Here's the week, so far--Monday--Day 2 of Daughter's Birthday--most of you know that she's a leap year baby. So on those years that she doesn't have a birthday, she claims both Feb 28 AND March 1 as her birthday. She stretches it over 2 days. So Day 2 bought more birthday cards, cake and cash!
Tuesday--She gets an acceptance letter from her first choice in colleges--Drexel University in Philadelphia. She's over the moon!
Wednesday--TheTinyJEWELBox is named Best Personal Blog in the Sun Sentinel Best of Blogs contest. I was over the moon!
Thursday--She gets an acceptance letter from her second choice in colleges--Clemson University in South Carolina. We're both over the moon!
Today--I'm sitting outside waiting on the postman. I'm hoping that I win the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes and continue the winning streak...
What's happening in your house this week? Your comments--priceless!!
Yes!!!! Last night, at Yolo Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, TheTinyJEWELBox was named Best Personal Blog in South Florida. As many as you know, The South Florida Sun Sentinel held this contest, and the winner was determined by votes. It was an amazing feeling to be with so many big names in the South Florida blogosphere and hear all the hoots and whistles when my name was called. Thanks to everyone who voted. I HEART YOU!
Remember that really cool Disney Interactive event for bloggers that I went to? Well, the same folks that put it together have contacted me again for another cool event. This time I'll be "Taking a Ride on the Wild Side with Chevy."Chevy has partnered with Lion Country Safari to reach out to bloggers. They will furnish a new Chevy for my family to take a 90 minute trip through Lion Country Safari. This is a cool way to take a test drive, huh? They are even providing Panera Bread boxed lunches for the adventure.
This will all happen next Friday, so look for my post about it next weekend. My husband and kids are excited. I am too--I haven't been to Lion Country Safari since I was a kid. I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures and videos to share!
Your comments--priceless!!!
Yes!!! I've been nominated again for an award. This time, it's the Sun Sentinel BOB awards. You can vote once daily for TheTinyJEWELBox until March 1st. I'm so honored to be nominated and the competition is stiff!! I've put a banner to make voting easier, but you have to register on the Sun Sentinel's site. Here's the link to vote directly. TheTinyJEWELBox is in the Personal category.
Thanks so much!!
Heyyyy!!!! I sure missed you guys!!! But it was a crazy week and I'm not sure I could have gotten thorough it, had I had to have written blog posts. I did a LOT of things this week--I spent the day with Terribly Girly Photography on Tuesday. I visited with the cast of New Moon AND went to the LUCA LUCA trunk show on Wednesday. On Thursday, I was introduced to the MOST AMAZING hair salon in the world (I'm writing about it next week). Then on Thursday night, I met the great fashion designer, Trina Turk. On Friday, I wrote what feels like a million articles for Examiner. You can read them here.
Also, last week, I was notified by the good folks at Working Divas Network that I was chosen as their very first Blog of the Week. Wow, life is good!
I'm honored that Working Divas Network would recognize lil ole me in such a great way, but I am truly a WORKING diva. My blog ventures through both my personal and professional life, as they are so intertwined.
This week shouldn't be as bad as last week, so expect a few posts.
Your comments--priceless!!
I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.
So, as many of you know. I've been in a serious rut. My blog words no longer seem to flow as easily as they once did. I lost my MOJO! I was so overwhelmed and actually felt paralyzed, unable to move forward.Well, I had a very frank discussion last night with a good friend. We talked about my rut, my goals, my fears, and my plan. We talked about the things I am doing right, as well as the things I haven't done so well.
It was actually therapeutic. It was also humbling to have someone, whose opinion I value, take an honest interest in me and my plan. She was able to show me things that I have never seen before, and help me to formulate a strategy. I feel blessed. That's the GOOD news.
The BAD news is this--while I committed to writing my 2 blogs daily, most days I don't feel good about what I've written. More often than not, it seems to be fluff with no substance. I've decided that on the days that I really don't have anything to say, I simply won't write. So, rather tha a daily blog, TheTinyJEWELBox may become a 5 times a week blog, and sometimes a 3 day a week blog, and I'm sure they'll be weeks that there's only 1 post.
I'm not dropping the blog. Oh heavens no!!! In fact, I'm looking at completely redesigning it to incorporate more of my interests. What it does mean is that when I do write, it'll be straight from the heart. And of course, I'm still writing for Examiner.com. Please subscribe to my page there. And I'm always available through email at TheTinyJEWELBox@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Your comments--priceless!!
I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.
So, it has come to my attention that I have offended some readers because my opinion does not mesh with theirs OR that I've not tackled some subject that they feel I should OR that I did tackle some subject that they feel I shouldn't have. Some have emailed me with their displeasure, others have sent messages through word of mouth. I feel that I need to re-state the ground rules. Here they are:1. It is my blog. I write whatever I want. It is from my own perspective. I don't consult with ANYONE before I write. My husband has no idea what I've written about until he gets the email. My MAMA has no input. I've don't mean to imply that my opinion is necessarily the "right" one, but it is mine. I recognize that your experiences may be far different. I welcome all comments and criticisms. I've NEVER not published a comment. My intent is NOT to bring harm.
2. See rule #1.
That is all...
Your comments--priceless!!
I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.
So, I have just over a week until my birthday (9/13) and I found the gift that I want. Being the gadget freak that I am, I think I want a Flip video camera. Have you seen these babies??? I've checked them out thoroughly and to quote Will Smith, "I have GOT to get me one of these!!"
But, of course, I need to make a decision--looks or logistics? You see, the Flip comes in this cute pink, but not in HD. The HD version only comes in black or white. Either way, you all will reap the benefits, as I'm sure my blog will have many videos to go with the posts. Decisions, decisions....
Anyhow, I'm going to let you guys decide. Should I get the "cutesy" one? Or the one with more features...
Your comments--priceless!!
I post daily. So that you don't miss any of my randomness, you might want to subscribe by email.

I love makeup. I love all the colors and all the brushes. I even own quite a bit of makeup and all the accessories. I follow faithfully many makeup blogs. The problem is--I don't wear makeup. Usually, my face is bare. If it's a special occasion, I may throw on lipgloss. The last time I had on more than "just lipgloss" was when I got married. I think I added eye shadow that day.
What is my problem with makeup? Why don't I wear it? I simply don't have time for all the fussing and blending and shading. Do I like how it looks? Absolutely. Do I stop at all the make up counters in Macy's? Absolutely. Do I take in the entire makeup wall in the drug store? Absolutely. Do I even make purchases? Absolutely.
Well, guess what? I've just realized that I am no spring chicken, so I may need to "spruce up" a bit. Starting soon (lol), I'm going to wear makeup regularly. Not a lot, but I'm certainly going to put forth more effort. How about that?
Your comments--priceless!!
Please let me introduce Shelby M Hill, a professional relationship coach and also an FOJ (Friend of Jewel). He coaches women regarding dating, relationship and social barriers. Interesting work, huh?
After watching women in his life experience unfulfilled, volatile, and dysfunctional relationships, he decided that he wanted to educate women about men--in addition to educating them on loving and working on themselves, rather than expecting a man to do it for them. He's challenged with making his clients understand that by investing in themselves, they can change the outcome of their personal situations.
One of the things that I love about Shelby is his unconditional and unabashed adoration for his wife, British. His blog, called My Life With My Wife, is a glimpse inside their relationship and never fails to make me smile. His honest accounts of those little "situations" that all marriages experience have given me great insight into the "husband's" point of view. He calls British his best friend, business partner, lover and confidante. When he even thinks of her, he beams--and I find it quite refreshing!
Shelby has extended an invitation to my readers to friend him on Facebook (Shelby M Hill), follow him on Twitter(@shelbymhill), comment on his blog, and visit his website. He also offers complimentary coaching sessions. Contact him via email at shelby@shelbymhill.com for more information.
I asked Shelby about his plans for the future and I wasn't surprised to find that they include writing books, hosting teleseminars and speaking engagements. And of course, British.
Your comments--priceless!!


Over the weekend, FOJ Tamara of Mocha Mish Mash, awarded me the Honest Scrap Award for honesty and authenticity in my blog writing.
To keep this award, there are some rules by which I (and future recipients) must abide:
1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.
So, here are the "ten honest things about myself":
--FOJ Cindy, gave me 2 collectible Barbie Dolls more than 10 years ago, and inspired a collection that has grown to more than 100.
--I don't drink alcohol at all--not beer, not wine, or even champagne.
--I absolutely hate cilantro.
--I am named after my mother, that makes me a Junior, kind of.
--I'm married to my best friend.
--I was born on an US military base (Walter Reed), many moons ago.
--My brothers are twins. They are 14months younger than me.
--I had a baby on Leap Year Day. (Feb 29, 1992)
--I LOVE my Blackberry, my Kindle, and my laptop. Don't ask me to choose between them.
--I am terrified of lizards, snakes, frogs, bugs, spiders, etc. etc. ETC. I am NOT afraid of humans.
Tagging 7 other FOJ:
-Beth Tea and Thee
-Erin Nuggets of Truth
-Benny For Christ, the City, and Our Culture
-Kat Katz Scratch
-Rafael twofishfive
-Tami Talking with Tami
-Sharon A Break from the Norm


Your comments--priceless!!


Asking for topic suggestions don't work well for me because I don't usually have an interest in writing about what folks suggest. It's much better for me to come up with my own topics.
I've been thinking about cutting back on writing. I'm also considering using some guest posts, where other like minded individuals would write a post here and there. These things would prevent those stressful mornings when I simply don't have anything to say. Yes, I know it's surprising--hahahaha!
I've also thought about simply closing TheTinyJEWELBOX and not writing anymore period. But, I so appreciate the love of my readers. You guys inspire me, educate me, and, sometimes, just flat out "crack me up." Tell me how you feel...
Your comments--priceless!
So, as if I'm not sometimes overwhelmed with TheTinyJEWELBox, I've launched a new website--THINGS in PINK! This is a product oriented blog that will feature all things pink. It came about because there are so few sites on the web that feature products in my favorite color. I decided to become that place!I invite you to check it out, sign up for the email, and follow along. With so much on my plate right now, I hope to post a couple times a week. Besides this introductory post, there will be very little interaction between TheTinyJEWELBox and THINGS in PINK. You will, however, be able to link between both on the blog roll on the right. Let me know what you think!
Your comments--priceless!



