Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Hey Girlfriend - Thinking of You Today

I received this email from a "girlfriend" about the significance of girlfriends in one's lives. If you think this applies to you, feel free to pass it on. Comments are welcome!

I'm only as strong as the cocktails I drink, the hairspray I use, and the girlfriends I have. Here's to you! Why do we only have parties for each other when one of us gets married, pregnant, has a birthday, or retires? What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants, and shopping, lunching and traveling girlfriends? Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake!

Someone will always be prettier.
They will always be smarter.
Their house will be bigger.
They will drive a better car.
Their children will do better in school.
And their husband will fix more things around the house.

So let it go,
and love you and your circumstances.

Think about it.

The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart.
And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children.
And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes....might be lonely.
And the Word says if "I have not Love, I am nothing."

So, again, love you.
Love who you are.

Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say "I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!"

"Winners make things happen.
Losers let things happen."

Be Blessed ladies and pass this on to encourage another woman.

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world".

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Auction Acronyms - What do they really mean

Have you ever wondered what all those auction acronyms really mean? Well, I've been buying and selling online through a number of known auction and listing sites for several years. I only recently found this humorous listing of "auction acronyms." Please note that this list has descriptions that are "tongue-in-cheek" i.e., not necessarily the true descriptions!

It was actually quite timely as, being a seasoned buyer, I got "stung" by a seller who claimed an item was "NWOT" ... which in the real world means "new without tags." She also claimed the item was perfect for a "valentine's day gift" and that it had "no marks, tears, or wear" whatsoever. Stay tuned to read another blog post when I tell you more about this item.

OK, now for the auction acronyms ... I'm not sure who to give credit to for being the original source of this list. If I find out who put this together, I'll list the source. Or, if you know who we can thank, please let me know.

AS IS = Broken, I do not give refunds and I am quick to leave negatives.
ADORABLE = Ugly.
ACTUAL SHIPPING CHARGES = A profit center and has nothing to do with actual cost to ship. You should have asked for amount before bidding. See S&H.
ALL SALES FINAL = A damaged fake item.
AUTHENTIC = This is a real replica. 500% real!
BEAUTIFUL = Ugly in a scary way.
BIN = Buy It Now... payment by worthless check received 6 weeks after the auction ends.
BNIB = Brand New In Box... only used once.
BONUS = Something extra...a real bad feeling you get when you see what you bought.
BRAND NEW = A new counterfeit copy.
BRILLIANT SHINE = What I just gave it with my buffer (to make it near mint).
BUA = Butt-Ugly Auction.
BUTT-UGLY = Suddenly a hot marketing term. People SEARCH for items using this term or BUA.
CHANEL = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
CHEAP! = In more ways other than price.
CIVIL WAR = Made in India last week. (India is having a civil war...right?).
CLEAN PER RULES = I wore these panties on a 10 mile bike ride.
COA = Certificate of Authenticity... yep it authentic, I signed the item and typed the certificate myself.
COACH HANDBAG = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.COLLECTIBLE = I have WAY too many of these.
COLORFUL = Unknown stains.
COMBINED SHIPPING = If you are the high bidder on more than one of my auctions I will total up all the shipping charges for you. A discount on S&H is implied but NOT offered.
CONTEMPORARY = Got it at a 99 cents store. Email me if you want more than one.
CUSTOM = So ugly there's only one in the world.
CUTE = Crap.D&G = Fake Dolce & Gabbana handbag, I never said if it was real or not.
DESIGNER = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
DESIGNER INSPIRED = Fake Designer Item.
DIRTY = Dirt hiding a crack.
DISPLAYS WELL = 3 sides are damaged.
DIY = Do It Yourself.... or Delivered Item Yesterday.
DON'T MISS THIS ONE! = I'm really tired of listing this, somebody buy it!
DOONEY & BOURKE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
DUTCH AUCTION = $10,000 hammers for beating dead horses.
BONUS = Something extra... a real bad feeling you get when you see what you bought.
ELEGANT = Old and worthless.
EUC = Excellent Used Condition, but smells of smoke, covered with dog hair and not stained too bad.
FACTORY ORIGINAL = It originally came from a factory.
FABULOUS = Absolutely stinks of smoke.
FANTASTIC = Unbelievably ugly.
FAUX = Exquisite fake.
FENDI = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.FINE = Paint covers flaws, parts taped in place.
FLAWLESS = Less flaws.
FREE SHIPPING = Once you pay for this information or item, I will never send it.
FROM A NON SMOKING HOME = Covered with cat hair.
GBP = Great Big Pennies... English money.
GENTLY USED = It's on its last legs.
GENUINE = It is 100% real imitation, not a fake one.
GOOD CONDITION = The dents hide the scratches.
GORGEOUS = Really ugly.
GREAT CONDITION = The scratches hid the dents.
GREAT CONDITION FOR SOMETHING THIS OLD = (see PRIMITIVE).
GUCCI = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.HANDBAG = FAKE.
HCTS = Here Comes The Stork... baby items with stork stains.
HTF = Hard to Find ... Will be lost in mail after you pay for it.
VHTF = Very Hard to Find. It will never be sent after you pay for it.
HOT = 1. Stolen... maybe I'll send it to you, maybe I won't.
HOT = 2. From a smoker's home complete with cigarette burns.
I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS... = No one bought this when I said what it REALLY was.
IS AS = Item IS AS Pictured and is sold AS IS. Not responsible for compatibility issues or support of this item. All Sales Are Final. NO REFUNDS!
JUICY COUTURE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
L@@K = This item has no good qualities that would otherwise make you want to check it out.
KATE SPADE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
LE = Limited Edition... This is my last one, so it must be limited.
LIKE NEW = 1. It's got a couple of pretty deep scratches but I've still got the box.
LIKE NEW = 2. I would "LIKE" to think it is "NEW"... but I know it's not.
LIKE NEW = 3. Used and has a few stains.
LOVELY = Tacky, like a Day Glow black velvet painting of Elvis playing poker with dogs.
LV = Louis Vuitton, also see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
LV = FAKE.LOUIS VUITTON = 1. Counterfeit Louis Vuitton.
LOUIS VUITTON = 2. Real or fake, you will never receive this item after paying by money order.
LOUIE VITOON = Counterfeit Louis Vuitton and I am quick to leave negatives.
MIB = 1. Mint In Box, but just a little broken.
MIB = 2. Mashed In Box.
MINT = 1. A green color, but it also might be mold.
MINT = 2. Meticulously cleaned.
99% MINT = Meticulously cleaned and almost not broken too much.
NEAR MINT = 1. Cleaned even harder and it broke and is a part is now missing.
NEAR MINT = 2. A smell from being stored next to candy canes.
MINTY = Cleaned with tooth paste.
MODERN = From the late 1980's to mid 90's.
MONT BLANC = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.MUST HAVE! = Must have it out of my house.
MUST C = Lord knows the description won't pull you in without this added.
NEAT = Could use a good cleaning.
NEVER USED CONDITION = Not new.
NEW-NEVER WORN = I got it at a second-hand store, but "I" never wore it.
NEW = 1. Used only a few times.
NEW = 2. I just got it, so it is "new" to me.
NEW = 3. It is not too old to be called old.
NIB = 1. New In Box. Used and not the original box.
NIB = 2. Now It’s Broken.
NIB = 3. Nothing In Box.
NICE = I'm keeping the good one, and getting rid of this piece of junk.
SUPER NICE = I should be whipped for putting this junk up for bids.
NO MOLD OR MILDEW = Not sure what the stains and smell are from.
NO REFUNDS = You are lucky if I send you anything. I will neg you if you complain.
NOS = Nasty Old Stuff.
NOT FAKE = 200% Not real...
FAKE.NOT SURE IF IT WORKS = I know for a fact that IT does NOT work. See "AS IS".
NPB = No Paying Bast**d! I edited this--no profanity in my blog!
NR = 1. No Reserve. I used a large starting bid and ACTUAL SHIPPING CHARGES.
NR = 2. Needs Restoration.
NR = 3. No Returns. This is junk and I don't want it back.
NR = 4. Not Recommended.
NR = 5. Not Running.
NR = 6. Not Reliable.
NR = 7. Not Real (fake).
NRFB = 1. No Reciprocal FeedBack.
NRFB = 2. No Refunds For Bidders.
NRFB = 3. Newly ReFurBished.
NRFB = 4. Never Removed From Box. Except for when the kids and the dog were playing with it.
NWOT = New with out tags. Not really NEW but I will have a NEW ID by the time you get this.
NWT = 1. Not with tags. Why are tags even important?
NWT = 2. I put the new tags on it myself!
NWT = 3. Nobody Wants This - festering_negs.
OLD = Useless.
VERY OLD = Very useless.
OOAK = ONE OF A KIND 1. I have no idea what this is.
OOAK = ONE OF A KIND 2. Was part of a set but I sold the other one.
OP = 1. Over priced.
OP = 2. Opened Package.
OOP = Out of print, I couldn't find it in the bookstore at the mall.
ORIGINAL CONDITION = Not falling apart too much.
ORIGINAL COPY = It has never been officially released. This is copy of the original I made.
PATINA = Rust or mint like mold.
WONDERFUL PATINA = Deep rust with pits.
PERFECT = I have no idea what this is supposed to look like.
PINK PANTS = With skid marks - No refunds!
PRADA = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.RISQUE = Hardcore porn.
PRETTY = Extra butt-ugly.PRE OWNED = Broken.PRIMITIVE = Unrecognizable.
PRISTINE = I WILL KEEP YOUR PAYMENT & ITEM AND NEG YOU!
RALPH LAUREN = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.RARE = Not able to be found at Wal-Mart or Sears.
VERY RARE = Still available in mail order catalogues.
RECIPROCAL FEEDBACK = You leave feedback first. If you bug me for feedback, I will neg you! RECONDITIONED = Defective and returned to the factory. I bought it real cheap and am now selling it "AS IS".REMOVED FROM A WORKING ENVIRONMENT = It stopped working.
RETIRED = Old and broken.RETRO = I was born in 1990, and my older sister had one of these.
ROLEX = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.ROLX = A GENUINE FAKE ROLEX.S&H = Someone must pay for my time, fees, gas, internet and Starbucks coffee.
SCARCE = Only found for auction right now. Email me if you want more than one.
SIB = Soiled In Box.
SNAD = Significantly Not As Described.
SPECTACULAR = I really need to unload this obvious piece of crap.
STARTS AT 1 CENT!! = S&H is $42. No combined shipping, insurance is extra and I am very quick to neg.
STUNNING = Ouch! You will feel like you were hit by a stun gun when you get this.
SHABBY CHIC = 1. I found this in the trash... oh yeah, I threw it away once.
SHABBY CHIC = 2. pre-Salvation Army in a post-Martha Stewart world.
SHELF PIECE = This is damaged beyond repair.
STRESS/AGE CRACK = Accidentally knocked it off the table and stepped on it while I was taking photos.
TIFFANY = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
TIFANY = Counterfeit, see TIFFANY.
UNBELIEVABLE = In the bad sense.
UNIQUE = Put together from parts last night.
UNUSED = I did not use it. It was broken before I got it.
USED = Broken, but most of the parts are there.
UNUSED BOOK = Read once and highlighted all the boring parts with a black marker.
USED BOOK = Used as a door stop at the cabin for years.
UNUSUAL = Well, I've never seen one before.
VERSACE = see AUTHENTIC, GENUINE or NOT FAKE.
VINTAGE = 1. I was born in 1990, and it looks so totally way old to me.
VINTAGE = 2. It has wine colored stains.
VINTAGE = 3. The year it was made. IE: Vintage 2005 = Made in 2005
VUITTON = Counterfeit Louis Vuitton.
WONDERFUL = You'll WONDER where the rest of it is.
WOW = I'm desperate.
WOW!!!!!! = I'm really desperate.100 to 500%
AUTHENTIC = 100 to 500% Fake.

P.S. Got to laugh about the definitions for original and authentic! Ouch.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Bzz Bzz - An Award Winner - Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner

Bzz Bzz -- An Award Winner -- Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner! Well, before I tell you about this award-winner, let me first introduce myself to you. I'm a BzzAgent! Yes, that's right. I've been a BzzAgent for a few years now.

So, what the heck is a BzzAgent anyway? I'm an "agent" participating actively in the "Word-of-Mouth" revolution ... "Where People Own Marketing."

The official word on this ... "In the past few years, BzzAgents and other word-of-mouth advocates have proven that honest opinions are more powerful than interruptive marketing messages ... Members of the BzzAgent network are making history by participating in the most important 'reality marketing' experiment ever conducted ... By Bzzing, we're all changing the rules of the game. Word-of-mouth has long been considered the most effective form of connecting people to products, but, until now, nobody has really captured its essence and power."

One of the BzzAgent project I'm participating in today, is something that is making my life a little easier around the house. I've always dreaded cleaning the shower and making sure it's free of soap scum, mold, and mildew; I tend to have a mold allergy--so this is important for me--to have a mold-free home. I was a tad bit skeptical about the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner, if it could deliver. But, each day, I'm a little more impressed with the product ... let me tell you more about it ...

It seems that this time of the year is the time for many awards. You know what I mean with all those award shows on television? Well, I've found another award winner to tell you about. It's the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner! Yes, it is an award winner too! It received the iParenting Media Award, the "Top Innovative Product" of the year award 2004 plus it has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval ! Wow, imagine that.

I always wanted a maid to help me clean around the house. Now, I've pretty much got that for my bathroom shower with this shower cleaner!

As you can see in the picture at left, this is the actual unit showing the dispenser with the bottle of cleaning solution. Notice the blue oval button near the bottom of the unit? You simply press that button when you are ready to leave your shower. The unit automatically begins to beep and will commence operation after you have left the shower. At the bottom of the unit is a 360-degree spray nozzle that turns to spray all the walls of the shower.

The Scrubbing Bubbles® product is a special patented formula. It is recommended to be used on a daily basis to tackle soap scum plus those nasty mold and mildew stains. You should see a sparkly clean shower after 14 to 21 uses. So, with each refill bottle lasting up to 21 cleanings, you should have a clean shower after just one bottle's use!

OK, don't take MY word for it, check it out for yourself. See what others are saying about the Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner by visiting AutomaticShowerCleaner.com.

This is a product of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.; so you know it's a good product! Hey, want to check out BzzAgent for yourself? Well, take a look at bzzagent.com and tell them I sent you!!!

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Must Haves Stylish Spring 2006 Handbags

Ladies it's time to spring into action. Yes, that's right! Spring is just around the corner. If you're looking to be in style with the hottest trends, then check out these recommendations.

According to Melissa Kagan, "freelance accessories guru and fashion writer" who contributes to iVillage, "You don't have to spend a million dollars to look like a million dollars.

It's all about how you put yourself together." I took a look at her style suggestions for Spring 2006 handbags and have summarized some of them for you, with my personal recommendations.
  • "Smallville ... Whether slung across your body or dangling from your wrist, these palm-sized prizes are little more than wallets with straps."
  • "Add Some Structure ... Slouch is out and structured is in." -- The Structured Handbag
  • "The Black and White ... this season they are breaking out as outfit enhancers."
  • "Neutral Territory ... Earthy extras are resurging this season. Linen, raffia, straw and other natural fibers are all making appearances in the form of must-have handbags."
  • "Living Large ... The theme for this season's 'It' bags seems to be the bigger the better. Offered in exotic skins, bold colors and a multitude of different shapes."