Off to the beach!

I am once again off to the beach!  I am taking my husband to Myrtle Beach for the weekend to celebrate his birthday!  Thus, I will not be posting for Pink Saturday or Meet Me on Monday this week!  But while I will miss my friends this week, I will try and not mope too much at the beach!
Happy Birthday baby, I love you!

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Meet Me on Monday

I'm linking again with Java for Meet Me on Monday.  Why don't you go on over and join in the fun!  Here's this week's questions:

1. How many TV’s do you have in your home?

 5 - one in every one's bedroom, the living room and my office. 


2. What is on your bedside table?

Well my Ipod dock, lamp, books (because I love to read), a dish of faux seashells to go with my beach inspired decor and a candle.

3. How many pair of shoes do you own?

Way, way too many to count!  Are we just talking about fall shoes?  Summer shoes?  Boots?  Flipflops? Sandals?  I couldn't even venture a guess!  I can say that I have more summer than fall because I just love sandals.  I love shoes and I am always looking for my next cute pair!  Can someone please tell me why husbands just seem to get that, yes, you do NEED another pair?!

4. Can you change a flat tire?

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.... isn't that what husbands and Triple A are for?  Really I guess I should learn....

5. Do you like sweet treats or salty treats?
 
 

 
Hmmmm..... both?  Have you ever tried adding some M & M's to popcorn?  I just love the mix of sweet and salty.  Oh, have you tried the new Pretzel M & M's?  Yummmmmmmmmmmm!
 
 
Have a wonderful week!
 
OXOXOXOX,
Jacalyn
 
P.S.  click on any picture for the source!

New Fall Goodies at RME Boutique

Happy Sunday!  It's a sunny Sunday with very "fall" like temperatures here in Western New York!    I truly love fall and of course I must embellish my home with Autumn accents!  So I thought since it's officially Fall now I would show you some new goodies I have in my boutique (and of course in my home, ha!).

Since I had triplets I just love anything that comes in 3!  I of course am loving the Witch Trio Trick or Treat sign!  The faux gourds sit in a pretty yellow bowl on my kitchen table!  I put the spinners on the plant hangers that I use in the summer.  At the holidays I use some cool Christmas bulbs I purchased at Target last year.  And, this winter I will be hanging some snowflake spinners!  Very cute indeed!

Love these new 2-sided soldered charms!  Perfect for adding to packages, cards, tags, necklaces or whatever!

One must of course have some awesome wreaths!  The Boo Berry Ghost is on my front door.  Then, after Halloween, I'll probably add the resin apple and pumpkin one until it's time for the holiday decor!

Of course since I love soap I have to have some fall scents ~ top is Oh So Pumpkin w/pumpkin flakes and the bottom is Orange Clove!

Click here if you'd like anymore information on Autumn Accents or if you'd like to see all of  the fall goodies for your home!

Have a wonderful fall weekend!

Hugs,

Jacalyn

Hoorah for Pink Saturday!

Good Saturday pinkies!  I sure hope everyone had a wonderful week and a even better weekend!  I have to work today and then I am visiting my son in college, about an hour away, so I may be a little late visiting all of the wonderful pink this week!

For this week's pink post I thought I would share a pink project that I have worked on this past week.  I can't take credit for this because I was inspired by some blog friends for this idea but I sure can't remember who (I am so sorry and please take credit if it was you).  I saw some yummy pink pumpkins on several blogs.  And while I have admired them I tend to be more traditional and add orange pumpkins to my kitchen and outside decor.  But, I had an "aha" moment and decided that there were some changes I could make in my living room.  It is burgundy and ivory with a few pink accents.  Sooooo....

I started with this:

And ended with this!

I used:

Yummy Ballet Slippers Spray Paint and some German Glitter Glass!

So I got to change up my cloche to make it a bit more seasonal and it matches too!  I was a little stuck because I felt I need a little something else.  So I gathered some leaves and spray painted them pink.  And, I added some paper mums.

Leo seems to like it too!

Please visit Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ to see all of the pink participants this week.



Have a great pink weekend!  I hope you create something pink too!

OXOXOXO,
Jacalyn

Beautiful Blogging ~ Let's Makeup

It's officially fall now!  Well I do so love fall I just dislike what follows and seems to last FOREVER!!!  But, with each new season we see new (or recycled) ideas and fall is no different!  Since I get bored easily, ha!, this works for me.  And, I have to tell you, I am loving, yes, loving, this fall's makeup trends:  Purple!  Yay!  I so love makeup in hues of purple.  Purple nails, purple lips, purple eyes, oh purple everything! And, the beauty (no pun intended) of this is that you can use whatever shade of purple works best for you! 

I actually have this palate from Estee Lauder and I am in love!  They give you suggestions on their site on how to apply which I like, but there's so much more you can do with this - just play around and see what you live!

I have recently discovered that, in my little own opinion, Revlon makes the BEST nail color.  The color lasts and lasts and boy am I hard on my nails!  Lots of purple shades to choose from too!

Can you wear a deep plum shade?  Me, not so much but there are some lighter shades that are beautiful!  Click on the picture and it will take you to Sephora's Fall Trends - Power Plums page.  Awesome array of purple hues for lips, nails, and eyes!

Click on any picture, BTW, and it will direct you to the site I found it on!

Happy fall!

OXOXOX,
Jacalyn

Meet Me on Monday new Blog Hop!

 I've come across a blog hop that sounds like fun!  Java at Never Growing Old have been running this for a while and I discovered it several weeks ago.  So, welcome to my first Meet Me on Monday post.  The concept is simple and fun.  Simply answer 5 questions that Java posts each week so everyone gets to know a little something about you.  Here's this week's questions along with my answers.

1. What is your favorite all time movie?

Hmm... that's a tough one as I enjoy so many movies.  I guess one of my favorites would have to be "Pretty In Pink."  I just love that movie and I even have my daughters interested in it.  My daughter recently purchased a great PIP poster for her dorm. 

2. How often do you go over the speed limit?

Every single time I drive!  But, I use my cruise control on the highway so I don't speed too much, ha!

3. What really gives you the creeps?

Spiders... ick! Ick! Ick! Ick! Ick!

4. What is your favorite snack?

I love to munch on Good & Plenty!

5. Would you rather be a dog named Killer or a cat named Fluffy?

I think a cat named Fluffy because cats are so independent and like to "do their own thing" which describes me (ask my hubby, ha!).

That's my cute kitty Leo!

Be sure and visit Java so you can see everyone who's linked up this week!

OXOXOX,
Jacalyn

It the Happiest of Pink Saturdays and "Cake Balls"

Welcome to Pink Saturday!  I have a treat for you all this week!  Remember a few posts ago when I told about Bakerella and her fabulous blog?  I absolutely adore her site and threatened to attempt her recipe for cake balls!  Well, I did it!  They were absolutely delicious but not nearly as pretty as I would have like.  But, that just gives me a reason to keep practicing, he, he!   Here's Bakerella's recipe for the cake balls but I will share how I did it too.

The way I figure it, you can pretty much use any combination to create these so I chose what I have on hand:  strawberry cake mix and strawberry frosting.  Of course you can start from scratch too.

 I baked the cake as usual and let it completely cool.  Then I crumbled it up and added the frosting.

Be advised that this is very messy!  I found the easiest thing to do was to just use my hands to mix it all up!  It is a super moist mixture once the frosting is incorporated.  Then roll them into balls, about the size of a quarter.

Put them on a cookie sheet and refrigerate until they are very firm.  I put them in the freezer for a while.  It is really important that they are very cold before you place them in chocolate.

I used baking wafers for the chocolate.  Simply melt them and roll your chilled cake balls, one at a time, until they are completely covered.  Place on wax paper until the chocolate hardens.

There you are!  Very, very simple yet time consuming because of the various steps and wait time.  I do apologize for the icky pictures.  For some reason I just couldn't get good pictures.

What I learned:

~Make sure your cake balls are very cold before covering them in chocolate.
~You can use any flavors you like - imagine the combinations!
~White chocolate would be good too.  You can even color it if you like.
~Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate.  It works much better than the microwave.
~Use only a little bit of melted chocolate at a time as it hardens quickly.
~Practice will make them prettier (I hope!).

I would love to hear what combinations you make up!  As a side note I have to tell you that while I was taking pictures of the process my hubby states "oh is that for your Pink Saturday?"  I actually hadn't planned on it and was just going to post this week.  But, they are pink and so I figured great idea!  How cute is that?  Hubby keeping track of my PS!

Be sure to visit Beverly to see all of the great pinks this week.

Happy PS,
Jacalyn

P.S.  I am attempting the cupcake bites this weekend!  I will update you!

Beautiful Blogging ~ a not so beautiful topic ~ Domestic Violence

I thought I would tackle a tough issue this week!  In my work as a therapist I meet so many woman who are being abused that don't even realize it!  Of course physically abused women are quite aware they are being abused but what about other forms of abuse?  I found this definitions from http://www.domesticviolence.org/definition/ and I think it is quite accurate. "Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating."

Examples of abuse include:
■name-calling or put downs
■keeping a partner from contacting their family or friends

■withholding money

■stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job

■actual or threatened physical harm

■sexual assault

■stalking

■intimidation
 
Understand that domestic violence is about CONTROL! It is never the victim's fault nor do we ASK for it!  It is about CONTROL!!!!!  So often I hear "well it was my fault.. or I egged him on... or I hit him too."  The fact of the matter is people don't "egg" anyone on because we are all responsible for how we react or respond to any situation.  Moreover, it is not all that uncommon for victims to begin fighting back as they grow weary of the abuse.
 
Domestic Violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, & verbal abuse.  Below is the Power & Control Wheel which is a great tool in understanding the overall pattern of abusive and violent relationships in which the perpetrator uses to control his partner.
 

You can find this here which you'll be able to read a bit better.  Or click on the picture for a larger view.  After reviewing the Power and Control Wheel do you perhaps see yourself?  Or someone you know?  It is hard to know exactly how common domestic violence is because it often goes unreported.  Please note that domestic violence affects everyone - no matter your race, education level, or income level.  While I realize that I am focusing on women, men too can be victims.

Domestic violence is cyclical which means it generally follows a pattern or cycle.  It begins with an "incident" or some form of dv, which is then followed by the "makin up" stage which is followed by the "calm" (aka the honeymoon stage) which is followed by the "tension building" stage.  Of course not all dv relationships follow this cycle and the making up  and calm stages may even disappear.  For more information please visit http://www.domesticviolence.org/cycle-of-violence/

 
I really get disturbed when I hear remarks such as "why doesn't she just leave him?"  Obviously if it were that simple most would just walk away.  However, many women are psychologically "beaten down," financially controlled, or don't believe for whatever reason that they can escape. 
 
Where to Turn for Help
In an emergency:

Call 911 if you need immediate assistance or have already been hurt.

For advice and support:
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

For a safe place to stay:
Call your state’s branch of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or another local organization. For contact information, visit State Resources.

Click here for the source
 
Most every community has some type of shelter or emergency assistance for those experiencing domestic violence.  Look in your local phone book or go to the sites listed above.  Be sure to use a "safe" computer where the perpetrator does not have access to.
 
Of course this post only scratches the surface of domestic violence.  Please check out these sites for further information:
~The National Domestic Violence Hot line - http://www.thehotline.org/
~Domestic Violence.org - http://www.domesticviolence.org/
~Helpguide - http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
~Women's Law - http://www.womenslaw.org/
 
Or of course you can always "google" domestic violence and get a ton of information.
 
OXOXOX,
Jacalyn

Pink Saturday ~ Remembering 9/11

Happy Pink Saturday y'all!  It's really hard to think pink today, September 11th.    As with many of you, I can't help but remember the tragedy and lost lives that occurred 9 years ago.  However, I also remember the many, many people who united to aid in any way possible.  We all did our little part to help and to show that we are, and always will be, united as a country - from donating blood, raising our flag, or even joining the military!  Such amazing people and events emerged from this horrific event.

Remember this picture (though I am not sure any American could forget)?

I remember seeing it for the first time and was just in awe!  The impromptu raising of a found flag by these fireman was such a symbol of hope for an entire country that was wounded that day!  Here is the link for Thomas Franklin, the photographer who snapped this random picture that became an instant worldwide sensation - http://septterror.tripod.com/firephoto.html - It recounts the tale of this photo and the history of it thereafter.

So today I am just remembering those who lost their lives, the many heroes that emerged, and the service men and women who fight for our country.  Instead of pink, let's honor the red, white, and blue today!

God Bless the USA!

XOXOXOXOXO,
Jacalyn

P.S.  Please remember to visit our sweet hostess, Beverly who sponsers Pink Saturday each week.

Ugh! Out of sorts and Bakerella!

This week I've been out-of-sorts.  I had dental surgery on Friday and was promised that it was a simple procedure, no problem.  Can I just say NOT!  Half my face is still swollen and it still hurts, jeez!  So needless to say, I haven't done too much, particularly over the long weekend.  So what's a girl to do when she's swollen and in pain?  Why surf the net of course! I found the most awesome blog!  Please forgive me if you all have discovered this and I am the last person on earth to know, ha!  The blog is called Bakerella and the author is simply fabulous!  Her signature items seems to be mini desserts like these, and these, and these.  But she has some other fabulous recipes too!  She has even recently published a book "Cake Pops" which you can find here.

 I've drooled over her website for days now and I just have to try to make something!  I think my favorite just has to be her recipe for cupcake bites!  Now you all know by now how much I love cupcakes, real and faux, so this should not be too surprising!  They just look so yummy and seem fairly easy to make.  Soooo this weekend I think I will give them a try.  I'll let you know how it goes!

Take a look at her site and let me know what you think.

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

It's Pink Saturday again! Yippee!

Wow, where has the summer gone?  It always seems to fly by and before you know it, winter's here again!  Well I intend on spending my Labor Day weekend recuperating from some yucky dental surgery I had today.  As such, my brain is a little sluggish today so I thought for this PS, I would just take the easy way out and show you some of the new pinks I have in my Boutique!  Though admittedly I seem to have a lot of yellow, brown, and orange in honor of fall!  So I apologize if you've seen some of these before!

Pink Cupcakes cause you all know how much I love cupcakes!

Pink Sweet Raspberry vegan Soap

A sweet Cloche with a bird's nest, faux eggs, a pink paper rose and a vintage pink rose plate

Victorian Inspired Porcelain Flowers Limoge Necklace

This isn't a very good picture because you can't see all of the sweet pink roses on the fabric!  I will list this around Valentine's Day, if I don't steal this swag first, ha!

Another picture of my newest fragrance ~ Pink Bouquet in our all natural Goat Milk Soap Bar.

Thanks for your patience this PS!  Thanks once again to Beverly at http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ for hosting Pink Saturday every week!

Have a wonderful and Safe Holiday Weekend!

Big hugs,

Jacalyn

I've gone crazy... for soap

Okay, I admit it... I've gone a wee bit crazy!  In case you haven't noticed yet, I love bath and body products... all kinds, but lately it's been soap.  So, I confess.  I. Love. Soap!  There, I said it and I am not ashamed of it.  I know I drive my hubby crazy but I just can't seem to help it.  I buy soap, I make soap, I sample soap.  I love soap that's natural, that's not, that has additives, that's cheap, that's expensive.  I simply love soap.  I am always on the look out for something new whether it's to buy or to make.  You have to agree that it enhances our bathing and showering experiences.  As you know, I believe that bathing should be a nurturing and relaxing experience.  So for me, right now, it's soap.

Having said all of that, you must know that of course I have been making soap.

All natural Eucalyptus Spearmint Goat Milk w/ peppermint leaves

Nearly Natural Oh So Pumpkin Goat Milk Soap w/ Pumpkin Flakes

Yummy Orange Clover nearly natural Goat Milk Soap

Nearly natural Pink Bouquet Goat milk Soap (a wonderful blend of sweet citrus, jasmine, water lily, sweet pea, & white orchid).

Nearly natural Lemon Poppy seed Goat Milk Soap

Cute little pumpkin soaps scented with Oh So Pumpkin fragrance oil!

I say "nearly natural" because while the goat milk soap base is all natural the fragrance oil is synthetic.  If I add Essential Oil, as in the Eucalyptus soap, it still is all natural!  I'm going to be listing these on my site this week.  But, I'm not done yet, ha!  I've already listed some new vegan soaps on my site.  These are made in part with Palm and Olive oil!

Good Night Sweet Darlin'... a blend of Chamomile and Lavender

Cherry Almond

Lavender

Coconut!

Do you see what I mean when I said I went crazy?!  Well, I just can't help it!  When ideas pop into my head I just go with them, ha!

Have a wonderful day and remember to nurture yourself today!

Hugs,

Jacalyn