Vote 2014

November 4, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

When I was growing up we had Civics Class. Civics taught you what it meant to be American, in a country where you had the right and honor to be apart of the what is bigger than just you but the community in which you live. Civics: the study or science of the privileges and obligations of citizens. Webster Dictionary. Being a good citizen is voting.

The timeline of our country’s voting has not always been to encompass all. The beginning brought only white and landowners in 1790. In 1870, the 15 Amendment was passed to include former slaves and all men of any race. In 1920, suffrage movement guaranteed women the right to vote. In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed to protect the rights of minorities and eliminates any poll tax. Finally in 1970, the age requirement was lowered to 18 years old.

I have always felt it a privilege and an obligation to vote. I do so with pride and honor. I do not vote a straight ticket. I research each fellow citizen. I also read up on laws to be voted on and try to make an informed decision.

Tomorrow, I go back to where I voted for the first time when I turned 18. I remember being so excited. My mom took me and as we stood in line, I was so new and naïve. Knowing that by voting, I will put my mark on history to bring about change.

GO VOTE!

**Jacquie

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 29, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 5 Comments

In 1985, American Cancer Society and the Imperial Chemical Industries teamed up to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. In 1993 Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies, founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol, but the pink ribbon was not the first time used. In 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.

There were many opportunities to participate in an event in our area. My favorite is Bras Across The Bridge where you pay $20 and bring a new bra to donate. All proceeds go to people that are in need of mammograms. Not only do women attend, but kids, and men. All with their bras on the outside of their clothing. All dressed in pink, tutus, Mardi Gras beads, and full-on crazy fun.

I have a girlfriend Janet, who is a breast cancer survivor. Four years, cancer free. Janet’s story is everything NOT to do when something is wrong with your body. She did not go to doctors, she did not do self examinations and she did not get mammograms. Janet kept her illness to herself. She hid it from all her family. After years of keeping this to herself, knowing in her heart that it was cancer. It came time to face the fact that she had to go to the hospital. With only her sister by her side she finally went in. Hospital staff was amazed and appalled with what she was to face. Janet said knowing that she was going, gave her the peace of mind and wherewithal to do what she had to do.

She survived a series of chemo, radiation and a mastectomy, then five other surgeries that were not directly related to the cancer but may impact the cancer, were additionally performed. “After every surgery, after every treatment everything went the way it was suppose to, like everyone, including me was in that place at that particular time to work the way it was suppose to. This journey has been a testimony to my beliefs, knowing that when I gave it over to God, he would take care of it.”

**Jacquie

Thanksgiving is Turkey Time and More!

October 29, 2014October 29, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

This collection of 4 fun Thanksgiving banners is just the ticket to decorate for curb appeal this Thanksgiving! These banners show equally well from either side. They give a stained glass effect in sunlight or spotlight. The first 2 in this collection are individual fabric pieces sewn together and all measure 28” x 44”. The last 2 are silk-screened.

All feature a pole hem for vertical display
All are made from soft, high-quality nylon fabric.

Thanksgiving Banner – Gobble It Up

Mr. Gobbler is both fun and festive! He has a black and white polka dot pilgrim with a gold sequin buckle.

Happy Thanksgiving Turkey Banner

Tom Turkey is surrounded by fruits and flowers of the season and gives a cheery welcome to your Thanksgiving guests!

Welcome Thanksgiving Banner Flag

This Happy Thanksgiving Turkey Flag hangs outside your home or business to celebrate the season! Try pairing it with our matching mailbox cover and/or smaller garden flag for maximum Thanksgiving punch!

~AH

Food Flags

October 27, 2014October 27, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I was having a Cookie exchange for Christmas. I invited 25 people; if I get that many would be a great achievement. I am hosting this at my house and those of you that read this blog know I live in Pensacola, Florida. I love to entertain. My thoughts are leaning to an outside garden party, because I live in Florida and the weather will be beautiful. In my mind I have little bistro tables with lacy table clothes. Pretty fall center pieces and fairy lights. I will be serving Champagne Punch, the recipe my girlfriend Carole serves, with fresh raspberries. I also am going to make some finger foods. This is being held in the late afternoon/early evening.

I like to cook, bake, do some canning, freeze a couple of meals and eat it all! I have the backyard thought out but the front yard was a challenge. I went online for ideas. I was online for over 3 hours. Yes, 3 hours, you see one thing then click on something else. But what I found was flags, banners, and signs, all to do with FOOD.

I started looking at Welcome signs and from there I went to Cheers, Wine, Candy, Watermelon, Pumpkins, Jalapenos, Turkey, Strawberries and Pineapple. Then there are carnival foods: Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Cotton Candy, Sno Cones, Pizza and Italian Ice. Knowing a few people with delis/bistro type restaurants, I am thinking these would be great for everyday or specialty sales! Welcome and Open flags and banners. Your flag could be tres chic, rustic, cutesy or just plain fun. If those ideas do not tickle you, do you know we can custom make your flag, banner or sign? Whether you need one for your place of business or you are on a committee that needs to get the word out about your organization, fundraiser, school or campaign this idea is really an eye catcher.

To finish off my Garden Cookie Coup, I am using a Welcome Garden Flag and stringing fairy lights along the ground to make a path. I am making wedding cookies, one of my favorites, melt in your mouth buttery goodness. Here is a picture of them. Maybe it is early enough to have your own Cookie exchange…

**Jacquie

Polish Heritage Month

October 21, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 4 Comments

I am 1/2 Polish, on my Mother’s side. My Grandparents were both from Poland. My Grandparents had accents, spoke in Polish among themselves, but us Grandkids did not speak, nor were not taught the language. I remember when our family would get together for the holidays and the great food that was prepared.

We would have Borscht Soup (beet soup), always Chicken Noodle, Golobki (stuffed cabbage), Kielbasa (sausage both smoked and fresh), sauerkraut and rye bread, fresh from the bakery. Our holidays evolved around cooking. My Grandma and Aunty Gene were the best of cooks! I LOVE to cook myself so I make all of these dishes.

When my daughters were growing up we incorporated customs from Poland into the Holidays so they would know their heritage. Easter time was the basket that they would fill, with bread, decorated Easter Eggs and of course the butter shaped like a lamb. This we would take to Church for Father to Bless on Saturday before Easter Sunday. Christmas, we would have a special meal on Christmas Eve then attend Midnight Mass. On birthdays we would always sing Sto Lat! Which this song goes on to wish you to live to be a hundred! The girls went to Catholic school and was predominantly Polish. So we did celebrate the customs in school also.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan passed that August would be Polish American heritage Month. But this was changed in 1986 to October so schools could participate.

The Polish Flag is Red and White, either the standard plain or with the Polish Eagle. If you are of Polish Heritage, fly your Flag!

Dobry (hello), Kocham cie (I love you), na zdrowie (cheers). So hail a Pole this month, maybe even have a Polish meal.

Sto Lat!

**Jacquie

Happy Birthday, US Navy!

October 13, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Today marks 239 years for the United States Navy, starting with the Continental Navy, when the Continental Congress authorized the procurement of 2 armed vessels, on October 13, 1775. By the end of our War of Independence we had almost 50 ships with 20 warships in our fleet.

I live in Pensacola, Florida and we are a Navy town. Our Naval Air Base Pensacola is a longtime site for maritime vessels. This is called the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.”

NAS Pensacola is the primary base for Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard Aviators. In 1825, President John Quincy Adams designated this area for the Pensacola Navy Yard. The Navy Appropriations Act of 1911 made the possibilities of Naval Aviation.

We are also home of the Untied States Navy Blue Angels. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946 for the morale of the Navy. We are real proud of “our” Blue Angels around here. We get two shows, one out on Pensacola Beach and then their Homecoming Show in November.

My Grandbaby Lilly was here in July and we went out to the beach for the show. As you may imagine, it was a perfect day. The show in November will be held out on the base and we will be going out for that too.

Our Navy is rich in history. Their motto is “Not Self, But Country,” or “Non sibi sed patriae”. With that in mind, Honey and I took our pup to take a run out to the beach just last night. As we were unloading the truck, a polite young man came up to us to “borrow” a smoke, I asked: “Do you have a lighter?” Oh, yes ma’am. About 5 minutes later he came out to the water for that light. My Honey asked, “what you boys doing?” He said they were stationed out to the base. My Honey, being the Marine Vet he is, reached around and gave that young man a twenty spot, “just to get through”.

I was standing in the water looking toward two different generations of Military men and thinking “Not Self, But Country”

**Jacquie

Checking it twice!

September 30, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

We are getting ready for Christmas. Making lists for the little ones. Asking the older ones what they want. I have already created an event for a Cookie Exchange for early December. I invited 25 people for the exchange and I hope we get at least 20! I love the holidays! I think it is mostly the family getting together from just around the corner and many miles away. I also like the goodwill towards others; we tend to give to others more around the holidays. very sad but very true.

I was thinking of gifts for family and friends and trying to keep a budget – UGH. I have relatives and friends that have everything, they don’t need things. But everyone has a like, a hobby, a passion that is hidden if you look around. Mine is Santa Claus, I don’t like clutter, so I get to bring out my Santas at Christmas, display them and pack them until the next season.

While scrolling through United States Flag Store for a Santa themed Garden Flag. I thought what better way to stay in budget but to buy garden flags? For the holiday season there is Jesus, Santa, nature. There are snowmen and animals – so many different themes and motifs. They are just so many to choose from.

I thought, What about the men in my life? There are all sports-themed (Pro and College), any branch of the military, golf, fishing, historical, nautical. I think I am on to a great idea! For the ladies in my life, hummingbirds, flowers, welcomes, and so many seasonal: spring, winter, fall, summer, Valentine’s day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, St Patrick’s Day. Ok, I do not have to list them all – you get the idea! The ideas are not exclusive to gender because I have some picked out that would look great at my uncle’s home and that one is a farm theme. Pricing ifor the ones on my list range from $9.00 to $18.00. With that in mind, I am thinking for a couple presents, I can combine a gift for the home with a monogram instead of some gift they will re-gift next year! Happy Shopping!

**Jacquie

Stop – hockey time!

September 25, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 1 Comment

It is officially HOCKEY season. For those of you that are hockey fans, well, you already understand the excitement I feel! I was going to write about the Original 6 but I would be leaving out so many worthy franchises. For those of you that do not follow Hockey well I am sorry. Being a hockey fan is not like a fan of any other sport, I mean we have our own language! EX: Celly, Hatty, Hoser, Puck Bunny and Bucket, need I say more?

For me and my house we are Red Wing fans. The winner of 11 Stanley Cups and 24 appearances at the play-offs. Yes we are those crazy fans! My oldest daughter graduated Kindergarten on the day Detroit had a parade for the Wings for winning the Stanley Cup that year (1997) we went to the parade. No I did not miss graduation but we did leave early!

The top teams for appearances and their wins are as follow: Montreal Canadiens 24/24, Detroit Red wings 24/11, Toronto Maple Leafs 21/13, Boston Bruins 9/6, Chicago Blackhawks 12/5, New York Rangers 11/4, Philadelphia Flyers 8/2, Edmonton Oilers 7/5, New York Islanders 5/4, New Jersey Devils 5/3 and Pittsburgh Penguins 4/3. In all that is some impressive stats.

I moved this past winter back home to the south. There is not a close NHL team but we do have the Pensacola Ice Flyers, they are members of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The Ice Flyers name comes about two-fold, 1. a tribute to our heritage for our Naval Air station home of the Blue Angels 2. for the original owner Tim Kerr former NHL player for 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.

I am very excited to experience this new team of hockey players in my home town, BUT are they ready for me?

**Jacquie

Editor’s note: as my BF’s daughter is heavily into hockey here in PA (you will know this if you follow our blogs on SafetyGirl, Discount Safety Gear, or Construction Gear) as a player, I feel instrumental in Jacquie not writing about the Original 6. 🙂

POW/MIA Recognition Day

September 19, 2014September 19, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ 2 Comments

POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the 3rd Friday of September each year. We remember those who were Prisoners of War (POW) and those that are Missing in Action (MIA) along with their families. In 1970, the National League of POW/MIA Families asked that a Flag of remembrance and recognition of POW/MIA designed that the United States promise to Never Forget POW’s and those that are still missing or not accounted for.

Newt Heisley designed the POW/MIA Flag with the silhouette of his son in mind, the flag bears a white disc in a black silhouette, a watch tower with a guard on patrol and a strand of barb wire, with white letters POW and MIA with a white 5 point star in between. “You Are Not Forgotten” written in white. There is no trademark or copyright for this because it is used not for profit but for awareness.

On March 9, 1989, the White House flew this Flag on National POW/MIA Day. The League of POW/MIA Flag is the only flag ever displayed in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Since 1982, the POW/MIA Flag is the only other Flag ever to fly over the White House (besides Old Glory) to be a constant reminder of America’s POW/MIA’s from ALL wars including our present time.

Passage by the 105th Congress of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act required that the League’s POW/MIA flag fly six days each year: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. It must be displayed at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, the headquarters of the Selective Service System, major military installations as designated by the Secretary of the Defense, all Federal cemeteries and all offices of the U.S. Postal Service. In addition to the specific dates stipulated, the Department of Veterans Affairs voluntarily displays our POW/MIA flag 24/7. The National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial are now also required by law to display the POW/MIA flag daily, and most State Capitols have adopted similar laws, as have local governments nationwide.

This year we will be attending The Wall South POW/MIA Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park here in Pensacola, Fl. I do not know what to expect but I will be there in support and sending my Prayers and thoughts. Today give a moment of silence to those POW/MIA’s. Fly your POW/MIA Flag.

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

**Jacquie

United States Air Force

September 18, 2014 ~ Online Stores ~ Leave a comment

Today the United States Air Force turns 67 years old. Under the National Security Act of 1947 signed on September 18 aboard President Harry S. Truman’s VC-54C presidential transport (the forerunner to the Air Force One), this Act re-structured the military’s agencies after WWII, creating the Department of the Air Force. This is the most recent, largest, most technologically advanced Air Force in the world. In 1907, the War Department the first preceding Air Force. In WWII almost 68,000 US Airmen died helping win the war. Before 1947 Air Defense was shared between the Department of Army for land based operations, The Navy for sea-based operations from aircraft carriers and amphibious air craft and The Marine Corps for close air support for infantry operations.

In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war. National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 502)

The USAF core functions today are Nuclear Deference Operations, Special Operations, Air Superiority, Global Integrated ISR, Space Superiority, Command & Control, Cyberspace Superiority, Personal Recovery, Global Precision Attack, Building Partnerships, Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support. A very long list I had no idea the Air Force did to maintain our National defense until researching their Birthday.

67 years does not seem to be a long time, considering we have only been using air craft to support ground troops since The Korean War. My daddy was in the Air Force during the late 50’s- early 60’s. Daddy was a diesel mechanic and worked on planes. He was stationed mainly in the Azores and then at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan where he met and married my momma. My daddy passed away in 2010 and there is not a day that passes that I do not miss him. He was a GREAT story teller. So to all of our Airmen, past, present and future:

Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun

**Jacquie