Who you are often depends on how you see things and people around you. A shift in perspective is often all you need to open your eyes to your best life. It's not about "looks," it's about seeing someone's warm heart, their decency, kindness, humor, and all that makes them special... When you recognize these things you see their beauty; acknowledge it and it will radiate back to you! | Continue »

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. Charles M. Schulz | Continue »

In a few hours, we will be sprung from the winter blues into the sunshine of spring time. Take a ride with me as we regenerate and reevaluate for the upcoming season. Last weekend, I attended the Liberty States Fiction Writers first conference, after which I drove home in the worst rain storm I've ever seen. I will forever think of that hour as the AHA commute. If you are expecting a diatribe about "how short life is" or "live like there is no tomorrow," you will be disappointed. This is about friendship. Right before I left the conference, I asked a friend, and writer, Ruth, if she wanted a lift. She had already made travel arrangements, so I ventured solo into the wind and rain fighting a turned up umbrella with my goodie-bag tucked safely under my arm. Minutes into the drive my car was bobbing and weaving up the highway. The visibility was terrible but there was no place to pull over. At first, I was relieved that Ruth stayed behind; but with each long mile I began to wish my friend had come along to share in this white-knuckling adventure. These are the moments of heightened awareness that only those involved truly understand. There was no turning back, pulling over, or letting up by Mother Nature. I continued on my path, knowing... | Continue »

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson We have all heard the lesson, "Patience is a virtue." This may be true, but practicing patience is not always the easiest thing. If you think of life as experiences occurring in moment to moment increments, the need to rush something lifts leaving behind peace in those moments. When patience is required, allow yourself to be a tortoise and not a hare. | Continue »

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Listen to Chick Flick Chat, the movie review and discussion show, featuring The Descendants. "My family feels like an archipelago... All part of the same whole but drifting slowly apart." ~ Matt King; George Clooney's character in The Descendants This film takes you on a trip! While it's not the Hawaiian vacation of your dreams, it does take you on a journey of love, loss, family ties, emotional and physical crisis, and personal growth. George Clooney, masterfully directed by Alexander Payne, gives a simple, yet deep performance as Matt King, a disconnected father and husband who finds himself sorting through unexpected upheaval while juggling the burdens and benefits of his heritage. Joining me for this CFC, is guest co-host, Debbie Woodbury, of the popular website, Where We Go Now. Debbie offers her unique perspective on survivorship as viewed through the lens of this poignantly moving film. We also chat about location shots, casting, how this movie represents dark challenges families often face, shocking surprises, and self-discovery; as well as the female roles, issues of "money," and this film's slant on "time." Debbie Woodbury is the founder and editor of Where We Go Now, an inspirational community of survivors celebrating joyous growth after trauma. Debbie's cancer survivorship is just the tip of her iceberg. Before cancer, she survived family and career dysfunction, being laid off, a... | Continue »

No matter what it is you want, time is of the essence. Ask yourself, "Who, what, where, when, why, and how?" Answer these questions once and for all, and remember... You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough. You must want it with an inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world. ~ Sheilah Graham Once you recognize the path provided by your answers, step out onto it with confidence, then Go For It... Go for Broke... Go Big, Go Bold, or Go Home. | Continue »

CLICK HERE to LISTEN to the Here We Are talk show featuring Ivy Larson: Clean Cuisine - It's Much More Than Recipes. We are all searching for ways to eat better and get fit, so we can feel and look great. You've heard that it's about the food choices you make... But how do you narrow down the choices? Where do you start? During this interview, Ivy Larson, co-founder of the Clean Cuisine lifestyle, shares easy to implement tips to get you on the right track. BONUS: This show offers a Discount Code!! Learn from this health and wellness expert who knows a thing or two about the benefits of eating well! After Ivy was diagnosed with early stage MS, she and her husband, Dr. Andrew Larson, developed the Clean Cuisine approach as a way to alleviate Ivy's symptoms. It's success lead them to share their clean eating and healthy living strategy to benefit everyone. No matter how busy your life, you will come away from this show with simple, usable information that will resonate with you the next time you are at the supermarket. Learn about anti-inflammation options, organic vs. non-organic choices, which cans contain BPA (and which brands don't), how food relates to aging issues, and much more... Plus, if it's time for you to make a change or improvement, during the show... | Continue »

As you may know, one of my many hats is that of a decor consultant. Currently, I am working on a flip house, as well as prepping for several new projects (it's been hectic!). The success of a renovation is measured by the details of the finished project (just ask Jeff Lewis, star of the television show, Flipping Out). Over the last few years, I've dealt with dozens of trade people, from plumbers, tile workers, craftsmen, stone installers, to carpenters, landscapers, merchandisers, and more. My approach to each vendor is to treat them with respect, be on-time with payment, and strive toward a mutual dialogue to achieve the desired result. I've hired, fired, recommended, referred, and cultivated ongoing business relationships. I've learned a lot along the way as I've been the recipient of customer service that runs the gamut from excellent to decent to shockingly poor. If you run or own a business of any kind, let these Do's & Don'ts for great customer service help you gain and maintain repeat clients: 1. Do what you say you are going to do 2. Don't try to amend the agreed upon transaction along the way 3. Do what you are hired to do as close in time as possible to the original agreement 4. Don't tell a customer who is on a deadline that you can't... | Continue »

If you are feeling a bit like everything you do these days takes extra time and effort, you are not alone. Perhaps it's the change of seasons, too many to-do's on your list, or the wild energy after the crazy weather patterns of late... Whatever the reason, the ABC's to living life more fully may help you put life's daily clutter into perspective. I saw this small plaque and thought it carried a big message, so I'm sharing it with you. ALPHABET FOR LIFE Accept differences Be Kind Count your Blessings Dream Express Thanks Forgive Give Freely Harm No One Imagine More Jettison Anger Keep Confidences Love Truly Master Something Nurture Hope Open Your Mind Pack Lightly Quell Rumors Reciprocate Seek Wisdon Touch Hearts Understand Value Truth Win Graciously Xeriscape Yearn for Peace Zealously Support A Worthy Cause ~ Renee Stewart, Artist Bonus: If you like this list, check out The ABC's of Aging Gracefully. | Continue »

A quick, but important reminder... The previous minute as well as the next one are not as important as the present moment. ~ Gregory Zeorlin, Artist If you don't know Gregory and his artwork, you will. Allow me to introduce you to his talent, poetry, and imaginative work. Gregory Zeorlin is an artist who is inspired by the magic, logic, chaos and order that waits to be noticed in daily life. He creates art that reflects his ideas and writes poetry as part of his creative process. What he makes is based on what is on his mind. He's made art 30' wide, as well as pieces that fit in his pocket. Lately, he has made clocks that are anything but common. His clocks become stages where he presents eclectic observations about the world we share. Currently, Gregory's Present Moment clock (which uses the above quote) can be found at Uncommon Goods. Bright, colorful artwork with a purpose makes a perfect gift for a busy person! Or how about this clock touting another of his "stop and think" quotes, (especially great for all the recovering Goody Two-Shoes out there!). You can find this one, and other fun, clever, and whimsical clocks at Zeorlin Art Clocks. Handmade in the USA + free shipping... Check them out, the holidays are coming, and time is ticking! | Continue »

Things often happen in 3's... You bump into the same person three times in one week, you lose three things in a day, three invitations show up for the same weekend, etc. This theory can be applied in so many instances; often it manifests in a simple incident that has no significance until the third occurrence. Then we say, "That is the third time I've heard ___!" Over the last few weeks, this happened to me when I heard three different business women using the incorrect phrase, "Between you and I." [NOTE: It is incorrect because "between" is a preposition which requires the objective case, "me," not the subjective case, "I."] By the third time that I heard this grammatical error, I thought, "Aha! This is an opportunity to share my quick and easy way to remember the correct use of this phrase with the Here We Are readers!" So... Next time you are expressing an opinion, sharing a secret, or commenting in a business meeting, don't be tempted by the "evil I." Remember, there is no letter "I" in the word "between," BUT between you and me, there are plenty of EEEEEEEEEEEEEE's to help you avoid this very common mistake. If you like this tip, share it with others in your social network! | Continue »

Are you interested in trying out a new design for your blog? Do the weekend project posts intrigue you? Perhaps you've thought about tackling a design project but are worried that tinkering with the look... | Continue »

CLICK HERE to listen to the Chick Flick Chat episode of the film, "Midnight In Paris." This is the movie of the summer! Whether you are a world traveler or prefer a "staycation," seeing Midnight In Paris will make you feel like you've taken a fabulous trip in the City of Light. This CinderFella theme magically blends the concepts of art imitating life with life imitating art in a journey within a journey. Is it fantasy or reality? In this film, like so many other Woody Allen projects, nothing is as it seems. Love, dreams, life, and literature, break the barriers of time and logic. Truth and clarity arrive in ways Owen Wilson's character, Gil, never expects; while history plays a part in every moment. In a pivotal scene, Ernest Hemingway shares, "No subject is terrible if the story is true and the prose is clean and honest," setting the tone for our imagination to venture alongside Gil on his quest. And what a good time it turns out to be! {NOTE: EH is played by the talented Corey Stoll - who puts his stamp on the roll in a way that will change how we think of the real EH forever.} We covered everything in this Chick Flick Chat... from the location shots, historical figures, subtext, to the wardrobe and more before this movie... | Continue »

If you garden, you know that this season has been a struggle due to excessive heat, rain, combined with recurring dry spells. Creating and maintaining the beautiful blooms you envisioned in early spring has probably been a challenge. Here is an early tip for next year, don't plant petunias at eye-level. Who's eye-level you ask? That of the white tailed persuasion... Wascally wabbits!! Rabbits LOVE Petunias! In the past, I have only used Petunias as an accent flower in containers and it wasn't an issue. This spring, I decided to forego my usual Impatiens for big, beautiful purple Wave Petunias. The plan was to make an inviting pathway to my front door. It worked; I receive plenty of furry visitors every day! At first, I couldn't figure out why the once full and vibrant clusters of flowers where getting sparser by the day. Then early one morning, as I passed the front door window, I got my answer... And I can't stop smiling over it, so I had to share it with you. Click the picture below to watch one very cute Petunia Culprit enjoying breakfast. :) NOTE: The Wave Petunia site doesn't say to use in containers only, but almost every picture does depict petunias in containers. I also searched the site for "rabbit" and "deer" but found no warning or recommendations regarding animals... | Continue »

Thought you should be the first to know. | Continue »

Part 11 of the HWA Series: Live Your Life Out Loud Several summers ago, I was in a book store with a friend. At the check out counter, there stood a ring tree adorned with large, costume, cocktail rings...Or, as I call them, Baubles. They were shiny, sparkly, colorful, and very eye-catching. Besides thinking this was a strange place to sell such trinkets, they exuded a charm and folly that was quite fascinating. It was as if the display was filled with fabulous Christmas baubles on a tree instead of showy jewelry. Caught up in its size and hue, I tried one on similar to the one in the picture. It instantly made me smile. As I was turning my hand to catch the light, my friend shared a story about a colleague who wears a giant sized, bauble-like ring. She told me that, "It's on her hand every day to remind her to always enjoy life and not take it too seriously." This season, I've seen similar rings for sale everywhere. It has me wondering why I didn't buy that ring, even though I loved the "reminder" message it could deliver. Did I secretly think the fashion police would jump out and say, "Aha! We always knew you belonged in a carnival?" Some women can pull off a bauble like this, while others wouldn't... | Continue »

WHO: Elisa Blaha BLOG: enJOY it: A Personal & Craft Blog by Elise Blaha Cripe TYPEPAD MEMBER SINCE: 2005 WHY WE THINK ENJOY IT ROCKS: enJOY it is the personal blog of Elise Blaha Cripe, a crafter, dreamer, and adventurer extraordinaire. Here, she shares her projects, thoughts & aforementioned adventures,... | Continue »

What’s your attention span when waiting for a website to load? This is a question to keep in mind when designing your blog. With some small changes to how you arrange content, you can speed... | Continue »

If you are looking for something to do the next time your are in NYC, then the NY High Line might be a fun, FREE, outdoor choice. Check out the pictures in this Here We Are photo album for sights, info, and tips. Tips to help you enjoy your day: Wear: sunscreen, a hat, good walking shoes. While there are a few shady respites, you are very exposed to the sun throughout the journey. Bring: a camera - there are lots of photo opportunities along the way. "Heads Up" = Look Down: There are funky curbs along the outer portions in parts of the path. I saw a lot of people tripping or getting their ankles caught. Check out the picture in the photo album of one of these, note how they are raised above the grade (drainage perhaps?). Breathe!: Yes, the gardens scents are fresh and green. You might even catch a cool breeze off the Hudson River. Brochures: If you can't find one, check the railings... The streets and locales are marked along the route. Time: I walked at a leisurely stroll and it took about an hour and a half down and back. Eats: There are food vendors on the path; the ice pops are a refreshing treat. If you need to get out of the sun, or want to sit for... | Continue »