Freaky Friday...Errr Wednesday...

Life is strange. Life also plays mind games with you.

My mom showed up at my house this morning in her cute outfit, full of energy and ready to babysit. She and my dad "went out" last night to a party and were going out again tonight.

Meanwhile, I stayed in last night, made dinner and worked in the yard. Tonight I am probably doing some sort of the same version as last night.

Hmmm....last time I checked I was the one wearing cute outfits, babysitting and "going out!"

Talk about a role reversal!

I was standing in the kitchen this morning listening to my cute mom tell me about all the fun she and my dad are having and all the new friends they are meeting - right then and there it struck.

WOW. This is really wierd. Somewhere along the line we flipped lives!

Featured: Allister Bee Extra Large Myrna Hoop Earring, Sterling Silver

All designs copyright Saint, Inc. 2010

Spring Cleaning (Year Round)

Roll your eyes now and keep reading. I am one of those people who is constantly getting rid of stuff, organizing stuff and cleaning. It makes me feel good.

I can't stand to hold onto something unless I am using it or know for sure that I will in the future.

I just prefer to not save my shoes with dorky heels from passed seasons(incase they come back in style), unsuccessful craft projects, clothes that will never fit again and even if they do I probably wouldn't wear them because I have other things that I like more!

I laugh at a few of my friends (they know who they are) when they say "but this is a classic style!" I reassure them that even though it is classic, they have five just like it and MAYBE they don't need FIVE!!!

Simplify!

Now just by writing "simplify," I will get a nudge from my husband later who doesn't think I know that there is such a word. I can proudly say "He has nooooo idea. If he only knew!"

Many people would say that because it is so easy for me to let go of my "not of the moment " possessions that I am not sentimental, which is far from the truth. I am very sentimental but my sanity is also very important to me. I seem to function better with my work, myself and my family when I don't have cluttered surroundings and my environment is in order. I have tried to let go of this "tidy tendancy" but I have come to the conclusion that if I don't stay the course it will be worse than better for our family unit and all who surround me.

It is more of a challenge to be a "neat freak" when you have two toddlers, but because I have "healthy" compulsive tendencies, I happily take on the challenge. I have slacked quite a bit the last six months....it just gets harder and harder. I pick up the toys - they come back out. I dust bust under the table...we eat, yet AGAIN! Crumbs! Crumbs! OH THE CRUMBS!! I get everyone bathed and dressed - they run through the sprinklers. I have no choice but to cry surrender! My mom came over to babysit last week and the house was a total wreck. I just told her in disgust "Sorry, can't do it. I just cleaned yesterday...just can't do it again...we will have to live like piggies today....I can't do it agaaaaaaaaaaaaain."

So, I have slacked a little lately. I suppose that means my compulsion is waining. I can't figure out if that is good or bad.

All I know is it is Sunday evening and my trunk is full of clothes to donate tomorrow and for more than one reason, it feels really good to let them go.

Collin County Children's Advocacy Center

Saint donates large sterling silver heard of turtles bracelet to the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center in Dallas, Texas.

Event: 2010 Gala, Rock On!

Date: April 24th, 2010

Time: 6pm

Place: Hilton Anatole, Chantilly Room, Dallas, TX

The CCCAC has served 33,000 children since 1992. They offer services to 100% of the children identified with child abuse. The mission of CCCAC is to provide safety, healing and justice to children victimized by abuse or neglect.

To learn more about Collin Count Children's Advocacy Center, please visit their website:

www.cacplano.org

All designs copyright Saint, Inc. 2010

Walking The Dogs

Saturday morning I arose at 5:40am....ate a banana, put on my exercise clothes, made my "to go" cup of coffee and kissed my husband goodbye. I was off to meet my friend Michelle for some good walking and talking.

I am known for not being a morning person except when I am going walking with Michelle.

Michelle always comes to my house to walk and we will either hike the perserve which is literally our back yard or we will walk the canal. When we walk the canal it is a three hour walk and our turn around point is my favorite place, Starbucks. We load up on a Chai Tea Latte and head on back. It is such a good time!

Typically we do this walk once a week. It is a great time for us to catch up on all that is going on with each other and to just get a good long walking session in. Hit that fat buring zone.

I always prided myself on being a fast walker. Michelle walks fast. Reeeeally fast. WOW.

So you can imagine what it was like when yesterday we had a change of plans and I made the trip to her house to help her walk her FOUR dogs: two huge golden retrievers (Buddy and Brophy), one black labrador (Ty) and the fourth is some kind of mix (Roxy).

OMG.....I am so sore. We walked them for one hour. My thighs are killing me. They drug me here...they pulled me there. They stretched me...they jerked me! They zoomed off erratically with the smell or sight of any bunny, squirrel, bird and dog. It was insane. Dodging other neighbors and their dogs by turning around and going the other way was also part of the program. Saying that I was slightly dizzy from the experience is an understatement! :)

As someone who owns no pets, I have to say that it was a lot of fun - and absolutely hillarious. It is something that my extraordinarily petite friend cannot do all by herself or she will no doubt get into a tangled mess and lose all four dogs. She has shown up on my front porch with road rash one too many times!

Since we were thoroughly warmed up after one hour with the dogs, we took them back to her home and headed back out to Starbucks for our traditional three hour walk. Caught up in all the garage and estate sales in the neighborhood we never made it to Starbucks but Michelle bought a great tuxedo for her son!!

It was a great morning. We got our training in and I was able to spend some special time with a dear friend and her wild but adorable crew!

Fundamental Learning Center

Saint donates Allister Bee Earring and Necklace set to the Fundamental Learning Center of Wichita.

Event: 2nd Annual Garden Party

Date: April 22, 2010

Time: 6:30PM - 9:30PM

Where: Tree Top Nursery

The Fundamental Learning Center provides a continuum of research based instructional programs for teachers and parents as well as for children experiencing difficulty in reading, writing and spelling.

All kids reading ...all kids succeeding is the vision of the Fundamental Learning Center.

For more information about the Fundamental Learning Center or the 2nd Annual Garden Party Please visit:

www.funlearn.org

Cowley County Humane Society

Saint donates Casa Cross Earring and Necklace Set to benefit Cowley County Humane Society.

"Nights In Pawris"

2010 Tasting and Benefit Auction

All proceeds are used to provide shelter, food and care for more than 2500 animals each year. CCHS needs help to keep working toward their mission of finding homes for the adoptable animals they care for on a daily basis.

For more information please visit:

www.cowleycountyhumanesociety.org

What Do Jewelry, Mint Julep and Effortless Style All Have in Common?

The understatement and sophistication of woven patterns has always been a strong draw for me. Woven patterns are a relaxed and timeless asset. I think of woven pieces as I would a great pair of jeans. Saints woven cuffs, earrings, pendants and rings are essential accessories.

For summer, silver wovens are the essence of casual chic. There is no better way to make your shorts, sundresses and flip flops become more style provoking.

As with all Saint collections, our Julep woven collections are all completely handcarved in wax and handmade in the United States. Skilled artisans carve these laboriously time staking patterns.

The Julep woven pattern is inspired by the woven cane chairs my grandma and grandpa used to relax on their porch while my cousin and I would play in the grass. Occasionally, they would be relaxing with a mint julep in the late afternoon while we would chase the fireflies. My grandmother was the essence of Southern beauty and style. When I wear these woven pieces I am reminded of her ability to look effortlessly sophisticated.

Featured: Small & Large Julep Woven Cuffs

All designs copyright Saint, Inc. 2010

Happy Birthday Aries! Diamonds Are The Gemstone For You!

The month of April brings us the first signs of spring. Like diamonds, we start to see nature awaken and sparkle.

It is no wonder why April's birthstone is the diamond.

Dazzle yourself or someone you love with Saint Diamonds.

It will make you feel oh soooo good.

Featured: Small Betula Diamond Earrings

All designs copyright Saint, Inc. 2010

To view more Saint Diamonds: click here.

ROCKO (Relief Outreach Care For Kansans Organization): Jewels of Tasmania - A Mystery Down Under

Saint By Sarah Jane donates a peridot and turtle charm bracelet to "Jewels of Tasmania - A Mystery Down Under."

Proceeds from this event benefit ROCKO: Respite Outreach Care For Kansans.

ROCKO is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 to serve families caring for youth with disabilities. Respite events provide skilled care and enrichment activities addressing the mental, physical, emotional, and social needs of youth. Caregivers are given the opportunity to rejuvenate from the challenges of providing 24 hour care for their loved ones.

More information about ROCKO is available at:

http://www.rockoinc.org/

All designs copyright Saint, Inc. 2010