tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34714653760927683192024-03-13T19:32:08.084-07:00Fo-Shizzle Design StudiosButt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-301148103270071922012-02-17T06:07:00.000-08:002012-02-17T06:07:04.860-08:00Black Daisy Designs is having an incredible GIVEAWAY!One of the most talented metalsmith artists ever to grace this earth is having THE MOST incredible giveaway! Anna-Karin - jewelry designer, metalsmith, chief head-honcho of all business related doings, and founder of Black Daisy Designs - is offering you...yes, YOU... the chance to own one of her beautiful creations! And unlike others who offer just one prize for a giveaway (I'm guilty of doing that myself), Anna-Karin is offering a <i><u>selection</u> </i>for the winner to choose from! <br />
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So...if you haven't entered this giveaway yet, get on over there and DO IT! The link is right here: <br />
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<a href="http://blackdaisydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/02/bag-finds-giveaway.html">http://blackdaisydesigns.blogspot.com/2012/02/bag-finds-giveaway.html</a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-7929017292240632322011-12-20T14:33:00.000-08:002011-12-20T16:04:40.886-08:00Yup...You Guessed It... It's GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!As a way of saying "Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year", <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/TheSoapOpera">The Soap Opera</a> is giving away<b> </b>a 4-pack of Fizzing Shower Soothers to <b>three lucky participants</b>!<br />
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Entry into this giveaway is easy - and you can earn between 10 and 225 entries - making your chances of winning MUCH greater!<br />
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The entry page is <a href="http://thesoapopera.homestead.com/giveaway-page.html">here</a> - but don't forget to browse the store while you're there!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesoapopera.homestead.com/giveaway-page.html"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt28q8n59js/TvEMdTH_EfI/AAAAAAAAB1s/VO0aEq-9-Is/s640/Fizzing+Shower+Soothers-4+pack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-70110747376756190032011-06-28T09:39:00.000-07:002011-06-28T10:11:21.747-07:00Win Three Delectable Bars of Our Handcrafted Shea Butter Soap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpCj_5uXHCU/TgoCHioKJUI/AAAAAAAABsk/xq_CLUKxioA/s1600/Cucumber+Melon+Soap+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpCj_5uXHCU/TgoCHioKJUI/AAAAAAAABsk/xq_CLUKxioA/s400/Cucumber+Melon+Soap+002.jpg" width="373" /></a>It's time for another giveaway - and we're giving away three full-sized bars of our luxurious handcrafted Shea butter soap! These soaps are made with our signature blend of skin-nourishing oils and butters, weigh between 5 and 5.5 oz. and are shrink-wrapped for freshness. You can view our entire line of handcrafted soaps <b><a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/SOAPS.html">HERE</a></b>.<br />
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The winner of this giveaway will be selected from all entries received, via <a href="http://random.org./">random.org.</a> They may choose three bars of soap from all soaps listed, including those that are currently "out of stock". Bars that are listed as "out of stock" are currently made and curing - however may take additional time prior to shipping to the winner.<br />
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To enter this giveaway, all you need to do is:<br />
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1) "<b><u><i>Follow</i></u></b>" this blog, then <b><a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/">Go to our website</a></b><br />
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2) Look around<br />
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3) Come back here and leave a comment telling us what item (jewelry, soap, laundry soap, hair accessories, etc.) <i>is your <u>favorite</u> and <u>why</u></i>.<br />
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4) Gain an extra entry for sharing this giveaway on your social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc. - please provide link).<br />
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5) Gain <i><u>FIVE</u></i> (5) extra entries for blogging about this giveaway (please provide link)<br />
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Giveaway ends Friday, July 8th at 4:00pm PT<br />
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Good luck, and have a bubbly day!Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-10016741428447997672011-05-20T15:17:00.000-07:002011-05-20T15:24:28.023-07:00Have YOU heard about Art Fire?In early 2008, after scanning the internet looking for the *best* place to sell my jewelry, I came across an advertisement for a new handmade shopping venue which would be opening within the year. At that time, they were taking a few "registrants" to try out the site - as it was in the first stages of development and they needed people to test out the site and it's (then) basic features. To this day, almost 3 years later, I'm still just as happy to be part of the "Art Fire family" as I was back then.<br />
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Here's just a couple of reasons why I love Art Fire so much:<br />
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1) The AF staff listens. They listen <i>hard</i>. It doesn't matter whether it's 1000 people saying the same thing - or just one person. They take the time to listen to whatever it is you need to talk with them about, whether it's a question, concern, problem or even a joke of the day.<br />
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2) They explain in detail upcoming changes and events - and although sometimes I don't completely understand some of Tony's lingo...well... I know he hasn't forgotten to mention anything.<br />
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3) Listing an item could not be easier. One page and you're done. :)<br />
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4) I know and I feel that the staff is doing whatever is in their power to help <i>MY</i> business grow.<br />
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5) The Art Fire community is a very special group of people. Unlike most other selling venues, the artisans of this community help each other, promote each other and encourage each other to be and do the best they can.<br />
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If you sell handcrafted items and you haven't signed up to be a part of the Art Fire family, don't hesitate. Do it now. <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/MzzThang/sell-crafts">CLICK HERE to get started selling your handcrafted items on Art Fire!</a><br />
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Sure, it's <i>different</i> than all those other venues.<br />
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It's <b>better</b>.Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-24425994305162597282011-04-04T12:29:00.000-07:002011-04-04T13:34:35.312-07:00It's Our Anniversary! Win a Bar of Our Handcrafted Soap! (Giveaway)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of our 2nd Anniversary since opening the doors of our B&M store, the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios would like to celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're giving away a bar of our scrumptious handcrafted Shea butter soap (your choice of available scents)! Each bar weighs approximately 5.5 oz and is made using our signature blend of skin-nourishing oils and butters, which create a wonderful, bubbly and rich lather that will leave your skin feeling soft, silky and fabulously moisturized! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rules to this giveaway are simple*:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) If you haven't already done so, "LIKE" our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/FoShizzleDesignStudios.FDS">Face Book Business Page</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/FoShizzleDesignStudios.FDS"></a>2) Tweet, Plurk, Stumble, Facebook, etc. This blog page with the contest info</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://fo-shizzledesignstudios.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-our-anniversary-win-bar-of-our.html">Come back here</a> and leave a comment with <u>links to your posts</u> and your e-mail address - so I can notify you if you've won! ;)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THAT'S IT!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Winner will be drawn via Random.org's list generator on April 30th, 2001. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Comments which do not contain valid e-mail addresses or posting links will be removed or disregarded. Limited to one entry per person. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Luck!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mzzthang.artfire.com/">Check out our store on Art Fire</a> for handcrafted jewelry, soaps, and hair accessories!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada only.</span>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-76856906472365955482010-10-21T19:14:00.000-07:002010-10-21T19:14:44.181-07:00Beautiful Lampwork Beads and other "Goodies" by Deronda DesignsAs a jewelry designer, it is my duty (and desire) to search out the most beautiful beads and the perfect supplies - not only to create what is appealing to me, but also to create what I think my customers would be more inclined to wear and buy. About a year ago, I came across a very talented lampwork bead artist - who creates some of the most beautiful glass beads I have ever seen. Her name is Deronda O'Neill. Her Art Fire and Etsy shop name, "<a href="http://www.derondadesigns.artfire.com/">DerondaDesigns</a>", is an understatement to say the least - because not only does Deronda make incredibly gorgeous beads, but she hand draws (or as she calls it..."doodles") intricate and detailed designs that she then etches onto copper and brass.<br />
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Here is just a very small sampling of Deronda's work:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3179_product_1293619253_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3179_product_1293619253_thumb_large.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_889683224_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_889683224_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_1645956208_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_1645956208_thumb_large.jpg" width="318" /></a><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_2031576378_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_2031576378_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_378207739_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_378207739_thumb_large.jpg" width="318" /></a><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_2035690193_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_2035690193_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_1415324956_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_1415324956_thumb_large.jpg" width="318" /></a><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_732449175_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_732449175_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--3179_product_2035690193_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><br />
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So if you are like me, and you're looking for the best and the most beautiful, check out more of Deronda's lovely glass lampwork beads, her copper and brass etchings and more at<br />
<a href="http://www.derondadesigns.artfire.com/">www.DerondaDesigns.artfire.com</a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-35398769954214953622010-08-08T14:42:00.000-07:002010-08-08T14:42:07.161-07:00Fabulous Friday Finds #1Every Friday, I head over to the local thrift store in hopes of finding an interesting piece of jewelry that can be incorporated into a new design. Most of the time it's "slim pickin's", however once in a while I come across fabulous pieces that are just <i>screaming</i> to be purchased. When I go thrift store shopping, I mostly look for vintage brooches -- however several times I've come across necklaces or bracelets created with rare stones, or a pair of sterling silver or 14k gold earrings -- and to my luck, the thrift store literally has no idea of their real value.<br />
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Last Friday, I arrived at the store at the same time as a gentleman dropping off a box of belongings from his elderly mother. The store clerk gave me the "OK" to look through it before they took the box of items into the back to sort through. It contained mostly dishes, glassware and a few little trinkets, however at the bottom of the box were two beautiful brooches! <br />
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One was a vintage Cloisonne piece, surrounded with rhinestones and gold filigree and the other was a sterling silver filigree tiger lily flower brooch. I purchased them both, then immediately came back to do some "Googling", hoping to find out more information on them. <br />
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Here's what I found out:<br />
The sterling silver filigree tiger lily brooch was made in the 1930's - 40's. It measures 2-3/4" in diameter and has the .925 hallmark on the back with a "C" clasp closure. It is in absolute mint condition, and obviously the previous owner took immaculate care of it. This piece is considered "RARE" and is valued at a minimum of $49.00.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/TF8Vv3-NZbI/AAAAAAAABig/mEOJUDt2W3U/s1600/thrift+store+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/TF8Vv3-NZbI/AAAAAAAABig/mEOJUDt2W3U/s320/thrift+store+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The second piece is a vintage Cloisonne broach. It was made in the early 1950's (possibly a Sarah Coventry piece). It does not have a hallmark, yet still utilizes the "C" style clasp, as used on jewelry from that era. Again, this piece is in mint condition with all rhinestones firmly intact and no chips, scratches or flaws. Based on similar brooches of this year and style, this pieces is valued at $42.00.<br />
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At this point I don't have any solid plans for either brooch and if you are interested in purchasing either of these, contact me and I'll give you a great deal!<br />
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Stay tuned for the next edition of "Fabulous Friday Finds!<br />
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~ MischelleButt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-18283205542119749002010-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:002010-08-11T14:52:11.433-07:00Essensu...I think I LOVE you!<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">It's plain and simple: I want to be 29 and holding.....forever.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">I know in my heart I will always remain young, however in my family, all of the women seem (at an early age) to develop deep wrinkles around our lips and eyes, with bags so large and puffy, I swear they would need to be </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">checked</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> at any airport terminal prior to boarding a plane. I had already spent hundreds of dollars and tried many brands of creams and lotions that claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Well guess what? </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">They don't.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Each time I tried a new product, I took a "before" picture so I could really see if there were any results and by the time I was through the first bottle, tube or jar of stuff I was inventing new swear words. After several years of trial and frustration, I had literally given up on trying to have the "29 and holding" look, to match my young at heart personality.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Then I was introduced to Tami, owner of </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/essensu" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/users/essensu"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Essensu Holistic Skincare</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">. Tami makes a </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=941878" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=941878" target="_blank" title="Vanilla Lavender Dry Oil Spray"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Vanilla Lavender Dry Oil Spray</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> that sounded wonderful! You see, I simply LOVE the smell of lavender together with the sweetness of vanilla. It reminds me of a warm summer day and, well...lavender is </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">purple...</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">which happens to be my favorite color. <img alt="Wink" mce_src="http://www.artfire.com/studioblog/js/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" src="http://www.artfire.com/studioblog/js/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Wink" /> </span></span><br />
<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">So late last February, I placed an order for a bottle. When the shipment arrived, Tami had included a few samples of some of her other products too. One of the samples was a jar of her </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=978198" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=978198" target="_blank" title="Lavender Vanilla Silky Body Cream"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lavender Vanilla Silky Body Cream</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/TGMbe634ZTI/AAAAAAAABi8/Ozv7BvXK2mQ/s1600/Lavender+Vanilla+Silky+Body+Cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/TGMbe634ZTI/AAAAAAAABi8/Ozv7BvXK2mQ/s320/Lavender+Vanilla+Silky+Body+Cream.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">The sample of </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=978198" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=978198" target="_blank" title="Lavender Vanilla Silky Body Cream"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">silky body cream</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> was rich, creamy and smelled absolutely </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">heavenly...</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">and I decided that not only would it be good to try on my dry elbows, but just for sh*ts and giggles I was also going to try it under my eyes and around my lips. As usual, I started out by taking a </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">before</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">picture of my worst wrinkles...under my eyes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><img alt="image" mce_src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i267/mzzthaang/BeforeandAfter_1.jpg" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i267/mzzthaang/BeforeandAfter_1.jpg" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">February, 2010</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">When I put the cream on, I could immediately feel my skin absorbing the nutrients in it. It didn't just sit on top of my skin or feel waxy like many other commercial creams. It was light and extremely moisturizing. I used it twice a day: in the morning and before bed. After the first week I already had noticed a huge improvement and softening of my wrinkles. I was so excited with the results that I ordered more </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=978198" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=978198" target="_blank" title="Lavender Vanilla Silky Body Cream"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Lavender Vanilla Silky Body Cream</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> from </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/essensu" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/users/essensu"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Essensu</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Now, almost four months later, here's the dramatic results:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><img alt="image" mce_src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i267/mzzthaang/BeforeandAfter_3.jpg" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i267/mzzthaang/BeforeandAfter_3.jpg" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">June 2010</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">My puffiness and the extra baggage has almost vanished, my wrinkles are </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">greatly</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> diminished and I feel (and look) like a much younger person! My husband has just started using this cream too -- and for a 55 year old with very deep line wrinkles down his face, I can (and he can too) already see a major difference after just one week.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">So, if you're like me, and want to remain "29 and holding" way into your 40's, 50's and beyond (and actually look it too!), I strongly recommend using products from </span></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/essensu" mce_href="http://www.artfire.com/users/essensu"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Essensu</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Results are not guaranteed, but hey! Look what it's done for me! :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">~ Mischelle "Mzz Thang" Martell</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-56640822042070482112010-04-01T21:10:00.000-07:002010-04-01T21:16:15.321-07:00Spring Is Here!Spring is my favorite time of year, and with the onset of the season, I thought I would share a few of my favorite spring season pieces from the very talented artisans at Art Fire:<br />
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From Spoiled Bratzwear - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1154633&ga_query=spring">Spring Button Flowers Handknit Neck Cuffie for Dogs</a><br />
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<a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--10678_product_292223221_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--10678_product_292223221_thumb_large.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
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</div><div>From Into The Dawn - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1245416">Pink Spring Bud Polymer Clay Earrings</a><br />
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</div><div>From Tiarras Boutique - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1108288&ga_query=spring">Spring Butterflies - Sugar - Sewn Infant or Toddler Tutu and Headband</a><br />
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</div><div><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/21824_product_1750472339_3_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/21824_product_1750472339_3_thumb_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>From Glasstastic Treasures - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1259077&ga_query=spring">A Little Frit of My Heart Mini Lampwork Bead</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--23658_product_318110910_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--23658_product_318110910_thumb_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>From Gravel Road Jewelry - "<a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1241820">Innocence" pendant - handmade sterling silver pink crystal pearl necklace</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--5571_product_251492069_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--5571_product_251492069_thumb_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>From Butterfly-Crafts - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=730952">Thinking of You Card - Green Butterflies - Handmade</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/20582_product_158993239_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/20582_product_158993239_thumb_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>From Firebird Jewellery - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1086324&ga_query=spring">Photosynthesis Necklace</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/24966_product_346959982_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/24966_product_346959982_thumb_large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>From Kathryn Bloom - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=233811&ga_query=spring">Tulip Bag in Violet</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/18123_product_76663099_thumb_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/18123_product_76663099_thumb_large.png" width="236" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>From Island Girl Pottery - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1240291&ga_query=spring">Brown and Cream Butterfly Trinket Dish</a><br />
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</div><div>From Blushie - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=362054&ga_query=spring">Butterfly Garden Vegan Soap</a><br />
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Springtime brings loads of color! If you haven't visited these fine artisans before, the links are clickable to the items listed. Check them out and support handmade!</div>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-2140724515365711942010-02-11T20:59:00.000-08:002010-03-12T13:46:41.715-08:00Chicken and Ham Gemelli<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">For those of you who want a quick but tasty dinnertime meal, here's a "copy cat" recipe I created based on Pasta Pomodoro's "Gemelli", an Italian dish rich in smoky meats and creamy sauce. This was my husbands and my favorite dish -- but unfortunately was discontinued by the restaurant several years ago. After many months of testing and tasting, this is without a doubt as close to the original recipe (taste wise) as is possible. It is, to this day, a family favorite and has been passed on to several friends as well. Enjoy!</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Chicken and Ham Gemelli</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 515px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Creamy pasta with smoked ham, chicken, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; width: 255px;"><tbody>
<tr><td nowrap="" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Prep Time</span></b></td><td style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left; width: 171px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">10 minutes </span></td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Cooking Time</span></b></td><td style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left; width: 171px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">20 minutes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Serves 4</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="recipetable" style="clear: left; width: 515px;"><tbody>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e5e5e5; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Ingredients</span></th></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">1 pkg of Gemelli pasta (or Rotini)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Two whole chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">2 Tbs. Vegetable Oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">1/2 c. diced smoked ham</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">4 medium white mushrooms, sliced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">1 small jar sun dried tomatoes, drained</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">3 c. heavy whipping cream</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">2 pkg. Good Seasons ZESTY Italian salad dressing mix</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">2 tsp. Corn Starch</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">1/8 c. water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
<tr><th colspan="2" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e5e5e5; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Method</span></th></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Boil pasta per package directions (don't overcook - remember, al dente is best!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Cook chicken pieces in oil over medium heat until lightly browned and almost thoroughly cooked through. Add diced smoked ham, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are softened and chicken is fully cooked. Stir in salad dressing mix and cream until well incorporated. Meanwhile, add water to cornstarch and mix well. Add cornstarch mixture to meat/cream sauce and stir. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened slightly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Drain pasta and add to chicken/ham/sun dried tomato cream sauce. Mix well and serve.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></div></div>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-27677968436142860642010-01-14T16:10:00.000-08:002010-01-14T18:15:59.934-08:00Growing old gracefully<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/S0_O_C0CN-I/AAAAAAAABB8/nHbtS-qQ2sg/s1600-h/Illusion2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/S0_O_C0CN-I/AAAAAAAABB8/nHbtS-qQ2sg/s320/Illusion2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426783658486937570" border="0" /></a><br />Why is it that as we get older the years seem to get shorter? Seems it was just yesterday that my youngest daughter was born -- but in reality, she'll be 24 in a couple of days. When I first joined the band that I spent 30+ years with, I was 14 years old and the youngest band member they had ever had. When I started playing darts at age 22, I was one of the youngest darters to go "pro". Now I look around me and realize that I'm no longer the youngest at anything that I do. And I don't like it one bit. At heart I'm still young, but God has not been kind to my body. I feel like a young woman in an old person's body. At least that's what I tell people anyway.<br /><br />Gone are the days of "partying", drinking till I can no longer stand on my own and staying up until 5 or 6am -- knowing that if I can just manage to find where I'd parked my house -- I'd still have enough time to take a quick shower and be to work by 8am. These days my eyes start to cross and I'm yearning for sleep by 9pm. The thought of going to a party or concert -- or even to a movie means that I have to "hit the hay" at 7:30pm for at least a week prior, in preparation for staying up a bit longer on that special night.<br /><br />They say with age comes character.<br /><br />I want to know who this "they" person is, because the only thing that I've found is that with age comes aches, pains, arthritis, gray hair (and lets not forget the hair that begins to grow in strange places) and wrinkles. Whomever coined the saying "Growing old gracefully" must have only lived to the ripe old age of 30 something....because in actuality...it's all downhill from there.<br /><br />January is already half over. Where did it go? Am I just in such a rush throughout life that I've missed it? Who knows. The way the years fly by throughout my old age, I'll probably wake up tomorrow, only to find out that it's already 2011.Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-32971155464181971012009-10-12T12:13:00.000-07:002009-10-12T12:27:08.017-07:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...And we haven't even gotten to Halloween yet!<br /><br />Oh well, even though it's just now turning mid-October, it is -- in fact -- time to start thinking about the holidays. Most crafters are feverishly working on their wares for holiday sales and preparing for upcoming boutiques and fairs.<br /><br />Art Fire has created a category specifically for purchasing stocking stuffers (items under $10.00) and a sea of fall colors and reds and greens seems to be flooding the front page lately.<br /><br /><a href="http://mzzthang.artfire.com/">Fo-Shizzle Design Studios</a> store at Art Fire has e-gift certificates available for purchase - in case you run out of time to shop or just don't know which jewelry gift to choose. Our e-gift certificates are available in increments of $20, $30, $40 & $50, or we can customize a listing just for you in any denomination you'd like. Our e-gift certificates can be used towards any item in our Art Fire shop or for a custom designed piece.<br /><br /> <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); padding: 8px; text-align: center; width: 125px; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"><br /> <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;" href="http://mzzthang.artfire.com/">MzzThang</a><br /><br /> <a href="http://mzzthang.artfire.com/"><br /> <img style="border: medium none ; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/images/promote/holiday2.jpg" height="250" width="125" /><br /><br /> </a><br /> <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=gift_hub">Holiday Gifts</a> </div>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-46861111428966069452009-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:002009-10-01T13:21:21.046-07:00Septembers' Monthly Giveaway Winner!Congratulations to Robert W. from Tennessee! Robert won a pair of <a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/Hannah-PeachAB-Earrings.html">Peach and gold</a> earrings from our <a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/HannahCollection-1.html">"Hannah Collection"</a> during our September Monthly Giveaway!<br /><br />Sign up now for our October Giveaway! This month we're giving away a beautiful bracelet from our NEW <a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/SashaCollection-1.html">"Sasha Collection"</a>! It's our sparkling Pink Ice bangle bracelet featuring faceted pink crystal rondelles and clear bicones, set among .925 silver plated "noodle" tubes and finished with a silver plated lobster claw clasp. This bracelet is assembled upon 20 gauge silver-filled wire for strength and durability.<br /><br />It's easy to enter! Simply visit the <a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/">Fo-Shizzle Design Studios</a> and click on the "WIN FREE JEWELRY" link on the left side of any page! Fill out the entry form and keep your fingers crossed! YOU may be the next lucky Monthly Giveaway winner!<span style="font-size:85%;">*<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SsUOoYdVJrI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Gc-pR6Q0MOU/s1600-h/Sasha_9_14.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SsUOoYdVJrI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Gc-pR6Q0MOU/s320/Sasha_9_14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387728616141694642" border="0" /></a>SASHA - Pink Ice<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;">*by submitting an entry you are agreeing to receive the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios monthly e-news letter.</span>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-67276153881302882462009-09-26T21:18:00.000-07:002009-09-27T18:46:57.736-07:00The most beautiful roses!My mother used to be a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a group of women who met on a weekly basis to plan fund raisers for charity, hosted the wackiest theme parties and led the ever-so-social life. And just as each of our US states has its own representative flower, each of these sorority groups did as well. The Beta Sigma Phi sorority flower was the yellow rose.<br /><br />One of the ladies in this group lives around the corner from my parents house (where I grew up) and although neither her nor my mother are still active in the sorority, the symbol of the yellow rose has remained an important part of each of their lives. As the upcoming birthday of this neighbor approached, my mother contacted me regarding possibly making a piece of jewelry and incorporating the yellow rose. I had just started a huge project and quite frankly, did not have enough time to make anything, so I began my internet search for something I could purchase for my mother to give as a gift.<br /><br />There it was. The most perfect and beautiful rose I had ever seen. It looked amazingly real, yet according to the website was hand crafted out of a special formula synthetic clay, produced exclusively for the artist. Items created out of it have the delicate look of unglazed china but are very light, yet strong. I purchased it and when it arrived I was even more amazed at the intricate details of this rose. The petals weren't <span style="font-style:italic;">thick</span> like most polymer clay roses and were finely detailed including having "veins" in the petals, like a real rose. The leaves were multi-dimensional and the color was the softest yellow with hints of an even paler yellow in each petal. It was perfect. So perfect in fact, that I almost didn't want to let my mother take it.<br /><br />The artists' name is Maria Gower. She owns and operates Rose Paradise in the UK. Her work is brilliant and unique and -- well -- here...<br /><br />...just look at the pictures. And I must say, the pictures really do not do these pieces justice at all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tKjFageI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/9r59Tv2ldvw/s1600-h/Tiara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tKjFageI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/9r59Tv2ldvw/s320/Tiara.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386002969854116322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tGxGujEI/AAAAAAAAAfI/kIdgDao8TQ4/s1600-h/Hair+Clip.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tGxGujEI/AAAAAAAAAfI/kIdgDao8TQ4/s320/Hair+Clip.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386002904898243650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tDSKAEGI/AAAAAAAAAfA/LwVtfhdtfH0/s1600-h/Bouquet-Medallion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tDSKAEGI/AAAAAAAAAfA/LwVtfhdtfH0/s320/Bouquet-Medallion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386002845050867810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tAVH8HDI/AAAAAAAAAe4/-SoK4Ezslho/s1600-h/crystal_rose-necklace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tAVH8HDI/AAAAAAAAAe4/-SoK4Ezslho/s320/crystal_rose-necklace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386002794307918898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7s88N1JdI/AAAAAAAAAew/cwIBftEV4IY/s1600-h/Brooch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7s88N1JdI/AAAAAAAAAew/cwIBftEV4IY/s320/Brooch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386002736082134482" /></a><br /><br />And here's the one I purchased. With shipping it was only around $18.00 and came with the silver snake chain:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tY1ihHBI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GXV51eumlbw/s1600-h/single_rose_necklace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Sr7tY1ihHBI/AAAAAAAAAfY/GXV51eumlbw/s320/single_rose_necklace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386003215326190610" /></a><br /><br />Check out Maria's other unique pieces on her website at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.RoseParadise.co.uk">www.RoseParadise.co.uk</a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-75307693524283888642009-09-22T09:26:00.000-07:002009-09-22T11:53:03.118-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Srj7JOD0SPI/AAAAAAAAAdI/8wxTp7BdPeE/s1600-h/tag_your_it.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Srj7JOD0SPI/AAAAAAAAAdI/8wxTp7BdPeE/s320/tag_your_it.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384329490332928242" /></a><br /><br />I was tagged by <a href="http://pinkcloudsandangels.blogspot.com/">Pink Clouds and Angels</a> and <a href="http://bebstreasures.blogspot.com/">BEBs Treasures</a><br /><br />It's my turn to share ten facts about me and to tag 10 others to do the same. This is a great way to get to know about each other and further develop our friendships, even though most of them are long-distance.<br /><br />So... without further a-do, here's 10 facts about me:<br /><br />1) I'm married (for the third time) to a wonderful man who believes that I am the most important part of his life. It's a great quality in a man, I must admit. This is his third marriage as well. We both thought we would <span style="font-style:italic;">keep trying</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">until we got it right</span>. I'm pretty confident that we did this time. Larry and I met while playing darts in the local league, 14 years ago.<br /><br />2) Together we have four adults (they hate being called children)- 3 women and 1 man, and three beautiful grandchildren ages 15, 2 and 6 months.<br /><br />3) We were not wealthy growing up and made most of our own toys -- from cereal box guitars to cardboard canoes. We were forced to use our imaginations to keep us occupied (Imagination: something that has become lost with the invention of video games). I can't thank my parents enough for helping us embellish our creative minds.<br /><br />4) I was as tall as my kindergarten teacher and reached my full height of 6 feet by the 7th grade. I am the second shortest in my family.<br /><br />5) I've always been involved in the arts of some sort. I began playing the upright bass at the age of 7 and was playing professionally in a pub with a jazz group by the age of 14. My parents had to drive me to my gigs until I was old enough to drive myself. Even then, they had to chaperone me because I was too young to be in the pub. I was with that same jazz group for the next 30 years.<br /><br />6) I have performed with many great musicians, including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Baker_%28composer%29">David Baker</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Coolman">Todd Coolman</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Faddis">Jon Faddis</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Montgomery">Buddy Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willard_Dyson">Willard Dyson</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Patitucci">John Patitucci</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_Franklin">Rodney Franklin</a>, <a href="http://www.drumsoloartist.com/Site/Drummers2/Will_Kennedy.html">Will Kennedy</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Vaughan">Sarah Vaughan</a>, <a href="http://www.peterhorvath.com/bio.html">Peter Horvath</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Hamilton_%28drummer%29">Jeff Hamilton</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_E">Sheila E.</a> and songwriter <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Williams_%28songwriter%29">Paul Williams</a>, just to name a few.<br /><br />7) In 1996 I became a professional darts player, traveling the US and Canada for competition and representing Northern California -- and was inducted into the <a href="http://www.ndhof.org/hall_of_fame.html">National Darts Hall of Fame</a> in <a href="http://www.ndhof.org/hof_2000s.html#2001">2001</a>. I was nationally ranked in the top 15 and world ranked in the top 30 at the height of my career.<br /><br />8) Due to a severe shoulder injury, surgery and then re-injury, I had to retire from playing darts in 2007. Currently in my spare time, I bowl in two leagues and compete in local bowling tournaments.<br /><br />9) I am a 18 year ovarian cancer survivor; however with the cure of cancer came the onset of Lupus. To date, there is no cure for Lupus.<br /><br />10) I began my current hobby/career of making jewelry after searching online for magnetic bracelets for therapeutic purposes. After noticing that all that was offered looked dull, drab and virtually the same, I decided to make my own using colorfully painted magnetic beads. Several people in the building I work in noticed my bracelets and asked if I could make some for them. My business today has evolved from these requests.<br /><br />OK, There's my 10 fun-filled facts! Now... what are yours?<br /><br />1. <a href="http://butterfly-craftsonline.blogspot.com/">Butterfly Crafts</a><br />2. <a href="http://almondtreedesigns.blogspot.com/">Almondtree Designs</a><br />3. <a href="http://beicreationsart.blogspot.com/">Bei Creations</a><br />4. <a href="http://bijouxdesignsforyou.blogspot.com/">Bijoux Designs For You</a><br />5. <a href="http://bluebettyblog.blogspot.com/">Blue Betty</a><br />6. <a href="http://haffinacreations.blogspot.com/">Haffina Creations</a><br />7. <a href="http://riskybeads.blogspot.com/">Risky Beads</a><br />8. <a href="http://silverriverjewelry.blogspot.com/">Silver River Jewelry</a><br />9. <a href="http://jewelrybyfyfe.blogspot.com/">Jewelry By Fyfe</a><br />10. <a href="http://huckleberryarts.blogspot.com/">Huckleberry Arts</a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-19201059332562492932009-09-03T18:25:00.000-07:002009-09-03T18:46:35.360-07:00Those Amazing Sugar Scrubs!I was watching a T.V. show last Wednesday (while babysitting my grandson) called "She's Crafty". While we don't have cable television, I'm not sure whether this is a nationally broadcast show or just something local; but nonetheless, it was quite entertaining.<br /><br />The host of the show made several simple crafty things, such as an accordion-style photo album using 8-1/2x11 sheets of paper, a tea tray using a wooden-framed picture frame, some fabric and drawer pulls -- and she closed the show by making some wonderful sugar scrubs.<br /><br />Now I've heard of sugar scrub before, but have never used any myself. But listening to her talk on and on about the wonderful effects these sugar scrubs had on her face and skin, and how people were telling her how much younger she looked after a few weeks of using it, I decided that yes...I wanted to look younger too.<br /><br />I raced into the kitchen to get a piece of paper and pencil to write down exactly how to make this sugar scrub, and as I began writing down the ingredients, I realized that not only was it a very simple item to make, but I had all of the ingredients to make it too! :)<br /><br />So off to the kitchen I went -- to make my first batch of sugar scrub.<br /><br />The recipe called for 2 cups of sugar, 2TBSP. of extra virgin olive oil and enough Green Tea Tree oil to make the scrub not too flaky, but not too liquidy. This was the only part that didn't have an exact measurement.<br /><br />After putting the sugar in a bowl and mixing the two oils in, I added 1TBSP. of pure vanilla extract and 4 TBSP. of sweetened cocoa powder. This gave the sugar scrub a wonderful chocolate/vanilla aroma, plus the cocoa added coloration.<br /><br />I scooped the scrub into a small glass jar with lid, and voila! It was done!<br /><br />It smelled wonderful! I tried it this morning just on my face. The granulation of the sugar is an excellent exfoliator, and the oils made my skin feel as soft and smooth as a baby's behind.<br /> <br />I'm going to be trying some other scents real soon! Can't wait!Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-13465603177997450732009-08-27T20:44:00.001-07:002009-08-28T12:28:15.816-07:00"Hannah" Collection - Swarovski Crystal and Gold-Filled EarringsAs summer ends and fall peeks it's head around the corner - we've decided to try something new. Our jewelry products will be formed into groups or "Collections", rather than just a mish-mosh and scattering of pieces. This idea came about after creating jewelry for one particular wedding party this past summer. The bride and groom both wore white, as did the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Because the bride did not have a particularly favorite color, she chose an array of colors for the bridal party: blue, green, purple, peach and light green. The bridesmaids each had earrings, bracelets and necklaces made for them and each one wore a different color. The groomsmen each wore a cummerbund and tie that matched the color of one of the bridesmaids and all in all it was quite colorful. Each of the bridesmaids pieces were made slightly different from each other, so that they all tied in, but were still unique.<br /><br />The bride (Hannah) thought that we should make more of these as she was so impressed with how they turned out she thought others would like them.<br /><br />So they were born. The "Hannah" collection of earrings. They each have an 8mm Swarovski crystal and are set on our handmade 22 gauge 12K gold-filled ear wires. They have been made just as the originals. Following are pictures of the entire five-piece series, available for purchase on <a href="http://www.Fo-Shizzle.com">our website</a> or at our store:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYUEn7KtI/AAAAAAAAAbo/cAkoaxTkuww/s1600-h/IMG_5883.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYUEn7KtI/AAAAAAAAAbo/cAkoaxTkuww/s320/IMG_5883.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374861782151801554" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYM31g7KI/AAAAAAAAAbg/uqcT9ARIJTA/s1600-h/IMG_5887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYM31g7KI/AAAAAAAAAbg/uqcT9ARIJTA/s320/IMG_5887.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374861658460056738" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYdKWrhOI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Jotv2hVHkf0/s1600-h/IMG_5894.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYdKWrhOI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Jotv2hVHkf0/s320/IMG_5894.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374861938308908258" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYljWdZfI/AAAAAAAAAb4/BrGoM2K_xNw/s1600-h/IMG_5903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYljWdZfI/AAAAAAAAAb4/BrGoM2K_xNw/s320/IMG_5903.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374862082457822706" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYuVTLghI/AAAAAAAAAcA/sxkBlyEg8LI/s1600-h/IMG_5912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpdYuVTLghI/AAAAAAAAAcA/sxkBlyEg8LI/s320/IMG_5912.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374862233304793618" /></a><br /><br />For more information on the Hannah Series, or to purchase these earrings, visit <a href="http://www.Fo-Shizzle.com">Fo-Shizzle Design Studios</a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-92017070794453362852009-08-24T15:19:00.000-07:002009-08-24T16:05:51.131-07:00Easiest-ever Chocolate TrufflesWith the holidays creeping up upon us, it's time to start thinking about those holiday gatherings and get togethers. If you're like me, no matter who's having the gathering you'll ask if you can bring something (food, drink, etc.). Even if the host or hostess expressly denies the need for anything additional, I will always bring a little something anyway, and leave it up to them to put it out for the gathering or keep it for themselves.<br /><br />One of the easiest and most raved about foods I've made I found in a Better Homes and Garden magazine and altered it slightly to suit my taste. The original recipe was for chocolate truffles, made from Oreo cookies and dipped in white chocolate. Personally I prefer my chocolate to actually have a CHOCOLATE taste -- so for me, the white chocolate was <span style="font-style:italic;">out</span>.<br /><br />I've now made every flavor that Nabisco Oreos have to offer, and everyone I've give these truffles to has <span style="font-style:italic;">begged</span> for more. Here's the general (altered) recipe:<br /><br />1 package (16 oz.) Oreo cookies, finely crushed (I use a food processor to get them ultra-fine and powdery.<br /><br />1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese<br /><br />2 packages (8 oz. each) Bakers' semi-sweet baking chocolate, or 4 cups of your favorite semi-sweet chocolate chips.<br /><br />DIRECTIONS:<br /><br />Place cream cheese in mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until softened. Add crushed cookies and mix well. Cover bowl and put in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours or until firm.<br /><br />Roll mixture into approximately 40 - 45 small balls (diameter of a quarter). Place on waxed paper and put in freezer for 1 hour.<br /><br />Melt chocolate or chocolate chips in a double boiler. Dip balls in melted chocolate and place back on waxed paper. Refrigerate until ready to use.<br /><br /><br />Variations: Peanut Butter Oreos, Double Fudge Oreos, Mint Chocolate Oreos (my favorite).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpMaHX9UgUI/AAAAAAAAAas/-3EwW21_qAY/s1600-h/MintOreos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SpMaHX9UgUI/AAAAAAAAAas/-3EwW21_qAY/s320/MintOreos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373667494375752002" /></a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-59500368529463902912009-08-12T16:14:00.000-07:002009-08-12T16:37:55.163-07:00Our July Free Jewelry Winner ANNOUNCED!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SoNRoTaDfvI/AAAAAAAAAak/WX_n1WhiESM/s1600-h/IMG_5781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SoNRoTaDfvI/AAAAAAAAAak/WX_n1WhiESM/s320/IMG_5781.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369224933601935090" /></a><br />Congratulations to Peter P. from Rochester New York!<br /><br />Peter won the <a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com">Fo-Shizzle Design Studios</a>' MONTHLY GIVEAWAY for June, 2009! His free jewelry was "Lilies", a pair of Lucite and crystal earrings. <br /><br />I know they will look great on you Peter! (giggle)<br /><br />If you would like to register for your chance to win free jewelry, <a href="http://www.fo-shizzle.com/MonthlyGiveawayFirstPage.html">click here</a> and sign up for our monthly newsletter!Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-24301839260396512922009-08-08T09:53:00.000-07:002009-08-08T10:04:48.608-07:00SATURDAY SALE! 8/8/09 Everything in AF store 50% off!<a href="http://www.mzzthang.artfire.com"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fo-Shizzle Design Studios' Art Fire Store</span></a><br /><br /><br />Why am I having a 50% off sale?<br /><br />Each year, I donate to the Lupus Foundation of America. Last year a little over $3,000.00 was raised from sales, dart tournaments and other fun events and given to the LFA during October, which for those of you who may be unaware, is Lupus Awareness Month.<br /><br />This year, however, one of our events was canceled so I am relying more on sales and a <a href="http://fo-shizzledesignstudios.blogspot.com/2009/07/dear-family-friends-i-will-be.html">"Walk For Lupus Now"</a> event at the end of this month to be able to fulfill my goal of matching last years' donations. We raised over $300.00 during our the previous store sales, but still have a long way to go -- and let's face it -- October is going to be here quicker than we think.<br /><br />Tomorrow only, all items in <a href="http://www.mzzthang.artfire.com">our AF store</a> will be reduced 50%. Hopefully for those of you who've been eyeballing our items in the past, this will be enough incentive to make that purchase.<br /><br />100% of the proceeds from all sales tomorrow will be donated to the <a href="http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html">Lupus Foundation of America.</a><br /><br />If you do not care to make a purchase, but would like to become a team member of, or make a donation for the <a href="http://fo-shizzledesignstudios.blogspot.com/2009/07/dear-family-friends-i-will-be.html">"Walk For Lupus Now"</a> event, click on the link and read more about this wonderful charity event. I'm going to be walking it (fingers crossed) for the first time this year, with the aid of my daughters.<br /><br />Thank you all in advance for your support!<br /><br /><br />~ Mischelle (aka "Mzz Thang")Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-87900495351265786362009-08-06T21:48:00.000-07:002009-08-06T22:00:06.356-07:00Antonia - Sterling silver and Aquamarine Briolette Earrings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Snu0PDT7VuI/AAAAAAAAAaE/G5dymLHlPR8/s1600-h/Antonia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/Snu0PDT7VuI/AAAAAAAAAaE/G5dymLHlPR8/s320/Antonia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367081551622002402" /></a><br />This is one of my newest listings on Art Fire.<br /><br />"Antonia": Hand-formed sterling silver 14 gauge bead wire surrounding 22 gauge sterling round wire, sporting brilliant genuine aquamarine faceted 6x8mm briolettes. 2" length from the bottom of the sterling silver ear wires.<br /><br />Check them out <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=350699">here</a> and take a look at our other new listings by visiting our <a href="http://www.mzzthang.artfire.com">Art Fire store</a>.Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-46416639197736890012009-07-30T08:17:00.000-07:002009-07-30T08:29:51.286-07:00Hope For a New Lupus Treatment...HOPE FOR A NEW LUPUS TREATMENT REVEALED<br /><br />Earlier this month, the promising results of a potential new treatment for lupus -- BENLYSTA™ -- were announced. If approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), BENLYSTA would be the first new lupus treatment in more than 50 years and the first drug ever developed specifically for lupus.<br /><br />Now more than ever we need your support. It is critical that we continue to fund our research program to find additional therapies needed to manage this disease, and find ways to fully restore the quality of life that people with lupus once knew.<br /><br />While more research is required for FDA approval, the results are encouraging. The study provides new hope for people with lupus … the type of hope that the LFA continues to advance thanks to supporters like you.<br /><br />Physicians need a complete arsenal of therapies to provide the individualized treatment that lupus requires. With your help, we can ensure that they will. <br />----------------------<br /><br />A GIANT LEAP FOR LUPUS<br /><br />astronaut It is likely that we will all remember July 20, 2009, not only as the anniversary of the first moon landing, but also when a historic breakthrough in lupus occurred. The Lupus Foundation of America is celebrating the positive results of BENLYSTA™ announced by Human Genome Sciences. Only top-line results of the first of two studies have been released thus far. Additional details of the results will be presented later this year at a major scientific meeting. In addition, we eagerly await the results of the longer-term Phase III clinical trial to be released in November when the study is completed.<br /><br />---------------------<br /><br /><a href="http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1694782&pg=personal&fr_id=1160&et=2_t9dHqN1YvL6knD5o-uHw..&s_tafId=1487">Join One of the LFA's August Walk for Lupus Now Events</a><br /><br />The Walk for Lupus Now season continues, with monies raised from these events going to support lupus research, lupus education programs, and patient and family support services.<br /><br />If you are in the San Francisco/East Bay Area, <a href="http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1694782&pg=personal&fr_id=1160&et=2_t9dHqN1YvL6knD5o-uHw..&s_tafId=1487">join my team</a> in the Walk For Lupus Now event on August 30, 2009.<br /><br />If you are unable to join me for this event, please <a href="http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1694782&pg=personal&fr_id=1160&et=2_t9dHqN1YvL6knD5o-uHw..&s_tafId=1487">visit my sponsor page</a> and help find a treatment or a cure for this chronic and debilitating disease. <br /><br />For more information on what Lupus is, or how you can help, visit <a href="http://www.lupus.org">www.Lupus.org</a>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-55835307928415796132009-07-16T15:04:00.000-07:002009-07-16T15:10:41.833-07:00<div> <style> </style> <table style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="400"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="3"><img src="http://lfa.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/10722.gif" align="left" border="0" height="140" width="400" /></td> </tr><tr><td colspan="3"><img src="http://lfa.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/10721.gif" border="0" height="15" width="15" /></td></tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://lfa.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/10721.gif" border="0" height="15" width="15" /></td> <td width="570">Dear Family & Friends:<br /><br />I will be participating in this year's Walk for Lupus Now® to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America. Walk for Lupus Now is the signature event of the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. In more than 75 cities across America, thousands of people walk to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lupus and to raise essential funds for research, education, and support services. I am writing to ask you for your support and help me reach my fundraising goal.<br /><br />It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus. Lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every organ system in the body. November 2008 marked 50 years since a drug has been approved for the treatment of lupus. There is hope on the horizon, and with your help we can find better treatments and a cure for lupus.<br /><br />The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) is the foremost national nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.<br /><br />You can help me reach my goal by making a secure online donation. Just click on the link below and you will be taken to my personal donation page.<br /><br />Making a difference starts with one step. Thank you for taking this step! <p> <a href="http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1694782&pg=personal&fr_id=1160&et=2_t9dHqN1YvL6knD5o-uHw..&s_tafId=1487" target="_blank">Click here to visit my personal page.</a><br /><span class="Smaller">If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:<br />http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1694782&pg=personal&fr_id=1160&et=2_t9dHqN1YvL6knD5o-uHw..&s_tafId=1487</span> </p> <p> <a href="http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?team_id=6420&pg=team&fr_id=1160&et=PaMWwJ6jqUEAhc_6ITaovQ..&s_tafId=1487" target="_blank">Click here to view the team page for Just a Little Loopy</a><br /><span class="Smaller">If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:<br />http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?team_id=6420&pg=team&fr_id=1160&et=PaMWwJ6jqUEAhc_6ITaovQ..&s_tafId=1487</span> </p> <img src="http://donate.lupus.org/site/PixelServer?tr=UJM6qsQ6k4rQ0wqFlOqRZg.." height="1" width="1" /> </td> <td width="15"><img src="http://lfa.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/10721.gif" align="left" border="0" height="15" width="15" /></td> </tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);" colspan="3"><img src="http://lfa.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/10721.gif" align="left" border="0" height="15" width="15" /></td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="400"> <tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt;"> <p class="pcontain2" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation’s leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support and services to all people affected by lupus.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a href="about:blank" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:8;" ></span></b></a><a href="about:blank" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:8;" ><br /></span></b></a></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <div class="PoweredByConvio"> <a href="http://www.convio.com/site/PageServer?pagename=support" target="_blank"><br /></a> </div> </div>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-89350157590835622372009-07-08T17:07:00.001-07:002009-07-09T06:49:23.859-07:00Grandpa would be very proud...I got to babysit my grandson today. Not that that's really anything new, exactly, as I take care of him every Wednesday while his mom and dad are both at work. Damian is now three months old, but I swear - it seems like he was just born yesterday.<br /><br />Each week, I see such drastic advances and changes in him. He's just growing up so fast, and each time that I see him there's something new. It's not like he learned to coo and then that's all that he does for a few months.<br /><br />No. He's already rolling over, sitting up almost entirely on his own and standing on his two feet with nothing more than the support of me holding his hands. I swear, this kid is going to be driving a car even before he learns how to crawl.<br /><br />Anyway, I though I would post today's video short, featuring none other than my 3 month old grandson, Damian.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxs-3pwRK2tYi_GiWzEUYnz8lsV0mNL8TxpJIvNXcB-j-ugJe5Ve-Y0HizMClu5peNzEdoEIAOspzfhz7tqoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471465376092768319.post-37709974218054481822009-07-06T18:42:00.001-07:002009-07-07T07:08:22.096-07:00Today (July 7th) is CHOCOLATE DAY!I've been waiting all year for this day to finally arrive, like a wide-eyed little girl who's just been handed a really big present.<br /><br />Chocolate Day is the perfect opportunity to eat you favorite chocolates in ample portions. Do you really need another excuse to over indulge with your favorite food treat?<br /><br />Chocolate is America's favorite flavor. It's the flavor of choice in candies, ice cream, cakes, breakfast cereal, toppings, and a whole host of desserts. Unequaled in popularity, it certainly deserves a day in it's honor.<br /><br />Did you know? Chocolate is a vegetable. It comes from the Cacao tree found in rain forests.<br /><br />Now that I've bored you all with chocolate facts that I'm sure you already knew, here are some of my favorite chocolate pieces by extremely talented artists at Art Fire. You can click on the photos to take you directly to their Art Fire Stores.<br /><br />How about these delicious looking Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies from Laura Lees Tasty Treats? OMG! I'm drooling already!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/LauraLeesTastyTreats"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlKsxApZzCI/AAAAAAAAARc/vihXPjakaS4/s320/LauraLeesTastyTreats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355532864884165666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And how cute is this? Miniature Triple Layer Chocolate Cake from Kawaii Doll House Miniatures Shop:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/MiniatureFood"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlKt_3sFqJI/AAAAAAAAARk/KZV2WI-0kE4/s320/Kawaii+Doll+House+Chocolate+Cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355534219689175186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If only my daughters were still little (my youngest is now 23)!<br />Hootibee's has the absolute cutest bows, hats, and everything to make your your youngsters look dashing! I love this Chocolate Polka Dot Curly Q Bow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/hootiebee"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlKwTfbfrhI/AAAAAAAAARs/xWY_KQX0x2w/s320/Hootibee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355536755797765650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Wouldn't it be nice to have a chocolate in every room?<br />Well now you can, and you won't even gain a ounce! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Round Light Switches are for the serious chocolate lover! Decorate your whole house in chocolate!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/ImpressionsExpress"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlKx50FPq1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/QT-dCXbqRG4/s320/ImpressionExpressions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355538513688243026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mmmmm...how delectable! Chocolate Cake with Pink Frosting bracelet from Risky Beads. This bracelet is to die for! Love the vintage pink "frosting" beads!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/riskybeads"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlKzUmB3rOI/AAAAAAAAAR8/87pJgsUdL2k/s320/Risky+Beads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355540073284087010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ya know, Veterinarians will tell you that you should never give chocolate to a dog. I'm no vet, but I certainly have to disagree with that statement! I think every dog should be given chocolate. Specially when it's a Chocolate & Blue Floral Dog Harness from Spoiled Bratzwear Canine Couture!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/SpoiledBratzwear"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlK1ekm97qI/AAAAAAAAASE/7r0eUo3std4/s320/Spoiled+Bratzwear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355542443724762786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hey! No fair keeping all the chocolate to yourself! C'mon! Share it with a friend! It's easy to do with this "ChocoCult" Set of 5 Yummy Envelopes and Cards!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Ipathia"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4Q5DYB3pWb4/SlK3xkjBIHI/AAAAAAAAASM/fQ7-eSLk5UI/s320/Ipathia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355544969148964978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't need to tell you what to do to celebrate this day, do I?<br /><br />Eat (and buy) Chocolate! And don't forget to share it with your <i>very best friend</i>!<br /><br /><br />Uh... I was talking about me.Butt Nekkid Bath Boutiquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01786167043658376499noreply@blogger.com3