Whynottalkaboutit?

We Will Be Gone Oct 12 - Nov 30

2009-10-14T20:41:00.005-04:00

Off and Away on an big adventure!!
Bonanzle Booths are on RESERVE and Ebay is without listings ...
but we shall return!!

Please keep us and our bargains in mind and come back after November 30.

In the meantime, have a safe and fun-filled Halloween and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Andrea Harold Divine Handbags & Accessories

Bonanza today - 40% OFF on Select Items!

2009-06-07T14:12:00.001-04:00

At AndreaBags09 's booth on Bonanzle Web Site. http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/AndreaBags09

Runs from 3pm EDT for 1 hour - Sunday - June 7th. Hurry and check it out!

Not So Fabulous Fakes

2009-06-02T13:41:00.015-04:00

Note the flaws in these fake handbags:

Outside looks good. Inside is plastic. Straps came off (after two uses) and were put back on - crisscrossed! Also brown purse is as stiff as a board and very hard to get into and out of. All plastic construction.

On this white print handbag, see how the handles have separated, literally hanging on by a thread. Plastic interior, stitching that is sloppy inside and out. Also vinyl exterior, no leather trim.

One of my last posts gave a little info regarding fake (replica) handbags and the penalties associated with selling this contraband merchandise. This post will describe with words and photos, common flaws in these products and why they are not such great "bargains" after all. And, yes, in the past, I have fallen to temptation and purchased a couple of these products!

Many replica purses and "higher end" fakes are a better quality than they once were. So telling a real from a fake can be difficult. Usually, the first clue is the price. You are NOT going to get a genuine Louis Vuitton for $30 or even $100 unless it is on fire. Be realistic.

Keep in mind fake purses from street vendors can look and feel like plastic toys, even across a room. (See brown bag above) Examine the zippers, handles, and lining. Are they sturdy? The interior lining should NOT be plastic. It should be a good quality cloth, probably a signature print.

Real leather is usually soft and bendable, with a distinctive odor.

The stitching should be even and tight - watch for sloppy topstitching and missing stitches, inside and out. Look over pockets or corners inside of the bag carefully.

Real designer purses are more expensive in part because of their extremely detailed construction, which just can't be matched in the mass-produced counterfeits. Often the "real thing" has handmade details, such as logos, buckles, or indeed, the entire handbag.

Take a look at the label too. On a genuine designer handbag, it will usually be carefully sewn in to a purse's interior. And, check the spelling! "Luis Vitoun" is NOT the big name brand.

Look at the packaging as well. From a street vendor, you will probably get a plain plastic bag to carry your treasure home. The "real thing" will proudly come in a good box with the name on it, and with a well made dust bag for storage.

Finally, most genuine products usually come with a booklet that describes the quality of your handbag's detail - if this is absent, it's one last good sign it's a forgery.

If you choose to carry a fake, just wave your arms around a lot so people can't look at it closely, or hang out in really dark places. Also don't be surprised if you have to carry it home with broken straps and stuck zippers.

For more info: http://video.about.com/accessories/How-to-Spot-a-Fake-Handbag.htm

Andrea Harold Handbags takes care to sell only the genuine product - new or used.

Twitter

2009-05-22T13:31:00.006-04:00

Yes, I tweet now!!

Follow me as
MsAndreaBags
for new listings on both Ebay and Bonanzle,
and for blog updates.

Counterfeit Designer Merchandise

2009-05-20T21:58:00.032-04:00

We Buy Cheap - Our Local Retailers Lose - and Who Gets the Money????

We all love the sleek and expensive look of designer handbags, clothing, wallets, sunglasses, jewelry. Somehow the lines seem sleeker, the colors and patterns more sophisticated, and of course, there's the glamour value : everyone will know how expensive they are. ... Or not.

Knock-offs or designs of famous makers made to sell for much less, have been part of the fashion industry for years. Commonplace, in fact. Most of us own a couple of "replica" handbags, wallets, or jeans with the logo of a famous designer. They're fun and we feel glamorous. And they're everywhere! From the bridges of Italy, to the street carts of New York, to the flea markets in many small towns, and at kiosks in some major malls. So easy to get - and what's the harm? We spend a lot less and can flout a bit of style.

What many of us fail to realize is that the selling of this merchandise is a crime, a felony. And much of this money is going to organized crime here and overseas. From the Customs and Border Protection bureau: In many cases, international organized crime groups use the profits from the sale of counterfeit goods to bankroll other criminal activities, such as the trafficking in illegal drugs, weapons, and other contraband.

This April, 2009, in South Carolina, several persons were charged with trafficking in these counterfeit goods. The merchandise was confiscated and the sellers involved face stiff fines and prison time. The counterfeit merchandise included handbags, wallets, jewelry, sunglasses, watches and clothing from such popular brands as Chanel, Coach, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, Dooney & Bourke, Ed Hardy, Hello Kitty, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

“Passing counterfeit merchandise is a serious offense which disrupts the integrity of our local economy,” Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said. “Our office is committed to arresting and prosecuting counterfeiting offenses.”

When we buy these items, we fail to realize that the sale of counterfeit merchandise is not a victimless crime. It hurts manufacturers, retailers, and the economy. It encourages the exploitation of cheap labor. On a personal level, we are getting shoddy merchandise that often comes apart with little use and safety standards are not always followed.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced recently that fiscal year 2008 seizures totaled more than $272.7 million in counterfeit and pirated goods, a 38 percent increase in domestic value over FY 2007.
From the DenverPost on line, May 19, 2009: Tuesday's noontime raid by federal agents seized more than 1,600 counterfeit items at seven kiosks near the 16th Street Mall (in Denver, CO), officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced today. Again, some of our favorite labels were included : Coach, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Burberry and Kate Spade.

"In recent years, the proliferation of counterfeit goods has increased at an alarming rate," said Jeffrey Copp, the special agent who leads Denver's ICE office. "America's counterfeiting laws are about protecting the rights of those who play by the rules. It's about keeping subpar and unsafe merchandise off our streets, and it's about trying to keep billions of dollars of illicit funds out of the hands of organized criminal groups here and abroad."

More and more sellers of counterfeit merchandise are being targeted as they spread their venues to include malls, home party sales, and on-line sites.

This being said, good values can often be found legally at outlet stores operated by the brands involved, in seasonal department store sales, and gently used items found in consignment shops, garage sales and on-line.

Andrea Harold Handbags monitors its purchases carefully to sell only genuine articles and to respect trademarks.

Vacation in Middle Earth - the Cotswolds

2009-05-12T21:04:00.016-04:00

Even a rainy day can't spoil the utter charm of a Cotswold (England) cottage-style home.

My husband is on a quest for Middle Earth since seeing the Hobbit triology come to life in the spectacular movies based on these charming little folk from the books by J.R. Tolkein. The first book, really a prelude to the more famous triology, 'Lord of the Rings,' is called 'The Hobbit' and describes the physical home town of these charming small people. The reality of the Cotswolds neatly brings to life the Hobbit's imaginary world.

Wandering through the Cotswold area of England, through such towns as Stratford Upon Avon, Stow on the Wold, Chipping Campden, Bibury, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, Broadway, and over a dozen more, it is easy to imagine small Hobbit wagons being drawn along cobbled streets, produce being sold in stone market places, and the Hobbits themselves at home in such cozy homes as the one above.

Built of honey colored limestone and complete with thatched roofs, carved shrubbery, and manicured lawns, small or large, these homes are noted for being typically English where time stopped 300 years ago. The area itself is well known for gentle hillsides (‘wolds’), outstanding countryside with river valleys, water meadows and beech woods, sleepy ancient limestone villages, and historic market towns. A place to be enjoyed slowly, wandered through, and talked over with pints of local brews in the quaint pubs.

A vacation to the Cotswolds is like taking a trip into a favorite book and walking through its pages.

A vacation to the Cotswolds brings one to a place where the dreamy past is still enjoyed today.

If you care to go, check out this link for more info and photos: http://www.cotswolds.info/

We had a great time!

And please note, that our Andrea Harold Bonanzle site is ready and waiting for you; our Ebay site will be within the week.

My New Vision of Our Social Future

2009-04-14T11:25:00.007-04:00

Gatherings are not the same anymore - since cell phones. Whether you're getting together with family, friends, business associates, or in a travel venue such as an airport, you are no longer "with" your immediate group only. They no longer have your full attention - as you don't have theirs. In the middle of a conversation, ringtones go off - be it Fur Elise - a saucy Marimba - clanging Bells - chirping Crickets - meowing Cats or barking Dogs, and the outside world enters your get-together.

And now, we've added more "essentials" to keep us amused while we are with others - the laptop computer, IPhones and MP3 players. A friend of mine loves to play on-line poker. She purchased a laptop just so she could visit her friend (who is also a poker fiend) and play poker "with" her and other friends. The "playing with" in this case is defined as a group of people sitting in the same room - each with their own laptop - and all playing poker on these laptops - all on-line!! Sometimes they are involved in the same game - with many other people - and sometimes in different games. Remembering how a good game of cards was a fun and very interactive means of entertainment with other folks, this is a whole new concept to me.

And IPhones (and others of their ilk) are another way to amuse yourself while you are with other people - who apparently are not amusing enough anymore! I have been with friends and family who, while talking to me, are paying their bills on line, downloading new "apps," experimenting with ringtones and reading and sending e-mails.

Is this taking multi-tasking a little too far?? - Or do I just have to get use to this new way of "socializing" ?? In either case, I have to admit I too am part of the new wave. Having just gotten an IPhone, I find I am consumed with learning all its talents, scrolling through ITunes and playing games - all in my own little world with my family in the other room.

I think it's catching.

It's About Time I Got Back Here!

2009-04-06T16:11:00.007-04:00

Waiting for Spring in Florida

Bit by bit, since the end of February, we have seen Spring sneak into Florida. First there seems to be a day or so a little warmer than we've been having, and we don't need that jacket or sweater to go outside. Then it cools down again. The next thing we know is that it seems like a good idea to put the A/C on for a little bit. Then we're cold. Now after several days of 80 degree temps, wearing shorts, opening windows and running some A/C at the hottest part of the day, we are getting a cool down to 65 degrees or so - in April! Very unusual for us. However, I will take this skittish weather over snow in Minnesota - AGAIN - in April! I think we have the best of it.

While waiting for spring, we have been busy here at Andrea Harold trying to find some new ideas and accessories. We have a number of very pretty, Made in Italy scarves. They are soft as silk poly (easy to care for!) - in wonderful colors and designs. Also available are Market Bags of 100% recycled cotton - the bags are new; they are made from recycled cotton. So we are keeping in touch with our concerns of "going green" and helping the ecology whenever we can.

We are maintaining our stock of various handbags, purses and totes. There are frogs to be had; Kate Landry fine leather handbags and the Sak stylish purses (try Bonanzle-AndreaBags09's booth) for these.

We hope you are enjoying Spring as she makes her subtle appearance in your neck of the woods - forsythia, lily of the valley, dogwoods, and many other beautiful foliage should be coming your way soon. Get out and enjoy!

Finding Treasures While Recycling

2009-01-30T21:43:00.005-05:00

Found this interesting tidbit on AOL the other day: "A 100-year-old Ellsworth Woodward painting found in Goodwill's Nashville warehouse has sold for more than $8,000. Goodwill of Middle Tennessee spokeswoman Suzanne Kay-Pittman says a Boston bidder bought the painting for $8,101 late Sunday on Goodwill's online auction Web site.Goodwill worker Susan McCullen says she was sifting through the charity's warehouse when she spotted its gold frame sticking out of a bin.The water color depicts a wooden ship at an Italian port. An attached letter says it was first bought for $75 at the San Francisco Fair.Woodward was a Massachusetts native born in 1861 who moved to New Orleans and became an important advocate for Southern arts and crafts."

Proving again that recycling is indeed a wonderful activity: not only was an art treasure saved from a dump heap but an important agency gained a small windfall for its operations.
For many of us, a good part of the recycling effort is in discovering treasures albeit not on this $$ order (!) and it is so encouraging to know it is still possible. I have dragged home lamps, dishes, vintage clothing and handbags and many other treasures over the years. My mother's words are always whispering in my ears: Everything must have a second use. Well, I have given many things second uses as well as second chances! If we all do the same, we can cut down on waste, keep landfills longer, save costs, and keep the environment clean and green for the next generation coming along.

At Andrea Harold Handbags, we find we are selling gently used pre-owned treasures as well as brand new items. We are trying to do our part and recycle the best of the best. Come along and take a look - on Ebay and now on Bonanzle too.

To those of you who received this post two times, I apologize!!
The computer did it!

We're Moving a Few Things Around

2009-01-12T10:00:00.005-05:00

We've opened a second site on Bonanzle - a new marketplace on line - and have made some new friends. You are invited to come visit our booth there - AndreaBags09 - make comments, maybe find something you missed on ebay. Andrea Harold Divine Handbags will still be on ebay as its primary market place, but now also available on Bonanzle. Check us out when you have a free moment - suggestions are certainly welcome. Will catch up this blog on the lightening fast Christmas season we had and our plunge into the new year shortly. It is amazing how it takes so much thinking to write the occasional paragraph or two! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and have come through prepared to face 2009 bravely!
And, we have a number of items to help you be brave in style! Check us out at http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/AndreaBags09 and as AHBags2 on Ebay.

Holidays Blues & Sales

2008-12-06T10:17:00.001-05:00

Quick update on the appliance situation here in Florida - it seems like they're dropping like overripe oranges! Reports have come in from others that microwaves are failing, computers are down and freezers are not freezing! Oh, sweet holidays, here we come roaring into the season with little to back us up! Oh, Appliance God, hear our prayers .... no more breakdowns until January, please!! Amen.

Here are our current list of items on sale on Ebay - maybe at least your shopping will go well this year! Thanks for stopping by. Sincerely, Andrea Harold Handbags ...

A few of my eBay items

NWT Gigi Olivia Quilted Backpack Black Floral $23.99	NWT Gigi Olivia Large Quilted Tote Black Floral Design $23.99	NWT The Sak Shine On Large Handbag Black Silver Trim $45.00	NWT Gigi Olivia Quileted Diaper Bag with Changing Pad $17.99
NWT Anne Klein Signature Cosmetic Clutch Yellow Trim $9.99	NWOT Picasso Geometric Design Scarf in Gray and Black $9.99	NWT Silver tone Metal Link Belt with Longhorn Buckle $12.99	100 Recycled Large Rice Bag Tote with Pockets NWT $32.00
Corona Extra SPS Visor Velcro Adjustable Navy NWOT $0.01	489 The Sak Gold Bronze Rectangular Handbag NEW $29.99	NWT Nine West Handbag Deep Red w Silver Accents $24.50	NWT Strada Black Geometric Print Handbag Silver Trim $26.99
NWT The Sak Black Basket Weave Fabric Trim HandBag $47.50	NWT Tres Paqette Holiday Velvet Blouse Vest Combo M $14.99	Leatherock Genuine Leather Belt w 3 Tone Metal Buckle $18.99

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It sure feels like TGIF!

2008-12-05T17:29:00.002-05:00

It sure feels like Friday! Such a week. In addition to our dead stove, we added a dead dishwasher. I feel like I've been living in appliance hell. Spouse and I are now moving around the house very carefully, trying not to kill the washer and dryer and microwave. As it is, I am getting a new dishwasher for Christmas, and he will get a new stove. Not as much fun as the trip we had hoped to plan!

Seems like these household appliance deaths come in cycles too. Every so many years we all go through them, and they generally come in threes. Maybe the little TV we lost to lightening two months ago will count as a third appliance death and we will be through buying these things for the next 7 years or so. Fingers crossed here!

And, stop by our Andrea Harold Ebay auctions .... no moving parts, no electronic modules, no repairmen to try to entice to your home to fix something. Just throw it on and go!!

One Day Sale - Cyber Monday - Dec. 1st

2008-12-01T12:59:00.001-05:00

Come look! Offering 10% off any single item $16.99 and up - Offering 5% any single item under $16.99. Do not pay until you receive an invoice with the discount on it. E-mail me first at AHBags3@ aol.com with code CSale100 so I will know to apply the discount to your invoice.

Thank you and happy shopping. Andrea Harold Handbags

A few of my eBay items

NWT The Sak Black Basket Weave Fabric Trim HandBag $47.50	NWT Tres Paqette Holiday Velvet Blouse Vest Combo M $14.99	100 Recycled Rice Bag Cosmetic Organizer Bag $8.99	NWT Gecko Large Market Tote Eco Friendly Recycled $24.99	NWT Long Bright Red Happy Dogs Motif Scarf Polyester $9.99	Black Velveteen Christmas Vest w Embroidered Santas M $8.99
NWT Kate Landry Whip It Black Patent Leather Handbag $84.99	The Sak Shine On Handbag Black Silver Trim NWT 89 $39.99	AfterDark Teal Blue Evening Top Jacket Size 14 $14.99	NWT SUPER STAR Poodle Princess Dog Tote Supply Bag $9.99	NWT ZEN CAT Small Tote Carry Bag with Sparkles 294 $7.59	NWT BETTY BOOP HEART SHAPED WRISTLET Black 289 $7.59
NWT Gigi Olivia Quileted Diaper Bag with Changing Pad $17.99	NWOT Picasso Geometric Design Scarf Gray Black $7.99	Moss Green Blouse w Sheer Overlay Metallic Gold L $9.99	NWT Strada Big Black Silver Handbag w Flashlight $9.99	Leatherock Genuine Leather Belt w 3 Tone Metal Buckle $18.99	Christmas Bell Key Ring w Purse Clasp FREE Gift Wrap $5.75

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Grandma's Homemade Cranberry Sauce

2008-11-25T16:25:00.009-05:00

Tradition at our house, this time of year, always included the yummy smells of cinnamon, apples, cloves and citrus cooking slowly and steaming delicious wisps of flavors through the house. If these wonderful odors were present, could the rich smell of turkey be far behind??

When we lived in New Jersey and Grandma still lived in Manhattan, she would always make the trip out for Thanksgiving Day clutching a large shopping bag filled with a large jar of HER cranberry sauce and a big bowl brimming with old fashioned hand-mashed potatoes with turnips. When she died, my mother took over the task of making the sauce and the smells of it cooking to pure deliciousness became part of our holiday home.

The basic recipe is included here in case you've lost yours or want to start a tradition at your home. The ingredients can be added to (apple pie spice, apple cider, tangerine juice or zest, raisins, etc.) or subtracted from (lemon, clove, brandy) without major damage to the end product.

3 cups Ocean Spray whole cranberries

1 cup Granulated sugar

1 cup water (cranberry juice, apple juice)

1/2 tsp. each Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg

1/2 tsp. lemon zest

1/4 c orange juice and 1 TBSP orange zest

2-3 small apples, peeled and cut into small pieces

Follow the basic directions on the package of Ocean Spray cranberries: place cranberries, sugar, and water into a good size sauce pan and start to boil. THEN GRANDMA ADDED: 2-3 small apples, orange juice, orange zest, lemon zest, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg AND THEN approx. 1/4 cup BRANDY!

Let cook about an hour until all the apples are soft and can be slightly mashed with a potato masher. The alcohol will burn off and you will be left with a richer flavor. Taste and see if it is sweet enough for you - it can be a little tart. If so, add a little more sugar. (If this gets too thick before the apples are cooked add either a little cranberry juice, orange juice, or water.) Chill. Serve and wait for the compliments. This also freezes very well. PS This receipe is easy to copy down if you like it.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving

Christmas Fun comes to Andrea Harold

2008-11-20T11:07:00.001-05:00

Just listed a few special for the holiday items. Come and look them over. Thanks!

A few of my eBay items

NWT Tres Paqette Holiday Velvet Blouse Vest Combo M
$9.99

Nutcracker Embroidered Black Holiday Vest Size XL
$6.99

Westbound Embroidered Santa Claus Vest Size M
$9.99

Roundtree York Red 12 Days of Chrismas Tie 100 Silk
$0.01

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Heads up for those cooking Thanksgiving Turkeys

2008-11-18T16:03:00.007-05:00

Especially if you have a lot of folks coming. CHECK YOUR OVENS NOW!!!

A couple of weeks ago, we had a cool night for Florida, so I decided to take advantage of it by running my self-clean oven. Thought I would start getting ready for the holidays early for a change. Today, I decided to make some cookies for company this weekend, and discovered that my oven no longer worked! And the range is only 2-3 years old. This was the first time I had tried it out after the self-clean cycle, and I thought maybe that intense heat had blitzed the themostat.

So, I called the repair Man and made an appointment for tomorrow. A funny little feeling brought me back to the stove again. I asked my husband to unplug it and plug it in again - to reset the timer-thingie. He did. It didn't work. I pushed more buttons and finally jiggled the door lock, and lo and behold - heat!! I spent the rest of the afternoon baking cookies to test it out (oatmeal-chocolate chip-pecan. they make the Best test cookies). Looks like I can cancel the "Man" and be ready to cook on Thanksgiving. So I'm in the good, but very glad I tried the oven this week and not next, just in case! So if you're cooking for a crowd and don't like Chinese take out on the holiday, Check your oven and be ready, keep sane! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving too.

Also check out our new listings at Andrea Harold. We're "going green" with some great recycled bags, looking cool with our designer duds, and looking cool with our Western flair.

New Christmas Gift Items

2008-11-17T22:19:00.001-05:00

Setting up a number of new items for the holidays. Thought you would like a first peek. We are offering FREE Gift Wrap for the holidays - just ask when you purchase an item from Andrea Harold Handbags on Ebay.

A few of my eBay items

NWT Echo Teal Autumn Leaves Long Silk Scarf

Tommy Hilfiger Small Carmine Red Handbag

Gecko Large Market Bag 100 Recycled Material Green

The Sak Shine On Handbag Black Silver Trim NWT 89

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As Christmas comes close & we think of others

2008-11-17T20:40:00.006-05:00

Just got this e-mail from a good friend, and it seems like such a nice idea that I want to share it. If you like it, maybe you'll pass it on too. Thanks.

GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW

Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

If you approve, please pass it

Flash! New Designer Items Added

2008-11-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

A few of my eBay items

Coach Khaki Blue Signature Wristlet
$34.99

NWT Kate Landry Whip It Black Patent Leather Handbag
$99.00

Free Quick*Sell Gallery from ISDN*tek

Click on photo to link to Ebay item details

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New Andrea Harold Listings on Ebay

2008-11-15T09:46:00.001-05:00

A few of my eBay items

Coach Hamptons Classic Signature Scarf Red Silk NWT $32.99	Anne Klein Signature Cosmetic Bag Yellow Trim NWT $9.99	Anne Klein Signature Cosmetic Bag Green Trim NWT $9.99	100 Recycled Rice Bag Cosmetic Organizer Bag $13.59
100 Recycled Rice Bag Cosmetic Organizer Bag $13.59	100 Recycled Rice Bag Cosmetic Organizer Bag $13.59	100 Recycled Large Rice Bag Tote with Pockets NWT $29.99	Corona Extra SPS Visor Velcro Adjustable Navy NWOT $5.99
NASCAR Pepsi 400 at Daytona Sports Cap Blue $5.99	Christmas Bell Key Ring w Purse Clasp FREE Gift Wrap $5.75	Black White Pattern Toile Tote Bag New 518 $9.99	Sporty Camouflage Tote Bag w Coin Purse New 520 $9.99

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October Flew Right By Me - Now November is Here!

2008-11-13T20:47:00.009-05:00

Just back from a wonderful trip to North Carolina and Georgia.

Even though the foliage was just past "peak" in NC, the colors were still wonderful. Lots of golds and burnt oranges, clear blue skies, and cool air. Visited with some family and friends in Georgia and enjoyed more rich fall colors along the way. We surely have a beautiful country here in the US.

And, October sure kept us all busy - frantic - involved - and hot-under-the-collar with the final election campaigning - no matter which side you were on! It was a relief to see November 4th finally roll in and get the matter resolved. So, right or wrong, we are now on a track for the next four years - hopefully better than the last eight!

Now we are preparing for the Christmas Holiday Season - whew! Gifts to buy, meals to make, places to go. Busy-busy-busy. And a lot of fun too - take the time to enjoy the family, friends and love all around you.

And, hopefully you will stop by our E-bay listings and check on our items, which include some lovely gifts, to make your holiday shopping easier. With many items, we will offer free gift wrap and shipping to the US address of your choice. Wishing you a great Thanksgiving and Merry Holiday Season.

Computers & Lightening

2008-09-22T20:52:00.006-04:00

Not a fair fight!

This past Wednesday, my husband and I were discussing something extremely boring when we heard a tremendous BOOM! My heart stopped - I am sure it did - and my ears rang. The noise actually went right through me and curled my toes. Spouse and I looked at each other and said, "hmmmm, maybe we had better turn off the computers - that was close!" So we did. After all, Florida is known for storms and lightening strikes. (Sharks too, but that's another story)

Turning the computers back on - mine anyway - was another story, a sad story. Suffice it to say we lost my computer to the repair shop, our modem and router, Spouse's printer/fax, a small TV, and a VCR. Parts were blown off my husband's jeep in the driveway and a large pine tree in the side yard was peeled like an egg. And yes, my computer was on a surge protector.

I am now using an old computer - run by magic and a hand crank. Spouse is using my printer and all my ink to print his documents and we have a new TV in the kitchen. We are also smarter:

1 -Modem, router and computer now have a surge protector for the cable connection as well as the electric;

2 - Don't tell your insurance company!

3 - Jeeps will stand up to most anything

4 - It's a good time to get new things you'd like to have anyway

5 - Don't tell your insurance company!!

And, check out our Andrea Harold auctions on Ebay - totally unaffected by lightening strikes - and ready to come to you.

Where Have I Been? What Have I Been Doing?

2008-09-06T16:30:00.006-04:00

Cannot believe time has gone so fast!

Seems like just yesterday I wrote my last post and it turns out it was two weeks ago! What have I been doing? you ask politely. Well, we've had Tropical Storm Fay - that was fun. Then we had Labor Day and Back to School sales to both attend and produce on Ebay. Then we had Gustav to watch closely and track. Then came Hanna - thankfully not a wild event, at least in my area of Florida. And now it's Ike we're fearing! So, as Gilda Radner once said, "It's always something." I feel like the little mouse in the photo - always in motion, going nowhere!

Thank you for coming back, kind readers. We promise to be more timely and up to date in the future, depending, of course, upon Mother Nature, sales, vacations, and other life events.

Meanwhile, check in on our Andrea Harold Auctions. We have a few themes starting up including Halloween items, Bike Week shirts, bags and belts, and, of course, some Christmas goodies along with a nice line of handbags including Kate Landry and The Sak.
If you're in Ike's path - stay safe, be smart. If not, enjoy the last of these lush summer days.

Current Ebay Auctions

2008-08-18T22:45:00.004-04:00

A few of my eBay items

474 Chico s Slate Denim Casual Jacket Size 2 M NWT

481 Mens White Porsche Placket Front Knit Shirt L

483 All Fair in Love War Camouflage Tank Top S

484 Bebe Stretchy Shirt Brown tone Print XS

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Check Out these current Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions. Just click on the link:

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"Memory Lane" Can Be Anywhere

2008-08-15T15:36:00.014-04:00

I went to a local thrift store today to find "treasures" of any sort ... glassware is a particular favorite or some good books or whatever. While I was searching through a rack of hats, I came upon a crocheted cap with large sequins. Immediately I was transported to my grandmother's house and could "see" her sitting and crocheting all sorts of pretty things. The sequined hats were a speciality of hers. She commuted to work for years from New Jersey to New York City and must have crocheted at least 1,500 hats over the course of 15 years. They were all over our family in a multitude of colors and spangles. Every female family member had one, or two, or three!

When I was small and played with dolls - Barbies and the smaller Ginny dolls, Grandma would crochet dolly dresses in wonderful colors. She used finer crochet threads for these creations and I can only imagine the hours she put for me. I wish I still had them today.

In her spare time, she would crochet afghan blankets - granny squares or the flamboyant flame stitch. My mother still has one in orange and browns, and I have a Christmas granny square blanket in shades of green, red and white. Every year the blanket comes out and Grandma is again part of our family circle.

These kinds of things are ingrained in our memories and unbidden, the sight of something familar and loved takes us down our own "Memory Lane" of warm feelings, good times, and long-gone but still loved family and friends. Maybe that's the real reason I enjoy thrift stores, antique markets and garage sales - the awakening of a wonderful past memory.

In the mood for a memory, or maybe a chance to create one? Check Andrea Harold Auctions for a special handbag, purse, scarf or ???? that could become part of your family history.

Some Great Leather Handbags for Fall

2008-08-09T04:00:00.006-04:00

A few of my eBay items. Just click on the link to my ebay auctions.

|
Auctions |

Leather is such a luxurious material and adds a very rich look to
your fashion favorites. Time to treat yourselves ... be ready for
the new fall season with a great handbag ......

471 NWT 219 Kate Landry Leather Drawstring Handbag

472 Anne Klein Black Leather Handbag with Pewter Trim

470 Anne Klein Large Brown Bronze Leather HandBag

469 Kate Landry Mocha Leather Handbag NWT 139

467 Kate Landry Whip It Blk Leather Drawstring Handbag

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More fun computer abbreviates

2008-08-06T17:21:00.013-04:00

Remember - you can also use these when you are "texting" messages through the universe to your nearest, dearest, and employers!

In our last post, we discussed the "new language" we are having to learn in order to text efficiently, and to IM (Instant Message) quickly and to save time answering what seem to be endless e-mails. Despite our complaining about our computers, most of us have learned to tame the beasts to our personal tasks and depend on them daily for everything from running a business to staying in touch with friends and family - to shopping without leaving the house and making complex travel arrangements. In fact, what used to be a "good way to store recipes" has become an indispensable part of most of our lives. And now we need to know how to streamline our language to say more using fewer keystrokes and time. So, here are a few more acronyms (IHA - see below) to add to your collection even though it's probably FMTYEWTK (see below) EWG here!! ( see below!).

EMSG - E-mail message
EOM - End of message

EWG - evil wicked grin
F2F - Face to face
FAQ - Frequently-asked question(s)
FC - Fingers crossed

FMTYEWTK - Far more than you ever want
FWIW - For what it's worth
FYI - For your information
G - Grin
GA - Go ahead
GAL - Get a life
GIGO - Garbage in
GD&R - Grinning
GF - Girlfriend
GFN - Gone for now
GGP - Gotta go pee
GIWIST - Gee
GL - Good luck
GMAB - Give me a break
GMTA - Great minds think alike
GOL - Giggling out loud
GTRM - Going to read mail
GTSY - Glad to see you
H&K - Hug and kiss
HAGN - Have a good night
HAND - Have a nice day
HHIS Hanging head in shame
HIG - How's it going
HT - Hi there
HTH - Hope this helps
FOMCL - Falling off my chair laughing
FTBOMH - From the bottom of my heart
IHA - I hate acronyms
IHU - I hear you
IIRC - If I recall/remember/recollect correctly
ILU or ILY - I love you

Check out the great new BIG handbags we have at Andrea Harold Handbags on Ebay. At Andrea Harold Handbags, we have many designer fashions ... and you don't have to use strange language or abbreviations to read about them! Just click on our link to see our current auctions. Thanks

Arughhhh! What are all those abbreviations!!!!

2008-07-25T19:11:00.014-04:00

English is certainly still a living language - growing through new technologies with their own terminologies - growing by slang and pop music usage - and by a world that is growing closer in terms of mass communications. We have added "foreign" phases to our every day conversations without evening knowing it: Croissant, Ciao and Voila!

Now that most of us are "texting" (a new word itself), and blogging (another new word), and e-mailing (an old new word) regularly, we have begun to seek ways to make these tasks easier and faster. And, this has led to a whole new world of quick abbreviations that we have been including in our speech as well as our keyboarding - new word there? LOL!!

In looking up a possible on-line dictionary of these news "words" I have found a couple of sites whose links I will try to incorporate in this blog entry. (I say "try" because a true computer geek, I am not!) LOL!! (Laugh out loud or Lots of Luck!! The choice is yours!)

One site listed over 900 examples of quick communications, another one a mere 269. I will include both links, or try to, and have pared down a short list of quick text abbreviations from A - E to get you started. CNP (look below) - F - J shortly! Hope this helps!

404 - I haven't a clue

A3 - Anyplace-Anywhere-Anytime
ADN - Any day now

AFAIK - As far as I know
AFK - Away from keyboard
B4N - Bye for now
BAK - Back at the keyboard
BAS - Big a** smile
BBL - Be back later
BBN - Bye bye now
BBS - Be back soon
BEG - Big evil grin
BF - Boy friend
BIBO- Beer in / Beer out
BL - Belly laughing
BMGWL Busting my gut with laughter
BTA - But then again...
BTDT - Been there / Done that
BTW - By the way
BWL - Bursting with laughter
BWTHDIK - But what the heck do I know...?

CICO - Coffee in / Coffee out
C&G - Chuckle and grin
CNP - Continued in next post
CRB - Come right back
CRBT - Crying real big tears
CU - See you
CUL - See you later
CYA - See ya around
CYO See you online
DIKU - Do I know you?
DOM - Dirty old man
DWB - Don't write back
E2E - Exchange to exchange
E2E e - Business to e-business

E2E - employee to employee
EG - Evil grin
EMFBI - Excuse me for butting in

Links (hopefully!): www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp : searchcrm.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid11_gci211776,00.html

The Loss of a Loved Pet

2008-07-14T16:16:00.009-04:00

Goodbye dear Charlie Cat
1993- 2008

Today I re-read the poem by Jimmy Stewart about his dog Beau, and discovered anew how many of us suffer real pain at the loss of our four-legged friends. For those of us who have shared our lives with a pet, it is not "Just a cat" or "Just a dog" or "Just an" anything. Our pets are our friends, confidants, and very important parts of our lives. We bond very firmly.
Today I had to put my cat - actually a cat planted upon me by a daughter who had places to go, things to do, no time for a cat - to sleep. He was about 15 years old and I had him for 10 years. He saw me through the loss of my aunt, and an uncle; I saw him through diabetes and glaucoma, giving him shots and eyedrops for these past 4 years.
He sat on my lap most nights and purred and shared his warmth with me. He let me cry on his fur and was my friend.
I will always miss this little guy - his soft golden fur and solemn, dignified manner. I can only hope that he is at peace and in comfort.

As Jimmy Stewart said, "... And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair, But he's not there.
Oh, how I wish that wasn't so, I'll always love a dog named Beau" (or a cat named Charlie)

Farewell beloved friend.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-03T14:41:00.004-04:00

from all of us here

at Andrea Harold

Divine Handbags and Accessories

On the Amalfi Coast

2008-07-01T16:26:00.006-04:00

Italy is a country of tranquil beauty

Spread out over the cliffs of the Amalfi coast line are tiered towns, built in layers, all with fantastic views of the blue waters below. Sorrento (photo on the left) offers views of the Bay of Napoli, Mt. Vesuvius, and a peek at the Isle of Capri. Positano (photo on the right) simply amazes with the pastel rich colors of the homes and buildings terraced up a cliff face. Here you will find unique boutiques, jewelry stores, fine shoes and souvenier shops, stretching from the top of the hill to the spreading beachside restaurants. Tiny St. Agatha, high up on a hilltop offers views of both the Gulf of Napoli and the Gulf of Salerno. The Isle of Capri amazes with the famed Blue Grotto, a cave with unbelieveably blue waters, billy goats on its cliffs, and a shopping terrace of famous fashion designers including Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, and Louis Vitton. Be prepared to spend, spend, and spend. Here the old saying, "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it," certainly applies. This winding coastal mavel is a wonderful journey through natural beauty lined with lush fashions and jewels.

At Andrea Harold Handbags, we have many designer fashions ... and you don't have to ask the price - we're proud to tell you! Just click on our link to see our current auctions. Thanks!

from Venice - Italy

2008-06-21T03:59:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am in beautiful Venice, Italy for tourist season - and there are many, many of us. Also here are Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Ferragamo and Max Mara. It is a smallish city with many BIG names in fashion. The fashion front shows high,high heels, but to my eyes they seem to be getting a little thicker than the stilletos that have been the rage for the past couple of years. Dresses are out and around and the length seems to be on the short side - same goes for skirts. Black is still a hot color. And, fashions are looking more like classic clothes than costumes. Some lovely things in the shops here.

On my way to Sorrento for some sun. Will see what they have to offer in swimwear down there.

Ciao!

Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news, & more!

On Vacation!

2008-06-11T22:21:00.002-04:00

Am vacationing in Tuscany and Sorrento for
two weeks. Will be back at the end of the month with
-hopefully - some interesting fashion ideas and news. Please come
back and visit.

Thank you!
Ciao!

June 1st - Hurricane Season is Here

2008-06-01T20:59:00.009-04:00

Time to Prepare

From now through November, Florida and all other coastal states will be on the lookout for hurricanes coming our way. They can range from a nominal storm - barely a 1 on the scale with gusty winds and some rain - to a Category 5 disaster the likes of Katrina, blowing houses, car and trees down and away. We need to be ready - for possible evacuation - for protecting our property - and for reestablishing our lives.

We will make a few suggestions in the next week on getting through with a minimum of problems.

Start with having a "safe box" ready to take with you. In this you should keep:

1 - Copy of your insurance information - homeowners, autos, and boats. Have full copies of the policies as well as your agent's office telephone number and claims office number.

2 - List of your bank accounts and important financial information.

3 - A couple of blank checks for your checking account in case ATM machines are hit with power failure.

4 - Some ready cash, perhaps $100 - $200 for gas / food on the road if you have to leave

5 - Copy of your driver's license, birth certificate, passport

6 - Copy of your home mortage

7 - List of your credit cards and contact numbers

8 - Copy of your address book

9 - Copy of your service discharge

10 -Social Security information

11 - Copy of your Last Will & Testament

Having this information on hand can make filing claims go more quickly and easily; help you re-establish your financial structure; and keep you in touch with family and friends.

Hopefully, you will never need this "safe box" and it will stay tucked away in an easily accessible place on your home evacuation route forever. But if you do, having it ready to go can save you precious time in leaving your home in an emergency.

Since there are no hurricanes on the horizons at the moment, you have some time to browse our Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions. Just click on the AH Auctions link on the whynottalkaboutit page. Thanks!

Alert!

2008-05-28T13:31:00.001-04:00

Hurry! Hurry! Ann Marino Shoes, Carlo diSanti Handbag and a Great Biker T-Shirt up for Best Offer on Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions! Click our link on this page. Hurry!

Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

Angry & Need to Resolve a Problem?

2008-05-22T20:56:00.010-04:00

Write a Letter ...

not an e-mail, but an actual, old fashioned, neatly typed,
correctly spelled LETTER.

Your new car has needed repairs for the third month in a row and you think you might have picked a lemon ..... the airline lost your luggage and won't reimburse you for your loss ... your insurance company won't honor your claim. These are only a few of the grievances and challenges we face from time to time.

First, if you want to win - and we all do -cool down! The fellow up in the corner here is only going to make more trouble for himself if he makes that phone call or sets up that confrontation he feels he needs to get what he is due.

If you have already sent one e-mail with no results, bypass future e-mails. Large companies get so many e-mails on a daily basis, they have a hard time keeping up with it. And, it goes through a lot of filters to get to someone in charge who will tell you "no." The same for telephone calls. Give one a try; move on to "The Letter" if it doesn't work.

Write a letter: a regular written (typed) business letter of one page (only one page and no ranting) calmly stating your concerns (complaints). Tell them what you want them to do to remedy the situation and to keep a good customer. This can be very effective if you reach the right person. Send this letter to: the Customer Relations Manager, Vice President of Sales, the President of the Company - and any one else with a title that sounds good! Make a couple of phone calls or internet search to find out the names of these people and address your letter to them personally.

It should flow something like this:

Say something nice about their company: you recognize their efforts to conserve energy, for example, that's why you bought their widget in the first place.

Outline your problem (s)
Outline the steps you have already taken: gone to the dealership, called the parts department, etc. Include dates and names.
Tell them what you wish them to do: send you a new widget, cover your expenses on fixing this widget. Be clear and polite.

Spelling must be correct - grammar must be good - no typos - use a nice clean page on good quality white or cream color paper. Send by registered mail, return receipt requested.

I have occasionally used a cc: notation to my lawyer if the dollar amount involved is large enough. This is a last resort however, before you actually talk to your lawyer.

In many cases this kind of a letter will receive the attention it deserves because you have taken the time to discover their names, the addresses, to note specific dates and names of folks with whom you have tried to resolve your problem. People at the top like to know that things are running well in the "trenches" and get upset when they're not. Good Luck!

And - check out our Andrea Harold Auctions on Ebay - we're very agreeable! 100% positive customer feedback rating!

Yellow is the High Fashion Color of the Season

2008-05-20T19:03:00.011-04:00

Spring seems to sing

Yellow ... Yellow ... Yellow

With spring comes the color yellow all around us, in all its glory. From the brightening of the sun, to bursting forsythia bushes, dandelions, daffodils, crocus, and daisies, yellow lights up our lives with a swift stroke of brightness.
Fashion often takes its cue from the natural elements around us and this year, the color yellow has been chosen as fashion's darling. Moving up from being just a dab of color, yellow and its many hues is getting center stage attention. We are seeing flirty mid-thigh length skirts, beach covers, sporty shorts and jacket sets, filmy blouses and body hugging dresses.

Designers have jumped at the chance to show off in this wonderfully uplifting color too. Diane von Furstenberg has offered a great cami top which is perfect with jeans. Foley + Corinna surprises with a very creamy yellow ruched cocktail dress with spaghetti straps. Designer Marc Jacobs has come out with a line of handbags that compliment all shades of yellow with big profiles, standout hardware and softer woven looks. All Big, Big, Big. Even our flip flops are being flaunted in yellow.

If yellow is not your favorite color, ease into it with small touches such as a bright tote flung over your shoulder, or perky little dresses with yellow sandals. Once you've made a start, take a leap. Try topping your sparkling white denim with playful yellow blouses or knit tops ... then try a golden sundress.

Just find your favorite yellow and add some sunshine to your life.

At Andrea Harold we have a great lemon yellow straw bag with artist Laurel Burch's unique feline designs. Check us out. We will be adding more yellow through the season. Just click on the Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions link on the whynottalkabout it page. Thanks!

Life Is Like a Movie ...

2008-05-15T16:36:00.004-04:00

Sometimes we can see ourselves as the stars ...

How many times have you been watching a movie and thought, “Gee, that happened to me too.” Hopefully the movie in question is not a horror story or a murder mystery! But many films do take their dramatic and humorous elements from real life and it is these elements that endear the movie to us. We can relate.
My family loves watching Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation and usually drags the DVD out for a first seasonal viewing around August. Not only does my husband resemble Chevy Chase (in both their youths!), but our family has characters and classic moments too. Aunt Ginny’s classic “rum salad dressing” will live in infamy as will Grandma’s egg nog gravy for the Christmas turkey. These moments alongside Vacation’s Aunt Grace asking, “Shall I say it now? Hello everybody!” and Chevy’s “I couldn’t be more surprised if I woke up with my face sewn to the carpet,” bind us to our favorite movies. To watch Christmas Vacation with us is like being at a Rocky Horror Show as we spit out the lines before the actors do.
And doesn’t Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump give us all a little philosophy of life as he frequently quotes his mother, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” No matter how hard we try to guess - caramel, soft cream, nut?? - we are often as surprised with our candy as we are with our lives and the roads they take.
Now if I could only be more like Scarlett in Gone with the Wind complete with 17” waist, snapping green eyes, and Rhett Butler dancing attendance, I’d know for sure that life is like a movie and I am a Star in my own theater.
And be sure to check Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions for handbags and fashions that will make you feel like a movie star. Just click on the Andrea Harold Ebay Link on the whynottalkabout it page.

Looking Thinner Makes You Feel Thinner

2008-05-12T17:27:00.010-04:00

What to do When Diets Let You Down

Ah, yes. The universal subject: diets. How to diet ... When to Diet ... How Long to Diet ... Diets that work ... Diets that don't. Sometimes it seems as if that is all we talk about - usually while we are eating something we shouldn't.

The good news is that there are some fashions tricks that can make you look thinner while you are waiting to get on the diet bandwagon. These are some suggestions we've come upon here and there:

Purses can smooth your silhouette. Oversized bags double as a stomach camouflage, while long bags keep eyes moving downward.
Select hanging earrings. Earrings like teardrop shaped earrings elongate the face and make it look slimmer. Pearls are perfect in this style and work for day and night.
Wear some playful bracelets. Multiple bracelets in bright colors draw positive attention and hide thick wrists. Thicker bracelets also conceal and keep attention away from the flesh.
The right hosiery creates lean and long looks. Choose hose that harmonizes with your skirt or dress to keep a long look going. Darker-colored pantyhose make legs appear more slender, especially when your outfit is the same color as the hose.
Good underwear keeps extra weight under wraps. A good support garment alone can be more slimming than all other items combined.

Be clever, choose wisely and you'll look good all the time. And when you look good, you feel good. Treat yourself well - you deserve it.

And, check out our Andrea Harold Auctions on Ebay - click on the link on the whynottalkaboutit page. We often have handbags that disguise figure flaws and draw attention to themselves, as well as belts that enhance already slim waists.

Smart Car Seen in the U.S.

2008-05-11T14:31:00.002-04:00

A First Sighting of the new Smart Car in Minneapolis, MN.

"Oh, look at that little car. Oh, it's a Smart Car and it's just galloping into the intersection. How cute!” one first time Smart Car sighter in Minneapolis exclaimed. The Smart Car has been praised for its styling, economy, "zippy" handling and ability to park almost anywhere. So far, Smart Cars have been sold in 36 countries, exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and raised eyebrows everywhere.

In case you have never seen one personally, this little two-seater car is a real eye-catcher when first spotted. Seemingly little larger than a roller-skate, it has found its place in Europe with great enthusiasm. Now it has come to the United States, the land of “Bigger is Better,” “We Love Our Cars,” and most recently, steadily rising gas prices. How will we take to this new little automobile?

Choking traffic and rising gas prices may be the largest influences in changing our long-held love of big engines and roomy comfort cars. Practicality is coming into play in a big way. Many folks are trading in their large SUVs for smaller models offering much better gas mileage.

As folks in the U.S. are finally starting to look at conserving rather than consuming, the cute little Smart Car could figure largely in easing the energy crisis, as it is expected to get at least 40 miles per gallon. If it catches on in a big way, it will be a great help in easing parking woes in our larger cities. I have even seen these cars parked with their rear ends at the curbs, facing out and ready to go … in Europe, that is, where they have been popular for almost a decade.

Just under 9 feet long, the Smart car is about 3 feet shorter than the Mini Cooper and 7 feet shorter than the Ford Explorer. At 1,800 pounds, it's about 4,500 pounds lighter than an empty Hummer H2. It just might be our future as gas prices soar ever upwards and our cities grow more crowded. We’d better give it more than a passing thought.

Need something cute to wear in a small car? Check out our Andrea Harold Ebay auctions for small cute Small handbags! Just click on the Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions link near the top of the whynottalkaboutit page.
Some facts in this article are from CNN.com/Technology: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/11/08/smart.car/index.html

Basic Resume Know-How

2008-05-07T22:35:00.006-04:00

Looking over the job market??

A resume is your basic tool to getting your foot in the door of any job market you have in mind. The basics are simple and you need to keep them in mind whether you tackle the task yourself, ask a friend or hire a professional. I wrote resumes for many years as a business and identified these points that many people seem to overlook:
1 - Your resume is a Sales Tool - not merely a job history. It is your place to "blow your own horn" and point out your successes, i.e. increased sales by 85%, opened a new market in Asia, named Salesman of the Year, promoted to Manager - whatever YOUR successes are, name them in a list of accomplishments. Be proud of yourself.
2 - Simple, easy to read appearance. No fancy graphics or colors or papers. Stick to white or beige good quality papers. Use a typeface that is easy to read. Make the important information easy to find.
3 - Check, double check and triple check your spelling! Proof reading is very important to a good first impression.
4 - Unless you have a technical history, keep your resume to one page whenever possible, not to exceed two. References are not included on the resume, but presented as a separate document.
5 - Use a cover letter to present yourself and your resume. This is a way of adding a page to your resume without adding a page. Here you can customize your talents and skills to the particular job opening without having to have a number of very different resumes.
These are just a few points that can make a big difference in obtaining that all-important job interview. Neat - clean - simple - correct. A showcase of you and your talents - what you will bring to the lucky company that hires you. Good Luck!!

Check our Andrea Harold Ebay Auctions - we have some designer items that will add a professional touch to your interview look. Just click on the link in the box of the whynottalkaboutit page. ... And take our new survey on Blogging - on the upper right hand side of the same page. Thanks for participating. Results will be published.

Christmas Tree Pass

2008-05-07T00:35:00.004-04:00

Laughlin, Nevada

The beauty of the western desert in the United States is stark, big, and rough. Not like the sifting sands of the Sahara, the desert between Laughlin and Las Vegas, Nevada, is filled with a beauty that blooms under the watchful eye. While looking out from a plain, your eye discovers cactus about to bloom, wild flowers in whites, purples and mauves, and a geologist's feast of rock formations.

The really sharp eye may catch sight of a jack rabbit or mountain goat or a rattlesnake. In some areas, mountain lions roam freely, searching for food. There is danger, the chill of the nights and the fearsome heat of the days during the summer months.

We were just in Christmas Tree Pass between Laughlin and Las Vegas and were amazed by the variety of plants and rocks and the wide open views to the mountain ranges beyond. There is also a small park of sorts that features petroglyphs drawn by Native Americans many years ago. These represent life during that time and are still quite sharp and interesting to view.
We were in cars. It is hard to imagine how the first settlers made it across that vast and rough land to California. Those were very hardy and brave people.

The area is really worth seeing because it is such a world apart from the Las Vegas of gambling, drinking, shows and dangers of other sorts. The desert is a quiet wonder; Las Vegas is loud and booming and a wonder of grand scale also.

Should your feet take you out west, go off the beaten paths of Las Vegas and search through desert towns and you'll find a beauty larger than life and active in its own right. Time well spent.

And if you go, check out Andrea Harold Ebay Auction items first. We often have T-shirts and duffle bags suitable for a venture beyond the city limits of Las Vegas. Oh, and take a jacket. It really cools down at night!

Now: FREE Gift Wrap for Mother's Day

2008-04-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

FREE Gift Wrap offered on Select Items on our Ebay Auctions.

Check us out!

Click on the "AH Ebay Auctions" link in the right hand column.

Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.

Getting Ready for a Trip to Las Vegas

2008-04-23T23:34:00.005-04:00

Is it Paris, France or Las Vegas, Nevada?

Not easy to tell at first glance ... well, it is Las Vegas, Nevada. The beautiful Paris casino, right in the heart of the "Strip" features its very own "Eiffle Tower." Just like the original in France, this tower has an observation platform offering a marvelous view of the Strip and a fantastic restaurant as well. The posts of the tower stretch down into the casino itself and become part of the decor.

At the end of this week, I am heading to Las Vegas myself for a few days of "sport." We will spend some time on the Strip and in the course of one afternoon will travel from "Paris, France", to "Venice, Italy", "New York-New York", the "Luxor Pyramids" and "Excalibur-Kings Arthur's Court."

The question of what to pack for so many places can seem overwhelming. However, Las Vegas has become a rather casual place these days and almost anything goes. A couple of pairs of slacks, a nice top, good walking shoes, and I'll be all set. Oh, and of course, lots of money!!

And, a good handbag to carry all those winnings is a necessity. If you're planning such a trip, take a peek at our latest auctions for some great handbags and designer belts from Brighton and Ferragamo. Just click on the "AH Ebay Auctions" at the top of the whynottalkaboutit page.

Reading Poll Results

2008-04-22T16:53:00.001-04:00

We recently asked who liked to read what:

Novels - 16.7%

Biographies - 0%

Mysteries - 50%

History - 16.7 %

Romance - 16.7%

As a mystery reader myself, I understand these results!

Come and take our poll on CHOCOLATE!!!

Thanks for participating.

Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.

Exercise - is it really a dirty word?

2008-04-21T21:31:00.008-04:00

No - it just feels that way!

Ever since I had to climb the ropes, jump over the stationary horse, try to swing on rings and parallel bars, and play field hockey in high school, I have not been fond of exercising. I wish I was different and had the drive to get out there and lift weights with the best of them. Believe me, I have tried.
In the past, I have joined gyms, taken aerobics and pilates, bought Trainers instead of sneakers and gave it my best shot. Well, a shot anyway.

Most of my time was spent on the sit-down roller machines instead of the muscle-producing pulleys and weights. The rest of my time was spent in the steam room and spa trying to get the knots out of my slack musculature system. Unfortunately, one of the best days in my life occured when my eye doctor told me I should NOT jog because of delicate retinas. This pronouncement made me so happy, I went home and took a nap.
I am not athletic. Oh, I'll walk, and can do several miles daily given the right shopping mall, but break a sweat? Afraid that is not in my genes.
I understand that my heart will run longer, my arteries will flow smoothly, and that I'd even look better if I took up exercise. IT IS GOOD FOR ME. I KNOW IT.

I just don't want to.

And, about the shopping, check out our auctions on ebay. Just click on "AH Ebay Auctions" on the whynottalkaboutit page. And browse without breaking a sweat.

Coming Out of the Closets

2008-04-18T10:37:00.005-04:00

Are your winter and summer clothing creating a serious overflow in your closets? Time to get the winter stuff out of the closets .... and tuck the summer stuff neatly in.

Adding just a few new things with all the sales going on, can cause an emergency: Closet Overload. Now you’ve not only maxed out your credit card, but also your closet! Stress!! A little organizing can bring both your closet and your mind back into focus.

Here are a few ideas gleaned from friends and practical experience:
1 - When you do buy something new, donate or throw out an old one. New T-shirt? Great - now get rid of an old one!
2 - Shoes running amok all over your closet? Gather them up and into an over door or hanging shoe holder. If you have enough room on the floor, a shoe cube may work best for you. This ways, pairs will be together when you want them and you’ll have more space for other things.
3 - Sweaters shouldn’t be hung because they stretch. Using vacuum bags and storing them in underbed boxes, or on your higher closet shelves can solve this one. Labeling the boxes with the contents makes it much easier when you need a particular sweater.

4 - Belts and ties flying all over the place? Get a couple of hanging racks and use them!
5 - Those bulky winter coats take up a lot of space. Getting them out of the closet and into a free standing portable closet in a corner of your garage or attic will give you more use of your regular closet.
6 - Move your out-of-season clothing into underbed boxes in vacuum bags, or in a portable closet.
7 - Wire hanger mayhem happening in your closet? Get a good supply of sturdy - but not too thick - wooden hangers and almost immediately your closet will look organized and efficient. And, it will be easier to get things in and out. Save your minds: Clear that clutter and begin organizing!

And when you're finally done:

Now that you have more room, check out our great handbags, easily storable in cubes or on shelves, to go with your new fashons. Click on the "AH Auctions" link at the top of the the whynottalkaboutit page.

It's All in How You See Yourself

2008-04-13T21:04:00.006-04:00

Happy Monday. Time to Think Positive!!

If you see yourself as a Winner, a person who can dowhat they want to do, and take charge of their own life, you can. It is amazing just what you can do when your mind understands that you are what you make yourself: meek and mild; mild but strong; strong and overpowering; strong and capable, and so on.

I have seen small dogs raise their hackles and be ready to take on much larger dogs just because they feel like a big dog inside - and send the larger dog running. Like the little guy on the right here, too. He knows he has the heart of a lion, and he is ready to meet the world head-on.

Putting on your best and most effective self-image, get out there and have a great week!!!

To keep your self-image on track, check out our Ebay Auctions for work-place handbags, bold Harley Davidson T-shirts, and dainty evening bags for the party-goer in you. Just click on the AH Ebay Auctions link at the top right side of the Whynottalkaboutit page.

Pet Poll Results

2008-04-12T18:53:00.000-04:00

Pet Poll Results Update:

We asked recently "What is Your Favorite Pet?" and here are your results:

Dog - 66% - preferred a dog to other pets - not surprising

Cat - 16% - preferred a cat - surprised me a little since I have 2 cats

Bird - 0% - not real popular right now

Hamster - 0% - also not big hits

Other - 16% - and I sure wonder what they are

Stuffed - 0% - live pets are best

Thanks for participating. Please come and vote on our new poll about Reading preferences:

Novels - Biographies - Mystery/Crime - History - Romance - let us know your favorite.

It is located several inches down on the right side of the Whynottalkaboutit page.

It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance.

BEACH TIME APPROACHES

2008-04-11T20:12:00.009-04:00

From then to now

And with it comes those old "fitting room blues." What to wear (expose) on the beach is of primary concern. For many of us, the styles at the left in the photo above, still have a certain appeal - especially if we have just enjoyed a warm fuzzy winter of comfort foods like stews, pot pies, spaghetti and breads. Unfortunately, the look out there is much more like the styles on the right. Hmmm, presents a dilemma.

We search and try on Tankinis, bikinis, two-piece models and gradually work our way up to the "slimming" styles, "slender tunic," models, "tummy controls," "adjustable" bandeaus, separates, underwires, concealing florals and wildly distracting one piece prints. Finally in desperati0n, the 3 piece tankini set which covers us from neck to mid-thigh seems like it "will do" until we get on that d*i*e*t we have promised ourselves we will start sooooooooon.

With all this flurry to look good, let's not forget that the beach is a time of fun, exercise, time for reading and relaxing too. So chill out, stand proudly in your new suit and bring a big towel!

Check out our Ebay auctions - we have T-shirts that cover and handbags that fit all sizes. Click on the "AH Ebay Auctions" link at the top of the Whynottalkaboutit page.

For those who have received multiple copies of this post in its various stages of development - I apologize! I am still a new blogger and hit the wrong button. Thanks for understanding.

Spring Trips & Spring Cleaning

2008-04-10T14:23:00.011-04:00

Things few of us like to do.

Planning a wardrobe for a trip ... and spring cleaning closets are both chores very few of us enjoy. Trying to select outfits that will serve for many places such as church tours, boating excursions, mountain climbing and bike riding is very difficult. Not many clothes have that much versatility.

A key to a good and carefree trip is to pack as lightly as possible. This may mean doing a little laundry some nights, and adhering to a favorite stand-by of my sister-in-law: Pack a range of old clothing – outer and underwear – that you’re about to throw away. Wear these items during some of your trip, then leave them behind. The space in your bag can now be used for new things you’ve bought along the way.

This way you make room as you go for the tantalizing things you've purchased while traveling, you've cleaned out a closet, and you've gained some fashion flair from new places you've visited. Plus, you've made it much easier on yourself to get on or off a train and up and down staircases in the many hotels of Europe that don't have elevators, all while taking care of some spring cleaning. Now, feel good about yourself and enjoy the trip!

And, for a few travel items you don't want to leave behind, check out Andrea Harold Auctions for some great spring tops and handbags. Just click the "AH Ebay Auctions" link on the top of the whynottalkaboutit page.

Your Shoes & Your Personality

2008-04-08T21:30:00.006-04:00

Do your shoes reveal something about your personality? Have you felt that the "real you" can be best expressed by a really classy ... or extravagant ... or fun pair of shoes? You could be right.
Take these for example:
Super-high heeled stilettos: you are sexy, confident, and walk with a purpose. Good balance is required.
Wedge-Heeled Shoes: Stylish, feminine and sure-footed. And practical too. Wedges are perfect for outdoor events where you'd like to wear heels. Unlike regular pumps, wedges won't sink into the grass
Knee-High Boots: Daring, powerful and not afraid to be noticed. Great Leather is the key here.
Slip-On Slides: Dainty, elegant and ultra-girly. Select only ones you can keep on while walking.

It is important to remember when shoes have passed their prime in functions, looks and fashion. Could be time to shop for a new expression of your personality!

Andrea Harold Handbags may have just the perfect handbag to go with your shoes and your personality. Be sure to check out our selection on Ebay - just click the "AH Ebay Auctions" link at the top of the whynottalkaboutit page.

Laughlin Nevada : Casinos and Bikers

2008-04-07T16:20:00.008-04:00

CRASH COURSE AHEAD!!! BIKERS vs SLOTS

Always out for a good time, lots of fun, and wide open spaces, motorcyclists have another great get-together in store for them April 24-27 in Laughlin, Nevada. For several days, over 70,000 bikers will roar into the small town of 10 casinos to show off their smokin' bikes, see concerts such as "Foreigner," attend the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Pageant, visit with motorcycle distributors from all over, and, of course, party-party-party!

And, in their Spare time, Laughlin is more than happy to provide another form of entertainment - gambling. From slots, to poker, to craps and blackjack, frolicking bikers will find it all right there.

Those attending will want to look their best and fit in with the crowd. We have some terrific Harley Davidson, West Coast Choppers, and Daytona Spring Break T-shirts (mens/womens), and handbags fit to ride with the gang. Take a look: click on the AH Ebay Auctions link at the top of the whynottalkabout page.

Poll Results Are In ..

2008-04-05T10:58:00.004-04:00

Our recent poll concerned the Democratic Primary campaigns. We wanted to know:

How many of you thought Hillary should bow out for party unity - 22%

How many of you thought Obama should bow out - 22%

How many thought they should take it to the end - 55%

And it looks like that is what they are doing - taking it right down to the very end. We can only hope that the best person for the job emerges from this epic struggle - not simply the one with the most money or most mud-slinging publicity. We shall see.

Please check our site and vote on our new poll on pets. We sometimes carry pet items - either for pets or about pets - and would like to know who likes what!

Thanks for participating!

Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.

Our Favorite Words : TGIF!

2008-04-04T17:27:00.004-04:00

From the time we are school kids through retirement, these must be the most welcome words we can hear. FREEDOM is just within our grasp - a whole Saturday to play with friends - be it sand lot baseball or golf and tennis. Time to shop is ours as is time to share with friends over a dinner out, a game at home or out at a brand new movie. Two whole days with limited responsibilities and loose time schedules are ours.

Here in my area of Florida the temps are already in the 80s - so the beach beckons, boats are being launched, and gardening is in full swing. Despite a suggestion of rain sometime this weekend, the outdoors are calling and will be heeded.

We should always take advantage of these times to relax and enjoy our friends and familes, attend church according to our lifestyle, get in a mini-vacation at a B&B and just plain unwind. I am going to do exactly that starting right now and I wish you all a happy TGIF and fun weekend.

And, what better time to sit and relax and browse through Ebay sale items. You could find a real treasure - and save gas! Check out our Andrea Harold auctions on Ebay - just click on "AHbags Ebay Auctions" at the top of the whynottalkaboutit page. We have great handbags, T-shirts, and travel items.

Alert! Dolce & Gabbana Ladies' Tank Top

2008-04-03T15:56:00.001-04:00

We found a great prize! A really hip D&G Dolce & Gabbana City Lights Tank top, BRAND NEW WITH TAG FROM SAK'S FIFTH AT $155 + MANUFACTURER'S OWN AUTHENTICITY TAG WITH HOLOGRAM! This is the Real Deal ... and we have it on auction on Ebay for only $29.99. You'll want to get a bid in on this one!

Check out our Whynottalkaboutit blog and click on "AH Ebay Auctions" at the right of the page.

Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.

Designer Handbags are often Targets of Knock-off Replicas

2008-04-02T17:04:00.013-04:00

Is your new handbag "find" the "real" thing or not?

There are a few ways to be sure - such as buying from a major department store or a designer's own store - and paying top dollar for your prize. Many of us are not willing to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for such an item, yet we covet the look and prestige a designer bag conveys. Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales and the internet are other sources of genuine designer handbags. However, in these cases, "You Get What You Pay For" is not always true.

To know if you have found a "real deal" or not, you need to do a little research on your own. Know what the bag should look like: visit a store in your area that carries the bag that you desire and look at genuine article. Pay close attention to exact colors, the way seams meet, stamps in the leather, markings on hardware, the lining, and the material it is made of: leather, crocodile, ostrich skin, and fabric are a few examples.

If you are not able to go to a store where authentic bags are sold, try www.eLuxury.com or the manufacturer's own website. Take a close look at the pictures provided, noting details, prices, and any documentation offered. Note the quality details of the bag - the genuine article should never have a plastic lining, for example. It may have a registration number either sewn on a tag in an inner seam or stamped on an interior leather logo. Shop armed with knowledge and care, and you can score a prize that you will enjoy for years.

Check out our Ebay handbag Auctions by clicking the "AH Ebay Auctions" link at the top of Whynottalkaboutit? We have Chinese Laundry, Nine West, Carlo de Santi and others. We take care to offer only the genuine item - new or pre-owned.

Can there be too much of a good thing??

2008-04-01T14:04:00.005-04:00

My birthday has just passed - March 28th in fact. However, I am not done celebrating yet.

I started the birthday festival with breakfast out with a friend on the 27th. Received a wonderful gift and had a fine time. The next evening - on the birthday itself - I had dinner with 6 very good, long term friends - and brought my own cake - a marvelous orange/cranberry cheesecake to die for. Again, received several great gifts including a splendid vase of colorful tulips from my daughter.
The following day, my husband thought it would be nice if he took me to dinner - so, 2 pounds of crab legs later, I agreed with him. Friends joined us, so I had more gifts to open. Sunday brought another delightful dinner out with another daughter - great martinis and canolis enhanced that evening. Had a small hiatus on Monday.
Today I am going out again with more friends - a ladies' celebration - and look forward to more great food and, of course, gifts! Wait - tomorrow morning I am ending this year's birthday festival with a breakfast out with another good friend - and, of course, a gift!!
Is almost a week of eating and singing really too long to celebrate? Oh, I think not. With the lifestyles most of us have these days, it is difficult to get everyone together in one place at one time. So we celebrate a little here ... a little there and have a string of joyous occasions between the BIG "over the hill" birthdays. I like it.
Need a handbag for one of those major "Over the Hill" events - or an evening bag for a spring wedding - or prom evening? Check out our selection on Andrea Harold Auctions on Ebay. Just click the "AH Ebay Auctions" link at the top of the whynottalkabout it page. And - Happy Birthday whenever it may be!

Rainy Day Ponderings

2008-03-31T14:56:00.004-04:00

Everyone Needs a Rainy Day Now & Then.

It gives us time to get caught up with our lives, shake out the cobwebs, read a good book and take that deep breath. Ah haaaaa. Time to start all over again.

Here in Volusia County, Florida - greater Daytona Beach area - we are having an overcast day with moderate temps in the 70s. Some might think this is ideal weather for going outside and enjoying nature, but we Floridians take it as a "rainy day" - no sunshine, no outdoors. We're that spoiled.

Oh, you've lost your head - you are probably thinking. But no, with sunshine so many days of the year, and so many good beach / tennis / biking days, we really need a day off to catch up, so if overcast is the best we can do, we take it! Besides, the weatherman said it "might rain" today. So, I have prepared: I did my bookkeeping this morning, took care of my Ebay business, e-mailed friends and made a cup of tea. My book is at the ready and the phone is off the hook. Who knows, tomorrow the sun might shine and I'll have to go out and run around!

And, since it is overcast here, and rainy in other parts of the state/country, you probably have the time to click on our "AH Ebay Auctions" link at the top of the Whynottalkaboutit? page and see our great deals starting at 99 cents.

The wonderful Blooms of Spring ...

2008-03-29T16:03:00.008-04:00

This Floridian misses the beautiful tulips, forsythia, daffodils, hyacinths, lilacs and dogwood of the the northeastern area's spring explosion of glorious floral colors. Along with the wonderful display of colors, comes sweet, sweet smells. Lilacs and hyacinths are most notable, followed by the delicate scents of daffodils and lilies of the valley.

Of course, we have our own beautiful flora down here in the Southern regions - the exotic hibiscus in its many forms: single or double bloom, large dinner plate size bloom or small blooms that tuck behind an ear and brighten a pretty smile. Bougainvillea explodes in a riot of fuschia, coral, reds, pinks, and crisp whites. Every geographical area has a special spring-time flavor and each of us has a fondness for the natural elements of the area in which we grew up. Certain colors and smells bring back unbidden the lovely, lazy days of youth, school breaks, family picnics and trips to the beach. Welcome Spring - let's enjoy her beauty, wherever we are.
And, check our beautiful collection of spring-colored handbags on our Ebay site at "AH Ebay Auctions" - just click on the link at the top of the whynottalkaboutit page or our ebay blog at: http://blogs.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?BlogStart

99¢ Auction Action

2008-03-29T13:16:00.001-04:00

Going on now on Andrea Harold Handbags Ebay site! Check it out. Link to items on sale is located at both the top of whynottalkaboutit page (AH Ebay Auctions) and at the bottom in bright red: Auctions.

Great wedding/prom/evening bags/ wallets/T-shirts

Some terrific new items too.

Thanks!

Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.

Coincidences Are Funny - More Cracker Chat

2008-03-28T15:32:00.007-04:00

Cracker - Not a Snack - but a Whole Way of Life

Just yesterday in this blog I wrote about Florida restaurants and the Cracker tradition many of them support. Today I open my local newspaper and run across this headline: "Cracker Days." This weekend will be a big one as the 53rd Annual Cracker Day takes place in Bunnell, Flager County, Florida. Just about 25 miles north of Daytona Beach, noted for rolicking spring breakers at this time of year, another very different event is taking place.

"Cracker Day" is sponsored by the Cattleman's Association and will include a day of rodeo events including bull riding and cowboys/girls performing dance routines on horseback.

So if you're in the area and want a taste of old Florida, stop by. The $10 admission (adults; $8 kids) includes lunch - a big deal enormous BBQ with beef, beans, coleslaw, bread, and that old standby also known as Southern Champagne - iced tea by the gallons.

After the casual fun, you might want to dress up a bit ... take a look at some of our handbags and party purses on Ebay. Just click on "AH Ebay Auctions" at the top right of the Whynottalkaboutit page.

Yi-Haw, y'all!

Restaurants - Florida Style

2008-03-27T15:24:00.005-04:00

Florida Casual dining - on a river, by the ocean or set back in a cypress swamp. You'll find 'gator on the menu, Cracker Combos, smoked fish dips, oysters, and lots of hush puppies. Realize that descriptions such as "Cracker Combos" do not refer to Ritz and Wheat Thins however. Cracker here is an old term of uncertain origins and there are many explanations of where it came from.

An early edition of the Britannica encyclopedia notes that "cracker" is a term of contempt for "poor" or "mean whites," particularly of Georgia and Florida. Britannica notes that this usage of the term dates back to the American Revolution, and is derived from the "cracked corn" which formed their staple food.

Today, restaurants use "cracker combo" to describe a mixed plate of alligator, "cooter" (turtle), frog legs and catfish, in any combination, and usually deep fried. Or they'll have a menu section called "Florida Cracker" Favorites - or something similar. Old time Florida food - greasy - basic - plentiful and tasty.

Come casual, Florida "Crackers" don't stand on ceremony. Sandals, jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, shorts are all "In Style" in a "laid back" old-time Florida eatery.

Check our Ebay auctions for some casual motorcycle shirts, T-shirts, shoes and other attire that will blend right in. Click on "AH Ebay Auctions" on the upper right of this page. Good eatin', y'all.

We're taking a New Poll

2008-03-27T11:18:00.001-04:00

Although this is not a political Blog, we do have in interest in the world around us. We would like to know if you think one of the candidates in the Democratic primary race should gracefully bow out for the sake of party unity - and who should that be. Or, if they should fight it out to the end. The poll is on the right side of the column, a few paragraphs down.

Thanks! Results will be published.

Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.

Foreign Travel at Home in the USA

2008-03-26T16:58:00.006-04:00

We can visit parts of "over there" by just traveling around "here." Amazing but true. Getting the urge for a bit of merry old England? Well, take a little trip to Lake Havasu, Arizona and visit a London Bridge. Not THE London bridge to be sure, but still a real London Bridge. A popular tourist attraction, this Arizona London Bridge crosses a man-made canal. The bridge was bought for US$2.5 million from the city of London when the bridge was replaced in 1968. The bridge was disassembled, and the marked stones were shipped to Lake Havasu City and reassembled for another US $7 million. It opened in October 1971.
Feeling a bit Irish? Then head to New York New York Casino in Las Vegas. There you will find the Nine Fine Irishmen Pub, which is a charming and very real Irish pub. It was found in Ireland, disassembled, shipped over and put together again in its current authentic fashion.
And, let's not forget Epcot in Walt Disney World-Orlando, Florida. There you can have a world tour in the course of an afternoon. With the weak dollar this year, "traveling here to see there" might just be the thing to do!
Of course, you'll want a couple of cool T-shirts, handbags and comfortable shoes to take along on your journeys. Check out our newest ebay offerings - some starting at 99¢! Just go to our WHYNOTTALKABOUTIT blog home page and click on - "AH Ebay Auctions" in the box at top right.
Have a great trip!

Casual Shopping on the Isle of Capri

2008-03-25T19:56:00.004-04:00

A trip to a foreign country is usually filled with many unexpected problems, delights, new foods, and unfamiliar sights. On an absolutely beautiful day on the Isle of Capri just off Sorrento, Italy, my husband and I were strolling along and window shopping. Happily sitting among the merchandise in one little shop, was this adorable dog - just curled up in utter comfort. He didn't bark at customers, try to talk us into buying more than we wanted, or even seem to care much that we were there! Even though we know only a few words of Italian, we could tell he was happy just being on his own. I was sure that the shoes he was napping on would be just that more comfortable for the warmth he added to them.

If you are going on holiday soon and need a day purse, evening bag to tote along for those special dinners out, a fun T-shirt or even a pair of shoes, check out our supply on Ebay. Just click on the link at the right - "AH Ebay Auctions".

Happy Travels!

Fwd: Alert! Alert!

2008-03-25T09:52:00.001-04:00

Please note the "Auctions" link referred to in the forwarded and previous e-mail is at the bottom of the blog "whynottalkaboutit" page. I am sorry for any confusion.

Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.

Alert! Alert!

2008-03-25T09:30:00.001-04:00

Auctions starting at a COOL

99 Cents!

Check us out on ebay

Click on "Auctions" Link at the bottom of this page. t

Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.

Blast of Cold Weather for Spring Break

2008-03-24T17:24:00.003-04:00

Not too many party-ers will be on the beach in Daytona for the next couple of days or so. We are expecting a BLAST of cold air - bringing us down to the 40 degree mark at night. Sandcastle builders will have to wear mittens or wait until the weekend for outside activities. Can't imagine bikini clad volley ball players will be in full turnout either!

It has been a quieter Spring Break here on the east coast of Florida this year. There are activities and wet T-shirt contests going on, but also, unlike many years, there are vacancy signs on hotels and it is actually possible to drive down the beach without being stopped by traffic every few feet. Between the extremely high gas costs, the colder weather and the lack of MTV presence, the beach is comfortably inhabited - not elbow to elbow. This is a very nice circumstance for a few older folk who will venture out to the beach with their metal detectors and bread crusts for the gulls, despite the weather.

It is like a final blast of cool before hot-hot-hot sets in for months to come. Not really bad for us locals!

Wedding and Prom season is coming up too, despite the weather. There will be outdoor weddings, moonlit walks on the beach and dancing under the stars. A compact evening bag will suit the bill for many a young woman enjoying these pleasures. Check our site on Ebay - using the Auctions link on the bottom of this page - for many lovely evening bags - ready to enjoy the fun of the season. Quick shipping - excellent customer feedback rating - a nice selection. Give us a look-see! Thanks.

For All Who Celebrate

2008-03-23T15:47:00.002-04:00

We Wish You a Joyous & Happy Easter

Andrea Harold Handbags

Spring has arrived - finally

2008-03-22T16:24:00.003-04:00

Even though some areas of the country still have a bit of snowfall to endure, spring is officially here - and physically here for most of us. Daffodils have bloomed, the tulips are swaying gently in spring breezes and Easter Sunday in all it's glory is upon us.

After the Easter break, thoughts will be turning to proms and then weddings and then summer vacations.

Being years away from proms and with no weddings on the horizon, our thoughts have already moved to summer vacation. We are planning a trip - with a bunch of friends - to Italy for two weeks - weak dollar or not!! We will just have to limit our espressos and lattes, and save the shopping for another time. After a week in the Tuscany region, we will move on to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast where we have rented a villa. This should be a wonderful experience and we are looking forward eagerly. Any ideas on things to see and do in either area would be most welcome!

If you have fun events like proms and weddings in your life right now, check out our ebay site where we are offering a nice selection of evening bags - Vintage and Pre-owned - to compliment the perfect dress. Just click on the "Auctions" button at the bottom of this page. Thank you!

New Book List - New Poll

2008-03-20T15:14:00.004-04:00

Love to read? Always looking for a good author, subject or new book to dive into? I am too. I have found a few authors that really can tell a good story and keep you guessing and thinking along the way. Any comments you have about books - what you are reading now, and what others might like, please send a comment and we will add it to the list. Sometimes we just need a helpful hint in picking a new book. I love novels, detective stories, humorous tales and cookbooks! I've started the list with a few ideas; help me make it grow.

Also, we have a new poll going. Do you care what Celebrities wear? Do you try to select items like theirs or do you go your own way? Give us your opinion on that too.

Meanwhile, we have a good selection of evening bags and motorcycle shirts - a great combination! - available on our ebay site. Just click on the word "Auctions" at the bottom of this page.

2008-03-19T18:09:00.007-04:00

WEDDINGS

& PROMS

& PARTIES THIS SPRING

Many nice occasions are coming up soon. It is the time of the year that wedding showers, high school proms, college Spring Dances, and Weddings, Weddings and Weddings are happening. These wonderful events are planned out months in advance - the "right", or "absolutely right" dress MUST be found, the perfect shoes are next, and to set it off, an amazing handbag to hold precious necessaries and a little mad money at each event. Andrea Harold Handbags has included a number of excellent hand bags on Ebay - from lovely Vintage bags to brand new handbags, we are offering an wide variety. Come check us out and let us know if you are in the market for a special item - we just might have it. Click on the word "Auctions" at the very bottom of this page and you will arrive at our site. Have a wonderful Spring event.

Spring Break Poll Resuls are In!

2008-03-19T10:46:00.002-04:00

We wanted to know:
Are you taking a Spring Break Vacation: 25% said Yes / 50% said No
Will a Spring Break vacation depend on gas prices: 25% said Yes
Thank you for participating in our poll. Please come back and participate in our next poll.

March is Marching Along

2008-03-18T00:59:00.003-04:00

In like a lion, out like a lamb. That is the story of the month of March ... and this year seems to be right on track. Here in Florida, we've had some pretty fierce weather in the early part of the month including tornadoes. And, for the first time in a long time, we are just about on target for a "normal" amount of rainfall.

This past Sunday, however, was just gorgeous. The weather feels like we have turned a corner on doubtful and come into delightful. We went to an outdoor art show, under the old lighthouse in Ponce Inlet, Florida. The setting was right on the inlet waterway and the breezes coming in were soft and sweet. Short sleeves, no jackets, sunshine .... perfect day.

And, with March, comes Easter, early this year .... and then the wedding season will be upon us in full force. We will be offering a selection of handbags suitable for brides and guests at these fun events. Keep on eye on this site and we will let you know when more items are available on our Ebay site.

Keep a light and happy heart as Spring comes on in full.

Listings Added

2008-03-15T10:44:00.001-04:00

Just listed some great Jesse James West Coast Choppers T-shirts, a beautiful Jessica McClintock bride's handbag, and some summer straw handbags on our Ebay Auction site. Take a look and take our poll on Spring Break travel plans. Thanks!

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Rain, Rain Go Away

2008-03-14T16:21:00.005-04:00

I've come to play in the sun and have lots of fun!

So say all the young folks trooping in to Daytona Beach, Pensacola, Ft. Lauderdale and other southern points for a free-wheelin' spring break from school and responsibilities. Many will be standing in line at Disney World, Sea World and other fun attractions; more will hit the beaches and soak up all the sun rays they can to return home as bronzed gods and goddesses when their classmates are still pale from a long, cold winter.

For those rainy times off the beach and running around having fun, we are please to offer some cute shirts, beach bags and towels on our Ebay auction site, similar to the one below. Just click on the word "Auctions" at the bottom of the page.

Have a GREAT and safe spring break.

Travel to Spring Break Zones Not Always Easy

2008-03-13T17:04:00.005-04:00

So many ways to drive to the beach .... so many ways to run into trouble. The names of roads are not always easy to decipher. There's your Basic Road, your Needmore Road, your Whymore Road, Lazy Street and Easy Street. Then trying to follow maps that can be as simple as an outline or as complicated as a jigsaw puzzle is another challenge that happy-go-lucky travellers are not always up to. And, some maps from Internet sources actually seem to give up close to your destination and say something to this effect: " Stick your head out of the window - you should be able to see it now!" Ha Ha, say I!!

Then, finally closing in upon your destination - you can smell the salt air, hear the rush of the ocean, and feel the sea breeze upon your cheeks - you run into something like this:

But the spirits of the young are not easily daunted. We know that thousands upon thousands will find their way safely and fairly easily to a wonderful, warm sunny spot for a much deserved Spring Break. We say, "Party on Dudes!"

Windows Open - Breezes Comin' In

2008-03-12T16:09:00.003-04:00

Just a nice balmy day here in Florida. Temps are up but the breezes are blowing through. Opened up the house - it's nice to air out all the winter smells! Kids are outdoors playing basketball and riding bikes.

We wanted to let you know that we are planning on listing a number of evening and wedding purses within the week: beaded, fabric, metallic mesh, new and pre-owned. They will be available on Ebay both on auction and with a Buy It Now price. If you have an event coming up in the near future, you might want to check us out. Below is a new, baroque trimmed little bag from Jessica McClintock. We will be offering it very soon. Keep your eyes on us!

Tattoo Poll Closed

2008-03-11T18:16:00.001-04:00

And the results are in:

8% of voters HAVE tattoos

8% of voters are PLANNING on a tattoo

83% of voters say NO to tattoos

and 1% are undecided.

Thank you for participating. Check out our new poll coming soon.

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Hey, Kids - Getting Ready for Spring Break??

2008-03-11T16:40:00.006-04:00

These guys are! They are all decked out and soaking up the rays already. By the time they hit the beach they'll have a great base tan and be ready to party.

There are loads of young folks getting ready to spend their time out of school over Spring Break in any way but sitting at home - and good for them. There are a number of them volunteering and heading out to New Orleans to help with the on-going rennovation of that city; others are scooping up short term jobs for a little extra school cash (GAS CASH!!); and a good many of them will be heading to the beach - be it a local beach or high time "Spring Break" spots like Padre Island, TX or Florida's great array of beach-side cities like Ft. Lauderdale, Pensacola and Daytona Beach.

Check list for those going away from home:

Money
Sun Tan Lotion & Towel & Beach Bag
Money
Shirt & Shoes - or no service at many restaurants
Extra pair of jeans
Money
Bikini, bikini, bikini
Credit Card
Cell phone you can call home and check in
And you're set to go!!

Hope all those participating have a wonderful time, make new friends, and call home at least once!

PARTY SAFELY * DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Daytona Beach calm before the storm of Spring Break

2008-03-10T16:50:00.004-04:00

This is what Daytona Beach can look like on an ordinary day. Some locals walking the beach for exercise or searching for a shell; others surf casting, surfing and swimming. The little ones are digging large holes in the sands while mothers sit back and enjoy the sun. Ahhh, peace.

Meanwhile, on nearby I95, thousands of young college kids, determined to have a "wild and crazy time" for spring break are on their way. They will jam 10-15 kids in each hotel room, buy enough beer to fill several swimming pools - and drink much of it too. There will be dancing on the beach and in the clubs at all hours of the day. The beach will literally disappear under young bodies claiming their space in the sun. Longing for a change from the cold winds of Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey - hey, anywhere north!!! they have all tootled down for a good time - and most will have it too. We'll try to keep up with a little of the action here on this spot during the week.

We will also feature a few items made for the beach-time fun-lovers: a great bingo beach cooler, beach bag and large towel to spread out on the sand. Click the "Auctions" link at the bottom of the page to see our latest Ebay listings.

New Listing on Ebay

2008-03-10T16:06:00.000-04:00

Beautiful French Blue Silk Scarf with Hibiscus bloom by Oscar de la Renta! Click on "Auctions" at bottom of page for details.

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Bike Week Winds Up In Daytona Beach

2008-03-09T17:18:00.008-04:00

Well, the bikers have revved up their motors, hopped on their bikes and headed up I95 for the trip home to many other states. Fun has been had, many purchases have been made, races have been exciting, and cole slaw has been wrestled in. The bars, hotels, camp grounds and restaurants of this small city have been bustling and the roads jam-packed with 1000s of colorful bikes and bikers. From hot Harley hogs, to speedy Yamahas; pink bikes, green bikes, blue bikes, bikes with flames etched on their frames. What more could one ask of such an outing?

Now Daytona takes a deep breath and gets ready for .......... Spring Break! Although a little quieter here in recent years compared to the times of MTV filmings, it is expected to be very busy as more folks take a good look at the over all economy and decide to party closer to home here in the US as opposed to nearby foreign ports of pleasure. So, once again, Daytona will "hunker down" and get ready for an influx .... of happy and carefree young people, dancing on the beach, giving the older fellas heart attacks as young girls prance in the colorful strings they call bikinis. Ah well, life can be good!

And we will find the fashions and accessories to suit their needs too. Subscribe now for instant updates to our Ebay auctions and this newsletter.

Rain Becomes Sunny but Chill Winds in Daytona

2008-03-08T16:12:00.007-05:00

Brrrr! That's what a lot of folks in the Daytona area woke up saying this morning, especially if they were heading out on their motorcycles. Overnight threats of tornadoes brought in a cold front - okay, you guys from Minnesota, laugh at us - we think 50s with winds is cold, especially if you're riding a bike. Photo above taken today - Saturday - on International Speedway Drive in the afternoon - notice the jackets - hats - leggings and boots! Notice the sunshine out. Again, Brrrrrr!

This little guys expresses what a lot of folks are feeling: give me something warm to wear!

In fact, many bikers decided NOT to ride today - the wind chill (okay, Minnesota - go ahead and laugh again) made it downright uncomfortable. Everyone is hoping for a better climate tomorrow - Sunday - for the end of Bike Week parade ----- but the weather wizards are predicting 40s! Don't think these tough riders will be out in full force. Brrrrrr.

Check out our Auctions on Ebay - link at the bottom of this page - and see a couple of great Harley shirts so you'll be ready to participate in the next Bike Week event. And be sure to take our Tattoo poll on the right hand side of the page. Thanks and have a great one!

Summer Shoes Finally Coming Back!

2008-03-07T23:35:00.001-05:00

We have a great pair of Ann Marino beige linen slides on Auction at Ebay. Click on "Auctions" at the bottom of the page and check them out. Finally - a little springtime for your step.

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Rain Activity Attacks Bikers in Daytona

2008-03-07T15:43:00.005-05:00

Sad sight for many Bikers

Not a great day weather-wise here in the Sunshine state. Daytona Beach is full of Bikers all in town for a Bike Week Spectacular. There are fun events - like T-shirt contests - from one end of Volusia County to the other ... and some as far as Orlando. Lots of things to do. If you can run through the rain drops.

Generally, the weather in Daytona is ideal to pop on the back of a bike and take off for fun. Moderate temps in the high 70s-low 80s, sunshine, and a light breeze. Even the beach usually cooperates with great rays and soft currents. Today, you needed your rain gear! And, knowing how to avoid tornadoes was not a bad idea either as some areas were in jeopardy.

Rain gear was the fashion accessory for today - bright yellow slickers for some, umbrellas (as bikers walked from place to place!) for others, and good old plastic bags for those unprepared! We are sure they had fun anyway. The weekend promises to be a bit cool, but nice. We shall see.

iGoogle

2008-03-07T11:20:00.002-05:00

Find new fashion tips and refine YOUR style at iGoogle where you will also find coupons to many different products.

Biker Chicks come in all sizes and shapes

2008-03-06T16:33:00.003-05:00

And these just might be the cutest around!

This week this blog has been looking at some of the goings on during Bike Week in Daytona Beach. Fashions have been of interest - they certainly are varied and can be most unusual. A favorite fashion accessory for Biker Chicks is a good looking handbag that will go with silver studded fashions, be easy to take on a bike and will hold all kinds of things from sunscreen, to sunglasses to hair care needs to combat frequent cases of "helmet hair." We keep our eyes open for great handbags for these gutsy gals who hop on these powerful bikes and ride like the wind into the unknown - either behind their special Dude, or on a great "hog" of their own.

Here's a "Biker Babe" bag from 9West - a hot hobo style, in black with great studding. Pre-owned, Excellent condition. Our stock #370. Look if you like. Just click on the "Auctions" link at the bottom of this page.

Just Listed on Ebay!

2008-03-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

Two Men's Harley Davidson Black T-shirts. Up on auction now. Click the "Auctions" link at the bottom of the page to go and see. Thanks!

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Designer Handbag Poll Results

2008-03-05T17:14:00.002-05:00

Poll is closed and results are in!

12% of voters preferred Designer handbags despite the extra cost
2% of voters did not prefer Designer handbags
62% of voters preferred to shop by price rather than name

Thanks for participating!! We will showcase our handbags and include popular styles as well as designers.

Biker Fashions take the Stage in Daytona

2008-03-05T16:26:00.003-05:00

Motorcycle Mommas, Biker Babes, Biker Chicks, and Biker Dudettes, all come to bike weeks such as the one now going on in Daytona Beach, to flaunt their style in stand-out biker leathers, jeans and T-shirts. It is an amazing fashion display on Main Street, day or night. The leathers are generally black. Full regalia includes leggings, gloves, jackets, heavy boots, bustiers and wild and flamboyant jackets. Insignia include fierce eagles, Skull and Crossbones, blazing flames, Harley Davidson, wicked motorcycles, wild women and "Born in the USA." Some wear hats sporting Viking horns too. It's a fashion spectacle!

Make Us An Offer!!

2008-03-05T15:22:00.000-05:00

We have a LovCat Paris Handbag, the Sak Shoulder Bag, Ann Marino Shoes and some summer costume jewelry up for grabs on Ebay!! Make us your best deal! Click on "Auctions" at the bottom of the page and check us out. Thanks!!

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New Listings on Ebay

2008-03-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

Alert! We have just listed several items on our ebay auction site. You'll find items from Chico's, shoes, jewelry and a cross-over shoulder bag. Check it out! Thanks

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Bike Week in Daytona is also noted for Tattoos

2008-03-04T16:01:00.003-05:00

A big part of what makes Bike Week in Daytona Beach fun is the "people show" ... a virtual parade of all kinds of fashions - with lots of leather and T-shirts making bold statements. And, right up there, is the vast array of tattoos. A quick walk down Main Street will not only yield a great display of motorcycles, but also a wide and artistic assortment of tattoos.

There are folks who sport full coverage of their bodies with very fanciful art; there are the classic "sailor" tattoos with "Mom" and an anchor on their arms, and others have slogans and names.

Many more women than ever are also sporting tattoos. These run from dainty butterflys to full expression of the tattoo art on arms and legs and midriffs, and yes, backs too. Lots of fun for those of us who love to "people watch."

Do you tattoo?? Take our poll on the upper right side of this page.

Motorcycles are Roarin'!

2008-03-03T17:37:00.002-05:00

Daytona Beach welcomes a multitude of bikers this week for the annual Bike Week celebration. Riders of all ages are in town to attend races, show off their super bikes, make new friends, attend a cole slaw wrestling event (!), and just plain have fun. The really fun thing is to see just how many different kinds of motorcyles there are. They go from big Harley Davidsons to sporty Yamahas, three wheeled varities, side-car additions, models with surrey-style roofs and just plain crazy, crazy decorations. Fun to watch, that's for sure. And, they have their own fashion style! More on that tomorrow.

St. Patrick's Day Just around the corner

2008-03-02T14:09:00.003-05:00

Top o' the mornin' to ya! You will be hearing that all over town before long! And why not - it's fun. The Irish give off a sense of fun and livliness that is contageous. And we all celebrate from drinking green beers .. to wearing green clothing ... sporting funny buttons and even marching in some parades. A couple of cities go to the great length of turning their rivers green for the day! So, here's a little guy just come to welcome you to the season. Faith and begorrah!

The fun of Ebay is the wide range of items

2008-03-01T21:29:00.002-05:00

One seller on Ebay can have so many different items to sell that it is amazing. From clothing to motor parts to books and cooking utensils. That's what makes it fun both shopping and selling ... you can have a lot of diversity in one site. Here are a few sample - all ladies' clothing, but we have Chico's, Laurel Burch, Etienne Aigner and others all at one place. The buyer has a vast and wonderful selection to browse, bid, make an offer on, or buy outright. Are you an Ebayer??

Designer & Biker Gal Handbags

2008-02-29T14:41:00.001-05:00

Look Good on your Bike & Around Town

2008-02-29T10:42:00.001-05:00