Your Online Vote Can Change A Life (got 60 seconds?)

This Sunday, use your computer to do something amazing. Get a little girl off the street and into school. Do it while you're watching football, or making tonight's marinara, or posting photos on facebook. Just vote, and then post the link for your friend's and family to vote. Here's the details...


My dad's friend, Katie Borghese, is on the board of More than Me, a charity that works to get girls off the street and into school in Liberia, West Africa.  Here's the information that she shared with my dad, and I am passing it along: More than Me is in an online contest sponsored by Chase, and can win with your vote!  The charity is in 12th place out of thousands of charities.  Your vote will make a difference!  Elizabeth (seen in the photo above) is off the street, in school, and is the only person in her family who can read, all because of More than Me.  Help us get 100 more girls into school for 7 years. Click here and vote for More than Me– its easy. And make sure to tweet, post, blog and email all of your friends.  Everyone only gets one vote so we need to spread the word to get lots of people voting. More than Me matters.


Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Tiffany (aka: the Domestic Goddess)

How to Give Good Gifts this Year (and Fuel the American Economy)

It's not like me to read a spammy, forwarded email. But my friend Susan sent me one worth reading. It spoke about how we can shop for the holidays in a way that supports our economy and our country. Instead of buying crap made in China (no offense, China), we can buy locally made products and services. 


I've ripped off the entire email, rather than copy and paste it, and gave it my own local spin. What I will add (that the email didn't), is don't give a gift with strings attached. Don't take someone out to dinner, or to a spa. Instead, give them a gift certificate to go themselves. Let them choose to invite you. It's much more of a gift that way.

And while I refuse to put out a Christmas decoration until Black Friday, I think writing about shopping (since we are all so smart and getting it done early) is okay.

For those who "need a little Christmas, right this very minute", here's a Christmas tree with a sign that reads something to the effect of "Everything on this tree is for sale". Um, thanks...

1. Buy gift certificates to independently owned restaurants, to give as a gift. Local options are The Station in Mountain Lakes; The Second Half on Main, Cafe Metro, and the Denville Diner in Denville; Montville Inn and Columbia Inn in Montville; and Chili Willies and Roma Pizzeria in Boonton. 
2. Get a gift certificate for a hair cut or two at a friend's favorite salon. Include some good shampoo and conditioner with it. How about a manicure or a pedicure? I get manicures for all of my friends for the holidays, from my favorite nail salon, Denville Nails. You can always give that along with some quick dry polish, or a 2011 ornament. You can even (heads up for the shameless plug) give them a Domestic Goddess candle or some of my Mail Me stationary to go with it.
3. A ten pack of car washes is a great idea, or a gift certificate to get their car detailed would be great. Can't afford that? Wash and detail the car yourself! Now that's giving.
4. My favorite one from the email was this, pay for a season of snow removal or lawn mowing. Every time the driveway gets cleared or the lawn gets mowed, your holiday gift will be remembered as the gift that keeps on giving.
5. Get local items. Ward Vogt Designs makes town card sets. Local sets include Celebrate Mountain Lakes, Scenic Denville, and Historic Boonton note cards. They are sold locally at A Dash of Thyme Gourmet in Denville, Savannah Hope Vintage (has all towns), and Heavenly Temptations (has Boonton cards, and Santaland card packs) in Boonton, and Simplify Marketplace in Mountain Lakes. Out of towners can get them online by clicking here. He also sells larger prints of images like The Cove and Downtown Denville at Dawn. Get one and frame it for someone special. No time? His local photography (Morristown included) hangs at Mara's Cafe in Denville on permanent exhibit and is for sale. So if you see one you like, call him to arrange to buy it (973) 784-3030 or email wardvogtdesigns@yahoo.com. 
6. As I've said a hundred times before, gift certificates to independently owned and operated shops is a fabulous option. Let your friend discover something they want while supporting a local business. Here's a list of my favorites: In Boonton, Savannah Hope Vintage, Bubba Rose Biscuit Co. (for dog lovers), Heavenly Temptations, and Bobby's Main Street News. In Denville, Dash of Thyme Gourmet (they make great gift baskets, too), Surprises In Store, and United Smoke Shop (I love that catch-all shop). In Montville, Barry's Montville Pharmacy (a smaller version of Mendham's Apothecary) and Montville Florist (they sell my candles - support them!). In Mountain Lakes, of course, is Simplify Marketplace. 
7. Make dinner for someone and deliver it to their house. Make something they can freeze (packed ready to freeze, with reheating instructions) like lasagna. Or bake them a big batch of cookies and include the recipe. That's my gift to all my vendors this year, homemade cookies in a reusable Ball jar.
8. Make your own ornaments or buy them at small shops. Pleeeeeease, as much as I love Michael's, don't buy your ornaments at chain shops! Buy locally. Handmade is even better.
9. Lastly, please join me and a bunch of amazing people who are doin' it for themselves! Come visit our pop-up holiday shop on Saturday, November 26th from 10 - 5 p.m. at 106 Broadway in Denville. Handmade items and independent consultants from labels like Stella & Dot, and Willow Home. To me, this is still indie, because these people are running their own business from home! Free admission includes wine, cookies, and coffee. Details below.

Come get all of your holiday shopping done without the stress (and predictability) of the mall. Shop all of your favorite stores on Broadway in Denville, and then stop by our festive gift boutique for unique items, handmade stationary and paper goods, homemade candles, jewelry, cards, make up, and tons more fun items. Baked goods too.


It will be warm and fun, and filled with friends.


FREE wine while you shop. Coffee, too.


Come have fun with us! This is being held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We are very excited! JOIN US! Street parking! 106 Broadway in Denville (I've rented out the Let's Create Art Studio)


Some fun vendors include:

• Smith Letterpress
• Stella & Dot Jewelry
• Ward Vogt Designs
• Savannah Hope Vintage
• Willow House (beautiful home goods)
• Domestic Goddess Candles
• Mountain Lakes Bar Method (with lululemon)
• Jillian Zoltner 
• Lynsey Gwiliam

Grab breakfast beforehand at Denville Diner, then afterward, go get a manicure, and have dinner at one of Denville's amazing dining estabilshments like the Second Half on Main.


For more info, contact me at tiffanypalisi@gmail.com

Moustaches in Movember (I'm a Mo Sista)

It's funny that I received a moustache message about Movember today. Funny because last Friday, at BMS's Girls' Night Out, Andrea DeMorest of Savannah Hope Vintage made Mr. Moustache chocolate pops for the party. All sorts of moustache types including the Burt Reynolds, the Salvador Dali, and handlebar moustaches.


The photo that accompanied the moustaches in Movember was very cool, so I decided to do a little research about it. I went to the official Movember - Face Grown & Hand Brushed page to get the details. As October is breast cancer awareness month, November is moustache season. Stay with me. There's a cause attached to it.


During the month of November, men are asked to grow moustaches to raise both awareness and funds for prostate and other cancers that affect men. While it started November 1st (registration info at www.movember.com), men start clean shaven and then allow a moustache to grow (trimming and waxing is allowed) for the month. These men are called Mo Bros, and the women who support them are called Mo Sistas. This is a visual statement to bring awareness, much like pink signifies breast cancer awareness.


Men who register get sponsored by people like you and me, and the money raised goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Awareness & Education, the Global Action Plan, and to LIVESTRONG.


Women can rock a moustache in a cheekier sort of way. Movember's online shop sells a demistasse moustache necklace which range in style and price, beginning at $38 and going up to $3,800 (pave diamonds and 14k gold). $8 of each necklace sale goes to Movember's fundraising efforts.


I prefer to send my $8 to them myself, and wear my cool wooden moustache. Mine is made by a New Jersey mom who repurposes old skateboards into jewelry, key chains, purse mirrors and more. Her moustache necklaces are sold locally at Savannah Hope Vintage; that's where I got mine this summer.

Me and my Movember moustache. Both the earrings and 'stache
are by Seven Ply Designs, available at Savannah Hope Vintage in Boonton.

As I am writing this, my friend sent me a message asking me where I got mine (Hey, Rhonda!). They are made by Seven Ply Designs, but when I checked, I didn't see moustache necklaces on the web page. So hurry up and get yours at Savannah Hope Vintage before Andrea sells out of them. Savannah Hope Vintage, 906 Main Street, Boonton. And please, send some cash to Movember. Click here to donate. I'm making my donation in honor of an amazing man, and survivor.

Powerful

In celebration of the birth of the most brilliant writer of our time, Hilary Thayer Hamann, a woman who brought to life one of the most complex, beautiful characters ever created, Evie, in her novel, Anthropology of An American Girl, I am posting this for you (the reader) to watch. It will give you hope, heart, and mostly, the desire to pursue your dreams. I just found it on a friend's facebook wall, and found it to be inspirational. Remember, it's your time. You, the reader of this blog, it is your time to shine... our time to shine. And to you, Hilary, I hope your birthday was the best one yet. You deserve it.

The Domestic Goddess Candles Have LAUNCHED!

Launch party for Domestic Goddess candles, held in conjunction with BMS's Girls' Night Out, was at the amazing Savannah Hope Vintage. Here my friend Jen (second from left) with her friend the birthday girl (far left), Denise Goodbar (second from right) and Pamela Schuckman (far right) of Oak Lane Designs,
bought the last of the sugar cookie candles!

As I was driving up Boonton Main Street to get to the Girls' Night Out launch of my Domestic Goddess candles, I got a vibe similar to the night that ArtWalk was held. The street was packed with traffic, and everywhere I looked I saw women in green boas (the town gave out goodie bags filled with treats, and a lime green boa, to anyone who paid $5). The spirit of the night was alive. After the horrendous week we all had, complete with snow and downed power lines, the positive vibe of the night was a very welcome change.


I had hoped to park close to Savannah Hope Vintage, the shop that was hosting the event, but as I drove by (no spots), I looked in and saw that the shop was packed. I was so excited. Finally, I found a spot at the top of the hill across from SHV. This street is steep like Hyde Street in San Francisco. Walking down the hill in 6" heels was no easy task. Embarassed, but not stupid, I walked sideways, like when you are on a double black diamond in skis and decide to bail. The short walk felt like forever and, more than once, I contemplated taking off my shoes. I kept this walk up until I reached the handrail, then did a step-step- grab with the handle. By the time I reached the bottom, I felt both proud (that I made it in one piece) and mortified (that the throngs of people walking and driving by may have noticed me).


The store looked amazing. I wish I had taken photos when I'd first walked in, before all the yummy chocolates were eaten. Andrea made all sorts of delectables, including bite size chocolate cupcakes, brownies, and (wait for it), homemade marshmallows. To. Die. For. Especially the chocolate raspberry ones. Incredible. As I was looking around, the Skyclad Gallery owner, Dean, came in and told me to try the Chocolate Martinis. They weren't just so good, they were can-I-please-have-the-recipe-now so good. And then there were the chocolate moustache lollipops that she made. 

I didn't get many shots of the food or drinks 'til night's end. But if you had a taste
of these martinis, you will remember how good they were.

Lots of my friends came out, and I got to meet a lot of new people as well. Since Andrea made moustache lollipops, I had people pose with them for photos...

I love this photo, especially because the guy on the right has a chocolate moustache over his real one!

Fine artist Valerie Golden mugs for the camera.

Here, my very good friend (family, really) poses with a chocolate handlebar moustache.
Melissa, you are so beautiful, even with a moustache!

We had such a great night.  Midway through the event, Andrea had sold out of the Sugar Cookie candles (someone even bought the sample) and was selling all the candles so quickly that she had to remove the ones from the display window. The response was amazing, and so was the feedback. I am literally ready to pass out from sheer exhaustion (my eyes keep closing, no joke!), but wanted to first right this blog post. Andrea DeMorest, you put on one hell of a party. It could not have been better. No way!

The best hairdresser I know, Amy Salas, (who also happens to be ridiculously cool)
along with Andrea, who I  had to beg to get even one photo of her.

I want to thank you all so much for coming out and making this night extra-special. My good friend Tray didn't get photographed, but I want you to know Tray, that you are with us in spirit in this blog, and I want you to send me a photo of you with your candles. Neither did Ann B.C. It was amazing seeing you again. And thank you to Karen Brennfleck and Cynthia Korman (both of whom I didn't get photos of but wished I did) for joining us. Karen, let me know what you think of that Evergreen Swag!

And for the record, while I did wear 6" heels, by the end of the night they were off. Of course, as I was preparing to head home, I got a call that my son wanted fruit. Instead of sliding back into the shoes, I put on my winter Sportos. Good night, y'all, and thanks for coming out!

Started in my sparkly Wizard of Oz-ish shoes.

Trust is Everything

I have a hard time trusting people. For much of my life, I've had the rug pulled out from under me at times when I felt most secure.

There have been a few people in my life that I knew I could always trust. I could open up to them, and they were like loving vaults. If not for them, I don't know how I could have survived. Without trust, one never feels safe. Trust is the most important thing in any relationship, professional or personal.

In the midst of something beautiful, the launch of my new product line, I just learned that someone has breached my trust. Someone I've known for a long time, someone that I should have been able to trust. And that someone failed me.

Just last night, I read a blog post that was written by Kathryn Budig last year. Elephant Journal just reposted it. It is called, "Why It's Okay to Not Be Nice" (oh, read it). I try very hard to be kind, and to give endless chances to people who may not be worthy of them. I try to find the beating heart in people who may have hollow chests. It's time for a change.

This last breach of trust was a big one. The final one. In less than two weeks, I will be 42 years old. I am doing what my good friend does every year, assess every relationship I have, and drop the toxic ones. Fortunately, there's only one toxic one left, and I've been looking for every reason to save it. No more.

At this moment, my heart is letting go of a cruel person who's done more damage than good. I already feel relieved.

My old neighbor, Katie Rosenhouse, who I babysat back in the 80s, just won Sweet Genius on Food TV. Like, just five minutes ago. Her sweet reward, combined with the launch of my sweet candles, and a very chocolaty Girls' Night Out event at Savannah Hope Vintage tomorrow night, begins a new, sweet year for this Scorpio.

Thanks to all of my loyal readers. Your big hearts keep me going.

Also read: How To Let Go Of A Past Relationship: 10 Steps to Move on Peacefully

Sometimes motivation, inspiration and comfort come from someone else's creations.

It's been a displacing sort of week. While I still wait to see if my son's delayed opening tomorrow sticks, or becomes another day of no school (argh) as it did today, I find myself feeling so displaced. 

Since September, I've been trying to get back to the gym. Having to go back to work for my family company, plus organizing my two new businesses (where my heart lies), and well, being a single mom, I just haven't found a chance. I want to lose weight but have had no time to work out, and my stress levels are rising. Oh, and then there's the hormonal changes. I've about had it.

Being home with W and the kids has been my only saving grace. In 10 days, I will be 42, and I want to have something more to show for it. My Domestic Goddess Line, along with it's parent company, Ward Vogt Designs, is what I hope will be that show.


I went to Savannah Hope Vintage today to drop off a large delivery of candles and, wow, the display that Andrea has done really lifted my spirits. I was so thrilled.

Window display at 906 Main Street, Boonton.

I delivered the remaining candles that she ordered, and she put this together...

I was in awe. Andrea's got a magical touch, and I love the way that she created something so amazing with my candles and note cards. 


She's good. Really good. Nearly all of my furniture is from her store, or was refinished by her. Everything that she touches seems to turn to gold. She has an eye for decorating, designing, creating, repurposing, you name it.


Look what she did with music paper! She made bows, clips, and boxes. Great for music lovers.

These bows make the perfect topping on any music lover's gift.

Her creations, in combination with a very special conversation W and I had tonight with our friend Diane, has given me a inspiration. 

Come to Girls' Night Out at Savannah Hope Vintage, 906 Main Street in Boonton, to see exactly what I'm talking about. The minute you meet Andrea, it will all make sense.