New Year, New Swap!

I've signed up for a Valentine swap! I've been so busy and distracted this year with the sale of our house and moving into the new project that I've not been crafting as much as I'd like. I had lots of orders for crowns and wands, so that satisfied my creative urges but I'm ready to try a little something else in between. Go check out Cathy's blog to see if there are any openings left (I posted her button on the right.)

I've been working on organizing my craft room and the addition of a full wall of Ikea cubbies has helped quite a bit. I was pleasantly surprised when my husband volunteered to go pick up the huge Expedit unit. It has five cubbies up and five across - lots of storage. I could easily fill another one, but I'm trying to keep the non-essentials packed up and upstairs so I have some room to move around.

This is my new year's resolution: Get organized and get busy making stuff!

Neighbor Envy

The picture above is from my neighbor Debbie's home. You must visit her blog www.oldblushatelier.blogspot.com. She has the most amazing home, decorated in such elegance and beautiful colors that I can't believe my pitiful little place is just around the bend from hers. When we moved here, I was worried I'd never know the neighbors, since our houses are spaced so widely. It's very rural. Luckily, Debbie's mom and dad are our closest neighbors and came over to introduce themselves right away. They are just the kind of neighbors everyone needs. When I discovered Vi's daughter was Debbie, who is a friend of my best friend Lori, I was thrilled. I had heard about her lovely home, and how nice she was. When Lori told me Debbie was having a tag sale, I got to go over and meet her and her darling husband Alan. They couldn't have been nicer and showed me inside their amazing home. It is my dream home. It is far too elegant for our lifestyle, but it is my dream home. Debbie has such an eye for color and detail, and Alan has done work that is to die for. I hope I can learn from her and when I can finally decorate this humble little house of mine, some of her taste rubs off on me!

I didn't even put up a tree this year, so no holiday pics from me yet. Our house is just not ready for photos! I did put up a little vignette on my dresser of bottle brush trees and some vintage ornaments I received from Laurie (Magpie Ethel) last year. It makes me smile before I turn off the lights every night. Merry Christmas everyone!

Better, No Longer Bitter

O.K. - I'm feeling better about the house. Thanks April and Joyce! I've picked out the paint colors and new carpet. Once I get it cleaned up and painted, I think I'll be better. My husband has outlined all the plans and I think it's going to look pretty good. The best part is that it will be completely paid for and we won't have any mortage payment. Financially, that will ease the pressure and allow for more choices. Less pressure, happier family!

I sent off a new batch of crowns and wands to Janice and that always makes me feel productive. I had to get this bunch made and sent quickly since my "craft cave" had to be packed up. She requested some country themed crowns and wands for a specific event they are attending. I hope Janice and Becky like the gingham and western ones I made. I used vintage wall paper on a couple and they turned out great - very saturated colors.

I started making these wands as a way to uplift Janice's spirit. I can't help but be uplifted and inspired while I'm gluing and glittering away. I think of the smiles on the women who wear these crowns and wave these wands while having fun and building the "Sisterhood," and I can't help but smile myself.

I am Bitter

This is my new crappy house. A modular foreclosure on 2 acres of meh. There will be some MAJOR renovations and additions happening post haste if my darling husband wants to live with a woman not best described as bitter and depressed.

The first thing should be the full length covered front porch with raised flower beds next to new cute stairs. Those wooden trailer steps have got to go immediately! Here in the south, a covered porch is necessary so you can hang boston ferns along the front. I had no idea you could grow those things outdoors until we moved here.

The vinyl siding will be replaced and a carport/garage added. New shutters and gutters. On the inside, lots of paint and new carpet to start. Oh well - I'm just glad we found a home within my daughter's school boundaries. There wasn't much to choose from and we only had 7 days 'till we had to be out of the farm. This new house will do until Chloe's off to college. But after this, the next house better be damned near perfect. I'm trying not to be bitter.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pots

I found the pictures! These are some photos from my best friend Janice Patterson's "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pots" soy candle parties. She has such an amazing spirit and is one of those people others are just drawn to. As my friend Lori said, "I'd go anywhere and do anything with her 'cause she's just so much fun!" It's true, and I've been lucky enough to have her in my life for the past 29 years. If I ever move back to California, I'm heading to Atascadeo/Paso Robles. She's a forever friend, true as the sky is blue and the most giving person I've ever known. Love you Janice!!

Savannah Trip

The Cotton Exchange - what a cool building!

Our Girl Scouts

Chloe in one of the beautiful squares - I don't remember which one.

The girls modeling hats @home What a fabulous store! The owner was so friendly and gracious. I need to go back after I've robbed a bank. I would need lots of cash for all the things I wanted. At The Paris Market & Brocante (the picture below) I would need some of that cash, too. Beautiful things, wonderful ambience.

We recently went to Savannah, Georgia with our Girl Scout troop. There's only two girls in this senior troop, my daughter and the leader's daughter. Fortunately, the leader is one of my best friends and I love hanging out with her! The four of us stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, compliments of Lori's friend Pat. It was a fabulous room, within walking distance of the Girl Scout Headquarters and also of the Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder. We enjoyed touring the GS sites and also did a GS "scavenger hunt" all over the city. We visited beautiful cathedrals, most of the town squares and the river front walk.

The first night we took a walking ghost tour, conducted by a wonderful guide, Gail, from Discover Savannah Walking (discoversavannahtours.com). It was very interesting, as she really knew her history and the area.

We also got a chance to visit @Home and The Paris Market & Brocante. I could have spent hours shopping in either place. We refreshed ourselves with tasty treats at Leopold's Ice Cream. Don't miss it - the best!

I've never walked so much in my life - literally 8 hours solid one day. My legs were done for. Next time, I'll opt for the pedi cabs and tour buses. But we had a great time and I can't wait to go back.

New Wands

This was half the order of wands I sent to Janice last week. Her website is launching soon, so I hope to have a link to post here. I've also got some pictures she sent me of one of her recent party pours with the guests wearing my crowns and waving wands. Too cute! I'll try to post them tomorrow. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer!