Some cats can be helpful around the office

My hubby shared this video with me as he received it from one of our friends up in Columbus, Ohio. As he doesn't usually send me too many videos to view, I knew it must be worth checking out. Well, this video goes to show that some cats can be pretty helpful around the office. Say, you have a paper jam in your printer? Or, maybe you need to adjust that paper tray?


Well ... just a little entertainment today ... not selling anything at the moment.

Hook up with a good deal at Amazon

Who doesn't love a good deal these days? If you ask my hubby, he'll tell you that I'm the eBay queen of good deals. Yes, I do love deals as I've been bidding and buying on eBay for years. Did you know that you can know capitalize on some really excellent hot deals at Amazon?

When I first started buying on Amazon, it was to redeem the $25.00 gift cards that I had received. What's especially good about purchases over $25.00? Free shipping. Often, that is an additional incentive to make that online purchase -- free shipping! If you are looking for some good deals these days, you really need to be thinking about Amazon. At Amazon, there is an amazing array of great items at remarkable prices. Look for those free shipping offers too!

It's Ten Days until Christmas -- Get Some Top Holiday Deals Now!

Christmas is right around the corner -- there are just ten days left until Christmas. Have you got all your shopping done? It is not too late to snag those cool gifts for those special loved ones on your list. You don't need to wait until after Christmas to get great deals on gifts! Cash in on the Top Holiday Deals with brand name electronics. Today's Deals have some limited time offers with marked down pricing on popular electronics that have been in demand this season.

We've already secured our GPS Automobile Navigator that we use around town and on trips to find our way. What's cool about our GPS is that you can find restaurants nearby.


Garmin nüvi 52LM 5-Inch Portable Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps (US)
The Garmin GPS is known for its reliability. It's designed to be slimmer and pocket-sized with a nice display and an easy, intuitive interface. You get detailed maps for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico with more than 6 million name-searchable points of interest. It also acts as an MP3 player and photo viewer, with an FM transmitter that plays voice prompts, MP3s, audio books, and more, directly through your vehicle's stereo system.

In like a LION and out like a L.A.M.B.

Out on the town that is in L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani! Gwen Stefani is a multi-talented style-conscious celebrity who created L.A.M.B., an acronym for Love Angel Music Baby.

What she says about her fashion, "I just wanted to make clothes I would really want and things that represent me."

Check out the gorgeous L.A.M.B. Norland Bootie that is available in a holiday red or a basic black that works well with those little black dresses! An ankle bootie is perfect as transitional footwear for the fall and winter months. The extra embellishments on the trim down the front of this bootie gets an A+ from this style fashionista!

Now, the only question I've got? Should I get the red one or the black one? Or, maybe both!

Personally, I also like a little embellishment on the toes of my shoes -- so, check out the L.A.M.B. Sydney Pumps in holiday red or black! These slingbacks have a lot of class, incorporating a platform with a sexy spiked heel. To top it all off, there is the pretty rosette accent. Oo La La! Find L.A.M.B. designer shoes on Amazon perhaps??

Are you looking for a perfectly affordable holiday clutch bag?

Are you looking for a cute little clutch bag to complement your holiday outfit? Not sure which color you might like? These cute little bags are so affordable that you could purchase one in each color and not break the bank.

The Savanna Lizard Grain Minaudiere Clutch has a lot going for it! The texture is embossed so that you'd swear it is lizard skin. A nice little touch is the rhinestones that embellish the cute clasp. Tuck in the longer shoulder strap to make it a clutch. It's sized perfectly at 6.5" x 3.25" x 2.25" and can easily carry your cellphone, keys, lipstick and brush.

P.S. Do you know what a minaudiere is? The name is French, from the feminine of minaudier, and means a small ornamental case for a woman's personal items and often carried as a handbag. Ah, yes ornamental -- that fits this clutch to a T!

I was recently Googling this bag and not finding it although Amazon seemed to have it.

Kindle Wireless Reader - Good News Bad News

By now you undoubtedly have heard the bad news in that the ever popular Amazon Kindle wireless reading device is sold out and on back order until maybe March 2009. Well, that's not good for all of you who had it on your wish list. Yep, I already have my Kindle, but I'm not selling it any time soon. So what to do?

Rest assured that Santa does not have the inside track to finding you that Kindle. But, there is a solution to your predicament. Good news? Why not consider the Sony Digital Book Reader! While it is NOT the Kindle, it does have some rather similar options. It's compact at approx. 7" x 5" x .3" and it holds enough eBooks, about 160, while weighing 9 ounces.

It comes in a few different colors like the popular blue or silver.

I'd suggest that you commit to your Sony purchase before you find that the Sony Digital Book Reader goes the route of the Amazon Kindle.

Website visitors are not clicking on fancy glamorous ads

Since our office recently had a new server installed to handle multiple users logging into Peachtree, our computers seem to be acting like they are on a dial-up connection. Yawn! This slowdown gave me a chance to take a much needed break from my digging through new product technical data for our latest website update. It was time to actually read a magazine! Well, not just any magazine, but the eMarketingandCommerce.com eM+C November/December 2008 issue. On page 9 there is a brief article titled, “Consumers Not Clicking on Fancy Interactive Ads.”

Since I am a Squidoo Giant Squid lensmaster with some 384 lenses that feature fancy Glam Ads, I perked up when I saw this article. Squidoo lensmasters earn royalties from fancy Glam Ads ... so if a consumer study shows that consumers are NOT clicking on fancy interactive ads, maybe those aren't the right type of ads to be used? Just thinking out loud ya know!

iPerceptions, a leading provider of web-focused Voice of Customer analytics, released some interesting findings about consumer advertising preferences. The study conducted in August 2008, of over 14,000 visitors to leading media sites, measured their likelihood to click on different types of online ads.

The study found that … consumers are most likely to click on simple text ads (25% of respondents). Display ads follow in popularity, with 20% of respondents likely to click on right banners and 12% likely to click on top banners. A surprising finding of the study is that video ads are not very popular among most consumers; only 11% of consumers said they were likely to click on video ads. And 25 to 34 year-olds show no special affinity for video, being just as likely to click on video ads as text, right and top banners. The only consumers who seem to be engaged by video ads are young people under the age of 25, a group that accounts for nearly one-third of the video-ad viewing audience.

On average, 40% of consumers likely to click on any ad make less than $50K a year – and only 15% make over $150K. The income gap is most pronounced with video ads, with 49% of consumers likely to click on video ads making less than $50K a year – and only 13% making over $150K.

In summary, percentages of consumers likely to click on ads breakdown as:

• 25% = simple text ads
• 20% = right banner ads
• 12% = top banner ads
• 11% = video ads

Financially speaking:

• 40% of consumers clicking on ads make less than $50K/yr.
• 15% make over $150K/yr.

I'm looking for additional data on what types of purchases consumers are making online and what income brackets these spenders fall into.

P.S. It is May 29, 2019, I am retired and here I am reviewing this article from 2008! Oh man, I was so energetic back then.

Pork and beef stuffed cabbage rolls comfort food

Comfort food for the economic crisis :: pork and ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls! My Hungarian grandmother Julia Nagy was married in 1928, a year before The Great Depression of 1929 -- which happened to be the very same year that my mother was born. Because my grandparents and mother survived perhaps the worst time our economy has faced YET, my grandmother knew a lot about comfort foods.

Grandma's #1 comfort food was undoubtedly her stuffed cabbage rolls. She was pretty well-known for her recipe. Grandma's stuffed cabbage rolls were quite popular with her family and grandchildren. She loved to use a mixture of pork and ground beef to stuff her cabbage rolls. But, it was her "secret ingredient" that made her cabbage rolls so special.

"Not everyone will add that secret ingredient," grandma often reminded us, "but it is that "secret ingredient" that makes all the difference in the taste."

Are you a vegetarian and want a recipe for vegetarian stuffed cabbage rolls? If you prefer pork stuffed cabbage rolls, I've got a recipe for that along with a recipe for the classic pork and ground beef stuffed cabbage rolls.

Our country is facing an economic crisis that is harkening back to The Great Depression. I don't know about you, but I am going to have some of grandma's comfort food, stuffed cabbage rolls.

Hats for the homeless

Hats for the homeless :: A yarn of good deeds. Ah, the beauty of the internet meeting Squidoo has provided me with the opportunity over the past 2-1/2 years to connect with some of the most incredible people worldwide. Just recently, I met a wonderful lensmaster who is doing more than her part to help out the homeless. To know a bit more about her and her unselfish work, you only need visit her website, Hats for Homeless. She is crocheting some of the most remarkable hats and ...

Creating warmth one hat at a time.

To learn more about this kind and giving lensmaster and her project to help the homeless, check out her Squidoo lens Linda's Hats For The Homeless. Her work is a yarn of good deeds.

Do you want to help support this wonderful cause? You can email Linda at: hatsforhomeless@gmail.com.

You can mail hats, gloves, scarves or yarn to:

Hats For Homeless
c/o Linda Deal
P O Box 1442
Catoosa, Oklahoma 74015-1442

P.S. Be sure to stay tuned to my blog to learn more about Linda and her many talents!

Extreme Customer Service Do-Over

What is wrong with this picture? It's a copy of the stapled-together 3-part ticket that was attached to a polka-dot dress that I took to the dry cleaners. Having been a seamstress for many years, I've found myself too busy these days to do my own alterations and repairs to clothing. Bright idea: why not take it to the professionals at my local dry cleaner who advertise that they do alterations.


So, I scheduled a trip by the cleaners when I went grocery shopping several weeks ago. I pointed out the seam tear AND the frayed fabric, stating what I thought was the obvious, 'can you stitch the seam AND do something to repair the fraying?' 'Sure we can,' stated the girl behind the counter. At first I thought she might be the seamstress, but she indicated NOT. It was one week and a few days later that I made a scheduled trip to pick up the dress. The same girl removed the dress from the plastic cover to show me the repair. Well, the seam had been stitched, but NOTHING was done to the fraying. 'That's not fixed' I said with a hint of frustration in my voice. 'You're not mad at me, are you?' was the girl's response. 'Mad at you? No, I'm not mad at you, but do YOU think that is fixed?' I asked. So, the dress was left for another week and a few days for rework ...

REWORK: To know me is to know that I come from a background of training as an ISO auditor in the 1990s. Prior to that, I worked for a few companies that bought into the 'zero defects' and 'get it right the first time' principles of business. Then, I went to work for a company that had a 'Rework' department. I'm thankful they didn't ask me to work in that department; I probably would have left sooner than I did.

What's the point I'm making about all this? Simple! Look at that picture again. Do you see that white portion of the ticket? "DO-OVER" is printed in bold letters. Would you want to take something to a company that has pre-printed "DO-OVER" tickets which are used routinely? I wouldn't!

Oh, and the company I work for/with now hasn't yet ordered any of those "DO-OVER" tickets. Thank you very much!

Gadget for measuring color in the pressroom

At Graph Expo 2008 in Chicago, many companies involved in the printing industry will be demonstrating their new products and presses. I'm not attending this year, although I did have the pleasure many years ago. Probably the one company that impressed me the most was Heidelberg with their 'huge' printing press installed in a prominent location in McCormick Place.

For the past several months, I've been receiving an assortment of emails hinting about new products and invitations to visit various booths. Today, I received such an email from Techkon. You could register for an opportunity to win a Techkon SpectroDens Premium, as pictured here, to be given away at Graph Expo 2008.

Fast, reliable, and repeatable color means your presses are more productive. And you're more profitable. Engineered to perfection, the new Techkon SpectroDens delivers an unmatched combination of features and redefines color measurement. Single-click ease and solid-state design–no moving parts–lets you speed through color measurement at 3x the speed of conventional clam shell devices.

Doesn't that color gadget look pretty cool? Almost makes you want to be in the pressroom to be able to use it! It's a multi-functional gadget: a spectrophotometer and a densitometer; it's also a G7™ on-press color measurement tool. You can check you ink densities and perform an ISO-check on your colors.

Seeing such a tool as the Techkon SpectroDens Premium gives me a renewed appreciation for those involved in prepress and in the pressroom!

Extreme customer service or not

Today I received an email that made me stop dead in my tracks and wonder, are you kidding me?

From: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Subject: Tell us how your order is working.

Dear POTENTIAL CUSTOMER,

It’s been three months since your order with OUR WONDERFUL COMPANY. How is it going? Please share your compliments or complaints! Share right here! Click Now AND TAKE OUR WONDERFUL SURVEY.

Very Sincerely,
President
Customer Satisfaction

Please do not reply to this email.
----------------------------------
If you no longer wish to receive survey emails, please click here.

Tell me, would you want to take that survey? Or, even consider doing business with that company. Maybe you would. I’m not yet a customer although I was a customer many years ago. It was some three months ago that I was researching a number of companies for leads on lists for a direct mail campaign. We hadn’t decided that we really wanted to go the route of direct mail, but wanted to explore our options to see what the various costs are for such lists. I remembered this company, so I thought I’d check them out.

I registered on that site to do some preliminary research. It was not even 2 hours later that same day when a customer service rep from that company called me. Hmmm, that might qualify as ‘extreme customer service’ I thought when I received that phone call. After chatting with the rep, I told them our position and left the contact as a ‘don’t call me, I’ll call you when I am ready.’ Now that it is some three months after my initial research and the temporary shelving of the direct mail project, I received the follow-up email to “take our survey and tell us how I am doing with the order.” Hmmm, I didn’t order from your company, but I am sure glad to hear that your President is seeking to measure my customer satisfaction. Extreme customer service, or not?

I am channeling Beverly Feldman

I am channeling Beverly Feldman as I love her style! Ah, when I'm channeling my inner style fashionista, I'm thinking of that fashion icon Beverly Feldman. Yes, to know me is to know that I think of Beverly as a soul or sorority sister of sorts. IMHO, she is the coolest fashionista. Getting a second opinion from my dear old hubby, he even said when looking at her beautiful handbags and shoes, "OMG, those are YOU!"

Hello, Beverly! Girl, you totally rock. Keep it coming. I hope you never quit what you are doing. You know, it was just this morning on The Today Show that Matt Laurer was interviewing

Did you get a chance to check out my former Squidoo lens dedicated to Beverly? Well, because Squidoo ultimately sold out to HubPages, that tribute page did a trip to HP for a bit and then finally, I moved it to my blog! Penning that awesome tribute to this fabulous Queen B : Beverly Feldman Designer Shoes and Bags!

I've also got a mention about Beverly on my Blondes that DIY blog.

Oh, you definitely need to check out her Beverly Feldman Shoes Website too. She is a self-described, 'Obsessed Shoe & Handbag Designer.' Her 'museum-worthy shoe archive pays a tribute to footwear near, dear and far,' writes Melissa Knific. Check out the article about this 'designer's muse.'

Thank you Beverly from one of your many fans. Oh, and be sure to check out designer items from Beverly's Closet!

Jessica Alba and our friend Dave

Jessica Alba and our friend Dave; what they have in common! We have a married couple who qualify to be called rock stars or even super stars because they are actually quite remarkable people. Both Dave and Victoria have a theatrical background that is secondary to their normal income-producing careers. They have an intense appreciation for art, being art collectors for a number of years. In addition, Dave is a wine collector and aficionado who is an encyclopedia of data on wine. Just ask him about a bottle of wine, he’ll tell you all about it.

Well, it was football Sunday at another some friends’ house and there was Dave – his usual slightly ‘on’ style entertaining all the guests. It was well into the 4th quarter of the game, with about half of us sitting out on the back porch getting that seven second preview of the Jaguars game. Victoria was sitting in the living room with the rest of the guests, getting the seven second delay of the game. More than a couple of times, Dave would run into the living room to announce a really good play that the Jaguars made. I’m thinking that this must have annoyed a couple of the guests who wanted to see the good plays unfold for themselves. Perhaps Victoria finally said something to Dave.

Perhaps it was what Victoria said to Dave that prompted him to share a ‘cute’ bit of info with me. Because he is so ‘theatrical’ by nature, he can get quite passionate when he is ‘fussing.’ “The other day I was really upset about something,” says Dave. “Victoria just looked at me and smiled. ‘Dave, you are not at your most attractive.’” Imagine that! To hear Dave tell it, Victoria calmly brought him out of his funk with a single sentence. I’m thinking that’s what she must have said to him in the living room.

Surely, the latest television campaign which features Jessica Alba in a muzzle the likes of Hannibal Lechter would qualify as an unattractive offering. I’ve got to admit that I don’t truly get the imagery of lovely Jessica Alba in a muzzle which is meant to inspire me to get out and vote or ‘keep my mouth shut.’ I’m sure it is also intended to get people talking like I’m doing right now. But, Jessica dear, you are not at your most attractive! Can I get one in a size large for my friend Dave? ;-)

Buy a new all-in-one printer or keep the old one

In an economic quandry: To buy a new all-in-one printer or keep the old one? Have you seen the latest OfficeDepot specials where you can buy this all-in-one HP printer for only $104.99? It normally sells for $149.99, but for a limited time, you can save $45.00. Personally, that $104.99 price makes it mighty tempting to me.

You see, I have an all-in-one printer that can also scan and fax. It's an Epson RX-500. I love my all-in-one, BUT, it costs me more than $104.99 for the 6 OEM ink cartridges. I'm into being green and eco-friendly, so I do recycle all those OEM cartridges for a whopping $0.50/each. CompUSA used to give me $3.00 a piece, but stopped that practice a couple of years ago. Some of my friends have their cartridges refilled, but I prefer the OEM cartridges.

This is what doesn't make any sense to me: You can get that brand new all-in-one HP printer for only $104.99 AND it come with INK, of course. Or, you can simply keep your old Epson printer and restock it with ink cartridges that cost you MORE than $104.99. What would you do?

Let me see, I can probably donate the Epson RX-500 to Goodwill if they will take it. You see, the last time we tried to donate our computer and monitor, there was a big sign at the local donating station: "NO COMPUTERS OR MONITORS." One of my former coworkers Gary says he has a bunch of 'old' printers stacked up some place in a corner. "Hey, it's cheaper to buy a new one rather than restock the old one with ink."

Hey, it's an economic quandry in this day and age when we are looking at where we can cut costs.

DIY becoming more complicated

Hmmm, ever notice that DIY is becoming more complicated these days? Yep, the next time you decide to tackle a so-called do-it-yourself [DIY] project around the house, you better have the yellow pages handy! We didn't need to resort to the yellow pages, but we did know better to call a friend of ours, Roy, who is a handyman of sorts freelancing since he retired from his normal programming job.

We have been debating for more than a few months about replacing our beat up front door. After shopping Home Depot online, we identified a few possible fiberglass doors that would work for our 36" x 80" wooden door. Before committing to that Home Depot door, we consulted with our next door neighbor Joe who happily offered to help us get a door through his construction company. When Joe came back with the initial figures, we opted for a so-called cheap fix with the Home Depot door.

On September 27th, we picked up the door and brought it home. It was too heavy for me to lift with hubby, so we engaged Joe's son to help put it in the garage. It wasn't until Saturday, October 11th, that Roy was able to schedule time in his busy schedule to help with the install. The idea was that we would take the new door out of the frame and simply swap out the hinges and install it where the old door was.

Well, that was until we got to the final step after measuring to confirm the hinge placements. Those were supposedly spot-on. But the other side of the door wasn't lining up. It looked like we would need to fill the holes where the deadlock was placed. Next thing I know, hubby is in my office reaching for my tape gun. "What are you doing?" I asked. "The door isn't going to fit." he says. "What?"

The Feather River fiberglass door is NOT a 36" x 80" door after all! It actually is more like 36" x 79-1/4". If you want to have that door, you will need to totally 'tear apart' your front door frame to put it in ... in the frame that it comes in! It will not work in the existing door frame.

Hmmm, I do recall the young man in Home Depot telling us that it is RARE, extremely rare, that a door, any door, will fit exactly. Now why is that I want to know? Isn't a front door standard? Shouldn't a front door be standard? Well, I guess after all, size does matter! Must have been a man who designed those doors. After all, 79-1/4" is 80".

By the way! You might have heard that I am one of the blondes that DIY. Oh, I have been doing it yourself, or myself, for so many years.

A Wordle for my blog

What you are seeing is a Wordle for this blog! As of August 1, 2008, the 100,000 wordle had been created. It's rather like a tag cloud for web pages, blogs, lenses, or a compilation of text that has been submitted.

You can create your very own Wordle by #1 pasting in text, #2 adding a web page URL, or #3 adding a del.icio.us user's name to grab their tags. Once your Wordle is created, you can customize the layout, font, and colors. Pretty darn cool if I say so myself!

Jonathan Feinberg is the mastermind and inventory of Wordle. He's a Senior Software Engineer at IBM Research.

Schmap's Prague digital travel guide

Our last Eastern European vacation entailed a trip to The Czech Republic. We began our stay in Prague and then ventured out into the countryside, finally staying in the castled town of Cesky Krumlov.

I previously worked for a FujiFilm company, so you can well imagine that my enthusiasm for photography became piqued when that company sponsored an employee photo contest. No digital photos were allowed at that time, only film. The customs agents must surely have thought that I was some professional photographer with my Nikon N-75 camera with Sigma lenses and 36 rolls of film! However, by the time that we visited The Czech Republic, I was no longer with that FujiFilm company. And, I was no longer shooting film, but had a nifty FujiFilm FinePix V10 digital camera. I was able to take hundreds of pictures during that visit.

It was one of those pictures that got noticed by Emma Williams, Managing Editor, Schmap Guides. Emma selected my picture of a absolutely beautiful Louis Vuitton red and black designer handbag. I just heard today that my picture had made the final selection to be included in their Prague digital travel guide! Check out that marvelous LV handbag -- oh, I want one!

Schmap Guides -- Schmap’s series of digital travel guides integrates dynamic maps with useful background reading, suggested tours, photos from the traveling public and reviews by local correspondents (for sights and attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, parks, theaters, galleries, museums and more) to profile 200 destinations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

I took a lot of pictures from our trip to The Czech Republic ... a trip of a lifetime!

Don't call us we'll call you

The funniest thing happened the other day; not ha-ha kind of funny, but curiously ironic kind of funny. You see, I am one of those stone age type of gals who is NOT physically-connected to her cell phone. Yep, that's right -- I know you probably find this pretty surprising. My cell phone is used primarily in case of emergencies, like a fire extinguisher. In case I get a flat tire, run out of gas, god forbid I have an accident -- you know!

I am sitting at work, and I've been thinking for a few days that my cell phone has a problem. "It simply won't hold a charge and I never HEAR it ring." That's what I told dear old hubby. Hey, even our printer said so -- he told me he called me several times the week before yet I never heard his call. Yep, I saw a message from the printer saved on the phone, but I never heard it ring! So, back to I'm sitting at work, and THE PHONE RINGS! Yikes, loud and clear -- too loud in fact. "Hello," I say in my ever-so-sweet cell phone answering voice. "Lemmee speak to Sean!" the curt female voice shouts out. "Hey, ya got the wrong number!!" I respond.

So, I guess my cell phone does work after all. But, funny thing ... it was a wrong number! Figures, doesn't it?

P.S. That cat is working with me to promote First Coast No More Homeless Pets and all the fine things that they do in our community. Want to know more about them? Not only do they help with the spaying and neutering of feral cats in Northeastern Florida, but they are now providing vaccinations for domestic pets!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

Have you heard the latest buzz from Secret, THE deodorant company? Sshh, it really isn't much of a secret that their latest word of mouth marketing that's got all the girls talking is the hunt for the diamond! It's that faux diamond that is being hidden in Secret Flawless deodorant.

Yep, if you are lucky enough to find one of those faux diamonds, you can redeem it for an incredible, flawless $15,000 one-carat diamond. I'm personally hoping for my favorite cut; i.e., a princess cut diamond!

For me this is a no-brainer type of contest! You see, Secret has been my deodorant of choice for many a year and it's on my shopping list. So, I might be buying a couple of the Secret Flawless deodorants -- hmmmm, I wonder if my hubby might like one?

Bargains from Jaguar Julie Designs eCrater Store

The time has sincerely passed for getting a bargain at my eCrater Store. Incorporating my 'passion for fashion' into my picks which include clothing, accessories, jewelry and some gift ideas. You'll find recognizable name brands along with one of my Eastern European favorite, Lalo Orna, the most amazing resin jewelry and accessories that are made in Bulgaria.

As I transitioned into my retirement from the corporate world, I opted to scale back a variety of my online activities. That included shuttering my eCrater Store that had been in existence for a very long time. Thanks to those of you who purchased designer items from my store. I hope that you are enjoying your fabulous finds.

REMEMBER: Be fashionable, be unique, be the best that you can be!

Are you in the tribe of Seth Godin

The word is already out now about Seth Godin's inviting a few to join a members-only tribe. Seth originally posted about this on his blog on July 29, 2008; however, when I found a fellow blogmistress's blog, she claimed to already be #505 on this list.

Well, I've yet to get word of my acceptance -- I read that they are coming out in 'batches' and that the response has been hearty to say the least. I've got the book Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us ordered from Amazon for $10.97 [oh, how I so love Amazon] and have gotten Amazon's confirmation that the book is due to be shipped earlier than expected.

A tribe for marketers, for leaders, for those focused on building communities or creating products or spreading ideas.

Word of the tribe couldn't come at a better time for me in that I'm ready to tackle the next phase of the social media platform.

Back to school never looked this good

Back to school never looked this good in my day and age. Looking back to when I was in grade school, I can honestly say that I don't recall anyone having a backpack. Heck, backpacks -- if they were around back then -- were meant for camping and hiking, but not as an accessory for carrying books. If I were in school today, I would surely have several different backpacks to stylize with my daily fashions.

Much to my delight, I found a designer, Kara Buttimer, who definitely gets it when you are talking about incorporating fashion, style and functionality into backpacks. In 2003, she founded the brand of KaraB for her line of laptop bags and backpacks. As she has past that dreaded 5-year mark for designers, Kara Buttimer is doing a great job of capturing a market share with her stylish accessories.

She's kept her line to just four different bag styles ...

Each style has special features to make it even more useful than the usual bag—from adjustable shoulder straps to styles that convert from a briefcase to a backpack. Using easy-to-care-for fabrics that range from neon bright faux patent leathers to sophisticated tweeds, every season offers a new collection of fabulous fabrics and colors.

Check out the Best Backpacks out there on Amazon.

Neoprene lunch tote and handbag

What's made of neoprene and can transition from a lunch tote to a handbag? For those of you who like to blend a little fashion in a lunch tote, may I recommend the Gourmet Getaway Tote from Built NY! This has got to be the coolest neoprene tote available on the market today. If you're a giant squid or scuba diver, you probably hace a wetsuit that is made of neoprene. Can you imagine that resourceful inventor who decided to try neoprene as a waterproof fabric in fashion accessories? Wow, I'd like to meet that guy ... or gal.

Well, back to the getaway tote ... it's practical and versatile in that you can transition it from your lunch tote to a handbag in case it's a rainy day. I'm thinking it'd work really well at Jaguars' games as it always seems to rain in the end zone. There's a handy soft gripper style handle along with that necessary interior pocket for your cellphone, blackberry, wallet, lipstick or keys! When not in use, it flattens for easy storage or packing in your suitcase! It comes in a Mars color of brown for men and a Venus color of cranberry red for the ladies. I've got to get a couple of these and see if they'll work to carry my Amazon Kindle.

Squid Angels and Victoria Secret angel wannabes

Calling all you Squid Angels and Victoria Secret angel wannabes! Yes, you too can dress like an angel this Halloween with Heavenly Feathered Angel Wings that are assembled of real feathers. Would you believe that old-time Hollywood costume design techniques were used to produce these angelic wings?
Fly fly my little angel!

If you're a Squidoo Squid Angel, you probably would want one of these! If you're a Victoria Secret angel wannabe, well these might be just the thing. Or, how about surprising your sweetie as a special anytime present?

A few leggings in your wardrobe

You simply must have a few leggings in your wardrobe! I've been wearing leggings on and off for the past several years and am happy to report that they have caught on again as a fashion trend. What's that they say about fashion repeating itself; that is, if you hang on to something long enough that it will once more be in vogue?

Ah, my closet has lots of those type of clothing items awaiting the next fashion revival. Thankfully, leggings are here again as a necessary fashion staple that can transition from that yoga or pilates class to the office and out on the town.

When I spotted Laura Dahl's classy leggings, I was immediately smitten. You know, she designs the absolute classiest of chic apparel in the softest of cotton blends with just enough lycra for stretch and comfort.

I've got my eye on two of her leggings in particular -- the Tiny Dancers and the Fancy Dancers. I like these because of the rhinestone embellishments!

Find your best asset in a pair of Sexy Leggings from Amazon!

P.S. Call me the maven of sexy leggings -- yes indeed!

GYMS Pacific Bags

GYMS Pacific Bags -- It is Poppy Flower Power and More! Back to school never looked this good! It's the GYMS Pac laptop sleeves and bags from GYMS Pacific. I've always been a fan of accessories that are made of neoprene. You get the water-resistance along with the capability to wash your bags. That's a must have in our household. The artwork decorating these bags are beautiful and hip -- particularly, there's the poppy that harkens to Georgia O'Keefe.

GYMS Pacific Laptop Bags with Poppy Flower

This GYMS Pac MacBook Pro Poppy 17" Sleeve measures 15.5 x 10.5 x 1 inches and comes in the most delicious colors.

Interested in something a little different? Not to worry as you can experience some scenic designs such as the Sukie laptop bags from GYMS Pacific:

GYMS Pacific - Sukie Laptop Bags

The GYMS Pac MacBook Pro Sukie 15.4" Sleeve measures 14 x 9.5 x 1 inches.

GYMS Pacific CD Case - Poppy Flower

Last, but certainly not the least is the cutest poppy CD case I think I've ever seen! This definitely reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe's poppy flower -- one of the posters that hung in my chic studio apartment in Atlanta a number of years ago!

This poppy CD case holds up to 24 CDs or DVDs and measures 6.25 x 6.25 x 1.25 inches. Gosh, I sure wish I could find a little clutch bag like this -- maybe I can make this into a clutch bag? I'll have to try and let you know.

P.S. It's 2019 and I am revisiting this article on a very cool line of bags. I've actually still got a laptop bag along with the poppy flower CD case in my collection and NEVER used them. Oh man.

Zoppini Corset jewelry

Corset jewelry is slightly naughty, but oh so nice! I am a big fan of the Zoppini Zo-Dark - Corset Lacing Stainless Steel Cuff Bracelet. It's definitely sensual, yet quite feminine as a cuff bracelet that is made of polished stainless steel.

Zoppini Zo-Dark Corset Cuff Bracelet

The slightly naughty part is the black corset lacing that graces the front of the bracelet.

As this piece of corset jewelry is made in Italy, you can count on a bit of extravagance along with a stylish accent. Made in Italy.

You'd expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for such a unique jewelry item, but you can get it for $106.00 from Forzieri.

It might be difficult to locate this corset cuff bracelet; however, you can find some pretty amazing cuff bracelets on Amazon!

Check out the Zoppini Charms at Amazon.

Party in a little black dress

What's a party without a little black dress? If you've got a special event, party, or just plain want to have fun and celebrate, you simply MUST have a little black dress. If you look in my closet, you'll find several.

I'm a style fashionista who has been promoting the little black dress well before it became known simply as LBD or even gained the popularity of having it's own nickname -- the 'little black dress.' Black is one color that populates my wardrobe a bit more than my hubby perhaps would like. "You're always wearing black!" he's heard to declare on one too many occasions. "I like black -- it's my color." I tell him. "Lay off!"

When I first started writing online about little black dresses, it seemed there were just a few designers designing an LBD that was really hot and stylish. Nowadays, you can probably find one or two or more such dresses that are worthy of purchasing from the many different fashion designers. Of note, Betsey Johnson gets my vote for the most fun and flirty! She must surely know how much I am a fan of ruffles. Ella Moss makes it on my list because I so love embroidery and apparel that incorporates the embroidered look. LaROK essentially rocks when it comes to uniqueness and the attention to detail.

Betsey Johnson Ruffle Dress in Black: Betsey Johnson is a staple in the fashion industry, in which she is known for her unique and original designs that are usually known for being over the top.

The Ruffled Dress in Black is no exception with its swoop neckline, and puffed sleeves with two inch ruffle hemline. The chiffon minis comfortable fit, that will hug your body in all the right places, has a five inch ruffled bottom hemline. Darted seems on the bust adds a more flattering fit to this sexy little black dress. Fabric Content: shell 100% silk, lining 100% polyester.

Ella Moss Ivy Embroidered Dress in Black: Radiating effortless style, Ella Moss is casual, comfortable and fashionable. The Ivy Embroidered Dress is a classic sleeveless round neck dress. Along the front there is flower embroidery which is accented by yellow, and tan details. There is also a 5 1/2 banded hem along the bottom which adds sophistication. Fabric Content: 100% Rayon.

LaROK Sweetie Dress in Black: LaROKs elegant creations use luxurious fabrics and exquisite attention to detail. The Sweetie Dress in Black has a sassy cut-out below the neckline on the front and back. The dress features a silk square neckline and sexy stretch material throughout the body which makes it hug your every curve. Fabric Content: shell: 94% micro modal, 6% spandex, combo: 100% silk.

Jordi Labanda Bags

Jordi Labanda has designed some of the hippest bags on the market! His line is fun, funky, trendy, stylish, sophisticated and all that jazz! If you are 'young at heart' or know someone who is, I've found a great selection of his cute bags along with some of the best backpacks for back to school.

I've been a bag enthusiast for quite a few years. Not only have I written about the best bags ever and the best backpacks for work and school, but I have been a seller of handbags and accessories.

Best Bags Ever for Back to School, Work, Travel : You Name It! I have my discriminating eye set on the best designers around!

• Best Backpacks for Work and School 
• Neoprene Lunch Totes 

KitchenAid Artisan Mixers Colorize Your Kitchens

KitchenAid Artisan Mixers : How to Colorize Your Kitchens. The colorful line of KitchenAid Artisan Mixers are a great way to add a little color to your kitchens! What is my favorite kitchen appliance? Why that is easy to answer -- it's the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer! Why? Well, certainly the brand name strength and reliability of KitchenAid and Whirlpool appliances would be utmost in my opinion ... KitchenAid Artisan Mixers : A Popular and Colorful Line of Mixers.

Check out the fabulous features of the KitchenAid Artisan Mixers:

• 325-watt mixer with 10 speeds
• 5-quart stainless steel bowl
• Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture
• 1 piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
• Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip
• Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches
• 1-year warranty

I bet you can't pick just one of these! I know I can't!

You will love Go Pink and Cook for the Cure with KitchenAid Pink Appliances and Gadgets * Cook for the Cure. I've been supporting the Susan G. Komen charity for a number of years. My college social fraternity of Zeta Tau Alpha has long earmarked this charity for their charitable work.

In the Kitchen, think KitchenAid for beautifully colorful Artisan Mixers with colors that defy the rainbow!

KitchenAid Cook for the Cure Think Pink

Cook for the Cure : Think Pink in Your Kitchen. Have you seen KitchenAid's wonderful line of pink kitchen appliances and gadgets? Yes, KitchenAid has the coolest line of pink Cook for the Cure kitchen appliances and gadgets in support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

I have been a supporter of Susan G. Komen's charity for a number of years -- it is the official charity of my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Well, even if it wasn't the ZTA charity, I would still be a supporter as cancer claimed the life of my grandmother, Julia Nagy.

Pink is such a pretty, soothing, feminine color for your kitchen. What a better way to colorize than with a pink KitchenAid Artisan Mixer. With your purchase, a portion of the price is donated to this great charity!

You too can show your support for this wonderful charity and also be in the pink, stylizing your kitchen with KitchenAid Pink Appliances and Gadgets * Cook for the Cure.

Be sure to check out a rainbow of colors for your kitchen with KitchenAid Artisan Mixers : A Popular and Colorful Line of Mixers.

Where did that saying originate

So, did you ever wonder where that saying originated? Ah, another day at the office and we are 'all' working hard ... some of us more than others perhaps. Don't you just love those coworkers of yours who always seem to be on the email list for getting the 'forward this to 12 of your friends' or you will be cursed with bad fortune?

Oh, and don't forget to send it back to me when you send it to those dozen or so friends! Yeah ... well, this time, when I got such an email it was from dear old hubby! You see, yes--he's a typical guy and he golfs too! So, I didn't delete this long-winded email, but opted to take time out to read it. Turns out, it's pretty interesting and worthy of posting in my blog today. Sssh, don't tell anyone I'm working though!

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have 'the rule of thumb.'
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden' ... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska.

The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% ... now get this ...

The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%.

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $16,400.

The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour: 61,000.

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David; Hearts - Charlemagne; Clubs -Alexander, the Great; Diamonds - Julius Caesar.

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 [very cool!]

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace

Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession

Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand

Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women!

Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey

Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day

In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase 'goodnight, sleep tight.'

It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.

In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.' It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's!'

Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some ser vice. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2008 when...

1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

~~~~~~~~~~~AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Now ... wasn't this worthy of a read? Oh -- just as soon as I find the culprit, I mean source, I will add that credit in this blog post as I don't want to take credit for someone else's words!

Julia Nagy My Superhero Grandmother

Julia Nagy -- My Grandmother, My Namesake, My Superhero! If you are a follower of this blog or have possibly been following the Superhero Project at Squidoo, you've undoubtedly seen my lens celebrating the greatness of my own grandmother Julia Nagy.

This was my very first Superhero lens as in my life, there has been no greater influence that my grandmother. Grandparents have that knack for being able to contribute so much to their grandchildren that seems to surpass that of our parents. At least I know it was the case for me. Mind you, there is no less love for my mother and absolutely no less respect for her. But, there is just SOMETHING about a person's grandmother!



Imagine my pleasant surprise today when I checked on my grandmother's lens to find that it had broken through into the much-coveted lensrank of Top 100, to hit #98 amongst all Squidoo lenses. To me, this means an additional honor to my grandmother of "Queen for a Day!" To get to that particular Top 100 lensranking doesn't just happen! There are a lot of special forces behind the scenes making some magic happen. Great readers and visitors plus some special squid angels bestowing their blessings help lenses to rise in lensrank. Thank you to each and every one of you. Some how, I believe that my grandmother is aware of this special honor. I thank you for her.

Seth Godin wrote Superheroes don't have a look, but they definitely have an attitude. They're restless and impatient, but, here's the cool paradox, they're also calm and patient. Patient because they realize that change takes a while. Patient because they understand that if it's worth doing, it's worth getting through the Dip. Impatient and restless, though, because they refuse to accept the status quo.

My grandmother faced ‘the Dip’ more than once in her rather short-lived life – she only lived to her early 70s, preceded by the death of my grandfather at the age of 67. She faced her first ‘Dip’ early in life at the age of 10 when she was already working to help support her mother and family. Later, and recently married, the Great Depression hit in 1929 – the very year my mother was born. Two years later, along came a second child – My uncle. I’ve heard stories from my mother that my grandmother suffered a nervous breakdown at 28 at which time her hair turned completely platinum-gray. Yet, my grandmother NEVER gave up.

I was in ninth grade when my mother and the 4 kids moved into my grandparent’s 2-bedroom bungalow on Cleveland’s Westside. We all got to know our grandparents MUCH better during that one-year of up-close-and-personal living. Unfortunately, the ‘stress’ of 4 spirited kids probably contributed to my grandfather’s last stroke and ultimate death one year later. Through it all, my grandmother was my superhero. I somehow knew about how hard it was for her to lose her partner, my grandfather. I knew that there were times when she would go down her basement to scream and cry – lamenting her loss.

Years after my grandmother’s passing, my mother and I made a trip to Lily Dale where I had my first spiritual reading. That particular reading gave me some sort of feeling that of the two ‘spiritual’ presences seen on either side of me, my grandmother Julia Nagy was surely one! Ah, the thought to think that she may still be ‘with’ me today. If I had but one wish, oh that my grandmother [and my grandfather] were alive and well today.

My grandmother was a remarkable woman and total inspiration to me. From her, I learned my drive and sense of determination to persevere. She was my namesake and my superhero.

My New Favorite Gadget Amazon Kindle

Well, I couldn't wait to be put on the tester list for this cool wireless reader from Amazon. And, I wasn't waiting to find it under my Christmas tree either. SO, I will have this baby in my hot little hands on June 26th! Be sure to keep an eye out as I write about my life becoming more wireless and how cool it is to travel without lugging a paperback book -- only a wireless reader the size of a paperback! It always was a bit difficult to pick just one book to take anyways ... now I am feeling pretty stoked in that I can pick from so many Kindle ebooks. Woot!

I am gaga over Amazon's Kindle. This wireless reading device is the HOT new must-have gadget that has gotten a lot of good buzz!

The experts are buzzing, as are bestselling authors, about the Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon! IMHO, the Kindle is the future of reading. Why pack a paperback book when you can pack your Kindle with a capacity to hold over 200 titles? It's lightweight, wireless, and customizable with 6 different font sizes.

My hubby too is all-a-buzz about this wireless reader. You see, he develops pressroom products for the Graphic Arts Industry; i.e. the PRINTING Industry -- this type of computer gadget CAN definitely impact the future of printing! You can bet that I've got his attention ... have I also got yours?

Cool features of this paperback-sized reader include:

• Easy to read: Revolutionary 6" diagonal E-Ink® electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
• Display: 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 4-level gray scale.
• Portable Size: 7.5" x 5.3" x 0.7"
• Lightweight and thin: Weighs only 10.3 ounces -- Lighter and thinner than a paperback.
• Capacity: Holds over 200 titles.

Take a closer look at the Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device and you be the judge ... after our flatscreen LCD TV, laptop, DVD player, digital camera, and iPod, this is the latest techie must-have for our household.

The Color Yellow Sunshine Shopping Guide

The Color Yellow -- A Happy, Sunshine Shopping Guide. When I am wearing the color yellow or driving my yellow car -- I am so much happier! Yes, wearing the color yellow and driving my super bright yellow car finds me in a happier state of mind. Have you tried it yet?



What is it about the psychology of the color yellow in that it has the capability to perk us up? Wear Sunshine with the Color Yellow!

Expanding Your Lens Publishing Power

Expanding Your Lens Publishing Power :: A Squidoo How-To From a Mega Giant Squid! Hot off the presses of Squidu Review ...

Hello Lensmasters!The question is often asked on the forum, “How long is too long for a lens?” The answer varies, depending on the topic of the lens, the target audience, the types of modules, etc. However, if you are thinking about breaking your lens into smaller parts, or creating new ones to showcase new information, additional lenses can boost your linking power and give you new opportunities to get found online.

This week, Giant Squid Jaguar Julie teaches us how to expand your lens repertoire by creating new lenses from old ones.

***

Making New Lenses Out of Old Lenses

As Squidoo fanatics, many of us have loooooong lenses that we developed on our favorite topics. Is this the best way to go? There’s nothing wrong with a few long lenses, but many smaller lenses to compliment them can be very powerful as well.

When your readers notice that you have several lenses on one topic, they’ll be more interested in seeing what you have to say. “The more you have to say about one topic, the more people will think you know about it.” says Kimberly Dawn Wells. And, not only that, but “more lenses equals more links equals more opportunity to be found.”

You can take what Kimberly says “to the bank” as your Squidoo royalties will increase with more focused lenses too! How does that work?

Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device

Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device is TDF! Update: In October, Oprah gave her seal of approval with the $50 off promotion. I missed that incentive as I had already purchased my Kindle in June, well before Oprah recommended it.

As you've undoubtedly read, I am gaga over Amazon's Kindle -- the wireless reading device -- the hottest gadget in our household at the moment. I paid $359.00 in June 2008 for mine.

The experts and bestselling authors are buzzing about the Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon! IMHO, the Kindle is the future of reading. Why pack a paperback book when you can pack your Kindle with a capacity to hold a couple of hundred titles? It's lightweight, wireless, and customizable with 6 different font sizes -- I like size #3!

My hubby too is pretty excited about this wireless reader. You see, he develops pressroom products for the Graphic Arts Industry; i.e. the PRINTING Industry -- this type of computer gadget CAN definitely impact the future of printing!

And, now I am testing out the experimental mode by browsing online -- that is pretty cool and a recommend for buying this hot gadget.

Cool features of this paperback-sized reader include:

• Easy to read: Revolutionary 6" diagonal E-Ink® electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
• Display: 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 4-level gray scale.
• Portable Size: 7.5" x 5.3" x 0.7"
• Lightweight and thin: Weighs only 10.3 ounces -- Lighter and thinner than a paperback.
• Capacity: Holds over 200 titles.

Take a closer look at the Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device and you be the judge ... after our flatscreen LCD TV, laptop, DVD player, digital camera, and iPod, this is the latest techie must-have for our household.

Givenchy designer style

Givenchy :: A designer style that is a personal favorite. I simply adore the ever-appealing style of Givenchy ... It's Audrey Hepburn style that is so in demand today!

When I think of Givenchy, I think of Audrey Hepburn! I feel passionate about the Givenchy designer brand as it is my favorite designer line. Attention all you trend spotters: It is my prediction that this is a designer to watch and that there will be a resurgence in the brand.

Hubert de Givenchy was born February 21, 1927 in Beauvais, France into a wealthy family. Impressed by the 1937 World's Fair in Paris, young de Givenchy decided he wanted to work "somewhere in fashion design".

He studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris. His first designs were done for Jacques Fath in 1945, later he did designs for Lucien Lelong (1946) — working alongside the still-unknown Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior. From 1947 to 1951 he worked for the famous avantgarde designer Elsa Schiaparelli. In 1952, he founded the The House of Givenchy.

Did you know that the Givenchy Nightingale made in Italy leather satchel is one of the latest IT bag of the stars? It's actually been popular for the past year and can be seen for sale on eBay in a variety of colors. I personally like to stick with basic black for this type of bag as it the classic color. Here is that bag in patent leather.

I have been a collector of Givenchy designer handbags, accessories, jewelry, and clothing for several years. In the mood to shop for fabulous Givenchy designer handbags? Check out my exclusive Givenchy Designer collection for sale.

Check out my article on Givenchy - the Designer.

Jaguar Julie Designs Logo Contest

YES, it was a CONTEST open to all Squidoo Lensmasters!

Announcing that we had a contest and everybody came and participated. We received a boatload of creative logo designs for consideration. The winner was squidster Anne!

ARCHIVE INFORMATION: Here's the scoop! Jaguar Julie, that's me, is in need of a logo for her company, that's Jaguar Julie Designs. Yep, she designs logos, BUT, you know that story about the cobbler's children going without shoes?

It's much the same with Jaguar Julie -- she's got designer's BLOCK when it comes to her own logo!

Get all the scoop on this contest and find out how to enter. Want to know what you can win too? Visit my Squidoo lens to find out more!

So, have you got what it takes to design Jaguar Julie Designs' logo? Go ahead, what are you waiting for?

Country Club Cats of DeerCreek

Tigger the Country Club Cat of DeerCreek

Country Club Cats :: Howz about them? Have your heard the news yet about them Country Club Cats???

No, I'm not talking about a musical group or a bunch of golfers!

I'm talking about country club cats as in a feral cat colony that has overtaken the neighborhood where I live. For the most part, our country club cats are quite social and are relatively well-behaved. There are a couple of them who keep their distance.

Not all the neighbors are so positive or welcoming when asked how they feel about these cats. We have stepped up to do our part with managing this feral cat colony. In January 2008 one male was neutered and thus far we're just past April Tax Day ... we've had 5 females spayed already! My pocket-book is draining dry. Thankfully, I've sold a couple of Squidoo lenses [some call it flipping!] to help fund my spaying and neutering fees. It's not free, ya know!

Hmmm, I wonder if any of this is tax-deductible??? Well, poor poor country club cats as next up on our agenda is to capture the 3 dominant, male ferals. Now, I've gotten to know them fairly well -- I can actually touch and pet two of them, but the cutest one 'Papa Fluff' is still not comfortable with me getting too close. It'll be a sad day when we turn these 3 over to Animal Care and Control ... but we see no other options for our neighborhood. I am very sad about this!!!

P.S. Thank our lucky stars for FCNMHP in Jacksonville Florida!

You know, it is 2019 as I am revisiting this article and thinking back on Tigger the Cat. A Country Club Cat. He was such a sweet boy.

The Importance of Topicability

Topicability : The Importance of Topicability -- Squidoo Lenses and Elsewhere. Ah, the importance of being TOPICAL! Inspired by Squidoo, I'm announcing the launch of Topicability : The Blog which made its debut on April 8, 2008!

Topicability : that which is relevant, of current interest, contemporary, spot-on.

Being a Giant Squid, Squid Angel, and prolific Lensmaster, I have learned first-hand the importance of Topicability particularly in how that translates to lensranking. I'm no stranger to blogging either, having womaned this very blog Jaguar Julie : Blog On! since December 2004.

I hope that you'll take some time to check out Topicability : The Blog where I'll be featuring Squidoo lenses that I happen upon which are spot-on topical!

HOW TO ADD YOUR LENS: Oh, want me to check out your Squidoo lenses for topicability to be featured in my Topicability Blog? Add your comment to this blog post and let me know how your Squidoo lens is topicable!

P.S. I guess you could say that a bit of my inspiration from 'yesterday' is the Oscar Wilde play, The Importance of Being Earnest. Have you seen the movie or read the book yet?

Buy Jaguar Julie Squidoo Lenses

Do you want to get started on Squidoo and need a little help ?

Well, Jaguar Julie to the rescue! Why not buy one of Jaguar Julie's developed lenses? While many are not for sale and will probably never be for sale -- no matter what the price as they are PRICELESS -- there are at the minimum 25 lenses that can be yours. Take a look at my variety of lenses and let me know which one you are interested in purchasing. Prices range from $125-$250 USD.

Why am I doing this? All the women in my family have always been more than active caring for 'many' animals. One of my sisters now has some 8 cats and 4 dogs that she cares for as she rescued them from the homeless shelter where she works. There is something in our genes that make us caregivers with respect to the homeless and unwanted pets.On Friday, March 28th, 2008, I had a one-half hour phone call with an officer from my county. It was a very sobering conversation as we discussed the services of the Humane Society, Animal Care and Control, Caboodle Ranch, and First Coast No More Homeless Pets. It was my call to action!

P.S. A portion of the purchase price will be donated to First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) and Critter Connection.

Get a new suitcase

Does Your Suitcase Have a Lot of Miles on It? Checked luggage can take a real beating! Is your luggage damaged, out-of-date, OR lost and you need a replacement?

So, has the airlines maybe LOST your luggage or did they FIND it and now it looks like it's been around the world more times than the space shuttle? Are you in the market for a stylish and trendy piece of luggage? I've been shopping around for another fashionable suitcase that will distinguish mine from the next traveler. It's amazing the variety of bags you have to pick from these days.

As I was searching through all the variety of suitcases, I opted to buy one for my hubby who was toting around a very beat-up Travelpro Crew 5 22" carry-on. I replaced that bag with a black Crew 6 which is new and improved. Would you believe, he won't give up that old suitcase so that I can donate it to the Goodwill.

I've picked out some stylish luggage that I personally would like to own. At the moment, I really like the Heys styles too! Maybe you'll find something you like, as well. A number of years ago, I had a very nice Hartmann bag that was given to me as a gift. Hartmann is certainly a stylish and quality brand and I would love to own one. I must have sold the one I had at a yard sale because I can't seem to locate it. You'll find a variety of stylish Hartmann luggage as it's still one of my favorites. Does Your Suitcase Have a Lot of Miles on It? Well, get a new one!

Who is Jaguar Julie on Squidoo

Who is Jaguar Julie on Squidoo? This Lensography, Jaguar Julie Lensography, hopes to answer that question as inquiring minds want to know!


I took on the name of "Jaguar Julie" when the Jacksonville Jaguars first hit town! That name became the name of my "brand" that has been primarily marketed online. Several years ago, as a supporter of Mark Brunell, our former quarterback, I sold his NFL, Premium Collection, Limited Treasures collectible bear. When Mark Brunell left town for the Washington Redskins, I later donated hundreds of these collectible bears to his local charity which benefits children.

This lensography was featured on March 7, 2008 as Lens of the Day [LOTD] making it the first of its kind to be a LOTD. No, my lensography was NOT the first lensography as there are many other lensographies to be found on Squidoo.

So, what did the honors of LOTD do for my rankings? Thanks to the wonderful people of Squidoo [there are so many cool people behind the scenes that I love each and everyone of them and would love to invite them over for dinner anytime], most importantly to all my wonderful visitors [xoxoxo] who visited my lens, and more particularly to those who took time to leave a 5 star rating [an extra xoxoxoxoxo], bah to those few who DID leave me a ONE STAR RATING* [God knows who you are!], LOTD took my lens to #1 in People! I forgot to thank God -- hey, did you know that Seth Godin is Squidoo King and actually has "god" in his name??? -- mom, dad, and those wonderful Dominican nuns with the rulers!!!

Yes, LOTD took my lens to #1 in People, and also helped to take my lens to #10 overall ranking amongst all lenses and #3 in top giants lenses. Thank you to the graciousness of Squidoo for picking my lens after TWO FULL YEARS of knocking my brains out coming up with ideas and burning up the keyboards, along with suffering through my first hard drive crash!!!

Stop by and visit me sometime ... maybe you too will be inspired enough to build your own Squidoo lens? Come on, what are YOU waiting for???

* P.S. If you are feeling regrets or a tad remorseful, you can go back and up those stars!
P.P.S. I want to adopt Gil !!! xoxoxo

SquidWho is Jaguar Julie

SquidWho: A people-powered Who's Who on the Web is giving other so-called people who's who on the internet a run for their money! Have you checked it out yet? Well, if not ... let me introduce you to SquidWho through this particular lens ... a subject that I know a lot about!!!

Who Is Jaguar Julie? So, just who is this Jaguar Julie you're surely asking yourselves?

A little more about me from my newest blog, Blondes that DIY.

Well, you have come to the right place for an 'organized' look at what makes Jaguar Julie tick! She's been around for more than a few years on the internet, but not long enough -- we guess -- to have a Wikipedia listing! Darn, we'll just have to fix that now won't we! HOW DO YOU GET A WIKIPEDIA LISTING ANYWHO HORTON???

A compilation of the chapters or segments of Jaguar Julie of which she is most passionate:

• BzzAgent ...
• Giant Squid and SquidAngel ...
• LOTD ...
• Lensmaster ...
• Lensographer ...
• Groupmaster ...
• Head Chef ...
• Online Seller ...
• Photographer ...
• Webmaster ...

And now that Jaguar Julie Ann Brady has retired! She is somewhat of a master gardener and yard person. Plus, photographer, designer, writer et. al.

Martha Stewart is Reading My Lenses

Martha Stewart is Reading My Lenses! Have you been watching Martha Stewart's TV Show lately?

Well, I have and I have thought for quite some time that she's obviously reading Squidoo lenses for ideas to feature on her TV show! Some of you might say it's just a coincidence, but I don't know about that! Maybe Martha Stewart is just on the same wave length as me? Or, better yet ... she and her staff have recognized the topicability of Squidoo lenses? Hey, Monkeybrain, is topicability a word?

UPDATE: I have deleted the lens: Martha Stewart is Reading My Lenses.

Let me show you what I'm talking about ... come take a look at this lens and make up your own mind! You can actually voice your opinion at the end of the lens, after doing your own empirical research within my lens. I present the segments from Martha Stewart's TV Show and follow that up with my lens -- all of which were created well before Martha's segments aired.

P.S. Be on the lookout for upcoming Martha Stewart TV Shows as she may be reading YOUR lens and featuring YOUR topic. Have YOU recognized the topicability of Squidoo?

By the way, you do know that Martha Stewart helped to popularize Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipes along with Polish Pierogi? Yumm ... some of my favorite ethnic comfort foods.

Thinking back on this lens, it sure was funny at the time! Very topicable stuff. Martha Stewart and I have moved on to other things. She was even working with Snoop Dog! arf arf ...

Jaguar Julie Giant Squid

Giant Squid Sighting:  It's Jaguar Julie Giant Squid! Achieving the ranks of Giant Squid: What you can do to join me!

Yes, you too can be a Giant Squid on Squidoo. In the Summer of 2007, when the call went out to us lensmasters on Squidoo, the challenge was to create 100 interesting and topical lenses, by August 31, 2007, in order to earn the honor of being a Giant Squid. I do believe a few lensmasters, if not a lot, offered a bit of mild protest as "thee asketh too mucheth! 100 lenses, how can I accomplish that?"

Well, the mighty powers that be decided to scale back the challenge to a mere 50 lenses along with moving the deadline to September 4th. However, for me sitting at some 3 dozen, that number was still a wee challenge what with a normal 8-5 job. I honkered down and in no time was past the 50, and then 75 was in sight! August 31, 2007 was quickly approaching and I was ALMOST at 100!

Then, the UNTHINKABLE happened!!! OMG, I had a hard drive crash ... Aside from nearly flipping my wig, I realized that I hadn't done a data backup in weeks!!! Well, read about how I survived the hard drive crash, attained 100 lenses, and earned Giant Squid status. I'll also give you some pointers and tips so that you too can become a Giant Squid if that is what you desire!

P.S. I think I smell something fishy! lol

Jaguar Julie Squidoo SquidAngel

What it means to be a Squidoo SquidAngel: Blessings to you, my dear! An Angel Gets its Wings: Jaguar Julie Squidoo SquidAngel.

This is the SECOND instance, as the first instance was on Squidoo, that I've actually written about my Catholic upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio, and what an impact it had on my spiritual being. You see, it was the nuns and priests that I encountered in elementary and grade school who instilled in me strong Christian beliefs, particularly in Heaven and in Angels!

Then, after my grandparents all passed on it was in Lily Dale, a spiritualist community in Chautauqua County that I had my first spiritual reading. At that time, I was told that there were auras around me of two women; i.e. my grandmothers. They were likened to my particular guardian angels.

So, since my early days of schooling to today, I have had an appreciation for angels and take the role of Squidoo SquidAngel quite seriously! "Never treat such a blessing lightly my dear!" Want to know more about it? Well ... what are you waiting for!

P.S. What kind of angel are YOU???

Squidoo LOTD Jaguar Julie Lensography

A Squidoo LOTD: Lens of the Day!  Jaguar Julie Lensography. Well, here it was on a rainy and blustery Friday morning as I was working diligently on updating many of my well over 300 Squidoo lenses that I get this dear email from Lewis :-) -- that's LewisSmile you all. "Woohoo! Congratulations on lens of the day :)" says he. "Woohoo … another LOTD? I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting for more love … once is not enough!" says I. Not knowing what to make of this wonderful honor, I happened upon my Squidoo Dashboard, and there it was ...

Wow, how cool to find that my Squidoo Lensography, Jaguar Julie Lensography had earned the honor of the day of LOTD, Lens of the Day, for March 7, 2008. Read more about it LOTD: Lens of the Day.

Oh, did you know, this is my second time to have a LOTD. My first was in June 2006 for a true story about my experience with identity theft and what I did to help catch a couple of crooks. To Catch a Thief in Under 40 Days details the headache of an experience and gives you a number of pointers in how to act quickly to nab the bad guys!

How in the world did Jaguar Julie get to have 2 lenses of the day? And how can I have one too?

P.S. Hope you enjoyed a visit back to some fond memories. For posterity, I did pen a page on my Google blog about my writings as a Lensmaster.