From Joel Oesteen: You can call me "Al"

It can't be easy to be an evangelical Christian on Larry King. He loves to ask the question, "So do you think Jews, or Hindus, or Muslims go to heaven?"

I really don't get why the answer is so offensive, but maybe it's just me. I mean I'm not offended if a Muslim thinks I'm going to Hell or will miss out on the whole personal virgins deal, or if a Hindu thinks I'll be reincarnated as a gnat, or a Buddhist thinks I'll miss out on Nirvana.

But if someone believes Jesus himself makes an exclusive salvific claim about himself, then the person bearing such news automatically becomes the enemy of all enemies. The reality is that Larry simply wants you to believe His worldview is the correct view, and if you don't, you won't be tolerated. But I guess Jesus himself always said they'll hate you because they hate me and Paul reminded us that Christians are the "smell of death" (II Cor 2:15) to those who don't believe. So maybe it is me?

Anyhow, sometimes the fear of man, specifically the fear of Larry can be quite scary (I'm not being sarcastic-he is a powerful man in some ways). It can make some of us say things we don't believe because we want to be approved.

You may want to watch this sad video, from June 2005, where Joel Osteen really caves regarding Jesus' exclusive claim that He is the only way to heaven. Nevertheless, Osteen recants his statement after the flak he got from those in his camp and his re-watching the video clip.

Check out the video here, and president of a Baptist seminary Al Mohler's response to his retraction. But if you're going to check it out the video, make sure you check out his retraction and Mohler's response as well. Edifying.

This video is five years old, but I think its still a great picture of repentance and humility we all must embrace. Under Larry's lights, in the heat of a moment, I can see how a reforming people-pleaser like Oesteen could under the right (or wrong I guess is a better word) circumstances soften a hard truth. We all could. I'm glad old Joel recanted, because like it or not, he's got the "ear" of a ton of folks. I don't like Joel's (in my opinion) shallow positive feel good theology, but I like his repentance. We can learn something here from both Joel and Al: realize you're not above softening the truth or above the need for seeking real repentance.

You're Invited! Now What Do YouWwear?

Today's post is something we've become experts on these past few weeks.  An old friend of ours is getting married this weekend (Yay, Mike!) and when we got the invitations in the mail we were excited.  Then, the excitement was overcome by stress as we both realized we had nothing to wear but black (inappropriate for the season) and white (how rude!)  So, over the past few weeks we've been busy scouring the racks for that perfect dress.  We've literally tried on dozens of different dresses, in a variety of different styles and colors and lucky for you we've decided to share some of the ones we found that we think are worth heading out to the store to check out. So, here are are picks for the top dresses to wear as the guest of a wedding this spring or summer:

 

This Calvin Klein Dress is perfect for the less formal event. We think this would be the perfect dress for a daytime garden wedding or an anytime of day beach wedding. This dress seems like it was designed perfectly for a women's body - the 1950's style fitted top and flared bottom will add curves if you have none or perfectly accentuate your assets if you are well endowed. 

For a dressier occasion, we love this green Grecian dress from ModCloth.  Our friend Maggie has had her eye on this one, and we must agree, the color and cut of this dress are simply fantastic.  This dress can easily be dressed up with some sparkly jewelry and metallic heels, or dressed down with some brown leather sandals and a little jacket.

Did you know David's Bridal dresses are not just for Brides and Bridesmaids?!  You can actually go and try them on just like any dress shop and many of the dresses for bridesmaids would be perfect to wear as the guest of a wedding.  Take this strapless number for instance.  It comes in a million colors, is only $99, and has pockets!  What more could we ask for?

Remember how we are in love with gray?  Well, we sure would have been fighting over who would have gotten to wear this elegant dress from J. Crew, but we found out the wedding colors were gray and yellow and neither of us wanted to run the risk of wearing the same shade as the bridesmaids!  Nevertheless, this is a fantastic color and the dress is so delicate and feminine with the pretty chiffon overlay.  Plus, a simple, muted dress like this one serves as a fantastic blank pallet for bold and beautiful accessories and sexy heels!

So, you're probably wondering what we picked for ourselves!  Jen had a terribly hard time finding a dress, as her body shape is extremely difficult to fit. Finally, after trying on at least 40 dresses and dreading the costs of alterations, she found this royal blue, spaghetti strap dress that fits fairly well and was only $60!  This chiffon tiered dress was purchased from Group USA in the Franklin Mills Mall in PA and will be accessorized with black and pewter shoes and jewelry for a more glam look.

Saira, luckily, came across this strapless navy blue dress 9 months ago (someone was a little eager).  This tiered dress by Adrianna Papell is modern with it's subtle, unfinished edges but classic with the soft, delicate layers of satin. This dress is simple and understated, but perfectly elegant for any formal or semi-formal occasion.

Whatever you do, don't wear white!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Lessons from the LPGA

I don't follow golf very closely. L.P.G.A golf I follow even less closely, if that were possible. But last week, the female golf world, and its followers out there (I'm sure there are plenty of followers who just don't run in my circles), received a shocking blow last week: Lorena Ochoa is retiring at the age of 28.

Now what makes it such a surprising departure is that she was currently ranked #1 in the world. And she is departing for a reason which has become so secondary in the world today: starting a family.

It's not like Ochoa is taking a pay cut, marrying the CEO of AeroMexico. But I think any woman who would sacrifice the glory of a successful career for the sake of starting a family deserves at least a little pub on a small time blog-though I consider my followers "big time."

Now I'm not saying that women can't work and have families, but I can imagine being on the road with the L.P.G.A might make it a little difficult for a mom and child. Regardless, it is nice to see a woman who doesn't HAVE to have a career in order to feel significant. Certainly a good reminder for both sexes in a career=identity world which we all live.

Thank you cards

Dearest Dolls,

Every modern girl knows that even though some social practices are outdated, good manners are still and always will be extremely important in both your personal and professional life.  Proper etiquette and good manners are not just for the old fashion, stuffy folks, they are crucial to building positive relationships with others and serve to show others that you respect, care about, and appreciate them. Therefore, we think it's always handy to have a good set of thank you cards ready!  Whether it's thanking someone for a gift, helping you move, or setting up a job interview, a thank you card is a nice, intimate touch that really shows you care. Here are some unique thank you cards that we thought are sure to liven up your correspondence:

This thank you note available at Barnes & Noble is elegant and tasteful. The front of the card is designed with Queen Anne lace, and the inside is blank, giving you plenty of room to share your thanks with a friend, family member, or employer.

If you want something more unique, then these handmade thank you cards by Etsy seller thecraftpantry are right for you. The simple design and the bright florals make this a fun and fresh choice to express your gratitude. 

These pretty note cards from Etsy seller Sweet Bella are also handmade, and are just so fresh and sweet. We love that the set comes with matching envelope seals, to provide a very finished look to your correspondence. 

Continuing with the bird theme, we recommend this card from PaperPrince Marami. The splashes of color and delicate print give the card a vintage touch, but it is still formal enough to send to co-workers as well as friends and family.

For a more eco-conscious choice, try this "green" thank you note by Night Owl Paper Goods. Made from layers of harvested wood bits and paper scraps, every single card is one-of-a-kind, not to mention absolutely lovely.

Sometimes less is more! This thank you card available at Red Stamp is so simple and cute, and would be a great for teachers and students alike. Plus we love that the card is gender neutral, so you can share them with whomever!

Thank you, ever so much, for reading!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

"T" is for Trust

And the grand finale of them all, the much anticipated (even more so than the Series Finale of Lost-which I hope that at least one of my questions will be answered), the final letter "T" in PRE-HEAT. I will say that this acronym (Staci, thanks for suggesting I do something on prayer) has helped me to be specific and well rounded in my wifely prayers. Though I've missed a "letter" here and there, it will serve as a great tool to keep me on track and stay consistent and persistent in prayer.

The final "T" is for Trust.

As for Amy, myself, and probably many of us, trusting the Lord can be a hard thing. Trusting your husband-who is fallible and sinful, yet called to lead-can be even harder. Yet the two often go hand-in-hand, especially for those who've had to leave the Great State or any state they consider great.

And don't forget the trust involved in child-rearing, in leading Sunday School, in discipleship. Is it all a waste of time; will God bless your ministry in some way if the word is going forth? Trust that you made the right decision when it was at best a "gray" area. Trust that He has your sanctification and best interest in mind in His foreordaining all things which come to pass. If you tend to be overly analytical like me, the list of things to trust can go on and on.

Amy gets hung up on details-because she sees them and I don't. I get hung up on bigger picture stuff because that's what I see. So know what keeps your wife up at night and pray for her trust to grow; it could be something totally different than what feeds your worry.

So that concludes my PRE-HEAT acronym, which will give you one thing each day around which to center your wifely or womanly prayers. Hope it helps. If it doesn't, scrap it.

Color Day: Aqua & Lime

Here is a playful, modern color palette for a spring or summertime wedding.  The bright lime green with the shade of aqua is an eye catching combination that is youthful, fresh, and of course, bold.  These vibrant hues scream fun and excitement and will be sure to energize your party, wedding, or lifestyle.

Aqua & Lime Inspiration Board Images:  Polka Dots Stationary, Coco and Kelley, JMNPottery, BeachHouseLinens, InviteCottage, Prima Donna Bride, Zazzle, Gracious Paper, MeandMatilda, Trendy Treasure, AbbeyandIzzieDesigns 

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Ahoy there, matey!

Summer is around the corner, and the nautical look is back in fashion. But, don't fret, you don't need to own your own yacht to try out this look. It's fresh and cool without being too preppy, plus it's a really simple look to put together...no eye patches or peg legs required! All you really need is a striped shirt, some oxfords, and a blazer, and you're all set to go. Here are some must have pieces to include in your wardrobe that will have you on deck and ready to set sail this summer:

This simple boat neck striped shirt by BDG is pretty and casual. Jazz up the nautical stripes by pairing it with rolled up jeans or khaki capris, and add some gold or yellow accessories or red heels (or flip flops if you're feeling a little more laid back) for contrast.

Don't just walk the plank... strut your stuff!  These wedges by Jessica Simpson will add a pop of color to all the navy and white and we love the braided rope look on the wedge itself.  Plus, it will draw attention to your cute summer pedicure!

But if you're looking for a piece that is a little more summery, we suggest something like this nautical sun dress by O'Neill. It has a fun sea gull and sailboat print and ties in the back to give it a nice slimming fit. 

Every girl knows that a snug blazer can go a long way, and can be paired with almost anything in your wardrobe for an instantly polished look. Chart your course to style with this navy blazer by Gap! It's all about the fit, so don't be afraid to get something narrowly tailored to fit your physique. 

It's probably pretty obvious by now, but we are crazy for charm necklaces. This nautical themed necklace available at Metropark is a great look for this summer. The gold will look great with your navy pieces and the white gives it that beachy shell look that will perfectly compliment your tan.

We love this flowy striped shirt available at Mod Cloth. The stripes are subtle and the bow and peasant style sleeves are just darling!  This top makes it easy to wear the nautical look without going overboard!

Those ocean breezes are killer! To stay warm during the cool summer nights, try on this cropped nautical-inspired coat from Delia's. We love the brass buttons and the bold red stripes but what's really fantastic is it's made from sweat shirt material, so it's super comfy!

All aboard!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Jennifer Knapp, Larry King, and THE King

Last Friday night I was flipping through the channels. I love flipping. I can't stay on one channel, especially during commercials. But this time it really paid off, as I came across a fascinating but quite sad interview on Larry King.

Jennifer Knapp, who I used to listen to while in college, (I even played her music while in a temporary makeshift band), just came out as a lesbian. She came out as a lesbian but professing Christian, though I really didn't hear her actually use the name Jesus once. But maybe I just missed it.

The quality of her lyrics always astounded me as I had grown tired of lyrically bankrupt Christian music. And now she came out of the closet. The lyrics are still good, and I'll still listen, but probably with some sadness now.

Things began to heat up as another evangelical pastor, who had blogged about her during the week, came on the scene to dialog and defend his views. I was thankful they got a mega-church pastor who had a head on his shoulders (I would have loved to see Tim Keller or John Piper though) and seemed truly motivated by love.

Then Ted Haggard, former mega-church pastor, who had to resign his pastorate because of his homosexual involvement, joined the party. Unfortunately he did nothing but muddy the waters of truth and just try to break down everything to "A Relationship with God. That's what matters." He glossed over Romans and completely missed the point. That made it even sadder and got me a bit riled up.

Anyhow, here are a few of my "takes" from the interview.

1. Lost in Translation: Jennifer Knapp recognized that the hang-up over homosexuality really hinges on what the bible really means when it refers to homosexuality. She argued there were even evangelical scholars who questioned whether we were truly translating this correctly. Supposedly this homosexuality really meant sodomy. I've not run across an evangelical scholar- who places himself below, not above the text-to land in this camp.

2. "This was not a choice." This was more of Larry King's take on homosexuality, though Knapp seemed to be OK with it. So in other words, if a feeling exists, then that's who we really are. We should act on it. But such is the same reasoning for Sodomy, and for those who simply want to leave their spouses. If its a feeling, not a choice, you need to go for it. Probably a dangerous way to live.

There are a number of Christian resources out there who can help folks with same sex attraction, as well as a other sexual brokenness. One I highly recommend is Harvest USA.

3. Don't elevate homosexuality. According to Paul in I Corinthians 6, neither the homosexual, nor slanderers, nor greedy, nor adulterers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God....and such were some of you. Now I'm totally aware the difficulty of leaving a homosexual lifestyle behind, but let's remember that we probably place more of a stigma on this particular sin and ignore other sins which the bible presents as equally as heinous.

4. Talking past. For the most part, the pastor and Jennifer Knapp seemed to be talking past each other. Jennifer claimed she wasn't justifying her sin; the pastor continued to affirm she was. So if what she was doing WEREN'T a sin, then nothing really needed to be said.

I think the hardest part for a homosexual, or for most Americans for that matter, is that they've never seen someone who believes them to be wrong, yet still wants to be their close friend.

That's just not many folks' paradigm. Most haven't seen someone who could disagree with their lifestyle, but still love them as a person, want to get to know them, and affirm their worth.
But if we're never allowed to disagree and become friends with people who we don't agree with, or we refuse to become friends with people we disagree with, the battle will just stalemate. And the scene from Larry King will just be a microcosm of Christian-Gay relations unless something changes. At least we have control over the latter.

Bobby Moynihan is a contestant on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Commercial: Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Celebrity guest host Steve Harvey is back.

Gabourey Sidibe ... contestant
Abby Elliott ... contestant
Bill Hader ... announcer (voice)
Bobby Moynihan ... contestant
Kenan Thompson ... Steve Harvey



Leave a comment if this video doesn't play for you.

Mostly an excuse to bust out Kenan's Steve Harvey impression.

Enjoy!

Bobby Moynihan is Anthony Scalise in Public Employee Of The Year

Show: 2010 Public Employee Of The Year Awards

A night to honor America's government workers.

Gabourey Sidibe ... Markeesha Odom
Steve Higgins ... Johnny Douglas, announcer (voice)
Bobby Moynihan ... Anthony Scalise
Jason Sudeikis ... Dennis Cosgrove
Kenan Thompson ... Desmond McCoy



Enjoy!

Bobby Moynihan in Alarm Clocks And More

Commercial: Alarm Clocks And More

Alarm Clocks and More has clocks that speak to you.

Gabourey Sidibe ... Tandy Cool Randy
Fred Armisen ... actor
Abby Elliott ... actor
Bobby Moynihan ... actor
Nasim Pedrad ... actor
Jenny Slate ... Tina Tina Chanuse



Jenny Slate's third in the series. Hilarious, but she needs to find more hits (rather than repeating the same hilarious skit), whether new characters or impressions. Bobby and Nasim are way ahead of her. But to be fair, Kristen and Jason concentrated on their A Holes skit their first two years.

Enjoy!

Travel in Style

The worst possible thing when traveling is losing your luggage! In a sea of boring black and grey luggage that can be easily lost in the shadows, one way to ensure that your luggage gets there and back is to have it stand out from the crowd. Plus, cute luggage is a great accessory if you travel often for work or for pleasure. Here are some of our favorite travel styles:

Roxy makes fashionable gear for cruising the waves, the slopes, and apparently the skies! This super cute rolling suiter by the popular surf brand is pretty, functional, and will definitely stand out on the luggage carousel. And you can get a matching carrying case to go with! Accessorizing is the best.

If you're more of a day tripper, then try out this stylish leather duffle by Love Luggage. We love this brand because it makes durable, handheld luggage, and throws in a skull and crossbones now and then to add some edge.

Carry-on luggage can be cute too! This piece by Orla Kiely features multiple pockets for extra storage, but is still compact enough to fit right over your head. Plus the trolley print adds some much needed kitsch to your travel itinerary. 

If you run into turbulence during your flight, never fear, your luggage is safe in this shell cased trolley designed by Hideo Wakamatsu. It comes in two sizes, and has a pretty purple interior lining so your clothing can ride in style.  

While we did caution to stay away from black luggage, something tells us that this polka-dot luggage set available at Target will still be pretty easy to find. It's a bit more understated than some of the other pieces we've shown, and it comes at a bargain price. Bargain style -- what more could a doll want? 

Happy travels!

Jen & Saira

Bobby Moynihan gets a good review as Susan Boyle

Here's a review of Bobby in Mort Mort...

And these days, SNL has trouble sustaining a premise for more than three or four minutes, as ... “Mort Mort Feingold, Accountant For The Stars” ... proved. (Although ... Bobby Moynihan may have finally found his dream role: playing Susan Boyle. Not that there’s much of a future in that.)

From:
http://watching-tv.ew.com/2010/04/18/saturday-night-live-recap-did-we-feel-sorry-for-ryan-phillippe/

Here it is again:



Enjoy!

A is for Adored

Now to the "A" of PRE-HEAT. "A" is for "adored." Men want to be respected. That's our bag. Machiavelli in his promotional dictatorial work The Prince coined the phrase, "Its better to be feared than loved." You can see how dictators have adopted this philosophy over the years. But where this really stems from is a man's healthy desire for respect run a-muck. So in some ways, this is very true for a man. We crave respect.



I'm not saying women don't desire or even need respect (particularly in areas which are not as culturally respected like child rearing), as Aretha Franklin once sang, but the order seems to be reversed. That's why Paul tells women to "respect" their husbands and for husbands to "love" their wives in Ephesians 5. It's not that women aren't to love husbands and husbands not respect their wives in any way, but this gives us an insight into the "how" of love.



So the "A" stands for adored, which to me, is far more than just respect. It is cherishing, loving, considering someone worthy of your affection. If Amy feels adored by me, then she has less of a need to compare herself with the accomplishments of others. If she feels adored, she won't need to run to a place of adoration through a romantic comedy or the embrace of another. If she feels adored by her husband, she'll believe me when I say she's beautiful even though her clothes are getting smaller and smaller because the baby is getting bigger and bigger. If she feels adored, she'll feel that sense of intimate connection. If she feels adored, then she'll be less likely to compare herself with the appearance of other women-folk and find herself lacking.



So the "A" is huge. Don't leave it out. Martin Luther was a different cat, bolder than I'll ever be, and did more for Jesus than I'll ever do. Yet he was not without "warts," so I in no way deify him.



However, his contribution to the institution of marriage in the 1500's is just as important, profound, and unfortunately under-realized and under-applied in the 2010's (or whatever you call this decade.) Here are some "adoring" quotes attributed to Luther regarding his wife Katie.

More proof you can't judge a book by its cover.



“I would not give up Katie for all of France, because God gave her to me and me to her.

“I love my Katie, yes, I lover her more dearly than myself,”

“Katie, you have a devoted husband who loves you. You are an empress.”



May this kind of adoration be our aim and prayer for our women. That they would feel loved, cherished, and adored.

"Green" Weddings

We know your wedding day is important... that all your life you've dreamed of the huge, beaded, taffeta dress, orchids, ornate invitations, caviar, and the works.  But, did you ever stop to think about where all the stuff goes afterwards?  Usually, it's the trash can, or closet, if you're lucky.



The typical wedding produces an obscene amount of waste and is usually not very eco-friendly.  To put it into perspective, let's consider paper products! You've got the save the dates, then the invitations to all the different events like the showers, parties, rehearsal dinner, etc., then the thank you cards for those events, then the actual invitations and all their parts and, of course, you can't forget the envelopes for all of these things -- sounds a little excessive, right?  And that doesn't even include the programs, menus, tables cards, etc!  And let's not even talk about flowers!  



Okay, okay, so now you're probably thinking having an eco-friendly wedding is impossible since, obviously, silk flowers are tacky, email/facebook/twitter invites are inappropriate, and your guests do actually need to eat.  But, never fear, this post is meant to inspire you to have your dream wedding, and still be green!  Take a look at some green elements you can include in your wedding...even the smallest step is a step in the right direction.

Before we even talk wedding, we should talk engagement.  Get off to the right start with this engagement ring that is made using Canadian, conflict-free diamonds and recycled/reclaimed gold and platinum.  This "Amelia" ring is from the Earthwise collection by Leber Jewelers.

These Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint!  Bella Figura produces seriously gorgeous invitations on 100% Cotton Paper so no trees are harmed in the making.  In addition to that, their shop is wind powered, they are a carbon neutral company, and they donate a percentage of their proceeds to environmental charities.

This  "green" wedding gown is absolutely stunning and is made using using natural, sustainable, and "peaceful" materials.  Puridee designs fabulous gowns made with "Ahimsa" and "Tussah" silk, which is either collected in the wild or made in an organic environment that allows the silkworm to go through a natural life cycle and emerge as a moth.  Be extra green by donating your dress to a wonderful charity so that it may bring someone else the happiness it brought you!

Our favorite pick for an eco-friendly wedding favor is this adorable, biodegradable seed pot by favorcreative.  Not only can your guests enjoy this over and over as they grow their herbs, but the boxes are made of recycled material and all you have to do to have them double as table cards is add a little seed paper tag.  Or, write directly on the box if you really want to save on paper.

When it comes to wedding flowers, the trick is to think local, in-season, and double duty! We suggest checking out your local Whole Foods if you're looking for a cost effective, eco-friendly option. Their abundant floral department will surprise you and you're sure to rest easy knowing you are supporting local farmers!  As for double duty, get the best bang for your buck and waste less by re-using your ceremony decorations as part of your reception decor.  And, for the ultra green centerpiece, recycle old mason jars, scour flea markets for unique containers, or re purpose some used tea tins as vases -- the options are endless and they are sure to strike up conversation amongst your guests.

And, what would a wedding be without dessert!?  Now, we are not vegans..not even close.. but considering the impact that the dairy and factory farming industry has on the earth, you could be eco-friendly by choosing to go vegan for your wedding cake, your guests will never know the difference!  Here is a picture of one of the fantastic looking vegan cupcakes by KTsKitchen.  Though she is based out of Ohio, we're sure that if you look around you'll be able to find someone selling vegan baked goods in your area. 

Love the earth!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Bobby Moynihan - was the moose in the Sarah Palin rap (interview)

Check below for the interview with Bobby Moynihan about the Sarah Palin rap. Here are clips from the documentary they aired on NBC...

First the promo...

"Saturday Night Live in the 2000s: Time And Again" airs on Thursday, April 15 9pm/8c



Andy's TV Guide photo is featured, and there's a still of him young and shaggy-tastic at about 28 seconds in.

==========

The story behind the Lazy Sunday from Saturday Night Live In the 2000s: Time and Again.



Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer talk about the making of two scenes from Lazy Sunday. Andy's in the Lazy Sunday clips. I wish they would show more of the interviews online.

=========================

Chris Parnell shares some never-before-seen dress rehearsal raps in Saturday Night Live In the 2000s: Time and Again.



Hahahaha. So the way Lazy Sunday came about is that Lonely Island pitched Chris to do one of these Weekend Update raps with him, and Chris sugggested that they just do a digital short like LI's previous online vids. And thus they went out to film Lazy Sunday.

=================

The backstory of the Sarah Palin rap from Saturday Night Live In the 2000s: Time and Again.



Hahahaha. Andy is one of the eskimos. Reportedly, Amy previously revealed in an interview that she sat down with Andy to get some rapping pointers for this rap. Apparently, Amy had this rap prepared, and as soon as she saw an opportunity (on Friday, the day before), she busted it out and sold everyone on it!

Bobby Moynihan played the moose and got shot by Amy Poehler. Nice!

========================

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake shed light on the conception of the sketch in Saturday Night Live In the 2000s: Time and Again.



=================

Amy and Maya reveal the backstory of Bronx Beat from Saturday Night Live In the 2000s: Time and Again.



Enjoy!

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day, today's post is dedicated to beautiful, earth friendly, items that have been either recycled, upcycled, re-purposed, or made of natural and organic materials.  It makes us ladies happy to see names on our lotions and makeup that we can pronounce - no dyes or chemicals!  It also makes us happy to see someone's discarded trash take on a new life as someone else's new treasure and there are plenty of useful items out there that just need a little sprucing up!  Honestly, no one will ever know that your new yellow dresser came from the scrap pile and not Anthropology.  Anyway, here are a few lovely and/or useful items we found from creative Etsy sellers that can please both you and Mother Earth too! 

Super Cute Recycled Fabric Clutch By Lolos

Made with all natural, recycled canvas and cotton fabrics.

Re-purposed Vintage Typewriter Key Necklace by Keys and Memories

Made using salvaged, early 20th century typewriter keys.

Adorable Paint Sample Notebooks by Crab Apple Designs

Made with discarded paint sample cards.

Stylish Recycled Guitar String Bracelet By FoxDesignsJewelry.  Made with re-purposed strings from electric guitars.

Recycled Map Stationary by Dote.

Made with card stock and a recycled 1973 map of Florida.

Natural Gemstone and Recycled Silver Ring by Ethora

Made using recycled silver wire and natural Amazonite stones.

Reusable Sandwich Baggie by BellsandUnicorns

No more Ziplocs in landfills!  Made with water resistant lining.

Soothing lotion for cramps by Garden of Holly

Made with organic and all natural ingredients.

Folding reusable shopping bag by aBeachBreeze

Folds neatly into itself so you'll never forget it at home again!

Romantic Prints by ArtSchoolGirl

Made using recycled paper and soy based inks.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Goodell for Pope?

Some of my pre-West VA blog followers respected this man Myron Rolle for choosing to go to Oxford instead of entering the NFL draft last year. I'm not sure I would have taken that route, but he'll get to see exactly how much it helped/hurt him this weekend as the NFL draft starts tonight.

This former FSU Rhodes Scholar athlete, made smaller news this week by praising the NFL commissioner for punishing Ben Rothlesberger, calling the move "awesome." Sheriff Goodell suspended "Big Ben" for 6 games this season for his involvement with an under-age lass in a Georgia nightclub. Since the law provides so many loopholes for wealthy athletes, and sometimes gets undercut by yahoo cops, who actually resign after investigations (that's what happened with Rothlesberger's latest case), it doesn't always provide justice. At least one cannot escape a lesser justice from the NFL.

Maybe the Pope could get some pointers from Goodell in cleaning up the priesthood, as the NFL seem to be quite aggressive in filling in where the law falls short. Maybe the papacy should be his next stop?