CARAMIA'S COLLECTION Treasure of the Day

Well, I have decided to use my blog in new ways and introduce my followers to some interesting items that I get to list in my eBay store Caramia's Collection.
This piece is by Abingdon and while I have researched it, I have only found similiar ones in solid colors, none as ornately decorated as this one is. 
If this is a treasure you need, please click on the link below which will bring you to it.

Click here to view this Abingdon Hibiscus Platter in detail

Amusing Fashion Quote...........

“I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch.” ------Gilda Radner

MONDAY'S RAIN

I woke up to an ugly, rainy morning here in New York wondering what to share on my blog and came across this song by the Bee Gees called "Monday's Rain".  As a forever fan of the Bee Gees, I can't say that I have ever heard this song before and if I did, I might not have known it is the Bee Gees.  You need to listen closely to really tell. 

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN

A classic country duet to start your Sunday morning -- Johnny Cash and Kris Kristoffersen singing "Sunday Morning Coming Down".

Saluting Our Military On MEMORIAL DAY

Remembering our veterans and service men and women on Memorial Day and thanking them for our freedom.

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"
--------Maya Angelou

MASON The MIRACLE DOG

Every now and then, something happens to make me believe that maybe there really are miracles.

Mason, a terrier mix, was hiding in his owners' garage in Alabama, when he was sucked up by the tornado raging through his city.

When his owners returned to their damaged home three weeks later to sift through the debris, they had almost given up hope of ever seeing their pet again.

To their surprise, they found Mason waiting for them on the porch. His two front legs were fractured so he had had to crawl on two broken legs to get home.
With the care of a generous vet, Mason is on the mend. 
Wishing the best to Mason, his family and all the other victims of the horrific tornadoes.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE For the Class of 2011

During this season of graduations, many different types of people are asked to give speeches, sometimes they are boring and sometimes worth listening to. 
In running an eBay online store, I treasure and still marvel at the internet and the business it has allowed me to build.  However, I know I still need human contact, not just the kind on the internet.  Unfortunately too many of us keep our faces down, looking at our phones, computers, etc. and fail to make that oh so important eye contact.
In watching the news tonight, I heard clips of some commencement speeches and this one really got to me and thought I would share it.

"So if you want to get something done in the world, never forget – ultimately -- you have to get out of FaceBook and into somebody’s face."
-----Thomas Friedman

Congratulations to the Class of 2011!!!!

COCO CHANEL Quote of the Day

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."
-------Coco Chanel

My American Idol................

Watching the American Idol finale with one eye and checking YouTube with the other for my "American Idol" a singer whose career I've followed since I was a young girl -- Jay Black of Jay and the Americans.  At 72, he is still a crowd pleaser!  Here he sings the classic "A Certain Smile", enjoy!

KIRSTIE IS MY CHAMPION

Hines Ward may have gotten the mirror ball trophy, but in my eyes, Kirstie Alley is the champion.  At 60 years old to come in second to a professional athlete proves that we can all do it if we try.  Go Kirstie, you are an inspiration!!

Click here for your own mirror ball in my eBay store

FLEET WEEK NYC 2011

Ever since 1984 New York has celebrated Fleet Week when Navy and Coast Guard ships as well as ships from all over the world visit New York Harbor.  This year it begins today, May 25th and ends on June 1st with a military aircraft fly over in honor of those who lost their lives in service to the United States.  If you're in New York anytime during this period, thank a service man or woman.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB DYLAN

Happy Birthday wishes to Bob Dylan who turned 70 today!

COCO CHANEL Quote of the Day

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”
-------Coco Chanel

If You Need A Laugh.........

I watched this yesterday and again today to make sure I really thought it was worth passing on to you.  I love this video -- hope you do too!

GO TEAM KIRSTIE!!

One of the theme nights on Dancing With The Stars was "guilty pleasures".  I admit one of my guilty pleasures is watching Dancing With The Stars!  I am hoping for a Kirstie/Maks win!  How about you?

WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS?

Imagine if everyone in the world got along as well as these adorable animals do...................

BEST PROM INVITATION!

Does she say yes to this adorable invitation, you'll have to watch and see?!





Visit my eBay store for prom dressses and accessories

COCO CHANEL Quote of the Day

"You live but once; you might as well be amusing."

------ Coco Chanel

 

 

 

DECONSTRUCTING DENIM DIY

With a little patience, a pair of jeans, scissors and a tweezer, you can have a designer look at a fraction of the cost.  You could take this to another level by trying this DIY on a denim jacket or shorts too -- jump in and have fun!!

Visit my eBay store for jeans and jeans jackets

JAY & The Americans on SHINDIG

Growing up in the '60's was a fun time!  We didn't have MTV but we did have "Shindig".  Here's a great clip of my all time favorite Jay Black on Shindig -- note, the clip is in black & white!!

Every Woman Should Have........

.......a "little black dress"!  Having a little black dress in your closet will make sure you are ready for just about any occasion. 

Click here to find your little black dress

OPRAH GETS HER DREAM

Oprah recently had one of her dreams come true.  She began her show talking about how long she has wanted to interview the iconic designer Ralph Lauren and finally got her wish.  I am not one who sits glued to such interviews but found myself listening as Lauren talked about his humble beginnings and the rise of his empire while all the time stressing how his family and nature were most important to him.  Congratulations Oprah on a job well done!

Visit my eBay store for Ralph Lauren apparel

The PERFECT FRIENDSIP

I watched this the other day and truly could not believe what I was seeing.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did -- it certainly proves the oddest of couples can be friends!

Caramia's Collection Meets Virtual Online Learning!

As someone who owns an eBay store, Caramia's Collection, I am always looking for ways to improve my business.  A while back, I met my eBay mentor and now friend Danna Crawford aka Powersellingmom.  Danna has been an amazing instructor as well as an inspiration for me.  As as result of meeting Danna, I now belong to a group called Virtual Online Learning.com.  Danna's most inspirational thought that I keep in mind all the time is based on her unselfish belief that there is enough eBay around for all of us to make it!  So, if you are on eBay, thinking of getting on eBay or just curious, check out Powersellingmom.com and/or VirtualOnlineLearning.com -- I bet you will be very pleased!

CaramiasCollection.com

VirtualOnlineLearning.com

Click here to visit my eBay store

RALPH LAUREN FASHION QUOTE....

"I don't design clothes, I design dreams."
---Ralph Lauren

Click here to visit my eBay store for your Ralph Lauren dream

SNAKESKIN MANICURE!

Will wonders never cease!?  Snakes shed their skins as a natural process anywhere from once every few weeks to once a year.  I saw this on TV and was honestly sickened by it, but who am I to say what will or will not become a trend.  Please feel free to post your thoughts.

HOW TO MAKE A T-SHIRT TOTE

Have you ever wondered what to do with your old t-shirt collection?  Here's a fun DIY project to do on your own or with the kids and be eco-friendly at the same time.

When Should Women Stop.......?!

According to a British survey, there is a new list that decides when a woman should stop wearing certain looks.  Here are the age "requirements" from the survey!  I know my thoughts which are how dare anyone decide what we can/should wear?  I think most women have enough sense to know what is right for them, that we don't need a random survey dictating more "rules".   What do you think? 

• Bikini, 47
• Miniskirt, 35
• Tube Top, 33
• Stilettos, 51
• Belly button piercing, 35
• Knee high boots, 47
• Trainers, 44 (not quite sure what these are!)
• Leather trousers, 34
• Leggings, 45
• Ugg boots, 45
• Swimsuit, 61
• Tight vest, 44
• See-through chiffon blouse, 40
• Long hair, 53
• Ponytail, 51

GOVERNORS ISLAND CAT UPDATE..........

A few weeks ago, a cat showed up on New York's Governors Island.  It is believed the cat swam or was brought their by floods.  The cute calico was welcomed and taken care of and now has been named "Molly Brown" after the "Unsinkable Molly Brown" of Titanic fame.

BAKED BUFFALO WINGS

A guilty pleasure many of us have are Buffalo Wings but they are just so full of calories and fat because they are fried.  So, here is a great recipe replacing the frying with baking -- hope you enjoy!

BAKED BUFFALO WINGS -- yields 20

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 20 chicken wings
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil & lightly grease with cooking spray. Place the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into a resealable plastic bag, and shake to mix. Add the chicken wings, seal, and toss until well coated with the flour mixture. Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet, and place into the refrigerator. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3. Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. Dip the wings into the butter mixture, and place back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and crispy on the outside, about 45 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway during cooking so they cook evenly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POWERSELLING MOM!

Caramia's Collection is sending out the happiest of birthday wishes to Danna, the founder of PowerSellingMom.com.

Who's Leaving Tonight?

Finally over the loss of my favorite contestant Paul McDonald (oh poor me!), I am watching American Idol again and have a new fave.  So, after last night's performaces, who do you think is going home?  Do you think the voters have gotten this season right or are we going to have another lackluster winner?  Chime in -- would love to hear from you all!  BTW, the positioning of the contestants does not indicate my favorite, I just thought it was a great shot.

CHANEL QUOTE OF THE DAY..............

"It is always better to be slightly underdressed."

---- Coco Chanel

I know I couldn't agree more, what are your thoughts, I'd love to hear?

 

Let's Hear It For The BABY BOOMERS!!

Congratulations to Kirstie Alley and Maks.  Kirstie has always been one of my favorites and who can resist Maks.  Together, their chemistry despite the age difference, makes for great dance performances!  Hoping to see Kirstie and Maks take the Mirror Ball Trophy on Dancing With The Stars!

Click here to bring home your own mirror ball from my eBay store

SIMON COWELL and PAULA ABDUL REUNITING!

Breaking News:  Though not world or earth-shaking is that Paula Abdul had signed on to be part of the panel of Simon Cowell's new show The X Factor.  Since I have so missed the fun tension between these two since Paula and then Simon left American Idol, I for one am happy to hear the news and look forward to seeing if the crazy chemistry between the two still exists.

YOUR MOTHER SHOULD KNOW

In honor of all moms in celebration of Mother's Day -- a song from the Beatles, "Your Mother Should Know".

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Caramia's Collection wishes all moms a very Happy Mother's Day!

PAPER FLOWERS

Just came across this great "blast from the past".  I vividly remember making these flowers in school and bringing them home to my mom for Mother's Day.   What a great memory and an easy craft project to do alone or with your kids.

SIR PAUL McCARTNEY ENGAGED!

Well ladies, the "cute" Beatle is apparently off the market again.  Paul McCartney announced his engagement to his girlfriend of four years, Nancy Shevell.  Caramia's Collection sends the best of wishes to the happy couple.

TURN A SWEATER INTO A PILLOW

In my quest to find uses for "retired" items, I came across this great idea for an old sweater.  Instead of tossing it, turn it into a pillow.  It will most likely be one-of-a-kind and a great conversation piece!  The crafter recommends a boyfriend sweater, but I don't see any reason why any sweater couldn't be used.  Also, if you don't have a sewing maching, there's no reason why this can't be done by hand.  It's a great, simple idea and keeps one item out of the trash.

In A Boy From Oz Mood

Sitting in front of the computer watching and listening to my favorite songs from The Boy From OZ.  "You And Me" is a gorgeous duet sung by Hugh Jackman as Peter Allen and Stephanie J. Block as his wife, Liza Minelli.  Hope you love it as much as I do.

FASHION QUOTE OF THE DAY..............

"Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”

--- Yves Saint Laurent

Click here for my eBay store for YSL pieces and great dresses

ONCE BEFORE I GO Sung By HUGH JACKMAN

 An amazing performance by Hugh Jackman as Peter Allen in The Boy From OZ.  The song is "Once Before I Go".

HUEVOS RANCHEROS RECIPE

History of CINCO de MAYO

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the fifth of May), commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

CELEBRATE CINCO de MAYO

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, here is a receipe for Aguas de Frutas or Fresh Fruit Waters.  These drinks are common and very popular all over Mexico, made with crushed or blended fruit.  This recipe is extremely flavorful and refreshing.  Enjoy!!

Mexican Strawberry Water

Ingredients

• 4 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup white sugar
• 8 cups cold water
• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges (optional)
• 8 fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
2. Remove the strawberry mixture from the refrigerator and pour into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Pour the blended berry mixture through a wire mesh strainer set over a large mixing bowl; discard the pulp and seeds.
3. Add the remaining 7 cups cold water to the pureed strawberries and mix well. Place the Aqua de Fresa in the refrigerator to chill for several hours or pour over ice and serve immediately. Garnish with lime slices or mint leaves.

PRADA LOAFERS

As my followers know, I have an eBay store.  I stock it with treasures I come across and hope to find them great new homes. 
Of course, it is great getting a sale, but a really fun part of selling is when a buyer takes the time to write me and tell me how happy they are with a purchase.  Today, I received this great email from a buyer which I am posting with a photo of the Prada loafers she purchased.

"Hi, there! Got the Prada loafers super-fast and was DELIGHTED wth them AND your great service! Interesting that they are 100 times cuter in hand than in the photo---and also in fantastic condition. Of course, I wore them the very next day. Have been looking for "cool" loafers for over a year, normally I am a 4-5 inch heeled gal. Can't believe I finally found EXACTLY the kind of loafer I've been wanting! Again, thank you SO much---I am so happy to have HIP-yet-comfy QUALITY loafers! I know I will enjoy them for years."

Click here to visit my eBay store for your treasure.

Another Great Wedding Look..............

With wedding "fever" in the air, I decided to check out the wedding photos and gowns of some of my favorite celebrities.  I love the TV show The Good Wife and am a huge fan of Julianna Margulies (and the whole cast).  So, the first celebrity I "googled" was Julianna Marguiles and here's her wedding photo.

Thank You

I don't like to be political, but I live in an area where my view included the Twin Towers each time I left my town.  The smoke hovered over my neighborhood as the Towers burned and ultimately fell. 
Many firefighters live in my town, many lost their lives.
On this major day in our history, I offer my thanks to all who risked their lives to bring some peace back to our country.

COCO CHANEL Quote of the Day

"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!"