Two Mall Spectacles

My sister and I went to the mall last week. Since Victoria's Secret is that they don't make a bra in my size I left that to her and went into Pottery Barn. When I came out and met up with her I was carrying this birdcage. The look on her face was hilarious. I said, "will you carry this for me?" and she laughed and promptly said, "no way!". I did garner many looks of confusion from other shoppers wondering why I decided to tote my birdless cage to the mall. Just when I thought I was a major spectacle we witnessed something that totally stole my thunder. Walking towards us was a man in dress slacks that had been cut off to be bootie shorts and a dress shirt with the sleeves cut off. Worst of all he was wearing black dress shoes and socks. We were gracious enough to wait the requisite amount of time after passing before we broke out into a peal of laughter.

The cage did get a makeover when I got home - from green to a dark charcoal grey.

And speaking of Pottery Barn when I saw this and the matching blackboard I went straight to the computer to order them and let me tell you they are more gorgeous in person than in the catalog. If Mr. Sweet comes home in a good mood they might make it on to the wall tonight.

---

Elevating The Calendar

You've probably heard me say that Somerset Life is my favorite publication. I love the idea of elevation the ordinary. I have been using a monthly calendar like the one above to keep my schedule in order for years. Last week I flipped to it to check a date and thought, now why haven't I tried to make this prettier?

I started by punching a bunch of tabs from patterned scrap paper as well as 2x2 inch squares to randomly cover some of the dates. In some of the squares I left "paperless" I stamped some images. I finished by tying a bookmark to the spiral to mark the month. While this might look like a lot of work and for a month that would soon pass by, never to be looked at again, it was quick, easy and I used all scraps. Much prettier!

Well I washed up some raspberries and made some whipped cream earlier and the kids all want some before bed. I better serve' em up before they attempt to serve themselves!

---

January 30th Studio Workshop

Now that we're all refreshed and our holiday obligations are behind us it's time to dust off our scissors and glue! Here is one of two projects we'll be making on January 30th at my home studio. The other project is a sweet Valentines banner that you'll love, more on that later this week. If you haven't been to one of my studio classes I'd love to have you. It's a full day of art, food and treats! Sign ups are now open.

---

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I love this time of year. My intention is high and I'm aware of all that I want to accomplish in the year ahead. I feel completely focused, even if it's for a few short days.

One could argue that the before picture of my new vintage shopping cart above somewhat represents me in 2009. A little worn, a little rusty and in need of a new song to sing. Today we spent a bit of time making it over. Since the original baskets are long gone I will be going out later to buy some new ones that fit so I can browse the flea in style on Sunday. I'll be back with some pics of "Dolly" in her new glory.

The last two weeks have been wonderful! Both last week and this week I worked just Monday and Tuesday and had 5 day weekends. I'm SO not used to that and I've really enjoyed some mid day art, new recipes, puzzles and games with the kids, movies with Mr. Sweet and after Christmas shopping.

Now that the holidays are behind us I'll be back more regularly with lots to share.

---

Merry Christmas To You!

Our home is just sizzling with excitement about tomorrow. Tonight we had a visit from the best Santa ever. One of the owners of the company I work for and long time friend of 17 years stopped by in his Santa suit. The kids were just beside themselves with glee.

Enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with those that you love!

---

Let's Get This Show On The Road Santa

I've enjoyed all things Christmas this past month but I'm movin on! I love Valentines Day and all that jazz above has me inspired to mix a little new with a little old. I'll be back to share more later this week.

Are your littles bugging you to "open just one present" too?

---

Christmas Is Coming!

I'm still finding and putting out a few decorations and Christmas is this week. I found this sweet old reindeer, he doesn't stand up on his own so I had to prop him up. Not sure if he was part of a set or an ornament or what but I loved it when I saw it.

I have to give Cassie in Arizona a big thank you for sending me this adorable turquoise tree. I'm crazy about it! I haven't yet but I want to make a bunch of miniature ornaments for this tree including a tiny stitched tree skirt. If I start now I'll have all that done by next Christmas!



My shopping is done and as of last night so is my wrapping. Does anyone else have rolls of paper that WILL NOT END? I'm pretty sure that I have about 5 rolls that I've had since I got married 13 years ago. My husband came in to the dining room where I was wrapping at the table and he asked why all of the gifts were wrapped in just two different papers and I told him I was trying to use a few of them up so I didn't have to see them again next year!!

I'll be back this week with sneak peeks of my January home studio class projects. The date for that class by the way has been changed to January 30th instead of the 23rd. The office where I work is moving to a new location on the 23rd and they've asked for an all hands that day. I'd like to move all of my personal belongings myself anyway so they make it to my office and aren't lost!

Enjoy your Sunday!

---