Day 122

"When Glory Got Her Glow Back" by Laurel Lund, illustrations by Alicia Newcomb

Wow.... I finally got a chance to spend MY few minutes today reading the book that my friend, Laurel Lund, wrote. This is a children's book, however the message goes out to all ages.

I have to say that I had difficulty putting the book down. It is engaging, well written, thought out and thought provoking. What an amazing task to put together a book for children with a message for everyone.

This is an easy read. You will Love it.....

Congratulations, Laurel..... "YOU GLOW GIRL" !!!!

                                                 FRONT COVER......

                                                   BACK  COVER

 To read the entire note on the back cover, get a copy of the book.........you will be glad you did......


FUTURE ADVENTURES OF GLORY THE GLOW WORM

LAUREL LUND -AUTHOR

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Day 121

Wow ! What a cool day !!!!

I spent the coolest time at the Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill NJ today with my new associates of  The Jersey Shore Children's Museum....Mari and Vivian.....

                                                  Mari

                                       Vivian

                                                             
                      Myself and My Mom ( Rest in Peace MOM.....)

We were just welcomed with open arms by Museum Floor Manager, Hilary..... Exhibit Manager, Mark.... Director of Sales and Marketing, Beverly and Museum Director Kelly ! ( Pictured:  Kelly, Mark,  Hilary)

Recently, I was invited to the board of directors of our own Jersey Shore Children's Museum .

Today, we spent some relaxing and quality time being toured around the Garden State Discovery Museum, taking notes, sharing ideas and even talking about affiliate relations between the Museums. How awesome is that?  With today's ever changing technology, it is so important for these places to thrive and survive. Not that there is anything wrong with technology...... we reach over 3500 people just on this blog ....from all over the world..... and I thank you for that. What I'm saying is, it's not the ONLY thing we need to make our children well rounded. These museums are working on integrating the technological world somewhat with the more hands on, "play stations" for children.  As you will see in the pictures below....the Discovery Museum has done that very well. With a few big screens and a few push button features they have integrated the most important part of the Museum..... PLAY. There is even an area for the real little ones ..... Older siblings have a duck scavenger hunt where they locate ducks strategically placed around the museum for a prize. If you want to browse through the pictures.... you can get an idea of the imagination behind all this. You can also visit the sites by the links above or by clicking VISIT at the  museum logos at the bottom.
The Jersey Shore Children's Museum has spent some great years at the Shore Mall, which is now being mostly closed and knocked down. There is a new location that is in the works behind the Hamilton Mall, so the campaign right now is to get the new Museum up and running. Much work is needed as you will see if you visit the site and see the pics. of the new intended space.
The Discovery Museum has graciously allowed us to take photos and share them with you. We look forward to a long relationship with the Discovery Museum as we get the Jersey Shore Museum into a new location and beyond.....    Thank you Kelly and your staff for making this time so special for us !

From an actual car set up......

                                             
..............to the 100 seating capacity Theatre................

Animal Clinic.................

What an exhibit from the Silver Diner......check out the booths.....

                                         

Dinosaur Exhibit.................

                                                 

                      Just a taste of the Flyers Exhibit complete with running games on a hanging  TV

                                 Gotta love the "Stuffin' Studio" where you can pick your animal off the wall, stuff it and clothe it at a reasonable price............very cool !

                                                          Old fashioned Country Kitchen complete with .......

                                                          Old fashioned TV --  with LIVE Fish for a screen....

                                           How about the Live Turtle exhibit. 13 turtles in all..... Hey, are you a member of the Turtle Club?  You'll have to read my book for the inside to that one !!! (coming in March)

                            How about a glimpse into the sounds of the night where you can listen to the sounds together or pick out each individual sound with a sound board......  

                           A Pizza table where you can move your choice of toppings around with a  magnet......

                                                                           

                                                Gotta love the butterflies.... ( Hi Mom).... in the Summer there is an outside butterfly exhibit........... cool !

                                                  Action News section complete with a kid cam ....take it away !

                                     ....AND  What would "Jersey" be without a Construction/ Hard Hat Zone.....
This area is very cool . Also has a section with blue prints so you can see how to read them and make them !

Visit the sites, set your sites on taking your family to a children's museum..... Post on the blog page on the Jersey Shore Museum page.... play around by clicking on the logos below............
When was the last time you visited a children's museum? Let us know right here.... and we look forward to seeing you at both of these places in your travels!

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                                                                VISIT

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Day 120

Today I spent a few minutes composing a poem for a friend. I love poetry. I have a published poem in a collegiate handbook and I have loved poetry since I was very little. I still have a book of poems from grade school that I just love to look at from time to time.  It's amazing what touches our soul. I like very simple poetry and I'm not a fan of much rhyming.... I like it in some spots but I'm more of a story telling poet.....

Here is a sample of something I put together a short time ago..... I always say we should REALLY stop and smell the roses.....

 WHAT'S UP WITH THAT ROSE?

SO WE HEAR THE SAYING, “A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL A ROSE...”

IS THAT TRUE? LET'S EXAMINE THE ROSE

A BEAUTIFUL FLOWER, OR ,”AS WE ROSE UP, ROSE ABOVE, ROSE STRONG”

WHAT ELSE DO WE SEE IN A ROSE?

LET'S SEE THE “ANY OTHER NAME....” PART ….

SORE....HOWE DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL? NOT STRONG LIKE THE ROSE

NOT BRAVE LIKE THE “ROSE UP ABOVE”

NOT WELL

YET THAT IS ROSE BY ANOTHER NAME

ORES... LIKE IRON ORES OF STRENGTH

OK, THAT'S BETTER

AND THAT IS ROSE BY ANOTHER NAME

HOW ABOUT...

EROS..... THE GREEK GOD.

THROUGHOUT GREEK HISTORY, EROS SEEMED TO HAVE 2 SIDES

SOME THOUGHT HE WAS ALL LIGHT AND SOME THOUGHT HE WAS ALL DARKNESS

AND THAT IS ROSE BY ANOTHER NAME

FIND OUT ABOUT EROS....LOOK HIM UP.... E R O S

(THAT'S ROSE BACKWARDS)

FUNNY THAT WE HAVE YET ANOTHER EXPRESSION,

“YOU ARE LOOKING THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES”

DOESN'T THAT TOO, SHOW A DARK AND LIGHT SIDE OF ROSE....

BY ANOTHER NAME.....

SO IS IT STILL A ROSE....BY ANY OTHER NAME?

THINK ABOUT IT AND LET ME KNOW.

by Ava Holly

Enjoy !

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Day 119

Monday's are always strange for me. I have made the decision to make Monday an office day and I usually sit home on the computer all day.  There are times when the only thing I can accomplish "outside" is on a Monday. Today was one of those days.

So let me talk about something so basic as a hair salon appointment. Now this may be a different feeling for each of you, especially if you are a male.  Just the same, I know people who use this time as their reflection and relaxation. I am one of those people. ( I also know people that hate to go to the salon and that it feels like they are going to a job !)  I don't get that, but hey, to each his own right?

So I spent a good part of the day at the salon. There are times when I can just sit and relax there. I love it when someone else is washing my hair too. !!!! LOL

I even left the phone in the car so no one could call me or find me?

What kind of routine do you do that just has you sitting and relaxing. Sometimes that can "re-charge" your batteries more than you know.

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Day 118

SO THIS IS OUR DAY OF CHANGE.....HOWEVER....SINCE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY,  I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THIS...... :)  ENJOY YOUR DAY !!!


So do we do this task often? Do we want to think about how often we do it? .....Do we just want to take that one day a year and do it as much as we can....?????

When Marie Antoinette said,  "Let them eat cake", she mean crumbs of food as the term goes...... I think it has evolved from that and since it's my birthday today, I can talk the once a year CAKE !

So much cake these past few days..... OMG

Friday it was Cake for Cesar, Sun. it was cake for me and there is also cake from our "Cross the line Event" still hanging around. ( Not for much longer ! I want all this cake gone by the 1st week in Feb. )

When was the last time you had a piece of cake?????

I certainly enjoyed my birthday cake today !

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Day 117



How often do we get to sit and chat with someone who has won a title? It doesn't matter if it's local, National or for whatever it is........ it's an achievement that is beyond "special".
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting  CIERRA, "MISS PLEASANTVILLE" a few weeks ago. I did not get a chance to talk with her then. Then she came out, with my good friend, Ray Tyler, to one of my events..... I did not get a chance to talk with her then.

(Well we spoke briefly and set up a meeting) It was that THIRD time, ( the power and the magic of 3's) that I got to sit with her and talk. Not only is she beautiful, she is poised, polite, intelligent and just a pleasure to be around. What a role model !

I asked her about how she got involved in all this and her answer was surprising. She wasn't ever even into any of the pageants, anything like that. He Mom was the one who kept saying how pretty she was and how this would be a great opportunity. Basically, she went to all the meetings and rehearsals for her Mom. In this case, Mama sure knew best.

Winning the title of  "Miss Pleasantville" was certainly a surprise to Cierra.  She was more into academics and athletics.... that also served her well in her competition.

Cierra is currently a grad student at LaSalle University and is open to any opportunities that come her way. This experience has certainly changed her life in many positive ways and I know she is thankful for that.

I am thankful for having met her and having the opportunity myself to work with her in the future. It was certainly a wonderful time with her sipping our Raspberry/banana health drinks.  My few minutes away from the norm was spent well..... with Cierra,
"Miss Pleasantville".

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Day 116

Today I got an e-newsletter from a very good friend and associate, Angela Crockett.  It was great to see news from her company as she has moved to New York to pursue her dreams. You go girl !!!
We keep in touch now and again and I always love hearing from her. We met at an event and immediately hit if off over the entertainment business..... love of our hearts. We just love the "goodness" about all that. We will keep the "goodness" in the industry as best as we can. With people like Angela on the scene, THAT makes it easier for the rest of us. She is truly a gem !

So her news came that she has signed Chicago's King of "Steppin'" Calvin TABOO Jarrett. This is a style of ballroom dance that has evolved over the years from other dances..... see a short clip below.

Congrats Angela and Calvin ! You are both in good hands.....

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Day 114 & 115

I actually get a little annoyed ( WHAT???? A NEGATIVE COMMENT??? FROM ME??? ) when I have to put 2 days together. Like I said, sometimes it gets challenging.....I have been on a go go go method for the past few days. I am really looking forward to Monday when I can sit in my office, work, and do it at my own pace with a cup of coffee.....

So these past couple of days, I got to break my routine by meeting a fascinating artist by the name of MARCUS.....

His studio is located in downtown Mays Landing, NJ and he not only teaches art classes there, but has this great little space that we are going to work into a cultural paradise..... OOOOOH, I like the way THAT sounds !

With the help of my very cool strategic partners at UGLY BABY MARKETING, Sherrii, Mari, Larry and all the staff.... we are planning cool things for this unique space for MARCUS and his work.

Right in our wheelhouse, Art is just coming out of all the places we visit..... first it was Monica (whom we spoke about the other day) as well as William McKensie and now we will bring much Art out to the area in this cool new space.

So my break away was sitting in the art space with the gang.... including my very creative daughter, Brieanne, and just staring at the walls, throwing out beautiful art ideas...... it was so much fun and relaxing that I had to post about it.

Take a few minutes to admire Art..... whatever kind you like, take it in, breathe it, feel it and give your senses a much needed break from you regular day...... maybe we will get some pictures up here as the work develops......How do you feel about YOUR Art.....
PS....my other half....his name is ART......a whole 'nother topic !

Enjoy !

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Day 113

Today I had the opportunity to network at a brand new Restaurant in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ......

The new KINGS LOUNGE !!!  Not only did we get to join forces with the South Jersey Network, but we got to talk to owner Mike Hana in detail about setting up the Grand Opening which will take place on
Feb. 22nd..... from 4 PM - 1 AM...... It's going to be awesome.

In conjunction with my company 4 A STAR/ Anthony DeGraaf/ and Lisa Johnson we are preparing an awesome event.....

So Mike and his brother Raymond have worked very hard to bring us this upscale and cool dining experience. Just the location alone will make it an adventure.... LOL....sitting on an old "circle" that is currently half taken out ...... Makes it a landmark in of itself !

All kidding aside, the inside of the new Kings Lounge is really unbelievable.... from a flowing tree waterfall wall  to a light up wall , to a fireplace area, to a King's Throne for pictures, to an atmosphere that is warm and inviting.............the King's Lounge is ready to make your dining experience one to remember.
Join the Royalty Club and become a VIP..... see page on Facebook.....

Here is a sneak peek of the gorgeous inside.....

So I got to spend some quality time, with people I love, and do business..... at the Beautiful Kings Lounge

     Hello Gail, Nancy and Rich.............PHOTO OP !!!

What a great way to relax today.... Enjoy !

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Day 112

Wow! The days are going fast. Before I checked, I thought this was Day 102....
 that's a lot of days to be off !!!!!! Hahahahaha

These last few days have been a blurr trying to gather thoughts after our yearly event. Now I have to  gear up for our big Fashion event coming up in March.....

So, Mondays are my office days. I actually sat at the computer most of the day and worked like a good girl. It's nice when I can do that at home however it does get tedious.   I flipped around a few channels on TV and I came across the start of  one of my favorite movies..... "When Harry Met Sally".

I haven't seen that in a long time. So I left the computer, called it a night , and sat down on the couch to enjoy the movie......

I didn't even get to any of my favorite one-liners...... I woke up in the middle of another movie..... waaaaaa!

I did attempt to do something I hadn't done in a long time..... or at least see a movie that I hadn't seen in a long time.   Had a good productive day though...... maybe we can come back to a movie another time.
What are some of your favorite movies and what do you like about them?
I love the banter and the one-liners in  " When Harry Met Sally "...... even down to:
SOMEONE IS STARING AT YOU IN PERSONAL GROWTH............

Enjoy your day !

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Day 111

Sunday , our Day of change..................

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Day 110

Well I got home a little while ago since the "Cross the Line" event yesterday. Monday I will post some pics as my phone broke this evening and I have to see about fixing that real soon..............

Got to relax a little this afternoon with Brie at Natali Vinyards. Had some great Peach wine, Sat in the Sun (even though it was a little cold it was still beautiful), and listened to the fine sounds of Frank Bey.....
Nice to see you again Frank.....

Then we drove out to the Malelani Cafe  to see our own Miss Nancy perform. Art joined us later on and we had a great time. Definite break in my day.............both relaxing events...............


You can hear Miss Nancy by Visiting our Web page and clicking on the "Look at our Stars" page....

Enjoy !!

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Day 109

Well today's break from the routine is not something that new , however it IS only something I do once a year. Since it's a lot of fun and I'm absolutely passionate about it, I thought it would be a great post for today.....

Once a year, I set up an event I call, "Cross the Line"......Where the business and entertainment community comes out to mix and mingle. Each year, I bring together people that may not normally network with each other and some that do..... and each year we have a few prizes and a few surprises. ( Since the event is tonight, I can't reveal the surprises but I'll have pics up soon) This event is usually held at the beautiful Foundation Room of the Showboat Atlantic City. (Part of the House of Blues) . This event comes together with the wonderful staff there especially my concierge and host, Jennifer. (who makes it all happen-all the time) There are many other people who give to me for this event and I love them all.

It has grown into a wonderful place to celebrate the growth of my business with many of the people that helped me along the way. I do not charge for this event however I do an optional donation for Brain Cancer Research (which you know by now, that's what I lost my Mother to)

We have a lot to celebrate and a lot to be thankful for right now . Still in the building stages, we are growing by leaps and bounds.

Last year, I added the North Star Awards to the program. This is where I select, with my staff, 3 people who are community minded and have also helped us grow. I do one charitable award and 2 regular awards and it was great fun with the first recipients last year.  We have a new set of 3 people that are excited to be recognized.  I am excited for them too !

 I feel it is necessary for me to give back something to those who always give to me. Even if it's just a free event and a chance for them to meet someone new in their life or their business...... I also have a lot of fun at this event and I get to see people that sometimes I just don't see for awhile. I love giving out the prizes too !

So here I go..........getting ready to get the venue ready as we prepare to  CROSS THE LINE.............

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Day 108

Today I spent my few minutes researching something I heard on the radio...... Wrangler..... yes, the jean company.....
{and I have to say that it caught my attention as we used to sell Wrangler and Lee Jeans at my Dad's store, really before Lee was a name to be recognized....}

So Wrangler, is releasing on Jan. 28th at ASOS on line, the DENIM SPA COLLECTION.....

Okay, so what does that mean? The Denim Spa Collection is a line of Jeans that have lotion in the fibers. The ingredients will provide treatments for you legs as you wear them. Designed to keep your legs silky smooth .  You can choose from 3 different types of ingredients including Aloe Vera, Olive Extract or special formula Smooth Legs....

These jeans are said to last up to 95 wears. A special spray will be available for purchase to replenish the lotion aspect of the jean if so desired......

So how do we all feel about this breakthrough?

The jeans run a little more than a regular jean on the market however it is supposed to save money on lotion, and treat your legs as you wear them.

I found it fascinating to find out about...... not sure how I feel about it until I feel them and try them on....

                                 

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