My Jobs...

I haven't forgotten about what I said here....I just got held up planning a private A Toast 2 Artistry birthday gathering which turned out Uh-Mazing! I'll post the pictures from my trip to Chicago no later than this weekend. In the meantime, you can check out what keeps me working like a mad woman HERE & HERE. People always ask me what I do, since I work most days from home. Well, below are some pictures from the 2 businesses that I co-own. I enjoy all of the jobs I do, and I'm so grateful to be able to do the things that I love everyday!

 Company: A Toast 2 Artistry

A Toast to Artistry is a fresh concept and an alternative to the mundane celebration at a nightclub. This fun night out blends together two things that we love to do...sip cocktails & socialize, while participating in a creative and unique art lesson. We've figured out a way to draw sophisticated & like-minded individuals into local restaurants and wine bars with a unique opportunity to gather and be creative. The 2-hour A Toast 2 Artistry events are held a few times per week with 15 - 30 people in attendance who follow the step-by-step instructions of a local artist who will guide you into creating your own take home masterpiece.

Organization: The Heritage Harvest Certified Farmers Markets

Heritage Farmers Market is committed to promoting health, wellness and wholeness. It is our goal to bring fresh produce, local artisans, and community activities to various neighborhoods to promote healthy lifestyles

Day 1 - 4 | Cleveland, Ohio

Well, hello there! I won't take up too much of your time with all of the crazy stuff that's going on in my life. However, I did manage to squeeze a lovely little vacation in between my work, work, and more work schedules. And since we all really love to see pictures, below are TONS! I'll break them up in 2 parts (today and tomorrow), so that I don't fill up my whole darn blog today and bore the heck out of you!

Today I'm sharing pictures from my trip to Cleveland for my paternal Grandmother's 100th birthday and other fun stuff I did while there, and tomorrow I'll share pictures from my trip to Chicago. I've been to both places several times, so I've done all the sight-seeing types of things on previous trips. This time I went to enjoy family and to relax a bit.

P.S. all pictures were taken with my iPhone, so cut me some slack. Lol! I'm no pro. And if you follow me on Instagram HERE, then I'm sure you've seen a few of these pics already, so I apologize in advance for the re-post. ;)

TL: Me & Grandma \\ TR: 100th Birthday Banner \\ BL: Cousins (my son on right) \\ BR: Me & Dad

TL: Dad's House \\ TR: Fam Selfie \\ BL: Hang with fan & hubby at a local bar \\ Dad's Porch

TL: Cousin Myrna & I (kindred spirits) \\ TR: Cousin Jimmy & Daughter Ivy \\ BL: Fam, Hubby & I \\ BR: Son (Myles)

We took a trip to the West Side Market which is Cleveland's oldest publicly owned market. I'd been before but wanted the hubs to see because it is a dream of ours to one day turn our outdoor farmers markets into a large indoor market that's open everyday. He was blown away and inspired! 

Believe it or not, my Anthropologie coat was sufficient through the 30 degree weather...eek!

Hubby making connections

 Westside Market

My Dad's dilapidated childhood home in a seedy neighborhood in Cleveland. He was a bit rough around the edges as a child and shared so many fun stories with us about his memories here. Thank God he's a new creature in Christ now..... Lol! 

Hope you enjoyed...More pictures & fashion from my trip to the Windy City tomorrow :)

Trina Turk

I've been a fan of Trina Turk for a while now. A few years ago I went on a girlfriends getaway trip to Palm Springs and of course I had to visit the Trina Turk store while there. I didn't purchase anything at the time, but I vowed to go back and treat myself to something full of color, with a fun pattern and a beach-y feel. To me, the Trink Turk line is all about boldness and I love it!

Below are a few items from her new collection that I'm swooning over. I definitely plan on purchasing one of her swimsuits this year....it's a must have splurge!

All pics via TrinkTurk.com

A Mini Break...

Hey there! It's been a while. I didn't go far, but I did take a mini pause. I've found that sometimes the pressure of blogging can become overwhelming. I want to continue to update this blog because I love doing it and because it's my journal of sorts. But, I do want to remain authentic in what I post. I'm a firm believer that your readers can sense when you are just posting to post. I definitely don't want to get into the habit of doing that. So with that being said, please excuse the pause...However I may need to take those every now and then.

Anyhoo, last week I was in serious worker bee mode. My business partner ran a marathon on Saturday (kudos to her), and we had a private A Toast 2 Artistry party the same day, so I was on my own....Boy was that exhausting! But with the help of my son, and my assistant, we got it done! Also, the hubs and I are opening 3 new farmers markets in the next 6 weeks and there is so much to be done prior to the openings. We currently own and operate 1, and have never operated more than 2 at a time, so please pray for us as we journey into what God has lead us to do. We are excited, grateful, and amazed by our blessings. Sometimes we really just can't believe it! I'm so thankful to be able to do the things I love. After working in a corrections facility for 12 years, I never thought I'd finally be doing all the creative things I desired to do. I praise His name daily! Whew...Okay, I had a moment. Lol!

Below are just some random pics of what's been happening. Hope you all have been well. I'll be doing a blog stroll today to catch up with everyone.

Car Selfie

I made the Peace, Om, & Hamsa bracelets & the others are from Alex & Ani.

 Store Display (love!)

We finally got some rain! I was happy...can't you tell?

My demure look...Ha!

Working inside the Macy's Starbucks at the farmers market.

Peaceful moments on my porch with coffee :)