Window Shopping Part II

Happy Hump Day Everyone...I'm in my favorite spot eating sour-dough pretzels listening to Rihanna radio on Pandora, right now...What's My Name? Love Drake!

Anyway...where was I? Oh yeah...window shopping and loving these chairs.

I love love love these Gray chairs...

Gray is the color of intellect, knowledge, and wisdom.

Also great...paired with these lamps and the grouping of storage boxes...

TJ Maxx has the best selection...

I hope everyone is having a great week thus far...I've had two interviews this week, one more to go...between dentists, ortho, and interviews - somehow I still have enough energy to shop! ;)

Be Good to You!

Smooches,

Lola

What do You see?

A picture is worth a 1,000 words...This Famous painting is by: Vincent van Gogh, called: Starry Night Over the Rhone.

What do you see or feel when you look at this image?

I think it's safe to say we see and feel different things.

As with life...we forget to see things through others eyes. Being Judgmental. We are all guilty of this. I thought I would take a minute and remind myself and anyone who reads this to be mindful...to see the big picture...just because you see one thing, another may see something totally different...My point? Who says I'm right 100% of the time? I always try and Humble myself...

My eyes are heavy this evening...I have been busy, busy, busy....three job interviews this week...Getting BOTH of my children ready for college and started exercising once again since the weather has taken a turn for the better...

I hope you remember to take time out for yourself.

Anyone like to share their thoughts on the painting?

My view: I see a couple under the starry sky...maybe it's love?

Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

P.S. During Van Gogh's younger years (1876-1880) he wanted to dedicate his life to evangelization of those in poverty. Many believe that this religious endeavor may be reflected in the eleven stars of the painting. In Genesis 37:9 the following statement is made:

"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me."

 Van Gogh

Live For Today...

Live For Today...

Each day is a gift. What you choose to do with it, is up to you. Life will always challenge us to be pushed at times above and beyond our limits...Never say Never.

I made it safely to and from Indianapolis...The weather created an obstacle when the snow and rain left the roads icey for the trail back...along the way I saw three accidents. When I made it home, I thanked God my journey brought me back...safely.

I'm grateful for everyday. I want to Live For Today...just as the sign says. I don't want to take this life for granted....it's one day at a time. I read an article that featured senior citizens some time back, (wish I could find the link, but can't) and in it they shared what they would do different if they could go back. Many of them said they wished they didn't spend so much time worrying about the little things in life that were out of their control. Many wished they would have met their hearts desires. An appreciation for what they truly loved. A belief in oneself to go above and beyond. To love those around you. Forgiveness. To be Humbled. You know the saying, "You don't realize what you've got till it's gone". I want to live by this saying...I don't want to realize what I've got till it's gone...but I don't want to stay "inside the box" and let fear plague the way of seeing "outside the box". Nor should You.

I started this blog last year in October. Why? I wanted to inspire others, myself included. A world full of people and not wanting to feel so alone...to be creative. To be Inspired by other bloggers. Blogging takes a commitment, especially knowing others are counting on you to engage them. My concern is not to have the highest numbers. I'm happy to be a part of something that invites me to look deep inside myself and share. I'm happy to be a part of others who blog and take the time to do so. Remembering there is person behind the blog...not just a countless array of words, or pictures that come from no where. They come from somewhere, someone out there sharing a piece of who they are. I've said it many times...I am grateful to those who sign up...It makes me smile and giggle each time I see You are out there looking at my words, pictures of my world...one we all share together. So many creative, beautiful people out here trying to put it all together...blogging.

I am inspied by others inspirations...it comes from all over. I love seeing Your interests that are artistic...fashion...spiritual...designing...traveling...motherhood...happiness, sadness...young, old(er)...Inspiration. So thank you to all of you who take the time to share your part of the world...knowing we are not alone. Believe in yourself enough to put it out there in words, pictures...emotions.

I'd love to hear what INSPIRED you to blog?

Be Good to You...Love You some You!

Smooches,

Lola

P.S. Welcome to my two newest members...

Dale over at: Savvy Spice   Great site...I know I'll enjoy seeing her insight on fashion...and love the post on eating Mexican food and never gaining weight in a world full of calories! I Love Mexican food. Period.

And

Just T - I giggled to myself when I read about her first time...and it's not what you think...Such heart in sharing her post about this. Thank you.

Sneak Peek...

Happy Friday! I thought just for fun I would share a few photos of my room where I put my thoughts and blog together...

(I have an exercise ball for a chair...in case you were wondering since you can't see a seat)

My headboard, even though the picture doesn't show well, was made by...Me! And the quilt is DwellStudio. Many of the wall hangings came from TJ Maxx and my lamps, there are two...one on each side of the bed...even though you can't see.

Wanna know a little secret about me? I love to eat dinner in bed...and watch Netflix...I just need to figure out what to do with the cords that hang lose...in the background is my walk in closet, which boggles my mind on what to do with it...see here...

When I bought the house I fell in LOVE with the size of the closet...and later thought??? What and how do I arrange all my clothes and such...and the rolling racks were the best solution (on a budget) I could come up with, without losing space...so 4 rolling racks, my dresser, SHOES and my little chair...which I didn't show...fills the bill for now. Sometimes when I'm on the phone and my friends say, what are you doing? I tell 'em, I'm sitting in my closet...I can only image what they think...he he

Just for fun...my FAVE pair of Guess shoes...

This little bouquet of flowers were a present this week from my Daughter...she is Wonderful, how'd I get so lucky?

I hope you enjoyed the little preview where I put this all together...I can't tell you how grateful I am to all my new bloggers...I am touched.

I want to say a special THANKS to Shannon who is my newest member...You can find her over at: Only the Betz - don't cha just love the title? I like the name and how it came to be the Betz! Thanks for signing up!

I hope everyone has a FAB-U-LOUS weekend...I'm off to Indianapolis to see an old friend...

Be Good to You!

Smooches,

Lola

What Happened... ?

I pondered what to post...my heart pulls in several directions...I read something today that wrenched my heart...and asked myself...What happened to the younger generation of kids today? My hearts breaks when I hear such sadness about the youth of America today, anywhere for that matter...What happened to kids just being kids? What happened to using your imagination? So much "stuff" thrown at these kids...drugs, alcohol and sexual everything, everywhere you go. I can hardly wrap my head around my thoughts to contain all I want to say...

In a recent post: Pure and Simple I opened up and shared a little something about me. I have faced many challenges and continue to do so. When I started this blog, I knew at some point I would share bits and pieces about my life and the person behind the computer, tapping away at this very keyboard.

I am many things...but a Mother is what I'm MOST passionate about. My two kids. This is my Prince (Bo), and my Princess (Kitty)...this was taken last summer...I have walked a long, hard, and blistering  walk. My journey has tested me time after time. And Faith always guides me...even when I fall away. I fight the good fight.  I'm far from perfect...but my Love for them is.

I understand how hard it is to be kid...Not for a million dollars would I want to be a teenager again. I'm saddened by the horrible acts that take place everyday in the world. Kids losing their innocence before they even knew they had it. Children behaving and living like adults...and how it angers me to think of those who contribute to the cause.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I like this verse because it makes me think of children...noble, pure, lovely, and admirable... all fit a great definition of what a child is...to think of those who prey, hurt, and steal their joy...well I like to think there is a special place in the world for them.

Always be the bigger person. Always stand up for what is right. And when those who aren't strong enough, let us always be so humble...Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

Treasure Hunt...

Treasure Hunt...Look what I found!

While shopping at the local Target I found 3 rolls of wrapping paper at...are you ready for this??? THIRTY CENTS a roll...yeah I said point three zero!

I love the geometrical blue roll....

AND

This Dwell Studio for Target tablecloth for $5.38 - 70% off! I am a HUGE fan of DwellStudio and they make a line just for Target...take a minute and look at their stuff, very pretty!

I love it when I find deals like these....Sooo hard to pass up!

Now if anyone has a Birthday...I've got the paper...

I want to send a special THANKS to my newest bloggers...

BriWall over at Wall Street - You had me at Hello with your Red Velvet gooey dessert!

I also like all the pictures and links, so personal and really shows who you are...and Gorgeous house! Great job!

And

Ms. Kelley over at Keep Sitting Pretty - I love her take on life and how NOT to sweat the small stuff...Agreed! And Drake! Oh yeah...I was just playing some Drake while doing this post...great musician...pair him with Rhianna and we got a dance party ;)

And Finally...

Ms. Emma over at All Things Foxy I have a great feeling about her blog because I could use someone to help me with my wardrobe issues...be sure to stop by and see her amazing styles!

I am truly grateful to those who sign up...I hope to inspire and hopefully make you giggle with my quirkie ways...you must know I am a Dork..thru and thru...

I love meeting fellow bloggers and finding deals like the pretty paper and tablecloth...Anyone else come across a good deal recently?

Until next time...Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

Special Thanks for New Friends...

I want to dedicate this post to my two newest "members" Ms. Vonae Deyshawn over at A Piece of Virtue I discovered her site just today and fell in LOVE! Very inspirational, Personal, and Trendy...I find we have similar interests and love meeting others with things in common...so Thank You for joining.

I want to say a Special Thanks to Ms. Jessica Cauthon over at The Chickadee Tree...she and I go wayyyy back...you could say we were superhero's, fighting crime one FILE at a time! That's right, we used to work together and I counld not have asked for a better roomie! Jessica has many talents...she is a mother for one - enough said. Besides that, she makes her own line of jewerly and now knitting all kinds of items...be sure to check her out.

Blogging has its challenges for sure...so much to learn, change and grow with. It is my hope to continue to see my blog grow in hopes to inspire those who stop by. Thank you ladies for being a part of my blog world.

Smooches,

Lola

Suuu-weeet Tooth...

Have you ever had a craving for something and couldn't get it outta your mind? Kinda like an itch you wanna scratch? Well I did and I scratched! The Hubs and I went out on Sunday evening to Kalamazoo Michigan, which is NOT a hop, skip and a jump away...to indulge in my craving for something sweet. Sometime ago the Hubs was working in Michigan and was told to try a donut from Sweetwater's donut shop... and he did...I might mention he brought home a dozen for me, just what I needed! And how awesome is it that their open 24 Hours! It's a GOOD thing they are so far away, I'd be in serious trouble...really.

I love their sign...very old fashion...Anyway...let's take a look...

 

Lets move left to right...On your left you find Chocolate Reese cake donuts, which are my FAVE! Next you have Boston Creme Pie, then Strawberry Cheesecake with the pink frosting, (the Hubs Fave) Please notice how I have 4 Reese and he got 2 Cheesecake...I'm sure he'll have a bite or two of mine...and hidden behind the Pink frosted ones are 1 Snickers, and 1 Strawberry Jelly glazed, which He can enjoy all by himself, I don't like the jelly ones.

I am pacing myself and trying not to eat nothing but donuts all day and spoil my appetite...wish me luck!

Go ahead, indulge in a little something for yourself...you only live once!

Be Good to You...

Smooches,

Lola

Window Shopping...

Just for fun I thought I would head out to my local TJ Maxx for a little window shopping...and thought I would share....

 Do you know my friend...Kate Spade? Ok, she's not reallllyyyy my friend, but she makes a great handbag....I like this for work...very professional...

 This here is my favorite and would be my first choice leaving the house...BUT I would never pay $150 for a handbag...(if I did, I'd never tell) I never kiss and tell...Also, a Kate Spade...

....Kate Spade, how'd you guess? And sooo cute for summer! I love it!

 Ok, lets take a moment and be serious...can a girl REALLY have too many of these? Shoes, Shoes, and MORE Shoes. I am in love. These are Jessica Simpson and they are
FAB-U-LOUS! Or at least I think so....(The link I included will hopefully show the clip of her new line for Spring...SO CUTE!)

Also Jessica Simpson...One of the many things I love about TJ Maxx are the prices. These JS are $39.99...which is great for those of us on a budget. Pretty color, don't cha think? I can see these with a floral dress of sorts and painted toes...

 I actually have these in black and love them! My little one also fancies these and borrows them often. I like this color. And yeah, they are Jessica Simpson...$39.99!

Wouldn't you love a rainbow of scarfs for almost any occassion? I liked their display and had to share...

Pretty...not sure whose name is on this...Purple is my favorite color...and so this little dress caught my eye.

 This is an Ann Taylor dress...for $19.99! I wanted to buy it for my daughter and decided against it...Cute right? I still can't believe the price....
















Don't cha just LOVE being a girl? I did a recent post here: Dear Self where I shared about getting my pictures professionally done and how empowering it was. All too often we get caught up in the busy-ness of the days, weeks, months and before you know it...It's Christmas again!!! Don't wanna scare you with that, but seriously TIME FLIES!! It is so important to take care of yourself and enjoy being a girl...hair, nails, make-up, SHOES, clothes and remember to smile, it'll make or break your face, get it? ha ha...Remember, I think I'm funny. Always take some time for You! Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

Questions...

I was thinking...which is something I do often...I pondered the question, "What do YOU want to do?" Have you ever asked yourself this very question?  Maybe I should ask another..."Are you doing what YOU want to do?" My answer...NO! I could climb to the rooftop and yell NO! I know it is time for a change...and I go BIG! Deep down I think we all know the answer to these types of questions...the other question is..."Why aren't You doing what You want to do?" So many obstacles in life and many of them stem around..."What will others think?" Or just simply needing the approval for the decisions we make, or want to make...Why? Why not look deep down inside your soul, so-to-speak, and trust your gut and not worry what others will think, or their approval...The key word is YOU. And know it does not make you selfish.

For years I think I've known the answers to the things that ail me...but fear and trusting in myself have ALWAYS gotten in the way. I'm ok with this. This is what life is about...learning, growing and changing. It's the doubt that needs to be erased...Trust in yourself. Don't be your own worst enemy...

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

Big Band Music...

I heart Frank Sinatra...and this song: The Way You Look Tonight so romantic and fun. In fact I love all kinds of Big Band music...Glenn Miller, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald...

I sit in my bed with my laptop and listen to Pandora radio...you can pick and choose which genre of music to fit your mood. Tonight is Frank Sinatra radio...and it is lovely...soothing.

I love many styles of music, depending on my mood. I love classical, oldies, country, jazz, and the likes of many new artists trending today...Remember I have teenagers in the house and am introduced to ALL kinds of music, some of which I don't fancy...BUT I love-love-love to DANCE and when the mood hits me...I am up and moving...anytime, and almost anywhere. I got no shame. Makes me smile to be-bop to a little ditty...

Don't cha just love music and how it moves the soul? What's your favorite style?

Be Good to You...and for goodness sakes...DANCE!! And giggle out-loud even if you don't know how...

Smooches,

Lola

Faith and Love...

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Got a Craving...

I LOVE the Chick-fil-A. Period. In case you didn't know...they are NOT open on Sundays due to religious reasons...and I love them even more because of this. Anyway...I was craving a chicken sandwich before going to the movies and had to settle for something else...oh well. There are worse things.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...I have to tell you, the hubs and I have never been big into this holiday...I call it the Hallmark Card Day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a grinch...I just don't see paying for overpriced flowers, chocolates, or cards. I like to think we should take little moments throughout the year to tell the ones we love that we love them. This is what I like to do. I am a hopeless romantic and love to love any day of the year. Even if there isn't a special someone in your life...who cares!

Love You some You.

Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

Weekend Movies...

This movie had me at Hello! I'm off to the theater this weekend to see, "The Vow"

I hope it's good...think I'll need some kleenex?

Have a GREAT weekend...Be Good to You...

Smooches,

Lola

Pure and Simple

In a world full of people, it's hard to think you can feel so alone. I want this blog to be true to who I am. I'm thinking this post will be something about me.

I have been a Mom since the young age of 17, married at 18. I am now 36. I dedicated my life to my children. I dedicated my life to my husband. I have dedicated my life to my jobs, families and friends. And yes, I feel alone. Does this sound sad? Yes. But I'm speaking from my heart...100% Honest. I don't drink. I don't do drugs...in fact, it is safe to say you'll not find anyone more anti-drug than me. I hate everything about them. I hate what they do to people. I hate how it tears people, friends, families apart.  And that is that.

For the first time since my kids were 3 and 2 I am not working. Not by choice. Too difficult to explain in this post, just know it is nothing ugly. It is what it is.  A story for another day.
I have many stories. I've lived a...I pause trying to find the right word and can't. I'm grateful for the life I've lived. The wisdom I've gained. And the courage to never say never and never give up.

I am a passionate person. I love to love. I am loving, kind, honest and always think of others. I guess this is where I feel alone.

I grew up poor. I grew up in a tough home. I developed the idea somehow to take the negatives around me and turn them into something positive. Such as...when people (family) who do or say things that were hurtful, I used their ugliness about themselves to make it a positive for me. Kinda like inspiration on how NOT to be. This has made me who I am today as a mother, a friend, a wife, and stranger in public. I like to speak to people. I like to say nice things to people, even if I don't know them. Sometimes I wonder if people think I'm weird. This is where I came up with: Love You some You. Once you let go of worrying what others think about you...you can ultimately go out and hold your head high because as long as you like who you are and let go of what the world will think, then you can stop getting everyone elses approval of your best You. This takes a lot of work. Inner patience. Inner joy and love for YOU. Once you recognize these feelings then you can begin to focus on yourself and not the world. I believe once you find the love for yourself, then you can find your true self and let go and be who you are meant to be.

There is so much I want to say...my mind races with thoughts, memories, ideas and hopefully inspiration. This is why I want to be a writer...in case you didn't know, I do. If you stayed with me this whole time...thank you for reading. I'm sure as times goes by I will share more, if you are interested. Thanks for taking the time to read.

Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

P.S. I'm a fighter. I never give up. Life is good.

Mayberry...

Ok, so I'm driving in my car and hear this: Mayberry 

Sung by Rascal Flatts...

So good. Makes me want a Cherry Coke, some kind of red checkered outfit and pull my hair into pig tails.  I'm country at heart. And southern roots flow through my veins.

I like to think of a time where the world existed with days back in Mayberry...for those of you who don't know...take a peek at this: Mayberry This is the Andy Griffith Show, where everything is black and white. I'm drawn to the simple-mindedness of these folks.

I think it's safe to say we have days where we wish things seemed as simple as skipping a rock across a pond without a care in the world. We long for simplicity. Short and sweet. I know I do. I've been faced with many obstacles, almost all out of my control. Trials with my job. Trials with my children, husband, friends...and I forget in the end...it all works out. I try to remind myself not to get caught up in all the negative ways of speaking...which can be hard to do. I like the escape of such places like Mayberry. Music by talented people who bring you back.

And my faith in the Lord.

Till next time...Be Good to You...

Smooches,

Lola

Sun and Italy...

I bet I've seen this movie a dozen times. In fact I went to see it in theater twice! I love Diane Lane. But what I love most about the movie is EVERYTHING! I love that she is a writer...I want to be a writer in every way. I love the story and how it shares many insights about life and starting over. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you stop what you are doing, go out rent, buy, or borrow this movie...and come back and tell me what you think...Please.

I love things that inspire me to go forward and be brave. What kinds of things inspire you?

Be Good to You.

Smooches,

Lola

Dear Self...I Love You

Last year I did a little something for myself...I got my pictures professionally done. And what an AMAZING experience...so empowering. I love photography. I love the body and all it can do. I love being a girl. I love hair and make-up. I love dressing up. I love clothes and shoes, especially shoes...

See what I mean???

I'm thinking this summer I will do it again. Not because I'm vain...but more because sometimes I forget to take care of me...I dare you to go out and capture your best You!

Be Good to You...oh yeah, Love You some You.

Smooches,

Lola

In the Mood?

Hello...it seems like its been a while since my last post...I don't know if I am feeling creative, but at the least I will follow my heart (gut) and hope this post is of some sort of interest...

Ok, so I read another book, you might think I am running a blog all about books...No! But what you must know is that right now in my life I am not working and FINALLY have the time to do a little reading...now if I can just get my blog up and running a little better, I'd be in good shape. One of my goals is to let go of my fear of failure and pour my heart into growing my blog. I have to say... I am sorry I did not get to do the 30 days of inspiring posts in January...please, please forgive me. I'm never known to not follow through on anything...I had some major life changing events that did not allow me the time to follow-thru. What can I say, I am human...to be human is to err, or is it, to err is to be human?

Moving on...This book was FABULOUS! There is so much to be said about someone who can write and get the attention to bring an audience in with their wisdom.

Fear is our worst enemy...

False

      Evidence

   Against

  Reality

I heard this years ago and it stuck with me...I struggle everyday and everyday I remind myself not to get carried away with non-sense that will have power over my day or who I am and will become...

I Love Me some Me. So should you...that is, Love You some You.

Be Good to You.

Till next time....

Smooches,

Lola

P.S. Lara...I adore you.