LIFE: OFF ON AN ITALIAN ADVENTURE

Happy Friday, Fashionable Friends!
Things in my life are really quite wonderful, on all fronts, at the moment, and I'm feeling very lucky and thankful.  All while continuing to enjoy things in the moment for what they are, without worrying too much about things ahead, rather letting them unfold as they will.
Tomorrow, I shall be on my way to Italy!!!  Exploring many fun destinations along the way, some of which I mapped out below.  A couple of the places I'll be visiting have been on my bucket list for years, so, I truly can't wait!
I will have a few posts going up while I am away, but won't be posting as frequently.  Upon my return, I will have many posts full of endless pictures, of course, and all about my adventures! :)
'Till next time, have a grrrreat week ahead...I sure plan to!  Arrivedercu!!! :)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: EAST VILLAGE, FREEDOM TOWER SPIRE, HOME AND AVENUE B

(Images taken on my iPhone 4s via my Instagram.)

AFFORDABLE ACCESSORIES: PURE JOY DETAILS ETSY SHOP + PROMO CODE

Happy Monday, Everyone!

You all know how much I love Etsy shops!  So, when the lovely Joy from Pure Joy Details contacted me about her delicate line of jewelry, as soon as I saw the simple elegance that each of her pieces held, I knew I was interested!

She kindly sent me one of her most popular pieces, the Sterling Silver Karma Necklace, and it is perfect for everyday ware or layering with other longer necklaces.

Her shop offers a variety of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, and what I love most is how beautifully they come packaged, and ready for gift giving with that personal touch!

Her items are so pretty and affordable, I'm sure everyone could find something they love!  She was kind enough to give FF4SS readers a 15% Off discount using the promo code FF4SS15!

Sterling Silver Karma Necklace Pure Joy Details - $30
Etsy Shop  /  Facebook  /  Pinterest

1.  Gold Mint Leaf Earrings Pure Joy Details - $16
2.  Black Swarovski Crystal Gold Fill Drop Earrings Pure Joy Details - $18
3.  Hot Pink Quartz & Mini Gold Leaf Necklace Pure Joy Details - $38
4.  Gold & Turquoise Pave Necklace Pure Joy Details - $30
5.  Dainty Sterling Silver Heart Bracelet Pure Joy Details - $26
Dainty Sterling Silver Infinity Bracelet Pure Joy Details - $26
6.  Sterling Silver Angel Wing & Angelite Gemstone Necklace Pure Joy Details - $65

REVIEW: STRAPPYS - DESIGNER BRA STRAPS WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS

Happy Friday, Fashionable Friends!

I don't know about you, but I am someone who really doesn't like a bra strap to show,  but also prefer to wear one daily.  

So, when Strappys contacted me about their lovely line of designer bra straps, I knew it was right up my alley, and something my readers might enjoy, too!

These straps are so well made, look glamorous and really add a little something to your look, almost like a fashion accessory of a different kind!

They have a wide variety at a number of price points, which makes them attainable for everyone and is key for me!  Below are a few of my favorites, including the Diamond Bra Straps, which they sent me to try in the halter style, love them!

I especially love these for strapless looks because you all know how hard keeping a strapless bra up can be, and this fixes the problem stylishly! :)

Enjoy, and let me know what style you like most!

Check out Strappys here:  Shop  /  Twitter  /  Facebook 
1.  Black Rhinestone Straps Strappy's - $24.99
2.   Black Beaded T-Straps Strappy's - $25.00
3.   Brown Large Faceted Stone Straps Strappy's - $44.95
4.   Mid Back Rectangular Cross Back Straps Strappy's - $44.95
5.   Rhinestone Halter Straps Strappy's - $28.99

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: LIFE, PROJECTS, SURPRISE CARDS, SHOWS AND NYC OUTINGS

(Images taken on my iPhone 4s via my Instagram.)

PICTURE SHOW: "ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT" IN CENTRAL PARK

Happy Monday, Blogland!

This weekend, while a lovely friend and her beautiful daughter were visiting from sunny, San Diego, CA, friend and I met up at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park on Saturday for a lovely brunch right by the water and afternoon boating adventure, which was exactly what I needed.

It truly was the most perfect spring day with a crystal clear blue sky, so, we took lots of pictures, of course!  Below are pictures from our afternoon enjoying one of the greatest cities in the world! I truly love it here! ❤

Enjoy, and I'll be back on Wednesday!  Thank you again for all your support this past week, you are all something else! :)

(Images captured on an iPhone 4s camera.)

SATURDAY SAYINGS: A SINGLE SONG - "STILL THAT GIRL" BY BRITT NICOLE

Happy Saturday, Blogland!
First, I want to thank all of you for your messages, comments and e-mails about my childhood friend, they meant more than you know!  
I am happy to report, that this evening, May 4th, she was found alive and has been taken in for treatment, which was the perfect news to end a lovely day in Central Park, we are all so happy! :)
Next up, Saturday Sayings...
Right before I left LA, a dear friend of mine, whom I met shortly after moving there, at the age of 24, played the following song for me, saying, "listen to the lyrics, I think it's made for you."
When we met, I was younger, bright eyed, smilie and ready to make a difference.  So, today, for Saturday Sayings, I'm sharing that little, upbeat song with all of you. Hopefully, some of you ladies find a little inspiration within it...enjoy, and remember what you stand for and believe! :)

"Still That Girl" by Britt Nicole

LIFE: SOME THINGS HIT CLOSE TO HOME

• • • UPDATE • • •
My childhood friend was found alive this evening, Saturday, May 4th!!! :) Thank you all so much for your kind messages, comments and e-mails, they meant so much! ❤

(image)

Yesterday, I received the news that a girl, and childhood friend of mine growing up, is missing.

She was last seen leaving her parents home on Wednesday evening, a couple streets from my parent's home in the same town...a small, beautiful and very safe area in NJ.

I remember her so well.  Her smile is what comes to mind first, and she always had a gentle, good-hearted spirit that glowed from within.  Sadly, I also recall that not everyone was always so kind to her, which always hurt my heart when I was little.  

Now, I know many kids get picked on or made fun of growing up, and thank goodness nothing was ever as bad, during the time I was in school, for those I knew who were, at least not that I saw. Unlike how it seems to be for kids now, where bullying is concerned.  

However, I clearly remember trying a little harder to be sure and be a friend to her, a smiling face and just kind whenever I saw her in the halls, on the playground, in class or at a friend's party.  I can still see her smiling face during those years and remember little moments as though they were yesterday.

One of my best friends to this day was friends with her, too.  Her parents still live next to hers, in the same home they did growing up, and the same house where she was last seen.

Due to recent, sad events in her personal life, and what I have heard via friends, in the news and the investigation, I believe she was in such a state of despair that she took off, wasn't in her clear mind or, tragically, may have taken her own life.  Simply, to end the pain she was feeling inside.

I rarely write posts that aren't upbeat, but those of you who follow my blog know that, from time to time, I will write about things that have an impact on my life, and writing has always been an outlet and rather therapeutic for me.

I suppose it is times like this that make me wish I had still been present in her life today, years after our time in school together.  That I could have been a smiling face and friend when perhaps she needed it most, and probably more than those times in school growing up.

I truly do hope she knows I still look back on our time together fondly, that she was a sweet friend to me, is loved, a good person, and that anyone who knew or knows her is lucky to have had her cross their path, even for just a moment.

My thoughts are with her, her family, children and friends.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: HOME SWEET HOME, YUMMINESS AND CAT SITTING

(Images taken on my iPhone 4s via my Instagram.)