Let's Catch Up!

Hey ladies!  I thought today would be a great day to play catch up.  Have you noticed an inconsistency in my blogging habits lately?  I'm sure those of you who have followed me for awhile now have.  I've just really been busy enjoying life instead of blogging about it. 

 I confess I am the mom who didn't tote a camera everywhere I went when her kids were young.  I know, shame,shame, shame!    I also didn't even take hundreds of photos or videos either during special occasions.  Why?  Because, I am usually too busy enjoying the moment then trying to capture it.  Therefore, I often don't have much to show outside of my own photographic memories.  But Oh, if you could see inside my head.  LOL!  Blogging has been fun for me keeping a visual of where I am in life, so today I'm going to play catch up for you and for my own record.

Recently, I told you about being sick.  Man, that was awful..three days of feeling absolutely rotten.  I was scared because everyone else I know who had this hack kept it for two weeks!  Finally by day three, the yuckiness wore away and I was feeling more active.  I still have a bit of occasional crud but it's bearable.  Whew!

So last Thursday, the Mr. gave me the cash to go purchase my own Mothers Day present.  Remember I told you he is on a schedule right now that is giving him 1 day off, Saturday, for a few more weeks.  He really wanted me to have this present since I had done the test drive at the store and knew this would be the answer.  The answer to what you say?  Is it a car?

Well no, but I think you can figure it out right?  If you follow me you may remember I thought I found a great deal last year on a new canister vac.  Let's just say you get what you pay for!  I have learned my lesson and we finally took the plunge to get something more reliable.  We had an old Oreck at the shop that I used to work for that worked like a charm.  My mother has one too that I have been using to help her out lately.   I love how there are two different speeds.  The two speeds allows you to use this upright on hardwood flooring.  No more dragging around a canister vac!  Woohoo!

I also love that there are no tools to fall off all over the house while I am vacuuming.  I don't need them because we are loaded down with handheld vacuums.  One other little feature that I even like (though I am sure some don't) is that the cord wraps outside.  I really hate when the automatic cord starts to wear and no longer goes back in the vacuum and you have to feed it through.  I did the whole house in record time.  It's lightweight and wants to propel itself too.  Very, very easy and I now highly recommend an Oreck!

While I was out I stopped at Ross and Marshall's (of course) and came across of few things I hope to use for jewelry props.

I love this shutter!  Isn't it cute? I can hang earrings and  long necklaces off of this at my home party's.  What do you think? I am debating if I should paint it all one color or leave the cute Welcome sign.  What would you do?

These faux books are going to get hooks inside to hang necklaces so I can just open them up for display when I get there.  That should be a quick easy way to travel.  I'll show you when I'm finished with that.

I had purchased this previously to use for traveling and will most likely still use it.  But, it sure does take a lot of time unpacking and packing back up after the party..that's what I'm trying to eliminate.  However as my inventory continues to grow I will still need keep it secure during transportation.

Speaking of inventory growing...here's some of my latest pieces.  I don't think I've shown you these yet.

I just LOVE this chunky turquoise cross!

Beautiful colored freshwater pearls and crystals.

 

How do you like these dangling pearls and crystal beads?  Cute huh?

Another beautiful large cross!  This one is enameled with a really large magnetic clasp.

Bling bangle!  LOVE IT!!!

And this beaded necklace I've worn several times already.  It's 36" long!

Cute new stuff! 

Please send me an email if you are interested in any of it and let's talk about Initial Outfitters.

I also found something else at Ross when I was out.

Look!  I found this great little Raymond Waites fabric box and it matches my new kitchen place mats.  How about that?  The snickers were hubby's little Mothers Day gift that he went out and bought for me himself.  LOL!  He knows me too well!

On Saturday AM we power washed the front porch then headed off for the Lake.

We had a nice afternoon sailing and fun with other members at the club into the evening which is why my house is a wreck and junk is still sitting out everywhere.

Because on Sunday, I spent the day with my Mom, son and brothers at her house.  Sorry, no photos!  I am just awful aren't I?  So instead I'm showing you my messy house.

Today I plan to clean some windows, clean house, grocery shop, and run other some errands.  So why in the world am I sitting here blogging about all this when I need to get busy? 

Well because I also wanted to tell you what I am off to do tomorrow. 

I am off to see the Parade of Homes with one of my girlfriends.  Wouldn't you know it's all the way over on the other side of town where I used to live!  I am so excited as I always love going to these.  Our area has been on hiatus for two years now because of the poor economy.  I cannot wait to go and be a good blogger this time and take lots and lots of photos for you!  So please come back by again okay?

Don't give up on me...hang in there!

Thanks for visiting today, I always appreciate it.

I hope you have a great week ahead!

Mary