In celebration of "Earth Month".....

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We were so excited to receive a personal invite to attend Laura Turner Seydel's third annual "Eco-Trunk Show" last Thursday, in celebration of "Earth Month!" The trunk show also included a tour of Eco Manor, the “Greenest House in the South,” which is also Laura's personal home. It's a beautifully crafted home and just like the owner, it's beautiful inside as it is outside!

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A few pictures!

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Me with Laura

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One of the highlights of my visit, was a conversation that I had with her son, who came in during my visit. He had been out all day working on a volunteer school project to help clean up the Chattahoochee River. They picked up 40 bags of trash along the river! It was heart warming to hear and see the excitement in his eyes! Taking care of the earth and giving back is obviously a family affair.

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It was a day of earth-friendly shopping with over 15 of Atlanta's premiere eco-friendly designers, artisans, and shopkeepers showcasing the latest green fashion, jewelry, home décor, beauty/skincare and children’s products on the market today.

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The Vendors.....

The vendors pictured here are, top to bottom:

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1. Kathleen Plate - Owner of SmartGlass

2. Lawton Ursrey - Owner of Indie Peace

3. Stacy Smith - Owner of Doddlebugz

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You can visit all of the vendors and learn more about their Eco-friendly products! I couldn't feature all of them here, but I'd like to give them a shout!....

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Alejandra Dunphy Textiles, Bamboo Studio, Cassavoy and Company, Bella Bee , Kay Jay Collection, Lancanster West, Mark Edge, Sally B's Skin Yummies, Ruby Regis, Verde Paperie, Yummy Spoonfuls, and Zoica Matei

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Looking forward to next year's event!

Friday's, Fav...Fab...Find!

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Today's "Find" is Fabulous! It's another beautiful place to get-away relax and unwind! It's travel season and I love to travel. Sometime I travel mentally until I can actually take what's usually a much needed break.

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I have a long list of places that I want to visit over the next 10 years, thought I'd share those places with you here. Some places are here in the US and some places are out of the country, all beautiful and mostly romantic, tranquil places. I've already talked about a few of them in previous post, here's yet another!
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This spot is on my list and is also on the list of The "Best Romantic Get-aways," "Waterfront Escapes" according to Travel and Leisure Magazine.
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Europe:
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Best Romantic Getaways: Urban Retreat....Istanbul!
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Some of the details described by the magazine.....
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Open-air restaurants, crowded bazaars and a swoon-inducing location on the Bosporus—this is a city made for wandering. You’ll find Istanbul at its most alluring in the quaint neighborhoods on the European side of the strait. For lunch, try the sea-bass sandwiches at Mangerie (lunch for two $55), a rooftop spot in the Bebek district. In the waterside Arnavutköy area, Dilara Erbay dishes up grilled fish at Abracadabra (dinner for two $75), housed in a wooden mansion. The nearby Rumeli Hisari fortress has panoramic views of the strait, making for a picturesque detour.

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After dark, there’s Anjelique, a sultry waterside club set against the glowing Baroque Ortaköy Mosque. Take your pick of the new hotels: the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (doubles from $550), in a 19th-century palace; W Istanbul (doubles from $350), an edgy blend of contemporary design and Ottoman influences; or the Park Hyatt Maçka Palas (doubles from $550), where several spa suites come with mini-hammams.

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Description and photo Courtesy of: Travel and Leisure Magazine

Decorating Tip...A Great Favor Idea!...

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Confession: I heart Southern Living Mag.....OK I'm obsessed...just a little....well maybe a lot!
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Adorn the table with these beautiful baby shower favors. These adorable favors can be used for other occasions too. They're perfect for a girlfriend luncheon, bridal shower, birthday party or anniversary party. They can stand alone or double as a take away memory along with a small gift, PERFECT!

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You simply print a scripture or a favorite quote on decorative paper, laminate them, and tie a bow at the top. Like Julie mentions in the article "you don't have to spend a lot of money; it's the thought that counts!"

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A simple detail can make a lasting impression!
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You can read the full article by Julie Feaginon about these favors on the Southern Living website!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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Sustaining love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It will never just happen! You can't just "find" love that last. You have to "make" it last day in and day out. It's a constant work that has to be done. You have to give your relationship a check-up. Just like you get your car tuned-up and you get your annual health check-up. Doing the same thing for your relationship is a necessity! Things can grow stale with the same old busy routine that often dominates our life together!

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That's why we have the expression "the labor of love," because it takes time, effort, and energy. Most importantly, it takes wisdom! You have to know what to do to make your marriage work. Make no mistake about it. Love is not a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed in your relationship.

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If you need help, you can seek help from a professional or look for positive books to read together or read for yourself and share what you've learned. Go online and read, there are so many good articles and Ezines out there with great free advise. Most importantly take time out for one another. Time away where you can really focus on each other and re-ignite the flames. Rest and renew, set goals, dream, focus on the good in each other and set a time for your next escape, so you both have something to look forward to!

Behind the Scenes at the Television Studio!!

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A few weeks ago I was invited to appear on the EveryDay with Marcus and Lisa Show to help them celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary live and talk about Creations of Love!

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They were very interested in how we help couples celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and those times when you don't really have or need a reason to celebrate!

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Knowing the history behind the show and the FamilyNet network, I was very excited about the opportunity to meet them and be on the show! We had a blast, here's some of the behind the scenes photos! Everyone from security to hair and make-up was so warm and friendly!

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Mary with Guest Coordinator Jolean

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Mary with show host Marcus and Lisa

Coffey a popular gospel/country music artist, his proud sister snapping a pic of her little brother! Listen to his gospel remix of a number of popular secular songs here. He rocked it on the show live and he's a really nice, talented down to earth individual!

Mary with Coffey

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Candlelit FREE Concerts!.....Make it a Date Night!

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For local Atlanta area residents!
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What: Oakhurst Jazz Nights free concerts
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When: Remaining Thursdays in April -- April 16th, 23rd, and 30th
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Where: In Oakhurst Village 321 West Hill St, Decatur, GA 30030
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Time: 7-9pm in Oakhurst Village.
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Rules from the Officials:
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1. Blankets Only - No Lawn Chairs
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2. Throw Away Your Trash - Garbage Cans Provided
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3. Kids are warmly welcomed. Please keep an eye on your own children at all times. We have some traffic on a nearby street and personal property at neighboring residences and businesses that could be potentially dangerous for unattended children.
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(May I suggest: Leave the kids with a family member or close friend and make it a date night!)
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Click here for more information!

Fridays...Fav...Fab...Find!

f Well as you know today is Good Friday and just in case you don't, let me tell you...Today is the day that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died on the Cross. This entire week often referred to as "Holy Week," is always a week filled with emotion for me. When I think of what the Lord did for me....and you too, I can't help but feel humbled and blessed!
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The Fav...Find for me any day of the week is and always will be Jesus! I'm so glad that I found him a long time ago! Without him I can do nothing! Spend time this weekend counting your blessings with family and friends!
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In remembrance of the unconditional love that our Father gave to us, and still gives us everyday, honor Him by turning your marriage around this weekend by fostering more love. Start with baby steps, open her car door, or straighten his tie, give a nice compliment and mean it! Practice being grateful for each other. If you already have a great marriage, remember that it can always be better! Share your success with a couple that may be hurting!
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I find myself feeling fabulously blessed on this Good Friday! What about you?
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Happy Resurrection Day Everybody!
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Have a wonderful weekend, see you back here on Monday!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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We recently reached out to our previous customers and ask them to submit their favorite romantic tip. Here's one that's not only fun but an old school tip turned new school!

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"Our romantic tip is drive-in movies. Although everyone might not be able to take advantage of this because drive-ins are not as popular anymore. But my wife and I like to pack food and bring our lawn chairs with us to the drive-in when the weather is nice and if you can go during the week and avoid the bigger crowds than that's even better."z
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"A bottle of wine, some good food, nice weather, a good movie at the drive-in makes for a really nice romantic date!"

Romantic, Fluttery, Fanciful, Whimsical Dresses

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I see color....Lot's of color!!!
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It's Spring and bright, bold, passionate color is in! Wedding season is upon us, Mother's Day and Father's Day are fast approaching and Summer is just around the corner! With so many outdoor celebrations from weddings, graduations, luncheons and bridal showers, I couldn't resist posting these cool yet colorful short dresses that can double for so many occasions!

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From coast to coast we all know that an outdoor wedding can leave you feeling like you want to stick your head in an ice chest just to cool off from the summer heat! Ladies....start by picking a cool dress whether it's for a bridesmaids or a swanky outdoor function either one of these dresses will do! All of these dresses are off the rack at Nordstrom. Happy Shopping!
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Friday's...Fav, Fab, Find!...Chic Sandals at Target!

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Trust me....romance can begin with a good pedicure! There's no better way to show yours off with than with these stylish thongs! These sandals will make a cute little romantic sundress sizzle this summer!

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Trish Carroll has designed several styles of leather thongs for Target—all for budget-friendly price of $29.99!

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Get 'em while they're hot! Target's ads say this exclusive footwear is only available from April 12 - June 28th. Mark your calendar so you don't miss out! I'm sure these are going to sell out fast! My favorite...of course...the fish!

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Creations of Love on hitched!

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One day I was on Twitter tweeting about an upcoming decorating job and hitchmedia was struck by the concept of an event we're planning for a customer. We had an interesting exchange about it and the next thing I knew, he was reaching out and showing me some love! I was touched by his words....."You've inspired me to write about your company for today's post!"

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Thanks hitchedmag Ezine for another honorable mention, this time on your "Everything Marriage Blog" on March 26! Click here for the full mention! This is our second appearance, the first time we were announcing our Create-it-Yourself Kits. You can visit our website and click on News for the link to that article!

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I Can't say enough about hitched here, but I will say this; The Ezine is informative and has topics on just about everything as it relates to marriage. Scoot on over and see for yourself, take a cup of your fav with you and be enlightened!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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All of our "Wednesday Wisdom Romantic Tips" are designed to enhance and enrich your romantic life. Having a healthy relationship will increase the romance and happiness that you share as a couple! This is one of our favorites....

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Would you rather be right, or happy? Too often our pride and egos can keep us from enjoying intimate relationships. We stew over things that are perhaps only misunderstandings.

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We carry grudges and do not show enough grace, passion or forgiveness to the person we care most about. Our need to be right can overshadow our need to receive, and give, love. Take a look at what your pride is costing you. If the intimacy is strained in your relationship and things seem off track, you may want to reconsider the value of your anger or self righteousness.

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Happiness always feels better than vindication!