#Ask Away Friday!

I thought this was week 36...?  Either way, it's been a great run all these weeks, even the ones I've missed.  Ms. RHOCC is taking a break, understandably so with babe #3 coming.  Congrats to Penny! She promises to return in the near future, so we will all look forward to that.

This week I am swapping the Q&A with the busy mom Christy, over at Uplifiting Families.  You can't feel anything but 'uplifting' on this blog, it covers everything a mom and family could search for.  So after reading my answers to Christy's questions below, go over to UF and check out her answers to my questions.  Don't forget, grab your tea or coffee and head over for some daily encouragement.

1. I see that you have a child that is grown and gone now, my daughter is 17 and in two years it is possible that she will be ready to move out and go to college. What advice do you have for parents to deal with their child leaving home? I won’t have an empty nest but I am not looking forward to my daughter moving off yet. My son went to Florida for college, and I was shocked he wanted to go so far away! He wasn't the kid that spent weekends away at friends, they were always at our house. I flew down as often as I could, and he surprised me many times making me cry. It's hard at first. Of course now I see him nearly everyday, he's not far, haha! I enjoy it. Not sure if that is advice, haha, but keep communication and trust between each other alive and healthy!

2. What advice would you give to a mother of a teenage boy? My oldest son turned 13 last October. That is a tough age, but not as hard as the many changes coming around the corner. Definitely keep communicating, keep boundaries with freedom. Communication and involvement in their interests and dreams.

3. I remember when I was growing up that my parents let me play outside unattended with my friend as long as I told her where I was going. I never let my kids go outside unattended, did you allow your son to play outside by himself? Would you still allow him to play outside by himself as a child? NO! I never let him out alone. Even back in the 80's I was terrified to let him out of my site. I never had babsitters, he was with me or my mother. Today, I would be even more overly protective. I am that way with my 8 year old nephew, he gets annoyed with me but...

4. If you could win a brand new car of your choice, what would you choose? I think an old split bumper convertible Corvette, when they were hot and good looking! 

5. What is your favorite vegan dish? This week, all about beets, beet salad, beet hummus, you name it with beets!

6. What is your favorite brand and color of nail polish? Zoya, "Dot"

7. If you won a $500 shopping spree and you could only spend it on yourself, where would you go shopping and what would you buy?Louis Vuitton, "Neverfull", enough said.

8. Advice for a new blogger: If you could start blogging all over again, would you continue to use blogger or find your own self hosted domain? I started with the free Wordpress, then used BlueHost with it (self hosted) but it was too much back then. It depends what you want to do with it. Basic blogging like me, Blogger is easier. I think if you want to do more, you should consider a self hosted. I don't know all the ins/outs to say for sure, sorry.

9. Are you currently reading a book? If so, what are you reading? YES! Still trying to finish Measure of Love. It's book two, all about Rachel. I've written about it here! Great story.

10. As a single mom for 8 years(before I was blessed with a wonderful husband), what is the best advice that you have for a new single mom? I know finances were always my constant struggle, if it weren’t for huge tax refunds I wouldn’t have survived. I always put my tax refunds into my savings account and I would dip into it when I needed extra money to make ends meet or to handle surprise expenses. It was definitely hard as a single mom. Although I wish it had been easier, I wouldn't change much because it gave me the strength to push forward. Just love yourself, be proud and be sure you take care of yourself.  Think first, and long if you have too. You just have to believe in yourself.  

Happy Friday peeps, see you when #AAF returns! 

Ask Away Friday, #34!

Where has time gone?  Wow.  It's been many weeks since I've been a part of the Ask Away Friday! Here, you can meet other bloggers and get to know them better. There are now four hosts to this gig, Penny of RHOCC, Amber of BoldFabMom, Tiffany of MrsTeeLiveLoveLaughter, and Stacey of This Mama's Ramblings!

I am thrilled to be back at it this week with another beauty, Ms. April from 100-lb Countdown. She's a wife, mommy and fitness coach! I'm answering her questions below, and I can't wait to head on over to see what she's got to give for my questions! 

Here we go...

I'm a complete television junkie... I even write a blog specifically on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. What's your favorite Housewives franchise? I watch for entertainment, so I can't pick one.  I think they are all the same crazy women, bickering at each other for any good reason. Makes me feel as if my life is sane! Although, I do tire of them before the end of the season. I like the reunions and the fact they think they can lie, when the camera tells the truth! Who's your favorite housewife? My favorite...uhmmm...I'll say my favorite one to dislike is Brandi!  She's sloppy and gross. 

Is there a quote that you live by personally in your marriage or parenting? Not necessarily a quote, but I like to live by "morals, values, honesty and trust", with those you have self respect and respect for others.  If so what is it and why do you think it's important to live by it? I think it's the best way to get through life and relationships of any kind. With friends, relatives and careers.

You have $1000. You can't go to Target, Walmart, K Mart or any other everything store. You must spend it on you alone. Where you going to spend it? A rejuvenating Spa in Arizona. 

Politics and religion drive a wedge between a lot of people. Do you talk about it in your personal life?   I talk politics with the hubster, but no one else.  We make our opinions together and our views on politics are usually the same.  Religion, I have had some conversations with others. Only when I'm preached to.  I can give a good match of Q&A. Why or why not? I don't talk politics with others because it never really comes up.  No one around us is strong on the topic.  Religion, I respect anyone's beliefs but I don't like their beliefs shoved down my throat.  We all have our own.

You've been awarded a new home, money is no object and location is up to you. Describe it to us. An open, airy house with lots of natural light, a chef's kitchen, contemporary. Any place warm, with two seasons, Spring and Summer :) I am so over this cold stuff.  

Do you have a junk drawer? What's in it? I do, all of my own.  No one is aloud in it to shuffle through and mess it up!  (Reminder to the hubster as he reads this.) Haha.  Makes me nuts.  I like it neat and have what I need, when I need it.  It has sunglasses, keys, gum, note paper, pens, scissors (yes, I have to initial them because someone always takes them and never puts them back!), hand cream, garage door opener, sunflower seeds to plant (for 2 years now), phone charge cords, my pills.  The usual.  (Bonus for pictures)

Now that your son is an adult, what's your favorite thing to do with him? Just to spend "TIME" together. Laugh. Confide in each other. Although I see him nearly everyday, and things change and evolve, I do miss us as we used to be when he was younger.

I tried oil pulling a couple of times and didn't see a noticeable difference. Now that you've been doing it a week, have you seen a difference? I can only say that my teeth are a bit whiter.  If that is all I do get out of this, I'll be thrilled.  Teeth are a big thing for me, so I want them nice and white.  Strips and other products make my teeth sensitive.  Bonus for pictures! I haven't done any before/afters.

We are at the end of the first quarter of the year and I'm updating my annual goals list. I read a couple of posts of yours from the beginning of the year, so I wanted to follow up.

What positive changes have you made since the beginning of the year? Oh I started it off terribly! My workouts became next to nothing for too long, stress got to me health wise. The weather stunk! So, I've started Yoga and getting back to routines.  My eating has been great, though! 

You mentioned that your three words for the year are: Organized. Grateful. Happy. Are you being more organized? I am, I think so. Better than I was for sure. Are you making sure that you are grateful for what you have? Yes, definitely. Are you happy? For the most part, I strive to be overly happy to annoy everyone! ha! 

Happy Friday!

#AskAwayFriday, #26 with The Green Eyed Lady!

I can't believe it's the end of January 2014. Where does time go? I'll tell you…it brings in nasty cold weather and the nasty flu, followed by a nasty cold with no voice…it brings chaos with frozen pipes and clean ups and anxiety. THAT'S where my time has been. I know I may have mentioned this in my last post, but it doesn't seem to end. So for any blogettes experiencing the same, I'm with ya' sister.

Now on to the fun part of Thursday evening for Friday fun!  I am so excited to pair up with Carissa, The Green Eyed Lady, Lovely Lady!  I can't not sing that song, when I mention her blog.  Love it. By the way, the more I stalk her blog, the more I like her. I'm excited to be introduced to the Tacky Box, to share with my nephew.  She has a sweet family, and an adorable little Emma Renee. What a lovely name.  Check out her story.
For those of you new to #AAF, its a fun way to link-up and get to know your current blogettes more, and invite new peeps into your blogosphere.  Thanks to Penny at RHOCC, and Amber of TheBoldFabMom, we get to do this weekly! So join in the fun.   Here are my answers to Carissa's questions.  Be sure to check out her answers to mine, here.  1. How are you dealing with the weather? Ugh, not very well!  Dealing with frozen pipes that burst, the flu and now a cold. I am officially over winter, so why doesn't it just go away?  2. What is your favorite social media site and why? Probably Twitter (and Instagram)…they are quick and easier to keep up on day to day things.  (When I'm paying attention, ha!)  3. Its your turn to plan date night, what do you plan? Oh I'm such an easy date.  I like to stroll through small towns, try a new hip place to eat, walk, a lot.   4. What is your favorite thing about blogging? Meeting new bloggesses.  It's always nice to see who lives near you. As well as distant peeps, learning where they are from and keeping in touch.  5. I see you eat Raw, what is your favorite Raw recipe? I love it all really, the more veggies the better.  I have to say I really favor the Tuna Fishless though.  

6. Even though I am from Cleveland (Go Browns), Pittsburgh holds a special place in my heart because its where I got engaged, and spent my first wedding anniversary…what part of PA do you live in and where would you take me if I came to visit?  I am from the scenic, classy, historic Bucks County.  Since Pitt is nearly 7-hours driving for me, I'd take you to my hometown of Lambertville (NJ), for the artsy slow pace lifestyle, then to the ever so lovely New Hope (PA), the eclectic side of the bridge that divides the two states.  On a Spring or Summer day, you can't beat people watching, strolling through shoppes, eating outside…it's so wonderful!   7. I see you said that you are a Jersey Girl…how often do you make it back? As often as possible. Since I'm 10-minutes from that bridge that divides PA/NJ, I get there often.  Love it!  I take peeks at my grandmothers house, to see what they've done to it, drive by my home where I grew up…then visit my wonderful Aunt Eleanor who is 94!  Isn't she a beauty? She is 91 in that photo.

8. I love jewelry/accessories like you…what is your favorite piece of jewelry to shop for?  Statement pieces would sum it up, I love a fancy necklace with a simple T! (Wish I had a pic of me!) 9. You have a day to yourself…how do you spend it? Relaxing at a destination Spa, all morning/day/early evening, doing Yoga and eating healthy!   Then straight to bed, after my chauffeur drops me off at home :-) 10. Tell me 3 facts about yourself that you don't normally share on your blog (whatever you feel comfortable with)? Wow, ok let me think about this…do I go lame, or serious?  1. I love going to the movies, and popcorn is a must no matter if I just ate (lame) 2. I find it hard to 'forgive' when it's hard to 'forget' (serious, might require therapy for that one, ha!) 3. I am a car snob. I lease, so I can have a new one every three years. (lame!!)
There you hav'em folks!  Now head over to Carissa, The Green Eyed Lady Blog!  

#AskAwayFriday #25, with Mrs. Tee!

Hey, hey peeps!  Another go-around for the #Ask Away Friday fun, and this week I'm lucky enough to be partnered with Mrs. Tee!  Visit her blog by clicking below, and follow her life full of love and laughter.

For those of you who are new to #AskAwayFriday, join in! It's a way to meet new bloggers and learn more about your current bloggerettes! Thanks to RHOCC and BoldFabMom, we get to do this weekly.

Check out these questions to me by Mrs. Tee, then go to her blog and check out her answers to mine!

I absolutely love the story of how and why you named your Blog Effie Girl...What is 1 piece of advice or lessons your grandmother taught you that you carry with you still? 

Unfortunately I was 6 when she passed away, so there isn't much I remember aside from little memories. A funny one is her parakeet, Dopey. He'd pick spaghetti from her plate, drink her beer, and talk on the phone calling people a b****.  The lesson could be, "don't let your parakeet talk on the phone", haha.

What is your favorite thing to do on a chilly day?

Sit with a gigantic cup of tea and read.

If you could do anything at all but it had to be an adventure what would you do?

I'd live in Paris for 6-months, just taking it all in.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My (other) grandmother. Always so beautiful and sweet. 

She lived to be 99. Warm loving memories.

Name 4 TV Shows, Books or Movies you simply couldn't be without.

Guilty pleasures, Nashville, Parenthood, Love Actually, Housewives reality shows.

I know you love DIY.  What is your favorite DIY Project to date (include a post link if you have one)?

So far, this one.

Have you ever had a DIY project gone wrong?  If so, share the story and results :D

Trying to get the hang of photo transfer onto canvas. For some reason, I can't get the hang of it, but I'm continuing to try.  Anyone know the way to get best results?

Random: Is your car a catch all for your daily routines or is it fresh off the lot clean? Share a picture of your trunk (no clean up permitted!)

It's pretty clean. Okay, this isn't my car, but it is the same model and make. Although mine is black, it is exactly like this, clean. 

You have a day all to yourself, no cost limits, how do you spend it?

I'm pretty simple and a cheap date…if not with a friend or hubster I like strolling around a small town, browsing shoppes. Or a summer day outside gardening with the dogs. If it's bitter cold and snowing like now, inside with movies and popcorn. Or as I am this week and the next, playing everyday with my beautiful niece...

Signature Question: Are you a part of Team Tea or the Coffee Crew?

Tea, love different teas. Although I do have my cup of coffee each day.

Cheers to Friday, loves,

#AskAwayFriday, #23 with Sonya K!

Happy 2014!

Here we go!  I'm back in the game.  It seems strange to me that there were only four weeks in December. Anyone else? I've only skipped one #AAF since October 4th, awesome.  For those of you who don't know what the #AskAwayFriday is all about, it's a way to get to know new bloggers, learn more about our current blogger buddies, and have some fun!  So let's get started.

This week I am partnering up with Ms. Sonya K! She's a SAHM that loves shopping, and loves shopping for you! Everyday she has some great deals to share. I'm excited to be her partner this week, so check out my answers to her questions below.  Be sure to go to Sonya's blog to see her answers to my questions!  

1. How long have you been eating a raw diet? It's been a while, I can't recall an exact date. I eased into it, as anyone should. 

2. What initially made you interested in trying a raw diet? I was a vegetarian on and off for many years, from a young age.  Within the past few years, I leaned more toward veggie-head, but I still wasn't feeling all that healthy, even with all my running.  I felt sluggish and bloated too often. Eating veggie though, can be fattening if you don't watch what how you cook. So when I stumbled upon the RAW way of eating, I was instantly attracted.    

3. I thought a raw diet was when you don't use heat when preparing your meals, but I see that you do use heat when preparing your meals. Do you find most people misunderstand what a raw diet actually is? Sorry to confuse anyone. I LOVE to cook, so that gets me in trouble, haha!  Although, you can cook your food, just certain ones for a short period of time.  For me, sometimes just to heat it rather than a microwave. I use water to sauté or caramelize, rather than any oils.  I only use coconut oil when I do use an oil, but it is very fattening and should be used in moderation.  Getting back to the question, haha, it is a process to go completely 100% RAW.  I fall off the wagon, as many of my posts of have  mentioned.  I will be totally RAW…soon :)

4. I want to be more of a DIY type person and repurpose furniture, but I'm afraid of messing up. How long have you been tackling DIY projects? If you could see the projects I have yet to finish, or even start! I love the idea but get so many going in my head at once, buy all the materials, then get overwhelmed.  Then, life gets in the way.  I'll get there…come SPRING.  Haha.  

5. Have you ever messed up so badly while doing a DIY project that you had to give up on it? If so, what happened? YES!! So frustrating.  I haven't given up, I'm taking a breather to try again later. 

6. What has been the DIY project that you are most proud of completing? OMG, haha, just completing all of them! Actually, I am proud of this one, for my niece.  

7. What was the last MP3 song or album you bought? Emeli Sande. I've worn it out. 

8. What was the best movie you watched in 2013? Hhmm, tough one.  I'm soooo bad at remembering names of movies.  The one I really enjoyed, in every aspect, was Enough Said.  Starring the late James Gandolfini (so sad and I just love him!) and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. Love it! You should watch.

9. Hot Chocolate or Apple Cider? Not a big fan of either, enjoy my tea. If I had to pick one, definitely a big fattening hot chocolate with whipped cream, vegan of course :)

10. What is your favorite room in your house? My kitchen!  I love the art of creating food and my smoothies, and I just love my kitchen, hah! :) It's changed a little from this photo.  A different chandelier and green window treatments, some minor things but that's the cooking station! 

Another great session, with another great blogger!  Thanks Sonya. 

Cheers,

#AskAwayFriday #21!

Happy Friday and Happy #AAF, once again!  For those of you new to the weekly gig, this is a fun link-up to get to know other bloggers better, meet new blog BFF'ers, and to have a great time!  Our hosts are Amber, TheBoldFabMom…and Penny, The RHOCC - thank you ladies!  Check them out, to check out all the co-hosts bloggers as well.

This week I am partnering up with the lovely Heather, blogger of The Frill of Life.  Everyday, she's finding the reasons to smile in everyday life!  Read my answers to her questions, below, then go to Heather's blog to see her answers to my questions!

Heather's Blog

What are the big plans for New Year's next week?
We are not sure if we will be sitting home, hanging with my son and his girl, or going to our beach house for First Night in OCNJ, and hang with my Auntie. It's never a 'night out' for us really.  Hubster is usually asleep while the ball drops, but awake before and after. 
Are you in the habit of making New Year's resolutions?
No.  I don't think I've ever made a resolution, to have to stick to one.  I think making a commitment to yourself has to be at the right time, when you know you can make a change or difference needed in your life.  Big or small, it has to be at your 'right time'. 
If not, why? If so, what are they?
Oops, I think I answered this above! ;-) 
Are you setting goals for your blog in 2014?
I've been thinking about that. I'd like to have more of a niche. Still trying to figure that out. 
Tell us about your most memorable New Year's celebration.
NYC. It was grand all the way. But the next morning I was sick with the flu and a bit if a hang over. Most memorable, for sure haha
Do you have any traditions centered around the New Year?
No, unfortunately. I wish I started a friend party/game Event each year. I always thought about it...
What are you most excited about for 2014?
Change! For the better. 
Is there anything about 2014 that you're not excited for?
Change. If the better, backfires. Ha. 
Who do you think will win the Superbowl in 2014? Personally, I'm rooting for the Chiefs!!!
I need a "football for idiots" book, but I did just win the weeks football fantasy for some nice bucks! I guess I have to be an Eagles fan being in Philly, but my heart is with daddy for the giants and being a Jersey Girl. Long shot, I know. I also how the Steelers look, haha! And Cowboys, who doesn't dream of a cowboy now and then :)
This one has nothing to do with New Year's, but I always ask it: What's under your bed? Bonus points for a picture…
Nothing but carpet. Haha. It's one of those platform beds.  Love it!  

Bonus: Answer a question that you asked me. (Love this idea, btw) One of my questions: Pick 3 words to describe what you expect of yourself in 2014: Organized. Grateful. Happy.  

Cheers, to a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year for all! 

#AskAwayFriday, #20

Wow, #20!  Congrats to Penny, of RHOCC and Amber, of TheBoldFabMom in their achievement with this link-up.  PLEASE, check out these ladies and give them some love! It's always fun with the Q&A, and chatting it up with some new friends. So let's get on with it.

This week I am partnering up with Sarah

She's got The Cutest Blog On the Block with the cutest girls! Check out my answers to her questions below, then go to Sarah's blog to see her answers to my questions!  Have fun!!

1.  You just look so fabulous!!! You say in your profile your 50-something and I would never be able to tell.  Please share your secrets. :) That's a question right? ;) Haha, I'll take it as a question :) First, "thank you so very much"! I try, hard! There really isn't any great secret. I think I got lucky with taking care of myself, and quitting bad habits early in life.  Plus, I feel awesome with my new eating habits. 

2.  Where do your inspirations come for a lot of your DIY projects? I see things in stores, magazines, (always saying 'I can make that), and I venture on Pinterest here and there.  I do see some on blogs, and I try to remember to write down where I did see anything I might DIY, I want to give credit where it's due. I haven't posted much, but I do have a lot in 'the process' of finishing.  

3.  I seen it says your a skin care specialist?  Do tell.  :) After pharmaceutical marketing for years, it came to a screeching halt.  Always having an interest in skincare, I decided to go back to school.  I don't do a lot out in the field much, but I do keep up on new knowledge and work on friends/family. I love it and love helping others feel good about themselves, in many ways.

4.  Any fun holiday traditions? Cookies and pumpkin pie.  Wrapping gifts to the film, Love Actually, a MUST! 

5.  Do you have a craft room or specific spot you do all your fun things? I do!  A spare room that serves as an office, skin care room, crafts, sewing, fur-baby sleeping :) I'd show you a pic, but it's a crazy mess right now. Even though I cleaned it from this mess.  I will definitely post a nice new organized photo in the near future.  

6.  I seen you eat RAW, what is your favorite meal? I make so many different ones, that I haven't repeated a favorite meal as yet.  They are all good though.  I do repeat the Muhammara Dip often.  Healthy and filling with some celery as an afternoon snack between meals. Oh, and there was a summer repeat, sorry, the Gorilla Wrap. Yum!

7.  You were married in 2005, what would you say is your secret to a great marriage. :) I am far from an expert, but I believe the secret to a great marriage is having MORALS and VALUES within yourself, and share that with the one you love.  That's when these things will flow nicely; TRUST, HONESTY, CONSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION, STRUCTURE within the family.  Those are the main things for me. 

8.  I seen you have a few furbabies, how many do you have and what kinds are they? My fur babies are like having 2-year olds!  No exaggeration, but I love them to pieces!  Queen Lucy Belle is my 10-1/2 year old girl.  She's a JUG, Jack Russell/Pug mix, and adorable.  Everybody loves Lucy.  Then Chewbacca, he is our kill-shelter rescue!  He is about 7-8 years old, follows Lucy in everything.  He was skeptical and aggressive when we first got him, but now I think he loves us as much as we love him. I wish I could rescue every 'mis-placed' doggie.  I love both their personalities.  Never enough photos.  Enjoy!  

 

9.  What's your dream vacation? I've been to many places, countries, states, etc.  I always dreamed of Greece, Santorini Island.  Ever been?  Anyone?

10.  Any New Years resolutions? No.  I never really do one.  I think it's an omen if you try to, because it's hard to stick to.  For many, not all peeps.  (Don't want to judge the ones who "can-do".)  I do want to be more organized, like I used to be, so maybe I'll start that tomorrow :)

Thanks so much Sarah!  

Cheers!

#AskAwayFriday, #18!

Brought to us by the lovely RHOCC and The Bold Fab Mom!

This gig is all about exchanging questions with other bloggers, getting to know them a bit more personally, and meeting new friends. This week the amazing, talented, craftiest chick I know is partnering with me!  Yup, the lovely Ms. Meg is all mine this #AAF.  We live a couple towns away from each other, and we plan to meet up.  One day, soon :)

Read my answers to Megan's Q's below, then click on the button above to read her answers to my Q's. 

1. You live in one of my favorite towns. What is one place you love to visit? (restaurant, shop, bar…) Sitting outside at The Landing.  Especially on the 4th of July.  Spectacular. 

2. If you could pick up and move anywhere right now, where would you go? Paris! Each time I've gone there, I didn't spend enough time.  

3. The winter weather is coming!! Are you a snow bunny or beach bum? BEACH bum!  Even though I don't like the sunbathing, I want the warmth! Of course that would be a problem living in Paris, so that would have to be partial living. 

4. Hubby question: what 3 things does Wendy have to have with her when she leaves the house? 

 - The obvious, her cell phone. 

- The comfort of knowing her dogs are taken care of while she's out, a must! 

- The line-up of her posse, which one she'll be calling to be on the Wendy-Show, while she's out!

Tell us what he says, then if he's right! 

Sounds like sarcastic jealousy, if you ask me :)  Hubster wants to be a dog, in my home, in his next life.  I always figure who I'm going to call, have to call, want to call while I have the time.  I can say, "oh, I have to go into the store now", or sit in a parking lot and chat! Yes, he pretty much called me out on this question.  Good job, hubs.   

5. What is the most outrageous/ spontaneous thing you've ever done? Hhmmmm, not sure I can post that!  Hahaha, just kidding.  I don't really know.  Drink from the milk carton?  No!  Kidding. 

6. If you could I on your with one band/musician, who would it be? Haha, I'm not quite sure what your cell phone did to this question, but I'll assume it is asking "If I could be on stage…??" (I'm totally making that up!)…I'd say CHER.  I know, corny but she's the Diva Queen!  

7. Dump, hump, marry: Russell Crowe, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr. Oh my, do I really have to answer this?  It's so against my religion, ha! The hubster loves to play this game as well.  Okay…

I'd dump George Clooney. (He's overrated.)

Hump Russell Crowe. (He seems like a manly man :) 

Marry Robert Downey Jr. (He's Iron Man for goodness sake!)  

8. What is your favorite holiday treat or beverage? Great-grandmother's Pumpkin Pie! She's no longer with us, but her recipe is locked in a safe and I can't share it! 

9. I'm all about accessories and never leave the house without a pair of dangly earrings. Take a pic of your go to accessory that you can't live without. 

My watch. Love watches. 

10. What is one thing in your past that you're glad to have put behind you and one thing in the future you're looking forward to? The past, 'mistakes'.  I am glad to have learned from them, but I am happy to have them a part of my past.  The future, grand-babies!  

Loved these, Ms. Meg, thanks for partnering with me this week.  

Please go over to Megan's blog, to read her answers to my questions.  Check out her unbelievable talent, incredible.  

#AskAwayFriday #17

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying your day. 

I'm sure many of us are still relaxing and enjoying family.  

(Thank goodness for scheduled postings!)

So here we are with another week of #AAF!  For those of you that are unfamiliar with #AskAwayFriday, this is a weekly series created by the lovely RHOCC queen, Ms. Penny AND the fabulous mom Amber, of The Bold Fab Mom! It's a great way to meet new bloggers, make some new local and long distance friends, by getting to know them better with 10-questions.  Pick a partner next week and join in!  Head over to Penny or Amber for the dirt on the know-how.

My very chic & beautiful partner this week is, Tia of...

Tia's questions, my answers:

1. What's the one beauty secret you think everyone should use? Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen. Can't express that enough :)

2. You got married on the Cayman Islands. How did you choose a destination wedding? Good question, haha.  We were doing a vacation as a family, and I think we just decided it would be a good time.  Wish it was more of a romantic answer for you, haha! 

3. What do you think about all of the Jersey reality shows? LOVE - HATE relationship.  Of course the only NJ one I watch is RHONJ, (and all the other housewives, but Atlanta is getting on my nerves).  I've never gotten into the Jerseylicious or other NJ shows.  

4. You grew up vegetarian off and on…How do you become a RAW eater? How "do" I? By eating all raw greens, vegetables and fruits.  If you meant, how "did" I?  I slowly realized how I was eating and what I was eating. I feel much healthier and clean nowadays. 

5. I've seen The Beauty Detox on several talk shows. What's the best tip in that book? It's really one big tip, eat healthy.  The book tells you how and why, and it all makes perfect sense.  It's definitely personal for each individual.  

6. Show us some of your favorite jewelry pieces. A few of my faves. 

1. My 50th "fabulous at 50" Tiffany heart. My friend came from Florida to spend time in NY for our 50th's, and I surprised her with a trip to Tiffany's! 

2. My eternity wedding band

3. My watch, wedding gift on our cruise from the hubster

4. My go-to necklace with t-shirt & jeans or a dress up! 

7. What's one beauty product you absolutely would NOT recommend? I would recommend NOT buying expensive products, because you think they work better.  There are products in the CVS, Rite-Aid, etc., that work just as good, if not better, as a jar of $150 Creme De La Mer.

8. I'll be 30 in February. What is one piece of advice you have for me as I leave my twenties? It's just a number, don't think of the number. Ever. Never ever.  :)   

9. What song makes you want to dance no matter what? No particular one, any song with a loud beat can get me moving around the house when no one is home/watching.  (Don't tell anyone.) 

10. When was the last time you laughed until you cried? What was so funny? This one stands out; I have a button start/shut-off car, and when my friend and I got out of the car, I heard the fan running. She's trying to convince me it's normal.  Somehow I knew it wasn't, I knew my car and the sounds.  Well, wouldn't you know I was right.  We came out from seeing a 2-hour movie, got into the car, and realized it was STILL RUNNING!  We about peed ourselves!  

That was fun Tia, thanks!  Now head over to the Chic Mom, and check her answers to my questions! 

Holiday cheers xo,

#AskAwayFriday #15

This week I get to have some Q & A fun with a cutie-patootie, Mary Belle!  She's one of my BBF's and I am excited to be partner'd up with her. When you finish with me, don't forget to poke on over to Mary's place, and see her answers to my questions.

For those of you new to #AskAwayFriday, you pick a partner and give each other 10-questions to get to know each other better.  We all bounce around sharing and reading, meeting and greeting!  Join in.

Here we go, with Mary's questions to me:

1. What are you and your husband's favorite pastime/s? We like to go to our beach house, a quick 2-hour getaway.  Or have nice dinners. Home or out, not fancy or expensive, just relaxing.  Take walks in cute small towns, hop over to NY (rarely) for a show.  BJ's Warehouse, Home Depot, haha! 
2. At what point in your children's life did they make you feel proud the most? I feel proud everyday.  Seeing my son with a big gentle heart, respecting, being compassionate. Watching him and my stepchildren making decisions for their future.  Always proud of their positive attitudes. 
3. If you were to relive moments in each of the chapters of your life (childhood, teenage, mid-adult, adulthood...), what would they be and why? Wow, that's a tough one. Unfortunately, I don't remember a lot of my childhood, so I'd like to relive that to remember.  I don't want to relive my teenage years, haha! Mid-adult, the birth of my son.  No better memory than that.  Now, as an adult…I'm just living it.
4. When did you start your jewelry business? 2011 What inspired you to start it? I wanted something different after my marketing career ended. I originally was opening a boutique, but with other investments and time constraints, it's on the side line.  For now :)
5. What's your secret to looking young and fab at 50? :) Aww, you are sweet, thank you. I've really noticed a change in me with eating healthier and using my skin care products, I've yet to share.  I'll do that soon!
6. Please tell us your blogging history! :) Not much of a history yet, but I'm nearly half-way to my one year mark. So far, so good.  I think, ha!
7. How do you deal with negativities in life? As you get older, you don't want negativity. I try to stay away from it, because it make me more negative.  If it's out of my control, I go shopping!  
8. What are the things you love about your life right now - or about being your age right now? :) Being my age, I feel good,  I feel young.  I like what I have experienced in life, to make a better tomorrow for me.  To teach the 'college of life' to the younger generations. To be a 'grounding' for those who need me.
9. If you were given a superpower effective for 24 hours, what would that superpower be and what would you do within that 24hrs? This sounds so typical and cheesy, I'm sure…but to win the lottery so I can take care of others around me, and have needs. 
10. If you won an all expense paid trip to anywhere in  the world with your family, where would you go? I would like to spend a good two-weeks with my family, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, etc., in North Carolina, the Outer Banks area. Just to hang and share stories and be with each other. For the good.   

Wow, Mary sure gave me a run for my answers this week! What a great partner, keeping me thinking. 

Please go over to Mary's Secret Obsession, and see her answers to my questions!

Cheers,