Today is another snowy/ sleety/ rainy day in my corner of the world, finding us all wrapped up inside for another 'snow day.' Of course, my list of chores is a mile long, but I thought I's start off saying hello in blogland. I found this adorable house, and others like it, in this month's issue of Cottage Living. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should. How dreamy is that? Of course, my hubby had to point out that it's teeny-tiny in square footage, and where would I put all my stuff? Oh well, a girl can dream.

Easter is soooo early this year, and it'll be a chilly one for sure here. when I found this egg wreath with wintery colors, I knew it would be perfect for sure.

Happy Friday to you all. I think one of my 'to do' items today will be making my first ATC card. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Thought For the Day...

"All the 'not readies' and all the 'need times' are understandable, but only for a short while. The truth is that there is never really a 'right time'. As with any decent in the unconscious, there comes a time when one simply hopes for the best, pinches one's nose, and jumps into the abyss. If this were not so, we would not have needed to create words like heroine, hero, or courage." ~ Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

Spring Fever

It's a warmer than usual day here in my corner of the world. Just enough to get the dog up, and the kids outside without coats on. (I know, they'll probably pay for it later with a wicked cold, but hey...) There is something about warmer weather that really perks me up inside. I am not ashamed to admit it, winter is really tough on me! Lately I have just been feeling 'blah' and as gray as the sky. No creativity. Zip.

Anyway, since I found myself with extra time on my hands (hubby had written down the wrong day for my daughter's appointment with the oral surgeon- yuck!) we decided to leave the boys at home and head out to an antique mall. We found some fun goodies, as expected!

I couldn't resist this picture (below). The photo doesn't do it justice in my opinion. I couldn't get the light right! It was one of those things that made me feel happy to look at it, and the shabby chic-ish frame is to die for. Now it hangs by my vanity in my bedroom.

A few weeks ago I found these adorable little wooden shoes that say 'France'. How cute would they be for paperclips, or something fun like that?


A thoughtful girlfriend gave me this cute tag that now hangs off my birdhouse in my office. Her flag says, "Refreshments will be served at ten o'clock." Amen to that!

Have a great rest of your holiday!

Happy Belated Valentines's Day

I'm sorry I didn't post on the big day! Hope you had an enjoyable one. I'll be back soon with some (hopefully) inspiring photos :)

ATC's

While I was laid up with my gallbladder, I got really into the idea of Artist Trading Cards. Not so much for the trading, but I liked the idea of the tiny palette, and also how the same cool ideas could also be inspiring for some of my vintage paperweights. So I ordered some books, like Artist Trading Card Workshop by Bernie Berlin. (seen below) I also ordered this, which is perfect to keep in your purse for a down moment!

Full of inspiring ideas for these tiny pieces of art, they provide not only inspiration, but also how-to-tips! I found a great website for anyone even thinking of dabbling in ATC's. Youratcstore.com has not only everything you'd need, but inspiration as well. Order arrive quickly so you can get s tarted on your project. So far, I've made my box and all I need to do is complete the inside and decide on a theme. I've even gotten a girl friend involved. I'm thinking of working on "The Uncommon Woman". There was even a cute idea in the latest issue of Sommerset Wedding - do the cards with small photos! How adorable!

Hmmm...time to get crafting!

And Speaking of Cool Necklaces...

I HAD to do it!

I HAD to treat myself to a Sally Jean bauble!

What?! You've never been shopping with Sally Jean? Or, even better, simply been inspired by her gorgeous jewelry that speaks right to your heart? You have to go! You can go visit her site right here. That heart is one side of my bauble, my first initial on the other side is here. You can even mix and match. The possibilities are endless! Your initial, your hubby's, your children's... I must warn you, they seem too delicate for a charm bracelet, but I guess if you are an extremely gentle person...

Sally Jean also has a gorgeous and inspiring blog. You can read it here. Her book is wonderful as well, and full of step-by-steps. Wouldn't you just love to go to her workshop? It would be the life.

This weekend I got to visit the far, far away shoppe that carries some of my notebooks and paperweights. It was a special 'First Saturday' evening where you can do a gallery walk; the shoppes stay open extra late...it's very festive. My things looked really great, and I was in awe of the other true artists that were featured there. I had intended to take pictures, but I was too busy scooping up goodies for myself! The owner, Whitney, said they were anticipating 400 browsers/customers over the course of the night. How exciting for anyone, but especially so for a young, female, shoppe owner.

I'm off to join the gang watching the Super Bowl - - have a great night!

One Very Cool Necklace

While out in the antique district I found these very cool "story necklaces". They are from Classic Hardware. I loved the idea, although this isn't the one that I bought! I'll show you that one next time...

I should have mentioned the link where I got the wish tickets! Here it is. You can get the pink and the blue!
Have a great week!

New Wish Tickets!

I got my new, blue wish tickets in the mail theo ther day. Of course, I had to do something right away with them - so....

...I covered a simple Target notepad with paper and tied one on! Now, when I'm making my to-do lists, I can wish that it would all get done!

Have a great weekend!

Let's Go Shopping!

Well, in an effort to increase my stength and stamina after my surgery...I decided to hit the cute antique district not far from where I live. Of course, I had to take you with me! This is one of my absolute favorite booths. I make sure I hit this one every time!

I love the bead work on this vintage dress! Hello, Gorgeous!

Ok...how adorable are the purses from vintage fabric?! I almost got one, but was a little worried about the handle. With the kids and everything, I like to be able to throw my bag over my shoulder. Hmmm...maybe I made a mistake not grabbing one of these!

Love the old sheet music...

A wonderful old chenille bedspread - GREAT condition, and not a bad price! Wrong size :(

Shoes and chocolate?!?! What could be better??



Hope you have some time to go poking around your neighborhood this weekend!

Notebooks Galore

I've been trying to use some recouperation time as creativity time! It's worked well so far; I've made some new things to go out to the shoppe. I hope they strike a chord with someone. I love this photo of my grandmother below. A pony, for crying out loud! They lived in the city! I wish I knew the story behind that one!

This one I did in a tiny notebook.

Hoping you have a wonderful day - -

One Lovely Gal

I did a little experimenting tonight with a larger picture - what do you think?? I loved this ol' gal when I saw her - and I think the sentiment sums her up pretty well. I made this notebook journal, and some others I'll show you in the morning (too dark out for pics!) to send out to one of the shoppes that sells my books. My hubby had some other things going out for me Fed Ex - like a little Christmas book I made of pics of the kids for my mother-in-law. Something made me double check with him what he was sending where, and thank goodness I did! He had the pics of the kids packed to go to the shoppe - with the letter for my mother-in-law! Can you imagine the look on the woman's face? I would been embarrassed half to death!

Anyway, thanks for your sweet comments. Went back to the doctor today and got the larger bandages taken off and exchanged for smaller ones. He said everything looks great. Whew! Thank God for everyday miracles.
Sarah

The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful...

A beautiful snow fell today, just enough for it to be beautiful, but not a complete headache. Well, for me, anyway, since I'm still at home after the ol' gallbladder. Today I ventured out briefly and carefully for the first time since the surgery. I'm so glad I did! Usually, I don't look in the fake flower section at our craft store; the flowers are usually not that attractive, and made of plastic, not paper. But I found some adorable ones today that I can't wait to try out on some journals and books.

Hope you have pleasant winter weather in your neck of the woods!

Celebration

Whew! Today arrives with me thankful for the skills of an extremely competent surgeon and the care of compassionate nurses who have brought me through my gallbladder issues safe and sound, and delivered me back home to my hubby and children. That was a close one! It leaves me thankful for today, and even more determined than ever to stop and smell the roses, and enjoy the little things.

Today, one of my favorite journal ships off to Vickie. You may remember the three children from a few posts back. I tucked this card in with it. I hope you enjoy it, Vicki!

Many thanks to my blogfriend Alison for honoring me with this special award. Too cute for words, and much appreciated.

I promise it won't be long before I tag other bloggers for the honor, Allison. But for now...back to the couch!
Enjoy the week!

This, I love!

With a stint of unseasonably warm weather, my spring fever has set in way too early! Same for this little guy. I love how he turned out!