HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Happy New Year -- Auld Lang Syne!

Where Is BeeBop?

In an effort to keep BeeBop's name in cyberspace, I am reposting the latest post from Team BeeBop's FaceBook page.  Surely someone who knows something will come forward and help bring BeeBop and his family back together.  Let's start the new year off with a happy ending in memory of Jack the Cat who really brought the world a lot closer!

"Team BeeBop feels that as long as our hearts can stand this, we will keep looking for our BeeBop. But now more than ever, is the time that we really need the help! We've got the $1,000 funds and the best brain behind this mission to get the job done. Now we need just a few more pairs of hands and legs. We are still looking for a few more soldiers to come out on Saturday (bring your tape!) and ...help spread the word one more BIG time before Winter comes to Brooklyn. We have come so far and feel that BeeBop is right around the corner within our reach. Please, if anybody else can help out Bonnie Folz on Saturday, please call either me or her at 917-626-1374 or post here or pm me. Please if you can spare an hour or two of your time it will be greatly appreciated. Just think what stories you will have to tell at your NYE parties!!!! BeeBop is still waiting. Thank you everybody for your continued support and prayers. Thank you Jack!"

 

 

 

Coco Chanel Quote of the Day

How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.

-------Coco Chanel

 

Golden Retriever Listens to Music

This is too cute -- watch the expression on the dog's face as the music stops and starts. 

Caramia's Collection Outerwear Sale!

Did Santa bring you what you wanted?  If you didn't get the jacket, or scarf to keep you nice and toasty, please take a look at Caramia's Collection.  We've launched a sale on outerwear and accessories just in time for the winter chill.  Hope to see you soon and thank you all!

Click here to be brought to Caramia's Collection

Christmas Gingerbread Houses

Who can resist peering into the world of a gingerbread house?  Here are some incredible examples of some national winners, they are really fabulous!

NEW YORK AT CHRISTMAS

As a native New Yorker, I may be slightly jaded, but I still think my city is the most beautiful place in the world at Christmas time.  Here's a beautiful song to help celebrate Christmas and my town sung by the very talented Ed Rambeau.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

PETER ALLEN and the ROCKETTES

One of my all time favorite performers is Peter Allen who sadly is no longer with us.  Peter Allen was a true showman who had a desire to perform with one of the most iconic group of dancers known, the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.  I had the pleasure of seeing this show -- showman meets tradition.  Here is a brief part of the performance.
To all visitors to New York, if you can, try to take in a Radio City Rockette show -- you won't be disappointed!!

How To Wrap A Bottle

Odd shaped gifts require some creative thinking.  Here's a pretty and simple way to give a bottle of wine as a gift and have it look festive at the same time.  Happy Holidays everyone!!

PUPPIES OPEN CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

You have to love a puppy and what could be cuter than two puppies opening their Christmas presents!?

Fed Ex Oops!

Is this the Grinch who stole Christmas?

CHANUKAH Potato Latkes Recipe

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights begins at sundown on December 20th and lasts for eight days.  Fried food is traditionally eaten on Chanukah in commemoration of the oil that miraculously burned for eight days when the Maccabees purified and rededicated the holy Temple in Jerusalem.  One of the all time favorite foods of the Chanukah holiday is potato pancakes also called potato "latkes".  Here's a great recipe and you don't have to celebrate Chanukah to enjoy them.
Happy Chanukah from Caramia's Collection!

Recipe for Potato Latkes:

Ingredients:

• 5 potatoes
• 2 onions
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• between 1/4 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• oil for frying (canola is recommended)

Preparation:

1. Peel potatoes. Place in a bowl of cold water so they won’t turn brown.
2. When ready to prepare the latkas, drain the potatoes. Place potatoes and onions in a food processor fitted with a knife blade. Pulse until smooth. Drain mixture well.
3. Pour potato mixture into a large bowl. Add beaten eggs. Add salt and pepper. Add enough flour so that the mixture holds together.
4. Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
5. Carefully drop 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil.
6. Flatten the pancake slightly so the center will cook.
7. Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Drain on paper towels.

Make Your Christmas Ornament Wreath

I love DIY projects and came across this easy way to make a lovely Christmas wreath to decorate your home.  Honestly, I can't imagine anything easier than this project.  I hope you love it!

Where Is BeeBop?

Well, thanks to power of the internet, Jack the Cat was eventually found.  Sadly, Jack passed away but as a result, more awareness has come to other missing pets.  BeeBop is a cat who is still missing.  Here is a summary of BeeBop's story:

"$500 REWARD CASH REWARD. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. BEEBOP HAS BEEN MISSING OVER 5 MONTHS IN BROOKLYN, NY, USA. Please help us find BeeBop. Missing since June 28, 2011 in Brooklyn Heights, vicinity of Columbia Place/Willow Place/State Street, 2-1/2 yr old skittish neutered half-feral/domesticated male. Black body & legs, white belly, white chin with distinctive marking on right side of face. His feet are white and his 2 front paws are different and white-tipped. He got scared of the movers and jumped out through the screen window. He was found 2 days later on July 1, 2011 in the basement of the Heights Players theater around the corner where he was being held for me but was allegedly let out!!! We believe he is still in the area. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!! He's very shy, not the type of cat to be walking around sitting on a stoop. He could be hiding under your bed. PLEASE CHECK! I have had him since he was 4 weeks old. PLEASE HELP ME FIND HIM! WILL DO ANYTHING TO HAVE OUR BABY BOY BACK!!! THANK YOU."   This is BeeBop, please help reunite BeeBop with his family:     Map of where BeeBop disappeared:

Celebrate FREE SHIPPING FRIDAY

December 16th has been officially named "Free Shipping Friday" and Caramia's Collection.com is participating.  We actually always offer free US shipping but would love to have you visit today and pick some treasures for the holidays.  We offer same or next day (depending on time of purchase) expedited shipping free on all US purchases and are adding new inventory daily.  Hope to see you soon.

Click here to visit Caramia's Collection

Bear Tracks Manicure

I'm always looking at nails and how creative some people can be.  I came across this fun tutorial on how to create "bear tracks" on your nails.  What's super special with this look is that it looks great on those of us who don't have long nails.  What do you think, are you going to try this?

Virtual Online Learning and Me

As another year draws to a close with the holidays around the corner, I count my lucky stars for the day I came across Virtual Online Learning.  As a non-joining type person, I joined the group with some hesitation and have never looked back.  It has been a fabulous learning experience since day one and a wonderful way to network with people with similar interests to mine.  Thank you VOL!

Creative Gift Wrapping

'Tis the season for decorating gift packages, it doesn't matter what holiday you celebrate.  Here is a great DIY video with fabulous ideas for making the gift you give stand out from all the rest and the best part is the wrapping is all budget friendly! 

Coco Chanel Quote of the Day

“If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent their growing.”
----Coco Chanel

Caramia's Collection Celebrates GREEN MONDAY

Sit behind your computer, laptop or smart phone and celebrate GREEN MONDAY.  We've launched a sale at Caramia's Collection and guarantee next day shipping!  Hope to see you soon.

Click here to visit Caramia's Collection

Neil Diamond Sings The Chanukah Song

'Tis the season to deck the halls and decorate the trees, but let us not forget our friends who do not celebrate Christmas.  Christmas music fills the stores as we shop and Merry Christmas wishes greet all of us from store clerks, service people and friends.  There are not many songs celebrating Chanukah but here is one, originally done by Adam Sandler, here sung by one of my favorites Neil Diamond.  To all who will celebrate the start of the Festival of Lights in less than two weeks, Happy Chanukah!

John Lennon Quote

If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace. --John Lennon

 

Missing John Lennon

It amazes me that 31 years have gone by since the senseless murder of John Lennon.  I remember exactly where I was and the horrific moment when the newscaster cut into Monday Night Football to make the announcement.  I remember walking into my office the next day, my eyes swollen from crying and talking to a co-worker who I had no idea was also a fan.  We became best friends and have remained so, John Lennon brought us together.
John Lennon was a generous, charitable man and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to see him in concert when he performed at a charity event, an experience I will never forget.
Thirty-one years later, I still miss the genius of John Lennon and wonder what would have been had he lived.

Coco Chanel Quote of the Day

Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!
----Coco Chanel

Dr. Nancy Snyderman Knocks eBay Commercials

My background noise in the mornings usually includes the Today Show.  Today's episode featured a panel of three including Dr. Nancy Snyderman and they were asked "what bugs you the most about the holidays?".  Dr. Snyderman, a prominent doctor, replied "I can't stand the eBay commercials, they are so over-the-top and offensive."!  Well, Dr. Snyderman, I am offended by your silly comment!  There are many people who make their living on eBay and in this awful economy, there are many people who turn to eBay to earn an extra few dollars to make ends meet.  We are not all doctors and/or professionals and quite frankly, your comment was snide and uncalled for.  EBay's commercials may or may not be top of the line, but eBay has made an effort to drive business to its site in these horrific economic times.  What good can come of a comment like yours?  Maybe you should read the newspapers.  There were quite a few disturbing Black Friday stories that certainly warranted being spoken about, certainly more disturbing than an eBay commercial!

World AIDS Day 2011

Today, December 1, 2011 is World AIDS Day.  We have been living under the cloud of this horrible disease for too long.  In the '80's when I first heard of this disease, I later lost a co-worker to it. 

Today is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  It is a day to remember the people we have lost, to be thankful for accomplishments made in the fight but also to keep the awareness that the fight against AIDS must not stop.