tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:10:02 +0000swapsSundancepreppypreppy giftsyard salesnewsbookspreppy sportsGiftsrainy daysmuffy martiniSnapshot Sundayfitz and frannieshoppingMembershipjcarolinepearl jewelrymean peopleThe Pink PalmhostingexaminereventsParty Crasherstime managementDiggsstudioSwapADDCrabtree and EvelynfundraisersReal Simplerecipe wednesdaySephoraflip flopsmotivationsummerpreppy accessoriesTony RobbinsHalloweentrendyclassespajamasfinds on fridayrecipesoutdoor livingkidsgrowing uppaintparty decorQuotesGreen DayLilypreppy nicknamescocktail hourcelebrity baby namespreppy drinksschedulesdressholiday decorFriday FindsholidayTrendy Clothesoutdoor cookingmadrasrestuarant recipespromo codesGratitudejewelrytote bagsleisureikeaTory BurchWimbledonnail colorpreppy classicsfashion trendsMarinermagazinesNYXhouse guestsFashionself esteemKitchen ProjectdesignBrucegreeting cardsMartha Stewartswim suitsDr. DyerJilliancivilityLita Sea Glassmenus.DunedinDash and AlbertvintageFBpreppy dressappetizersMcDonaldschristmasDavid HicksSt Augustinecrate and barrelinspirationdecoratingCharlotte MossEtiquetteflowcluttermake upPink and Greenholiday weekendpumpkinsgasparillaClinton KellyNicholas Landon JewelryDominoLaw of Attractionnew yearnew blogsStoragemenuPen PalsPottery Barndesigner labelsartworkLaura AshelyelectionCookinggolfVera Bradleykeratinpreppy shoesLetter Writingmusicwaverlycotton rugsVictoriaJL Cookbookshooked rugsNapa StyleTigerprivatesiblingskitschHouse Beautifulinexpensive entertaininghighstreetmarketgiveawayBar CartsWalter Cronkiteawardshubert kellervolunteeringJack CanfieldBlog awardsreading listcoffeecareergirls bedroomvolunteerismteaentertainingwritinghobbiesReadingjournalshomemakingoutdoor roomsTown Toileskids partiesHeadbandstablescapeslightinglosscocktail partiesthanksgivingpolyvorepenn fosterSundaysFranceprojectshome officecute shoesBBQeggscandlesPreppy PrincessCorn HoletravelLillypreppy fashionKenwood InnKitchen StoragefabricRandom thoughtsfashion industrybakingsportsoffice emergency kitJunior LeagueClaire Murraymy two centspyrexdresseschangescontestshrimppieparty planningpink and green Thursdayfresh pastachanging of the seasonsaccessoriesday tripssecuritystationarymodelsGoal Settingconsignment shopspreppy accessopreppy monogramsbullyingfurnitureEtsystyleFlowersKeratherapypot luck dinnersKitchen AdventuresChurchDIY projects.LL BeanLOAdelinquentsNew EnglandSuccesscold and fluBlog Conferencesindoor funNFLcapitalismPartiesorganizationFamilyMaine CottageThe SecretbeachTyler Candlespreppy shopsenvironmentEmily PostHome Depothealth and beautyMakeover MondayDesignlushstyle networkArt HarvestAchievement10 thingsJimmyBuffetweekend planscelebritiesinterview dressingmilkglassfootballjewelry designbloggy friendsspray paintfriendsEthan Allensummer readinginterior decoratingpunk musicOutreachorganziationColin CowievacationcupcakesYellowstonepreppy lifestylegoalshostess giftspreppy mafiaArtvalentines dayToss Designskate spadeKitchen decorfrench pressself confidencefloridadreamstagsOPSocial ClimbersKeyshawn Johnsonjob searchplay dateshome decorMonday MusingsRed SoxGBSroyal weddingmissing pieceMainellbeannew habitsravioliFallDinner Guestshttp://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Wendy)Blogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-310651929647691451Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:34:00 +00002012-01-23T07:47:09.856-08:00home decorDecorating is a passion of mine, yet I doubt a lot of my skills. Thank goodness there are plenty of professional resources out there. When I get a thought I generally Google it to see if anyone else may have had the same thought. It provides me with a bit of relief.  So after Christmas I was considering a new look for my mantle and went to Google to see what that the "rules" were.  I stumbled http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/trick-to-dressing-mantle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-3391091112942663781Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:32:00 +00002012-01-19T09:27:23.758-08:00Fashionmodelsfashion industryfashion trendsBeing a 6 was the ideal at one time. Advertising even touted that, and now it's taboo?   Twenty years ago I weighed 106 pounds and wore a size 6.  I'll admit I had a small waist at 26 inches. Today that waist qualifies as a size 2. It's no wonder then that as I have gotten older and, well, gained some weight, my sizing hasn't changed that much. Of course that does provide a bit of a http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/todays-plus-size-is-yesterdays-average.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-3057884857172320343Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +00002012-01-15T08:16:31.156-08:00bloggy friends Stevie over at  Moore Babies tagged me to participate in the blogger game: Tag! You're It! The Rules:  1. You must post the rules.  2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.  4.Tag eleven people and link them on your post  5. Let them know you've http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/tag.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-5493111357214314618Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:28:00 +00002012-01-09T17:33:32.195-08:00inspirationcareerI am guilty of being my own worst obstacle sometimes.  This year I am getting out of my way and letting myself soar. This has become my daily mantra. KFC found a great job opportunity for me to apply to and said that the company paid well. I consistently doubt I will make more than x, but he said "Once you break through you may make more than you think." That inspired me to pull up the video http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/dose-of-inspiration.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-4731453748160517758Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:08:00 +00002012-01-06T07:08:10.521-08:00accessoriesshoppingFriday FindsHappy Friday! I'm so glad the weekend is almost here. KFC went back to work Tuesday and with my Dad back home too, I have had the whole house to myself. It has been too quiet.  I've had time to read, write and job search.  Also tool around the internet looking for cool stuff, which brings me to this week's Friday Finds Every Christmas we order our new Franklin Covey planner refills. When mine http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/friday-finds-office-supplies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-5850424596984888790Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +00002012-01-05T05:33:06.213-08:00Pink and GreenvolunteerismRandom thoughtscareerWell, I was sidelined yesterday with a nasty headache.  But the day wasn't a total waste. I had picked up the book"You Beauty" by Dr. Oz the other day and began to read it.(there's a website that goes along with it) It starts with a quiz about how beautiful you think you are. It doesn't focus just on outward beauty but looks at self esteem, how you view yourself, and what you think you can http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/random-thoughts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-130155407049529861Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:35:00 +00002012-01-04T06:35:13.330-08:00dreamsgoalsGratitudechangesinspirationLaw of AttractionEver reflect on the year that has just passed only to realize that life happened but you have nothing to really show for it other it than another trip around the sun? For a lot people life does just happen, there's no plan, no purpose, no achievements, nothing new learned. It's like tossing the best thing you have by the wayside.  Human potential is amazing and we owe it to ourselves to tap into http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/21-day-plan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-8684163056405813506Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:23:00 +00002012-01-02T14:23:42.694-08:00GratitudeAchievementinspirationGoal SettingThousands of women put themselves last, consider themselves unworthy, and innately flawed. They forget to dream, believe they are undeserving of anything good and settle for less than the best. Well, "God Don't Make No Junk" and we ought to stop treating ourselves badly.  There is unlimited potential that can and ought to be tapped in all of us.  It is not a crime to empower ourselves to be the http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2012/01/say-good-bye-to-mediocrity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-1583321403117646174Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:33:00 +00002011-12-31T08:33:45.703-08:00holidayI am truly glad to be waving buh-bye to 2011. It's been a tough year for so many. We've seen a myriad of natural disasters, friends battling cancer, lost jobs, the passing of my grandmother, the rats, and we have not been without our personal challenges this year. The biggest hurdle has been my lost job (thanks to the rats), and the search for another in a bad economy.  It's been stressful on http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/buh-bye-2011hello-2012.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-6265490399793936677Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:09:00 +00002011-12-10T10:34:18.921-08:00FashionLillyOur chilly day didn't last long. We were back up into the 70's and 80's yesterday. These fluctuations make it hard to really dig into the Christmas Spirit.  No matter how long I've lived here I can't get used to the idea of the ability to go to the beach on Christmas. I am longing for cozy outfits, warm woolen throws and hot cocoa by the fireplace. Instead, I have flip flops, shorts and polos http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-chilly-day-didnt-last-long.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-5597354581118244161Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:14:00 +00002011-12-09T05:14:54.656-08:00Familyholiday decor simple and elegant The problem with Christmas in Florida is that it's generally warm. Being a New Englander at heart I prefer a bit of chill in the air this time of year.  Today I got my wish. It was in the 40's when we woke. Rather than turn on the heat, I started a fire in the fireplace. While I sat there enjoying the warmth I spotted the sun peaking through the window throwing some light http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/simple-and-elegant-with-bit-of-whimsy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-7340226738762382959Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:09:00 +00002011-12-07T15:20:31.441-08:00LOAGratitudeThis is the time of year when everyone is looking for help.  It just seems that more and more people come out of the woodwork hoping for a hand out.  From the Salvation Army to the food pantries and Children's Hospitals there is never a lack of ways to be charitable. K and I realize the importance of helping those less fortunate and we select our charities carefully.  We give to UPARC, http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/finding-blessing-when-least-expected.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-4267401928663793226Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:18:00 +00002011-12-06T07:18:47.997-08:00Law of AttractionWhy is it that some people seem to have a lot of good fortune, while others struggle just to get by? The argument could be made that the fortunate ones have a relationship with God, or the Universe and the others do not.  Well, that may not be entirely true.  Those struggling may have a negative outlook, view life as drudgery and find fault with almost everything. If one thinks negative thoughts http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/you-are-what-you-think.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-3984379158520915810Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:51:00 +00002011-12-06T10:03:39.149-08:00holiday decorchristmasHas it really been a month since my last post?  To say I have been busy, uninspired and distracted would be a bit of an understatement. November was fraught with hockey games, illness, injury and job searching. I am happy to say December is shaping up to be a much better month. My holiday decor is 90% up with a few little final touches to be done this week.  Here's a sneak peak of what I'm http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/sneak-peak-at-2011-holiday-decor.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-408009589467856133Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:01:00 +00002011-11-04T10:01:36.918-07:00I'm just popping in to say hi. I know I've been a bit absent the past few days, but it's not without good cause.  I've been preoccupied with reorganizing the house, closets, and my office. I'm overwhelmed with job searching, interviewing and studying, so this slice of my life has been a tad neglected. Hopefully I will pop in tomorrow and share the latest news, coolest finds and a few good recipeshttp://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/11/still-here.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-5213289868333881929Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:24:00 +00002011-10-23T14:24:10.987-07:00designer labelspreppy fashionI saw a tweet from Tory Burch that made me stop and think. She said, "Cheap, fake knock offs are costing our economy billions of dollars every year! The answer is to refrain from buying them!!!" I think she forgets about the concept of demand.  If designer prices didn't make owning originals out of reach for most consumers there would be no demand for the fakes.  I don't disagree with her; knock http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/keeping-up-with-jones-or-creating.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-1462463601453470468Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:33:00 +00002011-10-21T08:33:23.225-07:00Friday FindsentertainingThis week's Friday Finds explores unique accessories for your next cocktail party.  I have scoured the internets to bring you my favorites.  The concept of reduce reuse recyle comes to mind with adorable wine glass cheese boards. Of course they can be purchased on Esty at this creative shop.  The artist melted down glass bottles and flattened them out, then adorned the tops with beads to give it http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/friday-finds-entertaining-accessories.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-7178290609039802717Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:47:00 +00002011-10-12T06:47:56.554-07:00Dinner GuestsEmily PostEtiquetteAn interesting conversation has developed on twitter.  It began as a comment on what to do when guests are late for dinner.  I chimed in with a story about a friend who was two hours late for dinner at our house.  I was annoyed to say the least, but there wasn't much I could do. He called and said he'd be 15 minutes late and that he had an errand to run to for his dad.  Ok, well 15 minutes can http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/touch-of-gray-late-dinner-guest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-9070812615288275688Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:53:00 +00002011-10-12T04:53:35.137-07:00KeratherapygiveawayThree weeks after my Keratherapy treatment I am still happy with the results. It's not as sleek but my hair is much calmer even with a few waves. I have been able to keep it calmer with Keratherapy's aftercare products.  Their aftercare products are amazing. They are loaded with keratin and other natural nourishing ingredients. The leave in conditioner is great, it smooths out your waves even if http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/keratherapy-winners.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-1122983540413387972Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:31:00 +00002011-10-11T11:31:12.283-07:00Emily PostLetter WritingEtiquettePen PalsAre your letter writing skills a tad rusty?  Do you consider the art of letter writing lost?  Well, you aren't alone.  Many of us traditionalist mavens are grasping to keep it alive. Texting, e-mails and IMing have replaced the traditional approach of letter writing as away to communicate with friends and family in far off places.  It's become so easy to stay in touch with social media and our http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/resurrecting-lost-art-of-letter-writing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-1839869947560686030Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:06:00 +00002011-10-07T09:06:34.285-07:00giveawayfriendsNo Friday Finds today...... It's been a long week and I just didn't have the band width to search out a great new find.  The job search is in full swing and my mother was down for a bit. I'm excited because she made the curtains for the office for me!  I only wish I had her talent with a sewing machine. I'd show you a picture but the lighting is terrible and it won't do them any justice. We http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/long-week-glad-its-friday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-4575302768746428898Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:28:00 +00002011-10-05T15:09:56.861-07:00keratinKeratherapygiveaway A few weeks ago I attended Blogger Brilliance. One of the sponsors of the event was Keratherapy.  They raffled off two of their Advanced Renewal Systems treatments. Imagine my surprise when I was a lucky winner of one of them.   Now, I am probably about as low maintenance as they come. I only get a haircut when I go to the salon. I don’t have my hair professionally colored or indulge in http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/keratherapy-before-and-after.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-4162689268774706585Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:38:00 +00002011-10-01T13:38:03.791-07:00Kitchen AdventuresLast night I roasted Cornish Game Hens on sliced onion and had left overs today.  I decided to take the leftovers, including the onions, and make a chicken salad with chopped caramelized onion, celery, chopped up Cornish Hens and a bit of mayo, salt and pepper.  I've dubbed it "Cornish Salad" To go along with a delicious salad K made us a fabulous broccoli cheese soup. We served this meal up http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/10/kitchen-adventures-broccoli-cheese-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-1760838803150827836Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:58:00 +00002011-09-30T05:58:32.054-07:00GiftsStoragejewelryI am always collecting vintage necklaces and making my own unique pieces to wear on that rare occasion I skip the pearls. My storage solution has typically been a silver bowl on my dresser that is usually home to my pearls and often worn silver pieces, but they weren't well displayed.  Of course storing them in a jewelry box creates that out of sight out of mind situation where I forget about http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/09/friday-findsizzy-jewel-box.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-731866063581217378.post-8209999363999507825Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:53:00 +00002011-09-29T07:57:13.473-07:00FashionFallFall is almost here in Florida, a few more weeks and the humidity will drop. I can't wait for that to happen. It means more time on the patio enjoying the fresh air without a lot of heat. But unlike my northern friends, Fall clothing never really changes from summer clothing.  I make the transition by looking for fresh autumnal accessories to wear, along with fall shades of nail polish and http://madrasnpearls.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-picks-for-warmer-climate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Wendy)1