NEWS FLASH... New Boutique on the block... OUR BLESSINGS.KitsyLane.com

So excited... I have a new online boutique - OUR BLESSINGS ...  Please browse the new store, and find something special for yourself, family, and/or friends.

https://ourblessings.kitsylane.com/index.php

Thanks!

Be Blessed!

Good morning!

What a glorious day! The sun is bright, the air is crisp - must find something to do outside today!

Today needs to be a work day for me... working on clearing our clutter into manageable 'stuff', get it ready for sale or as give a-ways. Which ever category, a huge undertaking that has been on the 'list' for to long. As I sort, the memories flow - wonderful, sad, painful, all life events leading to today. How glad I am to have the memories and still be able to bring them forward, LOL. One of the perks of being a senior citizen - senior moments! And we all have them, don't we? Mine come at the most inconvenient times - in public, with someone I know I know, but for the life of me can not remember their name... and the harder you try to remember, you realize the name is not going to "pop up". So I admit I've forgotten and ask to be reminded of it. Face is a little red, but the awkwardness has passed.

March is a busy month at our house. Many special days. Birthdays - my mom, my mother-in-law, and our first born daughter. Anniversaries - ours (38 years). Holidays - St. Patrick's Day, Ides of March and Easter. Hallmark and Day Spring love me in March and I love the cards they provide for these special days in the Poston family.

Oops, time is flying today! Off to sort our clutter... y'all come back ya' hear!

Whew...!!!

Yes, I know - I made promises that I didn't keep. I learned from this. I learned the birth of my first grandchild was the most unique thing I have ever experienced! She is now 7 months old and is cutting her first tooth! How cool is that?

I have a new home for "Blessings... Yours, Mine, Ours" - Treasure Key Market, 201 Pearl St., Darlington, SC ( the old Post Office). It is the best! The owners, Grace and Steven Glass, had a vision and are fulfilling it every day. The quality of the antiques is awesome. The character of the building and the setting is gives to the vendors prized treasures is unbelievable. Plan a trip to Darlington, have lunch at Jewel's Deluxe on Main Street (serve 11:00 to 2:00) and then come browse Treasure Key Market. I know you'll find your very own treasure to take home!

Those two events have been the best ever! I'm back on track. God is my co-pilot... so here we go together...

Local Treasures One Day Market Event, February 25, 2012

If you are in Florence, SC on Saturday, February 25, 2012, do not miss this event!

A special invite for YOU and your FRIENDS!

...pass this on to your friends AND any groups you belong to, THANKS!

A special invite for YOU and your FRIENDS!
~ plan now to attend ~
Saturday, February 25
9:00-5:00
Oakdale Country Club

Come enjoy this unique one day indoor marketplace. It's a FREE community event and there is something for everyone -- sweets, treats, home decor, fine arts, soaps, apparel, jewelry, purses & more.

The products being showcased are handmade by some of the best artists, designers and craftsmen in their fields. It's a rarity to find quality, affordable, unique and handmade products that you're sure to LOVE and they're all at ONE PLACE!Come browse the 50 plus designers and organizations that will be represented.

Bring your friends and come join the FUN!!

To get a Sneak Peek of the wonderful things you'll see at this unique one day market -- check out the event website: www.praiseworthyps.com.

Thanks for stopping by...


"Y'all come back real soon, ya' hear!"


Blessings,
Critch

Happy Shopping... cause there's 6 more weeks of 'weather' - winter, or maybe spring!

The famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow on February 2... which means 6 more weeks of WINTER! However, his cousins, groundhogs in at least four other states - West Virginia's French Creek Freddie, Georgia's Gen. Beauregard Lee, Ohio's Buckeye Chuck, and New York's Staten Island Chuck - did not see their shadows.  If you live in the south, as I do, that could mean 6 MORE weeks of SPRING... which is the type of weather we have experienced lately.


I think having this much time with the possibility of yukky weather means finding fun things to do in your area. Here in Florence, SC shopping is always high on all the lists! Florence has much to offer to fulfill the desires of even the most die-hard of shoppers. The one drawing attention now is "Palmetto Peddler's Antique Mall" on Hoffmeyer Road in the old S&W building. There are over 175 vendors leasing space in various shapes and sizes to showcase their treasures, which range from original Art, brand new items, very old antiques, vintage collectibles, household goods, and even 'lovingly used' vinyl records, books, clothing, and baby things! Indoor and outdoor items are available. Every taste in shopping will be satisfied... trust me, I know.


The photo above showcases the treasures found in "Blessings... Yours, Mine, Ours" (which is MY resale space) located at 1300 Yellow Brick Road (F1A) at the intersection of Penny Lane! The aisles have individual "street" names giving each vendor an "address"... which the vendors adore :). Please make this a priority on your "to do" list this month.


Here is a list of activities which are reasonably priced or free. 


In addition, here are local attractions, vacation guides, and motel information.


Do not forget SUPER BOWL XLVI - INDIANAPOLIS ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012. Who are you cheering to victory - Giants or Patriots? 

Half-time Super Bowl XLVI.

Remember... to party SMART... if you drink... do not DRIVE, have fun, be safe, and may the best team win!

Be blessed today and every day,

Pamela alias "Critch2"

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012Y'all come back, ya' hear!"  

When Bad Things Happen to Good People...

Hello... again.

Today is January 26, 2012. Our weather in SC is not aware of the date evidently because it was 70+degrees today! It rained yesterday. Two days ago it was 50 degrees. My body is a human barometer and is being driven to a nervous breakdown! Layers are the only way to dress - if it's hot, you remove one or two; if it's cold, you add one or two. No longer can you assume what you put on in the morning will be suitable for the afternoon and evening! Yes, I know in the big scheme of things - this is complaining about "fluff"! Yet, I am 62, have raging hormones, could lose a few (OK, 50+) pounds, and I am naturally hot natured... it may be time to consider our alternatives.

Alternative 1
         To seriously start an exercise program and add good food choices
Alternative 2
      Stop procrastinating!
Alternative 3
      Move to cooler location
Alternative 4
      To pull up my big girl panties and deal with it!
Alternative 5
       Stop complaining and thank God for my health, my husband, my friends, my healthy children, best friends, CBS gals, prayer pardners, and God's grace!

And the winner is... (drum roll, please) Alternative 5... : )

With God's grace and His blessings, we are continuing to do well with "Blessings... Yours, Mine, Ours" located inside Palmetto Peddlers on Hoffmeyer Road in Florence, SC. Below is a photograph of some items available now. All items are tagged with my dealer ID number, description, and price - take item with tag to front desk and they will handle the sale. You may pay with cash, check, debit, or credit card. Some items may be put on lay-away. If item is too large to carry, take the tag to front and they will move and load the item for you. The glass display case is locked, if you want to see an item - the front desk has a key and will assist you.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

"Blessings Unlimited" is doing well, also. The new Spring Catalog is available online through my website here... I am taking orders by phone (843-493-5124) or at 'home gatherings'. If you are interesting in hosting a gathering, email me (critch2@gmail.com) or call the number above. The products are high quality, faith inspired items for the home, office, friends, and relatives.

Now to the title of this post... my best friend from high school (46 years!) is battling stage 4 lung cancer metastasized to the right femur, some lymph nodes, and L1 on the spine. The chemotherapy has started and radiation should begin on Monday. I do not claim to understand 'why bad things happen to good people', but this is a good person and deserves our prayers for good health to be restored without continued constant pain.

May you be blessed today and every day,

Pamela

A Review: Becoming 2011 – Creative, Purposeful, Frugal

A Review: Becoming 2011 – Creative, Purposeful, Frugal

We have shared together the blessings of God.  Philippians 1:7 TLB  

I was fortunate to attend the “Becoming 2011 – Creative, Purposeful, Frugal” 

 

Conference August 12 and 13 near Ashville, NC at Ridgecrest Conference Center.  The speakers were Jenny Martin of SouthernSavers.com; Jen Schmidt of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam; The Nester; Angela Statzer of Button Bird Designs; and, Rachel Van Erden, mother of eleven.  The conference was well planned and offered an abundance of information in three areas to Becoming our best. 

The first area: “Becoming Creative” offered sessions 1 and 5, “The Philosophy of a Home” with the Nester; sessions 2 and 5, “Find, Create, Redo” with Angela; session 3, “Real Decorating for Real Women with Real Budgets” with The Nester; and session 4, “Creative Inspiration and Easy Trash to Treasure Projects” with Angela.

The second area: “Becoming Purposeful” offered sessions 2 and 3, “Creating Purposeful Moments in our Mothering: Casting a Long Term Vision” with Rachel; sessions 1 and 5, “Live the 80% off Lifestyle and Love It!” with Jen.

The third area: “Becoming Frugal” offered session 1, “The Art of Saving on Groceries” with Jenny; session 4, “Putting it All Together: The Important Stuff” with Jen; session 2, “Playing the Drugstore Game” with Jenny; and session 4, “Tricks and Tips to Saving Money Online” with Jenny.

As you can see there were five sessions throughout the day with several topics offered more than once, even then it was impossible to attend all eleven presentations.  A suggestion for next year’s conference September, 20212 at Ridgecrest in NC – have handouts for each presentation at the Registration table that allows all attendees to have all the wonderful information from each topic and helps attention to remain a speaker and not on note taking!  Moreover, all participating will feel they received full value for the conference.

The sponsors: Savings.com, coinstar, and Day Springs’ Blessings Unlimited provided an assortment of great items in a beautiful canvas tote from Blessings Unlimited. Also, drawings for cash prizes; 10 Kits with DVD, book, online access for        ; and 15 items from Blessings Unlimited.  All winners were smiling as they collected their prizes!  I was not familiar with the sponsors before the conference; however, I am a firm supporter of all three NOW. 

The conference was at Ridgecrest Conference Center, a secluded tranquil retreat center nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Ashville, NC.  It was peaceful with rocking chairs, cool breezes, and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  A wonderful time to coupon, organize binders, learn home decor tricks, savings tips, and meet new friends!  The food served by the dining hall was excellent – served cafeteria style with round dining tables to chat easily with new friends.

The time passed quickly and the conference ended with dessert, a delicious cheesecake.  Saying good-bye to new friends is hard, but taking the memories and contact information was a blessing!

Mark your calendar for “Becoming 2012” September 21-22, 2012, Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ashville, NC.  See you there!

“By the grace of God, I am what I am.”  1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV