mendlbarr

There are many places I'd like to visit... Australia, Africa, Tuscany... each influenced by a television show, magazine article and movie! Now, my friends... we must go to Paris!
So this is how it all started...

After seeing "Survivor Outback"... Australia was a must! I want to interview the Australian Aborigines. Even before that, like a couple of decades ago, I came across a spread in a magazine about Brooke Shield's African safari... complete with white tents, catered meals, silverware and china... I still long for that kind of adventure! Then came "Under the Tuscan Sun", a movie that made Tuscany seem so intoxicating! I want to live amongst the vineyards! One day soon, we will visit each one of these places and I will write of the experience... from these words to God's ears... :)

click for official movie trailer

click for Manu Monedero Remix (using opening scenes)

Last week, we watched Woody Allen's latest movie... we will plan a trip to Paris, France (even before those other places I've described)! If you haven't seen "Midnight in Paris", please make time to watch it. The cinematography is breathtaking, the all-star cast is divine, the perfect storyline for those of us who are dreamers... and ahhhh! we must not forget the soundtrack... addicting :)
Let me know how you liked the movie... enjoy!

queen of hearts

2012-01-12T00:42:00.000-05:00

it's that time again... love is everywhere!

our "queen of hearts" earrings are made of oxidized sterling silver and the perfect cubic zirconia hearts... this shade of red is so unique... like a drop of tangerine and vanilla were mixed into that candy apple syrup for added interest :)

The Cab Ride

2012-01-09T12:40:00.002-05:00

The
Cab Ride
I arrived at the address and honked the horn.
after waiting a few minutes
I walked to the
door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a
frail, elderly voice. I could hear something
being dragged across the floor.

After
a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in
her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a
print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned
on it, like somebody out of a 1940's
movie.

By her side was a small nylon
suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had
lived in it for years. All the furniture was
covered with sheets.

There were no
clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils
on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard
box filled with photos and
glassware..

'Would you carry my bag
out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase
to the cab, then returned to assist the
woman.

She took my arm and we walked
slowly toward the curb.

She kept
thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I
told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers
the way I would want my mother to be
treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good
boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave
me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive
through downtown?'

'It's not the
shortest way,' I answered
quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she
said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a
hospice.

I looked in the rear-view
mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have
any family left,' she continued in a soft
voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very
long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the
meter.

'What route would you like me
to take?' I asked.

For the next two
hours, we drove through the city. She showed me
the building where she had once worked as an
elevator operator.

We drove through the
neighborhood where she and her husband had lived
when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in
front of a furniture warehouse that had once
been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a
girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow
in front of a particular building or corner and
would sit staring into the darkness, saying
nothing.

As the first hint of sun was
creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm
tired. Let's go now'.

We drove in
silence to the address she had given me. It was
a low building, like a small convalescent home,
with a driveway that passed under a
portico.

Two orderlies came out to
the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were
solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.

I
opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to
the door. The woman was already seated in a
wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?'
She asked, reaching into her
purse.

'Nothing,' I
said

'You have to make a living,' she
answered.

'There are other
passengers,' I responded.

Almost
without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She
held onto me tightly.

'You gave an
old woman a little moment of joy,' she
said
'Thank you.'

I squeezed her
hand, and then walked into the dim morning
light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound
of the closing of a life..

I didn't
pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove
aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that
day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had
gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient
to end his shift?
What
if I had refused to take the run, or had honked
once, then driven away?

On a quick
review, I don't think that I have done anything
more important in my life.

We're
conditioned to think that our lives revolve
around great moments.

But great
moments often catch us unaware-beautifully
wrapped in what others may consider a small
one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY
WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL
ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM
FEEL

You won't get any big surprise
in 10 days if you send this to ten people. But,
you might help make the world a little kinder
and more compassionate by sending.
it on and
reminding us that often it is the random acts of
kindness that most benefit all of
us.

Thank you, my
friend...

Life
may not be the party we hoped for, but while we
are here we might as well dance.

BELIEVE...

2012-01-06T07:54:00.000-05:00

In 2012, may you be inspired to find your purpose and go for it... :)

total awesomeness! life is what you make it...

2012-01-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!!

Just came across this video by Sebastien Montaz-Rosset and felt compelled to share...

there are no dress rehearsals... life is what you make it... enjoy! :)

Christmas All Over the World...

2011-12-22T03:36:00.000-05:00

click on the picture above to hear it, with lyrics... a perfect intro for the list below... enjoy!

"Merry Christmas" In Different Languages

Christmas is celebrated the world over and people exchange gifts and wishes too. We present you a list of how to wish your friends, neighbors, colleagues and loved ones, 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy New Year' or both in more than 100 languages!

Afrikaans	Gesëende Kersfees
Afrikander	Een Plesierige Kerfees
African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja	Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Albanian	Gezur Krislinjden
Arabic:	Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Argentine:	Feliz Navidad
Armenian:	Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri:	Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Bahasa Malaysia:	Selamat Hari Natal
Basque:	Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bengali:	Shuvo Naba Barsha
Bohemian:	Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian:	Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Breton:	Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian:	Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Catalan:	Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chile:	Feliz Navidad
Chinese: (Cantonese)	Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Chinese: (Mandarin)	Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Choctaw:	Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
Columbia:	Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Cornish:	Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Corsian:	Pace e salute
Crazanian:	Rot Yikji Dol La Roo
Cree:	Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian:	Sretan Bozic
Czech:	Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish:	Glædelig Jul
Duri:	Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak
Dutch:	Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! Or Zalig Kerstfeast
English:	Merry Christmas
Eskimo: (inupik)	Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto:	Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian:	Ruumsaid juulup\|hi
Faeroese:	Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi:	Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish:	Hyvaa joulua
Flemish:	Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French:	Joyeux Noel
Frisian:	Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Galician:	Bo Nada
Gaelic:	Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
German:	Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek:	Kala Christouyenna!
Hausa:	Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaiian:	Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew:	Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi:	Shub Naya Baras
Hausa:	Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian:	Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian:	Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic:	Gledileg Jol
Indonesian:	Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi:	Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish:	Nollaig Shona Dhuit or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Iroquois:	Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.
Italian:	Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese:	Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Jiberish:	Mithag Crithagsigathmithags
Korean:	Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Latin:	Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian:	Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lausitzian:	Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto
Lettish:	Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian:	Linksmu Kaledu
Low Saxon:	Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Macedonian:	Sreken Bozhik
Maltese:	IL-Milied It-tajjeb
Manx:	Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori:	Meri Kirihimete
Marathi:	Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo:	Merry Keshmish
Norwegian:	God Jul or Gledelig Jul
Occitan:	Pulit nadal e bona annado
Papiamento:	Bon Pasco
Papua New Guinea:	Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Pennsylvania German:	En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Peru:	Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo
Philipines:	Maligayan Pasko!
Polish:	Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese:	Feliz Natal
Pushto:	Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island):	Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rhetian:	Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
Romanche (sursilvan dialect):	Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Rumanian:	Sarbatori vesele
Russian:	Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Sami:	Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan:	La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Sardinian:	Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou
Serbian:	Hristos se rodi
Slovakian:	Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Sami:	Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan:	La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic:	Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serb-Croatian:	Sretam Bozic. Vesela Nova Godina
Serbian:	Hristos se rodi.
Singhalese:	Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak:	Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene:	Vesele Bozicne. Screcno Novo Leto
Spanish:	Feliz Navidad
Swedish:	God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År
Tagalog:	Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tami:	Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Trukeese:	(Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Thai:	Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish:	Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian:	Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Urdu:	Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese:	Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh:	Nadolig Llawen
Yugoslavian:	Cestitamo Bozic
Yoruba:	E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!

mendlbarr's vodka slush

2011-12-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a 30 yr old drink recipe that has been a hit at all of our parties... give it a try and let the festivities begin!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year :)

Mendlbarr’sVodka Slush

20 oz can chunkpineapple (w/juice)

8 oz jar maraschino cherries(w/juice)

11 oz can mandarinorange segments (w/juice)

12 oz frozen pink lemonadeconcentrate

6 oz frozen orangejuice concentrate

12 oz vodka

2- Liter bottle of 7-Up(half in mix, and other half will be poured on top when ready toserve)

***** I preferto mix everything (except half of the soda) in a very large bowl and then divideevenly into smaller freezable plastic containers so that I can prepare it, inphases, and keep it slushy during the entire party. Use aslotted spoon to carefully divide fruit amongst the containers, then pourliquid. Freeze. When ready to serve, break up a batch of the frozenmixture and pour a little 7-Up over it… mix and enjoy!

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (1965 version)

2011-12-19T22:54:00.002-05:00

Stuart Damon and Lesley Ann Warren sing "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" from the 1965 television version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.
Wow! This is the time of year when they play all of the old favorites on television... the ones we grew up with :)

Just saw Cinderella again! The ultimate fairy tale... and I could watch it over and over again!
If you haven't seen it... grab some hot cocoa and treat yourself :)

Merry Christmas from NYC... hope you visit one day soon :)

2011-12-09T23:15:00.002-05:00

Ahhhh! Nothing quite like NYC during the holidays!

Sending blessings and graces to all of you during this magical season...

and in case you still need a present for someone special in your life...

50% off

our entire ArtFire shop

yep, snow before Halloween :)

2011-10-29T20:57:00.005-04:00

Wow! This was a pleasant surprise! Today, we woke to heavy snowfall... and the nice, slushy kind that makes excellent snowballs and fantastic pictures! It's now after 9pm, and it's still snowing! :)

Wonder what the trees are thinking? "Hey, our leaves haven't even fallen off yet and it's snowing?" LOL!

Earlier today, we ventured out, on foot... there is no better way to experience it! Sitting in a "snowglobe" (corner table at our local DD surrounded by huge windows) we watched the magical storm, cars getting stuck, etc... mocha and white hot chocolate were the "icing on the cake"!

Snow hasn't fallen, before Halloween, since 1979! We had a blast and I captured some of the sights and sounds to share with you... enjoy! This video actually caught a loud clap of thunder... awesome sight!

"Thundersnow, also known as a winter thunderstorm or a thunder snowstorm, is a relatively rare kind of thunderstorm with snow falling as the primary precipitation instead of rain."

from bondage to salvation...

2011-10-23T14:59:00.013-04:00

Thankful that, today, this blog allowed me to easily access previous "finds" and forward these morsels of experience to someone else! First and foremost, I consider myself more "spiritual" than religious... born Catholic and touched by many with various religious backgrounds, I have found that there are many ways to find God and that there is no "right" or "wrong" religion. We are all seeking and we find "our own" ways which are as individual as each of us!

The feeling of being used by God, to do His work, is very rewarding... I am also prepared for the backlash that the "enemy" will toss my way for shedding this light on another. "Spiritual warfare" is real and has brought clarity to many situations that could have easily destroyed me.

I want to share a very powerful prayer with you in hopes that you will read this at the "perfect" time. May it help you significantly in the challenges you forge thru! My hope is that one day, all of this is not in vain... my effort to "share" was with purpose!

"From Bondage to Salvation" was given to me many, many years ago by a pentacostal preacher and his wife. They were brought into my life during a very difficult time. God seems to always send us what we need at the "perfect" moment! This prayer has continued to be my source when I am hopeless and feel that I am about to give up. I've made many copies and have them scattered in different places so that during my time "in need", I am not blocked by the enemy (suddenly the prayer is nowhere to be found or I cannot remember a single word from memory).

This prayer and the ancient Native American ritual of "smudging/ saging" have changed my life and I hope they do the same for you, too!

Here are two of my past blog posts with information on "saging/ smudging":

zoe coste

2011-10-09T14:18:00.005-04:00

Came across these old earrings from my "big" earring days! Ahhh, the memories! These were purchased for my headshot in the 1980's... feels like yesterday! Seems almost a sin to have kept such beauties stored away all these years... maybe it's time to let go of them, huh? Put them on our vintage etsy site... will probably change my mind before long :)

Here's some info on this designer:
"Ms. Coste's jewelry was sold in exclusive, very high end boutiques in the 1970's & early 1980's, it is scarce in the market place and becoming highly sought after by collectors, who've loved and hunted it for years! You will not see her jewelry often."

Now... get ready... and as my husband so eloquently described it... here's my 1980's headshot with my "Rod Stewart, cockatoo, David Cassidy" hair... LOL!

40% off all items in our Artfire shop...

2011-10-07T08:55:00.004-04:00

Time to start a new collection of creations! This means it's time to make room... 40% off sale! Take a peek and maybe one of our designs will be just what you needed for that new outfit? Whether resort, zen or just plain fun... our passions are expressed in wearable art!

vintage items... out of storage and ready for new homes...

2011-10-04T14:44:00.008-04:00

Nothing quite like opening boxes and finding memories!
We have way too much and are ready to let go of some of our precious vintage items... guess i hoped to fit into them one day... LOL! We have a new shop on Etsy, called "liveabundantly", just for these great items! Take a peek and, maybe, you will fall in love with a piece and give it a new home :)

Do check the shop from time to time as many of the items are waiting to be photographed... i'm a laid-back kinda gal :)

copper... so many possibilities :)

2011-07-06T01:02:00.000-04:00

We took a little break and now we're back! Hope all of you have been well!

New designs were put on our ArtFire storefront... many more in the making! If you have an outfit that needs a special necklace, earrings or bracelet... take a peek... you just might find that perfect piece!

12 yrs later... jewelry design inspired by NYC...

2011-04-08T01:18:00.000-04:00

David and I moved to NYC in April 1999... we didn't know anyone here and were just going by instinct and our heart's desire. The city has embraced us although teaching so much more than I had ever imagined! First of all, my acting was immediately put on hold as I relied on my retail management experience to live the life we both were comfortable with... the thought of not having the security of a steady income and health insurance scared me way too much. David was able to find work in the hospitality and architechtural glass industries.

We had our "day jobs" and our creative souls were soaking in all of the energy of New York City! Our jewelry design started in Texas with our desire to create what we just couldn't find in the small city of Corpus Christi. If we imagined it... in a short time it was created! We have friends who compliment us on our earlier works and say that those pieces still bring them much joy! Thank you... that makes our souls smile! :)

Moving to NYC was more than I could have hoped. We are surrounded by the absolute best artists in many creative fields and their enthusiasm is contageous! Our designs are constantly evolving because of the varied influences surrounding us. We never know where our journey takes us... creating, I'm sure, will always be a part of it!

May one of our creations become that "art piece" you can't live without and may you feel the energy of New York City each and every time you wear it!

For a limited time... 30% OFF our entire store!

30% off SALE at mendlbarr

2011-04-03T04:27:00.002-04:00

30% OFF SALE
our entire store

We have moved to a new site (ArtFire) and are celebrating with a SALE!!!

Now is the time to grab that item you've been thinking of... enjoy :)

how to clean 14K and 24K gold vermeil...

2011-02-01T06:45:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share some handy tips as I discover them!

Gather all of your gold vermeil creations and take a peek... have they lost some of their glow? In time, that spectacular gold layer tarnishes a bit because of the silver which lies underneath. Bring it back to its original luster by simply dipping it in "silver cleaner".

Be very careful. If the creations contain soft stones (like turquoise or pearls) they cannot be totally immersed as the cleaner will strip their natural luster. I have found that most of the time you can carefully hold the pearls in your fingers and dip the rest of the piece just far enough to get the job done without harming soft stones.

Instantly, the piece looks as good as new! Have fun... cleaning jewelry can be addicting and once you start, you may soon find yourself digging thru drawers in search of old gems that just need a little "tender loving care" :)

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any cleaning questions for your jewelry :)

do you have unclaimed money waiting?

2011-01-19T13:13:00.002-05:00

Wanted to share something I discovered last night! These two sites are set up to help you find missing money that belongs to you... and they are "free"! Every little bit helps... and now it's easier to search different states using one website, http://www.unclaimed.org/, which directs you accordingly!

Here's another site to check out... http://www.missingmoney.com/

Because there are a lot of scams out there, I checked both sites out! They are legitimate! Guess what... I found $28 from an old account! Not bad, for a few minutes work!

Maybe you will be lucky and find some green stuff, too! If not, pass this along to someone who can :)

love is in the air...

2011-01-17T13:33:00.003-05:00

2011 color of the year... Honeysuckle!

2011-01-17T01:58:00.005-05:00

"Pantone Color of the Year" is Honeysuckle! Bold, so much fun and an all-time favorite of mine! Last year's color was turquoise, one of my top picks as well... by the way, the two colors go beautifully together!

Valentine Charleston for you!

2011-01-13T13:46:00.001-05:00

What a terrific holiday!!! May love fill your home... "love is all there is" :)

found this, again, today...

2011-01-13T13:41:00.002-05:00

Inspired to create handmade Valentine's Day cards this year!

In my hunt for the perfect ingredients I came across a favorite quote :)

I met the author in New York City on 4/10/06... he had many to choose from but this one drew me like a magnet! It connected to my soul! Harry Capeus Bigby also wrote a message on the back of my framed piece... "May this quote continue to inspire you to the good you never dreamed possible."

It was packed away for 2 years and reading it today moved me just as much as the first time I discovered it. May you also find words that resonate to the core of your being and may you take the time to listen to what they are trying to tell you...

45 Lessons in Life

2011-01-06T13:43:00.003-05:00

"45 Lessons in Life"...
thanks so much for sharing, Cathy... love you :)

more info on saging and smudge sticks...

2011-01-02T23:11:00.007-05:00

How to Smudge

Any action, undertaken with intention and belief can become a potent ritual so consider your intention before you smudge and hold it clearly in your mind. You may wish to invite the spirit of the herbs to join you and guide and assist with your intention.

A candle flame is recommended to light the smudge stick as it may take a little time to get the stick smoking. Once there's a flame blow it out so that the smudge stick is smoldering, not burning. Blow or wave the flame with your hand to put out the fire. Allow the smudge stick to smolder, freeing the smoke to circle in the air.

Smudging yourself

Fan the swirls of smoke around your body from head to toe. You may want to especially focus on areas where you feel there are blockages or where there has been or is physical, emotional, or psychic pain. Imagine the smoke lifting away all the negative thoughts, emotions and energies that have attached themselves to you. If you are feeling depressed for instance you could visualize the smoke carrying away all your feelings of depression.

Smudging another

It is often appropriate to smudge guests as they enter the space at a ritual, ceremony or special event. Smudge as if you were smudging yourself, fanning the smoke all over their body. You may want to speak an intention or a suggestion for the smudging as you do it. For instance "Allow the sacred smoke to cleanse your body and spirit and bring you present and available into this moment"

Smudging a room or space

Light the smudge stick and walk about the perimeter, giving special attention to the corners and the places behind doors. You can also fan the smoke throughout the room with a large feather.

During healing work

During healing work, the smoke may be fanned over the person either by your hand or with feathers. This clears out unhealthy energies and brings in the special attributes of the herbs. You may also direct smudge to each of the person's chakras and as you do so visualize each chakra coming into balance as it is purified by the smudge.

Cleansing crystals or other objects

Hold the objects to be purified in the smoke or fan the smoke over them. If you are clearing your crystals prior to programming them thank both them and the smudge stick for helping you to realize your goals.

Extinguishing the smudge stick

Have ready a fireproof receptacle such as a shell or a glass or ceramic dish to put the smudge stick in when you've finished. It's ideal to damp the stick out in sand, or earth or you can just press it against the bottom of the receptacle. Always make sure that a smudge stick is out before leaving the room where you keep it.

this is what i say when burning white sage throughout the house...
"Any spirits in us or around us that cannot say 'Jesus Christ is Lord!'... I command you to loosen and leave, now, in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen!"

*****Helpful links:

Smudging And Smudge Sticks For Health And Aromatherapy Benefit

mendlbarr blog (earlier post)

incense warehouse

when you must have chocolate cake... enjoy :)

2011-01-02T14:29:00.006-05:00

"mendlbarr's wackie cake"
(nutritionists love it- no eggs- makes one 9" layer)

1 1/2 c flour

1 c sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 c cocoa powder

1 c water
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp vinegar
1 stick melted butter
1/2 c chopped pecans

Mix and bake in a greased and floured 9" cake pan.
Bake 350 degrees for @ 40 minutes.

"mendlbarr's just enough frosting"

1 1/2 c powdered sugar
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp milk
1/4 c cocoa powder
1/4 tsp vanilla

Using high speed mixer- beat until thick and smooth (feel free to adjust milk or powdered sugar as needed)

2011 brings new wisdom...

2011-01-02T07:13:00.010-05:00

Happy New Year!!! Blessings to all in 2011!!!

So much has happened in recent months!

I've started "acting" once more! For those of you who didn't know this, we moved to New York City, 12 yrs ago, to do just that... go figure! All in God's time :)

Discovered a name to my "gift" which allows me to research this ability and communicate with others who are experts in this field. I am an "empath"... feels good to finally say that :)

helpful links...
The Universal Empath 101
Are You An Emotional Empath?
What is an Empath?
Scribd- Empath 101
How To Thrive As An Empath

Learning as much as I can about "dysfunctional families" and enpowering myself. There is a silver lining to every dark cloud :) Whomever said "blood is thicker than water", didn't have a dysfunctional family or my circle of friends... God is good :)

Wishing all of you a terrific New Year! Be all that you dream!
Belinda :)

go to link: (thanks Roxana)
Breaking Free of Your Limitations: Cutting Family Ties That Bind Us

Advantages of Cutting the Ties with Parental Figures:

•Live more from our Higher Consciousness.

•Heal emotional buttons and emotional reaction patterns.

•If it's a child cutting from a parent it can help end the guilt of being who we are and not necessarily who we think our parental models want us to be.

•Helps both people in the exercise to be free to be who they really are as individuals.

•Helps to put us in a position to form better boundaries.

•Helps end any victim role we may be playing.

•Overall it encourages and supports balance in our lives for healthy giving and receiving.

Feliz Navidad... from our home to yours :)

2010-12-23T09:25:00.002-05:00

***click on our picture for a special greeting created just for you...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! love ya :)

Happy Halloween... carnelian style :)

2010-10-30T02:12:00.002-04:00

The leaves are vibrant with color and the temperature outside is dropping quickly! Stay safe and have a terrific Halloween...

We're a CHAIN! :)

2010-10-29T03:55:00.000-04:00

I might be dating myself... but remember that great line in "Steel Magnolias" when Dolly Parton's character realizes her beauty shop is now a chain? That is how I felt tonight :)

It's been two and a half years since we opened our first cyber shop on Etsy and now... drumroll please... we opened our second cyber shop on ArtFire! We have really enjoyed sending our creations all over the world! The wonderful feedback we've received has always brightened our days... thanks to all of you!

In honor of "Steel Magnolias" and our newest shop on ArtFire... I searched for these pictures from way back when.

Harbor Playhouse (Corpus Christi, TX) production of "Steel Magnolias"... I was Shelby... what fun :)

new shop on Artfire :)

2010-10-26T22:15:00.001-04:00

Welcome! We're glad you found us and we hope you enjoy browsing our shop!

We design, create and guarantee all of our work! Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! Check back often as we are constantly making new items! Designing jewelry is our passion and hopefully one of our pieces will find it's way into your heart and soul!

Each purchase will arrive beautifully packaged and ready to "gift" to that special someone or even better... for the most important person in the world... YOU!

Thanks for shopping with us!

Belinda & David

new location for our wearable art...

2010-10-26T19:49:00.002-04:00

we are always creating new designs...

check out our newest storefront on Artfire :)

do animals have souls?

2010-10-15T13:55:00.004-04:00

have to share this because it is so beautifully worded... :)

Do Animals Have Souls?
by Stacy Mantle

I was talking with a coworker the other day and he informed me that animals do not have emotions. This is just after he told me (the day that I put my dog of 17yrs down) that animals do not have souls and therefore will never enjoy the concept of heaven. Now, this coworker has the disadvantage of being, what I refer to, as a "bible-thumper." He is, in fact, a born-again Christian. Please bear in mind that I have nothing against Christians, nor do I have anything against religion in general. I do, however, have a problem with this coworker passing along faulty information.

Animals do have emotions and they also have souls, and I'll tell you how I know that. In over twenty years of working with animals, I have never seen a kitten duct-tape a live human baby to a freeway. I also have never seen a cat find enjoyment from setting a human on fire. I've never gone hiking in the desert to find a child that dogs have left tied to a stake, without food and water, subjecting it to a painful death in the desert heat. I have never seen a chicken force two unwilling humans to fight in a ring with razor blades attached to their feet while the chickens place bets on who will be the first to die. I haven't seen a puppy place eight children in a gunnysack and drown them in a river. Neither have I seen an eagle aim a shotgun at an unarmed human. I have yet to see a bear kill a human simply to place a head on the wall of their cave. And to this day, I have not seen a pigeon drive a car down the road and aim for humans who were walking around the park.

Let me tell you what I have seen. I have seen my own cats sleep next to me so they may keep me a little warmer while I was ill. I've seen my dogs play games with me just to force a smile to my face. I have seen a cat rush into a burning home not once, not twice, but six times to save her kittens, nearly losing her own life in the process. I have seen a ferret pull a frightened kitten out of a deep hole in the ground. I have seen a coyote fetch another dog so that it may get the proper medical care that it needs. I've seen a dog, who loves to jump on people, avoid jumping on me when I injured my back. I've seen elephants cry. I've seen monkeys scream in empathy when one of their own were injured. I've seen puppies whine all night long when they were separated from their mothers. I've seen a dog pull a child away from a fire.

These are only a few of the things that I've seen. To list them all would take a lifetime, and I think you get my point. As for the soul thing? Well, it is my humble opinion that if you have emotions, any kind of emotions, then you have a soul. Ironically, the pope of the Roman Catholic Church recently stated that he feels the same way.

Now, I can't prove that animals have souls. But then, I can't prove that you or I have one either. And for all those people who firmly believe that animals don't have souls - well, I suppose if there really is a heaven, you'll probably have the job of cleaning out all the litter boxes...

free spirit...

2010-10-15T12:21:00.000-04:00

It took many years to get here... but praise God... I am a "free spirit" :)

May you find your true self and live according to your own wishes and beliefs...

chocolate chip cookies...

2010-09-20T03:24:00.001-04:00

We love cooking as much as creating wearable art!

Tonight was "chocolate chip cookie" night! It's not unusual to see me baking in the wee hours of the morning... now I've added the inspiration of Christmas! Yes, the Christmas CDs are out and I'm thru #16 of the 50 in our collection and it's not even October :)

Want to share a little something wth you...

mendlbarr tip: refrigerate the cookie balls- when chilled, place in separate serving freezer bags... now you can have fresh baked cookies whenever you want :) yum!

2010-09-02T07:39:00.001-04:00

First SALE at mendlbarr... "celebrating the best month ever"... my birthday month!

************BUY 1 GET 1 HALF OFF**************

(difference will be immediately refunded thru PayPal or I can make a special listing for you)

Now is the time to buy yourself that special present :)

2010-09-01T09:17:00.000-04:00

First SALE at mendlbarr... "celebrating the best month ever"... my birthday month!
************BUY 1 GET 1 HALF OFF**************
(difference will be immediately refunded thru PayPal or I can make a special listing for you)
Now is the time to buy yourself that special present :)

mendlbarr.etsy.com

stunning cubic zirconia...

2010-08-30T08:27:00.000-04:00

not just in "clear" anymore... the refraction of light is stunning :)

leaves are turning colors :)

2010-08-27T04:25:00.001-04:00

My favorite time of year is here!

Heard it once said that we always love the time of year in which our birthday falls... guess it's true? Placed our fall wreath on the door and will be placing our pumpkins and other decorations soon! Bring out the cinnamon, cranberry and apple cider candles... fall is here!

Because we release our creative energies on designing "wearable art"... here are few with wonderful fall colors :) Enjoy!

renew an old outfit with new wearable art...

2010-08-19T15:29:00.000-04:00

Love that treasured dress but want to add new excitement? Or maybe your "power" outfit lost some of its effectiveness? Change your wearable art and see it in a different light... enjoy! :)

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

2010-08-09T13:17:00.001-04:00

this is something you should watch at least once... God bless him for sharing such wisdom :)

Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For (Video)

2010-08-09T00:42:00.002-04:00

discovered another great song... my playlist is so mixed :) enjoy!

vintage evening bags...

2010-08-05T13:47:00.002-04:00

Vintage fun, vintage perfection!

Who wants to wear something gorgeous and oh! so unique? Take a peek at these vintage evening bags we have on our Etsy site...

just dust yourself off and get back on the horse...

2010-07-31T16:13:00.001-04:00

Why is it that one moment I can be on such a "high" and in no time, I feel like I got bucked off a horse and I'm eating dirt? This morning was terrific... spent hours on the terrace tending to our abundance of plant life and even noticed the cicadas singing :) Still in that serene peace... I grab the blackberry... why????

Answered an email from a distant pal back in Texas and soon it gets ugly... judgement and preaching. I get sucked in and drain myself of all that wonderful "high". Fighting the urge to crawl in bed and dwell in this "funkiness"... I decide to dust myself off and climb back on that horse to continue the wonderful ride!

Lessons learned...
1) Protect your sacred time by not allowing the outside world to intrude!
2) When the "funkiness" appears... just dust yourself off and get back on that horse!

moonstone creations

2010-07-30T12:09:00.001-04:00

We love using stones that mesmerize and flash colors as you move... these two creations do just that!

magical dew drops $42

moonstruck $48

Whether you are dressing for a dinner date or just want an earring to wear with your favorite jeans... these will soon be your favorites! Enjoy!

Owl City - Fireflies

2010-07-22T11:04:00.003-04:00

"I like to make myself believe..."
Wow! This awesome video has inspired me to create some colorful, fun and magical pieces. Be on the lookout for our "fireflies" collection... coming soon :) Enjoy!

turquoise and black...

2010-07-22T08:53:00.001-04:00

A terrific combination of organic and elegant... beautiful with that new pair of jeans and a crisp white blouse!

ride em cowboys (bracelet) $158

one-of-a-kind $48

turquoise dance $38

blessings and graces

2010-07-21T04:04:00.003-04:00

the power of "saging"

2010-07-21T03:16:00.003-04:00

Want to share something with you that just might make life a little easier!

Robert Downey, Jr. has been a favorite of mine for a long time and when I read that he has improved his life with the use of "saging"... I had to do my own research and give it a try. I am now a true believer in the powers of energy and utilize "saging" in my life. Peace immediately surrounds our home afterwards... we've become more productive when the "negative" energy is sent away. May you find this information helpful. Heather Buchanan, HamtonsHeather.com, writes:

Have you ever had the feeling that there's an invisible little grouchy entity which has attached itself to you and is wreaking havoc with your life (not including certain political figures)? I'm a great believer in the power of energy be it positive or negative and when I hit a patch where I've done yoga five days in a row, shaved my legs, finished my column, and chased two mating ducks out of the middle of the road so they didn't get hit by an oncoming truck, and I feel good about myself, magical things can happen.

After spending two days, in bed, in a cloud of yuckiness... I decided to grab my sage and give it a try! Yes...finally feel like myself again! It's times like these that I wonder what kept me from remembering the powers of "saging"? So you ask "what is it?" Nicole Brown, eHow Contributing Writer, gives a concise description:

Sage has been burned by the Native American people for centuries. Today, burning sage has become a widespread practice. Sage can be used for a variety of different purposes. One common use for sage is to cleanse a space. Sage can be purchased in a ready-made bundle or loose. Once lit, the smoke from the sage can be fanned around the location with the intent of purifying the area and removing any negative energies. Sage can be burned in your home to cleanse it of a haunting or unwanted spirit activity.

Hope this enlightens and inspires...
Belinda :)

God works in mysterious ways...

2010-07-19T06:24:00.003-04:00

Remembering a blog post of mine from way back. This is a picture of the Guadalupe River in Texas... many fond memories of tubing and how, in parts, it was slow and boring and at other times fast, furious and so much fun! Life is just like that... God works in mysterious ways!

If you ever have the time for me to go "on and on and on" about the unique and crazy things God has done in our lives... I am more than happy to open up and sure hope that you, too, will share your miracles and inspire :)

Blessed in many ways... it's still amazes me how God can bring people into your life at just the perfect moment! The anticipation of meeting someone for the first time, whether by phone or in person, can be an adrenaline high! Getting to know someone and digging deeper to see what makes them "click"? The best part is knowing that, somehow, you are kindred spirits... a divine purpose will be fullfilled and we may never really know the "big picture". If you have faith and realize there are no coincidences... what a wonderful ride!

Had a terrific conversation with someone brand new! Afterwards... felt energized and hopped on that lonely treadmill staring at me. Hope this is the start of a new direction... ready to ride the rapids, hold on to my inner tube and "enjoy the time" (there is a wonderful mom out there who shared these wise words to my new friend ... I now share them with you!)

God bless all of you!
Belinda :)

good morning beautiful brides...

2010-07-13T09:07:00.001-04:00

We just added three more designs to our wedding collection... "close to you", "groovy kind of love", and "all i ask of you"... enjoy!

inspiration is everywhere...

2010-07-08T09:02:00.003-04:00

God surrounds us with so much to inspire creativity! Our family member, Sabu, was the driving force for our "sabu" collection...

Now it seems a song and this miraculous dancer inspire us to create something with them in mind... stay tuned and we'll post when completed :) If you watch "So You Think You Can Dance", here's a repeat... if not, you're in for a treat :)

blessings come in many colors...

2010-07-07T22:04:00.001-04:00

We are country folk living in the big city... so we try and bring as much of the country to our terrace! Who would've thought butterflies would visit us on the fifth floor?

All of the attention to detail has paid off as we enjoyed the first jalepenos... chopped finely into the sour cream sauce atop our chicken enchiladas :) Our strawberries are a sweet surprise! We also have concord & muscat grapes... chives... parsley... and the pride of all... a peach tree!

Yes... blessings come in many colors...

our earrings "in action"...

2010-07-06T01:01:00.002-04:00

A friend purchased our "i do" earrings for his sister to wear on her wedding day! We were excited to see the gorgeous pictures and to know that our creations were part of her special day! Our hometown beaches (Corpus Christi, Texas) were also part of this blessed event.

Thanks, Stephen, for sharing such a memorable day with us!

our creations in "your" blog... wow!

2010-07-02T20:56:00.002-04:00

What a surprise to find out that our creations made it into two different blogs recently!
Thank you... thank you... thank you... :)

These were featured in "aisle with style"...

and this one made it into "buried in betsy's closet"...

sweet muscat

2010-07-01T16:47:00.001-04:00

How we love our muscat grapes... started our vine from seed and have watched it grow! These chunks of tourmaline (lovely combination of pink and green) reminded us of these beauties. Sterling silver ear wires and swirl headpin finish it off. Don't you just love the swirly vines the plant uses to attach itself to anything nearby? Enjoy!

for the bride...

2010-07-01T08:21:00.001-04:00

So many requests for bridal creations... so here ya go! May each one of your weddings be blessed and full of graces :)

newest creations...

2010-06-30T22:09:00.001-04:00

So are you ready for the 4th of July weekend? Stay safe and have lots of fun :)
We just listed some new creations on our Etsy site... take a peek...

walk like an egyptian

2010-04-13T05:28:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've written... so much has happened since December 2008! Hope life has been good to you! We are still designing jewelry and are adding some vintage evening bags to our Etsy site real soon :)

Stay tuned!

mendlbarr.etsy.com

Jesus is the reason for the season...

2008-12-06T15:34:00.012-05:00

Take time to be ready and let Jesus into your heart!

Merry Christmas!

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."-- Matthew 5:8

2008-12-04T19:39:00.005-05:00

Wow! Time is flying by so fast! We have been very busy creating new items for our Etsy shop. So many excursions to the wonderful bead shops (in the garment district of Manhattan) to inspire us. We have discovered so many one-of-a-kind stones we had to design with. Colored cubic zirconia stones have also attracted our attention! Take a peek at the new additions to our shop! Our goal was to get to 100 items before November. Looks like we'll get there by next week... better late than never! :)

Pardon the missing details on many of the pieces... thought I'd post at least one photo and then slowly fill in with details and other photo shoots! Stay tuned!

Happy Holidays from our home to yours... Belinda & David (and our furred and feathered children!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T00:20:00.006-05:00

A day to sit back and count our blessings. Our favorite day of the year... really! We enjoy spending the time, in the kitchen, cooking an entire spread of a meal and it's just the two of us! And our feathered and furry children! No rushing... because we cook in our own time and eat our feast in our time, as well. We just might make Thanksgiving last until Tuesday... we are off together til then! Praise God!

With each dish that we traditionally make... we remember those that passed these wonderful recipes our way and all of the great memories of Thanksgiving past! Thank You, God, for everything we celebrate today and for having a home that is filled with unconditional love! Each day is a blessing! Please help us to be grateful and to remember to do Your will each day! Amen!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-26T11:00:00.009-04:00

Wow! It's been quite a bit since I've written. Still getting used to the full-time job, outside of home. Seems every spare moment goes into mendlbarr.

Our goal is to have 100 pieces of jewelry on the Etsy site by November 1st... we have so many just waiting for their photography session! Ah... the days that I used to spend just designing, creating and photographing! Okay, wake up!

The leaves have turned beautiful colors and my favorite time of year is here! Just in case I don't get to write before October 31st... HAPPY HALLOWEEN! :)

The Blessing of Our Animals

2008-10-04T14:27:00.005-04:00

The day started out cloudy, but by 1:30 pm the sun was in full glory for the annual "Blessing of Animals" service through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day. We have lived across the street from St. Francis of Paola church for over 9 years. This is a day that ranks up there in importance (if you know us, you understand).

We love our furred and feathered family and to have a priest hold a service just for them is very special!

I forgot to grab the camera as we rushed across the street, with Heathcliff & Mickey (our chinchillas), Monte & Max (our dogs) and the newest member of our family... Sabu (our bird). They all behaved so beautifully. We are so proud of our menagerie. It was nice to honor all of the animals. A large gathering of God's "angels" and their human companions!

We've complained about our apartment and eagerly await the new home God has prepared for us when our lease has ended... but I will surely miss this special service by St. Francis of Paola! We are blessed! Thanks Jesus!

life is good...

2008-09-29T00:49:00.008-04:00

Sabu, our Indian Ringneck, is trying to ride Monte's back. Monte, our American Eskimo, patiently glances back at him. Yes, it's the little things that make life so good!

My new job is going well. Now I know what looking forward to the weekend really feels like. You automatically wake up on Friday morning in a great mood! Praise God for all of our blessings!

We visited two wholesale bead shops in Manhattan last weekend and we have begun the creative process. Hopefully, we will get to post some of the new creations on our Etsy site by next weekend. We love creating... but our regular, everyday chores have piled up so high that we had to spend the weekend being domestic. Whew... we need a "weekend" to rest from our weekend!

a new "day" job...

2008-09-18T18:58:00.006-04:00

I started a new job in beautiful Tribeca! After my years of retail management... I am finally able to experience a normal Monday thru Friday work week! Praise God! After fighting the idea of outside sales for way too long, I am finally where I am supposed to be! It's only been four days but I am so excited!

And... it doesn't hurt that I get to work with my husband again! We work for an architectural glass company and use our creative gifts to help design glass projects. Brainstorming with architects to bring their vision to fruition, our "day jobs" inspire our jewelry designs. It's also nice to be able to enjoy eachother's company as we commute to and from work!

We plan to shop many of the NYC wholesale jewelry supply stores this weekend... ahhh... the fun we'll have! Can't wait to see what catches our eyes... the hunt for stones is as much fun as designing with them! Check out our Etsy shop early next week for a peek! :)

How exciting!!!

2008-09-10T09:33:00.010-04:00

We got more press! Feels so good when we are mentioned somewhere in cyberspace for our jewelry! This morning was exciting because our "denim n' chain" earrings were on the front page of Etsy and our "one-of-a-kind leaves" were recommended on thisnext.com!

Our "denim n' chain" earrings were part of a beautiful treasury! These colors get us in the mood for fall! Growing up in South Texas, we never experienced seasons... so we love fall weather in New York! Can't wait!! Somewhere I read that we always love the months that we were born into... guess that's correct... I love the fall and my birhtday is just around the corner! :)

using the "talents" God gave you...

2008-09-08T16:18:00.004-04:00

Received an email from my Godmother today... she signed it with "hope you are doing well with your "talents"! Made my day that she remembered my struggle to utilize all of my creative gifts in a world that sometimes makes it impossible! Even with so much more time at home... I find it hard to get everything done! Scares me what it might be like once I get back to full-time work?

Guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Until then, I will take a big breath, say a prayer and put one foot in front of the other and hope it takes me where He wants me to be! Do any of you have any suggestions on time-managing? I'm going to need it!

bring on the rain...

2008-09-06T18:27:00.012-04:00

Today we awaited Tropical Storm Hanna on the East coast. We are from South Texas and we've been thru a few hurricanes... but in New York??? At about 3pm, the rain came down hard... it's still dark outside. This song by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw just came to mind! Treat yourself for a few minutes and listen to the words... very inspiring!

"Bring on the Rain" has two meanings to me right now... literally, we love the sound of rain on a tin roof... so relaxing! Experiencing some rough times recently, we can testify first hand that "it is darkest before the dawn." With our faith in God and our savior, Jesus Christ, we know the dawn will come (we just have to remember this when it's so dark that you can't think straight.) So bring on the rain! :)

powerful prayer

2008-08-29T01:34:00.013-04:00

Do you ever feel like the "negative forces" are taking over your life? Well, you don't have to take it anymore. Many years ago... God gave me this prayer to fight the evil forces of the devil... and it works! I am still not sure why I stop saying it from time to time, especially when I can testify to it's power over Satan?

It's 1:37am and I was just getting ready to go do my workout when I felt the urging to write on this blog... and God wants me to post this prayer! And what God wants... we really are trying to do... so here goes. This will be a task since it's only by memory that I say it. Know that the enemy will try to block my memory as I write, but I will forge on until it's complete so that you, too, can say this prayer to protect yourself and set yourself free! God bless all of you!

I testify to Satan personally as to what the word says the
blood does for me.
Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed out of the
hand of the devil.

Through the blood of Jesus, all my sins are forgiven.
The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, continually cleanses me from all sin.
Through the blood of Jesus, I am justified, made righteous, just as if I'd never sinned.
Through the blood of Jesus, I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God.
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed by the blood of Jesus.
Satan has no place in me, no power over me, through the blood of Jesus Christ! Amen!

christian the lion...

2008-08-28T01:44:00.006-04:00

Just came across the story of Christian, the lion, and wanted to share it with you!

My husband and I love God's furred and feathered creatures. We have a home filled with them and hope to one day have a piece of land to share with many more!

If you click on the picture, you will be taken to a great article on Christian. Remember Born Free? Well, Christian was introduced to the wild by George Adamson and the video I've posted shows Christian reunited with his loved ones a year after living in the wild! Emotional! If you're an animal lover... get the tissue! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U

To find out more and see what you can do to help... WildLifeNOW.com

"Believe"... designed for Camp Casey

2008-08-26T21:03:00.030-04:00

Here's some pictures of the bracelet and earrings we designed for Camp Casey- A Non Profit Horse Camp for Kids Conquering Cancer! Their benefit, 2008 Second Annual Giddy Up Gala, will be held on September 20th!

We used aquamarine, chalcedony, jade, turquoise, rock crystal, lamp glass and swarovski crystal! All of the decorative beads, earring findings and the toggle clasp are sterling silver!

We called them "believe" because if one remembers to have faith... all things are possible! :) We hope these pieces bring in a high number at the silent auction! May the lucky winner enjoy wearing them and always remember the great cause they supported at the same time!

Joyce Meyer's Enjoying Everyday Life

2008-08-25T03:10:00.019-04:00

Just finished the bracelet for Camp Casey! I'll take pictures tomorrow and post them here for you to see! Still need to create the earrings... several ideas to decide from. The creative juices were flowing (always happens late nite.) Poor David needs to get up early and here he was putting it all together for me. I love our partnership! His strengths are different than mine and vice versa... together our common ground rocks! Praise God!

We are trying very hard to walk the path God has put down for us... not always an easy thing. Joyce Meyer once said that God always comes to help us just at the right moment and not usually any earlier... we sometimes wish He would sweep in much sooner... save us alot of worries, right? We TIVO Joyce Meyer's "Enjoying Everyday Life" each morning and really enjoy her messages. She is so down to earth. If you get a chance, take a peek at her show... maybe you'll fall in love with her messages, too!

Do you remember when...

2008-08-22T04:00:00.011-04:00

Bobby Sherman and the Partridge Family together! Thanks to YouTube, I finally saw part of an episode I missed! LOVE IT! A blast from the past! Do any of you even know who Bobby Sherman is? :)

Camp Casey

2008-08-21T23:33:00.008-04:00

We are in the process of designing a jewelry piece that will be auctioned at a benefit for Camp Casey. It feels so good to be able to help out! Camp Casey is a "Non Profit Horse Camp For Kids Conquering Cancer". As soon as it's done we will post a picture so you can get a glimpse of the finished product. Check out the website for more info. It's right up our alley since we are such huge animal fans... we know, first hand, how much an animal can touch your heart... what a wonderful thing for these children to look forward to!

traveling abroad...

2008-08-21T05:57:00.011-04:00

Hello Argentina and Indonesia! I'm still excited about the foreign visitors to our blog. One day we will travel abroad... get stamps on the passports we have yet to own. I wonder if many of you travel for fun or is it business? Do many of you want to visit the United States as much as we want to visit other countries?

Our aspirations in business include designing items that would be handmade for us in other countries... thus allowing us to help families that might otherwise not have an adequate income to live. At the Union Square Holiday Festival, in New York City, we met a woman who did just that... all of the items in her booth were made abroad and she seemed so fulfilled to be able to create and also help others. I hope to seek her out this year and get more details about her endeavors. Who knows... we might just be traveling abroad, for business, as well?

ClustrMaps

2008-08-20T04:59:00.020-04:00

Have you noticed the small world map at the bottom of our website or this blog? Well, I want to tell you a little bit about it, in case you don't know... it tracks where my visitors are located. It's so much fun to see where all of you come from. I think today was worth noting because we got our first visitor from outside the United States! Now, to most of you it's probably no big deal but to me... one who still doesn't own a passport... it's a very exciting thing! The closest I've been to traveling the world has been watching "The Amazing Race" each and every season!

To our visitor from Morocco (if the map is accurate)... welcome! Hopefully you liked what you saw and will return! Thanks for visiting our sites!

Here's the link to ClustrMaps... just in case you want to have fun, too!

front page of Etsy...

2008-08-19T23:46:00.009-04:00

One of our designs made it to the front page of Etsy!!! We are so excited and honoured! Just found out and wanted to share it with the world! A very bright spot added to our day... praise God! :)

like riding the river rapids...

2008-08-19T14:42:00.005-04:00

Well... it's up and running... mendlbarr.com! We needed a central address to make it easier for everyone to find us. Now, by just remembering mendlbarr.com, you will have access to our blog and our Etsy shop without having to remember both addresses. David and I are now benefiting from the convenience of current technology.

The past two months have been fast and furious... our home has been transformed into a mini factory... shipping department, IT department, photography studio and, of course, the crazy design studio. Days are blending together as the creative juices flow... like riding an innertube on the river rapids... hang on and enjoy the ride!

making your life count...

2008-08-18T05:03:00.028-04:00

How fast time flies by? I planned on writing something every day but didn't quite succeed, did !? My grandmother used to tell me, when I was a little girl, that as we grow older, time seems to go by much faster. She was so right... years fly by and, before we know it, we're older than Elvis Presley was when he unfortunately passed away. I remember thinking he was much older when he died... and just last night, realized that I've outlived him by three years... scary.

This reaffirmed what I've already been contemplating... we must do in life all that we truly feel we are called to do. We don't want to be lying on our deathbed, in the hospital... and hearing the beeping sound of that machine next to us... and wonder "what if?" My dad once told me that... the image and sound has left a lasting impression.

David and I still have so much we feel we are called to do... we will have to make bigger strides than most because we are playing catch-up, in a way. In our hearts... he is a fashion designer and I am an actress. Only God knows for sure if we will achieve what is in our hearts... if we don't... it's because He has an even better plan and hopefully we are already on His path.

Okay, I'm sentimental and cheesy... so I will leave you with one of my favorite songs... drum roll please... Donny Osmond sings Mary Did You Know!

In memory of Hobson...

2008-08-14T11:03:00.005-04:00

Hobson was our beloved cockatiel that graced us with her presence for 18 great years! She made the move with us, to New York, riding on David's shoulder as he drove the U-Haul! We will always have fond memories of her... tough shoes to fill, Sabu (our new baby- an indian ringneck parrot)!

Today, thanks to my dad in Texas, she will be laid to rest in her native Texas soil... next to other special furred and feathered friends! It's hard to let her go! Thanks again, Dad, for doing this for us... it means more than you'll ever know!

her comments made our day...

2008-08-14T02:06:00.009-04:00

Sent two pairs of earrings to California today! New customer who just happened upon our Etsy shop! It feels so good when the customer writes us a note describing her excitement! The validation received, knowing we made someone happy, is truly fulfilling!

And we don't stop there... the whole package is prepared with care so that when she opens it... she's excited all over again! Our presentation will continue to be a work in progress because we will always find another "thank you" card, ribbon, gift box or business card we can't live without! Just like the two of us... our business is evolving! Love it! Thank you... Jesus!

let's get physical...

2008-08-12T22:15:00.008-04:00

We put up four new pieces on the Etsy site yesterday! Would like to be a bit more disciplined and maybe not wait "two weeks" before we do it again! :)

Good things happening on our weight-loss program... it's been two weeks and we are starting to lose some of our extra poundage! David has lost more than I... but isn't that the norm? Men somehow get to lose faster... bummer for me!

We haven't really changed our eating habits yet... we just started using our treadmill and pilates machine! We bought both of the machines a long time ago... I'm afraid to look it up because I will be so embarrassed! Of course, I had to look for the dates... OCD, right? We got the pilates February 2006 and the treadmill soon afterward! It took us 2 1/2 years, but we are finally using them!

Praise God! I'm happy to say that we have really made it a routine to work-out... if one is on the treadmill, the other uses the pilates machine! I made a 10-page booklet of pilates exercises out of the large poster that accompanied the machine (never could find a convenient place to post it once we moved it to our living room!) Yes! Our living room has become our gym, too! Have to do what it takes, right?

in the bahamas

2008-08-11T22:26:00.007-04:00

Do you wonder why most of our jewelry pieces are photographed in the rain?

Well... the "wet look" is due to our intense wishes to sell our jewelry on the beaches of the Bahamas where tourists will adorn themselves with our bathing suits, beautiful colored wraps and, of course, our jewelry that will be "at home" in the water! Ornate copper findings are paired with blue freshwater pearls and czech glass beads! Can't you see yourself sipping a pina colada on the beach? We can! All items from "mendlbarr" arrive beautifully packaged for gift giving!

just love this show!!!!

2008-08-08T23:55:00.009-04:00

I had a blast today watching episodes of "Flipping Out"... I think I found my long lost brother! Oh my... we are so alike! Like two peas in a pod! Have you seen this show yet? The second season just finished, I think? It's hilarious! Now I need to TIVO all of the episodes before the third season begins!

I could seriously see us "flipping houses"... expressing our passions thru renovating houses!! Imagine the possibilities out there! Somehow, I just don't see us doing this in New York City... who knows what God has in store for us! :)

David and I have given new life to many things in the past... our business in Texas was called Renaissance Rags because it was a "rebirth" for the old items we would find in antique stores... like evening bags, clothing, hats and jewelry! For the past nine years, we've also revamped old antique furniture pieces. Wonderful chest of drawers, armoires, end tables and mirrors have become great "shabby chic" pieces! Most recently, we did an oversized chest of drawers and even ordered some carved feet to enhance the broad base... it still needs a final coat of paint and the perfect set of glass knobs... but it will be another "one-of-a-kind" mendlbarr piece to add to our large collection! I'll post a picture when it's completed!

greenmarket... a true pleasure!

2008-08-06T21:38:00.009-04:00

Greenmarket, the largest and most successful open-air farmers markets program in the country connects local farmers with city residents by delivering fresh healthy produce to all five boroughs. Greenmarkets 44 market locations allow New Yorkers to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and other locally produced products straight from regional farmers. By directly connecting farmers and producers to New Yorkers, Greenmarket supports family farms, preserves farm land, delivers fresh healthy produce to those who need it most, and reduces the environmental effects that result from food traveling across the country or world. Greenmarket has set the standard for farmers markets for 30 years, and continues to grow and serve new communities.
We spent part of today at the Union Square Greenmarket... a true pleasure! This will be something we'll miss when we move from the Big Apple! You buy as much as you can carry because most of us are walking or ride the subway home. The selection is fantastic! Fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, etc... all so fresh and irresistible!
Another day goes by and our jewelry pieces silently await their day to be photographed. Maybe tomorrow? :)

life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans...

2008-08-06T01:01:00.006-04:00

Wow! I got the urge to find out who actually said, "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans." What an interesting story!

This great quote is attributed to Thomas La Mance, John Lennon, Margaret Millar, Allen Sasunders and Betty Talmadge! Thanks to whomever it was that uttered those words or penned them for us to think about! I totally agree...

http://www.lifeisquotes.com/adventure.htm

discipline... a foreign concept

2008-08-05T21:27:00.007-04:00

According to Wikipedia...

"Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one's self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behaviour, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of 'self control'. Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine a best course of action that opposes one's desires. "

Okay... I'll be honest with myself and admit I need improvement with self-discipline! It's been too long since I photographed and put more of our jewelry pieces on our Etsy shop! Six days have flown by since I've written on this new blog! And what did I accomplish that was so pressing? Beats me? But who was it that said... "Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans."

We just received beautiful findings from New Zealand and Mexico... oxidized silvers and coppers with wonderful patinas! Stay tuned... our creative juices have been flowing... just need to be disciplined and create! :)

a little bit about us...

2008-07-30T21:10:00.005-04:00

Thought I'd take the time to tell you a little about "mendlbarr" and how it all got started! I'm lucky to be married to my soulmate and have been able to explore many creative outlets. We both have a large "common ground" in the arts! We are both Texans and very proud of it! Our move to the "big apple" is due to my acting aspirations and my husband's design aspirations!

We started creating jewelry while we were in Texas! Our designs included clothing, hats and vintage evening bags that we gave "new" glamour to! We have surrounded ourselves with much inspiration and have finally found the outlet to share it all with you! We are perfectionists and usually find that our jewelry goes thru many stages before you get to place your eyes on it!

To begin with... we must be inspired to create! This is crucial! A happy home, plus living each day to the fullest, has been our recipe! Step two... we design... sometimes on paper, other times directly to the table with gemstones in hand! The third step... I photograph these creations in hopes of doing them justice! I have to say that my "OCD" tendencies really get the best of me in this area! Taking 194 pictures to finally approve 15 of them is something I want to get better at! Just yesterday, I spent 6 hours on three items! Okay... now I'm embarrassed... but that time did include editing and posting to the website... does that make it seem better? A good friend reminded me the other day that time flies when we're having fun... she is sooooo right!

My love of photography has consumed me for years... I've made stationery, note cards and even videos! I also have an extensive collection of "food items" that I've photographed... hoping to one day publish a cookbook with all of my favorite recipes!

We've lived in Brooklyn for 9 years and hope to return to Texas one day soon! God willing! I want to hear the rooster wake us up and ride our horses into the sunset!

Until we win the lotto... David will spend way too much time at his "day job" as a manager at a really neat glass company in Manhattan (his stained-glass designs are exquisite!) As for myself, I hop from retail management positions to creative "domestic goddess" time at home... trying to do it all! Still yearning for the role of a lifetime on "All My Children"! :) From my mouth to God's ears!

So this gives you a little insight into "mendlbarr"... sweet dreams...have a good night!

the beginning of something new...

2008-07-30T13:34:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone! We're so excited to become a part of the "web" world! We just launched our shop on Etsy! My husband, David, and I have been creating jewelry since 1995 and we've started placing our "art" on this site!... http://www.mendlbarr.etsy.com/

If you're not familiar with Etsy... get ready... it's addicting!...

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. You'll find a creative community of independent artists and designers and the very best in handmade goods, craft supplies and vintage. It's an excellent place to find one-of-a-kind items, to give as gifts - or as gifts for yourself! Since you're buying directly from artists on Etsy, you have the special opportunity to form personal connections with the people who create your treasures.

Take a peek! Who knows... you might want to unleash your creative side, too? :)