Hey, I'm Back!

Hello all of my blogging friends!  I have been gone far too long from blogland.  Time just seems to slip away so quickly this time of year!  Plus, my computer is acting up and I couldn't upload any pictures.  But, since Santa brought me a new camera that problem is fixed!  So, here's  a pictorial of what I've been up to the last couple of weeks.

Made some Cinnamon Honey Butter to give as gifts!  Super easy recipe and oh so yummy!  Click here and see where I got it.

Oh and I made some yummy Apple Bread to go alone with the butter.

Of course there were cake balls for some special people!  This time I used a spice cake with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate.  I added some green and red sprinkles to the chocolate once it was melted to add a little holiday flair.  These turned out better than the first ones I made and I expect to keep getting better at it!

Ha!  My hubby actually put up our tree this year!  And please don't judge me, but I already took it down!  Yes, it's true!  As soon as Christmas is over I just need to get some normalcy back.  Is that so bad??????

Of course there were plenty of presents to wrap!

Oh and I must tell you that there were plenty of pink ornaments on my tree!  Love, love, love it!

So how was your Christmas this year?  I am so sure many of you have been as busy and I sure would love to hear all about it!

Time to get back on the blog train!

OXOXOX,

Jacalyn

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your friends and family the best today and all days!

Hugs,

Jacalyn

Meet Me on Monday

I am linking up again this week with Java over at Never Growing old.  This weeks questions are:

1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?

Yummmmmm I just love cheese!  If I had to choose, I would have to say mozzarella is my favorite.

2. What size is your bed?



Queen Size.

3. What is your most overused phrase?


Jeez I don't know what it is?  Probably "how's that working out for you?"  I often asked my clients that when they are doing something that isn't helpful.  Trying to inject a little humor while making a point I guess.

4. Green or purple grapes?

Oh definitely purple.  I find them to be a bit sweeter than the green ones.  But, frankly when I am deciding which ones to buy it always depends on the price.
5. Shower, morning or night?

Well neither really. I like to take a bubble bath at night and I definitely don't like to go to bed without bathing first. But, I do shower in the morning on the days I hit the gym.


Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

A Lot of White on this Pink Saturday!

Welcome to another addition of Pink Saturday!  Once again, please be sure to visit Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ to see all of the participants this week.  Many participants will be sharing their holiday recipes so it's definitely worth a look!  This week my post is more white than pink!

First, I thought I would show you my new pink coat I purchased while out shopping on Black Friday.

Yep, I sure do love it.  For those of you who know me, you know I hate wearing coats and really only wear them when it gets really cold, like in the 20's, or when we get a lot of snow.  Many of you know that I live in Western New York and you may have heard that we had a little snow this week.  Well, I should say some of us had a bit of snow this week.

This is a picture of my neighborhood today.  No snow, not a flake, just green grass.

Another view of my snowless neighborhood.  I live near two of the Great Lakes, Ontario and Erie.  You may also know that when you live by the lake, you can sometimes get a lake effect snow storm, essentially driven by the lake.  The amount you get just depends upon where you live and which way the winds are blowing.  My home is situated closer to Lake Ontario and we often miss major lake effect snow storms.  But good old Buffalo is about 20 miles from my home and is situated closer to Lake Erie which has given us quite a few good snow storms.

This week was no exception.  But most of Buffalo was spared this time.  Downtown has very little snow but if you drive a little bit farther south, well, they got hammered!  From South Buffalo through the towns of Orchard Park and West Seneca and even further south there is a bit of snow.  So, why am I putting on my pink coat you ask?  Because I work in Orchard Park.  The lake effect snow is a funny thing as sometimes it is concentrated in a very small area.  A mere 25 miles from my home, where I work, was pounded with 3 FEET, yes 3 feet of snow!  Probably closer to 4 in some areas!  I can tell you that it was snowing when I reached work on Wednesday at noon and did not stop until Thursday night!

When I drove home Wednesday evening the first half of my drive was treacherous.  I drive part way on the New York State Thruway which was covered in snow and very slippery.  As I was driving, I noticed that the traffic in the other direction had come to a stop because a tracker trailer had jack-knifed.  I thought to myself "thank God I am going the other way."  Well, when I woke up Thursday morning and turned on the news, I learned that those people were still there!  Yes, stranded on the highway, many cars out of gas and/or stuck in the snow for 11 miles of the thruway!  Some of those people were stranded for up to 20 hours!  Jeez people this is BUFFALO we are used to snow and yes, sometimes a lot of snow.  This is not the first time this has happened.  Hmmm.... you think it's about time the Thruway Authority derives a plan so this doesn't happen yet again?!  Oh, I digress...

I didn't make it to work on Thursday.  Obviously not because I was snowed in but because the roads leading to my work were a mess.  Some were closed and some were just impassable.

However, I made it to work in my West Seneca office today.  There are just piles and piles and piles of snow everywhere!

I know this isn't the best picture but I wanted you to see the snow piled on the balconies of this apartment building.

Check out this sign. This might give you an idea of what 3 - 4 feet of snow look like. 

There is a building beneath this snow!

I found this in our parking lot today.  I found it amusing though I am sure the owner won't, ha!

Look at the snow piled on top of this building.  It is just crazy to see all of the snow.  I can't wait for Spring!

I hope you all have a warm and cozy pink weekend!  Guess what?  We're expecting more snow, ugh!

Pink hugs,

Jacalyn

Beautiful Blogging and Holiday Stress

Yay, it's the Holiday Season!  I absolutely love the holidays - the lights, the gifts, the music, the food, the hustle and bustle... I love it all.  But, the holiday season also brings about significant stress for many of us.  The lights, the gifts, the music, the food... all contribute to this.  So I have some tips that might prove helpful to all of us this year in keeping stress to a minimum.  Yes, I know, we have probably all heard this before but I think it's helpful to read through them again.

• Set Priorities - this means that maybe you really can't do it all and you need to decide what is most important to you.  For example, do you need to send 100 Holiday cards out or can you just send a few to those closest to you.  Also, how many batches of cookies do you really need? 
• Simplify - again, choose what's important and maybe do things on a smaller scale.  Instead of baking yourself, what about getting something from a bakery or participating in a cookie exchange where you only bake 1 or 2 kinds and exchange with several friends and family members.
• Maintain reasonable expectations about "togetherness" - you don't have to attend every holiday event you're invited to nor do you have to invite everyone to your home.  Keep in mind too that "too much" togetherness can create a lot of stress!  Conversely, if you have little family near you invite friends over for a get together and/or volunteer your time to help others throughout the holiday season.
• Establishing a schedule can be immensely helpful!  After you decide what is important to you make a schedule to complete tasks and don't forget to delegate!  Don't attempt to complete everything yourself and don't be afraid to delegate!
• Maintain your own schedule, meaning stick to your exercise routine, eating and sleep habits and schedule down time.  I know there will be some variation of course, but try to maintain your schedule as best you can.  Eating well, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are key components in managing stress.
• Nurture yourself - take a hot bubble bath, read a book, hit the gym - whatever you enjoy - just do it on a regular basis!
• Set a budget and stick to it - decide what you can afford to spend and stick to it!  Don't stress yourself out assuming you need to spend a lot of money on gifts.  I think gifts just need to be thoughtful and relevant to the person, not necessarily expensive.  Consider browsing thrift shops and re purposing an item you know someone would love.  Also, bake some goodies  or create cookies or soup jars to give as gifts.  There's tons of recipes on the Internet for creating cookie jars and you can buy canning jars inexpensively.  Simply place a pretty tag and ribbon on it.  Easy and cheap!

Holidays are supposed to be fun!  I really like to enjoy everything the seasons brings and keep stress to a minimum.  I have decided to spend less money this year and we never use credit cards anymore.  That certainly minimizes any worries about money in the New Year.  I would love to hear your strategies for minimizing stress this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

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Pink Saturday and Black Friday!

Welcome to another addition of Pink Saturday hosted by Miss Beverly!  I sure do hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I like Thanksgiving, but honestly it's Black Friday that I really look forward to.  It's not that I'll stand in line at Walmart or anything because I really do value my life, ha!  I just love the hustle and bustle and the great deals that can be had!

Typically, my shopping partner, AKA my dd Erin, and I go shopping out-of-town at a mall we like.  However, for a variety of reasons, that just couldn't happen this year.  So, we decided to try our luck at the Midnight Madness at our local outlet mall.  We found some pink along the way of course.

The Outlet's were C.R.A.Z.Y.  The traffic was a mess, people were rude, and the lines were long. Kind of what we anticipated but maybe worse, ha, ha!

As you can tell, we started out at Old Navy for some gifts for my son.  The line was endless and we waited for an hour.  Why, I don't know! 

We hit a few other stores where the lines weren't quite so long and pick up some great deals.  But with the crowds and the waiting we didn't get as much done as we would have liked.  Next, we headed over to our local JC Penney for their 4 a.m. opening.

We did very, very well at Penney's and picked up some super deals!

 Here's my reluctant model, Erin, with some pretty pink finds!  That pink coat came home with Miss Erin.  I purchased a pretty light pink one but of course forgot to take a picture!

a random display of pink socks!

 We hit up the lovely Victoria's Secret too for some gifts for my daughters.

This pretty pink tote was free and also is going home with Erin!

Would I stay up at night again?  Probably not.  The Outlet Mall really didn't have any significant deals that you couldn't get later in the day or even throughout the Christmas Season.  Plus, the crowds and traffic were outrageous.  Worse than any other shopping day!  I must say though that the deals we scored at Penney's would not have been available later in the day, so the jury is still out on that.  I guess it depends what we need or want next year.  All in all, I sure did have fun with Erin though!  So tell me, did you shop this Black Friday?

Happy Pink Weekend!

OXOXOXOXOX,
Jacalyn

Another Meet Me on Monday Post

Hello friends!  I am once again linking up with Java for her Meet Me on Monday party.  Be sure and stop by to see whose participating this week.

Here's this week's questions:

1. How many pillows do you sleep with?



2 pillows.  I always have a hard time when I sleep at hotels because they have to be just right, you know, fluffiness!  Not too fluffy but fluffy enough.


2. Where will you eat on Thanksgiving?



Home and hubby will be the chef!  I did make the pies though.

3. Would you rather go to a party or host a party?



I think I would rather host a party.  I always find that to be fun but also stressful because I am a bit "anal."

4. How many purses (for the guys..wallets) do you own?



How many purses?  Well, not as many as shoes, ha!  I have a lot of purses but I am currently rotating the use of 4 for the Fall/Winter.

5. What is your favorite kind of seafood?



That's easy - none!  I abhor seafood. 


Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Some Pretty Pink Paper Roses for Pink Saturday!

Hard to believe that it's Pink Saturday again already!  What's more, can you believe that Thanksgiving is Thursday?  Wow, this year is just flying by.  Be sure and visit our lovely hostess, Beverly, to see all of the Pink Participants this week.

Here's my pink this week and I am very excited about it!

Yep, pink paper roses!  I just love them.  Why am I so excited?  Because I have searched for the last year or more for the best price on these babies and I finally found them.  Yay!  Yipee!  I can't wait to start playing with these to see what I can create.  I think I am going to list some in my shop too.

I didn't only get pink as you can see from the pictures.  I got a few other colors and sizes too.  Some creamy white, some brown (they look tea-stained and oh so vintage!) and I have some for Valentine's Day too.  I know, I know, it's not even Christmas yet, but alas, we must plan a head!

Wishing all of my blogging friends the happiest of  Thanksgiving!  And, if you're like me you'll be out at dawn on Friday for some great sales.

OXOXOX,
Jacalyn

I Am Giving Thanks!

I am joining Lynn over at the Vintage Nest today for her "Give Thanks" party.  Be sure to pop on over to see all of the participants!

While there are a number of things we can post about today, I am going to keep it simple, which is something I don't usually do, ha!  In my line of work, I am constantly telling people to look around and focus on what you have rather than what you think you don't have!  So, that's what I am doing today.  Here's what I am thankful for:

3 (triplets) wonderful children who are happy, healthy and bright!  They are all off attending college and living their life.  While I miss them a whole lot, I am glad too that they are spreading their wings!  When I first found out I was having triplets I was stunned!  "What" I thought, "I don't know how to take care of one child, let alone 3!"  But, as most things do, it all worked out.  Actually I wouldn't have it any other way.  I loved, absolutely loved, raising these children!

A husband who supports everything I do, without question!  I am, er, a bit head strong, and he is the most patient and caring man I could have ever met!  He is a great dad too and took on a lot of responsibility so I could finish grad school when the children were just toddlers.  He also supports my little business and I am truly grateful.

I am always truly thankful for our wonderful country and those soldiers who risk their lives to protect her!  Thank you!

Have a wonderful, thankful day!

OXOXOX,
Jacalyn

Suburban Retreat Give-a-Way

My sweet blogging friend Lisa over at Suburban Retreat is having an amazing give-a-way!  She is giving away this stunning necklace below along with some other fabulous items!  You must run right over and enter to win!

Happy Sunday!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Pink Saturday and a very pink bathroom!

Happy Pink Saturday!  Please be sure and stop by and see Beverly, our hostess ever week, to view all of the participants this week!  You remember the post from last week about painting my bathroom pink? 

Well I sure did go a head and paint it and who knew that Carnation Pink would come out sooooooo very pink! Yikes!

 

It's not that I don't like it.  I really like the color but boy is it darker than I thought it would be.  My bathroom is not very large so, that's just say, it is VERY pink!  The trim is white and I must admit that it looks really pretty against the pink.  Here's a little pink tour.

I didn't want to shock you all by showing you an entire pink bathroom, ha, so I just gave you some snippets!  But, I have a little dilemma that maybe you can help me solve.  I have a curtain that I have had up since the bathroom was a very pale pink and I would like to change it.

I think a plain white one would look better - my shower curtain, the trim, and the cupboards are all white which look very nice against the pink.  But, my husband and daughter think I should leave the present curtain.  I just wonder if it's too much not that my bathroom is so pink.  Opinions? 

Does anyone know how to lighten paint without re-painting the entire room?  I was thinking that maybe there's some magic potion out there that I don't know about, ha, ha!

Oh and would you all be so kind to vote for me in the Shabby Lane Shop Website Holiday Decorating Contest?  If you already voted, thank you, but you can vote again too!  Click on the link below to vote.  My most heartfelt thanks!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

OXOXOXOX,
Jacalyn