More Stocking Stuffers!!

The Unique Women in Business has so many wonderful ideas for the holidays.  Don't miss out on a single opportunity to browse their respective shops.  I have been ordering and perusing again today.  Now just wait until you see what I found!!

Kristen Stein Fine Art has some tremendous pieces of work she has made into various treasures.  I love to pick up her calenders when she has them in stock, but check out these great mirrors, what a special treat to slip in the stocking.

Fine Art Mirror

I have some of Kristen's work in my home and I receive so many comments when I have visitors.  Stop by her shop to see what other talents she displays.

I stopped by Grandma's Craft Garden and  fell in love with these candy cane dish towels (hey, I grew up calling them tea towels, anyone else??).  You can have their name on the towels!  How cool is that??

Dish Towels

Whether it is a new home or a more established one, we all need fresh tea towels.  Heh, heh, heh, worked that in now, didn't I??

Oh, I mustn't leave out all our little pets, especially since I have four grandcats, one granddog, and one grandbird; no, you didn't see any human babies mentioned here, but what's a momma to say?  Oh, I digress, anyway, I stopped by Rendachs Chilly Paws and found these:

Fish Bones Catnip Toy

Now won't I be the absolute BEST grandma if I stick some of these in the stockings.  At least the cats will like me!!!

Never, never, never let a stocking slip by without some jewelry stashed in the bottom!!  It is a must!

Love these pretty citrine earrings from Delicate Adornments and citrine is supposed to bring wealth.  I've often thought of sleeping with some.

Citrine Earrings

Audrey Garden Lady has some amazing finds, but I'm drawn to these amethyst earrings.  Amethyst helps with so many things, but one thing is to help with sleep; hmmmm, now I need to add some of this to my bed!

Amethyst Earrings

So lovely and they would fit perfectly into those HUGE stockings you bought thinking they were so pretty.  Really, they seem to grow as you keep sticking goodies in them.

Naughty and Nice got me sidetracked on my trek to filling my stockings . . . but I did think these lingerie bags would be a nice item for the stockings.  I have a couple and use them so much. 

Lingerie Bag

Okay, I think I may be finished for the evening, my selfish and curious side is heading back to the Naughty and Nice shop to peruse a little more! 

Stop by the Unique Women in Business Facebook page  My Unique Gift Guide for more ideas!!

Stocking Stuffers??

Yes, it is time for those ideas for the stockings.  You want something nice, but depending on the size of the stocking the cost could add up dramatically.  Let me help you with some great ideas!!

So many workers must wear a badge, key card, or ID of some sort; but let's make sure they do it with style!

ID Reel with Vintage Creations

Here's a great little recycle, reuse, re-purpose piece for those 'Green' thinkers--utilizing vintage material and a vintage earring to make this little reel badge holder a treasure to wear to work.  This was found at Kady's Pet Couture.  This gives you a chance to match the person with their pet's collar!!

They also some some cute wristlet key chains available in holiday looks, vintage chic, or sports:

Pirate Key Chain Wristlet

Broncos Key Chain

Kady's has many sports teams including College teams!!  Just ask if you don't see what you want.

Now I found this great little wristlet purse in gmPurseanalities and I think it will fit in many of those stockings!  What fun to tuck some chapstick, gift card, or just a little green inside then roll and put it in the stocking.

Piano Keys Wristlet

Oh, perfect item to make your stockings smell nice!!  I found some handmade soaps from Soap Rehab.  You choose four for one price, then split them up for your stockings!!  My husband has been using these soaps and has decided they are the best!!  Now he is strictly a handmade soap man. 

Pick 4 Soaps Your Choice

 

 

Next I found some luscious handmade perfume from Aquarian Bath and I know first hand that these are nice.  I love Patchouli!!  You can choose the perfect smell for your stocking recipients.

Lavender Patchouli Perfume

Check out her shop for more yummy items, all perfect size for tucking into a holiday stocking.  Or just a small, but loving, gift for a co-worker, post person, nurse, babysitter, teacher, ugh, the list is long!

Last year I added one of these microwave bowl holder in all my gifts.  I absolutely love these things and use mine all the time.  My husband and I each have one for those leftover soup nights!!  Works great from HandmadeBits4U and she said it works for ice cream as well.

Bowl Potholder

 

I found these great sprays from ShantiAromatherapy and I know some will think it funny, but if you have ever had hot flashes you will treasure this bottle.  Also, I'm thinking it would be good to take on those holidays to Florida, Mexico, Alabama, or wherever it is hot and stifling at times.  Just a spritz.  What a welcome gift this will be!!

Hot Flash Cooling Body Mist

Great idea for those little cards we need to carry with us and we just don't want to take a purse with us to the library, or wherever we may be heading.  These are recycled comics so that young person will LOVE this and will use it!  Japip has a superb collection of these with bag tags, little wallets, and awesome coasters.

Comic ID Bus Metro Tag

These are just a few of the women artists from Unique Women in Business.  Stop by their sites to get your last minute shopping completed.  I'll try to pick some more fun items tomorrow!!

The Comic Con Wedding

Have you ever heard of the Comic Con Convention? Well, I must admit that I had heard snippets about it, but didn't really check in to it since I thought I wasn't in to that kind of stuff.  

My cousin, Pammie's daughter, Alicia and her fiance, Joel, are not only in to it, but they are an avid comic couple.  They actually have the artistic talent to draw and write their own comic adventures.  

So when they decided on their wedding reception date, they also decided to embrace the entire comic con theme.  Hmmmmm, okay, I say (being the hip cousin that I am), I can make your wedding jewelry around this theme. 

Luckily, Alicia had decided on Lime Green and Purple as her primary colors for the big day. 

She picked out a strapless, tea length, white gown and wanted a lime green sash for it.  No problem, I can do this.  I have been making sashes for other brides in the traditional ivory and white, so this should be a snap, right?  

Honestly, I found all the supplies I wanted/needed and started to design.  I needed to keep her age in mind and her choice of theme.  Anyone who knows me would understand she had me when she mentioned 'Star Wars' since it is one of my favorite movies and I probably have the lines memorized I have seen it so many times.

I came up with the sash utilizing a method of melting satin and creating some flowers to tie everything together.  Let me know what you think.

The Sash

  Here it is on the dress: 

 Oh, yes, I liked the way it turned out.  Okay, now I'm on a roll so I made her garter along the same theme.

The Garter

 

Now I was on a roll.  Made her main garter and one to throw!!

Garter to Throw

So, the hard part was finished then I created a necklace with lime green, purple, and clear crystals.  I needed to keep in mind that this pretty little bride has some awesome ink on her body so I tied it all together with a black sparkling heart as a center pendant.

Her Necklace

While I was creating I made a fascinator for her hair with white feathers, lime green and purple crystals, and topped it off with a lime green feather compliments of Pretty Bird, the Orange-winged Amazon.  She didn't mind, she dropped it any way.  I just risked a few fingers grabbing it out of the cage while it was still clean!

The cake was a combination of the Darth Vader helmet with a Storm Trooper helmet on top--of course, Hans and Princess Leia were on the very top!

  
Oh, I was truly in my element now!  No, I won't be growing up soon, so just give it up.  

The couple endured the agony of cutting the cake and deciding how to feed each other.  They decided on forks--how gentile was that?!?  I do not like it when the bride and groom smears cake on their new spouse's face, so this was awesome to me.

Alicia & Joel

We had a lovely time getting to see friends and family from near and far while we celebrated the union of this adorable couple.

l.-r.; Joel, Alicia, Pammie, Grandma Clella, Cousin Justin (not Bieber)

We got a few family pictures amidst the festivities (no, none of me, although I did clean up well). 

My favorite picture of the night will give you a little insight into the fun these two will have throughout their new life together.

Ta Da!!!

Another batch of memories for us to talk about over a nice cup of tea and a pizzelle.

 

Spending Time with Family

Sooner or later we all realize that spending time with family is so important.  The years drift by and we continue to say we will get together, but we never find the time.  Life has a habit of getting in the way.  My Mother and her two sisters got together again for the first time since 1998!  Now, I know that seems atrocious to many, but they were miles apart and had ailing family to care for among the myriad reasons for just staying home.

Finally, my cousins, Cindy and Julie, in Kansas drove Aunt Lorene out to Canon City, Colorado to Aunt Clella's house.  My mom was in town from Oklahoma so we made the trip down to Canon as well so the three could be together again.

l. to r., Priscilla, Clella, and Lorene

We left those three alone at Aunt Clella's house while the cousins spent a great time together at our Canon City cousin's house, Pammie--oh, pardon me, Pam.  Pam has a very cool job working at the Royal Gorge bridge and arranged for us to spend a day at the gorge.  Oy vey!!!!!  What were they thinking???  Should human beings really build something that high??  And I found out that it is the HIGHEST suspension bridge in the WORLD!!  Remember that Jimmy Stewart movie, Vertigo???  I can relate.  Here's a shot of the tiny train in the gorge from the top.  Really?

Train running on the track.

 We rode a tiny train that we found on the way up the canyon to the bridge and decided we better ride it--seemed like a tourist thing.  We rode it for 30 minutes and it stopped out on an overlook for brave people to get out to look around and perhaps take a photo or two.  Nope, you won't find any of those photos here.  That's right, I got out, walked to the edge and promptly returned to my seat.  No way, not my cup of tea.

Here's where we had our lunch on a nice little picnic table.  I took a shot of my cousin, Julie, with her two little dogs so you could see the bridge in the background.

Here we are on the actual suspension bridge--did I mention the HIGHEST in the world??  And the nut wanted her picture taken by the Kansas flag WITH her two little dogs!!  Come on, can we possible be from the same gene pool??  This girl is nuts!  Of course, I was on a golf cart with a death grip on the wheel smack in the middle of the bridge (sorry folks, you can't pass now) saying get back on we are going.

We did get to see some White Buffalo on the other side so that was a little worth it.  So regal!  No wonder they were viewed as some mystical, great medicine. 

I made this picture extra large so you can see the little black dots hanging in the middle of that big silver H.  Those were three CRAZY people hooked up to some kind of line and then they actually swung them over the gorge.  All I can say is . . . Really??? 

People rode in this little contraption across the gorge as well.  Notice I have pictures from the OUTSIDE!  Nope, no way, you will not see any from the inside.

left, Cindy; right Pammie, oh, sorry, Pam

Sunday we took a ride on that tiny little train we saw and found out it was really a big train.  We took the lunch tour from the Vista Dome car and I must admit that it was spectacular!!  The views were awesome and well worth your time; plus it just seemed much safer to be at the bottom already!

Here's a shot of the bridge from below.  See, much safer, don't you think??  Colorado has some gorgeous country and I will admit that this was such a fun trip for all of us.

Just wait until I show you the shower pictures.  Pammie's daughter, Alicia, is getting married so we were able to attend her bridal shower.  I'll show you some of those later.

Take some much needed time to spend with your family and friends.  After all, that is what is truly important to us, isn't it?

Tomorrow we pack to head to Key West, Florida to spend a week with our girls, Shilo and Tara!!  Can't wait!

Mother's Day Ideas

My friend and I were discussing a little dilemma recently: all our kids have grown up and moved away!  Usually, that is okay with us, but now Mother's Day is approaching and dang it, we don't have anyone to cook for us to celebrate our big day!!  That is just WRONG!!  Or so we see it in our eyes . . . no, we don't want to go out to eat--we like staying home and having some home cooked (with love) food.  Hmmmm, there are always pros and cons to the "Empty Nest" that we keep finding.

Now that I have gotten that off my chest I want to present some new chiffon silk scarves to you for ideas for your mothers.  Now these are special so I only have one of each, but I think they turned out great!

Peacock

 This one is so rich that there is no way to get a good picture of it; it is a must see in person.  The colors are unique and will go with a variety of options, but I keep going back to a pristine white outfit, some layers of chains, and this scarf.  Perfection!

Wild Animal

 Anyone who knows me will not be surprised by this scarf since I am so totally in love with animal prints.  I refuse to give them up and will be the little old lady in animal print and bling at the home when that time comes.  Imagine this with a khaki outfit; oh I know there are plenty of others, but I am stuck on that khaki or perhaps a cream for this season.

Caribbean

 It is summer and many of you are planning the annual vacation; whether it is a cruise, a resort, or just a family reunion, this gorgeous shades of blue chiffon scarf will be perfect for the event.

These three scarves were made with chiffon silk and are oversized so they can be used as a light shawl, a belt, or pareo; well, you get the drift.

Stop by the Momma Goddess Treasures shop to pick up your favorite scarf for your mom--they are going fast!

So, even if you won't be with your mother, have a lovely day and enjoy this gorgeous time of year.

Tax Day, Oy Vey!!

I want to start this out by saying I truly don't mind tax day, and I believe we should all pay our share of taxes, but I absolutely loath getting things ready for this big day in the United States.  I think I may need to hear from the rest of you on some easy organization tips to help prepare for this onslaught of receipts and paperwork.

So, if you have an easier way to control this misery, I am all ears!!  Well, not literally, my ears aren't really that big--other parts, perhaps--but not my ears. 

My husband has his own business and his idea of keeping receipts for me is using plastic baggies filled with all kinds of receipts--this time I am being literal--ALL kinds!! 

Of course, my procrastination does not help me one iota since I wait to the bitter end to do this.  Those of you who know me truly know I ALWAYS file an extension because of this issue.  This year I really didn't want to file another extension.  I thought I might catch the IRS off guard and surprise them with my return.  I imagine they won't be taking bets on this happening, but I like to think I am that important to them.

Come on, everyone, give me some tips on better organization throughout the year to alleviate this paper nightmare!!!  HELP!!!  I am drowning in it!!!  (Not being literal here.)

Easter Sunday Fun

Easter will be on Sunday, April 6th this year and I am wondering how everyone will be celebrating this special day.  This is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus for the faithful.  So, how do we celebrate?

One of the big events is coloring Easter eggs in many ways, shapes and forms.  Years ago my mother-in-law had me boil the eggs with the skins from yellow onions.  The eggs turned the most gorgeous shade of bronze.  What an ingenious way to color some eggs without spending tons of money.

I remember my brother and I would color our eggs with the little package of colors from the store.  We would write on them with the wax crayon and dip.  Then when they were dry we used the little transfers that came with the package.  Totally not a Martha Stewart display, but we were very proud of our eggs.

Of course, we all would receive new outfits for Easter Sunday with little hats and gloves!  Does everyone still do this?  I know when my girls were home we did.  

Then after church we had a great lunch and the ever popular Easter Egg Hunt!!  We live in Colorado so it never failed that the weather was cold for the hunt.  All the old pictures have cute little dresses hanging out of the winter coats!  Dang!  Well, it is still a memory.

If you didn't pick up your lily for the big day, here's one for you painted by Maria Soto Robbins:

Easter Lily Oil Painting

Stop by her Etsy shop ArtbyMSR to check out her other lovely items.


I also found an adorable baby bonnet while searching the Etsy shops:

Pink Bow Peep

This little bonnet is from BeautifulPhotoProps and Kimberly has some adorable handmade pieces in her shop.


I hope you find an Easter basket full of goodies in the morning, I know they were out there, here's some from the Scavenger Supplies art and craft supply shop.

Straw Baskets

Whatever you plan to do for this blessed holiday I hope you spend the time with loved ones and find time to relax and enjoy.


Let me know some of your traditions in the comment section.  Love to hear it.  Now I'm off to make salads.



  

How Do You Say Goodbye?

I notice as we age so does everyone around us.  Unfortunately, sooner or later we must start saying goodbye to people who are special in our lives.  My husband's mother passed away on March 15th after a brief illness.  Since my husband and I have been together since high school, I have known his mother for many years.  No, I'm not saying 'how long' what are you thinking??

My dad passed 18 months ago and I was in a proverbial fog during the entire time.  My mind told me to 'just deal with it and feel sorry for yourself later' and so I did.  My husband supported me as best he could, although he felt he was dealing with the loss of one of his best friends.  Now it was my turn to reciprocate.

My husband was quite strong, but we soon learned that it was now time for us to grow up and take on the adult role.  His stepfather is 80 and was not dealing well with this turn of events.  His sister has a brain injury and had her own issues dealing with the loss of the one person that has always taken care of her in every situation.  So, here we are . . . on the threshold of growing up and being responsible.

We handled the meetings for the funeral and all the steps necessary for dealing with this final farewell.  Mary had lost so much weight that the best decision on clothing was to shop for a brand new dress for her debut into the hereafter.  We found a lovely silver white dress with purples and blues artistically placed on the dress.  Since it was a sleeveless, we added a pretty hand painted silk shawl in the matching purples and blues.  Nice warm and soft socks to ensure comfort for the ride; matching nail polish; and special jewelry given to her by her daughter as a Mother's Day gift in past years and she was ready.

The entire family spent time going through old photos to find the perfect pairing of fun and style to showcase her life in a slideshow for the final farewell.  Meet with the minister to discuss music, scripture, and whittle down 84 years of a spirited life for a one hour service. 

Mary was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the V.F.W., so we turned to those ladies for the get together after the services.  The ladies jumped in to prepare a nice spread of food; supplemented by our many friends and family, and we had a deluxe afternoon of eating and remembering the fun times with Mary.

As I looked around the crowd I noticed some of the older aunts and uncles present (one aunt is 97) and I knew it was only a matter of time until we would be meeting like this again.  Why is it so many families only come together at these sorrowful times?  Why don't we take a little time out of our busy lives to make time for the family while they are still with us to enjoy our time together? 

We left that day resolving to stop to see the aunts and uncles, if only for a cup of coffee and some fun memories, and I honestly hope we will make the time necessary to enjoy each other while we still can.

I believe we sent Mary off to her next transition with grace and style.  I know she would be proud of her family and the honor they had for her.

Now we need to continue with the healing process and keep trying to be the adults (oy, I took my mom and dad for granted all this time).  We must take time to be with family and friends more often.  And finally, we must say farewell for now to a special lady in our lives and remember the love she gave us. 

Movie Review - One for the Money

I was first introduced to Stephanie Plum and her wacky family years ago; I have totally fallen in love with each and every member of this Trenton group.  I tend to bond most with Lula, but that's a given with her taste in clothes, style and food.  I was delighted to learn that a movie had finally been made about this zany group, although I was a bit of a concern about Katherine Heigl being in the star role.  I just couldn't see it, but I kept an open mind.

 My friends, Sandy and Carrie, and I have always made a point to have a girl's day out to include lunch and a movie.  Some days it is a movie marathon when we attend two movies (heck, if we are out and playing, why not?).  We generally take turns choosing the movie, but try to make sure it is a good one with a light note.  Sometimes we have a bust (I won't point any fingers, but I will just mention Intolerable Cruelties out of the corner of my mouth) and then the person who chose it will NEVER hear the end of it.  The three of us are all Janet Evanovich fans and eagerly await the latest Stephanie Plum novel so the movie, One for the Money, was a given.

 We had a lovely lunch at Olive Garden, all choosing the soup, salad and bread option, gotta keep it light so there is room for popcorn and Junior Mints when we get to the show.  Then we were off and running to get there in plenty of time to find a seat. 

  

Since it was a week day and a matinee we didn't even have to play the 'senior' card to get a discount, although not all of us are able to do that even when it is an option--some out of sheer vanity and others for lack of chronological years.  We pick up our popcorn and beverages and scurry in.  

I must digress here to let you know about our inside joke about me buying my water.  I ordered a bottle of water at one of these movies and threw down my dollar to pay, when the cashier told me $4.75.  I gasped, with eyes wide and dry mouth hanging open, saying $4.75!?  The cashier promptly informed me that it was the ‘largest’ bottle of water in town.  Since then, I go with more money and an empty bladder.  Sheesh, what are they thinking?

Luckily, our seats are available and it appears we are going to have a private viewing, which is perfect since we love to laugh out loud.  

Katherine surprises us in her adept recreation of Stephanie.  She is able to play her with just the right amount of spunk and humor we have come to know and love.  I believe she has quelled her movie jinx with this hit.  

Debbie Reynolds is in the role of Grandma Mazur and is perfect at hitting the quirkiness of this all important part.  Sherri Shepard assumes the wildly dressed and hungry Lula with great abandon.

I won’t ruin the movie for you, but will say it is well worth the time to see it.  I actually believe this one may be worth buying and adding to your library of fun at home.

 

Mardi Gras 2012

My friend and I were making some Mardi Gras dog collars so our pet owners would be able to share the party with their beloved fur babies and we finally looked at each other and said, "just WHEN is Mardi Gras and how is the date determined?"  Good question.  All I knew is it has something to do with Fat Tuesday--whenever that is . . . 

So I did a little discovery and found it is NOWWWWW!!  Gosh, next Tuesday is Fat Tuesday and that is the end of the Carnival season.  Fat Tuesday always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  Now, I'm starting to put the pieces together a little.  Here's exactly how it is described in the offical Mardi Gras site:

Don't confuse Carnival and Mardi Gras! Carnival refers to the period of feasting and fun which always begins on January 6th, The Feast of the Epiphany. Mardi Gras refers to Fat Tuesday, the final day of revelry before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins.

They publish a parade schedule and it looks like there are non-stop parades and celebrations going on in the fair city of New Orleans.

According to the published info, Mardi Gras was first held by the Krewe of Comus on February 24, 1857.  The King of Carnival in 1892 was Rex and he selected the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold and green.  Purple stands for justice, gold for power, and green for faith.


They would have the feasting, parades, and a ball to celebrate this special time of the year.


There is so much more to learn about Mardi Gras and you can read all about it at www.mardigrasneworleans.com


As a tribute to this festive time we created some cute little collars for the discerning party pet.

Mardi Gras Madness

We have all sizes available so be sure to ask if you don't see your size.

Mardi Gras Harlequin

So many choices, so little time!!  

Mardi Gras Harlequin in Gold

Stop by Kady's Pet Couture to find a sampling of our imagination hard at work.


Then let's get out the beads and put on the party music!!