Monday, March 24, 2014

To Paradise and Back

Some would consider a mountain covered in fresh powdery snow paradise.
Some would consider a bed of flowers in spring paradise.
Some would consider a pile of freshly fallen leaves to jump in paradise.

For my husband and me a warm white sandy island beach with clean tropical waters and palm trees is paradise. And, we were fortunate to enjoy a bit of paradise over the past few days. 

We had the privilege of visiting St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico, and Haiti during an 8 day cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. The weather was sunny and warm, the waters clear and warm, and the sky clear and blue.

Our waiter and assistant waiter were very pleasant and fed us well. We enjoyed the conversation of our table mates, and spent much time relaxing and soaking up the warmth. The Royal Caribbean singers and dancers as well as the musicians were very talented, and there were many venues on the ship to partake in a variety of activities. 

It was probably one of our best vacations, and a ship we would be happy to sail upon again. While it is always good to come home and get back to what is familiar and routine this was a cruise we didn't want to see end. We'll have to sustain ourselves by starting to plan our next one, whenever that may be.

If you haven't ever gone on a cruise we highly recommend it. It is a fun way to travel! You get to keep your belongings in one place as you visit a variety of ports of call. Each one offering a variety of ways to explore. 

Please enjoy a few of our photos of these beautiful islands...Ahhh, paradise, wouldn't you agree?

St. Maarten / St. Martin

St. Kitts

Puetro Rico

Haiti


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Order your mother's and grandmother's necklaces and bracelets now so that you will receive them in time for Mother's Day!
Necklaces measure 1" X 18".
Closes with a silver toned alligator clasp and 4" extension chain.
Send your birth month choices and I will design a special piece for you.
$20.00
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with

Bracelets slip over the hand and hug the wrist.
Send your birth month choices and I will design a special piece for you.
Please include the circumference at the widest point of your hand so that the correct sized bracelet is shipped.
$7.00
https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers
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We are looking forward to seeing you at the Welcome Spring Craft Show at Our Lady of Hope Residence, 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane, Latham, NY on Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 - 4:00.

As always, mention this post and receive 15% off of your purchase at the Cruisin' Creations booth!

Until next time...

Diane



Friday, March 14, 2014

Doing Good Works

It always warms my heart when businesses give back to the community and one of the businesses that has done a wonderful job in the short time they have been in business is Good Works. 25% of their profits are donated to good causes. Located in Montebello, CA, they have done some amazing things!

Their motto is, "Doing Good Always Works". The highlights of their good works below are taken from their website  https://www.goodworksmakeadifference.com/

Established in 2011, Good Work(s) Make a Difference® has been determined to delivering the most fashion-forward, uplifting, and inspirational bracelets and accessories. We contribute 25% of net proceeds to charitable organizations in order to make a meaningful impact in our neighbor's communities and lives.

TOOLS FOR SCHOOL - JAN - SEPT 2013


Good Work(s) Make a Difference launched its annual charitable campaign– “Tools for School” in 2013. The grassroots initiative provided backpacks and school supplies to 10,000 low-income students across the country, including work with nationally renowned enrichment program LA's Best. School supplies were also donated to New Orleans, LA.

HOME SWEETER HOME – PATH VENTURES JAN - NOV 2012

Good Work(s) Make a Difference®  finalized its year-long “Home Sweeter Home” campaign on November 2012 in North Hollywood, California, by providing home essentials and supplies for an additional 113 units in the NOHO Villa Senior Housing complex for Path Ventures. In total, Good Work(s) had the opportunity to provide assistance for over 200 individuals and families throughout the year– on average, furnishing 1 home every 3 days!
SUMMER OF THE MOTHER -  SUMMER 2011
Good Work(s) Make a Difference had the distinguished honor of arranging “A Magical Day” for underprivileged mothers from the Path Ventures Long Beach Family Commons program, an organization dedicated to assisting the homeless.The event aimed at providing a day of attention and pampering for 40 single mothers, with visits from local beauty specialists, fitness instructors and live musicians. The ladies were also treated with lunch and donated gifts. 
SPRING OF THE STUDENT -  SPRING 2011
In April 2012, select students from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles were given the opportunity to fulfill their prom dreams thanks to Good Work(s) Make A Difference and their “2012 Dream Prom” event, aimed at providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students. Through hard work and determination, Good Work(s) Make A Difference pooled their resources’ & contacts to make this project a reality. Together, we contributed to something that will remain in memories forever!
You can purchase Good Works Bracelets, locally, from Simply Sterling Jewelry. Check out their Facebook page to keep up to date on the shows where Simply Sterling Jewelry will be. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Sterling-Jewelry/143489162352398
So if you are looking for some stylish bracelets and want to help others at the same time consider purchasing Good Works Bracelets.
TOP SELLER

Torino Life's Inspiration Bracelet


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Our next stop? Saturday, March 29 Cruisin' Creations will be at the "Hello Spring" Craft Fair at Our Lady of Hope Residence, 1 Jeanne Jugan Dr, Latham, NY 12110. The show runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Stop by and help out The Little Sisters of the Poor!
Until Next Time...
Diane

Monday, March 3, 2014

Thank You For My Children

Have you ever read a book and felt like the author was sitting in the same room with you telling the story? 

Have you ever read a book that was so good you just couldn't put it down until you finished it?

Have you ever read a book and felt like you were living in that moment recounted in the story?

Have you ever read a book that was very easy to read and when you finished realized that it was chock full of useful information?

This has been my experience with Thank You For My Children by Rick Pepe.



Rick retired from teaching after 37 years in the classroom. He has a wealth of information to pass on to fellow teachers, those contemplating a teaching career, and those who want to relive their high school experience.

Rick chronicles his last year of teaching and adds anecdotes from the 36 years before. Some of these anecdotes are humorous, some show the trials and tribulations of teaching, and some offer advice for the new as well as seasoned teacher.

As I was reading this book, which I finished in a couple of days because I just couldn't put it down, I felt like Rick was sitting in the room with me recounting his many stories of his years in the classroom. It is written just as Rick speaks which is wonderful because he is a great storyteller!


I gleaned a lot of useful information to use in my own classroom from Rick's stories. He's not preachy from all those years of experience. Rather, I found his writing to be very humble.

I personally recommend Thank You For My ChildrenIt is easy to read, easy to purchase, and reasonably priced!

You can purchase Thank You For My Children at the Book House, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY, the Open Door, Jay Street, Schenectady, NY and the Book Hound, Main Street, Amsterdam, NY. 

Not local? No problem! 

You can also purchase Rick's book online at:

Thetroybookmakers.com - http://tbmbooks.corecommerce.com/Thank_You_for_My_Children.html

Amazon.com - 
http://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Children-Final-Year-Observations/dp/1614680434/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393861903&sr=1-1&keywords=thank+you+for+my+children+by+rick+pepe



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The birthstone for March is aquamarine. This March birthstone necklace made with aquamarine Swarovski crystals from Cruisin' Creations collection is set off so beautifully against soft white nylon yarn. It measures 18", closes with a silver toned alligator clasp, and has a 4" chain to adjust the length. It is gorgeous against light or dark colored tops!






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It was great to get out on the craft show circuit again! Had a good time at Rensselaer High School! Met a lot of nice people!

Next stop? Little Sisters of the Poor, Our Lady of Hope Residence, Latham, NY. The show runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. See you there!

Not local? You can view our designs and order at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com

Until next time...

Diane