Gypsy Mobile Boutique: The Little Black Truck

Anthony & I attended our first Concert in the Park at Cesar Chavez Park last Friday night. This was something I had wanted to do all week after seeing a tweet that the Gypsy Mobile Boutique truck would be there. The food trucks were there too: Wicked 'Wich, Drewski's Hot Rod Kitchen, and Krush Burger (formerly Mini Burger). 

 

I was excited when I saw the Gypsy Boutique parked next to the Wicked 'Wich. Their proximity to each other was perfect because we got a sandwich at the 'Wich and shopped at Gypsy after!

The Gypsy Boutique is the first mobile fashion truck in Sacramento. Bridgette is the owner, operator, driver, and designer of the truck.

She is a one woman operation, except for Friday nights when her husband Marvin works too!

Together they created this unique fashion truck from an old postal truck! It includes dresses, tops, skirts, shorts, accessories, a waiting area, and an adorable fitting room.

 

Bridgette's focus is designer fashion for everyone. I loved this video where she shares her story. Her prices are reasonable and her style sense is impeccable. She personally creates some of the earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Bridgette's mom is a part of the design team and makes some of the skirts, known as Gypsy originals. 

The other clothes and accessories are primarily from local Sacramento shops or Bridgette's finds in Los Angeles.

Here's a look inside the truck on Friday night. It's always changing, so if you see something you like, don't wait to buy it. 

I couldn't leave without purchasing this striped maxi skirt. It's one of the Gypsy originals!

 

The next time you see the Little Black Truck, be sure to stop by & say hi to Bridgette for me!

P.S. Bridgette doesn't accept cash for her safety. Save a few dollars & deposit in your account before you shop.

Happily linking up with Alicia for Try New Adventures Thursday!

Speed Dating ~ Blog Style

Confession: I have never speed dated. I've also never been on a blind date. I only went on one date before dating and marrying my Hubster. That guy is now my brother-in-law, Caleb. It's actually a pretty funny story. Maybe I'll tell it here someday. 

I was thrilled when I saw Mariah (aka Thee Fire Wife) talk about Speed Dating on her blog. Mariah linked up with Nicole (aka This Little Momma) and I thought it would be fun to do the same.

photo credit: anthonyprice

• I'm a perfectionist that tries to be creative and make stuff. You can see how this can be a problem.
• When I cook, experiments abound. 
• Headbands and even pony tails give me a headache. Always. 
• I can't stand clipping my finger nails with clippers, but I still do it.
• I haven't bit my nails (I know, bad habit...) since February when I started painting them with polish. Thanks Jessica (aka Polish & Pout)!
• Sometimes I feel like I'm the plainest person in the world. Like Sarah, Plain and Tall. 
• I have light blonde eyelashes and eyebrows, which means I look tired or sick if I don't wear mascara/draw in my brows.
• I have never gone to the Grand Canyon and I really want to.
• I've never felt as hipster as I do today: maxi skirt, Tom's shoes and a scarf. 
• I have always wanted to travel to some of the European & Scandinavian countries (Great Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, etc.) 
• We might go to London this fall! WOO HOO!
• I can't stand the phrase: nom nom or om nom nom when talking about food. It disgusts me.
• I am easily amused, especially by commercials with animals in them. 
• I am the oldest of 4 kids in my family and the oldest of all 15 grandchildren in the extended family. 
• I'm pretty much late wherever I go, which is a pet peeve of mine. Go figure.
• I love the old cartoons: Flinstones, Meet the Jetsons, Yogi Bear, etc.
• I'm really picky about movies I like. Pretty much if I stick with Disney or "family friendly" films, I'll like the movie. Get outside of those parameters and I probably won't like it.
• I like meeting new people.
• I love asking people questions, even though it can seem like I'm interrogating them.
• I have been known to have engaged in an activity for the primary purpose of blogging about it. In fact, that's how Nicole got me to watch Downton Abbey!
• I have a challenging time remembering the faithfulness of God and that He always, always knows what's best for me.
• I am learning that my timing does not coincide with God's. Pretty much all of the time.
• I'm also learning that Jesus freaking rocked it. He was and is so amazing. 
• If I read a book, I feel compelled to finish it even if I hate it. 
• This summer, I'm permitting myself to not finish a book and move on.
• Last week we went to the library to check out a bunch of the books, Anne (aka Modern Mrs. Darcy) shared with her Ultimate Beach Reading: Summer Reading Guide. And I had a wonderful time. 
• I just finished Julie and Julia and enjoyed it, minus the cussing.

What about you? What would your speed dating list look like?

Linking up here: 

The Non-Profit Narrative, a Review

The Non-Profit Narrative (NPN) was written by Dan Portnoy, president of the Portnoy Media Group. The NPN is a practical book for determining organization's story and the best way to communicate that story.

*image from Portnoy Media Group

Dan discusses the components of any story: a central character on a quest. A great story has a setting, protagonist & antagonist, an inciting incident, and three main parts (beginning, middle, end). Using the story as the foundation, Dan gives specific strategies to implement and develop the organization's purpose.

Stories give us hope that things can change - page 13

Using his consulting expertise, Dan writes a book that can be worked through. Each chapter includes a summary of the key points and action steps to complete. The book leads the reader into making any changes necessary to effectively communicate the organization's mission.

I'll be honest, Dan is the brother of one of my dear friends. So, I was slightly biased toward liking the book. In the first few pages, I forgot my relation to the Author as NPN captured my attention and proved to be an insightful and thought-provoking book. In my opinion, if a company/organization implemented the steps he outlines it would result in tremendous success. 

You will benefit from reading the NPN if your organization's story needs to be expressed. I think anyone involved in decision making at an organization, no matter its size, would find this book to be an invaluable tool.

The best way a non-profit can build that tension is honesty and transparency - page 24

Convey the humanity of your organization; it's a positive selling point, not a negative one - page 52

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of the Non-Profit Narrative to review. All opinions are my own. 

Sacramento Modern Quilt Guild

Last Saturday, I had planned to meet Jodi for a day of thrifting. Sadly, we weren't able to meet up. Instead of moping around because I didn't get to see her, I took the advice of a Twitter friend, Rebecca and visited the Sacramento Modern Quilt Guild.

The Sacramento Modern Quilt Guild (SMQG) meets once a month. Every other meeting is at Sew Fun Fabrics in Folsom. The other months they are a "travelling" group. I learned that quilters are often travellers and will drive great distances to find good quilt shops!

Upon Rebecca's request, I live-tweeted the meeting. I have never tweeted anything live before and I gained a HUGE respect for anyone that can do so. People talk a lot faster than I can compose a tweet!

The SMQG is led by Jenniffier and they are in the process of becoming a more formal group. The meeting was a lot of fun. My personal favorite part was the show and tell. During this part of the meeting, each lady got to show what they had been working on. I was in awe and shock, truthfully, when I saw all of the projects the members had created. Their creations are amazing.

Jenniffier showed her embroidery 101 blocks and of course I loved the block with the pennant!

The SMQG is working on a Bubble Quilt and Debbie showed her block. She had a few other projects that were incredible. I loved one she's making for "herself" (secret present for a friend) and it's a music-themed quilt. 

 

Spider quilt by Nancy. This was actually her "smaller" quilt. I just sat there thinking, smaller?? This is humongous. 

Golden threads, the quilter's ruler, you sew over the paper and then take it off. It's great for quilting a pattern on your fabric.

Coffee inspired quilt by Nancy. I really liked the colors of this quilt.

I showed my bicycle blanket. The ladies were so encouraging and gave me great ideas on how to quilt the top. I'm hoping to take a Free Motion Quilting class from Melody who teaches at Sew Katie Jean. (If you look closely, you'll see Iron Man lego on the arm rest. It's my hubster's)

My favorite thing about Modern Quilting: you don't have to sew straight lines! I really enjoyed the SMQG and hope that I'll be able to make more of their meetings.

What adventures have you been up to lately?

Happily linking with Alicia for:

Reader Feature at Sugar Bee Crafts

Each week Mandy from Sugar Bee Crafts hosts Take-A-Look Tuesday. It's a link party for crafts, recipes, and other do-it-yourself projects. Today, I'm sharing my choices for Mandy's Reader Feature! Here's a snippet of what I said:

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Hello Sugar Bee Crafts Readers!

I'm Malisa and I'm excited to share my picks with you. A little about me: I love blogging and sharing my perspective. Along the way, I like to encourage and entertain you too. Some of my favorite things are cooking and baking, although I modify almost every recipe to make it more healthy and tasty! I'm also a craft enthusiast. Knitting and sewing are my two main crafting hobbies.

Here are some of my favorite features from this week's link party!

I loved this idea for Homemade Laundry Detergent from Julia at Stars and Stripes 

This Little Zipper Clutch from ChiWei at One Dog Woof sounds super easy and I'm going to attempt to make it!

Mmm! Any recipe with balsamic vinegar and veggies sounds like a winner in my book. These Balsamic Roasted Veggies from Rachel at Happily Ever After are going in to my weekly menu.

I have been attempting to sew my first skirt. And I really liked this Gathered Skirt from Christa at Life in the Makings

To read the rest of my choices, click on over to Mandy's blog.

Menu Planning with Google Calendar and Pinterest

Today, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at Food Your Way about how to make Liza's Delicious Brownies, and I’m excited to welcome Carrie from My Favorite Finds to Malisa Price ~ Cooking, Crafting, and Opinions Galore!

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Hello! My name is Carrie, and I blog over at My Favorite Finds. I’m so excited to be here today, sharing my menu planning tips with you. On My Favorite Finds, you’ll find recipes, organizing, tutorials, and even some Disney travel tips. I hope you’ll take the time to stop by and check it out. Looking for a new link party to join? I have two!

Monday is Must Try Mondays where you can link up your favorite recipes. Tuesdays, I co host Handmade Tuesdays with Ladybug Blessings, where you can stop by and link up crafts, tutorials, recipes, home decor, just about anything! I hope you’ll take time to visit-the more the merrier.

About a year and a half ago, I started menu planning. I had been doing it off and on for a few years, but nothing as committed as what I am doing now. The part that amazes me about it is how much simpler it makes my life. As moms, wives, and busy women, we have a lot on our plate. Just the simple process of menu planning has lessened my “stress” and has allowed me to be ready for meals, feed my family in a timely fashion, and be prepared.

So, how do I menu plan? I have moved from a pen and paper list to something a little more technology based-Google Calendar and Pinterest.

First, you need a Gmail account to start using Google Calendar. At the top of your Gmail tool bar you’ll find “Calendar” next to “Documents”. I first open up my Google Calendar and think about what we have going on during the upcoming week. I fill in “Sundays” with {Pizza Night}, and from there I decide what nights will be crock pot, grill, or “leftover” nights. Next, using tabbed browsing, I open up my Pinterest account. I start with my Chicken Dishes Board, and choose a dish from there, adding it to Google Calendar and also any ingredients I need to my grocery list. I continue through my boards, choosing sides, breads, etc. and fill in our calendar accordingly.

As I enter dishes into Google Calendar, I can set them to repeat. So, if I know it’s a dish we like, or a new one I’m certain my family will like, I repeat it. To do so, I click on Edit Event and a box pops up. Then, I choose which day of the week to repeat the dish on, and set it to repeat every two weeks.

Voila! It’ll show up again two weeks later, and my menu for that week is partially complete. Don’t want to make that dish again or something comes up? Not to worry, I just edit it. Since you’ve planned your menu in Google Calendar, you will receive an email reminder for that day’s happenings. You can set this to remind you when you are entering your menu.

I set mine for ONE DAY reminder. That way, if I need to thaw any meat or pick up something for that dish, I can do so. When using Pinterest to menu plan, I have organized my boards into food types. I used to have one big food board, but I had so many pins on it, repins, and dishes I knew weren’t going to realistically happen. So, I took some time to rearrange these recipes by type. It makes it super easy to plan meals when I can look by type, instead of for a particular dish. When it’s all done, I stand in my kitchen with my Google Calendar and write my menu on my fun chalkboard menu board.

I hope you’ll stop my My Favorite Finds find joy in your everyday!

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Visit Life Your Way to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!

Birthday Giveaway Winners!

Hi Friends!

I hope you are having a nice Monday. Last week I had a birthday giveaway. To choose the winners, I numbered the comments and used Random.org.  

The winners are~

Pillow Cover 1: Beth

Pillow Cover 2: Mariah

Pillow Cover 3: Jodi

Pillow Cover 4: Joseline

Zippered Pouch: Mia

Thank you all for entering. I'll email the winners to mail you your prize!

Friday Favorite Things, Version 2.0

This week I'm joining Rachel for her weekly Friday Favorites & Jeanett for InstaFriday. 

Saturday, with the help of Mandie, I sewed 2 mug rugs for my mom and mother-in-law for Mother's Day. I love how they turned out and our moms did too.

Anthony and I both had Sunday off, so we went to the Mighty Kong Cafe for breakfast. They've just remodeled it and it turned out great! I wore the only item I purchased from our New York trip from the Mint Julep. We visited both of our moms and had a nice day together and with our families. 

When I got home from work on Monday, I realized our yard is full of weeds and bees. 

I decided to host a big birthday giveaway! It has low entries and I love the pillow covers I made. 

Tuesday was my birthday and Anthony and I had a wonderful day off together.

We stopped by Tupelo coffeehouse for our favorite beverages & a little breakfast.

A few months ago, Anthony bought me a cute clutch from Peggy Ann Design and I finally used it. I had the perfect outfit to match the purse. I must say the clutch is just the right size. 

From Tupelo, we drove to visit Jodi and her boys. In the words of Jacob, we brought over our favorite "Chinese" food (Burma Superstar). Jodi surprised me with a lovely birthday cake. Visiting with her and Anthony was one of my favorite parts of the day.

Jacob entertained all 3 of us adults with ease, even while playing the iPad. Anthony lovingly nicknamed him, Little Josh Ink.

We then went in to the City (San Francisco) and went to Blue Bottle Coffee at the Ferry Building. This is the third Blue Bottle we've visited. Anthony blogged about the Mint Plaza and Rockefeller Plaza locations. 

We headed to a great parking lot by AT&T Park that my dad recommended. But first, we stopped by Safeway and picked up some snacks for the game. All of these were only $8!

We had great seats and the tickets were very reasonably priced. Yeah! We got to the park early and were able to watch both teams warm up.

Anthony and I enjoyed the game. And we realized it was the first game we'd ever been to by ourselves. Every other game, we've attended with family and friends!

I enjoyed Cracker Jacks and Anthony sunflower seeds. We also ate LOTS of other food too!

Sadly, the Giants lost. But I didn't care. I had a memorable birthday!

Wednesday, Anthony insisted that I try on a pair of TOMS shoes. 

He bought me my first pair as a birthday gift! I proudly wore them to dinner with my parents at The Porch. 

Thursday, after going to two different Target stores we found e.l.f. cosmetics!

I spent $43 on makeup, hair accessories, and skin care to update my Summer Beauty regimen. Thank you Jessica (Polish and Pout) for your suggestions. I got some major bargains!

We also had s'mores in our backyard with Jesse, however due to windy conditions no photographs were taken. 

What were your favorite things this week? What have you been up to? 

Linking up with Jeanette & Rachel: