JUST BECAUSE.......It's Funny, Gorgeous, Cool, Boho, Good For You, True, Special, and Wise...........

So, what on earth is a blog post titled 

JUST BECAUSE?

It's a blog post from someone whose brain is somewhat fried,

who saw a bunch of random things and thought

"Why can't I share that on my blog?"

"Why does it have to make sense?"

So here we go, JUST BECAUSE!

Just because this made me laugh:)

Just Because this may be the most GORGEOUS Cupcake ever!

Just Because I have ALWAYS loved this idea....

and when my daughter eventually goes away to school, I will do this.

A packet of letters for various occasions/moods/moments

 when she may want or need a note from me.

Just Because I think these letters are so COOL and BOHO and perfect for spelling the word 

"WANDER"  

 (letters from Urban Outfitters)

Just Because this is something good to know and good for you!

 Just Because this is another great idea.......instead of fixing all our little issues all at once, plug away at them month by month, setting NEW habits in the process!

 

Just Because this is so stinking cute and clever and makes me SMILE!

 Just Because this is so true.  

 Just Because we all need a break once in awhile, right?

Just Because I MISS TUTUS and BALLET so much, especially my beautiful daughter's dancing.....and I even miss being a Dance Mom.......but the good kind:)

 Just because I think this is an awesome quote and the girl could be one of my daughters.

Just Because I love horses and if I could have one, it would look like this!

Just Because it's almost Summer and therefore it's swimsuit time.......so it's time to get to work:)

Just Because I love throwing parties for kids way more than adults,

I love fussing over cute treats,

I miss these days and I can't wait to be a Grandma.  Or a GiGI.  Or a Memaw.

Or whatever the heck they want to call me......... on a regular basis.

And also Just Because I love yummy and EASY treats and this looks like

cupcakes with gumdrops, gumdrop slices and peach rings!

Just Because I LOVE my dogs and believe this with my whole heart!

Just Because I love jars, and flowers, and burlap, and lace!

Just Because I believe this!  Sometimes I need to be reminded of this.  Oftentimes.  But I always believe it.  And I hope you do too. <3 p="">

I will be HAPPY to Pay $17,0000 for a GOLD Apple Watch when it does these things........

You read it right.

$17,000.

For this Apple Deluxe GOLD watch......or one similar to it.

Now, I believe they start at close to $350.

Some people can afford that model of watch, really want the watch, will use the watch.........

and if they want it, should get the watch. 

Within reason.

At least, in my opinion.

And in case you hadn't noticed.........it's still my blog:)  hehe

And before anyone complains, I know.

There ARE people who can afford to pay $12,000-$17,000 for the watch.

But that doesn't mean they should.

There ARE people who work very hard for the money they have.

But really?  For a watch?

Okay.........for the uber billionaires who want a super apple watch,

I say maybe up to $5,000.  

And this isn't just about Apple watches, but all watches that cost an astronomical amount.

I mean, are y'all crazy?

Because it's JUST A WATCH.

That lets you do things, yes.

And a $600 model will let you do those same things.

I'm not saying I'll NEVER have one but I will say it won't be the first one off the line,

and it won't be a high priced one.

Besides, I have too many beautiful watches that I'm not ready to give up.

I'm sure they're cool.

And techies love their cool tech toys.

I get that.

I'm happy for them.

The reasonable ones.

But 12,000/15,000/17,000?

PLEASE!

What in the heck are we teaching our children?

We're messing them up, that's for sure.

My daughter works at a boutique in a high end shopping center.

And a few doors away is an apple store.

One of the salesmen said they had sold more of the $12-$17,000 version than anything else.  

In fact, there is a wait list.

So here is my criteria for what ANY watch with that price tag SHOULD do.

And when it does, maybe I'll buy it.

1.  When I lose weight by putting that watch on my wrist, I'll buy it.  

Not just a little, but about 30lbs.

And I don't mean by tracking my steps.

Or counting my calories.

But I mean when the pounds melt off at record pace, sign me up.

2.  When it cures childhood cancer and other horrific diseases

simply by wearing it, I'll buy one.

If it kills my MS once and for all, I'll buy it tomorrow.

But it won't.

EVER!

So instead, I'll give my money to research.

3.  If it guarantees a good, sound sleep.......EVERY night, that'd be nice.

4.  If it takes my dogs out at 10 p.m on a rainy night, I'd be tempted.

5.  Cleaning house........that would be nice.  Or making dinner.

But wait...........it's just a watch.

6.  It doesn't fight crime, so that's no good.

7.   It can't keep someone without heat warm.......so it's pretty worthless there.

Or feed someone who is hungry.  What good is it;)

8.  It offers no solution to wars.........or to help our veterans.  I would've paid for that.

9.  I know........if it can come up with a really, truly, wonderful candidate for President and 

make sure they win........I'd fork out a few bucks for that.

10.    If it made me or someone else happy on sad days, strong on weak days,

energetic on tired days, I'd really like that.  

 When spending THOUSANDS of dollars on a watch guarantees these qualities in everyone,

 it's mine!

So there you have it.

When this watch does all that, I will buy one.

(and I am only speaking about the ones over $5,000, okay?  Got it? I'm not denying the pleasure to more sensible/affluent folk)

I really do understand that some people can afford luxury and truly love it.

But there is a limit.

I don't have a socialist mentality.

But i think I do have common sense.

Surely there is a local hospital or church that could do GREAT things with your money.

But until then, I'll keep my pretty little watches, and keep my phone, and keep giving to those who need it, and sharing what I have that I no longer need. 

Somebody please tell me when it actually does all this because then it'll be a keeper.

But UNTIL then, Apple and all you other OVERPRICED watch companies,

you can keep them.

I'll enjoy the simple things.

XOXO

Suzanne

Questions and Answers on Goals, Change, Aging and Style.......

We have a really gray, rainy Monday going on,

which suits me just fine.

I've worked hard organizing a few rooms lately and just feel tired.

And lazy.

So on this dreary Monday, 

a blog post might be the most ambitious thing I do:)

My blog challenge topic today is to answer a few questions, so here goes.......

Question #1.  What is your #1 goal this year?

Goal for 2015

I didn't mention this earlier because I only just thought about it.
 And by "adventures", they don't have to be BIG to be an adventure.

Question #2.  What is your philosophy on aging?

Well, I believe it is part of life.  We can fight it or figure out how to make the best of it.

Some days I believe this more than others, but basically, that's it.

I spend a lot of time thinking of ways to enjoy life in the coming years

and be useful and happy.  Worth thinking about, right?

Re: looks......I have my crappy days for sure,

but overall, I would like to think I don't go crazy fighting the process.

Laugh lines.....got em!

Wrinkles from the sun?

Yes.  Wish I didn't have so many and that I wouldn't continue getting them,

but for much of my life I worked HARD for that tan. 

Like I said to my girls when they were younger,  (Sometimes I still say it:)

"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit".

I asked for that tan and therefore these wrinkles.

At least I enjoyed getting them.

I love Jamie Lee Curtis' thoughts on aging.

I like her look too.......especially her hair!

Question #3.  Can people change?

I believe they can.  I believe I have.  In many ways.

I believe there are aspects of us that must change the longer

 we live and the more we learn.

I believe we need change in the world and we need to be open to change sometimes,

because it will happen.

But I also believe some people can't.  Or rather, won't.

Whether they are conceited enough to think they don't need to, or just

plain stubborn enough to refuse to, some people will never change.

We all know people like this.

Which is why I BEG my girls not to marry someone, thinking they will

change them.  Better know it's just not gonna happen.

It may for awhile, and you may get that special person who does,

but it's too much of a gamble when talking about marriage.

CAPICHE?

Good way to look at it.......

Sometimes this is the truth.

 Question #4.  What is your favorite accessory?

This one's easy!  My daughter is a "Stylist" at Michael Kors Lifestyle Store.
(that's what they call sales associates:)

Anyway, I've always liked his bags but I have since come to LOVE his watches.

Before this, my favorite accessories would have been bracelets, 

but now I have to say watches.
They're a good look for me and quite reasonable.
What I REALLY love is that he likes mixing metals.......I do too.
And he believes in layering bracelets with the watch.........I do too.

So we are a perfect fit:)

Have a great day!!!!

XOXO

Suzanne

two SIMPLE steps to SIMPLIFY your life.......

seriously.....

only TWO steps.

hard to believe, i know.

because we ALL want a simple, HAPPY life, right?

well, here you go......

as i think about this, it is easy.

but we make it difficult, 

worrying about things.

like what others will think if we don't volunteer as always,

not saying no to time wasting activities,

creating clutter.....

on top of clutter.

i'm as guilty as the rest.

but i really, truly am going to try and remember these two steps.

because this really says it all.....

identify what's important to you and get rid of the rest.

and i know it's not truly easy in the course of every day life.

but maybe, just maybe,

i can make things a tiny bit easier if i remember this:)

if you need more steps to simplify,

check out this list of 30 tips to simplify at 

marcandangel

have a SIMPLY happy day!

Suzanne

being happy...

soooo......

a year ago, i chose the word "HAPPY" 

as my word of the year.

the idea behind it is to keep that one word or thought

in mind as you go through the year.

i love the word happy.

i love the idea of it.

and i would like to be happy...always!

to see something and smile....like this precious photo.....

makes me happy.

but......

life sometimes gets in the way.

and it sure got in my way last year.  

but looking back, just because bad things happen,

we don't have to be UNhappy forever.

there will be so much to make us sad in a lifetime.

what we probably need to do is work on

getting our happy back when we kinda lose our way.

so.......

i am making my word for 2012 (late, i know:)

HAPPY.

again.

because i kinda lost my way...

and i need to see the happy in all moments...

even if it is upon reflecting back on a moment,

there was usually SOMETHING that made us happy,

made us SMILE!

like a great cup of coffee after a long sleepless night.

and more than anything,

i figure we need to remember this.....

God wants us to be happy:)

here are a few things that made me smile....made me HAPPY recently.

first, this necklace. 

I saw it a month ago and impulsively bought it.

and now i wear it 24/7.

and sometimes i see it in a mirror and it literally makes me think...

have i been paying attention to the happy things or dwelling

on the bad.

for that alone, it was worth it!

the other day, i saw this on pinterest....

a HOTWHEELS lunchbox!!!

this gave me a moment of pure joy, because it brought such 

happy MEMORIES!

yes, i was a major tomboy:)

i had this exact lunchbox....

and how i loved playing with my hot wheels 

and that orange hot wheels racetrack!

HAPPY memories!!!

my COOL iPad case also brings back memories....

of happy times in LONDON with my family.

just thinking about my favorite store in London makes me happy:)

something else from that store across the pond.....

my ditzy flower backpack.

i know...not designer....

because NO designer makes a bag as cute as my flowered backpack:)

yesterday, i had to stop at Coconut Point (outdoor mall)

for a few things.

i noticed a new store that Jordie had been telling me about...

so i popped in.

and i fell in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with this...

and at just over $20...a real steal for this subway art loving girl!!!

is it amazing or what?????

if you need a bit of help finding your own HAPPY.....

give a few of these a try.

as for me, i know what makes me happy every single time.

these beautiful SMILES are a sure thing....

guaranteed to make ME smile.....

and make me HAPPY.

so, what makes you happy?

besides the fact that today is Friday, that is:)

linking up today with...

 XOXOXOXO

Suzanne

how to live...

i've spent the past few days in the critical care unit of the hospital,

visiting my dad, who is on his FOURTH week in there.

I finally feel brave enough to say 

i think he is on the upswing.

actually, i think he is a walking, talking miracle!

really...a MIRACLE.

thank you for your prayers...

and if you don't mind, please keep praying.

because i've been around hospitals...

and very sick people, 

when i came across this, it really struck a chord with me.

i want to live this way...

and after you read it, maybe you will too.

it is by a lady named Marjorie Pay Hinckley.

please read it...i think you'll be glad you did.

“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, 

wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, 

and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.

I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels

from taking kids to scout camp. 

I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt

from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.

I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails 

from helping to weed someone's garden.

I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks

and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.

I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.” 

what a wise lady!

 

God Bless...Suzanne

Life Skills, Teens and Cool Stuff...

What do they really need to know?

There is such a push on in schools these days...

get ahead, take college classes, boost your GPA...

When are we going to realize that pushing them to do more may not always be the answer?

***Note...you can stop reading now if you hate this idea...which so many of you will.

Or you can trash me on your blog...i can take it:)

It's just that I would really like to know what this is truly doing for our teens?

Are they graduating from college that much sooner?

Or is the college finding a way to still keep them there...and your money...even though they had all of these college courses, because you know there is always more they could learn?

I do think it's great how some can get ahead, don't get me wrong.

But do we have to OVERDO everything?

Last I heard, before this whole push to do more and faster, we were still graduating from college and getting a degree...if that is the path that was RIGHT for us.

Gosh...the poor kid who is not trying to get into a "top tier" school...who wants a solid education AND the time to pursue other interests that may or may not be in their future.

I have one of each...and each deserves the same respect.

However other kids...and even worse...adults...tend to look down their nose if you are not cramming as many AP courses as possible in your schedule. (yes, this is one reason for this blog post.  the other reason...because book smart is NOT common sense
smart...never has been and never will be:)

Well, I agree with one part...there is MORE they could learn.

So how about there being a mandatory LIFE SKILLS course in high school...

basic stuff they will need to know...

and for whatever reason still haven't mastered.

I know some schools have this but the majority do not.

I'm not talking about career planning class. Though if they are really clueless what to take in college they can check this site www.choosingacareer.net for some ideas. 

Because I would be willing to bet what trips up most kids going off to college isn't that the class is suddenly too hard...after all, they have taken college classes, right?

No, I think it's because they failed to learn just how important certain things are in real life...

like knowing how to manage bank accounts/debit cards,

when they are sick enough to go to the medical clinic,

when that noise in the car needs to be checked,

proper correspondence skills (Hello...thank you notes???)

How to "edit" the way they use social networking...and to know it is not always their friends lurking there but school officials, teachers, prospective employers...and downright creepy people.

But like it or not (and I fall in to the NOT category here...sorry;)  Sites like FB and MY SPACE are here and a huge part of their lives...and learning about the ways they can be used to their advantage or disadvantage would be great.

(By the way, are they truly thinking about the fact that their ENTIRE lives are basically documented in photos from cell phones? It may have been innocent, but it doesn't always LOOK that way.)

Making money on their own, using their own skills or talents...

my daughter has a small shop on etsy and has had to learn to communicate effectively with a potential buyer, when to say yes and when to say no, selling, saving, marketing, providing a quality product...basic entrepreneurship. 

How about the proper way to dress for different occasions, such as interviews?

What to say...and NOT to say?

And how about personal appearance...

they may be "expressing" themselves but adults...professors, employers and boyfriend/girlfriend's parents CAN...and most likely WILL...judge on first impressions.

Maybe one of the most important...TIME MANAGEMENT...

something I NEVER learned:)

So much to think about.

Maybe instead of making learning so competitve as it clearly is today,

we can teach some very valuable life lessons.

Before you say that is the job of parents, I would like to argue that with the workload these kids have from schools trying to serve their "best interests",  who has time?

In case YOU do, here is the book we are using at our little schoolhouse...

"COOL STUFF" They Should Teach in School.

 Definitely very cool, appealing to teenagers and FULL of real world tips!

(This book comes highly recommended from people such as Jack Canfield of the Chicken Soup series as well asand is actually used in some life skills courses)

Just in case your school doesn't have a life skills course and you're worried there are too many things you didn't get around to covering (this is me)...here is some of what you can expect from the book...

• Control your attitude so you can control your life
• Successfully manage your money (saving, banking, Wall Street, credit cards, etc.)
• Get the job you desire
• Communicate effectively
• Set goals and develop a sense of purpose and direction
• Build self-esteem and conquer peer pressure
• Master time management
• Strengthen your people-skills
• Increase focus and discipline
• Embrace feedback to excel faster
• Take responsibility and create empowering habits
• Use curiosity to boost academic performance
• And countless other practical lessons about character

 Okay...the REAL reason I like this book and the whole idea behind teaching life skills as an actual course...is I could've used it myself:)  

Next up, a happy post.
I promise!

One Week Ago Today...

at 8:00 a.m on a Friday morning...

a Dr. walked into my room,

looked at a few pictures of my brain on a computer screen,

turned around and looked at me quietly for a moment,

before saying

"You already know, don't you"?

Yes, I knew.

I have MS...had suspected it for a few weeks...

and now this doctor was giving me the confirmation he thought I needed...

but I needed none.

God had already told me...

maybe so I could be prepared,

maybe so I could prepare others...

in any case, I knew. 

There...I have been wanting...and needing to say this for a whole week now.

It isn't the end of the world...

so don't feel sorry for me...

just pray for me.

Don't forget about me...
If I can't answer a phone call, letter or email right away,
I won't.
But you are NOT bothering me.

Just pray for me.

Because I am 46 (okay, 47 in a month;)

I have a lot to do in life...

and a lot of people I want to share it with...

so just please  pray.

I think it is important to share my story...

~for my precious, beautiful girls and my wonderful husband

who are on this journey that we never thought we would take together.

~for my family, who love me and care for me and should know my story.

~for the wonderful friends I have met and some I have never met...

but who make me feel loved and who are praying for all of us...

~for all the others who have MS or another disease,

or who know of someone who does and would like a friend or someone to encourage them

along the way...

I have to share my story.

When I start, I will post it here on my blog and will also

have a special tab at the top of this blog directing others to the post.

 I know that many come to blogs to laugh, be inspired, get a recipe or decorating tip...

and not necessarily to read about someone else's problems.

So...I am trying to figure out the best way to do this,
because I know I am supposed to share this...
the sweet moments...
the beautiful moments...
the funny moments...
the learning moments...
and the scary moments too.

Somewhere, somehow, I will tell the story of a so-called "Cool Mom"
(not my words, ok?;)

who thought she was doing everything right

and had her life all planned out...

until she remembered that it isn't about her plans...

but God's.

I always need to remember that my most loyal followers and readers

are my own 2 sweet girls.

I kind of think of my blog "Fairytales and Grace"

as a kind, sweet, pretty, special place.
I'm so happy that THEY love it.
Is this where I should tell my story, as well as all of the other things I
blog about?
Hmmm...
I don't know.

Obviously!!!

But I know one thing,

I have to share my story.

There are so many wonderful people in this world.

Don't ever forget it.

If you, do, call me.

I will show you my "HOPE" scrapbook,

just filled with messages from people all over the world.

And you will know that there are always people who care.
And as I have also learned,
there are people who are much worse off.
And all we can do is be there for each other,
be grateful for every little thing and every moment that we have...
and Pray!

 And to my girls...
I'm okay!
You're okay!
We are ALL going to be okay!
I can't make promises about details in the future...
but we have each other...
so we are OKAY!
I'm still the same tutu-making mom...
the same mom who wants her girls to go after their dreams...
and the same mom who wants to visit the Paris Flea Markets...
with her Shabby Chicks.

To those of you who have been praying for me...
THANK YOU!!!

I promise to break it up a bit...lighten things up...
and tomorrow is Pink Saturday!
(And by the way, my Pink post will be coming LATER on Pink Saturday, now:)

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE,
Suzanne

45 Rules To Live By...

I saw this recently but there was no author listed. I liked it...hope you will too.

45 Rules to Live By

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone…

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special

22. Over prepare and then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. Smile at someone today. Better yet, find something to compliment them about.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.