Happy New Year!

Best Wishes for a Safe, Healthy

& Prosperous 2009

As Seen In...Somerset Life

Have you seen the latest edition of Somerset Life? What a treasure trove of glorious finds (as usual!) I got my issue in the mail on Christmas Eve afternoon and was more than thrilled (and honored) to find my flash cards featured in this section

Here they are:

I also had 2 ads in this issue, one in Shabby Lane Shops

& one of my own. So exciting!

Holiday Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my wonderful friends!

Winter Wonderland

I spent today on an annual tradition. Five Christmas music infused hours of making homemade pierogis at my fellow Polish pal's house. We were having so much fun inside, that we almost didnt realize there was a HUGE storm brewing outside.

Since this morning, it has been snowing at the rate of about 2" an hour. Schools are closed! Its freezing! We are scheduled to get 12" - 15" of snow AND an ice storm by the morning. Looks like a good evening to make a fire and stay inside!
Photo from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle newspaper.

CLICK HERE to see pictures of the storm and check out the video below.

Thoughts on Giving

Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.
Kahlil Gibran

Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.
Lenore Hershey

You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.
Albert Schweitzer

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

SO Darn Cute

No Bake Cookies to Make with the Kids

Peanut Creams
1960's recipe
1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup peanut butter
mix well drop round balls on wax paper
let set

Blog Giveaway Martha Stewart Style

If you love faux desserts as much as I do you will DEFINITELY want to check out this blog giveaway. As seen on the Martha Stewart show-JenniB is giving away the very products used on the show. Check it out HERE

I LOVE YOUR BLOG!

I LOVE YOUR BLOG AWARD!

The rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate 5 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on your own
5. Leave a message on the blogs that you nominated

I nominated:
1. Velvet Strawberries

2. Happy Loves Rosie

3. 'New Girl in Class' Maisie Paisley

4. Inspire Company

5. Heather Knits Designs

Speaking of Packages...

In this busy time of shopping and wrapping and decorating I started really thinking about 'packages'. I think you find in life that you judge people on 1st appearances-the 'package' they present to the world. We all do it....we judge them. Based solely on their shirt, their accent, their hairstyle, their car...whatever. Shallow. When you think about it, its really no wonder why the divorce rate is soaring, who people are fighting, arguing, feuding. Relationships based on outward appearances dont offer much other than comfortable familiarity. There is no depth. Just what 'seems' to be. How can we build meaningful lasting relationships of any sort without a foundation. Its like building a house on a wetland. Its just a matter of time...

If you believe (as I do) that we are all here for a reason, we all have a purpose....then you must believe that everyone has something wonderful to offer.

I am trying really hard to retrain myself to look past the outside and see only what the person is sharing with me through their eyes & their words. It makes perfect sense, after all if you are so busy looking at the outfit they are wearing, you fail to see the person wearing that outfit. Take a moment to delve deeper to see who they really are, not just what they chose to wear that day. Much easier said than done. Sizing people up is human nature. We're all guilty.

I think this holds true for our loved ones as well. Our spouses, parents, children. Dont take advantage of their presence in your lives. You love them, sure. But by finding out more about them, you are certain to expand your depth of your adoration & love. There's nothing worse than a shallow relationship. I am guilty of having so many of them in my own life. Each a powderkeg.

I certainly dont mean to preach to you today...but in this season of giving, I hope for each of you that you can find the beauty in the people around you. Many are put in your path for reasons you will never know. Enjoy them, get to know them....you dont have to like them. Just give them a chance. You never know, you may be surprised.

When you are able to train yourself to listen thoroughly & without judgement- when you are able to step away from making instant external judgements, it is then that you will begin to see true beauty.

I hope each of you has the opportunity to be discovered by others in this very same way.

Let's Network!

If you haven't heard of Plumdrop...boy are you missing out! Plumdrop is where sellers of all venues meet, chat, socialize, promote, and share helpful tips on growing their online businesses. Plumdrop offers many features that include Group Discussions, Sharing coupons and product discounts, Live Group Chat, Photo Albums, Blogs,and much more. Its free to sign up- what are you waiting for???

Check me out here:

Quotable

"It is something to be able to paint a particular picture or to carve a statue and make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day- that is the highest of the arts."
- Henry David Thoreau

Eat, Drink and be VERY Blessed!

Hello Friends
Just a quick note to wish you all a very happy & blessed Thanksgiving & share this wonderful email I received today:

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them. "I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed "How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments ."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord."

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy ."

"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day ."

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a place of worship of your choice without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world ."

"If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare ."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair."

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

ATTN:
Acknowledge Dept.: "Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Conversation Pieces

I got this email the other day and found it fun & thought you might like to check it out...at least you will have something to say at all those Christmas parties this season!

INTERESTING TRIVIA


In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have 'the rule of thumb'.
***
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English language.
***
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone. (my daughter says I giggle-laugh like Wilma when I am excited)
***
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury.
***
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
***
Coca-Cola was originally green. (eew)
***
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
***
The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska
***
The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)

The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
***
The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven:
$ 16,400
***
The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour:
61,000
***
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
***
The first novel ever written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
***
The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
***
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
***
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
***
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
***
Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
***
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
***
Q. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
A. Obsession
***
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand
***
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
***
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
***
Q. Which day are there more collect calls than any other day of the year?
A. Father's Day
***
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase...'Goodnight, sleep tight'
***
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
***
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
***
Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

Wish List

With Christmas so close, I decided to take my own advice and list some pretties I would love to find in my lil ole stocking this year! Come window shop with me:

My Latest Wish List:

These Journal Tags

This glorious wreath

This lil charm

This fabulous scarf

This Divine Neck Candy

This Flighty Decal

This Artful Brooch

maybe I could save on shipping if I buy this pretty necklace from the same artist?

A Lil Pocket Planner like This

Oh my goodness..THIS little guy (and the stocking outfit too...)

Anything from this shop.
I could go on & on but its getting late & so much to do. If you feature other artists in your blog be sure to stop in and let me know- I would love to see YOUR favorites :)

Featuring....Me!

I have met some really great ladies at lollishops and it isnt even open quite yet! Recently, I was featured on one of the lovely ladies' blogs, you can check it out here. You can also see her darling shop here.

I love when artists are bold enough to share other people's work with the world. It shows they are confident in who they are and in their own talents. Thanks to blondheart for this sweet feature! I will be listing some more inspiring artists very soon.

I would love to see everyone who happens on this blog do a mini feature on their own blog on someone who inspires YOU. Write to them, tell them about it. I wrote this back in September:

I encourage everyone to take a minute to share your impressions of the beauty around you. Often times I think we 'borrow inspiration' from people and they never know they had a hand in lighting our inspired fire. Take a minute to drop a note to someone who has tickled your fancy and let them know they have inspired you to create something beautiful! Nothing brings a smile to an artist more than knowing someone who has appreciated their work took the time to write a quick note about it. Spread the love!

See how much love YOU can spread today by trumpeting the praises of another.

Inspiration All Around

This may sound strange but I was hit with a lightning bolt of inspiration from a most unlikely source this morning. I was watching Max & Ruby with my son and saw the bunny characters venture into their gramma's attic. There were big, old trunks, unopened jewelry boxes, dusty dress forms, forgotten shoes and so much inspiration hidden in the alcoves that I literally almost burst....from a child's tv show. I knew right away that I wanted to spend today unearthing some of the goodies I had packed away and bring them to light. If I could choose one place to go today it would be to a big old undiscovered attic full of promise and surprises. Where would you go????

Don't Exist

I think there is a huge difference between existing & living. Living is experiencing life and existing is getting up each day and merely going through the motions. Something I once read (written by a cancer patient) sums it up nicely: You dont need permission to start living. Life is not a dress rehearsal...this is it.
Sometimes things happen in life that remind us of how precious life truly is. We have all had those moments... but then there are times when we can have an 'epiphany' of sorts for no apparent reason. That's been happening for me a lot recently. Lately I have found myself wanting to change everything, make it new, make it different. For no real reason. THEN: I started realizing that a lot of that was simply interference or distractions & quite frankly it was making it impossible for me to enjoy the here & now.
Then I ask...am I living or am I existing?
The best way to appreciate life is to experience each individual moment without that 'static'. The 'what-ifs' the 'shoulda' coulda' thoughts that throw us off our destination. When we give up trying to control the way we think things ought to be -only then can we immerse ourselves in the moment and drink in all that it intended to provide us with. And after that we can giggle at the idea we had any control over things at all.
I am ashamed to say that sometimes I allow these little distractions to take me away from my goal completely...sometimes to the point where I begin to actually absorb the negative feelings associated with them. So.....from today I vow to try reaaalllly hard not to do that - if I can help it. Won't you join me?

OH NO! Is it that time already!?!?!?

Don't panic! That's what I keep telling myself...just over a month til Christmas and nothing is done...YIKES! What to do? I am so busy busy busy getting ready for Lollishops to premeire, keeping up with orders and launching new products (wait til you see what I have come up with!) oh...and the usual mommy and wife duties...I still need to sneak in my sisters wedding next weekend, Thanksgiving, the 4am crazy Christmas doorbusting shopping the day after Thanksgiving and ...and...
....but WAIT! I promised myself last year I would not do this again!
I dont want to get lost in all of it when I should truly be enjoying all that this wonderous season has to offer. Each year the holidays sneak up on us so quickly and then {{poof}} they're gone and I feel spent. This year I am realllllly going to try to sit down and drink it all in, relax and enjoy. I lost both of my grandmothers last year and see how time has a way of getting away from us. So this year I vow to take more time to 'smell the roses', smooch under the mistletoe, bake Christmas cookies, decorate my home into something that would make Martha swoon and maybe even hit a few Christmas parties.
For now, I am off to grab a cup of pink hot cocoa and practice this strange thing people call 'relaxing'....

Bon Voyage Bellas!

I am bittersweet today- I am so excited for all the ladies who are in attendance at Silver Bella but so sad that I couldnt make it this year. I know they will have a wonderful time, I so wish I could join them. Perhaps next year-it just wasnt in the cards this year. I hope everyone has fun and will share some photos and stories when they return. Its got to be so cool to meet everyone you have only known through the computer. For those of you who are not familliar with Silver Bella, Country Living did a great story on the event this year. You can see it here. Here are some pictures from the countryliving.com & their article:

This Just In....

Its been awhile since I have sewn anything, but at this time of year I always love to make these little darlings. Please help me welcome these new doorstops...or are they pin keeps...or pillows....Whatever you decide to use them for they make a unique gift (even if that gift happens to be for yourself!) These are always a hit. I have made some with my beloved Cath Kidston & Rachel Ashwell fabrics and some with Mackenzie Childs fabrics. I will be offering the shabbier stops here and in my new lollishops store opening soon.

I also made some using some fabrics I have been collecting from Mackenzie Childs over the years. They havent sold fabric to the public in years. For those of you (like me) who adore their older artisan works, you will appreciate these:

I finally put the finishing touches on these babies and they are now listed in the store here.

Veteran's Day Tribute

HONOR THE VETERAN
by: Sunny Paula Barnhart USMC

Veterans are easy to recognize
By their special swagger
And their shattered eyes
By the way they stand so tall
When the flag is raised
And how they bow their head
When the Lord is praised.
They may have clabbered voices
And brown and mottled skin
A missing arm or leg or eye
But you can see the youth within.
What horrors did they see
What hell did they endure
To keep my flag and liberty secure?
What would our nation be like
Without veteranssuch as these?
Let us remember each of them
When we bow our knees
And may we give all reverence due
To the brave men and women
Who defend the Red, White and Blue.

A HUGE & sincere thank you to all of the Veterans who have sacrificed for this country. You are not appreciated & never forgotten!

I AM A FAVORITE THING!

I got some exciting news this weekend~ My flash card sets will be featured in the upcoming edition of Somerset Life! I absolutely love that publication-in fact its my favorite magazine ever! Jenny Doh sent me a note saying she would be featuring my flash card sets in their 'Our Favorite Things in Life' section. I am absolutely thrilled! YIPPEE! (See an example of the set featured here.) Please let me know if there are any themes YOU would like to see in the flash cards. I have done some custom sets for retail stores in the past.
Some people still ask me what they are for. What AREN'T they for? I just love the flash cards. I started making them awhile back to use as signs for my products at local craft shows, then I started using them on my packaging, then I started putting them in when customers made purchases...then it FINALLY dawned on me that other people might enjoy them as well. I view them as subliminal messages that can be placed anywhere...and enjoyed in so many ways. Use them to tuck in a greeting card, tie them on a gift, add them to an apothecary jar full of goodies, pin them to an inspiration board...any other ideas??!?!? Drop me a note with any suggestions....

TAG-I'm It!

I've been tagged by my friend and wonderfully talented soul Cathy of Avalon Rose Designs.
Here are the rules:

* Link to the person who tagged you.
* Mention the rules.
* Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.
* Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.
* Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.

Here are my SIX Quirky things:
1. I am very easily sidetracked-I often have several things started at once
2. My favorite childhood stuffed animals were named 'Fifi LaFemme' & 'LeMutt'
3. My toenails are almost always painted with red glitter nailpolish
4. I am a volunteer for the National Centers for Missing & Exploited Children-this year I was the keynote speaker at their 'Rochester Ride for the Missing'
5. I hate scary movies and violence of any sort on tv
6. I cannot sleep on my back. If I ever roll to my back I'll wake up right away.
That was easier than I thought....NOW, I am tagging the following lovely ladies:

Michelle

Sadie

etsy cottage style blog

Couture de Papier

Carrie

Sandra

For the Girls

A friend of mine sent me this link. All women (especially mothers, teachers & women who have close contacts with girls) should watch this! Check it out,
here.

Random Favorite Things

Here is another list of some random favorites I found while perusing the unmistakable creativity on etsy...

A Pretty Bracelet

A Shabby Ornament

Vintage Rosebud Chenille Buttons

A Whimsical Treasure Box

Vintage Bits Bracelet

Unique Spirits Necklace

A Frosty Bubble Charm

Handstamped Linen Tape

Love Charms Galore

POLL

Keep 'In God We Trust' on currency - Take the poll here.

John McCain: American Hero

John McCain is an American hero. I am so tired of people dismissing him as 'old'. Its so disrespectful. I dont agree with everything he stands for, though I am a Republican/Conservative. It isnt about favoring one over the other, for me, its about respect. My own children shake the hands of our service people & stand up and applaud when Veterans march by in a parade (wthout being prompted)-and they are only 4 and 7 years old. We really need to teach our children a greater respect for those who serve (served) our country. JohnMcCain gave five years of his life to this country as a POW. He is permanently affected by the traumas he faced during those years-and still he loves this county and puts it before himself, as he always has.

We also need to teach them to stand up for what they belive in as well. Sarah Palin is a tireless and unapologetic voice for the most innocent of souls- the unborn. She didnt 'change her mind' when it didnt work out for her-She walked the walk. Charlie Gibson & Katie Couric ought to be ashamed of themselves for the way they treated her. Obama is an eloquent speaker, but this is not a popularity contest. We went thru that with Clinton. His team has been like a broken record with the 'lack of experience' comments- but Obama himself comes to us with a mere 4 years of legislative experience and nothing more. (No military experience, no territorial experience as mayor, governor etc... and no cabinet experience). I agree that change is needed but can we instigate change without disrespecting a man who gave so much to this country?

I Received a Marie Antoinette Award!

Marie Antoinette Award- a real person, a real award! Special thanks to Patty @ Pink Hugs Sweet Shoppe for giving me this award.

Here are the Rules for the Award:
1. Please put the logo on your blog
2. Link the person it to the person from whom you recieved the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

I have Nominated a group of women I admire and know your will too!
1. Heidi
2. Shabby Lane Shops
3. Sadie Lou Who
4. Grandma G's
5. Judy
6. Vanessa
7. Andie

What fun!

Quotable

I Have Been Tagged!

I've been tagged!
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share seven facts about yourself on your blog – some random, some weird.
3. Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.
What fun! Thanks to Heather Knitz at heatherknitzdesigns.blogspot.com
for tagging me!

Here goes:
1. I am terrified of heights
2. I am the oldest of 6 children
3. I love baking & cooking (fun recipes on Ellie Kreiger and www.stirringuptrouble.com)
4. This one is weird, but those who know me will attest to its sad truth: I dont eat foods that are 'neither-nor'...ex. a tomato is neither a fruit nor a vegetable...mayonnaise is neither a liquid nor a solid
5. I may have a compulsive hoarding disorder-when I look at my collections of vintage buttons, laces and books I think to myself....do I need help? hahaha!
6. I 'retired' from the brokerage business 6 years ago (at the ripe old age of 31) with 7 NY licenses and was trading stocks, options & commodities before turning into a creative stay home mom.
7. I want to have a book published someday. I need to write it first :)


I have tagged the following lovely ladies:

Southern Ladys Vintage

Vintage Snaps & Scraps

Little Beach Designs

SugarLoveHoney

Love Retro Colour

Creative Flutter

Chateau of Remnants


YEAH~ What fun!

Timely Quote

"Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it." Ellen Goodman

A Few of My Favorite Things

Its been a few weeks since I posted some of my favorite finds. Here's what I loved (this week!):

Mia Bella Jewelry is so pretty! Here are some of her beauties:

You can find her here. And you can bid on her donated items here .

Check out this beweled frame -so glorious! A true labor of love!

Find MORE of My Lula Belle's Divine Sweets & Jewels Galore
here.

The most amazing wreaths....EVER! Just breathtaking!

Find them here.

So many talented ladies out there! You can find them all at the grand opening of lollishops in November and on their websites listed above. SUPPORT THE ARTS! BUY HANDMADE!

*Things To Come*

Lollishops is opening soon. I am so excited to be a part of this new venture. You can visit us at www.lollishops.com to apply to become a vendor or to shop. Shopping starts November 28th. We have all been working hard to showcase pretties you wont see anywhere else! Here is a sampling of what is to come:

Be one of the first to stop by-these beauties wont last long. And just in time for holiday shopping! Hoorah!

Get to know your friends

Someone sent this to me today and I thought if I was going to take the time to answer ALL of the questions I would share it here, so here goes:

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your Friends....

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15 am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater? uh.....
4. What is your favorite TV show? I dont really love TV but I do like The Office
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? egg whites, feta and spinach omelette
6. What is your middle name? Carroll (its a family surname)
7. What food do you dislike? tuna, processed meats, anything with fake sugars like corn syrup or splenda
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? not much into music believe it or not
9. What kind of car do you drive? the Mom minivan
10. Favorite sandwich? meunster cheese & alfalfa sprouts with dill dressing on a wheat pita
11. What characteristic do you despise? selfishness
12. Favorite item of clothing? comfy pants
13. Favorite brand of clothing? I love the look of Ann Taylor though I have little occassion to buy from there right now- so I will go with Old Navy for me and for the kids :)
14. Favorite sport to watch? the kids playing Wii
15. Farthest place you are sending this? um....
16. What is your birthdate? March 1st
17. Are you a morning person or a night person? I think I am both.
18. What is your shoe size? 8 1/2
19. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? My sister had a baby a week ago, My brother got married Saturday, my other sister is having a baby next week, my other sister is getting married in November. Open the gift giving floodgates!!!
20. What did you want to be when you were little? An attorney & a fashion designer
21. How are you today? I always feel lucky and blessed. I am still recovering from a minor setback in my recovery this past weekend so tired but happy to be on the mend. I know I am blessed as others do not have it so lucky.
22. What is your favorite flower? I like to grow hydrangeas but I really love those sage-y pink roses they have now- they look so vintage!
23. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? October 24th-my daughters birthday
24. What are you listening to right now? the rain
25. What is your favorite candy? The richer the better- truffles...or for a quick grab I love Take 5 & refrigerated Reeses PB cups
26. Pets? none!
27. Where would you retire to? Around my kids (if they'll have us!) and the ocean.
28. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My 35th, my husband has a nice big party for me.
29. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? California or Hawaii
30. What was the last thing you ate? the apple bavarian i made this afternoon, yummmmm
31. Do you wish on stars? no, I pray
32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? PINK
33. How is the weather right now? rainy rainy rainy
34. Favorite soft drink? pomegranate seltzer- i dont drink soda any more if I can help it...
35. What was your favorite toy as a child? my stuffed dogs Le Mutt & FiFi LaFemme (shut up) & my Barbies
36. Favorite restaurant? Seafood/Steak places or Italian
37. Real hair color? dirty blonde
38. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? My mother
39. Summer or winter? Fall but if I have to choose then summer because we do fun stuff with the kids but winter is nice too....I cant decide!
40. Hugs or kisses? Hugs....kisses only if they are chocolate
41. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
42. Coffee or tea? Coffee-though I am trying to make more of an effort with the green tea
43. When was the last time you cried? I dont recall...
44. What is under your bed? my big luggage bags that I cant find a home for anywhere else
45. What are you afraid of? Something happening to one of my kids.
46. Salty or sweet? sweet- i hate salty!
47. How many keys on your key ring? just one
48. What did you do last night? Watched TV, packaged up my orders, went to bed early.
49. How many years at your current job? 6 as a full time mom, 5 with my business
50. How many towns have you lived in? 5
51. Do you make friends easily? I make acquaintances very easily
52. Favorite day of the week? when you stay home, they are all sort of the same :) but I guess Saturday- no lunches to make and no rushing about in the morning
53. What is the last book you read? I am reading The Shack right now.
54. How many siblings do you have? 3 sisters and 2 brothers...all younger :)
55. McCain or Obama? NOBAMA, Its McCain for me!
56. Who will reply first to this? WE'LL SEE!?!?
OK I have bared my soul (sort of) Feel free to post this on your blog with your answers- but be sure to stop back here to leve me a note to let me know so I can check it out!
Melissa

PS Dont forget to keep checking for new auctions to support Carol Decker:

For the Children

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my children and all children:

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.
It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room,but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with them.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

A Stranger In Need

OK, I realize everyone is super busy w/family & work these days! I also know we are bombarded with requests for our time & money. I definitely don't mean to add to that but thhis story really touched me. It's a true story and really quite heart wrenching. You can watch the news story here. You can check out the family's blog here.

I know many tragic events/incidents have take place the last several months and that many people are hurting and suffering everywhere.... Just do what you can. I donated an item this morning and plan to donate more. 100% of the $ goes straight to paying for her family needs & her skyrocketing medical costs which may top $2 million! I couldn't stop thinking about her after reading her story. With so many wonderful & thoughtful women out there, I thought that perhaps you may want to help too after reading her story. This is the lovely lady who started the auction and who to contact if you'd like to contribute, she can be reached here: ericathur4@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Melissa

Get Your Head IN the Clouds

A cool (free) site to make a 'word cloud'- referred by a fellow lollishops member, Kim. You can see her YUMMY faux cakes and tasty treats here. Here's mine:

Click here for your free cloud!

If You Are EVER In A Bad Mood....

Theres a lot of bad stuff going on in the news. Times are tough these days. This little video wont fix your problems but it is absolutely impossible to be in a bad mood after watching this- I challenge you NOT to laugh out loud or at least smile- a lot! ENJOY!

Novelty Holiday Baubles- HALF OFF, TOO!

I have had bracelets around here for the longest time...this year due to so many factors I wont be able to do my usual local craft shows so I am offering them online for the first time in years. In an effort to make more room in my studio- I am offering them on etsy for HALF of what I sell them for at the shows. Check out these cutesy little handmade (no, not by me!) glass lampwork pumpkins, candy corns and turkeys for fall....gobble, gobble them up. I no longer have these beads to work with- the lady who makes them has retired :(





I couldn't resist putting up some Christmas bracelets too...they make adorable teacher's gifts! See what you think!

This one has vintage crystals in between....ooh la la!

You can find them here. More coming soon...
Thanks for popping in!
Melissa

Lollishops, Lollishops Oh Lolli Lolli Lolli Lollishops!

Come check out a new venue to sell your loot. You can check it out here . It is in the very beginning stages and is just a wonderful opportunity. A little shout out to all my new lollishop friends...leave me a comment to let me know you visited!

When you are done there, come visit a whimsical fairyland here

And how cute is this retro hair comb?!

Tasty (and affordable) brass necklace here Dontcha just love shopping!!?

Some Artist's Work I Really Appreciate

Another edition of me being bored on the couch and using this time to behold the artistic talents of others. I have come to the conclusion that I am the biggest fan of
1. things that have been repurposed (used for something they werent originally intended for) its so creative!
2. vintage (but of course)
3. unique & artsy creations with an emphasis on quality- you can really tell when someone pours their soul into their work. It just shows! For that reason....
I am really a big believer of letting people know how much you like their stuff. I email everyone to tell them. Some write back, some dont. As long as they have been told I think its nice. Thats all :)

OK Onto my finds du jour:
I just love ALL of this artist's work!


Could this be any MORE glorious?

I am in love with these! And they smell good too!?!

Sassy Susan designs all of these scrumptious shabby vintage fabrics and has them made in Japan- the quality is impeccable.

Cute upcycled clothing!

I dont know how she does it but those images on vintage paper make me swoon!

Absolutely beautiful greetings...so original and perfect in every way.

Soldered Bliss from Sally Jean

A classic in my book collection- love this book and all it has to offer

Divine Bauble

Is it OK to love this - even though I made it?! HA! Recycled vintage buttons galore.

OK- More later...take a second to let me know what you think of these picks...any suggestions?

AND for all of you PINK lovers- I just added a new product you are sure to go nuts for:
PINK HOT CHOCOLATE!

You can find it here! Thanks for stopping in!

Some Favorites for Fall

As I sit here unable to create I am taking time to see what others have created. I was making a sort of wish list...here are some of my favorite things I happened across...I Would LOVE:

a dress like this

a sexy fall salsa shrug

'fake cakes' so I can fit into that cute lil dress!

Some kitschy fingerless gloves to go apple picking in

pretty ephemera images to dream alongside

what CANT you do with this!?!?

Some vintage bling like this

OH and a pretty ruffled tea cup

and some pretty hand painted ribbon like this...yummy

... and a girl can never have enough pink... or vintage....or charms...

and I hope it all fits into this beauty!

More tomorrow- I am having so much fun!

Spread the Love

This week I am laying around on the couch with nothing but a laptop and an issue of Somerset Life - the worlds BEST magazine. I am recovering from a hysterectomy. I am only 36 but decided to go this route after years of suffering menopause like symptoms (is it HOT in here!?!?) and other not-so-fun issues. I found a cool support group called Hyster Sisters which was helpful in easing my mind prior to the operation. I went in Thursday and was home Friday-they dont let any grass grow under your feet in the hospital these days-JEESH! :) It wasnt as bad as I thought though I dont know that I would recommend it as a way to spend a weekend!
While I have been sitting here I have had the time to go thru some websites I found in the magazine and thought I would share them with you all! I was happy to have had time to find some really cool artists and their websites that I might otherwise may have never found. I really loved these... The most darling paper shoes here. Bring your appetite- so tasty!
I encourage everyone to take a minute to share your impressions of the beauty around you. Often times I think we 'borrow inspiration' from people and they never know they had a hand in lighting our inspired fire. Take a minute to drop a note to someone who has tickled your fancy and let them know they have inspired you to create something beautiful! Nothing brings a smile to an artist more than knowing someone who has appreciated their work took the time to write a quick note about it. Spread the love!
If you have gotten this far, many thanks for reading my thoughts. Take a moment to say hello and share your thoughts. Stop back often! I am somewhat new to this blogging thing and would love any thoughts or tips.
~Blessings~
Melissa

Adored Before Flash Cards in the Spotlight

I am so excited to announce that I created a set of my flash cards for Angela Shelton's new web show Stirring Up Trouble. The show is sort of Betty Crocker Meets Sex in the City. Old ideas with a modern (and fun) twist. You can view the 9 minute webisode free and again & again (which includes a divine $10 recipe for organic chicken that will last for DAYS)here.

The flash cards are being featured during the show and are available for purchase HERE!

Angela is an amazing actress, screenwriter, comedienne and is oh so funny. She is also a childhood sexual abuse survivor and is the author of a documentary seen on Oprah called Searching for Angela Shelton, you can see more of ithere.

Make time to check out the show and 'about Angela' she is someone we could all learn from. Overcoming obstacles? HA! No problem-o!
xoxo
Melissa

A Treasuretrove of Vintage Patterns

Just hit the motherload of fantabulous vintage sewing patterns! These are all original and all wonderful! You can find them here. Check some of these babies out:

I would love to see what one of your creative souls could do with these patterns!

More New Loot on the Way!

So many new things on the way- I dont even know where to start! I have ordered velvet ribbon, tulle spools, petals, and even went as far as importing Dresden trims and lametta tinsel trim from Germany. Plus more antique book page parcels, tickets, tags and vintage German scrap (from the 1940s) & so much more. Check back in about a week to see how far I have gotten on getting everything together.



On another note, I will be away from September 10th - September 19th. Not sure if I will have access to my email or not yet. I'll keep you posted.

Shabby Lane Shops

I am excited to be featured on the Shabby Lane Shops Blog this week...You can check it out here. Anyone looking to promote their business should definitely consider joining Shabby Lane Shops. I have had great success. The proprietress, Catherine, is wonderful to work with and makes sure you are treated right. Stop in and have a look around the neighborhood here.

Betty Crocker, Meet Carrie Bradshaw

Cool New Show Debuting in September-Be sure to check it out. Its called STIRRING UP TROUBLE....sort of a 'Betty Crocker Meets Sex In The City' with Angela Shelton. Check it out here.

More New Stuff Arriving Soon!

I cant believe its going to be August already. I have had a busy summer and my how its flown. Between the kids activities & working on all the new products I have lined up for fall and winter-I dont know where the time went. I think you will absolutly love the new things I have in store~ Everything will be arriving soon. Its been so rainy here I have used the time to bring some ideas to life. Anyone else been working on anything fun???
Only 2 weeks til my most favorite time of the year- THE BOUCKVILLE ANTIQUE SHOW! You can find info here. I always manage to unearth some treasures to share at this event of events.