HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 
HAPPY 
NEW YEAR!   

I hope all of my blogging buddies are blessed with happiness, good health and prosperity in 2013! 

Best,
Gloria  xxoo

Merry Christmas to All...  May your day be wonderful and happy.
Best,
Gloria

=================================================
picture credit from:   http://pinterest.com/pin/260364422179128449/

Moment of Silence on Friday for Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School

 

Photo Credit C.M.Glover

Gov. Malloy Calls For Bell Toll, Moment Of Silence On Friday

"Connecticut governor asks churches, residents to honor 26 victims of shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

Gov. Dannel Malloy is asking Connecticut residents to observe a moment of silence on Friday exactly one week after a gunman at a Newtown elementary school killed 26 people.
According to the Associated Press, and the Norwich Bulletin, Malloy is asking churches to ring their bells 26 times at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. He asked residents to observe a moment of silence during this time."

Although this was posted on my local CT newsline, I think that the whole country will get this request...  I think it is so wonderful for him to ask all CT churches to toll their church bells, 26 times, at 9:30 on Friday, December 21, one week after the tragedy.

I just wanted to alert you of this in case you wanted to take a moment of silence on Friday at 9:30 AM EST.  Thanks for visiting here to see this...

gv  

Thinking of Newtown, CT -- Sandy Hook School...

Compassion and Sympathy...

At left: A guest reacts outside the Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home in Fairfield before a funeral for Noah Pozner (JOHN WOIKE)

[from ct.now.com website] - One of the first of the children being laid to rest today.

This photo just says it all, doesn't it?   I think this is the way all of us feel.  This tragedy has just consumed everyone in Newtown, Ct -- everyone in the state of CT -- everyone in the nation -- everyone outside of the U.S. even.  I saw on the news a little clip that showed children in Poland standing in a classroom and they held a prayer and moment of silence for the Newtown school children.

Living in CT, this tragedy has been on our stations all the time...  They have also started telling us on the news that funds are being established for the Newtown/Sandy Hook School children who lost their lives, for their families.

I am going to list them all here in the event that some of you can find it in your hearts to share a few dollars.  

I, myself, will donate to the "My Sandy Hook Family Fund."  I liked this fund due to the fact that it was established by the people of Newtown, and that the money will go directly to the families, towards the funerals, and for their immediate needs until they are back on their feet.  When they first reported this fund on the news this afternoon, the amount raised was $58,000.  By the end of the news hour, it was up to $68,000.  I just checked and it is now: $76153.56 raised so far.

Note:  If you don't like to donate online with a credit card, click on and they give a post office box to the Union Savings Bank in Newtown so you can send a check.

Maybe you truly can't afford a donation, but would like to send a card or letter to be read by the parents...  So for anyone who wants to send a card, they gave this address on one of our news stations.  --They also advised that this PO Box accepts packages too (if you think of something special you'd want to send).  

This is a special post office box that was just designated today by the United States Post Office/Postal Service (USPS).  Again, they did say that packages are will be accepted at this PO Box, in addition to cards you'd like to send.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES FOR NEWTOWN

P.O. Box 3700

Newtown, CT  06470

Anyway, here are all the funds established if you'd like to choose: 

Again, the most recent one I heard about on the news this afternoon is the "My Sandy Hook Family Fund" which is the one I am going to choose.  Here's the website:  https://www.everribbon.com/ribbon/view/10076

Note: I like this fund because of their statement:  The “My Sandy Hook Family Fund" has been established by local Sandy Hook, CT parents and friends dedicated to providing immediate and continuing support for the 26 families of those who lost children and loved ones in the Sandy Hook School tragedy.   

But, again, here are more 'funds' that have been set up.  I hope you will find one where you would like to donate.  Please note:  I found the following list of funds on the ABC news website entitled:  How to Help Newtown, Conn., Shooting Victims' Families, Community -- Here's the link:  http://abcnews.go.com/US/newtown-conn-shooting-victims-families-community/story?id=17998635#.UM-TSHdj7C0

The Newtown Memorial Fund has been set up to provide financial support to families for funeral services, to assist the town in creating a lasting memorial and to provide an annual scholarship to students of the Newtown Public Schools who will be going to college.
Newtown Youth and Family Services is providing counseling to community members, and all donations to the organization will go directly to those affected by the shooting.

The United Way of Western Connecticut set up the Sandy Hook School Support Fundhttps://newtown.uwwesternct.org/ to support the families and community members. To donate, visit its websitehttps://newtown.uwwesternct.org/. 

The Red Cross is on the ground in Newtown, providing food, water and emotional support to families and first responders. The organization is also providing grief counseling to the community.

All donations to the Newtown Parent Connection will go to those directly affected by the shooting. The organization is also providing support resources to the community, including trauma-support sessions.

In honor of 6-year-old victim Emilie Parker, who was originally from Utah, the Emilie Parker Memorial Fund has been set up at America First Credit Union in Utah. For more information about how to donate, visit the fund's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmilieParkerFund page.
Note:  I heard on TV that Emilie's family is Mormon, for those of you with this religious affiliation and would like to donate.

Save the Children has set up a child-friendly space in the Newtown middle school where kids can play and express themselves while parents receive grief counseling and support. The organization also put out a list of tips on how to support your children through this tragedy.

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING THIS POST, AND FOR MAYBE SENDING A CARD OR MAKING A DONATION.   

God bless you all, and please remember what my mother would say when someone would tell her they shared or did a good deed:  "The good Lord will reward you a hundredfold."

Please note:  I would also like to thank Layla from "The Lettered Cottage" -- although I haven't been blogging much lately, I saw her blog the other day giving the United Way link to contribute to Newtown.  I think that Layla lit a 'spark' in me to do the same, especially since I am a CT resident and I have seen today that different funds are now being established.  Anyway, I just wanted to give credit where credit is due!  Thank you, Layla.  Although she will never see this thank you (hers is a large/popular blog and she doesn't visit here), that's ok. I just wanted to put out my thank you for her, and put out this post, in the hope that a few of you might contribute, now that they have established all of these new 'funds' from which we can choose, to help Newtown.  Thanks again.

Best,
Gloria

WINNER OF OUR FISH FOAM GIVEAWAY!!!

Drum roll, please........ 
Our winner is........

The winner is:

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and JoyDecember 10, 2012 4:31 PM

Congratulations, Kathy, from Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy!  Please email me with your address and I will pass it on to the Fish Foam people, who will forward your package to you.

 

Thank you to FISH FOAM and to all who visited and entered!

 

Best,

gv

TRAGEDY IN CONNECTICUT...

 

This is the photo that I think we all have seen today...  "Newtown, Connecticut School Shooting"

How sad is this?  I cannot tell you how this has affected me... I cried all day.  I think since it happened in my own state.  I think because I thought of all the parents...  I dread how I would have felt to have lost my son when he was small...

This won't be a long post.  I'm sure you all are already doing this, but I just wanted to write to ask you all/remind everyone to pray for the parents, grandparents, brothers & sisters of the poor little children who were lost...  20 Kindergarteners.  Plus pray for the surviving children who made it through, it will be traumatic for them in the coming weeks and months.  AND the grown-ups (Principal, staff, etc.) who lost their lives today, please pray for THEIR families...
Please pray for ALL of the families of all those lost.

gv

FISH FOAM! A Review & 'GIVEAWAY!!!!'

Greetings to all!  I hope that I haven't lost any of my blogging friends since I have just been so horrible to not have posted in so long!!  I hope you have not given up on me.  ;)   But, with many of you, we've emailed each other and I love keeping in contact with you guys.   


Here FINALLY is the Fish Foam Review and GIVEAWAY, as promised -- and I hope you will all forgive the delay.  I also promise to get around to visiting your blogs soon for the Holidays! 

BUT, on to important stuff:  the Fish Foam review and GIVEAWAY! 
Well, let me say that I was very pleased with Fish Foam's performance.  I've seen it around online in the past year (as I'm sure a lot of you have) and I am very happy to give a review.  I must say that I highly recommend it. 

For two major reasons:  It is so NOT messy and it cleans well.  I've always hated when I spray on a window cleaner and I have to be RIGHT THERE with the paper towels to start FRANTICALLY wiping after spraying!  Not so with Fish Foam. 
YOU SPRAY, IT STAYS.  
No rush, no anxiety-driven-wiping before it DRIPS!   My son also used it on the car windshield and he loved it.  Here's some photos taken, some before and after.

You can see how DIRTY my storm door was, I should be ashamed to show it!

Here comes the Fish Foam!

Do you see the shining, clear finish??  It's great! 
And, as you can see above, YOU SPRAY, IT STAYS!  

I wish I could find the photos my son took of cleaning the car windshield... I cannot find them right now in our computer file!  He's out and I must get this posted, I've wasted enough time, so I'm sorry there are none to see.  I can maybe add them later...  But please know that the windshield came out great too.  (You know how dirty car windshields can get!)

Also, per Fish Foam:  
"Fish Foam makes cleaning windows easier! Your home and car will look sparkling clean after using Fish Foam. The all-weather, ammonia-free glass cleaner immediately goes to work and doesn't leave streaks or a haze. Ordering online is safe and secure and Fish Foam is delivered to your door via UPS."

Fish Foam also offers home cleaning!  --Click HERE or on the photo below for info!  They give free estimates too.

 

Sooooooooo... here's our giveaway:  Please leave a comment saying where you'd use your free Fish Foam.  This is open from today, Sunday, December 9, 2012 through Friday, December 14, 2012 at midnight (Eastern time).  We will then do the "random number generator" for one lucky winner.  
Winner will be announced on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

Please join in!  Good luck to all!

Best,

Fish Foam Giveaway and Review to Come!

I apologize to anyone visiting here since July because I advised in my last post (from weeks ago!) that I would be having a FISH FOAM review and giveaway. And I WILL! I'm sorry it's taking so long. I'm just happy that my Fish Foam friends are a patient company. :)

I will be back soon with my review and your chance to get some Fish Foam of your own in the giveaway.

I also apologize for the 'boring-ness' of my blog these past weeks, with not posting anything new. I am hoping to start up again soon... starting with the Fish Foam post!
Thanks for sticking with me.

Best,
Gloria

Happy July 4th!!

Happy July 4th!!!!!!

I hope you all have some great plans for the 4th, with LOTS of fireworks, and I want to take this time to thank all of the present soldiers on duty out there, and our wonderful veterans, for making this homeland of ours the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!

Enjoy your weekend and the 4th!

AND:
Come back next week: I have a review of "Fish Foam" and I will be having a giveaway!!! :)

Best,
Gloria xxoo

Photo credit: bayasaa

Please Do a Good Deed... all it takes is a 'click'

Dear All: I hope you all have been well! I am doing this post because GODIVA Chocolates is celebrating women who go the extra mile to support their communities through the Lady GODIVA Program.

I just helped my favorite semi-finalist get one step closer to winning a $1000 grant by voting for her as my Local Lady GODIVA. Will you vote too?

http://the.ladygodivaprogram.com/Sherri-Sarrouf

This is for the Summer Northeast section. Sherri Sarrouf is from Andover, MA. Sherri has inspired everyone through her unselfish hardwork and dedication to saving the lives of the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Since 1999, her passion, has led her Fitness for a Cure committee & charity to raise over 1.7 million,raising $350,000 at the 13th annual event in March 2012. She is an amazing woman and inspiration to me, especially. She truly deserves to be celebrated!

The Summer 2012 nominee with the most votes will receive a $1000 grant, and become a finalist in the running for a $10,000 grant.

You can vote once a day, so don't forget to come back and support this Local Lady GODIVA again tomorrow. I know I will! (There's only about 7 days left.)

Thanks for joining me in getting this woman the support and recognition she deserves.

On an entertaining note: Do you know the legend of Lady Godiva? It is quite interesting, and touching...

The Lady Godiva Legend

In the 11th century, a woman of great generosity and beauty left an indelible impression upon the people of Coventry, England. Known for her lustrous hair and bountiful nature, she dedicated her life to the impoverished and stricken.

Her husband, Lord Leofric, was a powerful ruler and unsympathetic to the citizens of his kingdom. When he imposed a heavy burden of taxation upon his subjects, Lady Godiva protested. Lord Leofric set forth a challenge: If Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets, that taxation would be lifted.

Lady Godiva was the most modest of women but immediately agreed to this challenge to help her fellow townspeople. On the morning of the event, dawn rose, the clock rang through the cobbled streets and Lady Godiva prepared for her ride. The generosity of Lady Godiva led to more generosity on the part of the townspeople. The people agreed to all close their shutters to preserve Lady Godiva's modesty as she rode through the streets. As promised, Lady Godiva's velvet gown dropped to the ground and the ride began.

Throughout the streets, the sounds of hoaves echoed, but not a single glance flew her way.

Upon her finish, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the town. Lady Godiva had braved her modesty and convention to win the hearts of all who knew her. As promised, Lord Leofric eased his taxation of the poor and Lady Godiva's place in history was immortalized.

The legend of Lady Godiva has not diminished, but has grown and deepened. Centuries later, Joseph Draps, a master chocolatier, created a line of Belgian chocolates with extraordinary richness and style, a collection of passion and quality. He sought a name that embodied these timeless values balanced with modern boldness. His choice?

GODIVA.

Thank you if you can get the chance to vote! I'm sure Sherri and St. Jude's Hospital will greatly appreciate it if she wins.

Best,

Gloria

Revenge -- Season Finale!

Greetings -- I haven't been blogging in SO LONG. I hope all of my blogging buddies have been well!
I did want to put this out there in case anyone will see it in the next few hours: tonight is the Season 1 Finale of REVENGE! I am going to miss it over the Summer. I hope they have repeats...

FYI: In the Fall, when the show comes back on, they said that it will move to Sunday nights at 9:00 PM EST. (Taking over the "Desperate Housewives" slot.)

ALSO, on August 21, 2012, the Season 1 of Revenge will be out on DVD, if anyone is interested (see photo above on right).

Here's a little sneak peek of what we will see tonight. Looks very exciting!



Well, I hope all who watch will enjoy the show tonight! I know I will. ;)

Best,
Gloria

P.S. If you have an iPhone, iPad or Android, you can be entered to win a Revenge Getaway to the Hamptons! Click HERE for the details (info and instructions on how to enter).

Note: Photos courtesy of ABC.com

Reminder: REVENGE - New Shows Start Tonight!

OK, the pest is back again! ...to remind those of you that watch "Revenge" that it is back on tonight (Wednesday, the 18th) -- the new shows start up again! ABC, 10 PM (9 Central). Enjoy!

Best,

REVENGE Returns!!

REMINDER! The TV show "revenge" is starting up again! Tonight, it's a "recap" show, to get you "up to speed" on what's been going on since the beginning.

If you get some time tonight (ABC, 10:00 PM --9 Central), please check it out! You will LOVE this show!



New shows start up NEXT Wednesday, April 18th.
If you've loved the show from the beginning and watch it, please let me know, I'd love to hear from you! (--and I'll know how happy you are, like me, that it is back on the air!)

Best,
Gloria

Please note: Photos courtesy of ABC: http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/revenge
Just click on link to get there -- you can also watch full episodes online at that location.

Easter!

HAPPY EASTER!!
A happy and blessed Easter to everyone. Jesus has risen!

May you and yours receive all of the Good Lord's blessings and may we all try to live as Jesus wants us to live... He gave His life for us... So be good to others, share what you have with others and, my personal favorite advice: live and let live and don't judge others on the way they live and their decisions in life. No one of us is better than the next person. You know?

So let's all try to be kind to one another, and encourage one another, in each of our endeavors. We will all get many "Jesus points" for that. ;)

In the meantime, as we travel on our journeys, God bless you all and may you all have a wonderful holiday today! xxoo

Best,
Gloria

P.S. If anyone leaves a comment, let me know what you had (food-wise) for Easter! I LOVE hearing about food! ;)

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

Did you hear about THE HUNGER GAMES yet? Well, I guess I've lived in a cave, OR am just not young enough, because I only heard about this movie in the past couple of weeks. I didn't even know there's three BOOKS out there on THE HUNGER GAMES. Hmmm... I guess I HAVE been living in a cave!

From what I've read, the first book came out in 2008, written by Suzanne Collins. The second published in 2009; the third, 2010. This first movie just came out, and the second movie in the trilogy is set to come out in November of 2013. I also heard that this past weekend, the film made $155 million in it's opening weekend. WOW.

Anyway, I went with a friend to see the movie, THE HUNGER GAMES yesterday. I had absolutely no idea what it was about, so I went in fully open to the story. I did get the gist that it was about a future catastrophic world, where there are annual 'games' where kids/teenagers fight to the death. For something... food for their town, fame, whatever.

So as you can see, I went in blindly! I don't want to tell you any more, in case you were considering seeing the movie and don't want to know anything.

I must say that I truly enjoyed the movie. I was not bored for one minute of the film, the acting was very good, and the story very engrossing. I DID go in with the idea that it would be a BIG theatrical thing (and certain parts of it were, which did entertain: crazy outfits, blue hair, pink hair, big crowds, computer animation, digital design). BUT I was surprised that most of the movie was more on an individual-character-type storyline.

Again, I don't want to give too much away. Those who are visiting here and have read the book(s) will know what to expect. Those of you, like me, who have no idea and haven't read the first book will be pleasantly surprised with the story, I believe. I think if one knows nothing going into a film, the better. Hell, maybe one's expectations will be less and you'll enjoy it more!

The young stars of the movie were not known to me; again, I guess I am living in a cave and/or I have to admit I am not young anymore. ;)
But there were were a lot of actors you will know: Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci. They each did a fantastic job.
Here are some photos, via thehungergamesmovie.com

You can see below, on the left, what I meant when I said there are some crazy outfits. ;)



All in all, I can say that I can recommend your seeing the film. I enjoyed it so much I now want to read the book(s). AND: If you DO see it, or HAVE seen it already, please leave me a comment and let me know!

Best,
Gloria

P.S. I linked this post to Pam's/Be Colorful's MOTIVATED MONDAY! Click to visit! AND I linked to Kaleigh's Spring Fling!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17th!
ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Just wanted to wish all of you a great St. Patrick's Day! I wish each of you the Irish blessing I've posted. I'm hoping on it for myself also. ;)

Have a great weekend too! xxoo

Best,
Gloria

Note: The Irish blessing is something I pinned on Pinterest, so go to the link below if you care that much to see the source! LOL!
http://pinterest.com/pin/135319163773720014/

p.s 'Comments' have been disabled -- use your time to make a wish on a Leprechaun.

Daylight Savings Time this Weekend!

Reminder...
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS -- "Spring Ahead, Fall Back"
It happens on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at 2 a.m., so don't forget to change your clocks! We have to move them ahead one hour... which is great because then we will get one more hour of daylight each day! However, we also lose that hour of sleep. Oh well... at least we will have longer days. Hooray, Spring is almost here!

I haven't been blogging lately, so I apologize for not visiting too many blogs these days. But I hope you have all been well, and I hope everyone enjoys the warm Spring days that will be coming our way soon. Have a great weekend!

Best,
Gloria

Credit for photo: Father Steve Planning takes care of Gonzaga College High School's 19th century manual clock. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

FUN! A quiz for you!!

Greetings! My very first blogging buddy, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, has a great post today! I woke up really early and was delighted to see her post -- it was a fun Quiz! So I left a comment for her giving my answers, and included in my comment that I would do a post on it too. (Check hers out!! Click on her name above to see -- BUT, please finish reading THIS post first because I want to see your answers to the quiz!)
Note: 'Quiz' image at right courtesy of www.crustysocks.com

OK, here's the questions/my answers...
And then see below that... please copy the blank questions and then paste them in my comments section and then fill in YOUR answers! Can't wait to hear them! :)
Isn't this fun?! Thanks for the idea, Susan!
Oh, and you will see that there's a "Southern Theme" here some of with the questions, since this was Susan's idea and she is indeed in the South! ;)

Gloria's Answers:
1. Favorite Cocktail: Seagrams 7 and Coke
2. Favorite Getaway: Martha's Vineyard or NYC/Midtown
3. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be? Vivien Leigh (actress)
4. Daydream of the moment:? Doing a tablescape one day ;)
5. Your personality in one word? Difficult
6. Are you more garden or gun? Gun!
7. If you were road-tripping, what's the one album you'd take with you? Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (by Elton John)
8. What are you reading? The Wedding (by Dorothy West)
9. What do you want to do when you grow up? Sadly, I still don't know...
10. What is your greatest extravagance? Guilty Pleasure? Cigarettes
11. Favorite Southern Food? Mac & Cheese
12. Most treasured possession? Two little Gien plates my son bought me when he went on a school trip to Canada when he was in middle school, he used his 'spending money' on me, instead of himself
13. Favorite Southern name? Scarlett
14. What talent would you most like to have? The talent of being a patient, calm person
15. What's your current state of mind? Paranoia

OK, it's your turn! Please copy and paste this into "leaving a comment" below and fill in YOUR answers!!

1. Favorite Cocktail:
2. Favorite Getaway:
3. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?
4. Daydream of the moment:?
5. Your personality in one word?
6. Are you more garden or gun? .
7. If you were road-tripping, what's the one album you'd take with you?
8. What are you reading?
9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
10. What is your greatest extravagance? Guilty Pleasure?
11. Favorite Southern Food?
12. Most treasured possession?
13. Favorite Southern name?
14. What talent would you most like to have?
15. What's your current state of mind?

Looking forward to reading your answers!

Best,
Gloria

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Just a little post to say:
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
I hope each of you have a lovely day today! Whether you are giving a Valentine's kiss to your spouse, your child, a loving parent, or a beloved pet, I hope you all have great day and celebrate the love in your life. I am grateful for my son as my Valentine -- even though he has a nice young lady now who is HIS Valentine! :\
Well then... Hey, I will celebrate the inanimate love of my life: my television! (Oh, and my laptop too...) LOL!!! ;)

Best,
Gloria


Note: Unfortunately, I cannot give credit for the cute posters... They were in an email I received, that did not give the location for them.

Super Bowl XLVI - Go Giants!!!

New York Giants: 21 ~~~ New England Patriots: 17

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NY GIANTS!

Although I am a born and bred New Yorker, and I certainly am happy the Giants won, I DO feel badly for the Patriots, especially since I am in Connecticut now!
BUT, a plus for me with the Giants win is that my son and I made a bet: He chose the Patriots to win, so then I took the Giants. Whomever won the bet would get the other person to be their 'servant' for a day.. Ahhhhhhh... looks like I will be having a nice day in the near future.
Thank you, Giants! ;)

(smiling Ahmed Bradshaw)

(NY Giants Quarterback, MVP, Eli Manning during practice)

Best,
Gloria
Note: Photos courtesy of ESPN.