LeRoi, You Will Be Deeply Missed

Photo courtesty of http://warehouse.davematthewsband.com/

[LeRoi Moore, Dave Matthews Band]

Please Visit Our New Website

We have moved!  Come visit our new website www.chicgalleria.com.

Go Click Crazy

In the mood for some shopping? Looking for a special gift? Stop by My Chic Things Top 100 Sites List. I started this little list about a year ago and it has grown to over 260 members. Just yesterday, I had emails telling me 3 more people had joined. I let it reset every thirty days so everyone has a fair chance of being listed in the top 10.

If you aren't familiar with Top 100 Sites Lists, these are lists that sponsors join for free. The only rules are that they have to put the banner or URL code of that Top 100 Sites List on their website. It is a special code generated specifically for them. When people visit their website and click the special code, they are sent to that particular Top 100 Sites List. This is considered in IN vote for that site. Sites move up the list based on the number of IN votes they receive. The more people that click off their website to the Top 100 Site, the more IN votes for that sponsor. Clear as mud?

The reason you would want to visit my Top 100 Sites List is to see all the wonderful sponsors (remember I bragged about over 260) and visit their websites. You can go click crazy! It really is fun and you find so many new and different gift ideas. So if you happen to have a little free time, have a look!


[Top 100 Sites Lists]

Idols and Tickets To The Last Show

 

I finally decided to purchase American Idols Live Tour tickets for my daughter and I.  Now, I've taken my son to numerous concerts over the years including the Dave Matthews Band, The Police, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam and John Mayer.  Obviously these were not tickets he had to twist my arm to buy!  But, American Idol........well a little twisting had to be done. 

My daughter is really looking forward to seeing Jason Castro.  David Cook is my favorite.  I give these kids so much credit.  They are performing over 50 concerts, night after night, until mid-September.  Tulsa is the last stop on the tour.  At that point they will either perform with gusto because it is their last show or they will fall flat from pure exhaustion.  I hope that they are having such a ball that the go out with a bang!

I promise a review after the September 13 show at Tulsa's new BOK Center. Right now I'm getting excited to see John Mayer in Dallas August 1st.  I have tickets to the Dave Matthews Band in August too, but I'm letting my son have them.  He's actually going to go without me.  The nerve.







[American Idol]

Florist By Day, Jeweler By Night

I have a new necklace! My friend Tammy McCain, owner of White Iris Designs, made it for me. This extremely talented jeweler is also a gifted floral designer. I can only dream of a dozen exotic purple dendrobium orchids showing up at my door. These are just awe inspiring!





Tammy is always creating something new. When she isn't working on wedding reception floral arrangements or designing a vase of beauties, Tammy is working with beads and other materials to create stunning pieces of jewelry.

My necklace is the first in a series of the Vintage Button Collection. A Vintage button plays as a backdrop to charms of copper beads, melon colored gemstone beads & a lovely little lampwork bead. This necklace is designed on a natural colored leather cord with a copper toggle closure.



Tammy's flower shop is located in Delphi, Indiana, but you can visit her at her blog  White Iris Designs Blog.  View photos of her gorgeous flowers and jewelry.  Her boutique website is opening soon.  You will wonder if she ever rests!





[White Iris Designs]

BCBGMAXAZRIA Is Tops In My Wardrobe

My jeans and my BCBGMAXAZRIA, what more could a woman ask for?

This lightweight silk-cotton jersey knit with satin puff sleeves is just the top I need to take me into fall. It's black, which I can wear any time of day. It's banned empire waist and V-neck are perfect for my body shape.

I have found that BCBGMAXAZRIA runs small, so I always buy a size larger. You will certainly enjoy the look and feel of these fabulous tops. Having a few in your closet always solves that "what do I wear" dilemma.
Shop Bluefly!




[BCBGMAXZRIA]

Stamp Some Style On Your Mail

Still using the USPS to mail cards, letters and electric bills? What better way to show off your school spirit or sorority sisterhood!

These self-inking customs stamps accommodate up 60 characters around the center design and come with a standard black in cartridge.  Don't want black?  There are 9 other colors to choose from.  With 10,000 to 14,000 impressions per cartridge, you can jazz up your mail for years.

Customize a stamp for yourself or as a gift. You can find many stamping possibilities at A Gracious Plenty. 



[stamps]

Delicious Paper Hor d'Oeuvres

My friend Paulette Kinney, owner of Pink Paris Papiere, is an incredibly gifted artist.  I have always been mesmerized by her gorgeous creations.  Her hand printed cards deserve to be in frames because they are truly works of art.

I recently visited her Etsy store, sweetly entitled Paper Nosh Printed Paper Luxuries.  Her royal designs encompass crowns, chandeliers and French brocades.  It was as if I was instantly thrown back in time to the opulent life of Marie Antoinette and her rival Madame DuBarry.  Her cards shimmer with German glass glitter and the envelopes are lined with exquisite detail.  My personal favorites are the Chocolate and Pink crown as well as Marie Antoinette "Let Them Eat Cupcakes".

Take a minute to stroll through the Dances at Versailles, French romance and crowns fit for a queen.  You'll find it hard to decide which cards to purchase because, I promise, you will want them all. 





You can find Paulette's designs at La Pink Paperie, Paper Nosh, Pink Paris Papiere, and Zazzle.

She also owns and operates Chez Paulette's French Market.





[French][Marie Antoinette][Paper Nosh][Crowns]

Cottage Farm Soap

Cottage Farm Soap - Made with 100% vegetable and seed oils such as olive oil, sesame seed, soybean, coconut and apricot. Infused with premium oils like jojoba, wheat germ, rose hip and calendula. These oils are used for their soothing healing properties.





Choose your Soap

Baby Don't Cry - Softens tender sensitive skin. Lightly scented with lavender & jojoba infused with chamomile and shea butter for extra nourishment.





Plain Jane - Vanilla soap is relaxing and calming. Made with Peru Balsam essential oils and Dragon's Blood - both know for their healing properties.





Sow your Oats - Oatmeal soap is mild and exfoliating for all skin types. Contains apricot & wheat germ oils, high in vitamins E & C. Unscented





Rise & Shine - Peppermint soap is a great body soap for waking up the senses and

soothing for tired feet. Minty peppermint and healing tea tree essential oils.

Available at the Pink Pig. 





[spa][soap]

Reversible Is So Practical

These beautiful Denise Tjarks handbags are one-of-a-kind treasures. Handmade in Hawaii

This stunning vintage fabric circa 1960 will make any outfit a knock out!

Need something more subtle? This purse is reversible!
bamboo handles
reverses to a green polka dot print
made from a vintage Hawaiian mu' umu' u
measures 13"w x 9"h
reverses to a light-hearted light green polka dot
$64.00

I love this mod black and brown aloha print, reverses to a black and white polka dot...Denise

This purse is reversible! 15"w x 1"h 18" handles

$45.00
This is an amazing color combination.

This Tahiti 18"w x 12"h 19" shoulder strap three pockets for your important stuff. This bag is a great size!

Reversible to black with white polka dots.

all cotton, washable
a roomy hobo style with an oval bottom, pockets inside and one outside for your cell phone.

The shoulder strap is 19" long. It has a tie closure
This Tahiti is done in a black with pink, brown, yellow and green flower aloha print...so chic and fun.
$64.00

See these and other Denise Tjarks handbags at MyChicThings.com.

[handbags][Hawaii]

"My" Must Have Jacket

I currently have developed an obsession for this Galynda Jacket at Chicos. I tried it on (twice) and we bonded. I wasn't even really looking for anything when I went in the store. Just browsing with my mom. This jacket was actually not out in plain sight. I was shoved on a back rack with some other brown items. I seriously think I heard it calling my name....

Here is the description from the website: Crinkled fabric gives it a laid-back look, metallic yarns lend a glamorous shimmer. Finished with flirty ruffled cuffs and curved seams for shaping. Fully lined. Imported. 94% Cotton, 6% Metallic.
Machine wash.

Here is the description from me: I need this jacket because it will go with everything I own! I think I need buy this jacket now before I drive myself crazy.

Colorful Prints. Chic Jackets. The World-Famous Travelers™ Collection. And More. Now at Chicos.com.



[shopping]

Marilyn Monroe Wine Box

Marilyn Monroe Wine Box

Not only is this the perfect conversation piece, but it's also the perfect gift! What woman wouldn't love this fabulous wine box with pictures of the legendary actress, Marilyn Monroe? A leather bound wine box with metal handle and enclosure features a picture on each side of Marilyn Monroe. $28.00 at the Pink Pig.

[marilyn monroe]

Forget Bad Hair Days!

Madcapz are flattering, fun to wear and feminine. Smart and statement-making. The Madcapz woman will turn heads on the golf course, tennis court, beach, pool, walking path – even at the mall! Madcapz are colorful, patterned caps that are fashionably sporty and terrific for those bad hair days!



100% cotton and made in the USA!

Sizing

Madcapz are made with an adjustable strap. The cap fits sizes 6 3/4 inches to 7 1/2 inches. The bill on the cap is 2 3/4 inches long. 



Reg. $19.50 SALE $13.00 at www.MyChicThings.com





[hats]

Marilyn Loves Chanel

Marilyn Loves Chanel

Even years after her death, Marilyn Monroe is still one of the greatest legends of the twentieth century. Here in large ad for Chanel...this black and white photo measures 36 3/4 x 25 framed in a black lacquered frame. $95.00 at the Pink Pig.

[marilyn monroe]

SALE Items to Snap Up

Lemonade Soapsicle reg. $7.00 sale $5.00
Moroccan Love Bath Salts reg $12.50
sale $6.75
Cool As A Cucumber Eye Gel reg $9.95 sale $4.75

SALE Items to Snap Up

Pink Pearl Bracelet reg. $9.50 sale $4.25

Velluca Silk Scarf reg. $42.00 sale $21.00

Chic Paris Wall Decor

I found two must have items for your chic French decor. You can hang this glass framed print in a window. How unique is that? I love the idea of the magnet board. It has much more style than the old white magnet board I have up in the laundry room. I have to order both of these!



By Hardenbrook Studio - Reminiscent of 19th century glass negatives, this reverse painted printed glass is framed in a black wooden 8x10 frame. This can be hung in front of a window or on a wall. $40.00 at the Pink Pig. This print has SOLD.


By Hardenbrook Studio-This chic Paris Magnet Board measures 8x10 and is hung with a pretty black & white ribbon. Includes (2) magnets. $38.00 at the Pink Pig.

My Road Trip of Life

The Road Trip of Your Life

You see life as precious and special. Heritage and family are very important to you. You often find yourself rushing through life. You don't take as much time as you'd like to enjoy the little things. You don't like a lot of risk or randomness in your life. You prefer to stick with what's known, even if it's a bit boring. You tend to be a workaholic. You overwork yourself without ever realizing it and sometimes suffer the consequences later. In another life, you could have been a great artist. You trust your creative instincts enough to let them lead you.

The Road Trip Test

The Miracle Cure For Dry Skin

I have horribly dry skin. I've read all the magazines that tell you not to take hot showers, but tepid water just doesn't do it for me. I've tried putting lotion on after I get out of the shower, but it leaves me with a sticky, goopy feeling. I've looked for products to use in the shower, but I still look like a lizard.I have been selling Voda soap at My Chic Things for over a year and it has quite a loyal following! It's all about the heavy oil base in the soaps, some called it a miracle cure and others said they couldn't live without it. One person wrote to me and said that she cut it up into smaller pieces (about 6 slices out of each bar)- She ordered a box of 4 soaps so it was easy to cut them up and store them in the box, that way she could use one small piece for about 2 showers and change to another one when she felt like it without any of the bars drying up or melting away sitting in water by the shower. How smart is that? My problem is making up my mind which soap fits my mood for the day.
Voda soaps at MyChicThings.com.

Cottage Toile Bench

This Item Has SOLD

Looking for just that perfect little bench? I found this darling antique piece with a new look. Painted a crisp shade of white and finished with a black and white toile fabric. Pretty demi lune bench makes a great accent piece for your bedroom.

$85.00 at the Pink Pig.

Christmas in July SALE Ideas

Christmas in July SALE

OK, I admit that I love to shop early for Christmas. I buy things for friends and family when I see them and not wait until the week before Christmas to shop. Here are some of my top suggestions for your early shopping needs.

Velvet scarf available in Sapphire Blue, Hunter Green,

Orange, Soft Pink and Purple. Reg. $32.00 SALE $18.00

A trio of gold bracelets with crystals.

Reg. $16.50 SALE $10.00

Brass and Swarovski crystal Wings of Cherish necklace.

Reg. $42.40 SALE $17.50

Voda soap bar in Neptune, Patchoulikind,

Neptune, Ghassoul, Meggie and

Medicine Woman. Reg. $5.00 SALE $2.75

And so much more!

Striving To Be The Best Blog

I hate to think how many hours I have spent on this computer in the last year doing marketing and networking. I've joined numerous blogging communities like Bloglog, Blogcatalog and Bumpzee. I participate in a few ning networks and join Top 100 Sites Lists. I drop my card on Entrecard and I advertise on Project Wonderful. I spend time leaving comments on other blogs and giving thumbs up on Stumbleupon. Am I shouting into a crowd?

Sometimes I'm extremely overwhelmed by how many bloggers there are. My main goals are catching people's attention, presenting blog posts that are attractive and keeping readers coming back.

Are you a regular reader, a fantastic comment leaver, an Entrecard dropper or just stumbling? What would you like to see here at Chic Things Galleria? Whatever the reason....thank you for visiting! It makes my time spent on this computer worth it.

Prairie Cotton Style

Contemporary style gets an infusion of country, as Prairie Cotton’s designs give a nod to simpler times. A lovely skirt with a single ruffle flounce and floral paisley evokes vintage romance, interpreted in a rich palette for a distinctive fusion of old and new.

Smart basics like tanks and tees crafted in lovely seasonal palettes make versatile foundation pieces for any ensemble, while intricate prints lend a sophisticated sensibility to clean, understated designs.

shop Prairie Cotton at myShape

Fresh Squeezed Soap

Vegan

A very gentle exfoliating soap with a delicious, energetic citrus fragrance. Citrus oils including Tangerine essential oil, sweet orange, grapefruit, and mandarin are added for their mild astringent qualities and to gently remove dead skin cells. We also include orange peel for a bit of exfoliation. Makes a great wake-me-up for the morning shower.

Size: 5 ounces
$5.50 each at MyChicThings.com

Kiyomi Tank & Pant Set - Versace Print

As seen in O Magazine....This PJ Loungewear by Kiyomi features a lace edge tank top in pink with a Versace print flutter print with matching trim. Available in S, M, L Hard to find! 100% cotton and Oh so soft. You can find it at the Pink Pig. $95.00 a set.

An Interview With Anne Marie Goodrich

 I would like to introduce you to a wonderful women whom I recently met, Anne Marie Goodrich.  Anne Marie has been a graphic designer for over 25 years and you can see samples of her work at Pearls and Grace and Simply Divine Covers.  She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions and give you all some insight into her passion.





Good Morning Anne Marie!  I think it's great how you and I have common links.  I'm picturing my Grandfather singing "I've got a gal in Kalamazoo."  Thanks for the interview!

Share a little about your business and its products/services?

I'm a graphic designer and primarily do graphic, animated banner and web design for clients, though I have other products in development as well, like custom designed notecards and product labels and wrappers.



What makes your business unique when compared to others in this category?

Well, each designer is unique in that we all bring a certain personal style into our creations. I do pride myself on being eclectic in my design work. It's important for me to capture the style of my customer's business and create something that fits perfectly with what they've envisioned. One thing that I feel is unique - or a blessing - is that I truly get passionate about creating something my client will be thrilled with, and that will really enhance their business image.





Where do you draw inspiration for your creations, products, or services?

I get inspired sometimes in the craziest places, which is a benefit of being a digital artist. Some of my inspiration is deliberate, like studying fashion styles for color trends, but then something rather obscure will influence me too - like noticing and replicating the curved lines in a fabric softener bottle. Earlier this year I had some time to dive into digital scrapbooking, and I've had opportunities to incorporate that style into some design work. Sometimes inspiration is through study, sometimes it's in the grocery store aisle.





What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?

I haven't had one proudest moment, but every time I create something for a client that they truly love, I'm overjoyed. My goal is to knock their socks off, and if I can't do that, then my goal is to help them find just the right person who can.





What product or service has been your best selling item? And Why?

At present I think ebook covers and web banners and buttons have probably been my most popular items, and I think it's because I try hard to create just the perfect style and to make graphics that reflect the professional image my customers want to convey.





How are you able to balance your work and family life, while still continuing to nurture and grow your business?

Well, I'm a single mom and my youngest child is 18-years-old, and he's always understood that mom needs to work both a full-time and part-time job to provide for us. Just recently I've gotten him involved in helping me with my business. Not only do I look forward to putting him on the payroll, but working together gives us even more time and things to share between us.





If you could offer one piece of advice to other women business owners, what would that be?

Realize that no matter what your business is, you're an artist. It takes such creative thinking to be in business for yourself, and when you recognize you possess an artist within, you unlock unique, out-of-the-box brainstorming ideas for your company - and that is such a joyful thing to do!





Any other thoughts you'd like to share about yourself?

Well, another creative outlet that I love is writing, though I wish I had more time for it right now. I've had about half a dozen stories published in inspirational anthologies, including two in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Seeing stories of mine in books has been one of my personal joys.





Where are you located?

You can find me working away on my computer on a little, tree-lined street next to a cornfield in Kalamazoo, Michigan.





Anne Marie Goodrich

www.pearlsandgrace.net

www.goodrichdesign.net

Need A Gift Idea?

What do you do when you get an invitation to a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower or birthday party and you have no idea what gift to bring?  I found the perfect solution!  This keepsake hand painted platter is not only darling, it's so much more personal than a cheese plane. 



You can have it painted in the colors of your choice.  Add the couples name and wedding date or a inspirational message to the birthday girl. They can also be painted without names and dates.





It can be used as a serving platter for cookies and light desserts.  Hot food not recommended. Hand Wash Only

Keepsake platter 10.5" X 14" 

$37.50 + shipping.

To place an order email Diva Sprout at carrie@beansproutbabies.com

Manly Movies

My husband's two most favorite movies are Dances with Wolves and Last of the Mohicans.

He had the weekend off, so he decided to indulge in a movie marathon and watch them both. Interesting that he knows the movies so well that he can stop them during the parts he doesn't want to watch. I've noticed him doing this during Braveheart and several other manly movies.

So I wonder, what makes men love these movies so much yet they fast forward through anything sad or extremely unpleasant. Why watch them at all?

¡Hola Ombre! The To-Dye-For Wrap

The highly distinctive look of ombre creates a watercolor effect in rich, earthy hues, infusing ANU's tri-color wrap a rustic bohemian look.

Its hippie-chic color and over-washed, timeworn hand clash with eclectic sophistication against allover pintucked stitching in exquisite pashmina silk. The result? A chic odd-couple pairing of luxury materials and tailored craftsmanship with rich vintage character and organic élan.

shop Scarves & Shawls at myShape


[pashmina][scarves][chic]

Sweet on Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea is all about print and pattern. From graphic geometrics to feminine florals, to painterly abstract motifs, the designs of Sweet Pea offer a distinctive look, whatever your mood or sense of style. 



Tops are designed in a range of lovely silhouettes; look for necklines that go from high to revealing, fitted sleeveless cuts and draped batwing looks, and always a sophisticated touch like pretty ties at the waist or sleeves or an asymmetrical wrap front. 



shop Sweet Pea at myShape

Show Some Skin...Faux Exotic Waist-Wear

No crocodiles were injured in the making of this belt. Exotic skins—coveted for their beauty and scarcity—have long been hallmarks of luxury apparel, with crocodile and snakeskin shoes, bags and belts gracing the feet, arms and waists of the fashion elite.

This season's must-have belt is crafted from exquisite patent leather faux croc in an ultra-chic asymmetrical silhouette with Equestrian styling and burnished hardware for a refined, fashion-forward, heritage look.

shop Belts at myShape


[belts][faux][fashion]

Duran Duran at the Louve

I love Gela's Juicy hat and Yasmin is stunning in her black & white gown. As always, Duran Duran does everything with style and grace.

The event raised $2.6 million to help fund renovations of the museum's 18th-century Decorative Arts Gallery.



[Duran Duran][Paris][museum]

Prysmatic Pretty – A Multifaceted Approach to Jewelry

Nothing dazzles like exquisitely-cut stone, and this season's brilliant faceted pieces infuse jewelry collections with dimension and light.

A more demure approach to the chandelier earring reflects just as much elegance as its opulent big sister, but wears beautifully day to night without upstaging your ensemble. The spectrum sparkles in prismatic cut crystal, suspended from a delicate mount for a glittering, stellar finishing flourish. shop Jewelry at myShape


[jewelry][earrings][crystal]

Bomb Your Bath

I love this Bath Bomb Gift Set by Ciao Bella!

Includes 5 bath bombs in the following scents: Lavender & Vanilla, Plumeria, Amber Musk & Vanilla, Mango, Coconut & Banana, Strawberries & Champagne.


5 for $22? it's a steal - Review by melissa
let me break out my calculator...$4.40 each. I bought these bath bombs and wrapped each separately in cellophane, wrapped a ribbon around the top and gave these as gifts to some friends. it's a great idea and that way you save a few bucks and add a personal touch

The perfect gift for any occasion! - Review by Laura
I have given a ton of these bath bomb gift sets because they truly are the perfect gift! I gave them to my kids teachers, female coaches, piano teacher, my hair stylist, my esthetician, my nail salon tech, my interior designer, my 13 year old daughter gave one to all of her friends for their birthdays. It is packaged adorably in a chinese take out container with a cute bow on the handle. It is such a fun gift to give, when they open it the aroma from all the different scents smells wonderful. I just bought one for my daughter for an Easter gift. It's a great price too!

To purchase this set visit MyChicThings.com.


[Ciao Bella][spa][bath]

All Hands on Deck! The Seaworthy Satchel

The sharks are circling summer's must-have handbag—the Harbor Tote from Big Buddha. Its glossy patent leather-finished patina takes a pieced nautical stripe from classic preppy to glam, while braided straps and a drawstring cinch top invoke the iconic sailor's knot. Chunky metal hardware resonates of the season's fashion-forward, luxury handbag look no fashionista worth her salt should be without.

Ahoy! shop Handbags at myShape


[handbag][fashion][glam]

Transitions in Life

Transitions come in life to lead us on a new journey. Sometimes we have years to prepare and other times it happens in a blink of an eye. I am going through one of those transitions right now.

I fall in the category of Sandwich Generation. This meaning I'm in between the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Well, technically I'm a Baby Boomer, but the very end. I personally don't think this qualifies me to be in the same category as people who actually experienced the Vietnam War.

I am caring for my parents (OK, Mom.....not really)......hmmmm. I will be caring for my parents in the future, my son is going off to college and my daughter has yet to turn 10. I've had years to prepare for this transition, yet it seems to have happened so quickly.

I went to a workshop last week while my son was getting his Fall class schedule. The speaker was an excellent teacher, meaning he grabbed my attention and kept it there. He said that we had all probably shared our college stories and experiences with our rising Freshman. Then he said, "Stop it!" He reminded us that we went to college over 20 years ago! Well, I knew he was right, but what a jolt. Was it really that long ago?

When my first husband passed away, that was a transition I was not prepared for. Life did change on a dime. Dramatically, I might add. Birth, marriage, death...transitions we all experience. Whether we are prepared or not, they happen.

I'm actually looking at my current transition in a positive light. I feel confident that my son will find his path, my daughter is an incredible joy, my husband is my best friend and my parents are near and dear. Not too shabby for this Sandwich...late Baby Boomer...early Generation X gal!


[baby boomer][generation x][sandwich]

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday baby brother! OK, mom called to remind me to mail you a card. Snail mail just drives me crazy. So does driving to Walgreens to buy a card, rifling through my desk to find a stamp and then actually getting the card in the mail. I've decided that this is a much better way to let you know I'm thinking about you.




I've included some pics so my readers can see that you actually exist and I'm not just being random. I'd write a poem, but I'm bad at them.




How about 10 quick facts:
1. He is younger than I am.
2. He is taller than I am.
3. He is a good swimmer.
4. He grills his dinner outside every night.
5. He drinks Pepsi by the gallon.
6. He is the sexton at our church.
7. He loves to listen to 80s music.
8. He hates to mow his yard.
9. He has an incredible smile.
10. He is adored by his big sister.


Love ya Min!



[birthday][brother]

Swingpacks Making the Scene

I recently found out from my son's girlfriend, Lara, about the new craze on college campuses. These Coach swingpacks are what girls are going nuts over.

I guess I can certainly see the appeal. They are large enough to carry all girlie essentials, they are worn across the body and they are darling. What could be easier when you're lugging books to the library or grabbing a quick lunch with friends between classes?

Wonder how I can incorporate one of these into my life?




Photo courtesy of Coach.com

[Coach][purse][girls]

We Are Here For You

This is where I'm the most happy. The beach, the sun and the surf. Tranquility without the pressures of the day weighing heavy on my mind. I read two books last week, Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark and Weekends in New England by Linda Alexander. Linda did me the honor of signing the book before she mailed it to me. That made it quite special. I enjoyed both books tremendously.

So having returned from the peacefulness of the beach, I am renewed and so incredibly excited about Chic Things Galleria. I have a wondrous team of professionals working with me and we are anxious to really get this ball rolling. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. We are here for you, my dear readers. Expect surprises in the future as our sponsors continue to offer fabulous giveaways, product suggestions and great customer service. Let us know what you want to see!

Golf Enthusiasm

I'm a huge fan of golf. Although I don't play anymore due to my shoulder injury, I love to watch the game.

Last week, I followed by husband and son around in a golf cart while they played 18 at Heron Pointe on Hilton Head Island. There is something about the peace and tranquility of a golf course that I love. With my camera and bottled water, I took in all the sites.

Over the years, I've attended major tournaments such as the US Open. I've watched countless tournaments on TV and yesterday was no exception. The US Open at Torrey Pines was incredible and no winner has been crowned. Today I will watch Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate battle it out for the title of 2008 US Open champion. My hat goes off to Rocco. Mostly because I know how hard he has worked and at our age, it's just that much harder. Tiger is, in my opinion, a phenom. I watch as he makes shot after shot with what seems like little effort. He is focused and driven.

Played any good courses lately? I'd love to hear.

Last Tango Adds Chic

The lively tops of Last Tango pair flattering comfort with incredible versatility, taking basic tops in soft solids and brights and designing distinctive, fashionable looks that wear beautifully on the figure.

Basic tees, turtlenecks, and tanks get a chic update with ruched accents, a favorite design detail of Last Tango that flatters curves and forgives trouble spots. Lace trim at the neckline and hem of a simple cami lends a note of feminine romance, while clean, unembellished tops shine in radiant hues like pale lime and soft rose.

Worn alone or as a chic underpinning, the fashions of Last Tango make a great, versatile foundation for the well-appointed wardrobe. shop Last Tango at myShape

ChicChannel Contest

MyChicThings.com along with ChicStories.com and Glam.com have launched a Chic Contest in association with the new ChicChannel network. To enter, just visit ChicStories.com and leave a comment on the post ChicChannel Contest~Join and Win. You must name The Hottest Thing/Accessory of Summer 2008. One winner will be chosen at random on June 30, 2008 to win a $200 gift certificate to MyChicThings.com~so enter now!