That was the sound of a brand new Etsy shop, opening it’s virtual doors!

My BIFF, Nicci, of the blog Changing the Universe now has an Etsy shop with the exact same name (Changing the Universe Shop)!! And, ahem, I might even add I had something to do with her tag line.  That might be why she sent me my very own set of coasters.  That or she’s buttering me up for when we finally meet at BlogHer ’12…

Fabric Coasters, Hot Pink Safari -- Set of 4

Fabric Coasters, Coming Home (Set of 6)

Throw Pillow Cover 14x14 -- Purple Leaves

Want your own set of coasters or pillow covers?  Use code “CROWNDVIC” for 10% off your order!!

Or enter to win a set of coasters of your choice, here!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

While Nicci is one of my favorite people in the continental United States, I judge her hard work and sewing skills with a keen eye.  My opinions are honest and valid.  Her free stuff did not color my thoughts in any way. And now you should go buy her products.

But sometimes Tuesday, disguised as a Monday, can be tricky!!

Alas, some things lately which make me smile:

• Leg warmers.

Yes really.   LOVE them under my boots.

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• Nail polish galore!

Lately I became obsessed with painting my own nails (as opposed to going to the salon to have shellac done = $$$).  And as a result, I purchased quite a few new colors.  I question how much money I’m saving… but still…

Julep Maven Club — Are you familiar with this once a month nail polish awesomeness program??

Julep is another monthly subscription service (similar to shoe clubs and Birchbox), only for nail care products. You take the quiz to determine your “Maven Style”, then continue to sign up and buy your box! (Or not.) The great thing is that you can even do that from month to month! You’re never locked in to one particular style, so you can always choose the box/style that you like best, or opt out.
Every box comes with at least 2 polishes and a full-size hand/nail/body care item.
Other great things about Julep? $1 from every polish sold goes to support an organization for women!  Additionally, Julep produces 4-free polishes (no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, or camphor = nasties!) so it’s even safe for little ones and pregnant women! And you! And the environment!

(PEEEE ESSSS: I got a code in the mail for half off your first box as a Maven Julep = $9.99! contact me, crowndvic at gmail dot com, for deets)

A few of my Julep recent-favs: Anne, Meryl, & Whitney.

And Zoya.  I luff their polishes too! (pictured: Ibiza & Kristen)

What are some of your favorites (not restricted to nail polish or fashion faux pas)?

It’s been one of those weeks.

You know what I’m talking about.

“Challenging” barely scrapes the surface describing the difficulties faced…

I’m not going into it, though.

My personal trainer, who seems to be training more than just my muscles, asked if I knew about the Four Agreements.

As my mind started turning, I came up with nothing.

Four Agreements?  Four apostles? Four vodkas?  Geeze, what?!

She explained…

The Four Agreements to Practical Personal Freedom were written as a guide to furthering yourself in the workplace, with friendships, in life and overall:

1) “Be impeccable with your word”

• My take: I know myself.  I talk about others’ goings on…  I’m being honest, here. I don’t always speak kindly, but I’m simply working through things.  I’m talking through things, about things, about others…and trying to not gossip…But what fun is that? Oh, right… it’s hurtful. and it hurts me, too.

2) “Don’t take anything personally”

• ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!  That hypothetical interview question, about your biggest flaw in the workplace?  Mine is always that I CARE TOO MUCH!  I care to a fault. I take everything to heart.  When working with children this is beautiful, and also a huge burden.  How can I not take what I do, personally? Isn’t that the point? Why do anything if you don’t back it, personally?  But I see the message.  I get the meaning.  If only… if only…
  

3)  “Don’t make assumptions”

• I know what she’s thinking…. Because I did ___ they probably think____ …. She’s acting from this POV since she thinks I did ____ …. She wants to do ___ because I did ____ …. He’s feeling ___ because I ____ … She’s mad because I ____…They don’t understand I ____ ….She didn’t have time to___ so now I have to ___ … She doesn’t appreciate me… They don’t get where I’m coming from… They don’t like me…They don’t have time for me… Why do I put others before me…

 4) “Always do your best”

• THIS.  My parents told me this since the day I started fending for myself.  I put my best foot forward. I honestly can say I don’t stop until my best is done.  My work is my life. My friendships are my blood. My love is my all.  My life is everything I have to give.  Because if something is not your best? it’s not worth doing.  I don’t do anything half-assed.  Anything worth doing is worth doing well – TEN fold.

If you can say 1) Your word is impeccable, 2) You don’t take it personally, 3)You don’t make assumptions, and 4) You’ve done your best  — THEN all is ok.  Everything is worth it.

There is nothing more to do if you can agree to those four items.

Because at the end of the day, if those four agreements are covered?

You’re golden.

I looked back on this week of challenges (*Valentine’s Day aside*). I might not be able to say “yes” to the four agreements, but I will be able to in the future — because they are worth remembering and worth living to help me strive for a better tomorrow.

My word. My self. My understanding. My best.

Which of those is the hardest for you??

(For me: not taking it personally!!)

Fabulous, right?

On Dec 26 you wake up and get ready to hit up your first full day of sight seeing.  Your sister insists on straightening your hair for cute pictures. And having you change your outfit a little bit.   Having slept on your neck wrong (in a bed that is not your own) you perfect the art of asking every pharmacia for a “pad of heat” to no avail.  If only your mom and sister would stop rushing you along!

What’s so great about the Spanish Steps anyways? You’ll see them again later on a tour…

Jet lag plays tricks with your head as you spot a guy wearing your  boyfriend’s scarf, and looking exactly like him, and walking like him, over to you, carrying a bouquet.

A wave of surprise hits as he drops to one knee in front of you.

The boyfriend flew, overseas, and proposed! in Italy! and only his mom and your sister knew!

Sounds like a great story, right?

And it’s a wonderful reality for my friends Kathryn & Eric.  Thanks to both of them for letting me share their story and their love! I am thrilled to celebrate the next chapter of their lives with them!!!

As of lately, I have a few things to share!

Ever buy $25 worth of products (which you probably would buy soon or later, anyways) just to take advantage of getting 14 free samples from Sephora? No? just me?

Well, one of those 14 samples ended up being Boscia’s B. B.(Blemish Balm) Cream.

This stuff? is amahzing!  It’s an oil-free, gentle (no chemical preservatives), pore diminishing, fine line fading and skin tone evening cream.  Imperfections? gone.  And! it comes in a light tint which adjusts to your skin color creating a flawless coverage. Super plus: SPF 27 & PA++.

I replaced my foundation with Boscia’s B.B. Cream.  and this post wasn’t even sponsored by anyone. I seriously love this stuff.  seriously tickled.  and getting those 14 samples honestly did their job. I went back and bought more.

Polyvore.

Dude. this site?  totally addicting and fun.  On it? find me!

“Polyvore is the web’s largest community of tastemakers where people can discover their style and set trends around the world. Trendseekers and shoppers alike come to Polyvore to discover the hottest brands, products, trends and looks.

Polyvore’s easy-to-use virtual styling tool lets you mix and match products from any online store to create fashion collections called ‘sets’.”

If you’re on Pinterest then you’ve seen a few (a ton) of these ‘sets’ go by.

Here are a few I created recently:

Which brings me to my crockpot.

This darling piece of kitchenware saved me yesterday, as I went home sick from work and didn’t lift a finger to cook dinner.  Smart “Sunday-Vicki” prepared Monday’s meal and boom.  dinner ready after a 3 hour nap.

You can find my collection of slow cooker (and other) recipes here on Pinterest.

So, what’s tickled your fancy, lately?!

Dear Universe,

I’m putting this out there, for you to hear, loud and clear:

I’m ready.  Bring it.  Do your thing.

I feel I deserve this, and it’s time. I paid my dues, I ran your obstacle course. I did my due-diligence and minded my time.  I respected and heeded your warnings & signals. So let’s take things to the next level.

Let’s do this.

Universe, do you hear me?

I’m thinking positive thoughts. I’m telling you my desires.  I’m screaming it as loudly as I can without saying too much to the public world.

Mike and I? We’d rock this gig SO hardcore.

Moving forward, I’m living my life like I own this thing.  Because I do, obvs.

And the next step into the future will be a sunny, amazing adventure.

Universe, you are going to make this happen.  And you will not be sorry.

Much love and positive energy,

Vicki

Dear readers, No, we are not talking about expanding our family.

But – what do you want the universe to hear from you?  Name your next step.

Add your wishes to this verbal vision board!

It’s that time again in Scentsy land, where the Fall/Winter catalog prices reduce by 10%*and we say goodbye forever to certain scents!  Be sure to scroll down for two major brand announcements!!!

The following scents will stay around for February only (+10% off!), so be sure to stock up:

Autumn Stroll   *   Autumn Sunset  *  Black Ruby *  Central Park Pralines *  Christmas Cottage  *  Cinnamon Bear  * Cinnamon Vanilla  *  Clove and Cinnamon *  Cocoa Clementine *  Comfort and Joy * Cozy Fireside * Embers * Eskimo Kiss * Festival of Trees * Flutter *   Honey Pear Cider * Pima Cotton  *  Pumpkin Marshmallow  * Pumpkin Roll  *   Sentimental Cider  * Shades of Green  *  Silver Bells  * Snowberry  * Spice Bazaar * Whiteout

Starting March 1, we can look forward to the return of some of our favorite spring scents, along with some newbies!

• Spring/Summer: Cherry Limeade; Honey Do; Jumping Jelly Bean; Lilacs & Violets; Lonicera; Lush Gardenia; Mums/Marigolds; Red Candy Apple; Simply Strawberry; Sugar; Surfer Chic; Beach; Tingelo; 2 Harbors; Tazu Dragon.
• New in Romance: R U N2 Me
• New in Corner Cafe: Lemon Coconut Chiffon
• New in Man: Zeppelin
• New in Spa: Awakening; Enliven.

ALSO ALSO ALSO! (can you tell I’m excited?)

Beginning March 1, Scentsy’s TWO new lines become available:

1.  Layers – personal care products like Shower Gel, Shower Cream, Body Lotion, Body Butter, Hand Cream, Body Spray, Solid Perfume, AND laundry products like: Dryer Disks and Washer Wiffs!

• Layers products available in the following scents: Coconut Lemongrass, Luna (!), Quiver, Love Story, Enchanted Mist, and Sugar Cookie & run $6 (USD) / $7 (CAD) for Hand Cream to $18 (USD) / $21 (CAD) for Solid Perfume. Laundry care product pricing is being finalized.

2.  Sincerly Scent – customizable, scented greeting cards purchased and mailed through an on-line store. Each card comes with a Scent Spot, a quarter-sized, scented wafer infused with one of 15 fragrances from Scentsy’s Favorites Collection. Cards are priced at $2.85 each ($3.82 CAD) including postage.

So go and stock up before our fall/winter line disappears with the weather.  And be sure to check back again on March 1 for the Spring/Summer 2012 line, Layers, and Sincerly Scent!!

*with the following exceptions which are not on sale: Licensed products (Campus Collection, Charitable Cause Buddy, and Patriot Collection Warmers), Close-Out products,  February Scent of the Month – Pixie, and Warmer of the Month – Flutterby, as well as Combine & Save warmer sets.

However, even though Mike owns a dress and a wig, he refuses to indulge me and make a “Shit My Wife/Vicki Says” video.   I also lack the ability to film and act in my own video. That ruined my own chance of making a video.

Instead I bring you a list of Shit My Husband Says.*

*I love my husband very much. This was created with love and humor and with no meaning to do harm.  Just for funsies.  And he’ll probably want to do one back at me, which I accept and welcome!

(and I hope you will comment with some of your hubby’s isms, too!)

• I need a nosh.
• There’s no good games on TV right now.
• “Oh Bagel, doo doo doo” (<–There’s a song about bagels?!)
• Grab me a beer?
• I need to do my reading for class, first.
• I guess I’ll take the dog for a walk.
• At least someone takes care of the dog.
• Is it really my day to empty the litterbox?
• Etsy will survive without you.
• Why can’t we sit after dinner? Why must we clean right away?
• That’s dirty?
• Oh, the Mets!
• Damn the Packers!
• Really, Mets? Really?!
• Your face is ________ (a retort to whatever I just said)
• This level is so hard to beat.
• [Random yelling at the TV]
• How can you go to sleep before 1:30?
• I hate mornings.
• At least the dog likes to cuddle.
• Why is there Scentsy everywhere?
• Bathroom time! (Why do men announce this?!)
• Son of a motherless &@$%!
• That’s what you get for making me put away the laundry.
• You’re tired? Really?
• Turn it up!
• Does this match?
• You’re just jealous of my style.
• Shuttupa your face!
• The Mets are doomed.
• I just got killed [in this video game] because you were talking to me.
• Ew, vodka?
• Tequilla tastes like old socks.
• You spent how much?

Hrm, when I think about it – most of these things are about me! huh!

Does your husband have any tag lines?

TODAY IS NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY!!!!!!!!

Some smart woman somewhere did a very good thing by making today happen.

If you ever find yourself at a bar with me, about an hour or so after we arrive, you will hear some version of these words: “I could really go for some chocolate cake right now.” (and after years of saying this, I do know which DC bars serve beer and cake)

I love chocolate cake.

• I love chocolate so much that the top tier of our wedding cake (currently in our freezer – talk about self control) is a death by chocolate, chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream icing.

• I love chocolate cake so much I made a personalized serving in the microwave the other night.

• I love chocolate cake so much that I rushed to write this post minutes after my friend notified me of today’s significance.

I apologize for not getting the word out sooner.  With proper notice I might stuff my face with chocolate cupcakes for breakfast.  A good ol’ fashioned chocolate cake might have graced our teacher’s lounge.  But of course, some chocolate truffle cake will on the plate for after dinner.

I always need a good excuse to have me some chocolate cake for dessert.

So what are you waiting for?

Go now. Stuff thy faces.

For today? Is National Chocolate Cake Day!*

Changing the world, one slice of chocolate cake at a time.

(Please leave links to any awesome chocolate cake recipes in the comments, to celebrate!)

*feel free to do the same on 1/28 if you missed the cake festivities on 1/27. and the same for 1/29. ah heck we all need more chocolate cake in our lives.