Friday's...Fav...Find!

Today's find is something that we all know and love, diamonds and gems! They are and always will be a girls best friend, right ladies!!
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Wedding rings certainly have changed through the years and women are opting for a more modern unusual look. It's all about being unique and the more contour the better.
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Color cut and uniqueness, that's what it's all about. Check out these styles and tell me what you think. They all have an elegant romantic look. I'll take one of each please. Ok...maybe not...but, a girl can dream can't she!
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All of these beautiful engagement rings and wedding bands, were uniquely designed by Krikawa Jewelers. One of my personal favorites!

Wednesday...Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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Long juicy BEAR hugs! Did you know that if you hug for 20 to 60 seconds that it stimulates the release of oxytocin, a bonding hormone that facilitates a sense of emotional connection to your mate.

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When you apply physical intimacy that happens outside the bedroom like hand-holding, kissing, cuddling up next to each other on the couch, it helps usher in the anticipation of sex! Yes it does says, psychologist Ian Kerner, a New York City-based sex therapist and author of Love in the Time of Colic: The New Parents' Guide to Getting It On Again.

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Two Words: HUG NOW!

Eco Home Show Pictures

We received a private invitation to attend a party at the Eco-Home Show on Friday night, (See original post here.) Seeing the home up close and personal was far better than just seeing the photos that were forwarded to me!

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The brick pavers in the driveway are such a nice touch that adds to the beauty outside!

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One thing that you can't see in this pic, the center island has a small fireplace tucked away that doubles as a small water scape which pops up with a touch of a button. Simply fabulous!

The living spaces are beautifully decorated right down to the design on the walls in the dining room (really can't be seen here) and matching design in the draperies! Both designed by the oh so talented Kathy Ireland.

Kathy and I are following each other on Twitter. We've made a promise to share future design ideas The beautiful glass accents featured in the chandelier are hand made using recycled bottle glass. The designer, the ever so talented Kathleen Plate from Smart Glass

Oh and the mural on the wall behind my DH and I, it's an original design and part of an endangered species series. Up next the endangered (due to global warming), Icecap Polar Bear.

Recycled wallpaper used to create this beautiful silk like pattern in the downstairs guest bath. Love the sink too! dff

A tree log from a River Birch used for a shower curtain. Creative and stunning in person!

The house is 7600 Sq feet with unfinished natural hardwood floors as seen here in one of the children's bedrooms. The tress that produced the wood used for the floors throughout, was at the bottom of the Chattahoochee River for years. A really astonishing notion, well.....at least to me anyway!

A recycled fireplace used as a headboard in one of the guest rooms!

We had a ball meeting new people, (we may have even picked up a new client or 2!) laughing, talking, munching and taking lots of pics for future ideas when building our dream home on a hill over looking the ocean! Not sure what ocean yet but we're working on narrowing our search!

There are romantic aspects of the home that are so comfy and cozy! Okay, I'll have to share more pics later! Too many for one post! Oh by the way...if your here in the Atlanta area, there's still time to go check it out for yourself and pick up a few eco design tips. It's open to the public through August 9th. Click here for hours, directions and professional pics!

Gift Baskets

Just another one of my passions, making gift baskets! It's a craft that I find to be therapeutic. Although I don't make gift baskets as often as I'd like to, I had so much fun making this sample for the upcoming Ellis Hotel's girl's night out soiree!

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The Yummy Content:

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Skin Silkening Milk & Honey Lotion
Skin Silkening Milk & Honey Body Wash
100% Natural Foot Scrubber
Soft Body Wash Cloth
Exfoliating Gloves
Malaysian Aromatherapy Candle
Sonoma Natural Lemonade
Carr’s Crackers
Brie Cheese Wheel
72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar
Walton Chocolate Wafer
Defranco Expresso Chocolates
Nikki Key lime Cookies

Friday's...Fav...Find!

Today's find is just in time and one of my favorites too! Lingerie is one of the sexiest, if not the sexiest gift you can give or receive! You don't need a reason either!

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One of my girlfriends has an entire closet dedicated to her lingerie. She has everything in there, from really frilly sexy to cozy comfortable lounge wear to slip into after a long day and a hot bubble bath.

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A Victoria Secrets sales event!

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Now is the time to stock up! Sale ends this Sunday! While shopping, pick up a pair or two, maybe three, ok 4, of sexy under wear to mail to your husband at work with a note that simply says......

"See you tonight my love"

Wednesday Wisdom...A RomanticTip!

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Ooops...sorry this Wednesday' s Wisdom is 5 minutes late! I did do some research in preparation for today's (yesterday's) tip earlier this week. I've been thinking and reading a lot about the most important components of a marriage. I've been seeing and hearing so much about romance, money, communication and infidelity. Getting it right in all of these areas, will strengthen the marriage and keep the romance alive within the relationship!

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Such a hot topic these days, marriage! Some people say it's due to the financial crisis. It's either making the relationship stronger, or breaking it. I agree to a point, but I've just never been the type of person to blame default of any kind on circumstances.

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Life is full of choices and we get to choose for the most part. In marriage by now we all know that it's work. In hard times the work is even harder. When I hear people say "what's love got to do with it?", it makes me cringe. Love has everything to do with it including a commitment to love.

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If your marriage is in trouble or showing signs that it's headed for trouble, always, always remember the love. Think about the good things that brought you together. Even if you feel you've out grown the other person, take their hand and pull them up. Think of it this way, your in it together and your not the enemy. Take time out to really talk about whatever is on your mind in a healthy way. No screaming and shouting or name calling. If you feel provoked ask your mate to listen with an open mind and if they would please think about what you've said before responding.

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Most importantly get help when it's no longer manageable. First take an in depth look inside of yourself and be honest with yourself. Are there things that you can do to actually bring about a positive change in your relationship?

The First Eco-Friendly Decorators’ Show House!

If your living in or around the Atlanta area, you don't want to miss the opportunity to tour the first eco-friendly Decorators’ Show House in Atlanta. It’s open for public tours this Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, August 9. Parking and admission are FREE.

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This could be a fun activity for couples or maybe newlyweds house hunting – a great way to see over 34 eco-friendly spaces designed by 20 of Atlanta’s top interior designers. Each room also has a listing of tips for your own home. From the latest no VOC paints and lighting fixtures to bamboo bedding and eco-friendly wallpaper.

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Living Room

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Dining Room

Eco Master Suite

Women's Study

Green Craft Room

A fun activity for couples looking for green living and building tips. Scoot on over and take a note pad with you so you can take good notes on all of the tips you'll learn!

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For more information about the eco-friendly Decorators’ Show House in Atlanta, visit the GreenHaven Home website
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See you Thursday!

Friday's...Fav...Find!

Eating dark chocolates has been found to be healthy and with today's find, you can have a daily dose.
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Here's why:

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Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. The benefits come from flaonoids which act as antioxidants which protect the body from aging caused by free radicals which can cause damage that lead to heart disease.

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Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants, nearly 8 times the number of antioxidants found in strawberries. The flavonoids also help relax our blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide and helps to balance certain hormones in the body.

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There's nothing like a good ole chocolate bar to soothe your cares away and certain days of the month. Right ladies!!

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You can purchase these chocolates in a 1 week or 4 week prescription! There the perfect gift for whatever the occasion or just because!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

Don't compare your marriage to other marriages and what you may simply THINK is the perfect couple!

1. What you see: The couple that equally share's the chores

Not so fast: If it's really annoying to you that your friend's hubby seems happy to scrub the kitchen after making a delicious meal, then it's obvious that your hubby isn't. But have you ever considered your approach? Nagging, complaining and comparing him won't ever work so do yourself a favor don't bother. Instead, thank him for taking care of the laundry and perhaps swap chores. Let something that he didn't do go and give praise where it's due. Also, don't blow your top if he does a chore differently than you would or leave his clothes in the floor. Chances are, he'll be more willing to help around the house if you stop cracking the whip.

2. What you see: The honey, baby, sweetie couple that seems to never fight — not ever.
Not so fast: Fighting really isn't always a bad thing, as long as you aren't violent or nasty towards each other. A good fight when fought fairly can yield great results that you can both benefit from. In fact, research shows that some couples are often energized by healthy verbal arguments. If your friend says that her and her husband never fight, don't worry an argument is on the way, or perhaps she's not being honest with you. Maybe she wants to impress you or make you jealous.

3. What you see: The couple with all of the material things, oh and even the adorable doggie!
Not so fast: Don't get caught up in being jealous over what seems to be a couple living the high life. The luxury home, the Mercedes or BMW that's making you green with envy. The key thing is to keep it real for you and your emotions in check. Be happy for your friends and think of it this way, you never know what kind of debt they may be in. If their in great financial shape and you're comfortable, ask them how they did it and where did they start. If they're true friends, they'll be more than happy to share information with you including investing tips or give you the scoop on where to get the best deals etc. right down to the dog!

4. What you see: They can't seem to keep their hands (and lips) off each other.
Not so fast: This has got to be one of the most annoying things right? I know you've heard the term get a room. Just because couples feel the need to express themselves, doesn't mean they're more in love than couples that are not so public with displaying affection. You may be surprised how many couples are all hot in public and subzero in private. If your jealous of the couple, ask yourself is it because you want to actually be closer, or do you just want to put on a show for your friends? True intimacy should never be based on what you see but what you know for sure. Like what really goes on behind closed doors.

Friday's Fav...Find!

It was so busy around here yesterday, I didn't get a chance to post Friday's Find! I knew I had to share these with you. Any day of the week would be a good day for sharing!

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While visiting our friend's over at Wedding Luxe earlier this week, we discovered these beautifully handcrafted wedding pillows made by Anna Whitford. Don't you agree, they deserve today's spotlight!

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Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

This weeks tip is based on a tragedy. A tragedy that didn't have to happen. Based on jealousy, debt, and infidelity a mans life ended too soon and was taken by the "other woman". I'm sure by now you've heard about what was speculated to be and now ruled a murder-suicide.

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Steve McNair was shot to death by a women named Sahel Kazemi. A 20 year old woman who was distraught that the "oh so married man" that she was seeing, might be seeing yet another women. The full story found on Fox Sports said that, Kazemi's family told reporters that the woman was so confident McNair was divorcing his wife of 12 years that she was preparing to sell her furniture and move in with him.

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This is a real crazy tragedy in so many ways. The question with varying answers is and always will be, "Why do men cheat?" One thing that we know for sure is this is a sad, sad, case we'll never find the answer to the question, "why"?. I have a better question..."Is it worth it?"

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I saw a number of people including celebrities on Twitter asking another question, "Do you think this will make men sit-up and take notice when it comes to cheating." My first thought was NO. Although I'd like to believe in my heart that it made some men think really hard and ask themselves if it's worth it, cheating on their wives.

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With so much left to be said on this subject right now my heart goes out to his wife Mechelle the mother of 2 of 4 of his sons. All left now to grow up without their Father due to his selfishness. There are always consequences to trying to have your cake and eat it too. It may sound harsh but it's the reality.

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It makes me fall in love more and more with what I do, and pray that it's helping couples to stay within the marriage for love and excitement. The ROMANTIC TIP for this week is; "Married Men Don't Cheat on Your Wives!" "Married Wives Don't Cheat on your Husbands!" Fear God, have enough respect for yourself, your spouse and if you have children certainly think about them. You just never know if the other person is as a fatal attraction in disguise. Think before you act, of the possible tragedy that your actions may bring.

Coupons That Never Expire.....

You know how we're always talking about leaving romantic notes around the house, in a briefcase, or on the windshield of the car? Well check these out...FRIDAYS FAB FIND!
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Love coupons and love notes for when you run out of words, or can't quite find the right words to say. A great price too only $9.95! To get yours visit, romanticprintables.com

Wednesday WindDown!

Looking for something to do for a romantic date, check out Wednesday WindDown. If your a jazz fan you'll love it. It's every Wednesday in Centennial Olympic Park, the best park....it's free! The WindDown started in April and runs through September. There's still time to add this one to your Summer fun date night list.

Before one of my girlfriends moved to Jamaica, every 4th of July evening we'd head over to her condo, downtown right across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. We would have a little soiree and wait for the fireworks to begin. It was so spectacular to see, because she lived so close to the park, the fireworks seemingly we could reach out and touch them.

Don't forget the 4th of July fireworks celebration this year at the park.!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

Whoa! I can't believe it's Wednesday already! Been absolutely buried in work and creativity. I'm very excited about what's ahead for me and this company that I love! I fall in love with what I do over and over again.s

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Speaking of over and over again, how's your love life going? Are you taking good care of one of the most important things in your relationship? It's not just about the sex and oh you get nothing but hugs and handshakes from me if it's going great. But let's not forget it can be awesome when you remember the ROMANCE!

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Romance is often lost in our busy routines. There is a difference between sex and romance but they are the perfect blend when used together. Romance is often defined as an adventure, like the excitement of a new relationship. As for sex, well I don't have to tell you what it is, you can define the art for yourself. Then there's the whole making love versus sex conversation. A subject for another post all together!

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Nurture the romance in your life for better love making and so that both of you don't have to go out looking for someone NEW. Someone just for the excitement that new relationships can often bring, and people often get hurt unnecessarily.

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A few tips that will keep the sparks flying! If you're already doing these things bravo, if not give them a try and most of all have fun!
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The next time you take a shower, wear just the towel around for a while. Titillation will spur your mate to be more spontaneous. You can build up tension during the day with suggestive emails and phone messages, so that he or she is raring to go at night. To explore new territory, write down your fantasies and put them in a “fantasy jar.” Then take turns picking out of the jar and act out the fantasies. This can build romance, intimacy, trust—and great sex.