Jilli Kae

Feeling Excited About Life?

2011-05-06T12:42:00.000-06:00

Today I read a blog about putting excitement back into your life on a daily basis. This blog by Jonathan Mead, The Illuminated Mind, is a great perspective on choosing your excitement and looking at things differently to create it. Want to feel it again? Just step back in time to your childhood and remember how you used to play and what excited you as a child. As children, we mostly follow our hearts and do what ever makes us happy. We never really had to think about it or analyze it. Kids just go for the gusto. Maybe we need to bring back a bit of that drive so we can start to feel excited about life again.

Always remember, that we live moment to moment and if your waiting to create the life you want, it will never happen. Enjoy Jonathan's blog and let me know what you think. Have a great weekend or should I say choose to have a great weekend. Follow your excitement.

Jill

Trying on a New Perception

2011-03-27T13:17:00.000-06:00

This morning the dogs and I got up at 6:00 a.m. and went for a sunrise stroll. It came to me last night when I was feeling guilty for not walking them yesterday like I had promised. When I made this decision last night I really thought I wasn't going to follow through. After all, I am not a morning person and neither are the dogs.

But, the alarm sounded precisely as it was programmed and after hitting snooze a few times, the excitement of seeing the sunrise roused me enough to get me out of bed.

We timed it perfectly. As we stepped out the door, we stumbled into the brisk morning air with the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. In that moment I was transported back to Italy. All that was missing was an expresso and some gelato. In that instant I was, vivendo nel momento, living in the moment. My senses were filled with the memory of our trip and I felt flush with joy.

Yesterday I started reading a book called Slowing Down to the Speed of Life, written by Richard Carlson & Joseph Bailey. It's about getting off the hamster wheel of life and living in the moment. It isn't about changing your lifestyle to find simplicity, it is about seeing the simplicity in your lifestyle.

Changing our perception of our current situation can change the way we feel emotionally and physically. It's a simple concept. The challenge is having the awareness to make that change.

Yesterday, my schedule changed at the last moment and I was feeling guilty for not walking the dogs and I was stressing to try to fit it into the schedule. But, when I stopped trying to force it to work and let go of the guilt, I was able to change my perception of the situation. That is when I had the idea to do something different and walk the dogs at sunrise.

I followed through with my new intention and this morning the dogs and I enjoyed our morning stroll at dawn and we returned home feeling refreshed and content. Not being morning people, we promptly ate breakfast, went back to bed and slept until noon.

Instead of trying to control the situation, I let the situation flow and it all worked out. Because of this, I experienced a beautiful sunrise and a mini trip back to Italy. Changing my perception and my attitude changed my circumstance. Vivendo nel momento.

Ciao,

Jill

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

2011-03-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. 

Two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, 

Its faults and blunders, Its aches and pains. 

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. 

All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. 

We cannot undo a single act we performed. 

We cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow. 

With its possible adversities, Its burdens, 

Its large promise and poor performance. 

Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. 

Tomorrow's Sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, 

but it will rise. 

Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn. 

This just leaves only one day . . . Today. 

Any person can fight the battles of just one day. 

It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternity's - 

yesterday and tomorrow that we break down. 

It is not the experience of today that drives people mad. 

It is the remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday 

and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Let us therefore live but one day at a time.

~ Author Unknown ~

With no website presence are you killing your business?

2011-03-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

In this day and age I can't believe there are business owners who don't have a website. The excuses are always the same:

I have no time to make one.

I have no money. I am broke.

They cost too much.

Web designers are out to rip you off.

I am doing fine without one.

And the list can go on and on and on...

With social networking being the new word of mouth and the next generation being about text messaging and facebook, you can see why having a website to market and advertise your business is so important. Think of it as a digital brochure that is going to reach an unlimited amount of potential customers.

It doesn't matter what type of business you have. Whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur or a big corporation, having a web presence is a must. It is a digital calling card, a resource and an unlimited marketing tool. Think about it… when You Need Information about a business what is the first thing you do? Pick up the Yellow Pages or look up their name on the internet?

When it comes to websites, it's all about the convenience factor. With smart phones, all someone has to do is type in your web address or even just google your business name and they will have your information instantly. Two minutes later they are either walking through your door or they are calling and emailing your business. Let's face the facts; everyone is busy these days and the easier you make it for them to receive or find your business information the better.

Having a web presence expands your market/demographic significantly. Remember, the internet is global. How much would it cost you to advertise globally if you didn't have access to the internet? It is also a great way to solicit a newsletter, email blasts or to promote sales, classes and other interesting things that are happening on a weekly or monthly basis. Remember, people are busy and they need to be reminded that you your business exists. Having a website is proactive marketing and how far you choose to take it is totally up to you.

According to Wikipedia; As of June 2008, the number of personal computers in use worldwide hit one billion, while another billion is expected to be reached by 2014. That statistic alone should be enough reason for your business to have a web presence. The internet isn't just a place for geeks and researchers, it has become a new form of communication and should be top priority when it comes to marketing your business.

No more excuses… It's time to start taking advantage of all the internet has to offer, by building that website and unleashing your digital calling card to the world.

"How can you squander even one more day not taking advantage of the greatest shifts of your generation? How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?"—Seth Godin

MMMM…Macarons! A kitchen disaster waiting to happen.

2011-02-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

So as all of you know from my last post, I am searching for the perfect food to bring to my French class. Well, a recipe for Macarons passed by my desktop today and voila, I made the decision to try to make these scrumptious treats.

For those of you who don't know what a "Macaron" is: It is a popular little pastry in France that is sweet, chewy and very pretty. They can range in flavor and color and have been the origin of Iron Chef Bakery wars all over France. The quest to make the best and/or most creative Macaron is a constant battle between pastry chefs across l'hexagone.

So what does this recipe entail? For one it requires a pastry bag with a point that measures 3/8 inch across. What does this mean? I believe it means cheating and using a plastic Ziploc bag isn't going to cut it. I have to go out and purchase said item and watch you tube, so I can learn how to use it. There is also whipping and folding involved. Sounds a little kinky, huh. We'll see about that. (Note to self: Do not use the word 'whipping' for a you tube search.)

And what if you live in a higher elevation then normal? I can see that this is going to take some figuring and a lot of patience on my part. I am starting to feel defeated already and I haven't even gotten started. Do I really have what it takes to make a French pastry that has been around since the mid-16th century? Who do I think I am taking on such a challenge?

So here I am, in my kitchen of mismatched utensils and mixing bowels, on a quest, to attempt to produce this delectable morsel of sugar and egg whites. Occasionally, frightening images dance in my mind. The worst of them being of my kitchen, that looks like a bomb of white flour went off in it and I am curled up in a ball on the floor rocking back and forth repeating, "qu'ai-je fait? qu'ai-je fait? qu'ai-je fait…

All of this, just for a few extra points in French class. I will keep you posted on my results. In the meantime, keep sending me your recipes, just in case I need back up. I might need to lower my expectations just a wee bit to something like Coq au vin. No one ever said French cooking is easy, except maybe Julia Child.

Bon appétit,

Chef Jill

“In department stores, so much kitchen equipment is bought indiscriminately by people who just come in for men's underwear.”

—Julia Child

I Need Your Help Recipe Contest!

2011-01-26T08:48:00.005-07:00

Email me your favorite French recipe and help me score extra credit in French Class. The winner gets their recipe and their story about it published on my blog.

Bonjour Mes Amies,

Here's the scoop. Madame Honorine has announced that this April in French class we are going to to have a La Cuisine Française class. Each student is required to bring some form of french food that day. The whole class gets to chow on this huge buffet of food and then we vote for our favorite dish. And Voila, the winner gets extra credit towards their semester grade.

This is where you come in. I am sponsoring a recipe contest because; A) I don't have many french recipes, B) I am feeling a bit competitive and C) I can be a bit of an overachiever so I crave that extra credit. If I pick your recipe I will post it and your story on my blog. Sorry, I can't offer any cash prizes at the moment. But, just think, you will be a published foodie. How cool is that.

The only rules are: A) It has to be French Food. B) It can't be that complicated (remember who's making it). C) You have to submit a small paragraph about why you like this recipe and/or the story behind it. D) I will need your name and the state or country you live in. Pretty easy, huh. Email your recipe/story to jill@jillikae.com. The deadline is February 14, 2011. ( I picked that date because it's so easy to remember)

Woo Hoo! I am so excited. I just can't wait to read all of the great entries I will be receiving. By the way just to let you know I am a recipe junkie, I believe I have inherited that from my mom.

A big THANK YOU to all of my fans out there. It wouldn't be as fun if you weren't a part of my blog life.

Bon Appétit,

Jill

Do More—By William Arthur Ward

2011-01-19T15:17:00.001-07:00

Do more than belong: participate.
Do more than care: help.
Do more than believe: practice.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
Do more than forgive: forget.
Do more than dream: work.

Confessions of a School Supply Junkie

2011-01-08T10:16:00.002-07:00

I am going back to school. I have decided to take a French class at the community college. This is a sort of experiment to see if I still have what it takes to be a serious student. And, it is also because I am trés serious about speaking the language. But most importantly, I now have an excuse to buy school supplies. Yea!

The most exciting part about going back to school for me, is buying the school supplies. I have this strange addiction to office products which I think is somehow linked to my addiction to craft items, Hobby Lobby and kitchen gadgets. I love going to the office supply store and buying notebooks, paper, pens and folders. I love the idea of starting out so organized and with such good intentions. I feel empowered like I can conquer anything.

I think my favorite school supply has always been the folder/notebook. I always look for the coolest ones with pictures or images. Ever since I was in kindergarten I had to have kittens or flowers somewhere on my supplies. I remember the great sticker frenzy of the late 70's. Or was it the early 80's? Everyone was selling them and I was buying them. I especially loved the ones that said "Property of Jill". I felt so special. Mostly, because back in the day it was almost impossible to find my name on anything. So when I did, I bought it. I still run across those stickers whenever I pull out my old photo albums. I think I probably put that sticker on just about everything I wanted to call my own. This includes and is not limited to, my bed and other bedroom furniture, all of my games, books, knick knacks and probably even my stuffed animals.

I think maybe the stickers are what started this crafty gadgety addiction problem. I know it wasn't going back to school that did it. I always hated school when I was young, but I loved getting the supplies. Remember when we got to buy those big fat pencils and crayons? And how about when we were old enough to learn cursive and we could start using a pen. Now that's what 'm talking about. Pens, the assortment is endless. Look at all of the varieties of Sharpies they make these days. They even come in all sizes. I know because I have bought them. I love pens so much that I even buy the pink flamingo feather ones while I am standing in line at Walgreens, knowing they put them there just for me. Le Stylo! (The only French I remember from high school)

This weekend I get to go and buy supplies. I can hardly wait. I already know what I want to get. A notebook with some sort of French cover, college ruled paper, decorator dividers and a new pen to match. I am going to be the only overaged, French geek in the class and I can't wait.

A bientôt mes amis,

Jill

School Supply Geek Extraordinaire

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."—Dolly Parton

2011-01-02T12:38:00.003-07:00

As I was reading a blog this morning I ran across this quote and I had to stop and read it a couple more times. Then I realized that I don't know the answer to the question, "who am I?"

I am told this is a good thing, not knowing. It leaves us open to making choices and starting our new journey. It's the sign of the beginning of something new. So here I sit with a plethora of choices and I am still asking the question, "who am I?"

I decided, since 2011 is here maybe I should take inventory of what makes me who I am. So here's my answer: I am Jill. I am an emotional basket case some of the time and a happy go lucky person the other part of the time. I am a free spirit, I like to do things my own way. I am selfish and selfless. I am narcissistic and compassionate. I am a dreamer and a creator. I am an artist and a writer. I am a wife and a lover. I am a mother to my furry kids. I am a best friend and a sister. But most important, I am me. There is no one else out there that is exactly like me. And just knowing this makes me realize that I am not perfect, I am merely a human being perfect in all of my imperfections.

I must see the perfection in the imperfection. Who I am at this very moment is perfect. Because without all of these quirks I wouldn't be "Jill", I would be someone else completely.

Dolly is right. Do some homework and figure out the things that make you tick. Explore your quirks and idiosyncrasies. Make a list and be true to yourself. What you will find out is that, what you think are your flaws, fallibilities and shortcomings are really the perfection that is you. Dedicating your life to purpose is easy when you realize you have been doing it all along.

This has been an eye opening experience for me. I highly recommend it as a great way to start 2011. Forget the empty promises and goals. Really sit down and have a chat with yourself. Take the time to really get to know yourself and then celebrate the perfection that is you.

Have a happy, prosperous and perfect 2011,

Jill

=====

"To dream big dreams and to let others know is the magic of life. You are magical and beautiful and full of loving and great joys in life. You are wonderful just the way you are and will be in the future.

There is no where to go, you are already where you are supposed to be at all times. As much as you can, relax and enjoy, then I say you already have the spirit of the things you desire. Finally, when you let things be, it lets you be. So let the promises BE and they will let you BE."

—aPeter Stewart

We Should All Fly Naked

2010-12-10T11:27:00.003-07:00

I was just reading one of my favorite blogs I subscribe to and I had to smile. I have not thought about this, but figuring out what to wear when you are traveling has become even more complicated.

The thing is, is that you want to be comfortable, yet stylish. For me, it was always about the shoes. Easy to slip on, off and comfortable enough to be able to run through the airport, just in case. Well, now when you dress for your date with TSA you must consider the fact that you will be patted down and scanned. God forbid they should find a reason to have you strip down (See advice about pasties in blog link).

For me, this is much cause for anxiety. In the first place I don't want to be patted down and in the second place, what if they find a tumor during the body scan. Talk about a travel buzz kill. And while I am standing in line, being judged by the other fashionistas, I need to be as chic as possible, so at least I can judge them based on my travel fashion mastery (admit it we all do it while we are standing in line bored as a gourd).

I just wanted to say, thank you TSA for giving me the added value challenge of how to make your job easier and my travel preparation just a wee bit more difficult. So now I will be spending two to three days figuring out what to wear instead of just one and a half. As if packing shoes wasn't challenge enough.

Maybe, we should all fly naked. No pasties, no fig leaves. Just our maximum of two carry-ons and a latte. Think of how fast the line move if we did that.

Check out this blog and what they have to say about pasties, travel and fashion.

Flying Fashionista,

Jill

Gift Giving Ideas

2010-12-01T11:15:00.001-07:00

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
—Oren Arnold

"Stop helping everyone"

2010-11-27T00:10:00.002-07:00

I put the above headline in quotes because this is what my husband said to me the other day when I was going through my schedule for the week. He meant it sincerely and he is right.

About a month ago I made a commitment to myself to "stop the chaos" in my life. Approximately seventy-five percent of that Chaos comes from me always saying "yes" to everyone. It seems that, although my heart is in the right place, it is not always the right decision.

Helping people is good, but only when it doesn't interfere with helping yourself. It can sometimes even become a crutch that keeps you from pursuing your dreams. The helping myself procrastination, my modus operandi, is really fear staring me in the face. As this monster is looming in front of me I can smell its bad breath, but still, I am unable to acknowledge it's glaring eyes. I peer around it, below it and above this smelly monster, but still I can't seem to see it head on.

Facing our fears and moving ourselves forward towards our greater good will always bring that hairy, scary monster front and center. Try to avoid him all you want but he will endure. Offering him a breath mint won't make him go away either. I know because I have tried this tactic and it hasn't worked. The secret to making that smelly dude history is to stare him down. Show him who is boss. Plant your feet in the ground, Stare him in the eye(s), show him some 'tude and tell him, "go ahead, make my day."

It's time to listen to my own advice. I realize that if I really want to change my modus operandi then I am going to have to take a deep breath, look that monster in the eye and let him know I am the executor of my dreams and I am willing to take the first step in helping myself and making my dreams come true. Poof! All that is left is the essence of stinky breath mints.

Until he returns again and I am sure he will, I promise to continue on my quest to stop the chaos. Here's to the lessons that I have learned by helping everyone.

Thank you folks!

Jilli Kae

A guest blog from hubby

2010-11-20T14:08:00.003-07:00

In periods of uncertainty, be it economic, health or other life changing events, we can harbor all kinds of negative thoughts. Against ourselves, people, the government, etc. But these thoughts don't need to be negative. In fact thinking negatively can lead to negative outcomes. Positive thoughts on the other hand can lead to better futures. This isn't foo-foo, it's science, mind over matter. All the greats have done it (my favorite example is Steve Jobs…but I'm part geek). Take a bad situation make the best of it and turn yourself around.

Right now we're smack-dab in the middle of a situation like this, and it's been a long drawn out matter. If Jill and I wallowed incessantly we'd have gone nuts by now. But with the time we've had we've kept our wits about us and processed, planed and kept our thoughts positive.

Now, we are still aways away from a resolution but we have already begun to feel the impact of the positive thinking. We have a grasp on the matter, looked at our lives and ourselves and found that things aren't so bad. Actually it's been the reverse, we are looking forward to a change in our lives. That's how we have reprocessed the negative thinking and that became its outcome.

Thank you Jill. It's your mindset rubbing of on a worry-wart like me that's making the difference.

LUVUL

Shameless plugs:

ed-brandt.com

square15.com

A new journey for Jilli Kae

2010-11-14T21:01:00.002-07:00

What's the scoop on Jilli Kae? As, I told many of you when I was closing my store, I was ready for a change and I was going to be open to whatever my next adventure would be. Since closing the doors, I have come to realize how much I no longer want to be in retail. That ship has sailed. I am ready to reinvent my self.

Well, my next door has opened. While writing my first article I rediscovered a talent that has brought me a sense of joy and freedom that I have not felt for a long while. And as I cross this threshold, I would like to invite you to join me in this new experience, of stepping outside my box of who I thought I was and stepping into who I am now.

I remember someone telling me, "write what you know". So I am setting out on an adventure to do just that. The theme of my writing will probably change day to day or even hour to hour, because every moment of everyday brings me something to ponder and dissect. As I am a mood dresser, I am also a mood writer, so this blog is sure to be something different all time.

I hope that I will inspire, conspire and provoke conversation. I have left the comment option available and I invite you to get involved, but please, keep it clean and keep it real.

Cheers to a new journey,

Jilli Kae