The Final Countdown...

WOW, just 5 more days until the big one!! And is it that horrible for me to say that I still have yet to go Christmas Shopping!?!? Yes my friends, it is true... I am a procrastinator, and this is one of the worst cases for me. I cannot believe that I have waited until five days remain to buy a load of presents that wouldn't even fit on Santa's sleigh!! To make myself feel a little less anxious, I have bought a few presents for my mom, but that is all. I do have lists upon lists of present ideas for people, so I've gotten the "What to get?" question dealt with, now I just need to fight the traffic and the lines at America's second largest mall. I am usually a shop-a-holic, visiting the mall at least once a week, but I... haven't... been there in.... 2 months!! How have I been able to live?? Just kidding, but you would think that for someone who loves shopping so much that they would go and get it done and over with. Well, I am going today my friends, venturing out into a world of Christmas Chaos and last minute shoppers (ehem...) and getting it all finished. This is not just another one of those "half promises" of mine, this is a fact! ( You see I must tell myself that so I don't totally have a Christmas Breakdown.
Anyhoo, I am going today, meeting my sister for lunch, then perhaps shop with her for a little bit, see what extravagant new items she's been eyeing up, and see if my pockets don't burn holes in themselves by the end of the night. I also have to get wrapping paper, probably brown kraft paper with luxurious ribbon or raffia and tea stained tags. I am still unsure; I bought this really pretty blue plaid print at Target, with brown velvet ribbon, but I am unsure if it is matte or shiny. I like to use matte finished papers, don't ask why, I just think it looks better. Alrighty, well I am going to finish up here, since I do have a ton to do today, and hopefully the next time I post, you will see dozens of beautifully wrapped gifts with a nice cup of hot coco and The Grinch playing in the background! Wishing you timely holiday shopping and wrapping, as well as cups of frothy hot chocolate!!
ps: Today is my 50th post, somewhere in the near future, you will be seeing a suprise for all of my dear readers... Make sure you stay tuned!!

Rockin' around the Christmas Tree...

That good old Christmas clock is ticking away and there is just about 10 more days until Christmas!! Meaning that in the next 10 days I must finish all of my shopping, give my own "Wish Lists" out and finish up decorating and of course wrapping presents. Never has a Christmas been so hectic as it has been this year, and although it has been nerve wracking at times, I still cannot wait until the big day! I have been uber busy this entire month, and I am quite surprised that I even had the time to get a tree let alone decorate it! I have not forgotten about you dear blog, just ignored once again, and I am sorry once again, and I hope you understand. We are all busy women and I know that everyone's life gets hectic at times.
Alrighty off of the bad topics and onto Christmas!! So last Saturday I went to the local Nursery and picked out my tree, a frasier fir like every other year. I also enjoyed my annual cup of apple cider that I always get while the tree is being drilled and I picked up a beautiful wreath for the front door. I then proceeded to wait a week, stock piling ornaments and garlands for the past month in my living room, and finally tonight I found the time to decorate my tree. I also decorated my bay window a couple of days ago with lights and different sized and shaped ornaments floating at different heights from ribbon. I admit that this is not how I planned I would decorate, all in one crazy night, but thats how it happened and now I can finally enjoy it all. I'll post some pictures of the tree in a couple of days, and maybe even the silver tinsel tree I set up in my guest bedroom/ studio. As for the decorations, well Target and KMarts stock just went sky high since Genevieve bought out most of their supplies. I'm tellin ya, the day after Thanksgiving, me and the other decorators were going head to head, "fighting" each other to get the last glass glitter snowflakes at Target (which I did ;) Lets just say that Target and Kohls did not disappoint with their wide selection of gorgeous glass glitter ornaments. I am sure you've already visited and gotten some yourself, so for now heres just some inspiration (as if you need it!) Enjoy!!

Brocante Home's Puttery Treat Challenge

"Get up very, very early. Just you. Creep downstairs, light candles and drink coffee in the dark, melancholy silence of an early Winter morning."

Waking up in the darkness of the sweet, calm morning, I feel the icy breeze dash across my nose from the cracked window above me. Pushing myself out of my warm nest, I stretch to the new days beginning and slip on my fluffy slippers. Heading to the kitchen, I hear but not one noise, perhaps the yawn of Metayo as he adjusts his eyes to the darkness (for he is not used to waking up so early.) With the creaking of the kitchen door, I am happily awakened by the earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Carefully swishing my feet across the dark kitchen tile, I base my direction on the flashing green light of the coffee maker. With my cup placed out from last night, with a slightly tarnished vintage family spoon acting as the stirrer of the day’s future, I pour in my hazelnut creamer, and mix in the sugar. I begin to light the tea lights which are placed in aged mercury glass holders amongst the windowsill, and peer outside to my backyard, which has been transformed to a snow covered wonderland overnight. I lean back on the kitchen counter with coffee in hand, and sip away all the worries of yesterday, and plan what delights await me in the day ahead. I am calm, I am silent, I am peaceful, but I am not alone. I soon hear the scurrying of Metayo’s paws on the floor and feel his side rub against my leg. He sits and stares at me, silently asking me to take him outside in the snow, to play in natures glistening beauty. I now tie up my snow boots, slip on my comfy down jacket and step outside with Metayo. The sun is beginning to rise, and the snow in all of its winters glory has blanketed the sounds of early morning. I stand in the icy blanket, with the mornings breeze wisping through my hair, and listen to the glorious sounds of nature, the sounds of winter, the sounds of peace.

*Image Courtesy of Creativty+'s


Do visit Allison's 'scrumptiously' lovely blog!! The Brocante Home Chronicles

Shes a sneaky one...

Okay, Okay, I could not take it any longer... I must... post... my hat!!! I confess I did send it out later then the set due date because of some technical difficulties with some of the details, so therefore I have waited extra long to share the completed project with you all. Not that it is very important to your or anything, I thought I would finally post the pictures of the hat I made for Speckled Eggs Halloween Hat swap. Since it is just one more week until Halloween, and of course since I have been deserting you to the MAX, I thought I could quite possibly, make it up to you? I promise this is not the only thing that will come in the future. More "In the Kitchens" and perhaps even a few "Fashion Fridays" tucked in the schedule as well. I dont want to ruin anything, but hint.. hint.. my 50th post is coming up soon, just in time for the holidays!! I am going to try to make it to 100 posts before my blogs 1 year anniversary!! That is now my goal, and I promise I will try to reach it!!
Alrighty, now back to the hat... I took your basic party hat cone shape, made one out of heavy duty scrapbook paper, and then added some shredded paper, glitter, vellum, and all that jazz. A few squiggly eyes later, Voila! I was going for more of a vintage inspired Halloween, the classic colors, plus some sheet music and tea stained papers. I really love how it turned out, and I hope my partner Robyn loved it as much as I do. It was really hard to part with, and I believe that the UPS arrival date said Wednesday October 25th, so I'm patiently awaiting what she thinks. I also added a card (not shown) and a goody bag of some scrumptious candies.. Yummo, candy corn how I love thee!! Okay, now on with the rest of the pictures; enjoy the eye candy (pardon the pun!) Until next time wishing you goody bags full of candy corn and Halloween inspirations!

Thank you Mr. Postman....

Hello all, yes I am still here, and no I am not going to appologize for deserting you once again because I know you are all tired of hearing about it ;) So on to why I made this blog, to keep in touch, inspire and be inspired by others! Okay, so the other day I am watching my DVR'd episode of Martha, when I hear the mailman come to drop off the mail. I pause my Martha, go outside, and as I turn around to go back inside I notice I large brown UPS box in the corner of my eye. I was soo excited and shocked that I dropped the mail and ran into the house for a pair of scissors. Once it was opened I found a sweet handmade card from Robyn, my Halloween Hat Swap partner. I also found a cute Halloween inspired ribbon and as I dug through the seemingly endless array of styrofoam balls, I spotted it. Orange glittery goodness in all of its glory!! I picked it up and admired the details, the fabrics she used, the vintage childrens hat, and the glitter. Not to mention that gorgeous 'G.' How had she known I had been wanting one of those? Anyways I am proud to say that it is now being displayed on a vintage urn with the rest of my fall decor. And might I add that it just goes so well!! I cannot thank you enough Robyn, and I can't wait for you to recieve mine!
I know I told you that I would share a few sneek peaks at the hat, but before I got to take some close up details, I had to ship it off to California. So I will wait until I get news that Robin's postman delivered it, and then I will show you because I want her to be surprised! Alrighty, well these past few weeks (ughh... has it really been that long?) have been very busy. My great Uncles came over from California for the first time in my life, and might I add they are super-fun!! I cannot wait to visit them, and since I'll be in CA, I might just have to travel to some of the great spots I read about in Blogland. As some type of payment for my time away I thought I share with you some pictures of the hat Robyn made. Until the next time, perhaps Saturday (when I buy some pumpkins and those flowers I've been talking about) I wish you beautiful fall days and some suprises in the mail!!
ps: Did anyone catch Wendy Addison on Martha yesterday?? And VICTORIA magazine is BACK!!!

Octobers Splendor...

Ahh, the brisk days of fall have fallen upon us and the leaves are beginning to change color. I'm tellin ya, October 1st has got me all to excited for the fall (like I have said oh so many times before!) I have been working on getting out my Halloween/Fall decor out, but I still haven't found the time. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be the day that I unearth all of those annual goodies. Am I the only one who feels like its Christmas morning when I open up the fall decor box and see all of the goodies that I have long forgotten and sometimes even forgot that I had? If so, then call me crazy because I am crazily in L.O.V.E with Fall!! As you can see I am starting to get in the mood for fall, with my small purchase of 3 mini pumpkins and some of the scraps from my Halloween Hat swap project.
I did not want to show you too much, in fear that the woman I am sending it to might get an early surprise. I worked on finishing it up this weekend and I just have to add a few more details to make it beautiful. I'm starting to get orders for these hats now, everyone that sees the in-the-process Halloween Hat is always saying "Oh you should make one for so and so, she loves Halloween." So maybe that will be my new venture, a world in creating lovely party hats. There are just so many creative souls out there, that hold so much talent, and are an inspiration to me everyday! Anyhoo, back onto Halloween, I am hoping on getting over to the farm stand to pick up my pumpkins and mums and pansies. Ohh, I was there last week and they hat black and caramel colored pansies which I am hoping are not sold out by now. I'm thinking them along with some baby cabbages for the front, and of course some carved jack-o-lanterns! I promise, more fall adventures lie ahead, so dont miss out, and oh yeah Ill sneak a few more peeks of the hat for you as well! Wishing you crisp and beautiful fall days!

Bundles Of...

Well, Fall has finally arrived and although the days are hot, the nights are nice and cool and I dont mind the warmer then usual temperatures. The trees have a slight auburn color which is slowly covering each tree with the brilliant palette of fall. I must apologize for my two week vacation from blogland. I did have things to show you (yeah, yeah, how many times has she said that?) I really did, but I have just been soooo busy. Busy with all sorts of things, especially work. Ughhh, anyways I have been waiting to post up my new blog header, made by myself for this fall season. I finally got Photoshop Elements, so I was able to start doodling in digi scrapbooking. Remember, I'm a newbie at this, so dont expect too much ;)
I have been soo excited lately for Fall, all of the events that happen, the hayrides, and mazes, as well as the trips to buy pumpkins, mums and gourds at the farm. I pass by my local farm stand every morning, and I just love it as the sun is rising and the ghostlike fog is still hovering over the remaining sunflowers and zinnias. I also drive by slow everyday, and even at seven o'clock in the morning, the workers are out their loading those beautiful cinderella pumpkins and the new halloween decorations. I'm tellin ya' these people probably think I'm crazy since I slow down to see what new items they are loading. Over the weekend they began to lay out the pumpkins for selection, and the rows and rows of soon blooming mums are waiting to be transplanted. Today I thought I would show you some books I found at the thrift store, from 1867 (top) to 1951 (bottom) these books along with their colors fit perfectly with the colors in my room. And of course I had to show you a collection of the ever-growing October magazine issues which offer tons of Fall inspiration. That reminds me, tomorrow I have to take out the fall decorations and start getting this place cozied up. Goodbye pastels and hello burnt orange and cranberry! I promise I will share some sneak previews of my Halloween Hat swap project that I am working on, I'll post them this week! Okay, well thats all for now, wishing you crisp fall mornings, and a tasty orchard fresh apple!

ps: How much do you enjoy fall?

Hats Off to You!

I am just going to say that I am truly, deeply and completely sorry for deserting you once again. I do have some reasons as to why I took a "Blogiday" (ehem.. more like week(s)" but I know from some of the blogs that I read daily that even when they are busy, which is a much busier busy then mine, they still take the time share a few creations or inspirations. I not only ignored you for a week, but I also ignored my favorite blogs. Boy I'll tell ya, I have got some reading to do!!
Anyways, I promise I will try to update it at least twice a week, if not three times, especially now with the new Fall season coming up, and adventures for buying mums, pumpkins and ghourds, as well as finding the perfect Halloween candy and showing you the process of my Halloween Hat swap!! So, you know you are in for a treat in the next few months with all of the Holidays and get togthers. Ladies I just can't wait!! The images I am sharing with you today are of some of my Great Aunt's old hats full of vintage millinery flowers, and velvet ribbons, ohh and I especially love that pink one!!! I grabbed as many as I could hold, since she is planning on throwing them away. Now I can display them and whenever I look at them, I will always remember my Aunt Cida! Since today is a very important date in the lives of many, I am sending hats off to you, as well as to those who have lost a loved one on todays anniversary six years ago. I send my hopes and prayers to those who have lost someone, and many thanks to those who helped in the dismal weeks after as well as the many years fighting in the war. God Bless you all!!




9/11 Forever in our Hearts...
"Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark."
~Rabindranath Tagore

Sweet September

I cannot believe that it is already the first day of September!! I am happily suprised, but Summer just flew by so quickly. I have been reading my daily blogs throughout the night, and I have discovered that today was a beautiful day all throughout the country. In my neck of the woods it was sunny, bright blue skies all day, with puffy white clouds and a cool breeze. The perfect entrance into Fall. I believe that Fall is my favorite season, since it's not too hot and not too cold, and the natural surroundings are glorious. The smell of apple cider and pumpkin pie entice your senses, and haystacks and pumpkins line every doorway. Fall is a time, that no matter what neighborhood your passing through, every house takes the time to spruce up a little bit. If I am not mistaken, I believe Fall is a world renowned favorite season of us bloggers.
Alrighty, well lets change the topic for a bit and travel on to craft supplies... Long story short, my Great Aunt is moving from the house that she has occupied for I believe her entire married life, and she is giving away all of the "stuff" that she has. Now, I like to collect things, pretty things, but my Aunt, well she is the hoarder of all things "vintage." Whether it's a plastic bag for a plaid comforter from 1978 or my Great Grandmothers writing desk, you can find it in her basement. She is planning on putting everything to the curb in a few weeks, and when I heard this, my sister and I drove over to her house to get as many family heirlooms as possible. I mean, I don't want the trunk that my grandparents brought over from Sicily getting picked up by some stranger. So we discovered so many things in that basement, and we even need to rent a storage unit to hold it all until we find more space. As for little things, I now have found the family culprit as to where I get my "creative gene." I know my gardening comes from my maternal Grandmother, maternal Great Grandfather, and paternal Grandfather. And my decorating/ housekeeping/ cooking gene comes from my two Grandmothers, but I never knew where I got that little crafty gene, even though my mom did enjoy sewing at one point in her life. And when I uncovered that old plastic sheet in a dingy corner in her basement, I unearthed countless numbers of mica flakes, glass glitters, buttons, and bags of colored glass which I took as well. Even though my Great Aunt was into knitting and crocheting, she still enjoyed Glitter!! I brought home countless goodies, such as old hats, my Great Grandmothers tea cup collection, family linens, etc. I am just happy to have these items passed down the family tree instead of into some strangers living room! The pictures today show the glitter I found and my method of getting the dingy smell out of old buttons... Good old soap n' water!! Until next time, wishing you fabulous "Fall" days and some family treasures!

In the Kitchen Pt. 3

Line up my fellow blog readers, In the Kitchen with your host Genevieve is back for another segment!! This time we are focusing on the fruits of summer, which in a few weeks will no longer be at their prime "tastiness!" This recipe is simple, easy to clean up, and of course ohh so delicious!! You can substitute the fruits I used for the ones that you prefer such as strawberries, cherries, raspberries, etc, etc. I just chose to use what I always have in the fruit bowl and refrigerator. Whenever you come into my kitchen, you will see a beautiful glass fruit bowl overflowing with plums, juicy peaches, sweet nectarines, and crunchy apples. Not to forget about the fridge, as soon as you feel that cool blast as you open the door, you are greeted with all sorts of fresh berries, awaiting to be used in a delicious summer dish!
That is why, today my friends, I decided to use up some of this fruit including plums, peaches, nectarines, and blueberries, to create a simple Summer Crostata!! I followed no exact recipe, but I will share the steps with you so you as well can enjoy this tasty dish!! Start with fruits of your choice, in this case plums, nectarines, peaches and blueberries. Make sure you rinse them all off, and cut them into small slices (exclude berries.) In a bowl, mix fruit along with 1/4 cup of sugar. (* Please note, many crostata recipes call for more sugar, but I think that the juices from the fruit act just as well!) I also add a little dusting of flour to help thicken the juice that will be released as the fruit heats up. Now I know the next step is not very "Martha-esque" but since we all don’t have the time to whip up some homemade pie crust, I must admit I.... I used a pre-made crust!! That is what makes this dish soo easy, of course along with the cleanup as well!! Next, butter your cookie tray or pie plate, place the crust down and pile on the fruity goodness!! Pleat the crust into standard crostata form and place in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, or until fruit is bubbling, and crust is golden brown! I am soo excited to try this dish, since as I type this, it is still cookin’ away in the oven. As soon as it's done, I'll take a picture of it and load them up!! Well, that’s all for today, hope you ladies enjoy the recipe and pictures, and I hope you find the time to make one for your family!!

All Buttoned Up....

Wow, I have desserted you once again and this time I don't have anyone or anything to blame. My computer was working fine, as well as my camera, and I do have a bunch of stuff to share with you. But, this week was kind of a drab, cloudy, humid week that pretty much sucked the life out of me once I stepped outside. With all of these hurricanes and cold fronts and warm fronts clashing, the last few weeks of summer have been gray and dingy. But, I found stuff to do, went on some flea market trips and found some more treasures to show you. I have also gotten myself nice and organized, so now my craft items and vintage pieces are'nt thrown around the house.
I would like to thank ALL of you who wished me a Happy Birthday, I did have a lovely one!! Your comments were all much appreciated and made my day and days after even better. Oh how I love having blogger friends, its soo interesting to know people from all over the world, all connected with creative souls. You are all too sweet, and soon I will reward you for every kind comment and wish you have given me, I promise!!
As for today's post, well lets just say "The French Inspired Home" has gotten me into a little bit of a collectors mode. After reading that book inside and out, I have been taking so many trips to the thrift store, and flea markets, and I have started my first collection of vintage buttons. I love the packaging so much that I don't want to take them off of it, so for now they will just be displayed in pretty jars or cases. Yesterday, since I was in the area (well sort of, not really ;) I stopped by the thrift store once again and spotted some vintage mother of pearl buttons and silver floral ones. I was soo excited, since I have never seen any buttons in there before. I am also planning on heading over there at least once a week, since they are starting to put out their halloween stuff along with Christmas stuff!! Ohhh I cannot wait, and even though you have to search through some junk to find the treasures, its always worth it!! The buttons in the milkglass vase are from a flea market I visited with my mother last Saturday and the mixed buttons are the ones I found yesterday. I am sorry for not posting all week, and I plan on making it up to you this coming week!! Wishing you beautiful sunny days and some inspiration to start a collection of your own!!

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

Hello again dear blog, like I had said in my last post, I have some exciting news!! As I am sure that you have already guessed since the title is what it is and the photos are of a party hat I made, today is my Birthday!! Born August 17th at 8:30 A.M. I tried to wake up before 8:30, and I did but... then I said just 5 more minutes and woke up an hour later. I always like to be awake, I dont know why, its not like I feel the transition into another year older or anything. Well anyhoo, in the morning my sister stopped over and brought me this bag with a gift certificate in it. Oh I was so happy, and she would have gotten me a certain necklace, but they are out of stock until September, I know bummer but September, I can wait!! I have been wanting that necklace for soo long, and I am finally going to get it. I then traveled to lunch with my dad and sister at the local restaurant I told you about in this post for a zep (an italian hoagie) and a basket of fries, shared of course!! Then we stopped at our favorite italian ice shop down the street for a lemon and watermelon waterice. Yummm!! As if that was not enough, when I came home, as soon as I settled in I heard a knock at the door, and guess who it was, yepp the mailman!! He had a big box in his hand with my name on it and I quickly grabbed it, said thank you and ran into the kitchen for a pair of scissors. Amongst all of the tissue paper was this book and this book. I have had them on my wishlist for months, and my mom knew the perfect present!! Thanks soo much mom, I love them!! Okay, well tonight I am going to go to dinner with my family, its a tradition, then maybe catch Becoming Jane. The pictures are of my birthday hat I made this past Monday, and I really like it. I especially like the curly cues, I am sure you do too!! Okay, well just wanted to do a quick post, because I have some books to read!! ;) Wishing you as always time with your friends and family and some special gifts just for you!!

Some Mix and a Match...

Hello again dear blog, getting back into the swing of things as you can tell!! So I have some exciting things to show you, and that usually means some of my thrifty vintage finds!! So anyhoo, I have a thrift store right near my house, and for some odd reason, even though JoAnn fabrics is right near it, and I am always in JoAnn's, I never seem to walk on through those doors. I have donated things to them, been in there maybe once or twice when they first openend, but have not revisited for countless months. So, on Monday I decided that I would venture on over to that giant thrift store!!
Even though it was early Monday afternoon, that place was hopping!! I couldn't believe it, and I also couldn't believe how many little treasures that store had waiting for me!! I traveled through each of the isles which contained glassware ranging from the 40's up until present day, then made my way to the book section and of course magazine area!! My hands were so full by the time I reached the magazine area that I didn't even bother looking through everything. I did see some old Living magazines which I should have snagged, and a BRAND NEW decorating book which I have seen at the major book stores for thirty dollars!! Well, I think I'm gonna be heading up there at least twice a month, just to see what they have since they are always getting donations!! So as you can see by the pictures, I picked up a couple cute little vintage vases. On my way to the cashier I spotted that smaller dotted Fire King milk glass vase that matches my larger one as seen on my Flickr page. I also picked up a taller milk glass vase, a small dotted single vase, a vintage silver tray along with a composition book from the early 1900's for just a few cents!! I couldn't believe that find, and I was so happy when I only spent a few dollars on the entire purchase!! Oh how I love thrift stores, dont you too!?!? Okay, well I have surprise for you on Friday, ohh I cannot wait, I know you will enjoy it as much as I will!! Alright until Friday my blogger friends, wishing you thrifty adventures and vintage finds!!



I made that little vase full of cockscomb and goose-neck foliage for my grandfather who was in the Hospital with a urinary tract infection. He's doing good now, but his father always grew the cockscomb in his garden, so I knew he'd enjoy it!!

Little Gems...

Hello again dear blog, how have you been?? I know I have deserted you once again, but I swear I had a good reason!!! You see, I knew that I would be heading up to an Antique/Farmers market this Saturday, so I thought I would wait to show you some vintage pretties. This past Thursday, while at lunch with my dear sister and our friend, we made plans to head up there for a little day trip with the girls. So, this morning I awoke bright and early, and when I say early, boy do I mean early, and got ready for our little adventure. Once I acted as the personal alarm clock for all who were going, we met up and got into my friends Jeep since it was such a beautiful day. With my hair blowing in the wind, we headed down to a favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner joint that we have been going to since we were babies to have the best breakfast and coffee in town. With our stomachs full and our blood pumping with caffeine, we turned up the music and took a beautiful drive past all of the farmers stands and yard sales and were finally greeted with a smiling farmer on the sign that has been there for years. Although, the girls had wanted to go here for no particular reason, really just to see what they had been missing for the gap in years since their last visit, I knew exactly what I was looking for, and I'm sure you know too. Greeted by the pungent aroma of roasted peanuts, and spices galore, we strolled through the aisles, stopping in candle shops and home good stands. Finally, after patiently awaiting the moment, we took our steps outside into the bright sun and headed towards the Antique area.
As soon as we got inside, I headed over to a little antique stand, and started looking through the vintage brooches and jewelry. To my amazement, the girls followed me and started expressing to me how much they loved the little gems. And I thought I was the only one who enjoyed antiques, but I guess I was wrong, and even though they do not share the same fondness of milk, jadite, and depression glass as I do, its a start!! So the images that you see are what I picked up, and since we were on a bit of a time crunch I did not get to peruse through the aisles as much as I would have liked, but I was very happy with my purchases! The brooches are art-deco styled from the late 40's to early 50's and the jadite salt and pepper shakers actually match my jadite cup and saucer. I saved another treasure for a different post, since I think it deserves one all by itself. And as for you my dear blog readers, I thought you deserved a brownie for all the times I have deserted you without prior notice. Okay, I'll stop blabbing on, and leave you with wishes of antique finds and some good old time with your friends and family!!

Bitten...

Hello again dear blog, sorry for the long departure of photos of my own, and of course of posts about what this blog is all about!! So, like I had said in my last post, I watched the movie again, and my creative spark was lit!! Although I have been quite busy these past couple of weeks, and theres tons of stuff to do around the house, I found some time to make things which I think you might enjoy. Firstly, I got out some of my pink vellum papers, and pink and clear sequins and went to town making these cute little scrunchies. I am not sure what the exact word for them is, all I know is I love em!! I have no idea what I am going to use them for, so for now, they are in a big hurricane lamp, which I plan on adding to, of course in different colors. I was thinking that maybe in the Springtime, or anytime really, that you could scatter them throughout the house in vintage or new apothecary jars, for a burst of color, and of course some inspiration!!
I have been online quite a bit lately, not so much on blogs, but looking at some of our favorite online shops. I find myself adding so much to my "Cart" that I have almost bought the entire store. I not only see beautiful things while online, I also recieve inspiration, and that is what the beaded wire, full of mirrored glass seed beads is for. I am not going to tell you what it is for, but I will deffinately post a picture of it, if of course my idea does not fail!! Oh yes, and all of these wonderful online boutiques from our fellow crafty bloggers are opened or are soon opening, and I am OH SO EXCITED!! I am excited for them, as well as for myself and the rest of us. It's kind of like getting your hands on some of their own personal style, since they wouldn't post anything that they wouldn't use themselves, at least I think ;)!! Okay, well tomorrow is my Church's feast day, and pork sandwiches and fried dough HERE I COME!! Yummo, I cannot wait.. Alright, well another quick post, since I have lots of stuff to do!! Until another day my friends, wishing you creativity and tons of inspiration!!

You've Got M@il...

Indeed, "three very powerful words." Perhaps pertaining to your email account, but in my case, I am talking about the wonderfully charming movie. I am sure that many of you have seen it at some point since it came out in 1998, and I know that alot of you count it as one of your favorite movies as well. You may be asking yourself "Why is she talking about some movie and not some new craft or flower?" Well my friends, I have to admit, this past week has seen little crafting and little time in the garden. I did not want to bore you with another vase of zinnias, since that is one place I visited yet again (Farm Stand,) so I decided to present you with my love of a good hearted movie, that makes you want to go and move to New York City, or on a tad bit less extravagant note, go and buy the soundtrack. I am not here to try to promote or sell you this movie, I just wanted to share why I love it so much.
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks if not in relationships of their own or for Tom's sake married, should have gotten married, at least after this one. I mean, "Sleepless in Seattle" was great, but how can you resist this movie!?!? Their on-screen chemistry really enhanced this movie, and made it even more light heartedly romantic then it would have been with two different actors. Based on "Shop Around the Corner", a classic with James Stewart made in 1940, (yep, not a coincidence that Kathleens bookstore was named that) it's just as fabulous! I admit to you, my dear readers, that whenever I find "You've Got Mail" on HBO, or on another channel, I always watch it, or if busy, I just leave it on while I'm in the other room in order to listen to the music. And although it may be pitiful that I know each scene, almost word for word, and even though I know what happens in the end, it just never gets old for me. It leaves me yearning for the fall, spent outside, or buying "school supplies" and then for the Spring, enjoying life at a New York farmers market. Not only that, it also makes me want to pack up my things, find a brownstone in New Yorks Westside, and also set up a little bookstore. I could go on forever talking about this film and all of its New York glory, but I thought that this would be more interesting than hearing about the very little that I have done all week which consisted of cleaning, cooking and sunbathing, NO crafting.. I know, I know, I need to get bitten with the creative bug again, but for now, I'm going to go watch it again ;) Until the next time my friends, wishing you a sunny August welcome, and some time to curl up and watch one of your favorites!!


*Pictures courtesy of Google Images and IMDB.com

A Zinnia for You...

Hello again dear blog, I am SOOOO sorry for the long departure... I should have at least told you that I would not have my camera for a week, but I really didn't get the time to, plus I don't like to post without adding some interest with pictures. My sister had to borrow my camera for the week since she was going on vacation down the Outer Banks and doesn't have a digi camera of her own. I told her to get a disposable, but then I gave in. One week wouldn't hurt... well it kinda did ;) I have had soo many things in the past week to take pictures of and share, but I had no camera. So oh well, she enjoyed her trip and came back with amazing pictures.
As for todays post, its a quickie, since I don't have much time. For the past few weeks I have been obsessed with going to the local farm where they carry home grown fruits and veggies as well as flowers galore plus tons of other things. They have their own zinnia garden where you can pick as many as you want, just pay for a pair of scissors and get started. I must confess I did not actually go and cut these from the acre of zinnias, but I did pick them from a huge flower holder. For those of us who don't the time, as much as we would like to have, they go and restock that bin every few hours full of fresh colorful zinnias. I love zinnias, they're a happy flower, last long and the colors are amazing. You can see I found a use for those vintage jars in the previous post, and oh how I'm lovin them!! I got some more flowers at the stand, and plan to go back this week for more. Next post, is ummm... well we'll see on Thursday!! Wishing you garden bliss and summertime color!!

In the Kitchen Pt. 2

Hello again dear blog, how has everyones weekend gone by so far? I hope all is well, and I hope that you enjoy this post. As you can see, it's yet another session of "In the Kitchen" with your host: Gigi. You are probably going to think I am Martha Stewart obsessed (which I kind of am) but today I am showing you yet another Martha recipe aside from my Hazelnut blondies. This recipe was also in the July 2007 issue of Living, and Man Oh Man was it Gooooood!!! For a little summer kick, I added some light and colorful brown rice salad from this show, and enjoyed dinner. I was so happy with how they turned out, that I gave some to everyone I know, and bragged about them to those who didn't get the chance to try them.
Okay, Okay, so your probably just thinking to yourself "Get on with the recipe WOMAN!!" So I will... ;) If you did not recieve the July issue of Living , go here for the recipe. They are Eggplant Parmesan Stacks which are so easy to make that it's just amazing how quick they took and how great they tasted. Two of them is enough to fill you up completely, and they are not that bad for you either!! I started by cutting the pieces of fresh eggplant into 1/4" slices, seasoned with salt, and added to a pan with 1 cup canola oil. (The only thing with these is you must keep adding oil, I know, I know, and you must absorb as much as possible after with paper towels!) Let cook for 1 minute on each side and cool. While cooking the eggplant, also start the simple sauce by dicing one large fresh tomato, and adding, 1 teaspoon olive oil as well as diced garlic, along with some julienned basil from the garden. Add a sprinkle of parsley, onion powder and about 1-2 cups of canned crushed tomatoe's and simmer. This is my own recipe for a quick and simple sauce, which is not too overpowering for this type of recipe. Once sauce is simmering, and all eggplant is cooked, pat try slices and put large pieces on bottom of lined baking sheet. Then follow with some sauce, sprinkles of fresh mozzarella cheese, and some grated parmigiano reggiano. Repeat layering twice (3 pieces of eggplant) and bake in oven for about 12 minutes (* After 8 minutes on mid shelf, switch to top shelf to melt the cheese.) Serve up on a nice plate, and voila!! As for the brown rice salad, get the recipe here, its very simple and switch out the dressings for different tastes with different foods! Hope you all get to try this, you and your family will all be raving about how good it was!! Until next time my friends, wishing you fresh summer produce and no growling stomachs!!