicThings.com

[hats]

Marilyn Loves Chanel

2008-07-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

Marilyn Loves Chanel

Even years after her death, Marilyn Monroe is still one of the greatest legends of the twentieth century. Here in large ad for Chanel...this black and white photo measures 36 3/4 x 25 framed in a black lacquered frame. $95.00 at the Pink Pig.

[marilyn monroe]

SALE Items to Snap Up

2008-07-12T12:05:00.000-04:00

Lemonade Soapsicle reg. $7.00 sale $5.00
Moroccan Love Bath Salts reg $12.50
sale $6.75
Cool As A Cucumber Eye Gel reg $9.95 sale $4.75

SALE Items to Snap Up

2008-07-11T19:20:00.005-04:00

Pink Pearl Bracelet reg. $9.50 sale $4.25

Velluca Silk Scarf reg. $42.00 sale $21.00

Chic Paris Wall Decor

2008-07-11T00:01:00.003-04:00

I found two must have items for your chic French decor. You can hang this glass framed print in a window. How unique is that? I love the idea of the magnet board. It has much more style than the old white magnet board I have up in the laundry room. I have to order both of these!

By Hardenbrook Studio - Reminiscent of 19th century glass negatives, this reverse painted printed glass is framed in a black wooden 8x10 frame. This can be hung in front of a window or on a wall. $40.00 at the Pink Pig. This print has SOLD.

By Hardenbrook Studio-This chic Paris Magnet Board measures 8x10 and is hung with a pretty black & white ribbon. Includes (2) magnets. $38.00 at the Pink Pig.

My Road Trip of Life

2008-07-10T08:03:00.000-04:00

The Road Trip of Your Life

You see life as precious and special. Heritage and family are very important to you.

You often find yourself rushing through life. You don't take as much time as you'd like to enjoy the little things.

You don't like a lot of risk or randomness in your life. You prefer to stick with what's known, even if it's a bit boring.

You tend to be a workaholic. You overwork yourself without ever realizing it and sometimes suffer the consequences later.

In another life, you could have been a great artist. You trust your creative instincts enough to let them lead you.

The Road Trip Test

The Miracle Cure For Dry Skin

2008-07-10T07:05:00.002-04:00

I have horribly dry skin. I've read all the magazines that tell you not to take hot showers, but tepid water just doesn't do it for me. I've tried putting lotion on after I get out of the shower, but it leaves me with a sticky, goopy feeling. I've looked for products to use in the shower, but I still look like a lizard.I have been selling Voda soap at My Chic Things for over a year and it has quite a loyal following! It's all about the heavy oil base in the soaps, some called it a miracle cure and others said they couldn't live without it. One person wrote to me and said that she cut it up into smaller pieces (about 6 slices out of each bar)- She ordered a box of 4 soaps so it was easy to cut them up and store them in the box, that way she could use one small piece for about 2 showers and change to another one when she felt like it without any of the bars drying up or melting away sitting in water by the shower. How smart is that? My problem is making up my mind which soap fits my mood for the day.
Voda soaps at MyChicThings.com.

Cottage Toile Bench

2008-07-08T00:02:00.001-04:00

This Item Has SOLD

Looking for just that perfect little bench? I found this darling antique piece with a new look. Painted a crisp shade of white and finished with a black and white toile fabric. Pretty demi lune bench makes a great accent piece for your bedroom.

$85.00 at the Pink Pig.

Christmas in July SALE Ideas

2008-07-07T17:20:00.003-04:00

Christmas in July SALE

OK, I admit that I love to shop early for Christmas. I buy things for friends and family when I see them and not wait until the week before Christmas to shop. Here are some of my top suggestions for your early shopping needs.

Velvet scarf available in Sapphire Blue, Hunter Green,

Orange, Soft Pink and Purple. Reg. $32.00 SALE $18.00

A trio of gold bracelets with crystals.

Reg. $16.50 SALE $10.00

Brass and Swarovski crystal Wings of Cherish necklace.

Reg. $42.40 SALE $17.50

Voda soap bar in Neptune, Patchoulikind,

Neptune, Ghassoul, Meggie and

Medicine Woman. Reg. $5.00 SALE $2.75

And so much more!

Striving To Be The Best Blog

2008-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

I hate to think how many hours I have spent on this computer in the last year doing marketing and networking. I've joined numerous blogging communities like Bloglog, Blogcatalog and Bumpzee. I participate in a few ning networks and join Top 100 Sites Lists. I drop my card on Entrecard and I advertise on Project Wonderful. I spend time leaving comments on other blogs and giving thumbs up on Stumbleupon. Am I shouting into a crowd?

Sometimes I'm extremely overwhelmed by how many bloggers there are. My main goals are catching people's attention, presenting blog posts that are attractive and keeping readers coming back.

Are you a regular reader, a fantastic comment leaver, an Entrecard dropper or just stumbling? What would you like to see here at Chic Things Galleria? Whatever the reason....thank you for visiting! It makes my time spent on this computer worth it.

Prairie Cotton Style

2008-07-05T18:35:00.003-04:00

Contemporary style gets an infusion of country, as Prairie Cotton’s designs give a nod to simpler times. A lovely skirt with a single ruffle flounce and floral paisley evokes vintage romance, interpreted in a rich palette for a distinctive fusion of old and new.

Smart basics like tanks and tees crafted in lovely seasonal palettes make versatile foundation pieces for any ensemble, while intricate prints lend a sophisticated sensibility to clean, understated designs.

shop Prairie Cotton at myShape

Fresh Squeezed Soap

2008-07-05T00:40:00.003-04:00

Vegan

A very gentle exfoliating soap with a delicious, energetic citrus fragrance. Citrus oils including Tangerine essential oil, sweet orange, grapefruit, and mandarin are added for their mild astringent qualities and to gently remove dead skin cells. We also include orange peel for a bit of exfoliation. Makes a great wake-me-up for the morning shower.

Size: 5 ounces
$5.50 each at MyChicThings.com

Kiyomi Tank & Pant Set - Versace Print

2008-07-03T09:37:00.002-04:00

As seen in O Magazine....This PJ Loungewear by Kiyomi features a lace edge tank top in pink with a Versace print flutter print with matching trim. Available in S, M, L Hard to find! 100% cotton and Oh so soft. You can find it at the Pink Pig. $95.00 a set.