Small Business Makes BIG Donation to Hurricane Sandy Children

I am from Jersey.
South Jersey to be specific.
I live approximately 15 minutes from downtown Philadelphia & 60 minutes from Atlantic City.

The destructin of Hurricane Sandy hit extremely close to home for me.
While I was blessed to have just my lights flicker, those an hour away from me, suffered tremendously. 

Growing up in Jersey, "going down the shore", no matter which one it was, was a right of passage.

Thankfully out pouring of generousity has been happening.

I want to share this one woman's way of helping the victims of Sandy.

Judith Raye Paintings, LLC (http://www.judithraye.com) is partnering with Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.)( http://www.kidsdonations.org) to donate $600 worth of new toddler tee-shirts from their Inspired by Caden collection to children affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The shipment is currently in transit to the east coast and will be distributed by K.I.D.S. to children in New Jersey in the coming days. Specifically, the shipment is headed to Newark Now (www.newarknow.org), an organization that provides Newark residents with skills, tools, and support to transform their neighborhood. It should arrive by Monday.

“I am so thankful that I am in a position to help these children who are suffering and who have lost everything,” said Judith Raye Smith, owner and co-creator of the small business.

“It is so exciting to be able to get the community and interested citizens involved as well,” she added. The public can assist in this effort by purchasing a tee shirt or onesie. For every shirt or onesie purchased from Judith Raye Paintings a similar item will be donated to K.I.D.S. “We plan to keep this in place at least through the end of December, or as long as the items are needed,” she said.

According to Smith, she is honored to be working with a charity that already does so much for needy children. K.I.D.S. helps children that are victims in a variety of situations. In the days following Hurricane Sandy, they mobilized their resources and immediately established a Hurricane Relief Fund to respond to the need for new products for children and families affected by the super storm.

According to the K.I.D.S. VP, Christ Blake, the agencies in the affected communities are in dire need of new apparel, blankets, shoes, toys, baby products and books. K.I.D.S. has set up major distribution sites in Queens, New Jersey and other locations. For more information about K.I.D.S. and how you can help, visit their website at http://www.kidsdonations.org.

Judith Raye Smith is a grandmother who started painting to decorate her granddaughter’s walls. Her adventure has turned into much more and her one-of-a-kind artwork is now sold on clothing, note cards and other products. You can learn more about her products, and more specifically her efforts to help in the Hurricane Sandy relief, at her website http://www.judithraye.com/online-store/#!/~/category/id=4015029&offset=0&sort=normal.

Smith is the owner and co-creator, with her husband Rawlen, of Judith Raye Paintings, LLC. She can be reached for comment at judithraye@frontier.com or by phone at 503.784.9638.

Judith Raye Paintings, LLC online: http://www.judithraye.com

Judith Raye Paintings, LLC on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Judith-Raye-Paintings/228659330488584

Judith Raye on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JudithRayeArt

Heed My Warning: Have a Spare

I have done some really "bright" things in my day.
I won't go into detail but just know that I was a strawberry blonde as a child.

So this morning, I caught a ride with a coworker. 
We have one mini van so Bobster & I must share.
Yea, good times.

Today was his day.

He was going in later than me so I kissed him goodbye & off I went.

About 10:30 my phone at work rang.
Oh! Look...it's my honey.

Well he really wasn't that sweet.

The conversation went something like this:

Me:  Hi Lovedoodle, the light of my life, the cream in my twinkie, my dream man

Bobster:  Where are the car keys?

Me:  I don't know you had them last.  Remember you drove home while Cheeks & I walked home from Trick or Treating yesterday (we are in NJ so Trick or Treating was rescheduled due to Sandy)

Bobster : No, Meg, remember you took them when you went to the van to get your purse.

Me:  Wait. A. Minute!

I spun my chair around, grabbed my purse & lo & behold...our car keys were in there.
Our only set of car keys.

We do not have spare set.

So I immediately started to apologize.
I was hung up on.
The nerve.

Seems someone had to call out of work because he had no way of getting there & no one could run him 30 mins up to my job to get the keys.

Folks, heed my warning...always have a spare or two.
I will...after this weekend when I get a spare made.

Sigh.

Sigh, It's That Time of Year Again

The time of year when the outside holiday decor begins.
Yep.
Halloween.

What brings me to this blog post is an October Public Service Announcement really.

I just have to say....PICK A THEME PEOPLE! Pick a theme.

A blow up Freddy Krueger would not appreciate some frolicking ghosts dancing around a mum plant.

Nor would the Grim Reaper like to see a blowup of 3 smiling pumpkins or some wooden candy corn lining the driveway or walk way.

Really, you either go cute or scarey.
Not both.
They don't go together.
Honestly.

That concludes your PSA for October 2012.

PSA for August 2011

I'd like to use this PSA to talk to all the brides out there.
The ones who are planning their weddings.
Dreaming about their dresses.


I, being an avid watcher of "Four Weddings", "Say Yes to the Dress", "Say Yes to the Dress~Atlanta" & "Bridezilla's" not to mention other wedding shows, knows a thing or to about the do's & don'ts on your big day.


Let me show you the #1 don't on your list:

SHAZAM!

Fingerless, elbow length gloves.

Sure Madonna rocked this look in the 80's.
I may have coveted a pair when I was in my early high school career.

Today, in 2011, no, no, no.
This does not lend an air of class to your day.
In my tv watching experience, it lends an air of "retired or future pole dancer" to your day.

It really takes away from the beauty that is your gown & you.

People are focusing on your gloves, thinking, "Do I give them the gravy boat or will she shake her money maker at the reception for dollar bills?"

Shhh...I know what you are thinking, it's not true.
It is.
True.

So please before you try those babies on, think of your photos when you've been married for 50 years.
Do you really want to look at them & wonder what happen to those & your platform lucite heels?

Just sayin!

PSA Alert

Here is your Public Service Announcement for Feb 2011.

It's geared towards women.
Mainly women who use employment/public restrooms.

What I'd like to know is, how is your bathroom at home?
Is the toilet never flushed?

Apparently, if you do not have to clean the bathroom then it's not necessary to make sure all goes down in the toilet.
It only takes a second to turn around and make sure everything you have put in the bowl has gone away.

This leaves the bowl as pristene as it can be for the next visitor.

Of course, we have the "throw away the towel" situation as well.
If it doesn't make it in the can, bend over & pick it up.
Not only is this helpful and keeps the room looking somewhat decent, it provides exercise.

Just some simple hints to make your restroom experience a little more pleasant.

PSA: Dear Activitists

Dear Anti-Abortion Activist

I am down with you.  If you are against it, so be it.  I see both sides of the coin on abortion.  I've never had one. 
Will I say if I am Pro Choice or Anti Abortion?
No.
I don't want things thrown at my head.

What I am writing this PSA for is to ask that, perhaps, when protesting you can leave the graphic pictures at home.

It's a bit of an awkward situation as I drove by a womens center, that btw does other things than abortions, and have to divert my son's attention to the other side of the road.  I do this because of the graphic, humoungous in size posters you have displayed of abortions.  My son will be 4 in 2 weeks.  I do not think I should have to explain to him what the pictures are.  Mark my words, he's almost 4 so he questions everything & doesn't drop it.

Luckily I was able to divert his attention to the other side of the road today by telling him I thought I saw the Incredibe Hulk.  He believed me.  Whew.  Now I just have to explain the reason he couldn't see him.  Thank God I am quick on my feet.

So, please, feel free to protest.
I support you in it.
I will also support you if you decide not to protest.
I'm equal opportunity.

I just ask that you tone down the photos.  Think of the little kids who have no idea what they are looking at nor why you are at the building. 

Whaddya say?
Deal?

Just call me Monty Hall!

PSA: Dear Food Network

I want to let you know how much I enjoy your network, sister networks & what not.
I am particulary obsessed fond of "The Next Food Network Star".


This weeks episode had them in lunch trucks.
I liked it.
Well, imagine my surprise when I was gandering at the equipment in the truck & noticed the baffle filters that were over the grill in all the trucks.


3 out of the 4 trucks had them installed incorrectly.
Take a lookee here:

The baffles run up & down.
The 3 trucks had them side to side.
That's a big ole no no & can result in a fire b/c they are installed improperly.


So, please, FN, find whoever got the trucks for you & installed those filters & get them to put them in correctly. We would want Aarti to go up in flames. She's my fav, in case you were wondering.


Thanks much,


The Baffle Filter Police

PSA~Pronunciation

Let me just start by saying this is not another PSA about how to pronounce or even spell my name.
Although I think we could use refesher. Especially for those who email me or respond to my emails which has my name in it & still spell it Megan.  Sigh.  My mom gave me the "h" for a reason.

This PSA is about how people pronounce certain words because they drop a letter.
I took linguistics in college...I understand dialects are regionals.  Trust me I was up my Linguistic Professor's ass!  Passed w/ a B!!!

This is about when people feel it necessary to drop the pronunciation of letters that clearly exist in words.

For example, today I was speaking with a woman on the phone.
I updated her on the status of something she was looking for.
Her reply:
"Uh, uh, no way, I orda that lat munt"
Thankfully because I have dealt with the public since high school I was able to decipher that she said:
"Uh, uh, no way, I ordered that last month"

Perhaps she thought the "s" in last was optional.
Sort of like stop signs....feel free to blow them, it's just an option to stop.

Now "munt" is just wrong altogether.
I can only deduce that she felt the ending "h" in the word, making th sound, was merely a suggestion. Such as a speed limit is a suggestion for roads. 
"Hey if you would like to pronoune the th sound, feel free, but if you don't, then that's ok too"
Of course, she subbed a "u" for the "o".  Common in some areas of the country...I assume.

I wanted to help.
I wanted to teach her how to speak properly but I thought she obviously has more important things in this life like getting her hearing tested when I had to repeat my answer to her 3x's.
Her prompt reply all 3x's:
"Whaaaaa?"
Again, she chose not to pronounce the "t".
Really, why should she.
Clearly, an optional letter in the world.

So, please, world, if the letter is meant to be pronounce, please pronounce it.
Of course, if it is not meant to be pronounced, like say the "h" in Meghan, then don't say it.  Trust me, after almost 40 yrs the joke gets tired of people saying "Meg-Han"

Tell me what pronunciation of a word drives you crazy?

Late!

First PSA for 2010

It's time readers.
For your first official PSA of the new year.

This PSA can not come a moment too soon.
Let me say this.
It's February.
The Groundhog has seen his freakin shadow.
The Presidents are getting ready for their sales birthdays.
And
The day to celebrate "love" is quickly approaching.
So if your yard looks like this:

You may want to change out the decor to something like this:

That's right.
Here it is the 2nd month of the New Year & people still have Christmas decorations up.
This worries me.
Perhaps they aren't prepared to let go.
Or they just figure they will be early for next week.

Well either way, please, please take it down.

You really don't want to be wearing your Easter bonnet while posing next to your one branch Christmas tree come April, do you?

Thanks!

PSA~August

It's that time.
Time for our Summer Public Service Announcement.

This comes a bit late in the season but none the less, it is still very important to get this message out!

I am talking about men this time.
Men whose fashion gene is a bit off.
Men like Steve:

Are you saying to yourself, what's wrong with his fashion?
If you are, you need this PSA more than I thought.
If you know right off the bat what is wrong, well you should work at GQ!

Can you guess?
Ok.
Enough w/ the suspense.
I will tell you.

While Steve is a likable guy, who can't dance but tries, he loses in the fashion department.
Why?
Um, he has hairy legs....hairy legs on men are expected but when paired with infamous shorts, black socks & black shoes...well it makes me shutter & weep for our future.

What I've noticed is most men that do this are either too old to care or are so pastey white that when pairing it with such a harsh color, it is blinding to the other person.

Really, who thought this was a good look?
I especially like when they pull socks all the way up.
As far as they can go.

Yes, yes, that's a look to die for.

So, men in this country & men in other lands, take heed of my advice...
THIS IS NOT A GOOD LOOK!

Sure, sure you feel it's keeping you cool
BUT
Some of us want to keep our lunch down after eating
AND
This look gives us a case of the quesies!

So if you are pondering what to wear today
&
Are thinking this is the look
&
Don't go with that instinct.

Instead, leave me a comment.
I will help you.
I promise.

Ladies, do you have a man who is suffering from this dreaded lack of fashion gene?
Let me know!
What other fashion faux paus are the men in your life making?

Late!

PSA: Remember the Mute Button

*Disclaimer: all names have been changed to protect the innocent*


If you are expecting a call from a business it is a good idea to either just turn your phone off so it goes direct to voice mail or perhaps hit the mute button for a moment while you finish what you were talking about so you can take the phone call.


Exhibit A.

Meghanina works in an industry where she must call certain clients back.
So Meghanina must call Jim.


Dials the phone, Jim picks up, Meghanina introduces herself.


Jim says "Can you hold for a minute?"
Meghanina "Sure"


At this point, she thinks he has hit the mute button.
Sadly for Jim he has not.
Hence the following:


Jim "So, um, I can just put it right on my member?"
Voice in background "No Jim, I don't recommend that you put alcohol on your member, just apply the cream that I have prescribed & come see us in a week so we can see if it's cleared up"
Jim: "Ok, just the cream. Thanx."


Little silence, phone shuffling, then Jim announces to Meghanina that he is back on the phone & what can he do for her.


Meghanina's first thought is to have not do anything to her for fear of contracting something that only pencillen will get rid of.
*shudder*


With grace & dignity Meghanina finishes her phone conversation with the infected Jim & hangs up. She proceeds to share this news with her department who all go "OMG!" & can't believe it.


So faithful readers, if you are in a situation like Jim, remember to double check that mute button!


Now tell me, any embarrasing moments like that ever happen to you?


Late!

May PSA

I haven't had to give a PSA or Public Service Announcement in some time.

The time has come for our May PSA.

This is a severe phenomanon that is sweeping the country.

What is it?

What could it be?

Well readers it is the over plucked, slicked down hair, big earrings with your name on them & possibly a tattoo in script on your neck look.

Younger & younger girls are opting for this look.

Exhibit A:

This is not a good look.
One needs their eyebrows.
And possibly a tan if they are of the lighter persuasion.
Exhibit B:

Now do not get me wrong.

I do not think one should grow Oscar the Grouch or Bert eyebrows either.

A happy medium must be reached.

As for earrings, well when you are 50 & your lobes hang down to your nipples from the weight of these earrings, that is your decision. As for putting your name on them, I assume this in case you forget your name, you can just rip one off & go "Oh yea, I'm Bethany".

Ladies this is not, I repeat, not a good look. The overplucked eyebrows gives you a look of permanent surprise. Sure it's cheaper than Botox to achieve said look but do you want to look surprised when you are say, at work, a wedding or a funeral?

As for the neck tattoo, I just don't get it. Tattoos are great but on the neck? Not so much.

So please overpluckers, big earring wearing, tattooed neck women of America consider this trend to be passe & grow you eyebrows back, switch to little studs and skip the neck tattoo & say get a really cute tattoo on the arch of your foot.

This is just my opinion. I will still love you all if you look like this.

Woops out!

PSA for December

The time has come for our December Public Service Announcement.
This PSA goes out to the manufacturers of plus size clothing.
I am a plus size. I know everyone in blogland who has never really "seen" me pictures me shaped like Cindy Crawford or Elle McPherson.
I don't want to blow your minds
BUT
'tis not true.
No, no, I have double digits in my size.


Anywho, this PSA is to let these manufacturers know that just because some women are plus size doesn't automatically mean we all want to show off the goodies. You know, the girls, the kasabas, the tatas.


Nor do we all want every single sweater to have bling on it or be an animal print.
Really, I am on the fuller size, I do not need to wear anything made in a leopard print for fear of being mistakened for one & getting shot. Bad enough I live close to the 2nd highest murder capital in the country.


Also, tight fitting clothes.
Um, hello, I have rolls.
And I am not talking Pillsbury.
Being that I have rolls, big girls & don't like to stand out, I do not want a low cut, blinged out tight fitting shirt to wear to work, out or lounge about at home.
Have you ever seen two pigs fighting under a blanket?
No?
Well take a look at my ass in too tight pants.
There you have it.


Which brings me to the pants issue.
Lane Bryant has these fabu pants that are made for your body structure.
I get the ones that say I am full in the hips...again I know I am blowing your image of me but just work with me here.
Sadly, while I adore these pants, Bob and I could both fit into the amount room in the leg.
I look like I am wearing clown pants.


So picture this:
A woman.
Fuller figured.
Wearing a brightly colored, blinged out, show off the girlers, so tight you couldn't fit a penny between the sweater & skin sweater.
Underneath, pants that fit great around the stomach but create a tornado when I walk from the excessive material in the legs.
Throw on a pair of heels (because Lord knows that the selection in flats is slim & there is nothing like a 6ft tall fat girl who wants to appear even bigger so she gets some heels!)
Now, what do you have?
That's right.
A brand new float for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.


So in closing, manufacturers, take into consideration the small percentage of us who want a little modesty, some less tacky clothing & pants that fit all the parts of our lower body. As for shoe manufacturers, come on...there are a lot of tall women who enjoy being tall but don't want to be any taller...kwim?


And that is your PSA for December.



Woops out!

Public Service Announcement

Here it is.
Your PSA for October.
What could it be about?
It's a two parter.
1st...Back Fat.



Let's visit back fat.
I have it.
I will admit it.
I know enough to wear a shirt that is flattering. (i.e. loose over the back & tummy area, not lowcut)
Apparently not everyone adheres to this rule.
That's ok!
Just please know that a loose fitting top will be more becoming than say a shirt from the juniors department when you are a plus girl or your 6 yr old's UnderArmore on your 36 yr old body.
It is not sexy to see rolls & rolls stuffed under your shirt. They move when you walk, like 2 pigs fighting under a blanket!
So, please, listen to this PSA & choose clothes flattering.



2nd...bras that offer support.
Since I am, how do the french say.....wee fluffy...I have girls that are on the larger than normal size.
I always make sure I have a bra that offers support.
You know keeps the girls up at a flattering level.
Really, your belly button peeking between your boobs is not attractive.
Let's just say that you should not be able to run a chain through your nipple rings & belly button rings & the chain goes straight through...know what I'm sayin?
Plus the girls, they like support.
Now, I'm not saying you can't whip off the over the shoulder boulder in your own home but please think of others when you go out.
Nothing hurts worse than getting hit with a stray boob!



So, please America & other nations, keep in mind.....for the safety of others, please support your girls!



Woops out!

Donors Choose

Are you a Jersey mom?
Are you a Jersey mom with children in the public school system or the private school system?
Are you a mom anywhere in our country or out of it?
See what I am talking about here: NJ Mom's Blog


Then join me in supporting the cause at DonorsChoose.org.
This is a site dedicated to helping our teachers with what they need or wish to have in their schools. $1, $5, $10, whatever you can.


Come check it out!
I promise you won't be disppointed.
Even if you aren't local to NJ, you can still participate for your state.
Or if your children aren't in school yet, you can still donate knowing they will soon be joining the ranks of other kiddos in the school system.


So make it a point & stop on by!



Woops out!

Public Service Announcement

This come with care & concern.

I have 2 to bestow upon you.


1. If you can not see over the steering wheel, do not drive. This is for your safety. You do not make turns correctly, you cut people off & most times you drive 10 mph in a 35mph zone. Also you tend to weave. If I can not see your head above the headrest of your car, it's time to let go of driving.


2. Inside furniture does not, I repeat does not belong on the outside porch, deck, etc. Example: An old couch, with holes & rips, belongs in the trash, not as furniture for your front porch. Example: The stove, while attractive in it's normal environment, not so much on the porch. Also brass lamps with lampshades belong in the den,living room etc, not on the floor of your deck plugged in.


This will conclude today's PSA.
If you agree, please comment.
If you do not, please comment.
I welcome all comments.


Woops out!

Public Service Announcement

If you take meds, especially those for depression or anxiety, do not alter how you take them.
Make sure you take them everyday.


Going about 10 days without taking one will severly alter the chemicals in your brain.



I know of what I speak.



Woops out.