What I'm loving Wednesday! :)

To start everything off, I am loving these DIY projects. My problem is that I have all the supplies that I need, but I haven't actually done anything with them yet. Probably should try to start on them sometime here soon. Below are some of my favs that I want to try...

Tatertots and Jello's Burlap Wreath 

I have already bought all the supplies for this product. Hope it turns out as nice as some of the ones I have seen!

This was also found while I was browsing over at Tater tots and Jello. She always spots the cutest ideas! This is a creation from over at Peppermint and Plum. What a cute idea to dress up a boring cork board!

Next is a super easy DIY project that will put you in organization heaven. I saw this over at A Thoughtful Place

More quotes to share...

I absolutely love quotes, so I spent the day browsing different ones that I liked, and thought I would share them. I also found a lot of them here at Flip Flops and Pearls! I could spend all day reading quotes...

Friday Confessional...

I have found myself reading everyone else's Friday Confessionals, so I thought why not join in!?!

I confess:
I smuggle mini tupperware containers into bars, filled with rum, so I can save money by making my own rum and cokes... (one of my close friends taught me this back when I still went out all the time) It saves a ton of money!
....I will also do the same thing with dressing when I am on weight watchers. My dressing is always such a better option than what is offered.

I confess:
Even though I sell Thirty One Gifts, I refuse to give up my coach purses. Isn't that awful! I sell purses, but won't give up my own. I love everything else Thirty One though!!!!

I confess:
I have one single hair that grows from my chin/neck, and since it is only one hair, I don't catch it until it's like an inch long, and usually it's not me that notices it, it's someone else! Uh yeah, soooo embarrassing.
(I checked it this morning)

I confess:
I will donate to charities. I decided that I will not donate to charities that walk up to me in parking lots. You know why?? I did last year, it was for a magazine subscription, and instead of getting it sent to our house, I said, you can send it to a solider overseas. So I picked "Maxim" to send over, because I figured a solider would enjoy that magazine. Well if I would have KNOWN they would start sending US the Maxims 6 months into it, I would have not done it!! We don't need "Maxim" coming to the house every month like it is now.

I confess:
I haven't got a pedicure since my wedding last July. Why? It's because I have a secret fear that they are talking about my nasty looking feet, and since I know only English, obviously, LOL, and some Spanish, I'm not quite sure what's being said, and it bugs me.

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Okay, so during the last few days I have run across a few products that I absolutely love and wanted to share!




The first product I want to share comes from an etsy shop called Mod Memento. These items are simple, elegant, and make a great gift for anyone really. I thought the products were super cute. I ran across them during one of my daily blog browsing sessions.



Another great etsy item I ran across were these pillows. Let me tell you, these pillows are super affordable, and they are really cute too! Most of the pillows are only 12.99 and that is with free shipping! Had to share them with you all as well. Click here to go right to DIY Pillows!

A thank you to Jane from Finding Fabulous and Kelsey from her Seattle Smiths blog. Their blogs let me know about these awesome products, that I just HAD to share!

P.S. It's my first week participating in...

Roxy Fashion Show!

 

Okay.....so during my lunch breaks, I find myself going to Ross and TJ Maxx a lot! :) Yesterday I found the cutest jacket for Roxy, and you know I had to get it! :) She already has a pink snuggie and a pink sweater,  but no jacket yet so she had to get the jacket. We had a fashion show last night...

What do you think???

 Not too long ago, Scott and I decided I needed a new car, so I retired my 2002 Mazda Protege, and we upgraded to a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. I have now decided, I want to personalize my plates, reason being.....I never have before, and I just wanted to. I am stuck though when it comes to thinking up one.....I thought I would share the things I have been thinking, and see if maybe someone else can come up with a good idea...
I was thinking something that I couldn't replicate my blog title 'Simply Sara" Obviously this is too long, so I would need to simplify it, but at the same time, having it still be legible.....

Hmmmm, What else? I love....

Hot Pink
Polka Dots
Using "XOXO"
Shoes/Heels
Bags/Purses
The word "fabulous"
The word "simply" as you can tell from my blog title...
Maybe something with the word "smile" in it
I like to "buy" things, I have been "buying way too much"
I also love to look for quotes, I love finding cute ones! :)
I went to Longwood University in VA, and am from VA Also....
also...My initials are SHG, and my name is Sara.

I have come up with SMPY SRA, lol....that's about it, I can have up to 7 characters. Haven't been trying too hard. Anyone have some good suggestions for me??

Thirty One Gifts, new catalog is out as of today!! :)

 As of today, you can now purchase from the new catalog!  They have a lot of new products and  new prints! Click Here to go right to my page, you can look at the online catalog there! :) If you find that you are obsessed with some of the items "like myself" you can go here to HERE to go ahead and buy those items! :) I don't know how I can buy sooo much of these items for myself, and still have tons more I still want, LOL...

Trying this and that...

So I painted a Valentine's Day frame. No reason really, just trying different things I suppose. What do you think?! Here lately I have been really liking things that combine the colors pink and red.

Another fascination of mine lately: Spray-painting chalkboard paint on different things. I experimented on some coasters I had here at the house. Next, I want to try out the paint on some silver platters... I saw someone try that on another blog and I thought it was the cutest idea. They added some ribbon to the back of the platter and turned the platter into a cute hanging sign. Really neat idea.

A Happy Birthday to my sister Carla! Don't you love the above pic from when we were kids, still stylish then, notice the belt around my shirt...She is in the Bahamas celebrating her birthday, and I can't help but be jealous, as I see the snow coming down outside...I think I should go to the Bahamas for my birthday too, don't you?!

Friday Favorite: Nanny's Sugar Cookies

Today I wanted to spotlight one of my favorite businesses in Fredericksburg, VA. I discovered these cookies at Two Sisters Boutique, and have been hooked on them ever since. I find myself placing cookie orders for almost every holiday. Being back on weight watchers, I am now going to start ordering the mini cookies, I can justify eating the small cookies. The smaller the cookies are the lower in WW points, Right?! LOL.
Here is a little interview with Nanette herself! :)

*Simply Sara: When did you first decide to start decorating cookies?
**Nanette: In the early 90’s I took the Wilton Cake Decorating Classes, I enjoyed it so much I became a Wilton Instructor. I found that I enjoyed decorating the cut out sugar cookies more than cake

*Simply Sara: What inspired you to start your own cookie business?
**Nanette: I started out by giving my hand decorated sugar cookies to friends and family as gifts. I had people ask if I would sell them, so I did that for a while. I couldn’t believe the responses I was getting from people, they really liked my cookies! I finally believed what family and friends had been telling me, there is a market for my creations. In 2008 I took a seminar “Starting a small business” offered through an extension of UMW, RRSBDC. With the help of a business counselor I took all the necessary steps for starting a home based cookie business. On January 20 2009, Nanny’s Sugar Cookies LLC officially opened.

*Simply Sara: What would you say your most difficult cookie is??
**Nanette: I had to think about this for awhile. Trying to think of the best cookie design for a customer’s event can be challenging but I think the most difficult or my least favorite type of cookie is a logo cookie.
*Simply Sara: What cookie design sticks out most in your mind?
**Nanette: I have so many; each cookie is special to me. I guess I would say Hearts right now because I am currently working on Valentine’s Day cookies. If you ask me in a couple months I would say Easter and Spring cookies.
*Simply Sara: What is your favorite cookie to make?
**Nanette: Of course I love making “girly” cookies because I am a girly girl. Lately I have fallen in love with the Miniature cookie cutters, 1.5 – 2 inch cookies. I like to include a “mini” cookie with a larger cookie of the same theme, I think it gives the cookie an extra special touch.
*Simply Sara: What's the largest order you have ever had?
**Nanette: My largest single order was 250 wedding cake cookie favors. I was exhausted when I finally finished. I bake, decorate and package each cookie myself, for this reason I take a limited amount of cookie orders per week. This is why I suggest not waiting too long before placing an order; my cookie schedule may be booked.
*Simply Sara: Any places in the area where your cookies are carried?
**Nanette: Occasionally, my cookies can be purchased at UMW Bookstore, Jan Williams Florals and The Two Sister’s Boutique in Downtown Fredericksburg. But the best place to get my cookies is to come directly to me by way of my Website or Blog. Use the “Contact Me” tab to send me an e-mail and I will respond as quickly as possible.

*Simply Sara: What different items do you offer to your customers?
**Nanette: Nanny’s Sugar Cookies is all about presentation and of course a yummy taste. My most popular item is the Cookie Favor.

“Cookie favors” start at $2.50 each.
Each Cookie favor is individually packaged in a crisp cello bag and tied with 2 coordinating ribbons. Most of the cookies are $2.50 each. Cookie favors are perfect for parties, showers, weddings and gifts. (Personalization is available for an additional fee)

“Boxed Cookie Gift assortments” start at $25.95 Nanny’s Favorite
The Assortment contains 12 hand decorated sugar cookies varying in size that are placed in a white bakery box tied with ribbon and a decorative label. The inside of the box is lined with tissue paper and the individually wrapped cookies are placed between layers of natural shred creating a cozy bed for the cookies. This item is perfect for gift giving, and is available for shipping. Many themes are available such as Birthday, Baby, Thank You and Get Well, the possibilities are endless.

“Nanny’s Miniatures” $6.00 per dozen
These “bite size” cookies range in size from 1- 2 inches. Not only are they really cute but they taste as good as the big cookies. The Miniatures are packaged in quantities of 12 and placed in a cello bag tied with coordinating ribbon. When ordered alone, there is a 6 dozen minimum.
“Cookie Baskets” $40.00
One dozen individually wrapped cookies beautifully arranged in a basket tied with a bow.
For more info, to place an order or to view cookie pictures please go to my website, blog or Facebook
http://www.nannyssugarcookies.com/
http://www.nannyssugarcookies.blogspot.com/
*this is the best place to view recent cookie pictures

Nanny’s Sugar Cookies LLC on Facebook

Hand decorated Sugar Cookies have become my passion. I love creating them, I especially love the smile I see on the customer’s face as they look at each one of the cookies they ordered!

I want to thank Nanette for taking the time to tell us more about her cookies! :) I just can't believe it took me so long to discover them..... I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! :) Here are a few pics to share some of my favorite designs for the upcoming "Valentine's Day" :)

It's time for another Fabulous Friday Find! :)

Okay....so technically, I bought these yesterday, but I am sharing today, so it's a Friday Find for you all! :) I went to one of my favorite little boutiques in Downtown Fredericksburg yesterday, Two Sisters, and these beauties were waiting for me....

I am going to hang them in my craft room, Scott says it is his hunting room, but it's my craft room...LOL I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday! :)

P.S. I have a friend who is doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and she is still raising money for it, if you have a donation for her, it would be for a great cause, thought I would share with everyone! :) I was waiting for today to donate, being that Friday is payday of course! :) she has a drawing going on as well.
For every $10 donation increment received between Jan 20th – Feb 5th you will be entered to win a One Hour Massage Gift Card from Massage Envy. The more you give, the better your chances!
$20= 2 Entries, $30 = 3 Entries , $40 = 4 Entries, etc…

Click here to donate...

My latest obsession.....

I have come to terms with the fact that I love "Papyrus" brand cards. Actually, to be more specific, i love the cards that Papyrus illustrator Bella Pilar creates. At first I would only purchase the cards if I already had someone I planned to give them to. Now, I am buying the cards to give to myself, LOL...If they are cute, I buy them, and I don't want to mail them. I know, cards are meant to mail, but I am bending the rules a lil...

Here are some of my favs...

Treat for a Tuesday!

This is such a great deal, I read it on another blog (Flip Flops & Pearls) over the weekend and I had to share!


Williams Sonoma have these for only 16.99, what a cute bridal shower gift, or an even better "me" gift, LOL....I am surprised they haven't sold out yet.

Click here to go to Williams Sonoma

Lookie!!

So for the month of January "Thirty One Gifts" has an awesome special. Small thermal totes are only $8 and large totes are $10! Also, if you want to personalize them, thermal tote monogramming is only $1.50. These totes make great Easter gifts. I created my very own tote, but since it's not quite Easter yet, this is more of a Valentine's Day tote, still super cute though!!! So proud of my mini creation.



Visit my page!!
http://www.mythirtyone.com/SaraGore

Fabulous & Frugal

Scott and I decided on the spur of the moment to paint the living room this past  weekend. Our budget can handle projects like these as long as we do a little at a time.  All of the other rooms in the house are white, we just wanted to throw a little color into the house. We picked a tan shade that seems to look nice with all the wood in our home. Whatcha think?!

And while I am sharing fabulous things, had to throw in some pics of our adorable pup Roxy! :)

Fabulous Find Friday!! (atleast for me, hehe)

So I have always loved la Creme! For a while they disappeared, and I couldn't find them anywhere. I tried other yogurts and they simply did not compare, so I just stopped eating yogurt all together. But then the other weekend, I was at Walmart and I spotted these! They are only 3 weight watchers points! Yay for me! :) Just had to share. For anyone getting back on a diet for 2011, its a great snack, and it's not many points at all! :)

Sneak Peak!!!!! Spring/Summer Thirty One Prints!!

A look at some of the new Spring/Summer 2011 Prints! I love them. You can start to purchase them as soon as Feb. 1!!  This is also a GREAT time to start selling, the bags sell themselves for the most part!

http://www.mythirtyone.com/SaraGore

January Thermal Tote Sale, 1.50 monogramming!!!!!

I love the special this month, you know why?!

*NO MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIRED!!
*1.50 monogramming on the small lunch tote & thermal tote (usually it is 6.00)
*You can purchase these totes in some of the new spring prints! (coffee cups print, apple print, jewelry print, plus more)
*These totes make wonderful gifts!! The apple print would work great for a teacher gift!

Click here to shop!

I will have a party open on my site ALL MONTH if you want to place any orders. It would also be a great month to have a party. Your guests will love the prices of these totes! I know I do!

Interested in selling these bags? e-mail me!! These bags basically sell themselves, and they bring in a little extra cash too, the new prints come out very soon and it would be a great time to join!! I went to one party, and I was hooked....

Here's to a fabulous 2011!!

Goals I have set for myself this year:

1. Focus a little more on my "Thirty One Gifts" business. I started selling these bags early last year, but I haven't been able to devote as much time to them as I would have liked. This year I want to try and do that. They have an awesome special starting tomorrow. I will blog about it later.

2. Organize & Save!! I married a wonderful man in 2010, and we have a new year ahead of us. A new year to save "as a family". Being married, I can organize for more than just myself.....yay! For someone who loves organization, this will be very enjoyable for me. I asked the parents for 2 organizing shelfs at Christmas which will aide in my efforts.


3. Buy less shoes. PERIOD.

4. I've had an interest in trying to make vinyl stickers here recently. I either want to purchase a circuit expression or a silhouette sd. I haven't decided on which one I should go with. Any advice?? If the vinyl stickers work out well for me, I just might bring back my etsy shop back, still undecided.

5. Lose 20 pounds (again) Last year, I set a resolution for myself. I wanted to lose 50 pounds before my wedding in July. I met my goal, and after the wedding, I had a few too many chimichangas....(I say chimichangas because I had some for dinner tonight, hehe. My last one of 2010. I was successful with weight watchers last year, so I plan on doing WW again this year.


6.Take a little time everyday to appreciate my life and all the beautiful things that have contributed to it. (This past year I lost my grandfather "Daddy-Pa" and I will always remember my memories growing up visiting my grandparents on the lake) Left with me are wonderful memories that I carry with me everyday. Above is a photo I took from their backyard. Chances are I won't be there again, and the view pictured is one I saw every time I went to visit them. Along with that photo are many years of happiness I appreciate now more than I ever had in the past. Left with me are thoughts of taking more time to appreciate my life and everyone in it.

Happy New Years!

Our holiday card for 2010...

Merry Christmas from Scott, Sara, Matthew & Roxy! :)

Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, My new fav...

My sister brought this vodka down to my house this past weekend, and I am sooo glad she did. I only had a few sips of the drink she made, but it was definitely enough to make me realize that this would soon become a new fav liquor of mine. She had mixed it with pineapple juice, and it was very yummy. I think I am going to try and mix this vodka with cream soda and orange soda too. It basically adds a creamy taste to any drink you mix with it. I asked Scott to go by the ABC store this afternoon, so we could get a bottle. Yummm....Just wanted to share this find, but definitely glad my sister brought this to my attention, who knows how long it would have taken me to find this (ya know, haven't been out in a bit, hehe) Have a nice evening everyone!!

Fabulous Finds over the weekend...

My mom came to visit this weekend, so on Saturday, we decided to go to Bizarre Bazaar in Richmond, VA. It was soooo crowded, but it was very worth the effort.  Its basically a 4 building craft show. I am surprised I didn't spend more than I did. I went to a few booths that I absolutely loved, so I wanted to share my finds with everyone! :)

The first booth that caught my eye was called "Howards Tiles" They basically would put art on tiles, and turn them into dry erase boards.  I bought one that had the word "Groceries" across the top. I thought it would be cute to use in the kitchen.

Another favorite booth of mine was called "Temptations by Maggie"  They had a variety of different things, personalized glasses, plates, etc... I bought a plate and a matching cheese spreader. I have a cheese ball that I always make, and realized the other week, that I had nothing cute to serve it on, so tada, now I do!! :)

Some of the others booths I loved:

B invited

La Crema

Fortis Design (Where I found the cute polka dot duct tape)

I hope everyone has a nice week!

December Thirty One Gifts Special

This month if you spend $31 you get either the hard case wallet,  the mini on the go organizer, or the flat iron case for half off! :) Just remember to place you orders before December 7th if you need to have your order in before Christmas!!

Click here to go straight to my Thirty One page! :)