Wonderful Christmas Gifts!

If you haven't check out my daughter's blog yet and you love knitting, sewing, fashion, and more, you must check it out http://www.linques.typepad.com/ . In this case, the apple did far from the tree-I really do not possess much in the way of crafting talent! That is not to say I don't try-but my daughter Lindsey (and Katherine as well) really did get their talents from my Mom and not me! My Mom even owned a needlepoint shop called the "Nasty Needles"!

Lindsey made this gorgeous green shawlette for me. I love the rich greens and hints of aqua in this, and it can be worn several ways!

One of my all time favorite colors is pink and this bright pink scarf is perfect with so many of my outfits, or just tucked in to my winter coat for a hint of color!

Lindsey also made these great washcloths for me-always handy, economical, and earth-friendly!

Where oh where did my reading glasses go? Oh, why of course, they're in this cute cute canvas glasses holder she also made me!

So be sure to check out her blog to see what she's been up to lately! I almost forgot to mention a few other things Lindsey has made! I have amazing quilts she has made me. She also made knitted/felted socks for my husband Bob and my son Mark!

If you were thinking of starting a project of your own maybe this will be the motivation you need!

Happy New Year!

Jen

New Years Resolution

Okay-I'm rushing things a bit! I should still be enjoying Christmas Day! But I can't help myself! My sister Susan bought me the cutest gift! Check out these oh-so-cute-spools of ribbon! It really makes me want to try try try to get organized this new year-2010!! Aren't these just the cutest!? If I can bear to part with these, I will use them to wrap orders. The good thing is, I can add new ribbon to the spools, so it will still look as cute as this! How many times have I used the word cute!?

Back to the new years resolution. You see, since I've started my two shops http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ I'm always shopping (what's new!) for cool new (old) vintage items for my shops. My husband, Bob, has been sooooo understanding and patient-and keeps building me more shelves! I still never have enough shelves and it's overflowing into every room!

So I received this set of 6 spools of ribbon in all sorts of fabulous colors and prints and that is, I'm sure, going to be the start of a fresh new year where I get organized and my poor family doesn't have to tip-toe around fragile vintage glass!

Tell me what your new years resolution is and we can motivate each other to follow through!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jen

p.s. my next post will be pics of the "cutest" (I had to use the word just one more time) scarves my daughter, Lindsey, knitted/crocheted for me!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is able to slow down by now and really enjoy this wonderful holiday season!!

I try to avoid the shopping centers and malls when it gets this close to Christmas, but there is always something that you just need to get at the last minute! I really find that people are actually kinder to each other-they try a little harder! I just went into a Convenient Store this afternoon to get some lottery tickets (I'm sure I will win the mega million tonight), and there was already a lady in line, and a gentleman; but the gentleman, insisted that I or the other lady go before him, and the lady insisted I go before her! It was all pretty funny-but still nice! Well, I did go first, and thanked them, and will thank them again after I learn later tonight that I did win the mega million!

So what was I saying? Oh-Merry Christmas to everyone! I want to thank all of my followers and would like to wish you the most wonderful New Year ever! If you think of anything you would like me to blog about, please let me know! If you haven't noticed yet, I do love to talk!

Have a magical Christmas!

Jen

Been Busy!

I was hoping to blog more and get some more Christmas vintage decorating ideas here, but I've been so busy with my shops these days! I've never been busier and never been happier! I get up by 6:30 am every weekday morning. One reason is to be there when my high school daughter leaves for school. Another reason is to check in on both of my shops and get orders ready ASAP!

I offer free gift wrapping and I can send directly to a recipient, so that can make it easier for you! I had several of those orders during this holiday season, and I know this may sound crazy, but I LOVE to wrap gifts! I even add a note card and will add a personal note that the gift-giver wants written!

I'm going to write another blog update this weekend-if there's anything you would like me to blog about-just let me know-within reason! I do want to write a blog soon about my Etsy experience and what I've learned! I also need to update my "beauty" blog http://www.fabfortyandbeyond.blogspot.com/ so if you have any questions, ideas, etc. I would love to hear about them!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Jen

Be Specific

I cannot say that enough. Twitter reminded me of this favorite quote of mine!

Be specific!

What do you want?

You're not sure!?

Start a journal. Start a scrapbook. Rip out pictures in magazines of whatever you love-fashion, cars, room designs, it's okay! It's not an awul thing to focus on material things! As long as you are balancing it with the core values of who you are and what you really want-besides all that "stuff"!! The stuff is great-but not without all that really matters! If all that "stuff" is gone-what's still there?

Answer: it's the "stuff" -the real stuff that matters! You!! Your family! Your values!

So go ahead-make your scrap book-add the car you want-the interior design stuf you love (I happen to love everything in "Traditional Home" magazine! Add all of it! Do not be ashamed! As long as your only focus is not on these "things"-you'll do okay!

So go ahead-make your list-check it twice-it doesn't matter if you've been naughty or nice-

just

be

specific

and

be

careful

what you

wish for!

Dreams to come true!!

Jen

Milk Glass Christmas Arrangement

Busy Busy Season! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and now ready for the Christmas season!

I've been busy listing in both of my shops and thinking of more ideas to show you so you can create your own one of a kind vintage decorations!

Here I took one of my thumbprint milk glass vase (you can find them at http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ ) . I started with some of that florist foam tucked inside the vase. I added some moss for filler and plenty of shiny pretty glass ornaments. I also tucked in several different colors of ribbon. I did glue gun most of the items just so they were securely on there! The only tools I needed were scissors and a glue gun! Glue guns are very inexpensive (you can get the smaller ones for about $7.00!). I need to do a little "tweaking" to this arrangement, the glue strands seem to be never ending, so I need to get rid of a few more of those random threads.

I may be putting this one up for sale in my milk glass shop soon!

So get your glue gun, a vase (doesn't have to be milk glass of course!), moss, ornaments, pretty ribbons (there are so many varieties out there)...and start creating!

Happy Holidays!!

Jen

Vintage Christmas Ideas

Been a little busy and haven't had a chance to get going on my Christmas vintage ideas. Here's a few though!

I just took milk glass vases and tied pretty bows around the top and hot glued some bright miniature Christmas balls on them!

Another idea for gift wrapping that special vintage gift, add a vintage brooch to the package (for a little hint of what's inside the gift!).

Enjoy your weekend!

Jen

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been busy and haven't updated my blog in awhile! Tonight seems like a good time to do that!

It's Thanksgiving Day and what better day to think of all the things we're thankful for, the things we often take for granted.

Today I ran my 2nd 5k, First, I need to say it was a fundraiser for cancer research. That brings me to to a reason to be thankful; my health-and my familys health (please place the apostrophe in the proper position (familys', families, none of those look right- I've totally forgotten all the things I was taught in school-it's been a few years).

Okay I do digress as usual.

Oh-yes-the 5k! That was so much fun, I am so addicted to 5k's now, I must enter another soon! Here's what I'm thankful for....being older! Yes, I found a positive about being older! You see, when you're in a 5k, female especially, in the "upper categories", you have more of a chance at getting a medal! So I glanced around to see what my competition might be. Not too many of "my kind" there! Guess what!? I won a silver medal...yep! I placed in the top three for my "age category"!! I haven't found out my time yet, but am curious to see what I ran. I should mention, my first 5k! I placed first in my "age category" (I won't mention the part about there only being one other woman in my age category, and she walked, and the fact that there were only about 45 runners all together!).

It goes without saying that I am thankful for my family. I am so lucky! My husband, Bob, is the best! In fact, after dinner, we were sitting around the table just chatting, all but Bob that is! He was cleaning up everything! At one point my friend Lori stopped and said "I feel like we should leave a tip for Bob since he's doing all this work!". (She actually did leave a great tip-a 6 pk of Christmas Ale~!).

I have three fantastic kids! Bob and I still can't figure out how the got so darn smart! We do know where they got their looks! (from me of course (hehe)

I am always thankful for the armed forces...and their families! What a sacrifice they are making for us! Can you imagine? These men and women are far away from their families during the holidays; their children are without one or two of their parents. Thank you so much for all you do for our country!

There are the simple pleasures in my life that I am also thankful for! I can't do a blog about being thankful without mentioning twitter! Non-twitter people can skip this part because you just won't understand! All of my twitter friends will understand! Thanks for cheering me on when I post about my 5k or when I tell you about a resent sale in one of my shops! Thanks for the RT's and for always viewing my new listings when I post them on twitter!

I could go on and on, but I won't; oh, except one more thing! I am thankful for my blog followers~! Thanks for reading my blog!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! As promised, I will be posting some vintage holiday decorating ideas very soon!!

My best to you,

Jen

1000th

My 1000th sale came today and I owe it all to twitter!! I told you twitter is fantastic! My twitter friend saw these cute tea towels I had just listed when I put a link on twitter to show the new listing (I usually let twitter know first!)...and she bought them within minutes--and I had them shipped out within that same hour!

I have since gone on to my 1001st sale (I thought it would be 1000 "th", but my smart son, Mark, tells me it's 1000st!)....oh yeah-that makes sense!! (silly me)

So-thanks http://www.twitter.com/ (if you haven't signed up for twitter, well...why haven't you!? It's not only a great marketing tool, but also a great place to meet knew friends with your same interests!

My best to all!

Jen

999!!

999! Yep! I've almost reach my goal of 1,000 sales in my first shop!http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ I'm so excited!

I'll probably throw a party or something when I get that 1000th sale!

I have so much fun shopping for new (old) items for both of my shops (don't forget http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ )!

So this is just a quick blog to say thanks to all of my customers! And a special thanks to my repeat customers!!

Happy Holidays!

Jen

Vintage Hankies

My latest purchase is 3 oh so pretty vintage Christmas hankies from my friend Laura! Thanks so much Laura, I love these! You must check out her Etsy shop at http://www.ilaura.etsy.com/ full of gorgeous vintage linens, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, and more!

I made a table runner out of 3 hankies-and all you need is fabric glue! I saw this idea in an antique shop and it looked like something even I could do! I made one and sold it as a sample (since it was my first one)! I'm planning on making more, and I thought it would be nice to have a Christmas one!

Table Runner this is my first table runner!

Soon to come, more vintage holiday decorating ideas!

Jen

Christmas On Etsy

If you haven't visited Etsy yet...you must! http://www.etsy.com/ full of fabulous vintage shops, including mine! http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ and also full of amazingly talented crafters! You'll find everything from gifts for your pets, high fashion, great little vintage kitschy items, jewelry, and so much more!

I'm trying to do as much of my Christmas shopping through Etsy. My latest purchase was this darling crocheted snowman from http://www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com/ -please check out her shop and you too will find something you just have to have, whether it's a gift for someone else, or a little something for yourself! I can't decide whether this will be an ornament for my tree, or if I can bear or is it bare-no, that would be naked, anyways bear to part with this, it would make a cute little topper for a Christmas gift!

Stop by my blog for updates on my latest purchases-and soon to come, some more ideas for decorating with vintage for the holiday's!

My best to you!

Jen

Buy From Etsy!

This year why not do most of your Christmas shopping from the convenience of your home!? I am going to do just that, and started with a beautiful Christmas card from http://www.enchantedquilling.etsy.com/ all the way from Australia! Absolutely gorgeous, even better than I expected! I love this card so much I am not sure I want to give it to anyone! I may just frame it! Janice also added 2 beautiful gift tags to my order! Janice & I are twitter friends!

The detail on this card is amazing, and it looks like there's a lot of work that goes into it! (I just know I wouldn't even try to do anything like this-it would be a disaster!)

So please shop on http://www.etsy.com/ -I know you will be pleasantly surprised! There is wonderful talent there (not to mention great vintages shops!)!

Thank you so much Janice! I will definitely shop at http://www.enchantedquilling.etsy.com/ again!

Jen

You Better Watch Out

You better not pout! Before you know it the holiday season will be upon us! I've come up with a few ideas for your vintage holiday decorating!

I took a milk glass lacy compote and weaved Christmas ribbon through it-add a votive candle, and that's it!

Beautiful Kings Crown Green goblets can be transformed easily into Christmas glasses with just a touch of holiday ribbon!

A large hobnail milk glass vase just needs some touches of gold to make it sparkle!

Take the simplest of items-Fenton hobnail ashtray and add a votive candle and some Christmas flowers!

I'll be bringing you more ideas in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!

Jen

Veggie and Cheesy Pasta Casserole

Okay-I got creative today! I knew I wanted to use the fresh zucchini and squash I had here, and I knew I wanted to have pasta too--so I just started using my imagination, and poof! I had a yummy veggie & cheesy pasta casserole!

This recipe can be tweeked with whatever you have, and if you want a more lightweight version, just skip some of the butter I use and instead of the heavy cream, just regular milk should be fine. Same idea with the cheese-low fat should be fine! But I always say, as long as you don't eat like this all the time, go for it!! Life is too short-live life to the fullest-that means eat cheese and pasta!

Here's how I started:

I sauteed chopped (all bite size) zucchini, squash, yellow pepper, red onion, white onion, some shredded carrots in olive oil and butter-just until the veggies loose a bit of their crispness, but don't overcook it-not sure how long that took-maybe 8 minutes. Add salt & pepper-and my favorite ingredient-red pepper flakes-whatever amount is good for you-it will add an extra kick-I probably used about 1/2 tsp or so. Oh geez-almost forgot-after that was all sauteed-at the last minute, I added chopped cherry tomatoes and button mushrooms (silly me!).

While I was letting that sautee and stirring occasionally-I got the water boiling for the pasta-I used elbow noodles-but any pasta will do-I cooked it just until al dente (is that how that's spelled?).

This is a multi-tasking recipe. While doing those other two things, I was also preparing the sauce. I cooked some butter and then added a few T. of flour-cook that over low for about a minute-keep stirring. I then added about a cup or so of heavy cream (I warmed it in the microwave for about 45 seconds). Stir that in until all lumps are gone. I then added about 1/2 jar or so of marinara sauce, stir that up. Almost forgot-add some italian seasoning and garlic salt to the sauce!

Everything should be ready about the same time! Drain your pasta-but leave just a bit of water. Pour the pasta, sauce, and veggie mixture into one bowl or one of the pans you've already used (why mess up a clean bowl when you don't need to!).

Mix it up. Pour it into whatever casserole dish you like-I used a more shallow longer one-but the deeper ones would be good too! I grated fresh parmesano reggiano, but you could use the jar stuff. Then I sprinkled shredded mozzerella cheese over that. And...in case it wasn't decadent enough, I melted a little bit of butter, then mixed in some italian bread crumbs, and sprinkled that over the top!

Bake at 350 for just 15 minutes-and it's ready!!

Hopefully I didn't forget anything!!

Enjoy! It's quick and easy-although you will have quite few pans to clean up!

Jen

It's Been Awhile

Where has the time gone! I've neglected my blog again...last blog post was 9/18! So again, I have come here without a plan, and shall just ramble (as usual) and maybe something will pop into my head! Wait...there's something there-oh, never mind, it was a donut.

Since I mix it up in my blog with personal stories, inspirational stories, and information about my shops http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ (you know I had to do that), I think I'll write about my Etsy shops.

As some of you may know, I started my first shop in April of 2008. At over 900 sales now, I feel pretty good about the way things are going! I have 229 sales, so far, in my milk glass shop also!

So I think I'll talk about the things I've learned so far, the trials and tribulations, the good, the bad...and the ugly! Actually, there really hasn't been too much bad and ugly!

Let's start with shipping! I would have to say that has been the toughest challenge. Most of the items I ship are fragile and usually pretty heavy. I have my official USPS scale to weigh my items. What I do when I'm listing an item is to put a box on the scale with some bubble wrap (that gives me more of a realistic idea of the weight when the item is actually being shipped), and then put the item on top of that. I will still add a little weight to that and check my handy-dandy postal sheet that shows me the cost for priority mail for all zones. Let's say the item weighs 2.5 lbs, I will usually use the 3 lbs information and go with the farthest zone, zone 8, which would be $11.95.

This really shouldn't be a new paragraph because I'm still talking about shipping, but I've read that people become disinterested if you write too much in one paragraph!

Okay-so back to shipping! I would say in my first year, I messed up quite a bit on shipping, and lost some money since I didn't charge enough! This year is going so much better (okay, so I'm a slow learner!). What I do now is refund the buyer if shipping costs are less than my quote, but I do add a small fee for packing material, since I usually use a ton of bubble wrap! Shipping to Zone 1 or 2 is obviously going to be quite a bit less than zone 8 (e.g. 3 lbs for zone 1 and 2 is $5.50 and zone is is $11.95!).

I know I've blogged about shipping before, I think because it has been the biggest hurdle. Of course, my most favorite part of having my Etsy shops (if you haven't check out Etsy, you must.. http://www.etsy.com/ there is so much talent there!) is shopping! I now have an excuse to shop for all the pretty things I love and pass them on to others!

I also love wrapping everything I ship out so the buyer feels like they're receiving a gift!

I think in my next blog I'll talk about the listing process (that's right, there is no sequence to my blogs!). So stay tuned, I promise not to be gone so long next time!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jen

Think Outside the Box

You've heard that before, right? "Think outside the box". Do you know what it means? It means, do not settle for second best! It means you've gone this far, but it's not far enough. Keep going, keep thinking, keep working, keep motivated!

I've mentioned twitter at least a few times on my blog. The non-twitter people just don't get it, but the twitter people, well, they know...twitter is great!

For example...while on twitter several weeks ago, an event planner http://www.eventjubilee.com/ sent me a tweet asking if I would be willing to send some of my vintage china to her for a bridal photo shoot, which will most likely be featured in at least a few bridal magazines in Connecticut! I didn't think twice! I thought outside the box! I love both of my vintage shops and they're doing quite well, but I know there are more opportunities out there!

What prompted this post is another opportunity that I found out about tonight! All I can say is I'm shipping out a pair of milk glass candlesticks to New York City (love NYC!!).

So don't settle-never settle-think outside the box! Live the best darn life you can. The way I see it is, what do you have to loose? Do you want to be 80 years old thinking, "why didn't I do this-or that"? Go for it!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jen

Give Up

Okay, I'm using reverse psychology! I'm sure you get tired of all those motivational stories-or you think, oh heck, I cannot do that! So don't! Don't do it!

While I was at bosu class today (google it-it means both sides up-and it's a fun aerobic workout), I started to think about when I first started that class, and for at least 4-6 months, I was just a klutz! But I stuck with it! Who cares if anyone else thought I was a klutz! I've gotten to a point in my life where I am finally not worrying about what others thing.

And this really isn't about bosu. It's about staying with something. It's about making yourself proud; not anyone else. You have to live with yourself, why not live with a person you are proud of!

I looked at the new kids in class and remembered not long ago, that was me! I tried to encourage them, without scaring them away more! I wanted to tell them it gets better-you get tougher-and the more you do-the more you get back! But there's not enough time.

So, thus--this blog! If I can motivate one person to do what they keep saying they should do-want to do-could do--just DO IT!

Do it-you can! Think about the worst thing that will happen to you if you "fail"...you will not "fail"...because you tried!

I'm proud of what I've done-and if I can do it..seriously, anyone can!!

Do it!!

Jen

What Shall I Blog About!?

It's just been so long since I blogged! The last time I blogged was soon after we got home from our annual vacation to Cocoa Beach, Florida!

So I don't really have any idea what I'm going to blog about. I'll just start rambling (like I usually do) and something will pop into this little brain of mine.

Oh, for one thing, I have blog envy! I see other cute blogs, for instance, just little things like a cute red square around their pictures, and they have blogspot! How do I do that!?

I want to make my blog more eye-catching! If it's eye-catching, then I'm guessing you'll be more tempted to read what I have to say-and even if what I say is rather dull, well...at least you'll have something cute to look at!

I still want to promote other Etsy shops-and really, it doesn't just have to be Etsy shops..if you have a website you'd like to promote, just leave a comment! I would especially like to hear from my near and dear friends...my twitter friends! You guys have some awesome talent out there! I've tried my hand at a few things, like sewing, crocheting, knitting...oh and even needlepoint (my Mom had a needlepoint shop called the "Nasty Needles" when I was growing up, isn't that cute! But anyways---I was always only poor to fair with any of that, so I just followed my passion for antiques and thus (plug coming) opened my shop http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and then http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ (oh come one, isn't that part of the point of a blog!).

So that's my quick ramble-I could go on and on, can you tell I love to talk!? Just wanted to say hi and...oh, I know...I should do another blog soon about packing my orders, okay...that will come soon!

Take care everyone! Keep your chin up-shoulders back (my Mom would always tell me that) good posture will really make you look better and feel more confident!

Jen

What I've Been Doing On My Summer Vacation

Hope everyone has been enjoying summer! I certainly have!

Must show you a picture of our backyard pet, Mr. Groundhog! Isn't he adorable!? He wanders around our backyard eating our grass and weeds (there are plenty of those!).

I've been busy with my Etsy shops also, if you have a chance, check out http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ mention "blog" during checkout and I will give you 10% off your order!

We just returned from our usual vacation spot, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and we had a great time! It just takes awhile to get caught up with everything-and I'm finally almost to that point! We were lucky to have our older daughter, Lindsey come along as well, with her cute cute puppy, Cosmo! Of course, our other two children were there too, Mark and Katherine! We had plenty of pool and beach time, and I went on a couple of runs with Katherine, so I could at least have some sort of exercise, since we were eating our way through Cocoa Beach! The picture I included is of Lindsey, Katherine, Bob and Mark (yes, Lindsey is shorter than her 16 year old sister!).

Just to show how silly I am-I'm including a pic of Lindsey & I during what of our "photo shoots"! Yes-that is my funny attempt at modeling!!

And I can't forget a pic of my favorite grand-puppy Cosmo! I still haven't figured out how to put little notes at the bottom of each picture.

Best to all-

Jen

Happy Vacation Time!

This is a quick blog on our last day here in Cocoa Beach, Florida! I hope to give you a full blog update next week with some pictures of our trip!

We left last Thursday and drove to Charlotte, NC, like we do every year at this time. It's about 1/2 to to our destination and we love Charlotte!

We arrived in Cocoa Beach Friday, and we've been having fun since! The weather has been perfect and we even have my older daughter, Lindsey, with us...and her adorable dog Cosmo (the long haired chihuahua-never sure if I spell that right!).

We found a couple of thrift shops and hopefully I'll have enough room for all that I bought! Yesterday we found the cutest area with all kinds of great shops! It was actually Lindsey that found this area because she was looking for a yarn shop! Right next to the yarn shop was a great antique shop....and I found some wonderful antiques theres!

I'm guessing I gained a few pounds as I usually do! We eat dinner out everynight and although I have run a couple of times with my daughter, Katherine, and I've been swimming and lifting weights, it's just not the same as my usual workouts! I can't wait to get back to yogilates, pilates...and my favorite-spin class!

But for now, I'll forget about that and enjoy my last full day of vacation!

Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Jen

I've never been good at numbers

I actually do love numbers, and excel and all that! Well, it's August 2, 2009 and I just started thinking about my Mom, who happened to be my best friend and savior!

Back in 12/9/1991 I had by 2nd child. My son Mark. It had been some years since my 1st child, Lindsey, 6/83, but I knew when I had Lindsey that I wanted more children! Unfortunately it didn't work out quite the way I thought it would be with my first hubby..but not to worry!

I moved back to Westlake, OH from fabulous Denver, CO, with my darling little Lindsey, only around 5 yrs old, since my Mom and Dad were there. So I moved back here in 1989. I met Bob, my husband, at my Dad's company, and the rest is history! We had Mark in 12/91 and Katherine in 3/93. Double blessed! Especially since my Mom was here and came over here everyday to help me out and keep me from going insane! We had such fun-I guess I would say I got my zest for laughter and fun from my Mom for sure!

It was so unexpected when she suddenly passed August 9th 1994. But this blog is not about sadness, but about having fun! And that we did!

We laughed hysterically one day when we decided to chop carrots and celery in the food processor she brought over! We screamed as the veggies shot out of the top of that darn machine! We loved our coffee together right when Oprah came on too! My Mom was so untuitive, I swear she knew what was going to happen before it happened! That is one special person!

She raised 5 children and still had the passion to help me out! I will treasure that time for the rest of my life!

So think about what you are blessed with and be thankful and grateful!

Jen

It's Not Always About the Shoes

I know...what could I be thinking, making such a statement! I do love shoes and I think most women do! I have quite a collection! This year I bought a pair of gold gladiator sandals (not like the ones that go way up the ankle-just simple ones) from Dillards and they have been my go-to sandals this summer!

I also have another pair of very cute, very pointy, black Anne Klein pumps that I just love! My sister actually just borrowed them for a wedding! I used to wear them quite a lot when I was working in an office-just last year (I do miss the dressing up for work stuff!). My co-workers used to tease me for wearing my pointy shoes, but I didn't care!! They're a great classic, yet sexy pump, with a good heel!

Then of course, I have what I refer to as my "popular black boots". I swear everytime I wear them (in fall and winter) strangers will comment how much they love them! Men and women! They're not to wild, classic yet sexy--I guess that's a theme with me!

But guess what! My new favorite pair of shoes are shoes I would have never bought for myself, and I'm not sure that I'll ever wear them, but they will always be my favorite pair of shoes. If you follow me on twitter you may have heard me mention my elderly neighbor Rea. She is 91 years old, but I'll tell you what, she is sharper and funnier then a lot of the people I know that are half her age!

My relationship with Rea started, well, let's see...it's been about a year and a half I guess. She lives up the street from me and we had said our neighborly "hello's" now and then. But I had started seeing her using her walker, getting her mail and finally decided I just needed to get over there and help her out. So I walked down one day while she was struggling to get her mail out on our busy street and the rest is history. It started out as a neighbor helping a neighbor. Then I got my son, Mark, 16 at the time, involved. I think it's good for teenagers to help others and not get paid for it. So Mark is still going over there every Tuesday and taking her garbage out for her.

Okay-back to the shoes. So...I started helping her more and more. Rea is still full of spunk and such an interesting lady...and now, a truly truly good friend! Rea, as with so many elderly people, is on a very strict budget. But she called me yesterday and said she had something for me and wondered if I could come over. Well, I thought I should go..perhaps she won the lottery and was going to share! So I went over right away. That sweet, sweet, dear, dear friend of mine had bought a pair of shoes for herself from one of these catalog places (I think older people love these catalogs) and she said the 2nd pair was free...so she ordered a pair for me!

Now do you see why my favorite pair of shoes are now these shoes!? She told me I'm always doing things for her and she wanted to do something for me. I really could have cried right then and there! I told her how sweet she was and she said "I'm not sweet, I'm ornery", but she is not ornery-she is sweet!

What a gift...not the shoes as much as my friendship with Rea! I will treasure it forever!

Thank you Rea!!

Jen

Speaking of Featured Blogs

Please check out this fabulous blog that just happens to be featuring little old me right now!!

If you like it-why not follow their blog while you're at it!

http://www.inkwellalley.blogspot.com/

Thanks for taking a peak!!

Happy Friday!

Jen

Featured On My Blog

I'm absolutely thrilled that I will be featured in this wonderful blog tomorrow:

http://inkwellalley.blogspot.com/

If you get a chance, please check it out, Friday July 24th!

I've only done one or two features on my blog, but I'd like to make it a regular part of this blog, so if you want to be featured, please leave me a comment with a place I can contact you, and I'll be happy to get your story out there!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer...I am! We will be going our usual vacation destination in August...Cocoa Beach, Florida (yes-the hottest time of the year-my husband loves that!)! We have a condo there and it's right on the beach, and there's a pool, so it's just perfect! The only thing I really miss is my usual workouts! I swear I gain 4 lbs in those 2 weeks of being a beach bum and going out to dinner everynight...oh the price we must pay!

Get out there and enjoy the sun and remember your sunscreen!

Take care!

Jen

Never Been So Busy

First...I have to tell you...my daughter Katherine (my baby...okay, she's 16, but she's still my baby) called today from Paris, France! She left Wednesday with a group of students, parents, and a french teacher and her husband--the french teacher's husband, not my daughter's husband...okay-anyways...I'm so excited for her! Now I really want to go! She'll be there a total of 14 days...what an wonderful experience for her!

Now, to my blog about how crazy busy I am! So...I've never been busier! I am up most days before 7:00 am and I really don't think I stop all day and well into the night! Even when I'm sleeping I'm thinking about my shops or things I need to do.

But guess what!? I love it!! Okay, so maybe I do need to relax a little, but you know the feeling...when you feel you're on the right track and you just can't stop-won't stop!!? That's where I'm at!

It makes me think about my Dad and when he started his actuarial company-started out with just him...no office..and kids to put through college! But he did it! It grew into a successful company! What I remember is that he would go to work early, leave late...and work weekends. But he loved it, it was his company and his passion! So I believe I got my entrepreneurial spirit from him! He always had that "can do" attitude!

I'm sure plenty of you can relate to where I'm at! Somedays, of course...you're wondering what the heck you're doing...but most days, I think I know what I'm doing!

Good luck with your ventures!!

Jen

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Summertime!

Hi there everyone! Just thought I'd update my blog with a quick hello!! I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer!

It's been slightly on the cool side here, but not going to complain...as long as there's no snow, I'm pretty darn happy!

I've been busy with my two shops http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ and http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ and of course, last week I had the excitement of winning the Etsy contest for my ruby red fenton candholders...thanks so much for your votes!

I am also enjoying the mom-taxi service I am still providing to my youngest daughter, Katherine. Since she is 16 and will soon have her license, I'm guessing I'll loose that job!

I have also just started a new business venture that I will tell you more about in a few weeks. I'm trying different ways to promote it...and it's local thing, but I really feel there's a need for it in our area...I'll fill you in soon!

Enjoy the sun..and even the occasionally rain (I actually think of rainy days as cozy days!)!

Thanks for following my blog! I would absolutely love to feature anyone's shop on my blog anytime, so just comment and I'll get back to you asap!

Best wishes to all!

Jen

I Had A Bad Day

So what's a bad day to you? Bad hair day..or bad traffic trying to get to work? Maybe it was too cold, too hot, too rainy, or...even too sunny!?

In a few days it will be the day we celebrate the 4th of July!

All I can think of is the men and women that fight for our country everyday. They're away from their wives, their husbands, they're children.

Can you imagine being in iraq or iran or wherever you're stationed...without your family? Or perhaps your family has followed you to where you are stationed..do you think that's easy for the family? No...probably not...but they do it. Who are they doing all of this for?

Well...let me think about that...for maybe a 2nd! I know who they are doing all of this for! For all of us! It's not just one person...it's a family..it's the entire family that is sacrificing for us!

So please take time during the fun times this weekend, to remember what this is all about..our freedom..and the people that keep on fighting for our freedom..they are our hero's--I know the word hero mean a lot these days..like movie hero's...whatever hero's you can think of! I know who are true hero's are..

But right now I'm focusing on the hero's that are away from their family's...and the family's that that are away from their hero's..their dads, their moms, their daughters, their sons...

I thank you....you are not forgotten.

Thank you so much for our 4th of July 2009!!

and best to you and your families! for without you,we would not be celebrating this day!

Jen

The Power of Twitter

This blog update is not for non-twitter-people who "don't understand twitter"...this is for the true believers...my friends..my twitter friends! The ones, that no matter what time of day/night it is, are there...and look when I say I listed something new, or when some drama has happened and I just need my friends to chat with...

Here's proof of the power of http://www.twitter.com/ ...I was nominated for an Etsy "award" for my Ruby Red Hobnail Fenton Candleholders, by a twitter friend!! You must check out her absolutely adorable shop http://www.maybeads.etsy.com/ you're sure to find the perfect gift there, or just a fun gift for yourself! Okay...so she was kind enough to nominate me...! During the nomination process others from twitter popped up to lend their support. Here's one http://www.enchantedquilling.etsy.com/ (an Australian darling!!) you must check out her very cool shop also!!

So that's a few of the reasons I love twitter and am on there constantly! Most of my votes-I think just about all of them, came from my twitter friends. I've said this before..I work at home, this is where my office is, my warehouse, etc. I love to talk, that is why I was constantly in trouble at school as a child, and at work as an "adult". So I miss that! I think of twitter friends as my "cubicle friends" --like I'm just workin' away, but chatting over the cubicles until some boss-guy comes along..and the best thing is...there is no boss guy anymore!!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/etc/jenscloset-has-the-spirit-4271/

If you haven't noticed by now from all of my blog updates...I do ramble! This is the actual way I talk...usually very fast, and sometimes I make a little sense, sometimes no sense (nonsense)...and sometimes I surprise even myself, by saying something that truly is unbelievable deep and thoughtful...but not often!

So, what I'm trying to get at is...I love twitter (and even my daughter's boyfriend, Derek www.twitter.com/derekbronish , loves it too! even though Lindsey laughs at us)...and I don't care if you get it or you don't get it-I get it-

So twitter or don't...I will continue and I thank my twitter friends, truly thank them, for all of the times they are really there for me!!

Thank you-you know who you are!!

Love you guys,

Jen

Shopping

Yes...that's a good title! Shopping! Lindsey is home this weekend, and whenever she's home...we are shopping together!

Lindsey was here last weekend too -oh, in case you don't know, Lindsey is my oldest child, and happens to be my best friend too!! anyways--she was here last weekend so we could celebrate her b-day! So of course...we had to go shopping! We went to one of our favorite little places, Francescas ( http://www.francescascollections.com/ ) . They always have the cutest dresses and the prices are so reasonable! Oh--and they're accessories are amazing! Great jewelry-and even better handbags! I have to buy at least one dress everytime I'm there! I love dresses, it's one piece, just add cute shoes and a cute handbag, and you're done! (and they're very comfortable in hot weather!)

Okay-so this weekend was vintage shopping...and since my house is jam-packed-full of vintage china, etc., I focused on looking for jewelry (takes up less space...and it's so darn cute!). Boy...did I hit the jackpot...and I could have bought more, but my little brain finally told me to stop! I am so excited to get some pics of it and get it listed so you can see it all!

I have taken some quick snapshots that I have on flickr www.flickr.com/jenscloset -so take a look and keep watching at http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ as I try to list at least one or two of these great pieces each day!

I must get to spin class tomorrow (not spinning yarn-spinning on a bike)...been bad this week-last workout was Thursday! Too much shopping!!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!!

Take care,

Jen

Bribing with Candy

I just found out my ruby red Fenton hobnail candleholders are up for voting on Etsy! I'm so excited...and hoping it's not illegal to beg for votes...and even bribe with gifts of candy!!

On the serious side, I am excited...so if you do happen to love my ruby red Fenton hobnail candleholders...please vote for them!

Thanks--and I will be updated my next step on shipping soon!

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=56

Best to all!

Jen

Happy Father's Day!

In honor of Father's Day...a new look for the blog!

Happy Birthday Lindsey!

Tomorrow is my oldest daughter (oh...and best buddy), Lindsey's 26th b-day! How did that happen! I swear she was just born in Denver, CO, on fathers day..and she happened to be on the news because of that (along with her Dad!).

Lindsey was not easy as a baby..she had colic...so bad! It would start with her just kind of wimpering around 6 pm (yes...I remember all the details!!), and it would gradually go into a full-blow-crying and I felt so bad for her and at the same time I was going nuts! Her Dad worked afternoons, so I didn't have help...and sometimes, well...most nights (sorry Lindsey), I would just have to put you in your crib and let you cry for awhile while I took a little breather.

Okay--so I haven't forgotten that! I never said being a Mom was easy! But guess what? It is still the best job in the entire universe! Despite all the trials and tribulations....I give my unconditional love to all three of my kids. That means no matter what they do, no matter what they become...I will be there, I will love them, and I hope they always know that. If they ever think they're alone, they are not...I'm here whether it's physically or spiritually, I will be there!

Okay-so back to Lindsey! I was fortunate enough to be able to be a stay-at-home Mom.. It wasn't that I was wealthy; her Dad had a pretty good job with United Airlines, but we certainly could have used my income. I just drove a "clunker" and didn't buy all the clothes that I do now! I will never forget this time Lindsey (probably around 3) and I were in a store and I was admiring and wishing I could have this certain dress (or something--I don't even remember what it was) and Lindsey handed me a nickel-and said "here Mom, now you can get it"! I saved that nickel. For years I kept a journal of my Mom-days-with Lindsey-and that is in the journal!

If you're a new Mom-or even an "old" mom (like I am now!!) I highly recommend writing ajournal. For me writing is therapeutic. When I have something tough I'm going through (like my Mom's death), writing helps me sort things out...to pour out all of my emotions. The same was true with me keeping a journal as a young Mom with Lindsey. The good, the bad, and the ugly..all written down!

Sorry, Lindsey, I keep digressing! It's your birthday tomorrow...and after all my babbling...I just want to say how lucky I feel to have you as a daughter and a friend. All the "friends" that have come and gone...well, that's okay!! I have you! My cute little Lindsey (well, you still are pretty teenie!!).

Happy Birthday Lindsey...I love you..and I am so proud of you!

I hope this is the best b-day ever!

Love,

Mom