♥ Etsy Project Embrace ♥

Those of you that have followed me know my dad was recently diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He just started Chemo on Monday and is doing ok. Tired, run down, cold things hurt his throat when he drinks, nausea but in good spirits. I have an Etsy shop and was looking at other cool shops the other night when I can across Etsy Project Embrace.
It all started when a seller on Etsy Laura Slocum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Other members got together to form a team to reach out to those effected by the disease, give support, create awarness and raise money for cancer research. Some team members have chosen items from their shop and donate some or all of their proceeds from a sale of an item to the American Cancer Society or the American Hospice Foundation.
You know I was thrilled to have discovered this team. Cancer has effected everyone in some way. Like I've said before we all know someone who has won their battle, is fighting their battle and those who have lost their battle. If you want to find items in Etsy that are involved in Etsy Project Embrace on the main page of Etsy in the search box type in teamepe and the items that have proceeds donated will come up. I am very proud to be a member of this team and since I am new I hope I got all the facts right. I was told it is not all about donating - support is a big thing. Everyone that is effected will need support I did and that's when you find out how many great people there are out there. To find out more click here http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/teams-spotlight-etsy-project-embrace-9179/
Have a great night.
Lola xoxo

Do you Love Flip Flops?....

Then check out this awesome J Flops giveaway. I live in flip flops. Its so hard to find cute ones. J Flops has the cutest.
http://www.sammymakessix.com/2010/10/jflops-review-and-giveaway.html

I got the Brazilian Blowout

So we always want what we don't have... in a family with straight hair I ended up with curly hair thanks to my grandparents. My sister always had the cute stylish haircuts. I have curly, sometimes frizzy hair, enough for two people so it only looks good longer. I flat iron it but, it takes me a 20-30 minutes now that I have it down. It used to take me 1 hour but, it still never looks really straight. Since it is time consuming and I am a busy Mom I rarely straighten it.
My brother in law owns a hair salon and just started doing the Brazilian blowout. I was hesitant at first because I thought my hair was too curly to have nice results and if I still have to flat iron it then forget it. But, I went ahead with it and I am in amazed. I only put a small amount of smoothing balm after I got out of the shower and let my hair air dry and it is straight, silky and no frizz at all.
This is how it's done. Your hair is first washed to remove any residue from styling products then the product is applied as if you were applying dye. Then it is blow dried and then flat ironed. The solution was making my eyes water as if I was cutting onions so I just kept my eyes closed every now and then other than that not at all bad and the results are so worth it.  It lasts 6-8 weeks I think so it will be nice to have it straight for a while.  Here is a before and after.
-Lola xoxo

I tried to find a before but I always keep my hair back here is one with it down and a different color but, you can see the curls, waves.

Nice smooth and straight. Big difference.

The winner is...

The winner of my hair clip giveaway is Victoria at Garden of Eden Designs. Thank you to all of you that entered. I've been so busy lately but, I put together a collection of Etsy items and made a treasury today. My inspiration  was "wine & berries" the color that is.
 Click here to see it
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cabb9ca70056d910708645b/wine-and-berries?index=0

My giveaway ends Thursday at midnight

So you still have a little time to enter for your choice between the Nicolette black, white and grey hair flower or the Cindy Cinderella the pink with black polka dot hair flower. Good Luck!!!

The Nicolette

the Cindy Cinderella

Does anyone want to win a $50 American Express Giftcard

Well momdelicious.blogspot.com is giving away two $50.00 Amex giftcards. Check it out here: http://momdelicious.blogspot.com/2010/09/50-american-express-gift-card-giveaway.html#comment-form
 It's easy to enter and who doesn't need some extra cash!
I am already thinking how I would spend the $50.00 giftcard pedicure, makeup etc...

Reminder my giveaway ends this Thursday 9/30 for a free hair accesory you still have time to enter!

Aren't we going into October? San Diego is having record breaking temps. It was 90 at the beach - 100 inland yesterday and Sunday. I hate the heat but it got my butt to the beach two days in a row. I haven't been there all summer but, it was hot enough to make me go. The kids loved it we actually went in the water. I love seeing their little smiling faces and hearing their laughs while they splashed around it was fun. Have a great day!
Lola xoxo

Nice Autumn Treasuries on Etsy

Don't you just love the fall? Living In San Diego we don't get to see the seasons change here. I have two trees in my backyard that are starting to drop leaves there are only a few things like that to remind me of the season's changing. Here is a treasury where my olive green hair flower clip is featured. Click on the link below and enjoy these beautiful Etsy items.

Happy Friday!!!

Well this has been a hectic week for me. You know the one's where the kids are wild, don't listen, you have a million things to do and you feel a little nuts. Oh and I sounded like my Mom circa 1994 when I told my 15 year old son- "you better not be having kids anytime soon I don't want to be a grandma." I made my Mom a grandma at 37 years old when I told her I was pregnant all she could do was cry and say "I'm too young to be a grandma!". I'll be 37 in three years the thought of that is unbelievable!
Anyways- wishing you a great weekend!!!!

Life- a true juggling act! - All you Moms can relate

Does your life ever truly get overwhelming? It is amazing how much we do on a day to day basis. All you moms out there know exactly what I mean. Before I had my second son I worked 40 hours a week, took care of my first son and did all the household chores. Not too bad. Then I got to be a stay at home mom with a newborn and a 9 year old and run the household. Then I was a stay at home mom with a 12 year old, 3 yr old and a newborn. That was the begining of really feeling overwhelmed. My husband is self employed and works 7 days a week 12 hour days. We are blessed that he has a lot of work but, we never get to see him. We are lucky if he gets a day off once every two months. Every party or family function the kids and I go by ourselves. Everyone asks where my husband's at already knowing the answer- that he is working.  So I do everything on my own. Every once and a while when my husband does have a day off and he spends time with the kids he does give me credit and say "I don't know how you do this everyday." Did I mention I have 3 wild boys. Well my oldest is  now 15 he is an angel.  He does help me out with the little ones whether he likes it or not.

My new shop on etsy is finally getting orders. I am so ecstatic. I love creating things it is truly an outlet for me. I put on my ipod, the kids are sleeping and I get to have my "me time" and do something that I so enjoy. We all have an outlet. I am not much of a t.v. person but I am a reality t.v. "whore" - Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, Dancing with the Stars and 90210 no I am not 19 yrs old everything else I liked got canceled- Journey Man, Lipstick Jungle, the new Melrose Place.
I am just changing subjects left and right-
Anyone that has followed me knew my dad was having complications from his cancer surgery. But, after 19 days in the hospital he is finally home! We are all so happy. Cancer is such an awful sad thing. It is horrible how it picks and chooses people. Why are some selected to suffer? My husband is 5 years cancer free this year he went through a lot too. It really effects everyone.
Well happy Wednesday! Technically it is tuesday night for me
Lola xoxo

Looking for a great gift idea

So today I am going to rave about allissaRose http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlissaRose?ref=seller_info  it's a shop on Etsy. I just purchased from her two  lovely little plants growing out of a wine cork. It has a magnet on the other side perfect to hang on a fridge (or anything else that a magnet would cling to). It comes with a little succulant plant so it doesn't need too much water- just a few drops every now and then. I bought one for me and another for my grandma. We are plant lovers and this is just another way to add some life into our home.  They retail for just $3.50 each and I just think it is the coolest thing. She packaged them very nicely and they came fast- well we live in the same city but, she sent priority mail so you would get it 2-3 days tops. The plants were healthy and look so cool. I thought it would be a great meaningful gift for someone without breaking the bank. Take a look at her shop.

I've been busy today

I was busy creating today. I love adding new items in my shop. I have a vision in my head of how I want an item to be sometimes it comes through sometimes it doesn't. I am proud of these two. Check them out. Also thank you to all that offered their warm wishes and prayers for my Dad. He is improving! They found the infection it was in his kidneys so they have been treating it. He walked around in the hospital today for the first time in about 5-6 days so I am estatic. They are going to start him on liquids he hasn't had anything since the begining of the month.
Did anyone watch Monday night football last night? I watched the Chiefs vs. Chargers (GO Chargers!) well they lost :( it was a nail biter at the end  they always keep us in suspense up until those last few seconds. Thats what makes it fun right? Happy Tuesday!

Red Flower with White feathers- wouldn't this be lovely for a non traditional head piece for the bride. So glamorous!

Beautiful vibrant colors. Perfect for autumn!

I listed this peacock one yesterday another one for a special occasion.

Take a look at these wonderful Etsy items

This is a treasury I made for my Dad. Check out the shop beachme. They can personalize writing in sand for you then they take a picture of it. Wouldn't that be an awesome gift for someone. You can click on the writing that says for you dad and it will actually take you to the etsy page so you can view it better.

I need a pick me up.

If you have been following me you read a few posts back about my dad having surgery to remove colon cancer. I kept strong and always said "aw Dad you are going to be ok." I really did think he was going to be ok. He had his surgery on September 2nd the surgery was a success but he was in a lot of pain. I saw him last Monday he looked strong but, they had to put a tube in his nose- down to his stomach to pump the bile out since his bowels were "asleep"- but he still looked good, alert, strong. Now flashforward this past Thursday he is still in the hospital has 102 fever has an infection that they can't figure out where it is coming from. The tube they had to pump his stomach slipped into his intestines and made him severly dehyrated to where his kidneys were starting to fail.
This is all so unbelieveable. I spent last night with him but, he is just so out of it. He has a lot of pain he looked older than his 53 years. It is so hard to see someone you love suffering and the helpless feeling I have that I can't help him.
He hasn't been able to eat and drink since the surgery and he is so thirsty (they have him on electrolytes through his I.V.) today he wanted me to give him ice chips. So I asked the nurse and she says he isn't allowed. I felt so bad to walk back in his room and say "sorry Dad the nurse says you can't have anything." Then with it being September 11 and watching (ok I know I shouldn't be watching it) the History channel with their documentaries of September 11. I just have this overall sadness and for me the "strong" one it is hard to stay strong.

Wow where did this week go!

Happy weekend blog hop! Hope to meet and read some good blogs! Don't forget to enter my monthly giveaway it's easy.

Are there any cooks or bakers out there?

I love to bake. I was making a new goody everyday. Really (well not in these summer months) First my husband complained that I was trying to make him fat. Now that it is so warm out I don't even want to think about turning my oven on and now he complains that I don't make anything anymore. Have you ever heard of www.allrecipes.com Well I was addicted to trying all things that looked good to me(that's a lot!) If recipes like: Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Buns & Best Big Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie doesn't lure you to check it out then I don't know what will.

I have a huge cookbook now if recipes from that site. I even submitted my own Horchata recipe and it has over 100 reviews. Mostly good reviews see it under Lola's Horchata. My husband messed up my recipe by telling me to add more cinnamon now that is the one thing that people complain about that it has too much cinnamon. The other thing they complain about is that it is too watery. Just add some more damm milk! It's your preferance, I personally think it is a little sweet but, that can easily be adjusted to your liking. Check it out and if you try it let me know how you like it.
I love that people like you and me get to leave the reviews so the recipes are tried and most people tweak them to their liking and I usually follow the majority inregards to tweaking a recipe. I usually never follow the recipes to a t.
Happy Wednesday!
-Lola xoxo

My first attempt at putting together a treasury.

Check out these beautiful items from Etsy. My first curated treasury. I'm hooked!

Wishing you all a great holiday weekend!

Have fun, be safe!

Enter to win my monthly GIVEAWAY!

I am starting a monthly giveaway. This month the lucky winner will have a choice between the Cindy Cinderella - a pink and black polka dot fabric flower hair clip. The flower consists of layers of fabric with white tulle and a honeycomb rhinestone center. The other choice is the Nicolette. It has two kinds of fabric with colors of black, white and grey with black tulle and a honeycomb rhinestone center. See my shop for the complete details on the item. These accessories are not limited to wear in your hair. How about a scarf/shawl clip? Very versatile use your imagination. Your exact item may vary slightly due to natural variations in fabric.

Ok so how do enter? My rules are going to be as simple as 123

1. Become a follower on my blog
2. Post a comment with your contact information so if you are the lucky winner I can contact you. This will be your entry (post it on this giveaway post)
3. To gain additional entries- Post a link/mention this giveaway on your blog/facebook etc. come back and post a comment that you did this and gain an additional 5 entries.

Contest ends September 30, 2010 11:59 pm
Winner will be announced October 1, 2010
Good Luck!!

the Cindy Cinderella

the Nicolette

Everyone say an extra prayer tonight for Rick...

Unfortunately we all know someone who has cancer, who is a survivor, or has lost their battle. I know of all three. When I was a child/teen I lost my aunt & uncle to cancer ( my Dad's brother & sister). A year after I married my husband he was diagnosed with cancer- Clear Cell Sarcoma. He had a pea size lump in his arm that within 3 months it grew to a tennis ball size protruding out of his arm. Surgery, skin grafts, radiation and check ups every six months this is his fifth year being cancer free.
Three weeks ago my dad Rick was diagnosed with colon cancer. He is having surgery tomorrow and I wanted you all to pray for a successful surgery & recovery.
Also check out this etsy shop they do a great thing.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/capsforcancer

-Lola xoxo

Giveaway Coming up!

Yep, I am going to be doing a giveaway pretty soon. I need more than 2 followers so don't be afraid follow me, tell your friends and win an item from my shop (my choice) sorry.  I want to introduce to you the newest item in my shop. I just listed this today the Antoinette. It is a bridal piece that has a vintage feel. Beautiful like my lovely Mom. Really she looks like she is my sister! Well her name is Antoinette and she was my inspiration on this one.

The Nicolette my shops new item named after my brother...kind of

When I was born my dad suggested that I be named after my grandma (my dad's mother in law) so my Mom agreed. Then my sister was born my dad named her after one if his ex girlfriends (not kidding) then on the third baby my Mom had two names picked out Sabrina and Nicolette she put her foot down this time around but, they were lucky to have a boy so he was not named Nicolette. Cool name so this was my inspiration for some reason on this beautiful flower. Check it out in my shop. It is a versatile fun piece. Enjoy, have a great day. I am going to be working on some more items and list this this weekend.
-Lola xoxo

Two new items listed in my shop today!

I just made two new items today. The first one is blushing beauty. It is such a beautiful color. Is it pink? Is it peach? I'll just call it blush. It has a vintage like rhinestone button center. The layers of petals have been sewen together.  For some reason it looks shabby chic to me. Would be lovely for a bridesmaid if this is the bridal party color. Would look great as a shawl/scarf clip. Use your imagination it is not limited to your hair. The same holds true for my second piece. The Cindy Cinderella. Those of you that know me know I named this after my sis. It just screams Cindy to me. But, the 7 year old Cindy circa 1984.  All of that was my inspiration. I cut layers of fabric and added tulle inbetween the layers. It has a large rhinestone "honeycomb" center. This is a versatile piece great for an adult, teen, child. It secures with a single prong clip. Check out my shop for other great items.

-Lola xoxo

Welcome everyone and anyone to my new blog!

Tonight I am featuring my newest item to my Etsy shop. It is a jeweled headband. It secures with a satin ribbon. Looks so danity and cute. See more at http://www.infinitelyinterestin.etsy.com/

This blog is a complete work in progress sorry if it a little boring at the moment but, hold on tight I promise it will get better.
Good night all!
-Lola xoxo