June 2013 Life's Lessons for Women: Audrey Hepburn

There are very few women in the entertainment industry (relatively speaking) who garner the respect and admiration of everyone the world over.  One such woman, however, was Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey was an amazing woman in more ways than one.  We'll be exploring her life and learning from her this month.  To give you a "taste" of her elegance, beauty, and wit, I've created the following Printable just for you:

 

This is my gift to you so you can start thinking about this extraordinary woman, and seeing what attributes you share with her, because mes amies, I know that you probably share many.  Please respect that this is for personal use only ... however please feel free to share this link with others so that they can participate with us as we learn from women, past and present, throughout the year who created lives of beauty.  Who were able to see what true beauty was and who exemplified it in their deeds and actions.

I have to thank Karen at www.thegraphicsfairy.com for sharing the lovely pink background that I used for this graphic.  However, the quote is pure Audrey.  I adore this picture, which was taken at the time that Sabrina (the original movie) was being promoted

So ... look forward to a month of goodies, wisdom, paper craft tutorials, laughter, maybe a few introspections as well ... while we learn from one of the most gracious women who was a style icon as well as an advocate for the beauty and strength of women!

Have a wonderful week mes amies!!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner ...

This month has been a bit crazy for me, thus ... my blog has suffered some.  However, I have been able to keep up with my Facebook page, so if you haven't signed up for that, please do!  That way, no matter what, you'll have access to all of my freebies, updates, and info.  I have actually posted quite a few Freebie Fridays there, but you can find all of them on my Pinterest page, so I encourage you to follow me on Pinterest so you can look back through all of the Freebies I've given over the past months.

This month we are learning from Katharine Hepburn.  I have had a wonderful time getting to know her.  She was something else, and quite an inspiration regarding the strength of women.  Her mother was a Suffragette and her father a physician (urologist) who tried to promote awareness of sexual disease and health.  With this type of liberal and strong background, it's no wonder that she led such an influential and extraordinary life, filled with fortitude and lack of concern for what "normal" women were supposed to do or not do.  She had no idea that there were boundaries that couldn't be crossed, or barriers that couldn't be broken.  And because she believed in herself, she became the number one top screen legend of all time by the American Film Institute in 1999 ... quite a tribute!!

So, in honor of Katharine, here is tomorrow's Freebie Friday (click for the full size, and then right-click to save to your computer ... personal use only), I hope you enjoy!!

One of Katharine's four Oscars (out of 12 nominations) was for the movie "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" - and it is easily one of my favorites, hands down.  So, without further ado, and with Memorial Day (for my American friends) in mind, I thought I'd share a recipe with you that is one of my favorites for summer and cookouts.  I'll be sharing several recipes over the next several days.  What do you usually have for your Memorial Day or Outdoor gatherings?  Here's one of our family favorites:  

TOMATO BASIL FETA SALAD, 

courtesy of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa:

Ingredients

4 pints grape tomatoes, red or mixed colors
1 1/2 cups small-diced red onion (2 med. onions)
1/4 cup good white wine vinegar
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 1/2 pounds feta cheese

Directions

Cut the tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. Add the onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley and toss well. Dice the feta in 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes, crumbling it as little as possible. Gently fold it into the salad and serve at room temperature. 

*In a pinch, because, let's face it, sometimes we just don't have time, or are lacking some ingredients, I have done the following with the same spectacular results:

1. Parsley is not imperative, but you will want to add more basil instead.  I will have a stronger flavor, but in my opinion, you can never have too much basil (personal preference)
2. I have used a vidalia onion or green onions in place of the red.  I do not recommend a white or non-sweet onion.  It will be too strong in relation to the other flavors.
3. I have used Paul Newman's Balsamic Vinaigrette when I realized I didn't have enough white wine vinegar from the last time I had made the recipe.  It was still heaven!!
4. I have used flavored feta with great results.  My favorite:  feta with sun dried tomatoes in it.
5. I have tried not cutting the tomatoes when I was in a hurry ... wasn't nearly as good, I promise it's worth the time, otherwise the flavors of the dressing just don't do their "thing well enough."
6. It is CRUCIAL that you let the salad sit at room temperature for least 30 minutes, if not 45 to an hour.  When serving this for a Barbeque, I make this salad first, cover, and just let it sit on the counter until we are ready to eat.

Bon Appetit!!

**For more recipes by Ina, please feel free to go to www.foodnetwork.com

Lorraine's Cuisine: Chocolate Pate with Raspberry Sauce

I don't believe I've discussed this before ... but I do love to cook. I consider myself an "amateur" foodie. Not an expert ... but definitely a connoisseur of good food. And so ... since we speak about elegance, style, and beauty ... I truly believe we can't leave out some of the simplest pleasures in life:  Food.  Therefore, I decided to share some of my favorite recipes with you. From my kitchen to yours as a new blog feature:  Lorraine's Cuisine.

And bien sur ... let's just start out with a bang, n'est-ce pas? Let's go straight to chocolate ... and not just any chocolate, let's start at the mother load of all chocolate dishes up my sleeve: Chocolate Pate'.

What I love about this recipe is that it is bursting with flavor, elegance, and yet ... it truly is easy.  My fave!!  Something that takes a minimal amount of effort, but tastes like you slaved in the kitchen for ages!!  And, for those of you who are true 100% made from scratch Foodies ... I know some of this may offend ... but I'm being realistic here.  Sometimes we need elegance but don't have the time to do everything from scratch.  That's where this recipe comes in.  A realistic guilty pleasure!

So, let's get started ... I promise ... just reading this recipe will transport you to Chocolate Heaven!

Ingredients:
PATE:
      16 oz. quality bittersweet chocolate (and don't go cheap on this ... a really good one or not all all!  I promise it's worth it!)
      1/4 cup red wine or Zinfandel 
        (for non alcoholic drinkers, a dark red cooking sherry will do ... but you truly want this to balance out the flavors)
      1/4 cup heavy cream

SAUCE:
      seedless raspberry jam

GARNISH:
      whole red raspberries

Directions:
      Line the bottom of a small, straight-sided loaf pan (9” X 2½“X 2”) or pate mold with parchment paper (wax paper also works if you don't have parchment). Combine the pate ingredients in the top of a double boiler or heavy-bottomed pan. Cook gently on low heat for one or less minute, being careful not to overheat. Whisk just until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Return to heat briefly in between whisking if necessary. Pour into prepared mold or pan. Refrigerate over night (I've put this in the freezer for 4 hours in a pinch - pull out of freezer 15 minutes before you begin dinner and it should be just right when you're ready for dessert).

      To serve: Unmold the pate and remove paper. Slice with a knife that has been dipped in hot water. Melt the seedless raspberry jam in the microwave until sauce consistency. Put a dollop (turn on your inner chef and create a swirl or zig zag) of the melted jam on a plate and top with a slice of pate. Garnish with whole berries.

Notes:
      This pate is strictly for hard-core chocolate users!  Just a little bit goes a long way.  Eat slowly, letting the chocolate melt on your tongue.  It is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life!!


Now … what we all have been waiting for … Go to my Paper Crafting 2.0 page (up above) … Tevis has knocked one out of the park with her Coco inspired Paper Crafted necklace.  Here’s a teaser:

Freebie Friday 04/12/2013 and Coco's Electronic Fashion Picks

Well, Mes Amies,

I hope you are having a wonderful week! Are you having fun draping yourself in Coco's pearls of wisdom, checking out her "picks," and soaking in her wisdom? I definitely am!!

I wanted to share a few things today to help you in your quest for elegance AND style. Actually some tips that I think Coco would approve of, if she were with us today. Yes ... I'm talking about electronic fashion tips - whether you are on a strict clothing budget, maybe a little more "curvy" than the average girl, or for those who aren't quite sure yet what your style is. So let's get started!!



TIP #1 POLYVORE: For those of you who don't have a clue what to wear, what looks good on you, etc. One of the best things you can do is to not over-think it. Go with your gut. It's usually right. It's when we start looking at what everyone else is doing that we get into trouble. If we are in tune with our "true" inner self, we're usually on target. Not the inner self riddled with baggage who says "You're too fat," "You're not pretty enough," "You would look ridiculous." It's the true inner self that loves the "true you." The one that says ... "I'm worth this," "I CAN be elegant," and "I WANT to be stylish." So, as a little aid ... try out the App from Polyvore. It's awesome. It will allow you to explore looks, colors, and trends that "speak" to you, before you ever spend a penny. Whether you have Apple or Android products, there is an app for you. Check out your app store ... I promise you will love it!



TIP #2 POSHMARK: Have a beer budget, but Champagne taste? POSHMARK App is amazing. You can trade, buy, or sell clothing and accessories to other "girls" out there in the same position. Maybe you've lost weight and want to sell items that are still in great condition but a little too big, and then turn around and buy new clothes in your new size. You can on POSHMARK. My daughter started using this app and I have been absolutely amazed at how little she has paid for some really, really nice brands. Again ... it's an app that's available in your App store, whether for Apple or Android.



TIP #3 Gwynnie Bee (for Americans only - but for those of you living elsewhere ... this would be an amazing enterprise to start in your country!!): Are you a little curvier and want one of the most amazing opportunities to expand your wardrobe exponentially, but at a regular budget price point? Then go to Gwynnie Bee's. You are, in essence, renting clothing every month. You choose how many clothes you have out at one time, but you get to turn them in as many times as you want every single month (postage included). So, quite literally, for a set fee, you have unlimited wardrobe options. However, these are not tent dresses, mes amies, they are really stylish. You also have access to a style consultant to help you figure out what suits your body style. They are now offering sizes US 10-26. Seeing is believe with this site. You can click HERE to go directly to their site.

Alright mes amies ... it wouldn't be Friday if I didn't share a Freebie Friday, so here it is. What is so amazing to me is that the dress illustration is from 1932!!!! It definitely proves the point of Coco's Pearl! As always, feel free to click on the photo, right-click to save. However, no mass production - personal use only. Feel free to share or pin so that others can come here to get their own copy and help them on their way to Elegance and feeling Beautiful!



Have a Wonderful Weekend!!

Bonjour,

Lorraine

Creating our Lives

Well, mes amies ... how did your weekend go? Did you have time to take a look at your wardrobe and see if comfort still equaled elegance? I hope you did. I have to admit that this is something that I have been working on for the past several months. I happily hauled several bags of clothes off to either the battered women's shelter, the homeless shelter, or to women in my Church who needed the clothes more than I did. In return, I "had" to get some new clothes. LOL! I then proceeded to only purchase clothes that either:

1) I could foresee myself wearing 5 years from now (unless a miracle happened and I lost weight ... and then, Quelle Horreur!!! I'd have to go shopping again!!).
2) They were good quality clothing. They would actually last 5 years. With that being said, I refuse to not get a bargain, so this didn't mean that I've been spending all my money on clothes either. More about that later ... I have some great tips for you clothes horses, but that's another day.
3) They were truly "me." They accented my body type to its best advantage and they were colors that looked best on me.
and lastly,
4) They passed the "Do I LOVE it, not "just like it" test.

So ... if you're like me, you probably didn't finish the challenge I gave you over the weekend. That's okay. I still have drawers I haven't gone through. So, let's keep going, shall we? Only, now, let's add the four (4) new challenges I've just given you to the mix.

If you did try my challenge and looked for comfort and elegance (you can even change that out to excellence if you can't perceive yourself as elegant yet, but we're going to work on that, I promise!), then I congratulate you, and I also hope that you'll share your experiences. Please, when you have a moment, share your triumphs, challenges, and stories. We can all learn from and help each other!

In the meantime, I'm giving you another Coco's Pearl. It's a graphic I created for the Graphic's Fairy's Brag Monday party that I always participate in. I used her "freely given" label at the bottom of the graphic to highlight Coco's pearl (you can find her link to the right). I hope that you'll really take her wisdom to heart. Let's go forth and create our lives!!

Bonjour mes amies, and have a wonderful week!!!



P.S. As always, please feel free to click on the picture and then right-click to save to your computer. No mass production, please. However, please feel free to share via Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus so that others can get their own copy and join us in our quest.

Freebie Friday April 4/5/2013 or Coco's Spring Cleaning

One of the most revolutionary ideas that Coco Chanel offered, was that you could be comfortable AND elegant. No more corsets, no more fabrics that didn't breathe or move with your body. No more styles that didn't compliment your body. While, some may argue that it's almost become too easy to be casual, and we forget the word "elegant" when doing so ... there are still ways to maintain elegance AND be comfortable.

So, for today's Freebie Friday, I've created a vintage couture poster that shows two women strolling through Paris (see how comfortable, yet elegant they look? I'd wear what they have on today, if I could afford to!!). I'd like to think it is the spring time due to the colors, but the actual illustration was for Winter. I'm vetoing that and we're calling it Spring, because where I am ... the trees still look like that, even though I DID see some crocus blooming in someone's yard yesterday which gave me SUCH hope!!

So, in order for you to download today's Freebie, click on the photo and then right-click to save to your computer. You may use for personal use only, to print out, to craft with (a card would be awesome) or to use as wallpaper. BUT, I'm adding a request with today's printable. Look in your wardrobe over the weekend (we can call it Coco's Spring Cleaning). If you can't attach the word elegant to comfortable. Ask yourself these questions:

1) What are you doing with it?
2) Why are you compromising your standards?
3) Why would you allow yourself to feel less than you are by wearing something so unflattering?

Here is a picture of a very young Coco who is very casual, but still maintains some elegance:



See how she is wearing very casual clothes, but they fit her well, and still exude some style. That's what I'm talking about.

So here is your inspiration Printable. Now hop to it, and Be Fashionable Forever!! And, if you need some moral support and can't be objective, ask your BFF to help you. You know the one ... the one who won't lie to you and will tell you straight up ... "NO ... put it in the bag for the homeless shelter, Goodwill, etc.

Bonjour Mes Amies ... Have an incredible Weekend. And on Monday ... I want to hear some reports about how your experience went!!

Life's Lessons for Women April 2013: Coco Chanel

Well, mes amies, it's taken me a little longer than I had hoped but I am confident that you'll feel it was as worth it as I do. I'm so excited to announce our new journey to feeling beautiful by learning from successful women who have already forged the path ahead of us. And, as my loves of vintage fashion and all things french are so strong, I had to start of with Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, herself. What an amazing woman. What a path she blazed at a time when women had very few rights and very few comforts ... especially in the way of dressing. I don't know about you, but the thought of being trussed up like a Christmas turkey every day in order to wear my clothes, and then to try to get in and out of my vehicle with said clothes, while still breathing, is absolutely mind-boggling. I created the above graphic to get us started. Please feel free to download and print it out or save to your computer as a wallpaper. Many thanks to Karen at the Graphics Fairy for the beautiful french frame that I used in the background.

I know you all have a very busy life, so today's post will just be an introduction. But, if you do have time, please following this link HERE to a great, but not long, bio of her. It's in written or video form, and really quite lovely!

What is even more amazing about this woman, is that she was born in 1883 and lived until 1971, yet she still inspires fashion to this very day. Over the course of this next month, I'll be sharing little snippets of what made this woman so memorable. And, I hope it will inspire you to believe and know that you are memorable. You carry within you, all that she had. We're going to learn from her success, her mistakes, and her witty words of wisdom. It's going to Coco Heaven!! So hop on board, girls ... let's take this crazy ride!!

Before I close ... I have what I've been asked for, and promised, for quite some time to share with you ... a TUTORIAL!!!!! I know many of you think that you are not crafty. Many women think that you either have "it" whatever "it" is, that can magically make you creative, or you don't. Well, I don't believe that for a minute. I have found the most wonderful crafter who has hopped on board and will be taking this trip with us ... all the way. Her name is Tevis, and she will be offering 2 tutorials every month.

For those of you who are intimidated by crafts, there is Paper Crafting 101, which will be offered the first (1) week of every month. For those of you who are crafty, but want to learn something new, different, and maybe a little challenging, we will be offering Paper Crafting 2.0 (offered the 3rd week of every month). Each month the craft will correspond with the icon from whom we will be learning from. So, this month's craft is inspired by Coco.



This picture was taken when she was younger, but if you notice the bracelet she has on ... it could be just as popular today. So, you can click HERE to go to our tutorial page and meet Tevis. Or, you can click on the Paper Crafting 101 button at the top of the page.

Also, be sure and join either my facebook page, or my twitter as I will be sharing little bits of wisdom over the next month regarding Coco. If you're not a huge Facebook fan, but love Twitter, that's the way to go. If you don't tweet, but like to check in on Facebook, then that's best. Of course, you can join all of my buttons and just have a complete Chanel fest if you'd like. Anyway you want to ... come join us as we learn from one of the top 30 women listed as Women Who Changed the World!!

Bonjour Mes Amies ... I hope you enjoy draping yourselves with Coco's pearls this month.

Lorraine

Happy Pre-Easter!!

Well, it has been a little bit since I posted. In the meantime I drove to Albuquerque and back to help my son and his lovely new wife move here to live in the town where my husband and I reside. They will be starting school again in the fall, and so decided to get a head start on finding employment before the rest of the college crowd try to compete for summer jobs.

AND ... yesterday was my birthday, and I will admit that I turned 49 ... my last year of my 40's. So I plan to enjoy this year as much as possible before I roll into my 50's. And, while aging might be a problem for some women, it truly doesn't bother me at all ... at least not yet. Now while that's being said ... I still color my hair, so I guess the correct response would be that aging without gray hair doesn't bother me! The most wonderful part of my birthday was realizing that ALL of my children were here to celebrate it with me. That hasn't happened in years, and it truly was the best present I could have asked for (besides the homemade lemon cake that my husband made me!).

So ... here are my juicy updates that I have waited with bated breath to share with you!! Many of you (my lovely and much loved facebook followers) have asked for tutorials on how to use some of the graphics that I create. Well ... they're coming, they're coming, they're coming!!! I'm so excited. I have been working on the evolution of my blog for several months, and spent hours upon hours working on what I wanted to share with you. All of the effort is finally paying off. So, I'm going to give you a little teaser ... you will definitely want to check in the beginning of April (and this is no joke, mes amies) as it will be the beginning of all of my plans coming together. I can't wait to share them with you.

So ... here are some teasers:

* Coco Chanel
* Life's Lessons for Women
* A Craft for Beginners (or those who think that they can't make anything ...)
* A Craft for Crafters (something to tempt even those who think they've done everything)
* Give Aways
* Contests
* Reviews about things that we all want, know, or love!
* A continuation of Freebie Fridays, but most of all ...
* Motivation that you ARE beautiful. You ARE special. You HAVE value. You ARE WORTH IT!!!

I hope you know that I care for each of you who reads my blog. I want you to feel what has taken me so many years to discover for myself: life is too short to spend any more time feeling doubts about your own unique beauty or self-worth. So, if you'll stick with me ... we're going to make sure that you do!

In the meantime, I created a graphic for my Brag Monday. For those who are new, I create something each Monday using one of the Graphic Fairy's beautiful vintage images. You'll find her link to left. I wanted (SO BADLY) to jump the gun and share next week's graphic, but I restrained myself and focused on Easter so I wouldn't fudge and ruin my surprises.

I hope you enjoy this graphic. Please feel free to use it in a non-commercial way. You are more than welcome to click on the picture and then right-click to save to your computer. You might use it as a desktop wallpaper, print it out to frame and decorate for Easter, or even create cards or crafts with it. I only ask that you not mass produce it. You may, however, send anyone my way to get their own copy.

And while we're talking about sharing ... if you haven't signed up for my facebook page, please do so. That is where you'll find past Freebie Fridays, some that weren't shared here, although you can always click on the Freebie Friday button to the right for the ones that were posted here. I try to switch things up between my followers. So, to make sure that you don't miss anything, you'll want to follow me in both places. I promise, some are truly treasures (at least that's what I think, as well as many of my followers). Last Friday's ... well ... does the name Audrey Hepburn mean anything to you? I don't think I need to say more! LOL!

Mes Amies ... have a very lovely week. I hope it is filled with beautiful thoughts and wonderful happenings for you and your life.

Warm Regards,

Lorraine



Im also linked to: Mosaic Monday

La La La La La ... But ....

So, today's post is a rant. Not a political rant. Not a rant about here, or a rant about there, nor a rant about anywhere (for you Dr. Suess fans out there). I promise, it won't be too big of a Debbie Downer, but still I need to rant.

Why is it that we, as women, find it necessary to tear each other down in order to feel better about ourselves? I, for the life of me, do not understand this cultural anomaly. We, as women, have a hard road to trod. One would think that we would be as supportive of each other as possible. But, sadly, that isn't so.

This past week I've had to "let go" of some comments that an extended family member directed toward me. Is this new behavior? No. Is it an unusual dynamic in our relationship? No. However, it still cuts like a knife, no matter how much I try to "let it go." Maybe it's because I'm an oldest child, but I really expect people to like me. I don't expect everyone to think I'm the "cat's meow." However, I have sufficient evidence to support that for the most part, I'm a very nice person, and people, in general think I'm a nice person. So, how come I get dumped on by someone who should be part of my support system?

Well ... I happen to know that the truth is ... [insert drum roll here] ... she is intimidated by me and the small amount of success that I've had in my life. The sad part is, I would be the first person jumping up and down cheerleading for her if she were to allow herself to have the same types of experiences.

Long ago I read the book by Stephen Covey entitled "The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People." He talked about the Zero Sum game. "If you are winning then I am losing. If I am winning, then you must lose." HOW COME WE CAN'T ALL WIN? I'd like to know. As far as I'm concerned you are all winners. I don't always win, but I'm moving forward, none the same, and for me, that is winning. I would bet that you could say the same thing as well.

So ... girls (I still like to think of myself as a girl, even though I'm in my late 40's) ... let's be a little more supportive and help everyone around us to feel like winners. You know ... it doesn't really take a whole lot of effort, either to do that. A small compliment, a smile at the store to someone who looks like they are having a bad day, a "congratulations" when someone gets a promotion or a raise, or a job, or, or, or, etc.

In the meantime, I've created a Freebie Friday for you that is definitely "Tongue in Cheek." I saw this vintage painting of 1840's fashion and the sarcasm of the moment just sprung out of my brain and onto the page. You'll see what I mean when you click on it and read the commentary. I promise ... it will either get a chuckle out of you, or it may sting a little. Because, you see, many times we as women do our best "Catty" impersonations under the "guise" of being supportive or "helpful." Well sisters ... that doesn't cut it either. And, don't you find it always seems to be that this "helpfulness" is usually couched by starting out as a positive statement, followed by the word "BUT" and then the knife comes out!

Okay ... thank you for letting me get my rant out. I feel so much better and I hope you will too when you think about how much of a "winner" you are (and please, please, please, do not think about Charlie Sheen's rant about "winning" - I promise you shouldn't go there either!).

So, sweet amies ... here is your free printable. As always, feel free to click on the picture and save to your computer or print out. It might just help you accept my challenge to be more supportive of the women in your life this week. Let me know how you do, and I will too.

Bonsoir, and have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

Lorraine

Inspired by the Inspiring

I am back from Washington, D.C. and am so excited to share with you every little minute of the 3 days I was there. Alas, I know you don't have that kind of time, so for the next several days I'll share a little bit at a time.

As I mentioned before, Google so generously honored me with the opportunity to represent the state of Indiana as an Ambassador of "Get Your Business Online." If you'd like to see what all that entails, click HERE. So, in Washington D.C., I was able to meet with 42 other Ambassadors around the country. It was so inspiring to meet people from all different backgrounds, all types of businesses, and to hear their story of how they are changing their lives, simply by following their dream and making it happen.

One of the things I love about the internet, is that NO ONE can tell you no!! How many people have tried to find a new job in this economic slump, and been told:

No ... we don't have any openings
No ... you aren't qualified enough
No ... you are competing against 500 other people, and you're just not what we're looking for.
No, No, No!!

However, if you do have a dream, you can make it happen on the internet. I hope you take the time to read some of the stories of the people I met. I promise, you will come away inspired!! If you type in www.gybo.com/[insert the state of your choice], you'll read some really inspiring stories.

So ... as always, I had to come up with a free printable for you to share the inspiration that is bursting in me! The background is a Victorian postcard. I have embellished it, cleaned it up, and created a printable that I hope you enjoy and that it inspires YOU to follow your dreams!!



**As always, this is for personal use only. You may click on the picture and then right-click to save to your computer. You may print it out for personal use, use as a desktop wallpaper, but you may not mass-produce. Please do, however, feel free to share my site with others so that they may get their own copy. Also, if you click on my Zazzle store (located to the right), you will find a whole slew of products that I designed using this

As always, mes amies ... have a wonderful week and I'll keep you updated, a little at a time, about my wonderful trip! Now go out, and inspire others!!

Bisou Bisou,

Lorraine

And ... We're Back!!!

Well, mes amies ... it has been absolutely too long. I have missed you dearly, and am so grateful to be able to get back in the saddle and blog again. I have so much news to share, but will do so over the next few days. One thing I know is that none of us have a lot of time, what with life being so fast-paced. So, sit back, put your feet up for a few seconds, and I'll share some juicy news.

First of all, I hope your winter has not been too harsh for you. I've thought of many of you who went through the blizzard out east and hope you are well.

Secondly, I have to tell you that there are many changes coming for the life, tone, and feel of my blog. I'm so excited about this year and the direction I will be taking. Thank you, again, for taking this ride with me.

But, before I forget ... I need to share my Valentine with you. It's a Valentine I created using some of the Graphics Fairy's images. I hope that you enjoy it and that you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Even if you may not have a "Mr. Darcy" in your life ... I hope you'll take the time to think of all of those who are important in your life and who you love. I love Valentine's Day. I have my Mr. Darcy, so that makes it special ... but I also have a lot of other people who are special in my life and I love to think of them and what a joy they are to me as well.

So, without further ado ... please accept my Valentine. You may click on it, right-click, and save to your computer for personal use only. Of course, please feel free to send anyone to my blog to get their own Valentine!!

And now ... I'm off to Washington D.C. I have had the honor of being selected as Google's GYBO (Get Your Business Online) Ambassador for the state of Indiana. And so all 50 state representatives were invited to attend a summit in Washington D.C. I promise, I'll take pictures, and I'll update you as soon as I get back about all of the details!!

Wish me luck!!

Bonjour Mes Amies ... it's so good to be back!

Lorraine

(Bisou Bisou)