Opening, Opening, Open!

I said I would keep you updated on my beautiful Orchid... Over the last few weeks I would wake up to find it a little further along, the stem starting another bud, or each bud getting a little closer to opening...

I woke up a few days ago to find this little one has decided to come out of her little shell...

 And this morning she has opened to show us her beauty. A little light in the darkness, life in the death of winter. Hope when it seems there is none. Thank you, Little Orchid. You brighten my days :)

A Little Bit of Colour in Winter

 I have an orchid plant that was gifted to me for Christmas in 2012 and I haven't managed to kill it yet. I love it. When it flowers, it is such a pretty, happy sight. Especially in winter, when everything is cold, white and dead.
It is that little bit of colour in the winter.

That little bit of life in death.

 That monumental struggle to break free.

That monumental struggle to just be.

New Jewellery!

Hemp Mala Bracelet

I've been very busy with my friend and business partner Mel making lots of goodies for you, which is why I haven't been around much. I am going to try to blog three times a week from now on though, so you all know I am still alive and such, what with the incredibly odd weather we've been having this winter ;)
Thankfully, it is warmer right now, and we've actually been able to clear some of the deadly ice off of our deck, front walkway and driveway! Yay!
All of this gorgeous eye candy you're seeing today is currently available in the Etsy shop, though they are selling quite well, so you'll have to hurry if you see something you like...

Memory Wire Chakra Mala Bracelet

 We now have Chakra Mala bracelets, as well as traditional Mala bracelets, for your fancy. Some with glass, as the ones above...

Gemstone Mala Chakra Bracelet

 ...And some with gemstones, like these ones. We also have more of the painstakingly knotted ones...

Turquoise, Jade and Lampwork Glass Mala Bracelet

 ...And some with gemstones and hand crafted lamp work glass beads, like these...

Tourmalinated Quartz and Lamp Work Glass Bead Mala Bracelet

This last one is one of my all-time favorites... get it while you can! Many of the jewelry pieces that have lamp work glass beads are one-of-a-kind, as I can't get these exact same focal beads again, so you'll need to strike while the iron is hot, these pieces are going fast! If you're in the Kemptville area and taking yoga classes from Mel Savoie, she will usually have these pieces with her for you to see in person (and if you purchase in person, you usually get a discount, as it saves us on postage!).

Spam, Viruses and Other Christmas Miracles

What's That? I Won a Prize in a Contest I Didn't Enter? Well Sure! Here's My Personal Banking Info!

Hey everyone, I hope you had a great Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Non-denominational family time. We did have some nice family time, in between having to deal with some pretty serious spam attacks on some of our IT clients before and after Christmas (my husband and I have a small IT consulting company that supports small businesses in and out of our province). It really served to remind us that no matter how many times we tell people how to stay safe from the "bad guys" on the internet, many people forget. So, in the spirit of giving and friendship, may I just take a few moments to help you all please?

Spam, Malware and Viruses (no, they are not the same thing), are EVERYWHERE and make a huge number of people ridiculous sums of money, so it's only going to get worse as they realize we are wising up and they come up with more and more clever ways to try and trick us. While there is no way to protect yourself 100% from having sensitive data stolen from you (unless you lock yourself in a cave and go completely off the grid, communicating with no one), there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of loss and damage when there is loss;

1. Install anti-virus AND anti-malware software on your computer. We use a combination of Microsoft Security Essentials (Score! It's free! Right here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download)
and MalWare Bytes AntiMalware (about $30 for a LIFETIME, so pretty damn good. Available here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/lp/lp4/?gclid=CJDUg56H2LsCFYg-MgodYiQA_Q ). On certain systems (Microsoft XP) you will have to tell the programs to ignore each other or you may get some "false positives", ie. one program will say the other is a virus when it's not. Here's a link to a SAFE site that helps you do that (but again, only with XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are fine) http://www.computercourage.com/antivirus/make-malwarebytes-and-microsoft-security-essentials-play-well-together-in-windows-xp/
These combo programs are great at catching just about everything that the baddies throw at you, as each program will have its own forte at finding whatever it is trying to find. Malware is different from Spam, which is different from a Virus, so you need overlapping protection, preferably as inexpensively as possible, as the bad guys are always coming up with new ways to try to trick us, which brings me to my next point...

2. Set up schedules for the programs to automatically update and scan EVERY DAY. I would recommend having the programs update at different times from each other and definitely scan at different times from each other, again, to keep them from picking each other up, but also to give your system a resource break. If you are running too many things at once, it tends to bog down your system and can really slow it down. When the updates and scans are running, I would also recommend NOT using your computer. Again, this frees up resources so your computer runs faster, and keeps the "false positive" identifications to a minimum. Just let the screen saver take over and watch those little graphics play across your blackened screen. Groovy.

3. If the programs (your own or the ones I recommended) DO show that you have a virus, or malware infection, make sure to quarantine them immediately after the scan is finished. This puts them in a safe "box" in your system so that no one can accidentally open them and cause havoc. Usually you'll see a button after the scan (or a pop-up window) that will say "Remove Items" or "Quarantine". This is important. Don't just do the scans and then ignore whatever results come back. You are an integral part of your computer's security, again, bringing me to the next point (funny how that works, huh?)...

4. Prevent malware and viruses from ever getting on to your computer in the first place. I know, I know, it is just about impossible to keep this from happening, but there are a few things you can do to be safe. DO NOT open emails from people you don't know or weren't expecting an email from. Got an email from some Ugandan dude saying you won a lottery you never entered? You didn't win, he wants your bank account number to clean you out (incidentally, you'll never get that money back. Yes, it was fraudulently obtained, but they'll never catch the guy and the banks don't look to kindly on people who give out personal banking info. You've been warned). Got a weird email from a company you can't remember ordering from, saying your order was delayed but just click this link and it'll all be good? Chances are they are trying to hijack your computer to send out spam messages to the entire planet. This is also bad as you can get your IP address flagged and blocked by every friendly internet provider on the planet. Yes, it's happened to our clients, and NO it is not fun to undo. Not only do you lose internet connectivity until the problem is addressed, if it happens too many times, your IP address (the thing you use to connect to the internet) could be PERMANENTLY blocked. Yup, you'll lose internet forever. Like, for real, yo.

5. Don't open emailed files or click on links from friends unless you were expecting them to send you a file or link. Even if it is something innocent-sounding like, "Hey, check out our latest photos! Click here", or, "Our new diet plan for New Year's", often that is a virus waiting to strike. That link is not going to take you to see drunken photos of your friends making asses of themselves in public places (pity, bargaining power is always nice), but usually taking you to a site that will automatically download a virus. Often now they are getting so smart that it will also disable your antivirus so you don't even know that there is a problem until your computer starts acting like your drunken Aunt Sally at a family BBQ. If you think it might be legitimate, email your friend asking them if they meant to send you the email. Often, their email has been hacked and they won't even know it. Unless they tell you that they sent you the file or link, DON'T CLICK ON IT. Simple as that. Also, for your work, if you receive an email that is not expected or not related to your work, IGNORE IT. If you have to open it, try opening it first on a BlackBerry or iPhone. That often will show you what is up. But even then, I wouldn't recommend it. You wouldn't want your phone to get hacked, now would you???

6. This also applies to those phone call scams, where you'll get someone obviously very foreign who supposedly has a first name like "John", calling and telling you that "your Windows computer has a virus, ok?" and that they want you to pay with a credit card to have them fix it. Not only is this dangerous in terms of credit card fraud, they will usually also ask you to go to a specific IP address (something like XXX.XXX.XXX.X but with numbers), which will then hijack your system and get all of your personal info from your computer, and maybe use your computer in Denial of Service attack - where thousands of computers are linked together to create a sort of super computer (not like the movie War Games, and not nearly as cool), that then attacks other computers. Kind of like leapfrog from hell.

7. Please, please, please always put a password on your network. Especially if you use a wireless router. If you don't, anyone can come near your house, download a bunch of porn using your connection, or hijack your connection to do some serious bad stuff. The worst part, aside from getting a huge bill from your internet provider after going over your monthly limit for downloading every "Big Butts" porno ever made? If they downloaded something illegal (like child porn- no jokes here because that is serious stuff) or used your connection to hack into someone else (also no jokes because that is also seriously illegal), YOU will be held at least partially responsible because you did not do your due diligence in preventing it from happening in the first place. Make your password a good one - a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, with numbers, and if your router will let you, symbols too, something like G3tY0ur0wnW!f! is good. but don't use that because everyone will think it's cool and try to use it. Use your own squishy brain and come up with something good. If you have to write it down, HIDE it, for the love of god. Don't just leave it anywhere. Again, this brings me to the next point...

8. Create unique passwords for everything, and keep them secret. I would also recommend changing passwords every so often. Depending on what it is, every month or so should be good. The more secure (like bank accounts), the more often you should be changing them. Don't use Sex or 1234 or P4ssw0rd, everybody knows those, and no, you are not being cute or funny or unique. Finally,

9. Know that no-one is 100% safe. Just like having your house broken into, if someone really wants something, they are going to get it. If someone really wants to mess with your computer, they will. The best offense is a good defense, as they say, so make sure you regularly back up all of your files (external drives are CHEAP and easy to copy files to) on a regular basis to prevent catastrophic loss of data or your childrens' baby photos, and be smart. Don't go to porn sites or sketchy sites on work computers or computers that hold data that you want to keep. Porn sites in particular have TONS of viruses just waiting to take over your computer (ironic, I know, you'd think porn is safer sex, but it's not, at least not for your computer and files). If you have to go to those sites, get a clean computer for cheap and don't do anything but surf porn on that one computer, leaving your other computers virtually uncontaminated. Just a thought ;)

So, my young, innocent mouse-clickers, I hope you've learned something today and remember, "Stay Alert, and Stay Safe". Thank you Bert and Gert, LOL.

Friday Features: Milusha Design

Children's Animal Nursery Art by MilushaDesign

Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Features, where today we meet wonderful artist Milusha, of Milusha Design on Etsy. Read on to discover more of this wonderful artists works and a great discount coupon code that you can use in her shop!

My name is Milusha and my shops name is MilushaDesign.  www.milushadesign.etsy.com  I am a graphic designer and illustrator and a mother of a wonderful 2.5 year old. I realized that I had a new desire to illustrate fun, bright and colourful art prints for children's nurseries using my obsession of patterns, specifically wallpaper patterns. Also, I illustrate and design unique prints for adults and their homes which are available in my shop. There are a million other creative ideas I have brewing…

Being brought up in a very artistic family, it seemed only natural that I'd fall into that profession/career. Both my maternal grandparents were "commercial artists" (designers) and my grandfather had a very successful design agency. I drew from the time I was 2 and it was more than just doing arts and crafts with my mother. It was something I truly enjoyed doing and my parents and teachers realized that it was a natural talent and encouraged me along the way. I went to school to be a designer and have been creating for 10 years now! It's great to finally be a part of the Etsy family. 

My sister is a pretty awesome crocheter and knitter and has taught me a bit. I do occasionally sit down and knit or crochet, albeit not very well. I greatly admire all those who can; but I am a very energetic "I want it done now" person and cannot seem to sit still to complete a knitting/crocheting project! I do draw (on paper) a lot. 

Giclee Blue Mountain Print by MilushaDesign

Since I have a very unique name, I decided to brand my shop after me. I realized that people would recognize it and most likely remember the name if they saw it again. It works very well.

My bestselling item is in the "Ode to India" series and is the Ganesh Limited Edition art print. I started out as selling children's art with a few adult pieces and they seem to be doing really well. I will continue exploring this.

I sell my work locally at a Children's Boutique in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada as well as on Etsy.

Owl ABC Children's Wall Print by MilushaDesign

I don't necessarily blog, however, I do a few posts weekly on my tumblr account. For those interested: www.milushadesign.tumblr.com  Here's my facebook fan page www.facebook.com/MilushaDesign If you really dig my work and would like to support me…  

My work is my passion. I take great love, care and thought into each piece that I create from scratch. I do it because I love it and I hope that people can see that. My pieces are uniquely me and I'd love to see more and more people support me and my work. My goal is to leave a mark and become a successful designer and entrepreneur. I'd also like to say thank you to all those wonderful people that do and will support me! There is nothing like encouragement! 

Also I'd like to offer the readers 15% off ALL ITEMS in  http://www.etsy.com/shop/milushadesign . Use the coupon code COMPLIMENTS15 at checkout.  This coupon code is valid from May 25- June 8th 2012

What a great story, and fabulous art! Be sure to visit Milusha's shop on Etsy to see more delightful and affordable art for every room in your home, and make sure to use that great coupon as well:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/milushadesign 

Would you like to be featured? Leave a comment below with a way to contact you and I'll send you the details!

See you soon!

Friday Feature: Maxies Knitwear

Luxurious Soft Pink Scarf by MaxiesKnitwear

Welcome to another edition of Friday Features, where a new artist from the wonderful world of the internet is featured. This week takes us to New Zealand, where we meet Julie. Read on to discover more about this fantastic fiber artist from Etsy...

Hi, my name is Julie and my shop’s name is Maxies Knitwear www.etsy.com/shop/maxiesknitwear I mainly create knitted accessories for women. Such things as scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, hats, headbands. I also enjoy knitting coffee cozies and little matching bags … they look so cute together and make wonderful gifts if you fill the bags with yummy chocolates or other goodies! I plan at a later stage to start selling cute childrens knit accessories as well.

My mum taught me how to knit when I was really little and she's a fantastic knitter. I was truly inspired while growing up; watching her create the most gorgeous jumpers and accessories for my brothers, myself and whoever she wanted to bless.

In terms of doing other crafts...I have attempted at times to create greeting cards … lol unfortunately not very successfully! 

Blue Fingerless Gloves with Buttons by MaxiesKnitwear

Is there a story behind my shop name?  Yes … it’s named after my beautiful cat Max! Max is a tortoiseshell, and she has the most gorgeous colourful coat. I love yarn that is colourful, soft and beautiful and the name just seemed to fit.  

With only 10 sales so far, there doesn’t seem to be an item that stands out as a best-seller. At present these fingerless mittens are really popularwww.etsy.com/listing/91145371/blue-fingerless-gloves-mittens-with  (seen above) 

At present my artwork is sold on Etsy, Zibbet and via my Facebook page. Late last year I attended a couple of local markets and plan to attend some over the next few months. 

Knit Drawstring Bag with Buttons by MaxiesKnitwear

Do I blog?  Yes I do! My blog address is www.maxiesknitwear.blogspot.com and I mainly share about what’s happening with Maxies Knitwear or introduce other amazing artists I find (there are some really talented artists out there)  

Here are the other social networks I'm on:  Twitter: www.twitter.com/maxiesknitwearFacebook: www.facebook.com/maxiesknitwearBlog: www.maxiesknitwear.blogspot.comTumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/maxiesknitwearGoogle+: plus.google.com/u/0/b/110704225387323282927/   

 I have one charity that I support – my husband and I are passionate about helping Orphans in need in Asia, so 25% of all our profits go to help the most adorable special needs children. You can read the full story in the ‘About me ’ section of my blog.  

What a great shop, and for a great cause too! Please visit Julie's shop, MaxiesKnitwear to see more beautiful hand crafted items:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maxiesknitwear 

...Would you like to be featured too? Leave a comment below with your website address and I'll either email or convo you :)

Friday Features: Fattidame

Martino the Camel Bookend by Fattidame

Hello and welcome to today's Friday Feature, which is going to take you all the way over to beautiful Italy to meet Paola. Read on to discover more about her and her delightful creations...

My name is Paola and my shop's name is Fattidame  http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame  I create soft art…my puppies are really soft and funny ( I hope)! 

I got started when I thought it would be nice to see on the wall a portrait of my cat, so I decided to make it with fabric, and then I decided to go on with my soft art ! 

In doing other crafts... Some years ago I did découpage, furniture restauration, bijoux (jewelry)…I love everything I can do with my hands. 

Nina the Snail Soft Brooch by Fattidame

When I decided to start my adventure with Etsy, I had to choose a shop name! So I chose “Fattidame” that in italian means “Made by me”.  I think it’s a simple name, that remind to Italy ;)

I sell more brooches than wall art…and I hope that more and more people know and like my soft puppies ;) See my brooches here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame?section_id=7793649

I only sell my work on Etsy.com. A few years ago I took part with Filippo (my love!) in some craft markets, but now I prefer to sell my items on my etsy shop.

Diego the Scotty Dog Headband by Fattidame

Oh yes I blog….;)  I’ve just opened my new blog site: www.fattidameworld.blogspot.comand I’m on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002322407249

I usually take care of animals in my daily life…but opening my blog I descover a really interesting website: www.doveconviene.it/co2neutral/ I posted this iniziative on my blog and I invited everyone to partecipate! It’s really important to do something for our planet!!

Thank you so much Paola, your shop is beautiful :)
Please make sure to visit her shop and see more of her wonderful work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame


...Do you want to be featured? Leave a comment below with your website address so that I can get a hold of you via email or conversation.

Nap Attack and Why I've Been on the DL

Recently, I was attacked by the nap monster. Really, I should get an exterminator in here, 'cause it happens just about every day ;)
When I awoke, I was greeted by this image, above. Arwen loves taking naps. If you say, "Want to go lie down?" Or, "Want to have a nap?" No matter where she is, she'll stop whatever she's doing (even if she is already napping in the living room), and run to the bedroom. If she feels she isn't being followed, she will stop at the bedroom door and look back, just to make sure you're not lying to her, and actually are going to follow her to bed. Then she'll jump up (usually into my hubby's space), lay down (usually with her head on my hubby's pillow), let out a huge sigh and fall straight asleep. Scratches are optional, but greatly appreciated. By the time I wake up, she's graduated from curled-up sleep positions to full-on stretched out as far as she can positions, with the occasional on-the-back position, as evidenced above.
Just thought I'd share that with you :)
As for why I've been quiet lately... well, I've been switching medications for my thyroid and adrenal issues, as well as going off of some other meds, as I've been having some interesting-in-a-scary-way medical issues. I won't bore you with the details here, but it is stressing my body, which is in turn stressing my mind and making me less than productive as my mind and body struggle to come to some middle of the ground agreement on how the whole shebang should get along and work together (why can't we all just be friends and get along???).
So that's my story. I'm sorry I've been on the DL for a while, I'm going to try and at least post some photos of Arwen in between posting the artist features every Friday, so that, even if the photo-only posts don't have much content, at least there will be cute-funny photos for you to look at and start your day with :)
Have a great Thursday, see you tomorrow for another fabulous artist feature!

Friday Feature: Lucilight

"The Lord Will Protect You" Print by Lucilight

Today's Friday Feature is on great, multi-talented artist Lucilight on Etsy, who makes beautiful jewelry as well as inspiring prints. Read on to learn more about this fabulous artist from the Netherlands...

My name is Lucinde, shopname Lucilight, URL: www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight. I make prints with a biblical message and jewelry. 

I'm a Graphic Designer by profession, that's where my interest for the printed media comes from. I've always been a very creative child. I liked to draw, write and make cards. Combining these two (graphic design and creativity) resulted in making prints and other creative things for my Etsy shop.

 I make cards (by hand and digital) and I customize T-shirts (maybe this becomes a part of my shop)

Dark Grey Pearl Bracelet and Necklace Set by Lucilight

 My name is Lucinde. When I was brainstorming for a name for my shop my father came up with the name 'Lucilight'. We already knew my own name means 'bringer of light' what is a beautiful meaning. So he said; why don't use this in your shop name? And it fits really well for my shop. I want to shine a little light with the messages from the Bible, so that's the story behind my shop name.

My Favorite or bestselling items? They would be www.etsy.com/listing/89097397/psalm-1215-shade-from-the-sun-print?ref=v1...

and www.etsy.com/listing/81357478/alpha-and-omega-print?ref=v1_other_1 These are the prints that get a lot of admirers and get pinned on pinterest.

I sell in a local bookstore and online. I used to have a (dutch) webshop on my own site, it's temporarily offline but will be back soon. I hope to make it available in English soon. 

"Do All Things Through Christ" Print by Licilight

I don't blog yet, but I'm working hard to get a blog online. It will become a part ofwww.lucinde.nl, my Dutch website. When I'll get a blog it will be available in English and Dutch.

I'm just starting so I don't make profit yet. But I'm thinking about promoting charities in the future.

Thank you Lucinde! Please make sure you visit her shop to see more of her beautiful work:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight


P.S. Would you like to be featured for FREE on this blog? Visit this post and leave a comment: http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html
or contact me through my Etsy shop for details.

Friday Feature: Kelly Bermudez

Heart of Wisdom by Kelly Bermudez

Today's Friday Feature is about a wonderful Christian painter on Etsy, the very talented Kelly Bermudez. Read more to discover her beautiful shop and a giveaway!

My name is Kelly Bermudez - Gentle Whispers Visual Devotions www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez I use acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. I love watercolor though. My hope is to bring joy and inspiration to others through my paintings.

Before I painted, I was actually a Police Officer for about 8 years. I was Military Police for 6 and a Deputy Sheriff for 2 and then one day the Lord called me to do art. I had never picked up a paint brush until about a year ago when God asked me to paint for Him. It was a leap of faith for me that is for sure! It has been a really exciting journey so far! Occasionally, I also enjoy scrapbooking and writing children's short stories.

A Dance for My King by Kelly Bermudez

“Gentle Whispers”....taken from 1 Kings 19:12...that we hear God in the still small voice...In the midst of all the noise in the world, God speaks to us in a Gentle whisper. “Visual Devotions” because, I want my artwork to be that Gentle Whisper that people hear God through. I generally have a verse that each of my paintings are inspired from. I am just starting out, but my prayer is that my art will be used to bring healing and hope to lives. Some people are more visual learners and a picture can touch the heart in a profound way. I am currently working on, "Gentle Whispers," a painting series of a very special Love Song. …it tells of God’s great love for His people. I can't wait to share it with you!

I really like “Heart of Wisdom.” I have sold more of this print actually through Facebook contacts.

I sell on Etsy and sometimes I have people contact me through Facebook.

Spring Lamb by Kelly Bermudez

 My blog is kellybermudez.blogspot.com/ I am currently using this blog for my Illustration Friday entries.

I am also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Bermudez-Paintings/169726423093919  and Twitter: twitter.com/#!/kellybermudez10

I recently painted four paintings to be auctioned off for the Sudan Canvas Project. "The Sudan Canvas Project was founded to raise awareness of the atrocities towards women in Sudan. Through the power of art, this project strives to give victims of genocide hope through trade education." - Cynthia Davis, Founder thesudancanvasproject.org/  I have also donated numerous paintings for Church fundraisers. 

 What an amazing story, please visit her shop for more beautiful paintings here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez

ALSO! Kelly has graciously offered to give away a FREE print of her Heart of Wisdom print to a random participant. All you have to do is leave a comment below by April 19 at midnight EST. I'll randomly draw the winner. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE A WAY TO CONTACT YOU! Best of luck, I wish I could enter :)

Thursday Treat: Ball Creative Designs

Greek Watch in Red by Ball Creative Designs

Hey everyone, I hope your week is going well. I wanted to point out a little thing that's been on the blog for a while...I accept ads on the blog for $1 per month, and my newest advertiser is Ball Creative Designs (http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html). She's an amazing multi-media artist, who spins and dyes yarns, makes fabulous stitch markers, and creates beautiful jewelry.

Aubergine Sheep's Clothing Yarn

 Her yarns are a mix - some are cotton, some sheep's wool, some alpaca, with some silk and other neat fibers as well. Everything looks beautiful, and from what I've heard around the interwebs, they are great quality too...

I Have These Stitch Markers and LOVE Them!!

Her stitch markers are also awesome. I have the ones above and just adore them. I have to finish a few crochet projects before beginning the knitting project that requires these, but I have them on my living room table just the same (no joke, my husband is starting to think I'm nuts).

Please do visit Ball Creative Designs at her website, you won't be disappointed! http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html

Are you interested in being an advertiser for only $1USD per month? You get a 150x150px image of your choice and a free mini feature. Leave a comment below with a way to contact you if you are interested.

Arwednesdays with Arwen: Loving Animals

Hello, it's me again, Arwen the Wonder dog. I wanted to get serious for a moment, if I may today...
I am loved.
I am very loved.
How do I know? Well, my mommy tells me at least 10 times every day.
I get my beautiful fur brushed every day, with lots of petting and mommy telling me how pretty I am. When that is done, I get my pearly white teeth brushed.
I have lots of toys, from tennis balls to squeaky stuffies, Nylabones and Kongs to keep me occupied, stimulated and happy.
I get to go for walks almost every day (unless it is very cold, icy or very wet), and I get to play in my yard every day, chasing birdies and squirrels and barking at imaginary beasts. When I come back inside, there is always fresh water, healthy food, and sometimes even treats if I've been good (or just looked really cute).
But, mommy tells me not all animals are loved.
Mommy tells me that there are many animals all over the world that are not fed properly, are not cared for, brushed, walked or even talked to nicely. Many animals are beaten, starved, left alone tied outside, or even forced to fight other dogs until one of them dies.

But, mommy tells me that there are great people who rescue these sad animals so that they have a chance at a happy life. One place is called Harmony Fund (animalrescuechase.com), and they are having what is called the World's Biggest Baby Shower for Animals (http://animalrescuechase.com/baby-shower/), where people can donate money online to help them rescue lots of animals and make them happy like me. Take the little guy in the photo above. He lives in Puerto Rico. One day, his owners got in a fight in their apartment. To get him out of the way, one of the owners shoved him in a hole in the wall in the back of a closet, where he fell to the bottom of the building and was left for two weeks in a wall, and was ignored by the residents who heard his cries for help. Finally a nice lady heard what was happening and rescued him, moments from dying and covered in sores. Now he is healthy and living the good life, thanks to these amazing people working with Harmony Fund.
Mommy thinks this is very good, and I do too. If you are able, please try to donate to them to give all sorts of animals (doggies, horses, cats, monkeys and more) the chance to have a happy life. At the very least, please try to spread the word about all the great things that they do so that others can help them too.
Please help these animals have a chance to have a happy home.
A chance to be loved.

and Arwen the Wonder Dog

Victoria Beckham's Got Classic Style

Victoria Beckham's Classic Style (center image from PeopleMagazine.com)

Love her or hate her, Victoria Beckham's style is (of late anyway), a beautiful classic, great for the office or a well-dressed date. While many can't afford her beautiful fashion line, there are ways to get a similar look - and for a fraction of the price.

This week I did decide to show more expensive pieces, but as they are classics, these are pieces that will get literally years of wear. They will still be in style for another few decades, and with proper care, many of these pieces should last you that long too. Classic sheath dresses in slick grey, cardigans in bright, sophisticated blue, nude patent heels and sexy-simple jewelry will never fail to excite, while looking so polished and feminine, everyone will be asking you for style advice. Let's see the winners, shall we?

Lena Tweed Dress from BananaRepulic.com

First, the dress. The dress Victoria is wearing is her own, in a light plaid pattern. I chose this simple, slate grey Tweed Lena dress from Banana Republic (bananarepublic.com), as it has a square neckline that will complement just about every figure. I also like that it is sleeveless so that you can wear it year-round with different weights of sweaters and get maximum use out of this dress. It sits just above your knee and has subtle pleats at the waist line, which will accentuate your waist and fit better around your hips when moving or sitting. For the perfect fit, take it to a tailor. There is nothing worse than gaps or folds where there shouldn't be. Pair this with nude sandal foot tights for the ultimate professional, polished look. About $160 for the dress.

From Left: Marie Antoinette Raspberry Ice Bracelet, Earrings, Necklace from Littlestudiojewels.etsy.com

To decorate your person, without overwhelming your super-chic look, this great set of jewelry will go far. Each piece is sold separately, but if purchased together you get a great discount. The Marie Antoinette Raspberry Ice Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings from Little Studio (http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels) will give you that little bit of pink, and a little bit of luminescence. Pretty, simple, stylish. About $45 for necklace, $30 for bracelet and $20 for earrings, buy 2 of the set, or all three of the set and get $5-$10 off!

Featherweight Cashmere cardigan from Jcrew.com

To keep the goosebumps at bay, pop on a great cardigan, like this gorgeous Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in Byzantine Blue from JCrew (jcrew.com). It is slightly fitted and has long sleeves, so that you can keep your arms warm with the sleeves down, or go for effortless chic with them pulled up to your elbows, like Victoria. Cashmere is great as it is lightweight, it will keep you warm on those over-air-conditioned days at the office, yet will be cool enough for most light summer days. The ultimate style-upper? Define your tiny waist (or create the illusion of one) by belting a skinny black belt around your waist outside your cardigan, a la Beckham. It screams feminine, without being too girly or too revealing. A splurge at $200, but it will last decades with proper care, and when have you ever seen a classic, fitted cardigan on a "not in style anymore" list??

Calvin Klein Sandie Pump from Piperlime.com

Nude pumps are a must. Every woman should have at least 2 pairs - peep toe for summer and round/almond toe for winter. These Calvin Klein Sandie peep-toe heels from Piper Lime (piperlime.com) give you a little extra height, but will save your feet with the subtle platform. They are high, yes, but professional at the same time, and not above being totally sexy for that last minute, after work date *wink, wink*. About $110, these are an investment in your wardrobe that will get so much wear, you might just want to buy 2 pairs.

What do you think? Is this your style? What would you wear?