Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Need a GREAT VET?

This past weekend I met S for breakfast at Cristo's diner in College Park.

As I was driving through town, I saw that our Veterinarian 
was having an OPEN HOUSE.  

After breakfast, I decided to pop by and see 
what went on behind the scenes...


*****
Varsity Veterinary Center - 2010 Edgewater Drive, College Park, FL 32804
407-674-6835
*****

I was greeted and given a tour by Lauren, one of my favorite vet techs.



Each room was set up showing the different services they provide.

**Rehab services:
Dr. Olson, DVM, CCRT is trained in animal rehab.


**where Zoey and Chloe stay when they are at the vet.


I was completely amazed because they not only provide veterinary 
services for domestic pets but, they also provide services for exotic animals and wildlife too.  



As the tour went on, I was shown the X-ray &
surgery rooms.




 I thought it was completely adorable how they had the stuffed animals
posed as if they were in surgery or if they were getting an Xray.

It put a huge smile on my face knowing Zoey and Chloe are in safe hands.

Not only was the tour a great experience but, when my BEST BUDDY ~ GUS 
was very ill earlier in the year S brought him to see Dr. Olson.  

After 18 years together and a long struggle to get him better we had to sadly let him go.


A few weeks later, I received a call from Dr. Olson's office asking me to stop
by because they had something for me...

When I arrived they handed me this.

There are no words... but, thank you!



Dr. Olson and her staff are top notch!  

They always go above and beyond and you can tell they love what they do.

If your best buddy is sick and needs to see a Dr. bring him/her to 
Varsity Veterinary Center.
They will take great care of them!

P.S. let them know I sent you. ;)

Friday, October 5, 2012

JOIN ME!

~ Picture a day Challenge ~

What a great way to be creative!!!

Come join me.



What you do:

Just take a picture with you camera or iphone relating to the word or phrase for the day.

You can add your personal creative touch to your images with photoshop or instagram software.

Post on your timeline each day stating the day of the month and the word or phrase of the day.
ie: Day 22: Food
&
It's as simple as that!


Try it out... you may like it! ;)


Monday, September 10, 2012

Do you LOVE Vintage?


The other day, I was going to S's office 
and, as I was leaving I saw that there was a 
new store located in the same block.

It's called: 
RETROMENDED
1231A N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL

Not able to resist, I popped in and as 
I perused around I chatted with Brandy, the owner.

As, I busied myself looking for my needle in the hay stack
I found myself thinking how well put together this boutique was.

Everything had it's place.  Color coded by rack.  Every color in the rainbow.

Music was light and soothing.

Vintage pieces from as far back as the 20's.

I was really enjoying to be in this space.

I had an arm full of selections and in the 
dressing room I went to try them all on.

I found myself not able to put down this one piece. 
It reminded me of my childhood 
and the sweaters my mother used to knit.

Looking in the mirror I saw myself as a small child running 
around playing with my sisters and all of us having on one of my 
mom's hand made sweaters just like this one.

SOLD!

I submerged from the dressing room with my needle 
and a huge smile on my face!

Brandy immediately tells me that this is one of her 
favorite pieces in the store too.

BINGO!  

Again, SOLD!

I am currently having my treasure dry 
cleaned but here are ones that I found 
on the web that resemble it.

This one is the exact same style and cut of the one I purchased.  
Mine is tan with bright green flowers.

As I was searching the web I found the next few pictures.  
These resemble the sweaters my mom used to make my sisters and I.




What a flash back!!!

Did your mom ever make you one of these patch knit pieces???


Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Little Free Library Project NEEDS OUR HELP!

One of the coolest things I have seen in a long time...

The Little Free Library Project


It all stemmed from a loving son wanting to honor his late mother and 
her love for books and reading.
Wisconsin resident, Todd Bol decided to dedicate and build a little library in his mothers memory thinking it would be the perfect way to honor her life.

He had no idea it would become a nationwide phenomena and people would want to create and place them in their community too!

The little Free Library Project's goal is to build mini libraries and place them in parks and communities to help promote literacy and bring neighbors together.

What a great idea!

The way it works is that visitors can pick a book and in exchange they can leave one to keep the library stocked.  
No library card needed... just the need to read!

It is said that contributors are encouraged to write a little note in 
the inside cover explaining the reason why the book was given to the library.

*****

When I heard about this I immediately loved the idea!

I am a huge - reader... I LOVE BOOKS!  
I have the Kindle Fire... and love the fact that it is easy to read in bed with... 
but, on the flip side 
I miss having an actual hard copy of the book in my hands.  
I love to flip the pages and feel the parchment under my fingers.  
I like to make notes and dog ear pages to go back to...

Yes, I am guilty!  I will re-read books if I think they are worthy.

So when hearing that my friend Jannette was raising money to 
place a Little Library in our community *Fleet Dog Park,
 I was so excited to hear that she was working so hard to make it happen!




I was thinking how cool... I bring Zoey to that same dog park and it 
would be really cool to see the little library there in all of it's glory.  
People can take a book, leave a book 
and help a good cause at the same time!  

Just a few more days until her pledge date is up... She still needs donations.

If you believe in the cause please donate and 
help make this little library a reality!
&
When you are at the dog park check it out!!!

how to donate: 


***your donation would be greatly appreciated!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Time flies...



Wow, I can not believe it has been a while since I have written...

A lot has happened.  We lost a member of the family, GUS, my cat of 18 yrs.
Added a new addition to the family, ZOEY, our new GoldenDoodle puppy.
(her name was Chloe but, seeing I already have a cat with that name we changed it up a little)
We all moved to a house in the burbs... and, are settled in and loving it!

The summer is almost over, storms seem to have become an every day occasion & 
I am over joyed to have a pool in the back yard!

S & I have been busy bees for the last couple of months.  

All is great in my world.

I hope yours is too!

K~


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

PET PEEVE

As you all probably know... 

I am the proud owner of a puppy named Zoey!


She is 5 months old and is a Golden Doodle.
Yes, that is half Golden Retriever and half Poodle.

She is the newest addition to our home and we are loving the heck out of her.

I am enjoying Saturday morning puppy school (Petsmart)
and am 
so pleased that training 
Zoey has not been too much of a stuggle.

She already knows how to do an array of commands!

Since becoming a part of the dog owner world
one thing that has been on my mind a lot.



I have to admit, as a non-dog owning citizen 
I never really paid any attention 
to who was and who was not picking up their poop.  
But, now that I am and I am out walking in the grass 
dodging it, 
I have to say it grosses me out!

I can not understand why people are so inconsiderate to not 
pick their dogs poop up!

I sit on my balcony and watch the people from our condo complex 
walk their dogs and walk away from the poop like they can not be bothered.

kicker is: THE CONDO SUPPLIES POOP BAGS FOR FREE!!!



This is what I think of the people who can't be bothered to PICK UP THEIR PET'S POOP!


How can someone own an animal and not care enough about others to 
not pick up after it????

I was talking to the vet the other day and not only is it gross to step in...
BUT, dog poop is hazardous!

It carries worms that other dogs can easily catch.
 & it is dangerous for children. 

Just think of the poop on your shoe (or) in/on a dogs paw being tracked 
in your house on the rugs 
and oops... 
baby on a blanket on the floor catches something.

GROSS!

IDK... people are just silly to me!

So, 

My message for the day is:

Do yourself, your dog and your neighbors a favor!

PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET
*they can't do it for you!









Saturday, June 9, 2012

LET'S SWAP!

Okay, I have to tell you about 
~ Style Swapping ~

I have a friend who hosts Style Swaps 
that has been telling me about the concept for quite some time now.

She is hosting one that is literally tomorrow...


Here are the details:



STYLE SWAP & BUSINESS NETWORKING
June 10, 2012 
Baldwin Park, Orlando, FL 
1-4pm



Space is limited, you must buy your tickets in advance!

Here's how it works:
Do you have a closet full of clothes but "nothing to wear?" Before you spend your hard earned cash, come to our Style Swap!
How does it work? Go through your own closet, pull out the clothes you no longer wear and bring them over so you can exchange them for other amazing finds!
The following are guidelines for those of you who have never attended a Style Swap:
1. Please arrive on time. Drop-off and networking is between 1:00-2:00pm. The Swap will start promptly at 2:00pm and will stay open until 3:30pm.
2. Bring up to 10 items to trade. You don't have to limit your swaps to clothing; bring accesories, shoes and even unopened cosmetics and perfumes.
3. Only clothes that are washed, pressed and hung will be accepted. There is no need for them to be dry-cleaned.
4. Items will be inspected. 
Don't bring anything stained, ripped or outdated. In other words, don’t bring anything you wouldn't lend to your best friend. 
5. Please don’t bring items that should not be swapped for hygienic reasons. Items like underwear or swimwear should not be brought, unless they still have the tags on. 6. Every item will have the same value, this is why it is so important that you are detached from all your fashion items and happy to see them go to a new home. 7. There will always be a chance that you might not find anything that you like, want or maybe fit in. If that is the case, you can always choose items for someone else or donate your items to the Harbor House Shelter. 8. We will supply full-length mirrors and shopping bags for your convenience.9. Bring your business cards, this is a great opportunity to network with other great women in the area! 10. Bring any old cell phones and accesories you may have. We will be collecting them to help Harbor House's 911 Cell Phone Drive for Domestic Violence Survivors. An old cell phone can save a life. http://www.harborhousefl.com/

Imagine that! You can leave with new outfits, help a women's shelter and meet lots of other fun, savvy shoppers in the process!
          
Space is limited, you must buy your tickets in advance!
This event is for adults only.


Don't panic...You can still come.
Just click the link to register & we will see you there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE STYLE SWAP

Swap is at:
 ENDERS PARK GATHERING HALL 
947 Fern Ave
Orlando, FL 32814

TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

In Memory of...



R.I.P. my friend.  
I will miss you greatly!
"GUS"


Such a great companion.  Always wanting to be close to his mommy.

I went home with a friend one day in college and her kitchen was filled with kittens.
They were climbing all over me and he caught my eye.
He was sitting next to the leg of a wood stove just watching me.
I had to take him home!!!
He stayed with me in my college dorm room for the rest of the year 
and he has been with me every step of the way 
until yesterday... He was almost 18 years old.


He was always a part of the group.  


This is shortly after we moved from D.C. to FL.


As usual, Gus loved to get into boxes or even my luggage.  
Whenever I would travel, he would get in thinking 
he could come too!  
Just a few weeks ago when I was getting packed for Dallas... 
there he was all curled up in my luggage.



He LOVED to cuddle.  He used to sleep with his head on 
one pillow and with the blankets up to his neck.  
Just like his mommy.


 What a great friend.  I will miss you bubba!
Here he is with his pal Chloe.
She already misses him too!


He is now in kitty heaven.... 
forever to be missed.


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

What is Etiquette?

Today, I thought it would be great to give a little brush up on 
ETIQUETTE.

Have you ever sat and watched people as they were eating?

I have, 
and it is not only comical, 
& disgusting at points 
but, in some cases it is thrilling to see someone 
who is actually using proper etiquette.

It may seem a little "old school" but I love the formality of it all!

I looked up the meaning of Etiquette and this is what it said:

It's a system of rules and conventions that regulate social 
and professional behavior.

Why do most people only bring out their manners 
when they know people are watching???

Why not use them all the time?

******

A formal dinner consists of 7 courses - in this order: 
soup, salad, fish, sorbet or pallet cleanser, meat or fowl dish, 
dessert and coffee.


Here is a great picture that I found of a proper place setting. 


Explanation of above: 
starting clockwise

1. Stemware - limited to 4 (as shown).  
Wine is poured from right to left.  
Do not overfill glasses. 
positioning - top left - water glass, top right - red wine glass, 
bottom left - white wine glass, bottom right - champagne flute.

2. Cutlery - 3 knives & 1 spoon.
positioning - left - Meat knife, Fish knife, salad knife, soup spoon.

3. Napkin - once everyone is seated the host takes his/her napkin, 
then guests follow and place their napkin on their laps.

4. Plates - 2  
top is for salad, bottom is for main course.

5. Cutlery - 3 forks.
positioning - left - Salad fork, Fish fork, Meat fork.

Rule of thumb with Cutlery - Use from the inside out, 
once a utensel has been used it should not touch the table again.

Rule of thumb with flatware - The number of silverware pieces 
indicates how many courses are to be served.  

6. Bread dish & butter knife - tear bread into bite sized pieces on the 
bread dish and butter each piece just before you are to eat it.

7. Salt & Pepper shakers - they should be passed together 
even if asked for separately.
Taste food before salt & peppering.

8. Place card - Never switch or change seating arrangements already planned by host.

9. Dessert spook & fork - when dessert is served with a fork & spoon, the fork is the pusher and the spoon is used for eating.

******

Now on to a few more essential need to knows:


 1. When eating soup - tilt the spoon away from you.
When getting to bottom of the soup - tilt the bowl away from you to spoon up the last bits.

2. When holding utensils - knives & forks are held in a relaxed manner.
When holding the meat knife, place your index finger about an inch down from the handle to help press down firmly.  Hold the fork in your let hand, prongs down.  Cut only enough food for each mouthful.

3. Foods that you can and should eat with your fingers - 
asparagus, corn on the cob, artichoke, bread, hors d'oeuvres, 
chips, cookies, fruit, sandwiches with fries.

4. Resting positions - (image of knife and fork on plate)
When stepping away from the table your knife and fork 
should be crossed in one of the positions shown.

When stepping away from the table, leave your napkin loosely on the chair.

5. Finishing positions - (image shown with plate cup and napkin)
The dessert spoon should be resting on the saucer not the cup.
At the end of the meal, the knife and fork should eb at 11 o'clock position.

Rule of thumb with finishing - Wait for the host to loosely place 
his/her napkin to the left of his/her place 
setting when the meal is finished.

******

Proposing a Toast!

The custom of clinking glasses originally was used to drive away evil spirits.
If you clink, do so with care, especially with fine crystal.
For the most part, simply raise your glass in the direction 
of the person being toasted.  
Toasts should be long enough to cover the subject but short 
enough to be amusing *about a minute.

Toast people in their native tongue:
Spanish - Salud (SA Lud)
Irish - Slainte (SLAWNT tche)
Yiddish - L'chaim (leh KHY yim)
German - Prosit (PRO sit)
Japanese - Kanpai (KAHN pi)
French - Sante (SAN tay)

******

Well, I hope that helped... or even made you feel like going out 
and trying out your skills. 
I love fine dining and I love food.  
I will be sure to sharpen my skills at my next outing.

Cheers!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Drumroll Please!

Every Monday, I find myself clock watching.

I sit in anticipation 
of the new showing 
of my favorite TV show.



I am not sure if any of you out there have seen it... 
but if you have not,
it is A MUST!

I was laying in bed one Sunday afternoon 
playing on my Kindle Fire & bumped into an HBO trailer.

It was all about the creation of the show, 
the fashion, 
the characters 
the whole idea behind the plot.

I was sucked in & lay in bed all day and night 
(until 3am to be completely honest)
watching the whole first season.

S kept telling me I was crazy but, I could not get enough!

At the end... I have to admit, I did cry a tear or 2.

I was so into the characters, story lines & what was happening 
 that when it was over 
I found myself searching to see when the next season would air.

I was in luck! 
The next season started only 2 weeks away.

I called my cable company the next day & ordered HBO.
A few days later I came home and found S on the couch watching the series 
He was sucked in too... 

LOL

We are now into the second season 
& we can not wait to see what is going to unfold.

******

I did a little research and found that the story line
has come from a series of books.

Now, mind you, I usually am not the type of person to read a series of books.
  
I tried that years ago with Harry Potter and lost interest when
the first movie came out.

This series I am going to read though!

The author is George R. R. Martin & 
the series consists of 7 books.

1. A Game of Thrones
2. A Clash of Kings
3. A Storm of Swords
4. A Feast for Crows
5. A Dance with Dragons
6. The Winds of Winter (not yet released)
7. A Dream of Spring (not yet released)

The plot is clever, the characters are impeccably chosen &
the producer has a marvelous eye for detail.

It feels like you are watching a movie that never ends!

******

My favorite characters from season 1 are:

Of Course, you have to love Eddard Stark, "Ned"
He is the protector & honorable man of WinterFeld.


******

Khal Drogo is my second in line.  
The Dothraki leader... need I say more.


He marries Khaleesi (Daenerys Targaryen).
The rightful queen.


(that whole situation is HOT!)

******

My next favorite is "The Imp"


Tyrion Lannister, little guy but packs a punch!

******

Then, finally "The Bastard"
Jon Snow


There has to be something said about him getting the
Sh** end of the stick his whole life.

******


Game of Thrones airs Monday nights on HBO at 9pm.

Watch it and let me know what you think.

Or, if you are already a fan
leave me a comment and let me know who your favorites are!


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Just do it!



This is for all of us who are 
struggling to get in shape!





Sweat a little... 

You may like it!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Who wants to go to McDonalds???

I saw this and was so disgusted!

How can our government think this is OKAY?

YUCK!



Can You Guess What McDonald’s 

Food Item This Is? 



Say hello to "Mechanically Separated Chicken". 

It’s what all fast-food chicken is made – things like chicken nuggets and patties. 

In addition, the processed frozen chicken in the stores is made from it. 

Basically, the ENTIRE chicken is smashed and pressed through a sieve — 

bones, eyes, guts, and all. 

It comes out looking like this. 

There’s more: because it’s CRAWLING WITH BACTERIA, 

it will be WASHED with ammonia, 

soaked in it, actually. 

Then, because it tastes GROSS, it will be reflavored artificially. 

Finally, since it is 

weirdly pink, it will be dyed with artificial color. 



People still eat this and feed it to their children!




I vow from this day on,

 I will NEVER eat another processed chicken anything!

This is totally disgusting!


Shame on you RONALD!