Brown is the new Black

Here is the trade-in I did at The Nest...LOVE IT! A lacey tank with hook-and-eye closures up the front. Goes well with jeans and my brown leather pants.

I never knew I was a "brown" until Eddie. My wardrobe has done a complete flip -- well, a double flip -- since we'd added both black and brown items. But I am liking the brown. Oh, and the photo...taken in the car on the way to the September Art Walk.

SBA helped to expand the passion

Scrapbook Answers announced that November 2006 would be the last issue for the scrapbooking consumer magazine, which hit the scene October 2005.

Scrapbook Answers took the scrapbooking community by storm with it's fresh, fun and realistic approach to scrapbooking. Each issue included a CD jam-packed with additional features, how-to videos, fonts, and ideas. The product review section was appriciated by discriminating scrapbookers, plus the magazine was widely available in stores. It had a main-stream feel with content to inspire all scrapbooking levels.

I had the pleasure a meeting the editorial staff and working with the associate publisher. These are dedicated, hard-working, driven, approachable, passionate women. I wish them well with their new challenges and hope to work with them again very soon.

Last weekend of July

Here's a shot of us on our way to a Momus party (return of the green cami). Early evening in the car produces pretty good light, eh?
And believe it or not, this was the only decent shot from the party...of Shane and me. Apparently he has this thing about showing his pearlies.

So after the party Eddie and I had sushi while everyone else went to the Original for Mexican. We ran in to Bill & Sherri and Jim at the Sky Bar. When we left to meet up wtih the others, Eddie couldn't get the car to open. The key fob wasn't working, and worse, the key didn't work either! We struggled for a minute or two, wondering if we should take a cab home. Was the electrical system shut down? But why won't the key work? Then he realized he had Sherri's keys, not his own! They both have Crossfires. Eddie had his keys in his pocket, but when we left the restaurant, he grabbed Sherri's that were on bar in front of him. If anything, it made for a chuckle later the next day.

Recent acquisition

Intima is under new ownership, so there was lots new to look at when we stopped in a couple of weeks ago. I'm so proud of this green beaded top...I spotted first and kept going back to its display. I tried on several other tops (augh! I tried on every top at The Nest the other day), but this one was perfect! I'm so tickled that it caught my eye this time!
I've worn it a couple of times, including a recent Friday night dinner with Joe & Becca.

Deja vu all over again

Today I received my pre-CHA copy of Scrapbook Premier. Like all the trade magazines I receive, I devour it cover to cover. This issue had no less than four articles -- all on different topics -- discussing what the industry needs:

• hand holding
• broader definition of scrapbooking
• personal portable printers as a retail solution
• importance of written instructions
• competition vs. cooperation

I've been touting all of this for well over a year. In fact, I'm starting to identify what scrapbooking will be dealing with next year (should I tell...or maybe I already have?)

My boyfriend says one of my greatest assets is my ability to not say anything (drives him crazy!).

So, I'll do what my coach taught me. I'll bite my tongue, praise the concepts as fabulous, original ideas, and offer to help champion the cause. Besides, no idea is really original, and I'm thrilled that more people are doing the work and bringing the issues to the forefront. That's what we really need, right?

Happy 4th of July!

Today...I'm sharing photos from last year's fireworks display. Enjoy!

Better than I thought :-)

Why is it photos can look so different than what you think is real life? I didn't think this dress was as wow as I think it is in these photos. I look comfortable yet sophisticated. The occasion? Just a switch in the Friday night dinner routine: Steve & Gretchen invited us, Chick and Smitty to the A Club.

The Pamper Zone on the Road

Well, I thought we didn't take very many photos on last week's California trip, but I came home with way over 100. Here are some faves:
The first full day we toured the Russian River Valley and Martinelli was the first winery we visited (so consider this a "before" shot).



One of the many rich and famous people that blow their fortunes on making wine is/was Raymond Burr, who's guilty of offering a few good varieties.
Our last night in Santa Rosa-Sonoma we had dinner at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen. There's no corkage fee if you bring an area wine, so we carried in a Zin from Porter Creek, a favorite for both of us. I wore leather and lace; uh, E wore his, uh, new, uh, cottage rose shirt. We're still deliberating on that one.
For Italian in San Francisco, we went to a very tiny restaurant with yummy lobster ravioli. I wore my brown crinkle shirt and jeans. This would be considered an "after" shot.

HSN is a go!

I got a confirmation that my presentation on the Home Shopping Network is a go. In August I'll head to St. Petersburg for the first of several appearances. That pretty much brings full circle my education!

I entered college seeking a broadcast journalism degree. I spent many hours behind a desk reading off a teleprompter, but I much preferred a behind-the-scenes role. My subsequent jobs required some face time, and none really on camera. Presentation skills are important to have in many types of jobs, but few lead to broadcasting. I'm so excited to have this opportunity.

The Wearing of the Pink

Photos Forever pampered scrappers on National Scrapbooking Day with pink slippers. Here's a group shot. My toes are the ones in the middle attached to the white pants.

These go with the pink, low-profile Scrapbooking Goddess baseball cap from last year that I embellished (of course) with ribbons and pins from all over. I'm building up quite a cropping wardrobe!