My Dearest Brother Has Passed

It is with a heavy heart and shock that I convey to you that my brother passed away yesterday morning tragically.

I feel that the blogging community is so strong that I needed to share this deep sadness that I have with you.

I will be taking a break for a bit to tend to my dad and my two fantastic nieces and sister-in-law. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Giveaway and Earth Day Recap

Firstly, don't forget to leave a comment on last Friday's post. My giveaway ends at 5pm EST today.

With yesterday being Earth Day, I decided to take a trip to my local beach. You may remember me posting pictures about it here.

Well, shortly after this gorgeous photo was taken . . . we experienced one of the worst storms in NY. I had heard the beach erosion was enormous so I didn't know what to expect on Earth Day. I had been delaying going to the beach again because I was too scared to find out.

And then I saw this as I was nearing the beach.Truck after truck carrying sand to my beach. I was so saddened.The seagulls look as if they are lost with all of this commotion going on.

Now, I am not gonna lie to ya. Some of the truck drivers were very handsome. But please, no more Nor'easters. I love my beach and I want it to always be here.

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

-Native American Proverb

First 100 Follower Giveaway Ends Tomorrow

Just a reminder, my giveaway to recognize my first 100 giveaways ends tomorrow at 5pm EST.

All you have to do is leave a comment to my post from last Friday and tell me a great way this Single Nester can meet a guy.

Thank you!

Blogger Book Club and a Racy Novel

I love books.

I love blogging.

I love meeting bloggers who love books.

Enter FifiFlowers. Somehow, through the world of Blogger, we connected. Fifi is an amazing artist and lover of all things French.

After posting here about a book I was reading, French Trysts by Kristen Lobe, I suggested Fifi read it and thus began our Blogger Book Club.We enjoyed "discussing" via email the sexy tales of former American art student turned French courtesan (French for prostitute).

The author asked that Fifi and I review the book.

Check out the history of courtesans and my review on her site.

If you are looking for a fun read and want to dust off your French, pick up the book.

"A good book has no ending." - R.D. Cumming

Turquoise Tuesday Party #7

Thank you so much to everyone who joined my Turquoise Tuesday Party last week! It was my most viewed and my most linked-to party yet!

I gotta tell you, I am not good at spelling turquoise. I find that it is a word I need to type verrrrry slowly. Why couldn't I choose orange as my favorite color?

Here are more turquoise finds that I use to hold votives or tealights.

The first is a simple votive holder (I purchased three) from Crate and Barrel. It is called Summer Aqua Tealight. It was less than $1.The next is a tealight holder (I purchased two) from the Yankee Candle Store. They were each $4.99. My latest purchase (I only purchased one but that is because they only had 1) is from Michaels and it was $2.99 minus a 40% coupon so it came to $1.79.

And finally, a little plate from the Christmas Tree Shops for $1. Isn't she lovely?I definitely need a 12-step program for this love affair with turquoise.

So, here are the rules for linking to this party. Just post a turquoise or blueish related item that you own or project that you are working on. If you could mention my party in your blog, that would be much appreciated.

I am trying something new this week; a linky where you can post pictures. Hope it works.

Another Picture Frame Necklace Organizer and Gifts for my Niece

Some of you may remember this post that featured a Picture Frame Necklace Organizer I created for myself.Well, with my niece's birthday approaching and with my finances a bit low this year, I decided to make one for her. She recently painted her room Tropicana Cabana. Here is the color but it is actually a bit darker than this.Here is what I used to make her organizer.

I first sanded and then spray painted the frame with three coats of Krylon Glossy Black.

Then, after measuring the inside of the frame, which for this frame was 11x14 , I cut out a piece of foam board, cork and fabric. Using spray adhesive, I stuck them all together. I put fabric on the back to make it look a little neater. Mine does not look as neat as this. Don't you just love how straight I cut?

Then, I measured the fabric a bit larger than the frame and wrapped it around and sprayed again. Here is the back followed by the front.

I then used that smelly glue to adhere it to the inside of the frame. Here is the finished organizer with a necklace I purchased for my niece from American Eagle.

In addition, since the accent colors in my niece's room are black and white, I picked up scrapbook paper and the letter B for her room. I also made a little pencil cup holder with the leftover paper. Hopefully, the artichoke smell has dissipated :)
Here is the breakdown"

Frame - free

Core Board and Cork - left over from earlier project

Glue and Spray Paint - left over from earlier project

Fabric - $2.72 for 5/8 yard and I used 1/3 of it (JoAnn's)

Necklace - $7

Push Pins - $1.24 for 60 from Target

Letter B - $3.99 minus 50% off coupon from AC Moore

Scrapbook Paper - 99cents from Michaels

Tin can - free (after eating the artichokes)

This is the first time I have handmade gifts and I have to tell you, I enjoyed it and I think they mean so much more than a gift card!

UPDATE: My niece loved the gifts I made for her and the picture frame organizer matched her new paint color perfectly!

"Love is, above all, the gift of oneself." - Jean Anouilh

The Single Nester Reaches Over 100 Followers and has First Giveaway!

I have just reached over 100 followers!

What a wild, fun, learning experience this has been!

I am so thrilled that you feel I have something to say and find my posts interesting, funny and informative. Or, at least I hope you do.

So, to commemorate this Single Nester milestone, I am having my first giveaway!

And guess what? It is not a subscription to Match.com !!

Here it is - a set of 2 4x6 photo frames. Beaded and sparkly to boot!
All you have to do is leave a comment. However, the comment must be about a fun, creative way I can meet my future man so that this Single Nester becomes a Double Nester! If your comment doesn't include a tip, it will be deleted.

This giveaway is open from Friday, April 16 to Friday, April 23 at 5pm.

I will announce the winner Saturday, April 24 on this blog.

Good luck everyone and thank you for reading what I have to say!

"Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will but remember,

it didn't work for the rabbit." - R.E. Shay

Match.com Man Thinks I am Gorgeous!

Oh boy.

Here's the story.

I winked at this guy on match.com the other day mainly because there was a photo of him playing golf. Since I am a golfer, I thought, "Hey. At least we'll have one thing in common. Maybe there won't be romance but a golf buddy would be fun."

He writes back with this:

How are you doing today?I hope you had a good night rest.Thank you for the wink hope you get this mail and it finds you well.I was glancing through profiles and your gorgeous picture got me attracted and your lovely words had me write you..lol.I really was marveled reading your profile and enjoyed doing so.The first thing that came to my mind when I saw your picture was "WOW..you're drop dead GORGEOUS.LOL, so I thought i'Id take out time to introduce myself.

My name is _____ am very much single, available and searching stay alone here in New York ready to relocate any were in the world for my soul mate . . .

and so on . . .

I am a major stickler for grammar and punctuation. But, I decided to get past the errors and right back to him.

This is what I received in response:

"We're sorry, the profile you're looking for could not be found. Please try another profile."

Even Match.com has grammatical errors!

I hate this.

It appears this guy used his free Match.com trial and didn't pay for a membership. Really? Don't write me if you are just screwing around on the site. Don't call me "gorgeous," "marvel" at my profile and then keep your credit card in your wallet.

Argh!!

N.E.X.T!!!

Mariza and Fado Music

There is a wonderful university near me that has a sweet concert venue. I have seen Pink Martini (a fun, talented group), the Vienna Boys Choir (how can you not love these adorably cute boys) and Gustavo Dudamel (a wow of a conductor who grew up in el sistema in Venezuela and now conducts the LA Philharmonic). I saw him conduct the New York Philharmonic.

You may be able to tell that I love world music. It transports me to faraway places and expands my world.

Last year, I received an email from the venue's director offering me 2 tickets to see Mariza. Mariza? Who the heck is she and what the heck is Fado music? Not many of my friends (barely any) are into the same kind of music as I am but I knew just the right person to accompany me. My friend Diana. Unbenounced to me, she has been to Lisbon and was familiar with this music style.

I thought we would be two of maybe 1000 or so at the concert. Well, was I wrong! There were thousands and the venue appeared to be nearly sold out.

Out came Mariza and I was enthralled. Hooked. In awe! Her voice was amazing and with only three guitars to accompany her, she had to carry all the songs herself.

We were given programs with the translation of the songs but who needed it. I completely felt what the music was saying and what she was singing. I was deeply moved by Mariza's vocal ability and style.

Here she is singing one of my favorite songs "O Gente da Minha Terra" on David Letterman. I believe the translation is "People of My Country."

I was unable to show you another video of my other favorite song of Mariza's but if you click here, you can see it on YouTube.

What do you think? Don't you feel transported to Lisboa!

"Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life."

- Ludwig van Beethoven

Turquoise Tuesday Party #6

I think that if I host this Turquoise Tuesday Party until the end of the year, I would still have many turquoise items yet to show you. Is there a 12-Step Turquoise Support Group out there? If so, sign my A$$ up!

This week, I would like to share with you some of my glass containers, vases, tea light holders - all in that wonderful shade of turquoise.

These first two were purchased two weeks ago at the Christmas Tree Shops; the first for 89cents and the second for $1.00.

This was my mom's and I believe was from Avon. I dumped out whatever crap was in it and gave it a good cleaning. Isn't she lovely?

The following are two tea light holders that I think are from Crate & Barrel and Kohl's (maybe?).

This, I know is definitely from Crate & Barrel and was purchased a few years ago; most likely for less than $10 since I don't believe I would have paid more for it.
So, turquoise-up!

What do you have around your house and what are you working on? Remember, link must be a shade of turquoise or blue. Still working on that button (not really) but please let your readers know about my party.

Porn Star Hair (or Not)

I got nothing for Monday that is remotely creative. No project. No mod podge. No stitchwitchery.

So why not post something that I have been thinking about.

Porn Star Hair (not that I have seen a porno . . . Ahem, cough cough). You know the kind of hair I am talking about. Long, thick, shiny, bouncy . . . I have always wanted Porn Star Hair. I think I had it in the past but didn't appreciate it.

Now that I am older, my hair has changed. It is drier. Not as thick. I always think I am losing it.

So on Friday, I had to give up my dream of Porn Star Hair and cut it off. My hair was reaching the girls, which are slowly heading towards Venezuela. But, I was kind of done with the fantasy of Porn Star Hair.

I told Nicky my hair stylist, that I wanted it just skimming my shoulders. After she cut it, I said something I have never said to her in all the years we have known each other, which is a very long time. "Cut it shorter." Nicky replied, "Shorter?" I said, "Yes."

She cut off about 5-6 inches and it is bouncy and just skims my shoulders.

I love it.
I hope to recreate it.
I hope to one day utilize this shortened version of Porn Star Hair.

"Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself." - Hubert de Givenchy, Vogue, July 1985

Colors of Spring and a bit of Kleenex

A-choo! Yes, that is me these last few days enjoying all of the flowers blooming, the grass turning green and the trees shedding.

A-L-L-E-R-G-I-E-S !!

Woke Friday with a little scratchy throat and knew, I just knew, that the next few days would not be so good. Easter weekend was the worst but I am feeling better; loads better. I am using my neti pot and rinsing the crap airborne pollen right out of the old honker.

I ventured out to the yard (with my mask on) to cut some of spring's lovely flowers.

This lovely daffodil called Obdam, a double daffodil, was planted two years ago with some bulbs purchased at a local grocery store. I love the many paper-like petals.
Next up - some forsythia.
Many of you have asked what I did with the great find I blogged about here on Monday and this is what I came up with. Not too creative but beautiful. Daffodils planted by my Mom decades ago. They were flopping all over the place so I followed a tip from Martha and tied them in a clear hair band and viola mes amies!What would spring be without some colorful (and tasty) cupcakes. Target had cream cheese frosting on sale last week for $1 and with some colored Martha powders, I mixed away and I was quite pleased with the result.

Ahh . . . spring, where colors and Kleenex are abundant!

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;

if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

- Anne Bradstreet

Trip to IKEA with my Niece

Don't you just love IKEA? I try to get to my local IKEA maybe once a season.

While the kiddies were off last week, my 17 year-old niece asked if I would take her to IKEA since she and her younger sister just painted their rooms beautiful, fresh new colors.

Well, let's be honest here; their mom painted their rooms while they went out.

My younger niece was to accompany us but the two were fighting so I spent the day with the older niece at IKEA and the younger niece got to accompany me to Holy Thursday mass. Hmmm . . . I am not sure who got the better end of the deal here.

Some of the items I purchased at IKEA are this beautiful vase in my favorite color for $6.99.
Also, 3 dual-purpose tealight/taper candleholders @ 49cents each.
There is a Swedish Marketplace at IKEA where you can purchase hotdogs for 50cents and the most delicious frozen yogurt for $1 but we found, tucked behind the kid's section, a cafeteria-style restaurant. The food was delicious and so cheap reasonable.

We split a Greek salad and a HUGE buffalo chicken wrap. Each item was $3.99.

All in all, a great day. What do you think of IKEA and what have you recently found there?

Following is a quote from the garden section of IKEA that reminded my niece of her grandfather (my dad), the bestest gardener in the world.

Target Tuesday Turquoise Party

Another Tuesday and therefore another day to celebrate all things turquoise.

My item for this Tuesday is a bracelet I recently purchased at Target for $12.99. When I find a bracelet I love and it fits, I have to buy it; especially if it is turquoise.
So let's share the turquoise; whether they are turquoise items you have purchased and love or turquoise-themed projects you have created. Just let your readers know you are sharing over at The Single Nester.

"First a howling blizzard woke us,

Then the rain came down to soak us,

And now before the eye can focus - Crocus."

- Lilja Rogers

Bargain Find - FINALLY!

Can I get a Hallelujah?

Why, you may ask? Well, I FINALLY found something at a thrift store!

I donate a lot of items to the thrift store at my church. The nuns are always so nice even if they marked my receipt April 26 when it was actually March.

As I turned to leave, I spotted this:
Now, some of you might be thinking, "So what. Big deal." I hear ya.

But, you don't understand! I never find ANYTHING! I read all of these blogs where people are finding incredible things at every turn. I never find anything. Until the other day when I found this cream-colored ceramic urn for $1.50.

I couldn't wait to get her home, wash her and add her to my collection.

Yeah for me.

I guess timing and patience are everything!

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Wishing all of you a blessed and festive Easter!

"Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;

Death is Strong but Life is stronger;

Stronger than the dark, the light;

Stronger than the wrong, the right . . . "

- Phillips Brooks