GEORGIA NYC...

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As you may or may not know, I'm a Natural Haired gal and have been for approximately six years. In the past few years, more and more females are proudly|boldly making a transition to not use chemicals in their hair (perms/relaxers), but rather wear their natural crowns. My journey ahs been fun and frustrating at times but I can def. say that I LOVE my hair and the time and effort that I put in it to make sure that it remains healthy both inside and out. With an emhasis on natural hair and realizing the importance of taking care of our total bodies, what we put in our hair is just as important as what we put on our bodies. So to have a salon that captures both ideals is absolutely fantastic! 

A few years ago I ran across this video. I think the most appealing thing to me that I took away from the video was the salon, Georgia NY. So I made a mental note that when I decided to take a NY trip, I would try to book an appointment and go. Well trips have been made, and passed and I soemhow managed to forget about the salon, until today. Sitting at my computer I kept saying what's the name of that salon that I saw a video about, I liked the site and the blog and shoot what is the name of it? Sad right? Well today I remembered and I still plan on making a trip there and possibly soon.

What seems so great about this salon is that it not only caters to natural hair clients but it's also filled with a wonderful natural product lines. Jodie Patterson and her team took the time to create a space that works with your hair/life/beauty needs in a way that's inviting, creative and unique. I honestly can't wait to go.

Also, be sure to take a peep at GeorgiaWorld. I see a few faces of bloggers that I simply enjoy. It's chock full of good information from a variety of sources :)

Have a Lovely Weekend...

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Such words have never been more true, It's your life, what are you going to do with it?

I'm welcoming this upcoming weekend with arms wide open to say the least! This week has been long and my days have been all mixed up. I'm looking forward to "playing things by ear" and seeing what awesome things may pop up. I tackled the challenge of purging items, clothes etc this week, that I mentioned a few weeks ago, and I have to give myself a small pat on the back and circular handclap because I've completed that task! This weekend it's my goal to take them to Goodwill where they can get some further good use.

I also managed to do a little bit of redecorating and I'm trying to decide if I want to repaint my bedroom and/or bathroom..hmmm we shall see as the verdict is still out.  

Tonight I'll be hanging out with a few friends and enjoying that which is Friday and the start of a wonderful weekend.

What are your plans? Whatever they are, as always may you Have a Lovely Weekend!

FOOD | Spinach "Quiche"...

Spinach Quiche|PTD

When I was growing up my love for vegetables were pretty much limited. I only really liked broccoli, green beans, greens, mushrooms and spinach, that means NO to corn, lima beans, peas, cooked carrots etc. But as I've gotten older, my taste buds have allowed me to like a few more. 

One of the recipes that I can vividly recall my mother making that I absolutely love until this day that incorporates one of my favorite veggies is our version of a Spinach Quiche. Quiche is primarily an open-faced pastry filled with savory ingredients like meats, cheeses and vegetables. So think of an open faced pie!

I decided to make a Spinach Quiche the other night because I knew that it would be something pretty easy to make and didn't require a lot of time to prepare and cook. So off to the market I went and once home, I began to cook. 

There are tons of recipes on the Internet but here is my version below: 

Spinach Quiche 

(note: I'm a cook that rarely uses measurements, I use the eyeball and season to taste method)

1 bag of frozen spinach

1 16 oz. bag of sharp cheddar cheese

1 turkey sausage (Eckridge)

2 frozen deep dish pie crusts 

3 eggs

approx. 8 bella mushrooms

seasonings of your liking

Pre-heat oven to 350-375 depending on your oven

Slice sausage into bite sized pieces and brown in skillet, once browned, place in a bowl on the side.

Slice mushroom mushrooms, place in skillet and saute, once done place in a bowl on the side. 

Cook spinach for a few minutes (approximately 7-10 minutes), drain and place in a large mixing bowl and season (some of my "go to" spices include: lemon pepper, sea salt, garlic and smoked paprika, so add whatever seasonings you like). Be mindful to not add too much salt as the sausage has a fairly good amount of sodium, so easy does it.  

Combine spinach, sausage, cheese and mushrooms in the mixing bowl and fold in three eggs (just crack open right into your mixture). Once combined pour mixture into your frozen pie crusts (follow the instructions on your pie crusts, some instruct you to place in the oven prior to adding your mixture to brown a little I purchased Mrs. Smiths Deep Dish Frozen Pie Crusts and it called for me to keep the pies frozen and then add the mixture. 

Once your pie crusts are filled, add some aluminum foil along the edges of the pie to ensure that they don't get too browned or burned prior to the entire quiche being done. 

Place pies into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Turn off the oven and remove the foil from the edges. Allow the quiches to cool for about five minutes, slice and enjoy!

Spinach Quiche|PTD

MUSIC | Solange...

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Solange is one of the celebrities that makes me happy! Her fashion sense I think often times comes to the forefront a little bit more when people talk about her and honestly I love her ideal of dressing the way she likes (that's my ideal that I made up for her, ha ha). To me she treats fashion as something that she be fun, creative and what makes you feel good. With that being said, she's not only a great fashion source but she makes pretty darn good music that I think is reflective of her style. 

She's released a music video for her song, "Losing You". The video was shot in Cape Town, Africa so it showcases tons of style, bits of the towns and just people (friends I suppose) having a great time together. The lyrics suggest that she's dealing with the pesky and unhappy notion that the one she loves, doesn't feel the same for her any longer, but its great to know that she's surrounded by friends who help put her mind at ease. Always present through the good and not so good but rather stinky times. That's what friends are for right!

Check out the video!

HEALTH | Stay Fit...

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I’ll be honest and admit I’m not really one to exercise, like carving out time during my week to “hit the gym” but, I walk daily and opt to climb up and down the Metro escalators but that’s about the extent of my fitness routine. It’s sad I know because as I’ve gotten older, things don’t quite look the same as they once did in my younger days. So in an effort to try to stay fit and healthy and adding another form of exercise, I’ve decided to target my tummy somewhat affectionately known as my “fanny pack” to help me feel that I’m being a bit more active. Now when I make this reference to my friends, I get heavy sighs, “you want to see a fanny pack; I’ll show you a fanny pack while grabbing their stomachs. To them I look fine and my tummy is flat, but to me, I’ve seen a little bit of the “I’ve hit my 30’s semi bulge”.

So in an effort not to make you my readers agree with them, I won’t post a photo of my tummy but let me just tell you, I can grab the fanny pack. I’ve decided to recruit Jillian Michaels as my personal Ab Trainer and I borrowed my friend’s DVD. Tonight is the first night of my “personal training” and I’ll have to let you know if it takes me a full 6 weeks to see some results. Maybe I’ll post the Post-Fanny Pack photos to show you that I really did commit to exercising and getting rid of the bulge!

I also found this great article to aide you in getting rid of the "fannypack".

What are your exercise routines that you do daily, weekly or even monthly to help you stay fit?

MUSIC | Allen Stone...

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A friend of mine who knows that I like good good music told me about Mr. Allen Stone . And to say|put it mildly, he’s pretty darn awesome. It's funny this morning I was telling my friend that I would like to see him if he were ever in the area and dog gone it, he'll be here tomorrow night. :)

Check him out:

Have a Lovely Weekend...

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Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapppppppppp Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapppppp Happy Friday! I'm glad that it's here and welcome it with HUGE wide open arms. Last week was a bit hectic but also beautiful. I went to Philadelphia for one of my good friend, Ilia's wedding and it was AMAZING, beautiful, awesome and FUN. I danced the night away celebrating with Ilia and everyone else that was elated for this new journey that she is currently on with her main man, her Hubby! I ended the weekend with a brief|quick|went by super fast|in a New York Minute perhaps trip to New York and then headed home sleepy and all to re-start another work week.

What are your plans for the weekend? Tonight I'm going to hang with my gal pal, eat some really good food from one of my favorite restaurants here in the city, Founding Farmers, enjoy people watching as the Congressional Black Caucus begin to wind down and see what becomes of the night. There were/are so many beautiful, dashing, intelligent, supportive, gifted people here in the city attending various CBC's event and I was fortunate enough to be able to participant in an event last night which was great, though cut a little bit short, it still was awesome and amazing to see so many wonderful people fill the city and streets of DC.

As for the rest of the weekend, I'll be living in the moment so we'll see how it goes.

New artist (to me) Allen Stone

Belongs in my closet on the double, brace yourself....

This reminds me of something that my Aunt might actually enjoy, The Joey Bra. She also might say that she's been storing things in there for years, ha ha

Fun. colorful and quirky Clothing Line

As always, have an amazing weekend, do something that's wonderful in your eyes, be kind, be patient and live in the moment. Have a Lovely Weekend!


If you like to see my "days|life|findings|" in pictures, follow me on Instagram @penelopetoop, it should be fun!

J.CREW | Darling...

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I think that the most amazing item from this photo is the sweater that says...DARLING! Be still my ticker (heart) J.Crew. Right on the M-O-N-E-Y!!!

FOOD RECIPE | Eva Longoria Chicken Tortilla Soup...



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I LOVE soup, I’m the type of person who can eat soup all year round! The great thing about it is you can make it as light or as heavy as you like, seasonally acceptable I guess you can say!

Now that the Fall season is quickly upon us or pretty much here, there are tons of soups waiting to be made and eaten.

I found this really tasty (sounding) Tortilla Soup that is sure to bring some warmth and a plethora of flavors to your tastebuds! One of the components of this soup that I can truly appreciate is one of the foods that I have grown to love as an adult, avocado. Seriously I can’t get enough of it, not only does it taste good but it's good for you, your skin and your hair. Although I'm a little iffy about lettuce in my soup I may opt to skip that step or I may just follow this recipe to the "T", hey why not!

Another tasty part of Tortilla Soup is the ridiculous amount of tortilla chips that you can mount on top of it! Who wouldn’t love that?

I’m looking forward to making this soup and whenever I head back to LA,  I have to make it a point to check out Beso which serves this soup. I viewed their webpage and the AMBIANCE ALONE is enough to draw me in but the menu looks divine as well.

Cook, eat and enjoy!

Have a Lovely Weekend...

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This weekend should be fairly quiet and lowkey. I'm looking forward to tonight which is "Pizza and a Movie Date Night" so after work I'll be picking up my reserved (yes, I like to find things and reserve them so they aren't gone from the store once I arrive) copy of Wild Target and munching on some good, good, no really good pizza. Good times ahead I tell ya!

On a more responsible note, one of my main goals this weekend is to do some Fall cleaning/purging just to clear out some clutter|things that don't need to take up anymore space in my bedroom|closet. You know, I want be able to securely close my drawers and actually get to items in my closet. Not that things aren't neat, it's just overloaded and needs some editing :)

If all goes well with the above and I'm not too pooped, I would really like to try and make this pasta recipe I mentioned here possibly with some salmon and spinach (two of my food staples).

In Other Lovely News

I've been hearing wonderful things about Belle Butters (natural/handmade products for hair and body) so I can't wait to order a few products. My skin should be "oh so happy".

If you're interested in and/or love short films then be sure to catch your fill at  the DC Shorts Film Festival.

While reading the paper yesterday I was beyond excited about the Union Terminal Market which opens its doors tomorrow (I love food shopping)! Though the weather is due to be a bit rainy and all of the stores|shops aren't debuting, it still might be worth the trip! Food, shopping and a little bit of the arts under one roof, sounds divine to me!

Lush has created a line of highly pigmented "liquid lipsticks" (amongst other items to include: mascara, eyeliner & face tints). One of the interesting things to know is that each color is attached|tagged to an Emotional adjective hence the name Emotional Brilliance.

Caviar Manicure? Sounds very very interesting and actually looks pretty cute!

I like to support local businesses/entrepreneurs, so I'm waiting with bated breath for these amazing/inspirational K.R.T. Sweatshirts to get back in stock!

Whatever your plans are for the weekend, I hope that it's restful, productive & fun. As always, have a Lovely Weekend!!

FOOD | Sweet Potato Cream Pasta...



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This morning during a small break I was persuing the Net and found this wonderful food blog, How Sweet Eats ( I love food and finding awesome recipes to try, so naturally I was giddy). She (Jessica) has wonderful food photos of items that she personally cooks. If you are a self-professed "foodie" you will absolutely LOVE her blog and she's comical to boot. I def. want to try this Sweet Potato Cream Pasta (her recipe is topped with Kale, but I might use spinach as a side dish instead).

Check out her recipe below:

Sweet Potato Cream Pasta with Crispy Kale

serves 2-4

1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 shallot, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed

1 tablespoon flour

1 1/2 cups skim milk

1/2 cup freshly grated romano cheese + 2 tablespoons

1/2 pound whole wheat pasta (preferably noodles)

1 head of kale, leaves torn from stems

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, add kale, sesame oil, 2 tablespoons romano cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat with your hands and massage kale for 1-2 minutes, until flavors are distributed. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, tossing 1-2 times while cooking, until crispy. Remove and set aside.

Bring pasta water to a boil and prepare pasta according to directions.

While kale is cooking, heat olive oil and butter oven medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add in shallots and garlic with a pinch of salt, cooking for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Increase heat to medium and add in flour, whisking constantly to create somewhat of a roux. Once the roux has turned golden, add in mashed sweet potato and milk, whisking to combine. It will take a few minutes of whisking to bring the mixture together, and it’s okay if a few small bits of potato remain. Let the mixture come to a simmer in order for it to thicken a bit, but be careful because it thickens quickly. If it becomes too thick, simply add a little milk to thin it out. Reduce heat to low and stir in romano, remaining salt and pepper.

Once pasta is finished cooking, add noodles directly into the sweet potato sauce. Let sit for a few minutes, then transfer everything to a large bowl. Top with crispy kale and toss to distribute.

I'm actually thinking about making this over the weekend. She also has a drool worthy recipe for Toasted Marshmallow Coconut Milk Ice Cream .... I think I'm in love, ha ha

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FRIENDS, FOOD & a MOVIE | For a Good Time Call...



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Here’s something that you may have already gathered if you’ve been around the blog for a little bit. I like going to the movies, purchasing movies (yep good ol’ DVDs), I like to eat and I like to hang with friends. So why not do all those things in one evening!

I signed up to see Free Movie Screenings here in the DC area so tonight a few work pals and I are heading to see a rather girly comedy called: For a Good Time Call.

The premise of the movie is as follows: Two young women whose circumstances propel them into a hilarious joint business venture of the “carnal phone talk” kind.

It seems like a hilarious movie and something that you and your gals pals should gather together and see and that’s exactly what we plan to do tonight. Once the clock strikes “quitting time”, we’re going to head on over to a sushi restaurant, chat about the day, spark some conversation regarding the forthcoming movie, head to the theatre and enjoy!

What kind of after work fun do you and your friends tend to get into?

Have a Lovely Weekend...

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I can't believe it, I just simply can't believe it, the Summer is officially over within days, mere days! Though it's been a fast paced and AWESOME, I guess I have to bite the bullet and accept the fact that it's coming to a close. I feel like the Summer just started for me partly because I just purchased two bathing suits last weekend (yeah, I know I'm soooo late but well prepared for next Summer). 

This weekend should be relatively quiet, productive and relaxing. I've been giving the furchild a little extra dollop of fur-mommy loving as he's been a little sick this past week but is 99.9% close to being his rambunctious little self. He has his doctor's appointment tomorrow for his annual check up (this is probably more than you care to know but hey, sharing is caring). Other than fur-mommy duties, I'll be working on some PTD orders (YAY), enjoying the last remaining days of Summer, perhaps a little closet purging, taking a few naps here and there, eating some good food and preparing myself for the months that lie ahead!

I hope your Summer was fantastic and that the Fall treats you well. Be sure to enjoy yourself this loooong weekend, spend time with friends and family, do a few things that you weren't able to do earlier this Summer, eat like there's no tomorrow (with no remorse), do a little dance, get down tonight (this weekend) and just soak it all in!

Here's to having a Lovely weekend!!

MAKEUP AIDE | The Winged Liner...

  TAPE, LINER & PRESTO | THE WINGED LINER

Eyeliner Grail

One of my beauty "challenges" has been trying to line my eyelids! I see lined eyelids everywhere, it's as if they're somehow mocking me because they recognize my bare ones! For the life of me, I've never been able to get it quite right. Whether I use a pencil, liquid liner or even Fluidline, I can never seem to NOT look like I meant to look like a raccoon. I don't know if it's my technique, pull taut and pull right?, or my curly eyelashes that contribute to my defeat or that I just simply don't know what the heck I'm doing.

If you're like me and you want to try to wear your liner with a bit of confidence and dignity, then this tutorial by the The Beauty Department should help us out immensely. All you need is tape and liner, how simplier can it be? I'm going to try it over the weekend and see if it really helps and I'll update with a photo!

What are some of your beauty "challenges"?

MOVIE/FLICK | Celeste & Jesse Forever...

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While I was riding the train into the office this morning (yep, I had to come into the office but thankfully, we have early leave today to kick-off our long weekend as an ode to the end of Summer), I saw a glimpse of a movie while eyeballing another person's newspaper, that from the title, peeked my interest.

Celeste and Jesse Forever, "While navigating the turbulent changes in their lives and in their hearts, these two learn that in order to truly love someone, you may have to let them go."

The movie seems warm, funny, a heart tugger and  perhaps even eye opening when it comes to matters of the heart and relationships. I'm going to try to catch it this weekend if possible. I've been on travel for the past three weekends so staying close to home is def. one of my priorities as I say farewell to Summer.

{Video courtesy of Vimeo}

TOPSHOP | Pretty Packaging...

Topshop Lips

I'm sure I'm not alone and that most will probably, maybe, perhaps agree, that we/I purchase things mostly due to their packaging. Well, I do like to do a bit a research about a product before I purchase but mostly, I'll get something if it's pretty...

I was looking at Topshop today and I got the huge cartoon eyes when I saw the packaging for their makeup (specifically the lip treats). I LOVE stripes and I fancy polka dots as well so to see this combo, I think it was a little too much for my little system. I'm not sure how well the makeup is, but I'm def. tempted to give it a try!

Are you drawn to fabulous packaging as well? What are some of your favorites?

(photo edits by PTD)

INTERVIEW | Style w/Reuben Reuel...

SHOP De-Mes'Tiks {heart it loads}

The other day I was perusing Instagram looking for my daily fix of awesome photos and I happened upon an amazing dress! I was curious to see who the designer was and low and behold it was designed/created by a friend of mine named Reuben. I first met Reuben years ago when I was a student at Hampton University and sang with one of the community choirs. Reuben always had a wonderful sense of style as well as his sister Naomi with whom I sang with, so needless to say I shouldn't be one bit shocked that I'm seeing his work online. 

Though it's been a few years and Reuben and I had lost touch, I was beyond excited to see him on Instagram and that he was actively and successfully pursuing his dream of becoming a fashion designer for all the world to see. I've already picked out a few pieces that I literally NEED in my wardrobe!!

I decided that I would pick Reuben's brain about his current line/online Etsy shop, De-Mes'TiksNYC!

Check out our interview below:

Describe Reuben Reuel/De-Mes’Tiks: 

De-Mes'Tiks by Reuben Reuel is a label derived from my love of NYC's Garment District. All of the fabric, notions, trims, etc. are all purchased domestically in NYC and I also use manufacturers in NYC to produce the line. De-Mes'Tiks is about finding fabrics that inspire creativity.

What led to your decision or attraction to design women’s clothing? Is there a plan to expand to other fashion/beauty areas?

I have always had an attraction to fashion in general, however in womenswear I can experiment more creatively. The options women have in apparel are so vast. I do, however, have plans of designing menswear as well considering that I am a man, and I like vast options too! (haha) I feel that there is a shift in fashion now where men are becoming much more concerned with their appearance as much as women are. Kind of like a balance in some way. 

What’s your affinity towards ethnic patterns in your designs? Who is your line appealing to?

Well, I am not African if that's what you want to know (haha). To be honest, I just have a love for prints and colors. When I discovered the fabrics a light bulb came on in my head. The fabrics are so bold, daring, and in your face. I have seen it used in traditional African apparel, but I wanted to translate the fabrics in a more modern, American style. I wanted to create designs that are universal to all walks of life.  I have had people from all different ethnicites respond to the collection with such positive feedback, that's when I knew I accomplished my goal. In a way, changing people's perception of the fabric.

If you could design during any time period, what would it be/why?

That's easy...THE late 70's/ early 80's! The Disco Era! It was time when fashion was playful and sexy. Women dressed like women and men dressed like men. There was a refinement and elegance to clothing and HOW people dressed that we don't see much of today.

What/who serves as your creative muse?

What: I guess I would say fabrics and textiles. I design backwards. I find the right fabric then I create.

Who: I would have to say my one and only sister, Naomi. I always ask myself "would she wear this?" "could she wear?" "would she hate, like, or love it?" 

From a male perspective, what are three key pieces that you believe should be in every woman’s closet?

Hhhhhmmm (good question!) 

1. A transitional classic dress- the kind wear no matter how you wear it or what you wear it with, it always looks good on you and looks different every time it's worn.

2. Black Pumps- (self explanatory) 

3. A good leather bag/purse/clutch- the kind that always gets compliments

Because dreams and aspirations are limitless: what are yours that you have yet to experience?

I have not been to Europe...yet! :) Although this "Concrete Jungle" is my heart and first love, I would like to see how other cultures live. 

Fill in the Blanks:

It’s a Wednesday afternoon and: I am getting over the hump!

My Favorite Word is: GOD because it's very easy and hard to explain all at the same time

My approach to life/design/love is: The De-Mes'Tiks motto:  "Live to create, create to live" -R. Reuel 

If you could freestyle, it would go a little something like this: "My name is Reuben DOT DOT DOT, SOMETH'N SOMETH'N SOME'N that's all I got !" (hahaha!) 

Thanks so much Reuben and I wish/pray you nothing but sweet sweet success! 

Zebra Stripes...



Oh, oh Zebra

 I'm normally not a "zebra print" lover in terms of clothing, shoes, etc. but I have to admit that I wouldn't mind hanging this little print somewhere in my house. It speaks to me, although I'm not quite sure what it's saying per say except for "hey, look at me, I'm a pretty awesome looking zebra"..ha ha ha

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Surfcomber Hotel...

This morning I am heading to Miami to celebrate this weekend with one of my good friends before she heads down the aisle next month (this is friend #3 getting married this year, WHOO HOO). We're praying that a miracle occurs this weekend that will allow the sun to shine and Tropical Storm Isaac to beat it and get lost. No matter the weather, the gals are ready for a high falooting good time:) What happens in Miami stays in Miami, right?

Here's to a lovely weekend, may it be fun, memorable, hilarious & enjoyable!

SHOP PTD | Fall 2012...

SHOP PTD...

I'm beyond excited and a little nervous to announce that...drumroll please... Penelope Toop Darling's online shop will be up, running and fully functional this upcoming Fall!!! WHOOOO HOOOOOO

I'm still in the process of creating items and getting the shop in order but I was bursting at the seams to say something! For some reason I thought it would be easy to make semi quick decisions, figure out what I wanted the store to house, have loads of creative ideas, have all the money I needed readily available and the list is truly endless. I quickly learned through this process that not everything will go just the way you planned it, that there will be a few bumps in the road and perhaps a wee baby breakdown or two during it all but alas I'm content with the fact that I can say I'm thankful that I can look back and appreciate the process! 

Currently PTD will offer: Handmade Jewelry (earrings, necklaces and bracelets) and Party Hats with more offerings in the future!

PTD in all aspects, from the blog to the shop, to my side projects has been a challenge and a gleaming triumph for me. I will continue to allow my creativity|business be fueled by my passion and not become crestfallen or down trodden when things don't always go according to plan. 

I'm looking forward to continuing to create products that are made with love, enthusiasm, creativity & passion and that add a little bit of fun, beauty & oomph to life!

Penelope Toop Darling, Handmade Whatnots!!