Fall in Naples, FL

it's that time of year when we have that nice cool air some days and other days it's still scorching hot but overall the weather is perfect because everyone knows i'm not a freezing cold kinda gal. i love my boots and hoodies (which i do get to wear sometimes throughout the winter here) but i also love no coats and flip flops. did i mention i own very few closed toed shoes? not a lot of those floating around in this gals closet. our tennis courts are just getting an update and the trees here are bliss! love them. HaniBeans loves these bird feeders at her school. She said birds are always hiding in there. Cool Beans! Enjoy the weekend loves. Any plans?! You can find me in le deli;D xoxo

Could this New Vehicle mean Something

I did not snap a picture of this vehicle to brag because quite frankly there is nothing to brag about. It's a new car to me and since we went for nearly a year with only one car it was a relief to get one. I'm still stuck with a very hot crotch rocket that just sits in our parking space getting no action but the story of trading that in is too long to go into detail, I'll spare you!

Life is Ironic. Something about things that happen to you is really interesting and funny, sometimes silly and weird. When we talked about getting new cars, we discussed getting 2 from the get go. A new small vehicle for Bryan to transport back and forth to work since he drives 95% of the time, a small car would suit him good and the one he wanted was that small black 2 seater that yes he did get! He's getting new things on it already because a man's baby is of course his CAR! He's driving me nuts because he wants to get new stuff like rims and such for mine and I'm like--Hello---I'm a mother with 2 girls, no need. I'm not HOT RODDING.

We did not shop around for cars. At least I did not. Bryan showed me a few online and I said yes, no. This one above was a no. I told him there was no ifs, ands, or buts---get some cars and just deal with whatever afterwards. He did. He stayed until 10pm one night closing the deal. In this economy, the salesman was shocked that he got 2 at the same time. He said a guy was in a few weeks ago with excellent credit and could not get 2. What can I say; my man has had a very good job for quite some time due to his negotiating/sales skills. He was technically the salesman that day. It's also a client of theirs so I guess it's good to "KNOW" people!

Long story short---(sort of); we were headed to Arizona to live, make a life change in the west many years ago, packed our Maroon Isuzu Rodeo, packed a trailer on back with all of our belongings and drove all the way to Oklahoma. Got side swiped in a black ice storm, ramming two cop cars that were on the side of the road at midnight and destroyed our car. If it wasn't as packed as it was and there wasn't a concrete wall saving us from the ditch/frozen water below and the cop jumping over that bank to prevent getting hit by us, we would not be here and neither would he. The guy who caused this horrible accident was never caught. But we are here, still traveled to Arizona and continue to live this beautiful life of ours. Point is. This vehicle we just got that I said no to, because it looked so much like our Rodeo is now mine and my girls are sitting in the back and it brings back so many memories I had in that Rodeo. I feel good when I sit in it because I cried to the Isuzu dealer because I couldn't find one like it after it got totalled and I just have to say that it's very weird, ironic and bitter sweet that without hesitation Bryan picked this car out for my girls and I. I don't think he thought much about our Rodeo but Life is Purposeful and there is a reason why we have it. It could mean that our lives are starting to pick back up again after so much over the years and trust me; if a certain someone side swipes us causing total wreckage, I'm not letting them get away again! xo...oooo.

Pretty Envelopes & Postcards

It's so important to personalize your touches through packaging! As a business owner, I know how warm it makes someone feel when they receive a package that holds more than the purchased item. Sometimes what's inside the packaging itself means more than the gift! A simple note, a postcard or a card will go a long way.

View all sets by clicking the photos! xoxo

Weekend Inspiration

I wanted to wish each of you a very lovely weekend! I'm working the entire weekend with totally different hours. The sky here has been so pretty. I took this yesterday morning as I dropped Hannah off. The little moon was so small but so eye catching. I just love this time of year because it cools down a bit, the air no longer feels muggy and you can actually smell a little bit of fresh air. Stay tuned for more scenery here in our town and a taste of my work life, it's rather interesting! xoxo

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Good Morning Pretty Faces! I have today off and what a breath of fresh air it is! This morning's sunshine is gorgeous and the air isn't as stuffy as it's been. I'm a little sad about all the dragonfly's that died in our condo building, they must have sprayed something yesterday to kill all the bugs and they went down as well! The love bugs are so crazy this time of year, they even come into work with me! Boy does this coffee taste delish. I went yesterday without it and it was so not normal. We're looking for a second car today and getting rid of the motorcycle that gets no action. Southwest Florida hasn't been as friendly as we thought it'd be. He can't enjoy a ride to work without getting sticky, too hot and it's just too much traffic to worry about accidents on it. We've had it for 6 years and it only has 5,000 miles on it, tells you how much we ride it. Bryan wants a 2 seater black hot car and I said go for it! You deserve it and he was worried about the girls not being able to go at the same time but I said we'll figure it out. We always figure things out, so I'm on a crazy busy schedule again from Fri-Sun. This should be fun.

I'm trying to sneak some photos in at work with my phone but I haven't had much luck because it is crazy busy. I promise to update it soon and show you a day in the life of my job duties. I don't know how much I should blog about it because I don't want to be unprofessional in any way, but I'm sure it won't bother anyone that I'm snapping a few pics of Le Job! Stay tuned. How have you been? Hope all is well and you're enjoying the almost weeeeekend. xoxo

Paper Goods: Poppies for Grace

I found this lovely shop via Creature Comforts and am totally in love! I like how unique and elegant paper products can be.

Be sure to scope out their cards and tags, so so pretty!

It's Our Job.........

To Protect! Hi dolls. Long time no see, eh!?! I have a tremendously changed schedule and love the idea of something new. It's been hectic to say the least but that's life. I've always been a team player, a leader, sometimes fighter but mostly lover! I am a people person, I love to the point of my heart exploding and when life gives you punches; you fight harder. I am not going to go into full blown discussion about my new job because I don't want to be "Unprofessional" in any way, shape or form. I've had the pleasure of working shifts of all hours and I'm not a fan of the 9-6!

The shifts I love are the shifts with those "Team Players." You know the people you click with and the people you can instantly call friends because they help out, they laugh with you, they crack hilarious jokes and kid with you like you're their little sibling. They pick up and grab a little something because you are busy taking care of customers, you are a "hustler" according to them and they appreciate your hard work and energy. And then. You have one person who says, "hey, new girl....let's do whatever it takes to make your job here suck so you run away!" {secretly}

I get vibes, fakeness and gossipers. I get people who smile in your face and whisper behind your back. I may have glasses but I'm not blind, stupid or someone you can take advantage of. Us "cool kids" all get it. We're classy, HARD workers and fun to be with, around. Those are the people I love and there is no one that can chase me away, there is no one that can make me feel unwelcome. I'm here to do a job successfully, professionally and enjoyably. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not like you. I will pick up after you and do you favors because that's what I'm there for. I will kill you with kindness and show you how much I LOVE this new job and prove to you how long I will be there because never in a million years, i wouldn't have expected to have this job and it's weird how things fall into place but I'm super glad it has come to me! I'm GOOD.

My girls have gone to sleep without mom tucking them in a couple times. They are doing so well with the new changes. Hannah goes to after school program and dad picks her up a few times throughout the week. She gets hurt but is toughing it out. I've learned as my girls get older to let them learn the road of life first hand. They must experience things to learn, to grow and to become beautiful human beings.

I have faith that they will carry out the values and morals I have taught them. A year ago, I would have never accepted a job with fear of worry. I learned as a parent, you cannot worry yourself sick or else you cannot live and love the life you live. You have to have faith and accept the challenges life has. I have that now. I can go to work and know that everything will be {should be} okay.

When I drop Hannah off at the bus stop, I see these two children {siblings} show signs of abuse, neglect, and this little girl was a bully to Hannah last year. She may have a dysfunctional family that causes her to be this way. But when I saw her being hit by her older brother this morning, I stepped out of my car and walked up to him, Hannah by my side and firmly said, "That is NOT acceptable, I don't ever want to see you hit her again and you need to respect. I will not tolerate that kind of behavior." The little girl had tears rolling down her cheek and was doing nothing in return when he kicked her numerous times. I asked her if she was okay and the bus pulled up. I told her to sit up front and Hannah always gets the other front seat. I told the bus driver while the boy walked towards the back of the bus to sit with his head in his lap. He said he would report it and I told him I want him nowhere near my daughter. It's scary because I have no idea what this boy will do because he shows signs of violence. He may do something to Hannah because I said something but we as parents {as human beings} have a job to protect our children, other human beings, our nature and be sure that this type of behavior gets awareness. I called the Principle. She is addressing the child and will take care of it but I don't want him on the bus. It's a scary situation. I'll never fully stop worrying about my children. We just have to hope and speak up. If we fail to protect these children then it ends in heartbreak and I can't live with myself if I saw something and didn't do anything about it. If you see someone being abused, speak up---confront the terrorizer and be brave enough to stand up for what you believe in! There is no greater feeling, I promise. xoxo

Good Morning {and}

Happy Weekend Lovely friends! I'll be working up a storm. I've been really so tired I can't possibly understand my sitting here at the computer this morning except the school demanded an email stating I needed to give permission for M to go home with a friend today. They never needed a note before. They're weird! But while I'm enjoying this French Vanilla Latte, I figured I'd pop in to see whats happening in your world and to fill you in on my busy schedule. Work is great, although they jipped me 19 hours. I'm totally going in at 11 and telling them to have it fixed by this afternoon and in my bank account! I don't be working for free,...Lately my hours are 3-11 and 11-8 but they are having me do mornings now too...9-6--ew! I dislike mornings. So, I'm totally an all over the schedule worker. Don't mind because I get all kinds of fun shifts thrown in there. The 3-11 is fun when the "Cool Kids" are working, we have a blast and crack up laughing the entire night. It's a very busy job, I barely remember to get a lunch in and that's the only time i go to the bathroom. It's crazy. But indeed interesting to say the least.

Any plans this weekend-I know some of you told me yours already and I hope you have a blast! We'll be catching up soon! Enjoy the lovely day! xoxo

Inspired by Photo Booth Photos

Rebecca Miller is amazing! Her photography has inspired me to look for a fun photo booth this weekend and let my inner child come out to play again! Any plans for the weekend friends?! xo

Our First Home

Each time we're in NY, we drive by our old house. It was our first home we purchased together way back when Mackenzie was little. This is the condition it was in and to me it was a mess. Bryan was a landscaper and always had the yard beautiful with gorgeous flowers, nice features around the entire house. It literally brought my heart to break because it's nice to go back to a home you once had and see that the new owners cherish the way you did. But that wasn't the case. The back yard is huge and was so filled with over grown shrub and the old swing set grandma got Mack for her birthday one year was pushed in between it all. I'm not sure about the gate in the front window either. I opened that window each morning and could see everything, it was so pretty. We did so much work on that house and to see it this way was bitter sweet. The memories will always be there and the drive to have our own home again someday is right around the corner---I don't think I'll have it in me to sell and let go of something so dear to me again!

Today......

I have off from work and I'm embracing the beautiful blue sky, getting caught up on sleep and can't wait to spend the late afternoon with my girls! One of the nice things about my new job is that I work long days/eves but have a couple days off throughout the week to have some us time after school. I'm really enjoying the new atmosphere and community of love at this job. That southern style is all about teaming up to finish your shift, working together to get the job done and passionate about consumers. I've already seen repeated customers and it's nice to know that they enjoy coming back! I'm not gonna lie....it's a really challenging job; you have to be quick, know your stuff and be overly energetic=me;D

So what's new friends?! I hope you had a really nice weekend and this week goes smoothly for you! How's the kids back to school experience been!? Hannah was so upset Friday because she didn't get a snow cone---phfff---that's the least of her problems;D enjoy the week........

Flooding

Dear friends! Hello there. Hope you are having a nice weekend thus far. If you are in NY or PA, I am sending warm thoughts your way! This photo is much of what these towns look like up there. My goodness I didn't think there was ever gonna be a flood like back in 72 when my mom and her sisters/brothers were swimming, boating down the main streets in NY but it happened again and so many families need your help! Many of my family members in PA/NY lost everything and it breaks my heart to be so far from them! This is a time when everyone needs to come together and donate as much as they possibly can. The Red Cross has thousands of families to feed, shelter and keep warm including small babies and the disabled. If you can, please donate by texting:  REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or going to their site directly to help these people.

Bryan's Brother and Uncle are in desperate need. They lost everything. This is something I have NEVER done here on this blog and I'm about to change that. If you feel at all comfortable giving to my family personally-anything would help and I will be sure that the funds go directly towards reparing these families. You can email myself for more information and details at bloglove (at) aol (dot) com

And if you and your family were affected by these floods, please contact me so we can do whatever we can to pull together to help! Much love always---xoxo

Happy Weekend!

I'm not sure what this guy was thinking when we pulled along the side of the highway in NY. But he and his friends were pretty dern interesting. I'll share more of the photos from our New York trip {i know i'm such a procrastinator} it's long over due, so i'll get on with it. For now, enjoy the weekend and get that nasal spray--sinusitis is horrible this time of year.

Daily Inspiration: Colorful Art

Kirra Jamison is simply amazing! I hope you are all having a really nice week thus far---weekend's just about here and I'm working! It's nice to be busy, ehh?! xoxo

Modern Love

I'm a sucker for all things Vintage and Modern. I just love the coziness of a little shop that displays the love with ease!

Modern Love has inspired me to have an office like this. I love the open-ness, the brightness and the mixture of vintage goods with today's pretty things!

The girls are itching to get out of this small condo and ready to have a play/reading room. I'm anxious to start looking for homes. It's been a long time since I've been able to decorate and I'm so so ready.

Click the Pics to Go to Modern Love

Breakfast and BusyNess!

I've been up early since Saturday and orientation was good, boring but now it's out of the way and i officially started the job yesterday! it was nice. holy busy and definitely a new atmosphere. i learned so much these past few days it's near incredible. i can't tell you how amazing it felt to get into the car, take off with my iced coffee in tow and show up bright and early to my destinations! I'm a very prompt, professional busy body, so don't underestimate the power of this woman. I mean, I literally tore some heads off and was very much thanked for it. If you're not being professional or respectful, I'll let you know! The instructor asked 3 times for everyone to be quiet and after that I just said very firmly, "Alright, enough....she asked three times for you to be quiet and you need to respect that!" Some kid yelled out, "She's gonna be a manager." She thanked me like 3 times. I'm just all about respecting and being professional and it's uncalled for when you're not. Some girl was sleeping all three days, she finally got kicked out. I mean really---most people would kill to have a job like this!

So that was my weekend. Busy. Busy. The girls were sick with colds. Hannah has a specialist appointment this morning and we've switched her doctor for unprofessional reasons as well. Crazy life stuff going on here! But I do Miss you loves...and thank you so much for my comments...You're all so very AWESOME! xoxoxo

I Got The J-O-B!!

Mama has been working inside the home for 10 years friends. With the girls back to school and no one home throughout the day, I thought it was best to just get out there and tackle the world again! I went on the spur of the moment, expecting nothing and received everything. I was called the same day I placed my application with them, interviewed that Thursday and Hired on the Spot. I just finished my paper work and start orientation on Saturday. It's a fabulous company that has never had a layoff {EVER} and you stay within the company whether you want to transfer or go to another department. It couldn't have come at a better time. I'm looking forward to being busy, making more friends and succeeding in the work atmosphere once again.

How about you--what is going on in your neck of the woods?! xoxo

My New Design Makeover + Giveaway

Dear Pretties, Mervi from My Best Friend Jules is the one who created this prettyful design for me and she's giving one of her amazing full blog design makeovers away to one lucky winner! I've also included an ad space for the month of October on FTLOB to go along with this, so don't pass up this awesome deal! You'll be in total aw of her work---I promise!

Are you in the market for a new design? You should def. have Mervi do yours! xoxo

Enter Here

Liquor Cart

I'm thinking a nice liquor cart right in my living area would be nice, eh?! What can I get you ma'am....sir?!

Happy Day Friends, xoxo