Jorabeel's Blog Boutique

Pink Friday at MMP, Themed Shopping "Gotta have BLING"

2008-08-21T13:18:00.006-05:00

Gotta have bling... a little pink bling, maybe a little vintage bling. How about some rhinestones and pearls~ anything thing to please the girls!
This week Make Mine Pink presents "Gotta Have Bling" for PINK Friday. What will the boutiques offer? Visit Friday August 22 to find out. Some bling will be waiting for you.
Click HERE to shop.

Sneak peek at what Jorabeel's will be offering tomorrow for "bling" themed shopping. My all new "sugar~coated" bulbs. Full of glitter in all sorts of colors.

If you have to have bling or glitter or glitz in your life, you will be happy to know that you don't even have to leave your house to find it.
Pull up a chair, grab a glass of your favorite cool summertime beverage......and shop til your glittery heart is content!

Check this out! 1st Annual MMP Retreat! Won't you join me?

2008-08-13T09:21:00.013-05:00

I've been a member of MMP for almost 4 years and can't tell you how excited I am at the growth of this wonderful networking group that Joyce Lucas founded over 5 years ago. I've formed so many friendships and have had the honor of meeting Joyce and other fellow members along the way. I'm so proud to be a part of this ground breaking network of women.
In my opinion, Make Mine Pink is a true phenomenon for women who own their own business and want to take it all the way! I know that my business would not be where it is today if it weren't for the many mentoring opportunities and one on one chats I've had with other like minded women at MMP. Do yourself and your business some good by attending this One of a Kind retreat.

Please read below and click the link, or the ad above, to register TODAY! Hope to see you there!

Meet Me at the MMP Retreat!

Make Mine Pink presents the first annual Make Mine Pink "Getting Down to Business" retreat in historic Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia on September 19-20, 2008. Join the Women of MMP, who are always willing to welcome, mentor and help build a circle of friendship.

This is an energized opportunity to network, and gain or enhance business knowledge in a fun and inspiring way~ plus we will have lots of fun, great food, great friends, great information! Casual dress required… stuffiness and worries must be left at home!Make an investment in your business today.

I can’t wait ~ won’t you join me?

Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg Lodge
310 S. England Street
Williamsburg VA 23185
1-800-HISTORY (447-8679)
September 19 -20, 2008

My First Attempt

2008-07-27T07:25:00.009-05:00

This was my very first attempt at anything altered. I mean I've done tags, but this was quite a challenge for me. I wanted a keepsake box handmade by me where I can put precious papers and love notes from hubby in. I found a plain brown papier mache book and covered it with an entire vintage sheet music booklet, cover and all. I love the colors and of course the title: A Perfect Day. I added some scrapbook paper to the inside to "rose" it up a bit, wouldn't be me without a touch of roses. Coordinating ribbon was added to the spine to finish it off.
All in all, it was a fun project, but took me an extremely long time. You artists out there are true pro's, I admire you immensely.

Secret to BLING!

2008-07-23T10:45:00.003-05:00

I've just got to tell you my little secret to BLING! Thrift stores are notorious for having racks and racks of belts. I've never ever even gave them one glance until one day.......OMG!!! I just happen to be walking by them, when a belt buckle was glistening out of one eye and made me turn my head. What I saw was the most beautiful piece of BLING I had ever seen. It was the huge pink and aqua butterfly buckle you see in the above picture.....and only $1.50!!!
I WAS HOOKED!!!
By the time I was done shopping, I had over 35 belts in the cart. I'm SURE the cashier had to be wondering what in the world I needed so many belts for. LOL I went home and cut the buckles off of every belt, placed them in this dish and surrounded them by other pretties. Voila! My secret to BLING!
Ok, so now you need to run to the nearest thrift store and see what BLING you can find.

Candycane Scented Bulbs are Here!

2008-07-22T14:06:00.003-05:00

Our Candycane "scented" bulbs and light strands are back by popular demand. Mmmmmm, they smell so good. Hop on over to Jorabeel's this week to receive free shipping on any order. Christmas in July is in full force. Get ahead on your Holiday shopping.

Christmas in July Shop Hop!!!

2008-07-10T10:02:00.005-05:00

The Christmas in July Shop Hop will begin July 21st through the 27th! You'll have a week to get a head start on your christmas shopping and decorating while at the same time earning chances at fabulous CHRISTMAS IN JULY prizes!

Many of our MMP members have hidden a special shopping bag (as shown below) on their websites. There is only one shopping bag image per website. Search through their websites until you find the bag...........click HERE for more details.

My Secret Sister is as precious as GOLD!

2008-07-08T07:08:00.003-05:00

Recently over at Make Mine Pink, forum members were lucky enough to participate in a fun gift exchange that's held twice a year called Secret Sister. My Secret Sister was Inka from Inkling's Designs. I wrote in my bio how much I loved cupcakes and just look how sweet she is! She made me the most beautiful mosaic piece that I will treasure forever. It's a cupcake in a teacup, just gorgeous! She also made me the cutest set of cupcake notecards that will be framed, NOT used. LOL
Thank you Inka, I will never forget these wonderful gifts you've given me. I'm so glad you were my Secret Sister this time around.

2 Great Finds

2008-06-30T06:06:00.005-05:00

I finally found a flea market close to my house (the east coast doesn't claim many of them), so I just had to show you my one great find. This set of sconce lamps that are to die for, and very old vintage style. The center of them are painted a powder blue from the inside and some of the paint has chipped away, I love that.
They are huge too! The walls in our bedroom are very tall, so I knew they would be perfect.
The same lady had a very cute french country couch and chair set for $295, I am going to pick that up this weekend if she still has it. I'll post pics later.

Oh, and while I was visiting Lynn, we went to an antique store where I found this amazing piece. Someone made a shelf out of an old window. Look at all the scroll work and even some old porch spindles were used. It's very large also, so now I just need to find the right spot in the house. Hmmmm, maybe my bedroom????

How much is that doggy in the window?

2008-06-25T10:32:00.004-05:00

"BONNIE"

"GRACIE"

I think I've gone mad....completely MAD! Last week for Father's Day, I decided to get my husband a yellow lab. He's been wanting one, so I thought now was the perfect time. As if a new house to decorate, kids home for the Summer and 2 businesses to run wasn't enough for me, why not add a couple of new puppies.
OH WOW!!! I am in waaaaaaaaaaaay over my head. By the way, yes, I did say a "couple" of puppies. Not just one, but two little babies to occupy ALL of my time. Every single day, every single minute. Whew!
They are just too cute, and we couldn't pass up the chocolate one too.

Somebody send in the rescue squad.....PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!!

Part 1 - My Bella Home Chronicles

2008-06-13T15:42:00.017-05:00

The Front Living Room

(aka Shabby Piano Room)

I've been promising and promising to show pics of our house that we recently purchased, so here goes. I will blog about my adventures in organizing and decorating as I go. I have to totally redo the guest bathroom, it has 80's mauve and blue wallpaper. Ugh!
Well I am super slow to getting things out of boxes and up on walls, but I did manage to get my favorite "shabby" piano room finished. All it's missing is a giant shabby rug. Anyone know where I can find one?
I love to come to this room when everything around me feels like it's crashing down. It's here that I spend time reading home decor and idea magazines.

Won't you join me in the great adventure I will call "My Bella Home Chronicles"? I look forward to your many comments and ideas.

My 2 days at Cedar Hill

2008-06-09T20:52:00.011-05:00

I just had to blog about my very first visit this past weekend with my great friend Lynn. We met online over a year ago, as I was one of her very first customers to her web boutique. I'll never forget, I purchased 2 gorgeous vintage pillowcases and some rose plates.

She is the owner of the very inspiring and fun blog, Life at Cedar Hill. Please be sure to stop by her blog to see more pics of our fun adventures. She tells a story much better than I do.

After we got our hugs and hellos out of the way, she took me to lunch at Becky's Tea Cafe. We had so much fun trying on tea hats and boa's, finding just the right ones to coordinate with our clothes. Sorry the pic is a bit fuzzy, neither of our cameras were cooperating.

She knew right away what she was going to order, but me, I had no clue. Until I saw right there on the menu, the $1,000,000 sandwich. It was named this because they actually won a million dollar contest! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM is all I can say.

After lunch, we drove to "Gather", a quaint shop that just happened to be featured in last month's Victoria magazine. I purchased some paris postcard coasters, and away we went.

Next, we headed to a giant antique mall, where we both found some steals. I could have spent all day in there!

After antique shopping, we headed back to her place for some much needed "pool time". We sat by her pool with our feet in and sipped the yummiest of drinks that were made by her sweet hubby, my all time favorite ~ MUDSLIDES!!!! OMG, Yummmmm!!!!!!!! He even added ice cream!
I was in heaven, didn't want to go home at this point.

Our big finale was a neighborhood Barn Party, equipped with horses, a live band, "country supper", and an open bar. I'll try to hold back my enthusiasm for that last item. I promise, I'm trying to contain myself. Okay, I have composure again. hahahahahahaha!!!

I met lots of new friends, but dang was it hot!!!! Lynn and I kept sneaking into this saddle storage room with A/C and a bathroom. She snuck a picture of me, can you see how well I fit into the whole "barn" theme with all my lime green and polka dots? LOL

I had so much fun with Lynn and her friends and family. This was one trip I will never forget.
Thank you Lynn, I'm so glad we finally were able to meet face to face and get to know each other better. You are truly a fantastic woman, one I'm glad to say I know.

Show and Tell Monday

2008-06-02T09:18:00.004-05:00

Hi folks. I've just added 2 new "flavors" to my Candylights line of silicone bulbs, so tasty and sweet. First up, Melon. Mmmmmmm. Can't you just taste and smell the sweetness of that first cut of melon for the Summer?

Next up, Pistachio. I know pistachio is either you love it or hate it. But I have the best recipe for pistachio pie....it's TO DIE FOR!!!! Enjoy this new Candylights "flavor".

Sweet Delight

2008-05-30T11:20:00.005-05:00

My 8 yr old daughter gave me the nicest surprise when she came home from school the other day. She walked in with her tiny hand full of huge pink rose blossoms. I was speechless and could only throw my arms around her.
THESE are the days I live for.

Our New Home

2008-04-19T11:13:00.007-05:00

We're moving into our new home on Saturday, the 26th! I'm so excited, as this will be our final move after having moved 7 times during my husbands Active Duty career in the Air Force. He is now retired from the Military and working as a government employee for the Army.

It was so funny, because today I decided to hold a yard sale and everything was FREE! People couldn't believe I was actually giving stuff away. I contacted Goodwill and Veterans of America, neither of them could come pick up all this stuff I wanted to donate, hence the "FREE yard sale. The stuff did not last long. I woke up at 5am this morning and started putting stuff out on the driveway. The sale was not supposed to start until 8am, they were lined up at 6am and I was cleared out by 8! I have one small box to drop off at the local thrift store. It was a good day!

As soon as we move in and get settled, I will post more pics of the house. Thanks for sharing in my excitement as we get ready to make our last and final move to start a new chapter in our lives.

Closeout Sale - 1/2 OFF!!

2008-04-11T22:57:00.007-05:00

Closeout Sale!

DATE: April 11-18
TIME: 24/7

LOCATION: Jorabeel's

INFO: It's time for us to say goodbye to all our categories except CandyLights.
Jorabeel's will be making the transition to a brand new website and packaging for our silicone bulbs and light strands within a month.
To give everyone an opportunity to purchase an item or items that you've had your eye on, we're offering a 1/2 off sale to closeout the remaining inventory.
Sale will last throughout the week, then all items will be removed from the site for good.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon.

BINGO!!!!! It's that time again!

2008-04-07T18:27:00.006-05:00

Hey everyone. If you haven't joined the best network of women around,
now is the time!!!
Online BINGO starts tomorrow, April 8th. You just need to be a member of the public forum to play. Come join in on the fun, you won't be sorry.
The winner receives a great treasure from one of Make Mine Pink's boutique owners.
The fun doesn't stop there. As soon as one game is over, we start another.
We stopped over the winter, everyone was so busy, but it's BACK!!!

Click the word BINGO to enter.
You'll be asked to join the public forum prior to playing BINGO.

Let's have some Springtime Fun!

Chicago!!!!!

2008-03-29T23:22:00.008-05:00

Wow, what a wonderful time we had in Chicago at the Country Living Women Entrepreneur Event. I can't say enough about my virtual (now real) pink friends from Make Mine Pink.

So many of us got the chance to fly to Chicago for this event, mostly to cheer on our one and only Mama Bear (Joyce Lucas, founder of MMP) as she sat on stage as one of the 2008 Women Entrepreneurs.

A few of us "pitched our product" to a panel of judges for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of Country Living, I was one of them who pitched. Wow were we nervous. The judges made us feel so comfortable, so it wasn't as bad as we thought. Great experience. One I'll never forget.

My friend Karen (Sweet Neccesi-teas) and I as we met at the airport and displayed our Pink Tiara's, which were for the contest the following night at our hotel.

Lori (Katies Rose Cottage), Joyce (Make Mine Pink), Me (Jorabeel's), and Janet (Janet's Creative Pillows).

On the streets of Chicago!
Sita (Silver Spoon Scraps), Gail (Color Your World), Carol (ClutterBug Studio), Karen (Sweet Necessi-teas), Lori (Katies Rose Cottage), and Dianne (Mama's Pocketbook).

A proud proud day!

2008-03-02T13:07:00.005-05:00

Joyce Lucas, founder of Make Mine Pink, will be honored as one of Country Livings 2008 Women Entrepreneurs at the Celebration Event on March15th. I, along with 20 other members of Make Mine Pink, will be attending the event to show our support as our leader and mentor walks across stage to accept her deserving honor.

I've been a member of Make Mine Pink for 3 years, and each year gets better and better. I'm very thankful and proud to be amongst so many successful business women each and every day. I learn so much and know that I play an important role in the success of MMP. Joyce makes each and every member feel that WE are what makes Make Mine Pink what it is today.

If you've been putting off wanting to start your own business and website, please stop by Make Mine Pink today and find out about joining the biggest buzz in women networking today. See all Joyce has to offer in 2008, you will not be disappointed with what will be your smartest business decision you'll look back upon.

Visit www.makeminepink.com today!

Card Cozies are a wonderful thing!

2008-02-23T09:26:00.007-05:00

I haven't featured a card cozy in awhile and wanted to show you these functional must haves that is catching on and making everyone want one....or two.....or three.

If you own a business, use them to hold your business cards instead of just tucking your cards into one of the stow away pockets of your purse. You will always find them in a snap when you place them into a pretty card cozy.

Use them for carrying cash, credit cards, and dept. store charge cards. Do you have a birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower to attend and don't know what to give as a gift? Purchase a gift card and tuck it into a whimsical card cozy, it's like giving two gifts in one. The recipient can re-use the card cozy again and again as they are sturdy, waterproof and have many uses.

There are tons of styles to choose from and 100's more to come! Come see what the buzz is all about.

www.jorabeels.com OR www.jorabeelsink.com

Best of Both Worlds

2008-02-07T17:18:00.001-05:00

If we lived in a perfect world, I'd have my beautiful lamp sitting atop one of my husbands "oh so chic" drum bases, and this nice little arrangement would be just the right touch for a master bedroom bedside tablescape.

But................I'm not too sure I can live with drums in my pretty, floral and shabby chic bedroom. One the other hand.....I KNOW he can live with this gorgeous lamp!

2008 - I need to motivate!!!

2008-01-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

I have some resolutions for the new year.
Now, will I stick to it is the burning question.

1. Drink one of these tall bottles of evian every single day
2. Walk dog for at least 15 minutes every single day
3. Workout on Elyptical Trainer at least twice a week for 20 minutes

Let's make this our year. Who else is with me? I need some serious motivation from all my self-motivated blog readers.
C'mon, give me some tips that help you keep your exercise plan.
I'll love you forever!!!

My First Interview - BlogTalkRadio!

2008-01-15T13:28:00.001-05:00

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16, 2008

12:00 NOON EST
I'm being interviewed on BlogTalkRadio!!!

I have some very exciting news. I've been asked by Janet of Beloved Creations, to be her very first (and mine too) interview on BlogTalkRadio. Please everyone, show your support by being there for me tomorrow. I'm so nervous and anxious......and nervous (oh, did I already say that?).

Here is the link for you to tune into - http://blogtalkradio.com/janetinky
The segment is called: Wednesday Lunch Bunch
Don't forget, Wednesday Jan.16th at NOON.

Janet will be asking me a little bit about myself and my two businesses, what inspires me and what my favorite sites are. This is going to be fun, don't miss it. Hope to have you listening in as my special guests. Thank you all!

Edited at 2:30pm Wednesday to say:
You can still listen to my interview by clicking on the link above. It is archived, so you can listen anytime at your convenience. My interview portion is about 15 minutes long, but Janet's entire show is very interesting with lots of great info.
Plus, it's just plain fun!!

Holiday Hair

2008-01-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

After my last post, I felt I had to go back to my comfort zone.......total and complete girl!!! My 8 yr. old DD has the most luscious mane, I could play with it all day. She loves to get all dolled up, even if it's just a trip to the grocery store. She has expensive taste too, so Daddy better keep his wallet close.

I'm not a shoe person AT ALL, so I don't understand the obsession, but this girl loooooooooves her shoes! Everytime we go to a store, she insists on another pair. I figure, if I don't buy them for me, I might as well let her enjoy all the pretty styles out there.

Who else has a shoe fetish? Let me hear how many pair you have.

It's a Boy!

2008-01-07T23:32:00.000-05:00

I had you there for a minute didn't I?

Well there is a first for everything. All I know and all I've ever known is girly girly girly. My DH and I have 4 daughters, my websites both reflect a very feminine style, and I personally sway to all things pink and girly.

I had to stop myself the other day when I was putting together some ideas for these large grubby tags that I love so much. As I skimmed the scrapbook store for some girly paper and cute titles, I came across these oh so cute Frog Prince tin sticker cards. I picked one up and eloquently threw it in the cart, not even having a clue as to what I'd do with it when I got home. I mean, it's blue! What in the world do I have any business buying anything blue...and boyish?

Well, I got to messin' around and came up with this lil Froggy number. Here's to all you ladies out there with Sons, I gave it my best shot.

I figure, someday my daughters are going to need to meet your sons. Then and only then, will I have a reason to be "blue".

New Year, New Logo...say WHAT?!!!!

2008-01-06T12:20:00.001-05:00

I keep saying over and over again how much I love paper, I can't seem to get enough. Is this some kind of illness that I should see a doctor about? Does anyone have the answer to that?

I've designed a new logo for my shop because I wanted it to reflect my love of paper (see, I said it again). I really am happy with the way it came out and the colors are so me. Of course, I had to squeeze in some roses too.

New tagline too, Go on...gift yourself! I think we should all want to give gifts to our friends and loved ones, but we should never forget about ourselves along the way. It's nice every once in awhile to splurge and gift ourself, we feel so good and girly and giggly when we find that special something for lil ol' self.

I'm weak for pink and foofy and glittery things, so when I happen upon a website that is feeding me eye candy, I can't help but have to purchase that one girly item I can't live without. Thank you to all this past year who have provided me with my lil gifts to self, displayed all over my house. For that, I am so happy and girly and giggly.