Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!....

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To all the mothers that visit my blog, cheers to you this day! I hope your day is filled with love and happiness, smiles galore and rest! Keep up the awesome work! Thank you for raising great citizens of the world!
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It's truly a blessing and a privilege being a mother. Being a mother has it's ups and downs such as life, but there is no greater reward, than having your children grow up and actually love to be around you! You only get one mother and to cherish her is truly an understatement. If it wasn't for mother's, none of us would be here. The unconditional love that a mother gives is irreplaceable and incomparable to that of any other.
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I dedicate this post to my Mother who taught me everything about what it means to be a real women. She always said, "don't just be any ole women but a women of substance". A women with integrity, kind and thoughtful, yet strong and passionate, not two faced but honest and trustworthy. To love God and always pray and never doubt what you can achieve with God by your side. Oh and so much more really!
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I know she's holding it down beyond the pearly gates. She's smiling down upon me and my 4 sisters saying well done daughters, well done! A gift that is no longer taken from us, but given to many as she walks the streets of gold. The best Mother you can possibly imagine!
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Happy Mothers Day Mom!! Love you and miss you much!!
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Thanks Mom for being the best you and for giving your personal best to me!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Introducing So FabuLuxe!™

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I was recently introduced to Rachelle Jones owner and CEO of So FabuLuxe!™ , a couture event design firm located in Los Angeles! Rachelle is a creative resourceful, ambitious and detailed-oriented individual. She has a natural passion for people and a strong desire to live a balanced yet fabulous lifestyle.
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Today's savvy and chic hosts, look to have their invitations and events express their individual style and taste. A premier event design boutique, the company specializes in the art of creating beautiful, couture invitations and also working with their clients to design fabulous lifestyle events.
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What they offer...
Fabulous event décor, the coordination of special events for charities and non-profits organization, producing educational seminars; trade shows and conferences. Every invitation created is a work of art using only top-quality hard to find papers, luxury designs, letterpress and embossed printing.
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The detail "Couture Experience"...
The unique niche utilizes fabulous embellishments featuring; Swarvoski crystals, Austrian crystals, ostrich feathers, Dupioni silks, silk box invitations, fine metallic papers, gorgeous satin ribbons, dazzling brooches and rhinestone buckles. It's all about the "couture experience" which sets So FabuLuxe!™ apart from the competition.
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CL and So FabuLuxe!™ ...
I am so excited about collaborating with Rachelle next year on a lifestyle event, that will showcase her fabulous work along with our romantic design elements!
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Need invitations for your next event, call So FabuLuxe!™. They specialize in couture handmade invitations and will work with you to create a lifestyle design for your life celebration or fabulous event!
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Click here for more information about So Fabuluxe!™ or call the event design boutique today! 323.905.2121

Friday's...Fab...Find!

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Have your cake but don't eat it!

Ok ladies and gents that visit often, you know how much I love flowers. For all of my first time visitors, "I love Flowers"!!! One of my favorite places online with the most innovative flower designs, 1800flowers of course! While browsing the site looking for an arrangement to send my out of state Aunt, who's 97 years old by the way, I found these adorable designs. They will surely bring a smile and warm a heart upon receipt and no crumbs or calories to clean up after! I'm sure you agree, all of these cuties are a great FIND for any occasion!
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Anyone of these are perfect for igniting a little romance too! Be creative, imagine sending the cupcake arrangement with a note...."A cupcake for my cupcake"
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Final Note: I sent my Aunt a beautiful bouquet, not seen here!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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The best thing that you can do for yourself, your mate and your relationship, is to continue to do what you love to, even after you say I do! So often we give up our passion or the fun things that we enjoy and make our partner the center of our universe. That's all well and good but don't loose sight of yourself in the process.;
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I've seen it happen so many times and once you get lost it's hard to find yourself again. Your identity is the one thing that made you fall in love with each other in the first place right? Be yourself and continue to live the life that was a breath of fresh air to your mate from the start.
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What is it you loved to do most when you were single? Did you look forward to playing golf or tennis? Get a charge out of taking your dog on vacation with you? Enjoy the action of a good basketball or football game? Savor the intimacy of a long car trip? Whatever you did before and enjoyed, do it over and over again — and if you haven't already, introduce your significant other to the joy of losing yourselves in an activity you adore!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Vendor Spotlight...mainelement: Love

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mainelement: love - handmade, customizable bath and body products designed for gifting others with the element of Love
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About mainelement: love – Here you have a company born of people’s desire to feel great about what and how they gift those they care about: their friends, their family, even their clients and prospects. What sets mainelement: love apart is the personal touch you are able to display with each gift. People love nothing more than to know that they are being thought of. Each and every item is mixed and packaged by hand upon order. Elements are carefully selected to ensure that what you are giving is good for the body, and in turn good for the mind and spirit. mainelement: love's ultimate goal is to provide quality favors and gifts that you and your guests will love: love to give, love to receive, and love to use again and again.
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About the CEO (Chief Element Officer): Tyrika SwailsTyrika is the mother of an energetic young son and engaged to a wonderful man. She is a woman who wears many hats, striving to be a good influence in her roles as mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend by keeping an open, positive, optimistic outlook on life.
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Products and Services:

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le’amour body = ♥ body wash ♥ body butter ♥ body scrub ♥ moisturizing milk bath ♥ satin salts ♥ bubbling salts
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pampering pedi = pedibutterpediscrubpedisoak
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custom scents = ♥ custom designed scent based on your personal taste, to be used exclusively by you and you alone
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A word from Tyrika:
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mainelement: love allows me to give from the heart something that everyone wants and needs: LOVE!” - Tyrika Swails – Chief Element Officer
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Click here to visit the mainelementlove website or call direct (832)567-1957
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Tyrika...we've got something in common.....love begets love!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Friday's...Fab...Find!

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Last week I made mention of a newly renovated historical hotel that's now a boutique hotel. I promised to share the photos of this fab, cozy, romantic, get-away hotel. One of the most interesting things about this hotel is their "Women's Only" floor. All of the rooms have curling and straightening irons, plush bathrobes and other amenities.
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Now that spring break is over, grab your girls and head on over for a girl's night out! The "Women's Only" floor is secured with card access only. The special card access is perfect for this floor and a great idea for the female corporate traveler as well! During my corporate years of traveling alone, the idea would have certainly made me sleep a little better at night!
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The hotel has won several awards like.....
  • Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence Award for Best Hotel Design, 2008
  • Atlanta’s Urban Design Commission Award for historic preservation, 2008 Convention South
  • Readers named The Ellis "Best New Hotel for Small Meetings

The E Street grill has awesome food. I was able to sample it for myself, mmmm...love the butternut squash soup and the service is impeccable!

Memo to the Ellis Hotel: Thank you so much for adding CL to your preferred Vendor list! I'm very excited about working with the hotel!

Whether you're in the Atlanta area or out of town, you'll definitely want to be there for the events that are forthcoming right in the heart of the city! Plan on spending the night afterwards, for a relaxing cozy get-away where you'll sleep tight, on a pillow-top mattress and a choice of feather or foam pillows!

Stay tuned, more to come!

Photo Credits: The Ellis Hotel

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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Unresolved problems can lead to hostility and resentment. Using problem solving strategies can help you bring back the romance, and open the lines of communication that usually are shut down during this time.

Make time for solving problems together. Yes, you might even have to schedule an actual appointment with each other. When you make a commitment to come together and talk, put the electronic devices on vibrate, better yet...turn them off, all of them! If you have kids always make sure they're tucked in for bed. Don't answer the phone, let it go to voicemail or answering machine.

Key tips:

1. If you know that you can't communicate without raising the roof, go to a public place like the park, or a restaurant and set up some ground rules like....not interrupting each other. I know it's hard sometimes not to, but better when you don't. It will immediately make the other person feel important when they can see that your really listening. Don't use finger pointing or words like "You always", "You never" or I told you so.

3. Don't forget that a large part of communication is listening. Don't be distracted, stay focused on each other and make sure your body language reflects that. Reiterate what you hear so the other person knows you're getting the message by rephrasing, especially if you're not clear about something. Say things such as "What I hear you saying is"....."I don't feel like you pay me enough attention" or "We need to spend more quality time together". Whatever your feeling, now is the time to discuss it.

4. Before you walk away, hug and agree to work on problems together. Have mutual respect and trust that, whatever the other person is feeling is real.

5. At no time after you walk away should you go back on your word to be a better person to the other. Don't throw up the fact that the other person agreed to do this or that. Schedule another appointment and sit down to discuss what may or not be working! Eventually you'll get it right!

Working through problems together will lead to better communication which will open the door for greater romance to find it's way in!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Mothers Day Offer!

Mothers Day Offer!
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Memo To Husbands:
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d 20% Off The Package of Your Choice!

Give the mother of your children, the gift of romance for Mother's Day! After you've spent time with the kids.....slip away.....just the two of you. We will create a blissful escape where you can close the door on distractions. Spend quality time together to relate, renew, rest and then, enjoy the sunrise together!"

dSimply click here to select the package of your choice!
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Offer good through May 17, 2009!
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Click here for information on how you can enjoy a 'Creation of Love' package no matter where you are within the US. Based on feedback we received from callers around the US, our NEW create-it-yourself packages are here for your enjoyment!

Friday, April 24, 2009

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

Your jigglin' baby, takes on a whole new meaning with this practical, adorable, DIY centerpiece!
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While looking for an appetizer on Recipezaar, I ran across this Jello centerpiece! I love Jello and you know how much I LOVE flowers!! This centerpiece is so sunny and bright! Perfect for so many occasions from a romantic dinner, bridal shower, baby shower or even a graduation party!
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It’s from Rachel Ray!!! Evette Rios, one of her go-to design gurus is responsible for creating this sunny piece. Change the color and design your own! You could use a variety of flowers and even berries or other fruit like oranges, limes or apples. So many variations come to mind! Head on over to Recipezaar for the DIY details!
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Two Words: Practical, Fun!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Tomorrow...Where reality ends...obsession begins!

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I was in town today for a site visit of a newly renovated historical hotel that's now a boutique hotel. As soon as the pics arrive, I'll share them with you. While I was in town I was invited to a private preview screening of OBSESSED at Regal Atlantic Station! s
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The movies national release is tomorrow! Let me tell you...to all the men out there that ever even thought about cheating on your wife, think again. This movie is a 2oth century version of the movie "Fatal Attraction" with Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. There is one exception, Idris Elba.....well......you'll just have to see for yourself, I'm not one to give away the story!
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Grab your spouse and make it a date night. After the movie go have a cup of coffee and discuss the movie and tell each other how committed you are to one another. Mean it and show it everyday not only with words, but with your actions as well.
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With infidelity being one of the number one causes for divorce, seeing this movie will make you think long and hard about getting involved with someone outside of your marriage. You just never know what your getting yourself into. It can easily start with simply the way that you look at someone!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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Since today's officially declared "Earth Day", thought it would be fun to share 6 romantic date tips to help you celebrate the day, and get a little romance in while your at it!
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Romance is everywhere, it's one of the hottest topics right now! Everywhere you turn from talk shows to wedding themes, people are getting back to basics and remembering that romance is a necessity and not a luxury. A vital aspect to any relationship, people are talking romance, from financial counselors to relationships experts, even on the fashion run-ways! All the more reason why I love what I do, I know it's changing lives and transforming relationships!
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Since I'm a "Hopeful Romantic" here's to hoping that you find these suggestions useful! Let me know which one you decide on! Maybe you can get all of them in throughout the rest of the month for a little variety and added enjoyment!
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1. Plant a tree together to symbolize your love for one another. Give it a pet name and watch it grow!
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2. Shop for some organic goodies together at your local market or Whole Foods store.
Bonus Tip: Pack a picnic basket with the goodies you purchase and have a romantic picnic at your favorite park!
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3. Visit a recycling center to learn more about it. That way if you've been on the fence about doing it, you can find out why it's so important!
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4. (My favorite!) Turn off ALL of the lights and ALL of the electronic devices tonight or any night and light some candles! You'll be surprised at how your voice will soon become a whisper and you'll simply enjoy the quiet!
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5. Visit your local Starbucks for a cause and have a coffee or tea date while your at it! Click here to learn more about Starbucks Shared Planet initiative!
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6. Catch a Sunset together tonight or any night for that matter! Walk to an area near you for a good view, or catch it from your backyard, terrace, deck or balcony. Just relax and breathe, no talking necessary!
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Let's all remember to take care of the Earth everyday!!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I'm a Survivor!...

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For the man in your life!
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One of my girlfriend' s and her husband work in the same office. She said he's always asking her for some of the very same items in these kits. She was searching online for something practical and inexpensive for his birthday and came across the "working guys survival" kit.
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He's the guy that pretty much has everything, he really doesn't need another suit, tie, pair of shoes, briefcase, etc. I know what your thinking, what about CL for his birthday.....they both have used our romantic decorating services to surprise each other within the last year! Our service is anything but practical anyway!!
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She sent the link over to me, (mrandmrs.com) and ask my opinion, you know where I'm going right....two words: BUY IT!
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I also like the "grooms survival kit" for the husband-to-be, no need to be a groomzilla!

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