Bella Pink Cafe

Random...

    

     Alot of you emailed about the bomb sniffing dog and air Marshall in my previous post (thank you for your concern and validation of my panic attack)  Apparently someone checked a bag onto our flight, but didn't check themselves onto the flight.  At least that's what was being whispered down the lane at the gate.  No airport official would confirm anything. Super fishy?  yep.  Super scary? yep.  Cause for a cocktail? you bet!  Another panic moment on the plane,  which turned out to be hilarious...we sat near a bunch of German tourists.  Mom heard them all speaking German and here's how it went...  Mom: "Oh my God, Tara ,we're on the wrong plane, we're going to Frankfurt Germany, I swear I just heard someone say it"  Tara:  "Mom you don't speak German so how do you know?  Anyway, it's okay, it's the right plane, Flight 1280"....(more German chatter as I'm flipping through a rag mag)...  Mom: "Oh Jesus Mary and Joseph, I can't take this anymore, I'm going to ask someone"  she turns to the poor woman sitting next to us who was already laughing...mom asks: "Are you going to Philadelphia"?  "Yes" she said while still laughing "you're on the right plane"    Poor Mom.  She hates to fly and this flight confirmed every fear and emotion she ever had about flying.

     Some random stuff:  Still waiting to hear when my friend will be on the Rachael Ray show.  She did receive word from the producer that she made it on.  (Their was still a chance her piece could have ended up on the cutting room floor!)  I'll let you know asap. 

      Lovin this little Blackberry!  I found it was super easy to get used to, just like you all said it would be.  It's so convenient and I highly recommend to anyone who receives a lot of emails and is on the go.

   We are keeping super busy around here with the kids and just life in general.  I'm sure you all feel the same way.  Out of hibernation and into the hustle and bustle again.  I'm trying to decide whether to take down a half wall in between my kitchen and family room.  Do any of you have this problem?  The wall is a high half wall and drives me crazy.  I don't want a giant room, but would like to open it up and add an architectural archway instead.  We're working with a contractor to come up with some ideas.  Any input is appreciated!  I'll take plenty of pictures along the way. ~xo

ps:  photo has nothing to do with post, but it's a lovely frame I bought at The Cats Meow     

BlackBerry Phobia...

     It arrived yesterday.  Very black, but not like a berry at all.  It's very intimidating.  I imagine it will come in handy though.  Would have been very useful in Venice instead of searching for an internet cafe to check emails.  It would have been especially convenient at the airport when we saw the terror alert level raised to "High", then a bomb sniffing dog topped off with an air marshall on our plane.  I would have been able to email friends and family and send a "just in case" message.  I'm sure it's easy to use and is waiting for me to at least turn it on so it can show itself off to me...but where is the darn power button?

Fabulous Lunch Date...

     On Friday, Mom & I drove to Sarasota (about 20 minutes from Venice) to have lunch with Fifi  (editor and writer extraordinare!) It was so nice to finally meet her in person. In the past, we’ve talked on the phone and emailed a lot, but to be able to finally give each other hugs and kisses, eat food, tell stories and have lots of laughs was fantastic She is an absolute doll, so down to earth, extremely funny and we instantly connected and I know Mom did too. Our lunch date made me love Fifi even more. She is fabulous in every way. I think she is now my sister, since my mom said she is going to adopt her.

     On the way home we drove though Casey Key. Can you say mansions? Oh god, the houses are unbelievable! I love Venice though. It’s so charming and the stores are really wonderful. Lots of little cafés to sit and have wine outside and people watch.  The next day we went to the beach and then had a lovely dinner with Susie & Mark at an outdoor restaurant. Great food and even more laughs. We’ll be sad to leave Venice and the new friends we made. Back to reality soon!~xo

Venice Beach:

Here is Mark, the cutie

Susie, Mark and me at dinner (Mom won't get her photo taken..ever!)

Live from Venice...

      

     Sorry for the delay, I had a hard time finding an internet connection. Mom and I arrived safely in Venice on Wednesday! (and to sunny 85 degree weather!) I was able to bump our seats up to first class which is always cool but has anyone noticed they cut back on the "special" treatment!? Certainly not like that famous ‘Seinfeld’ episode. Seats are still extra wide and comfy though. Anyway, the car rental place had a brand new convertible waiting for us, we jumped in and off we went to the cottage! 

     Sounds easy, but somehow we managed to get lost on the way. Mom knows her way around Venice pretty well, but the road we were looking for to the cottage was really hard to see and we must have passed it at least 5 times before we saw it. Total tourists, riding in a convertible, our hair blowing like Thelma & Louise and horns beeping at us.

     We pulled up to the cottage and saw the cutest man waiting for us. There was Mark Holt (the other half of the famous Susie & Mark Holt!) He was there with open arms to show us in (Susie was at the store working) Walking into the cottage was like stepping into your favorite issue of Romantic Country. Every little detail is completely amazing. I’ll take you on a tour...(*Warning:  LOTS of photos ahead!)

 

     Thursday we went into town to visit Susie & Mark at their store The Cat's Meow Inc  in it’s new location. Seriously people, I was weak in the knees when we first walked in. The store swallows you up with a cozy airy feel, chic sofas, tables, vintage chandeliers abound. I was in awe. Their old store was one block over and I had been in there about 3 or 4 years ago, but the new store is bigger and better than ever! It was packed with people walking around, they seemed to be in awe like me and Mom. It was very busy with customers, phones ringing, etc.. There was Susie, calm an unfazed by the distractions and greeted us with big hugs and a soft sweet smile. We took a tour and then Susie and I sat and gabbed and giggled for a while. I even showed Susie how to leave a comment on Fifi’s blog. Susie is so busy in the store, she hasn’t learned the blog ropes yet!

     Thursday night, Mom & I were invited to the Holt’s home next door for drinks. It was so relaxing and lovely. Their home is a dream. All white, big comfy slipcovered furniture, tall hutches, mirrors and chandeliers everywhere. Susie & Mark’s signature style throughout with salvaged doors replacing standard builder grade doors. What an awesome idea!? We had such a nice time talking and laughing until late into the night. They are the most gracious hosts and I’m honored to now call them dear friends. Mom & I found them to be genuine people who love what they do...yet work very hard at what they do. Their Cat’s Meow start up story over 11 years ago is amazing! They are the real deal, shop owners who are living their passion and enjoying life. Big things are coming soon in their future!  I hope to sneak back into their home and take some shots for you, but here is Susie & I at the store.

Me & Susie at the store

  Today, mom & I are off to meet miss fabulous Fifi  in Sarasota for lunch. I’ll be back to report with photos and details!~xo

to Venice...

                                                                                                                                                

     not Venice Italy, but the next best thing, Venice Florida!  Packing up again, leaving the cold here in Pennsylvania and I'm taking my mom for just a girls getaway soon, we're staying at the beautiful cottage of owners Susie & Mark Holt, they are also the store owners of the yummy boutique Cat's Meow Inc and have been in countless issues of Romantic Homes and Romantic Country magazines.  The cottage we are staying in was featured in a past issue of Romantic Country as well (and even made the cover!) We are flying in and rented a convertible, (because can you really drive around Florida in anything else?)  My Mom is so excited, since it's a little trip I sprung on her for her birthday.  She loves Venice (really anywhere in Florida for that matter!)  We plan to meet up with miss Fabulous Fifi too.  Here is a peek at Susie's store in Venice, I can't wait to see it (and her!):

Photos courtesy of Fifi O'Neill and The Cats Meow Inc

     Also, if you get a chance, pick up the latest copy of Romantic Country magazine, it's a great issue this month!  Lots of familiar faces, and names, I think you will recognize a few! I hope to report live from the sweet cottage, maybe do a "talkie post" with Mom, she reads a lot of your blogs and I'm surprised at how much she knows about all of you.  Ciao again friends and stay tuned!~xo

Ciao for now...

     Like many of you I am taking some much needed time off.   A fabulous vacation is planned and also squeezing in some business as well. Then it's time to tend to all the unattended things around the house, working on deadlines, etc..  Spring Break.  2 perfectly combined words for my tired body and mind.  I replaced my photo over there...time to change out the old cowgirl (I had full permission from the photographer, my daughter) She has approved the new one and likes it.  I do too, it's kind of grungy and vintage looking?

     What do you all have planned for Spring and Easter?  Can you believe the above photo is actually a cake.  I would kill for the Louis luggage piece sitting under it! Not sure where I got the photo, it's been on my computer waiting for the right moment, which I think now is the perfect time.  Ciao for now, I'll be back soon!~xo

Springing Forward...

     Love that it will be lighter later, don't you?!  Just to think that Spring is around the corner and soon it will be warm and sunny again and we can say goodbye to these long cold gray days.

     Exciting news...my friend is having a Rachael Ray production crew come to her home today!  The segment is about her "mommy tricks"  She has lots of them, including my favorite, setting all the clocks ahead in the house (not just at daylight savings time) so the kids go to bed earlier!  She has twins who keep her very busy.  I'll let you know when the segment will air on T.V.  The only "trick" I could come up with on the spot when she called me in a panic was that we tell the kids it won't be sunny the next day if they don't eat their vegetables at dinner.  Lame, I know...but it's the only one I could remember.  Now that the kids are getting older, we can't use those old tricks anymore, they are on to us !

     Enjoy the extra daylight time!  I'll be taking some time off for vacation and to catch up on some projects.  ~xo

White Wednesday...

     Nothing says fresh, clean and crisp (3 words I had in mind when designing the new blog) than the color white.  While blog cruising, I stumbled upon a french site Blanc d'Ivoire.  So lovely with it's french inspired designs mixed with Swedish accents as well...chippy grays & patinas...all combined to make a beautiful rustic, elegant feminine feel.  Can't you see yourself in that tub up there taking a warm milk bath?

     I love white and use it a lot in decorating our home.  For our formal dining room, (as seen here in a video) 7 years ago I purchased an all white Swedish inspired table with upholstered chairs, then mixed it up with a black floral rug and a chippy old hand painted patina hutch topped off with an antique (and all white) eight arm chandelier dripping with crystals.  We bought an inexpensive ceiling medallion at Home Depot, painted it white and it just completed the room giving a casual yet elegant feel.

    Do you know of a white/ french or swedish inspired website you can share? Or perhaps a blog with all white decor photos or accessories? (maybe even your own!) Please let me know and post a link here in the comments for all to see...let's make it a "White Wednesday"!~xo

Little gems...

     I'm getting the itch for some hunting at the open flea markets here, however the weather has not been cooperating.  So, instead, I've been going through some little vintage gems I've accumulated and been playing around with them in the studio with the camera, testing the light and lense.  I find that in the cold of the Winter, little things make me happy, don't you? Things like homemade chocolate chip cookies, (and having the kids beg to lick the spoon!) ...lazy Sunday's with no agenda...discovering that Legends of The Fall is running on TV....wrapping up in a blanket in front of the fire and watching our daughter perfect her jump roping skills!  Just little things like that, you know?

Ch..Ch..Ch...Changes

     Don't worry, you didn't take a wrong turn, it's still me!   Change is good, no?  I say sure!  It was time to do some major Spring cleaning around here.  No more clutter.  I wanted to create a crisp clean look, less distractions on the sidebars, and backgrounds, etc...  I enlisted the help of super talents Bari J.(for the banner) and Sara  (for changes to the blog design). I also changed the blog name to 'Bella Cafe' and added a new tag line "a vintage pitstop to refuel your soul™" More like me and I think more like the blogger I've become. 

     I do love when bloggers change up their banners every once in a while and do something different which makes you stop and say "wait a minute, where am I?  Did I click on the right blog?!" So if you are asking that question right now, you are here...and I'm glad you are here! Hope you enjoy the crisp fresh feel, and less cluttered look (and hopefully a faster load time too?) 

     Survey results are coming soon, WHOA you ladies know blogging and you know what you want.  I loved every minute of it, learned a lot and want to thank you for helping me with the research project, I received over 400 responses!  The pet peeves were really interesting to read,  there were so many things I never really thought about, some were very direct and to the point, which I really loved and appreciate the candid openness you all shared.  Thank you! ~xo

Blog Investigation, part 1 ...

     Ok, bloggers...need your help on a project and it's on our favorite subject... blogging!  I have some questions for all of you.  I know you are super busy... but since you are all experts in the field, I value your opinions greatly and it would make this little research project even better.  I'll try to make it short, I was able to create a little survey link with 10 questions. ..and hopefully it will work! (a sample question is, "do you like music on blogs?") Anything not listed on the survey (hey, I was only allowed 10 questions, that's why it's labeled "PART 1"... more questions to come!) that you would like to sound off on, be my guest! There is a "pet peeve" area on the survey for things that you would like to bring up (or get off your chest).  Please feel free to be as honest as you want, there is total anonymity with the survey.  I'll be posting the results in a later post.

I can't wait to see your answers and opinions!~ xo

TARA'S PROBING BLOG INVESTIGATION, "PART 1" !

Click Here to take Tara's survey

Why we can't eat on the dining room table...

     Hello!  My super talented 11 year old son made this video using his new tripod (it really helps to keep the video steady) In computer class he is learning how to make 'movie mixes'...I have no idea how he did this, but I know he would be happy to answer your questions, because mom sure doesn't know! LOL! He even uploaded it for me  I love how he put music to it, sped up the film, and made it look like an old time movie in a sepia tone, complete with the old time look of a reel...lines jumping, etc..(also glad there is no sound on this one because at one point my husband walks in and I tell him "don't just stand there, get to work!") This was filmed one night when we were doing the second batch of orders, since then, my poor dining room has been overwrought in Wriskey's, you can't even walk in there anymore!

  Enjoy!  I know he would love your feedback!~xo

i Heart You...

     Happy Valentine's Day! Just a quick *pop* post to say I hope you have a wonderful day and possibly receive something from your secret admirer?  This time last year, we went to this ultra fabulous Valentine party, I posted about it here  I wish I could get the pictures to enlarge on the original post, (back then I wasn't sure how to size them!)  The photos above were taken there, such an elegant and fun Valentine themed party!

     It's soooo cold here!  There was an ice storm that roared through here the past few days.. felt like pellets hitting me when I was walking to the mailbox.  Large ice balls falling from the sky.  Speaking of ice...we are going ice skating this weekend!  Little man wants to video tape it...perhaps a good shot of Mom falling on her butt?  We'll see and hopefully you all can see too!  Oh! thank you so much for your sweet wishes and great advice on the back issue.  It's really appreciated, not sure what I'll be doing, but I'll keep you posted.  Have any of you heard of Cabi parties?  It's sort of a demonstration... but with clothes! My friend is hosting one and she asked me to help model, hopefully I won't trip...I'm not used to walking in heels! I went to one last year and it was really fun and the clothes are super cute!

     Have a wonderful day! ~ xo

Sit, Relax..Let's Catch up...

   

    So many things, so little time.  Have a seat, let's play catch up around here... . my back has been acting up, had an epidural shot last week- WHOA...don't think I will ever do that again.  I know I gave birth, twice in fact, but geez Louise, that sucker hurt...and I think it has now irritated the monster that has been living in my back even more.  I'm going to leave the restless beast alone for a while.  My doctor says the disc is so bad that I need surgery, and wants to insert 3 titanium screws, but I think I will get a 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinion!

     Wriskey™ Business is *cRaZy* and I want to thank all of you for being such great supporters!  We started a Wriskey Girl photo pool on flickr.  We thought it would be cool to see creative shots of you creative people using your Wriskey or wearing your tee's, just upload them here and they will appear on the front page of my blog, at random and everytime the page is re-freshed.  Pretty cool!  We plan to have contests/prizes (we love prizes don't we!?) for the most creative shots.  If you don't like having your photo taken, then maybe snap a shot of your baby chewing on your Wriskey, etc...(or something like that, my brain is fried right now, so I am not being too creative!).  Sweet Gail sent us a shot of her reminding hubby that Valentine's Day is soon approaching, take a peek .  Too cute!  Can't wait to see all of you Wriskey Girls!

     I know everyone LOVES giveaways, so make sure you stop by my friends blogs who are having super fabulous ones, Chris at Tutti Chic's Blog and Janet over at Shabby FuFu  Great ladies giving away great stuff!

     I know I am forgetting a half a million other things I wanted to tell you all, but there is always another day and another post.  I think it's time too for another Tara TV post?  My son wants to try something different this time, I might let him run with it, we'll see, stay tuned! I'm off to browse your blogs and see what you have been up to~xo

Smell Good Books...

   Don't you love the smell of a new book?  I can't get enough of it.  I think it ranks up there with a new car smell and a newborn baby's head.  A recent trip to our local small bookshop uncovered some great finds.  Yes, Amazon is easy... Barnes & Noble has everything under the sun (and a coffee lounge to boot), but there's something so lovely about a little corner bookstore.  Remember the enchanted one in the movie with Meg Ryan, You've Got Mail?  called "The Shop Around The Corner", a book lovers dream.  Anyway, let me share with you some good 'smellin' books from our little shop around the corner! *Warning...lots of pictures ahead!*

     On Alicia's blog, she has written about these yummy cookbooks and I happen to pass by them on my way to the Home Decor section.  These are not your ordinary cookbooks, each page has beautiful photos, incredible family stories and delicious recipes.  I couldn't put them down.  When I paged through each book, I felt like I was transported to another time and place. It reads more like a story than a cookbook.  Aren't the titles dreamy?  Apples For Jam: A Coloful Cookbook and  Falling Clouberries: A World of Family Recipes by Tessa Kiros. I'm anxious to try some of these recipes, they make me want to cook something...anything.  Even if you don't cook, they are lovely to have sitting in your kitchen (just for the cover artwork alone!)

     Coming up with a unique hostess gift (or any gift) sometimes can be so hard.  The Art of Giving takes the guesswork out and is filled with the most creative (and easy) gift giving ideas I've ever seen. There are pages in the back for color copying and making your own labels & tags, etc. Take a look:

    My daughter came home from school last week with a library book that was all tattered, torn, taped (the 3 T's) this book had received it's fair share of use.  After we read the book, it became obvious why it was so over-used....it is probably the cutest darn book (and perfect for a 6 year old who is asking for a new doggie).  She read that book at least 10 times a day, every word, over and over.  Carried it wherever she went (Hey...it even comes with a leash strap!) and was so sad when she had to return it on it's due date.  This book is the next best thing to a dog, and after you read it, you'll know why. (I won't spoil the ending for you.)  So when we passed a new crisp copy in the children's section, she squealed like a monkey, jumping up and down.  I highly suggest Open Me...I'm A Dog to anyone with children (or not) and whether you have a doggie (or not!)~xo

Who Knew?...

     WHOA!  We are still dizzy, excited and exhausted from the overwhelming response to the Wriskey™ launch!  I called in the troops (thanks Mom) to help out.  She was on the assembly line for a week straight! (ps Mom, you're not done yet, still lots more work to do, coffee's on!)  Thank you all for your warm wishes and support.  Hope to report some exciting news about our little Wriskey™ biz soon. 

     So apparently I've been living under a rock and this weekend is Superbowl Sunday?  No clue.  I found out when I excitedly told my husband that I'm taking our daughter to see this on Sunday and I proceeded to go on and on about how I couldn't believe I was able to get tickets for the time I wanted, it was meant to be and blah blah .  He just let me go on...then when I finally took a breath, he calmly said "hon...it's Superbowl Sunday"  *burst*  (that's my bubble bursting over the illusion that I was able to get the tickets due to some karma cosmic luckiness)  Anyway I apparently didn't know a lot of things, like who was even playing in the bowl.  Now I know NY and Patriots.  So I say to hubby "I guess we root for NY since they are a state next to us?"  I was then lectured on how NO person in their right mind Philadelphia fan EVER roots for ANY New York team.... huh?  I didn't know this was in the Pennsylvania state handbook, but according to my husband, it is.  So sorry New York fans, I guess Casa Bella is rooting for the Patriots, I still don't get it.  Actually I don't care either way (sorry Tutti Chic! ), what I'm really rooting for is that we get good seats while watching Miss Hannah (sporting our 3D glasses and a big tub of popcorn) but I'm sure we will have no problem, since everyone else on the planet will be home watching the Superbowl?  Have a fabulous SUPER weekend!~xo

Shameless Plug! Wriskey Business...

     Well we did it! The Wriskey site is set to launch TOMORROW! YAY!  Although it won't be 100% fully stocked, it's about 95% ish and I think we are ready to go...so here is my shameless plug on "Tara TV"! I'm wearing a tee shirt from the new clothing line, this tee is called Crown Me...(over the top advertising, I know)..lol...but we worked so hard to bring you the best!  Ok, I think I said "umm" about 78 times in this...it's SO hard not to, I don't even realize I'm doing it.  I apologize "umm"... in advance! Hope the sound & quality is better than the last video blog too.  Let me know what you think, and I'll see you at the Wriskey site tomorrow, thank you all for hanging in there with me on this and being so patient~ xo

Just Rambling...

   

  Thanks for the cool comments on the blabby video post!  We'll work on making it more audible (hello? couldn't hear a thing) and more interesting topics...less rambling... more light, more fun.  That was just a test run. (I'd say it was very raw footage..or film lying on the cutting room floor?) We'll jazz it up, especially for you...after all, you are the best bloggers around and deserve first class video posts.  I named the last post "Sunday Night Live", but it would be cool to do it each week?  Not sure, Sunday nights here at our home have a fun relaxing ritual...we cook up a great dinner, turn the TV off , play a board game (usually it's 'Trouble' ) and then we make the kids homemade milkshakes (with extra chocolate syrup).  It's something they look forward to each week (and takes their minds off of going back to school the next day!) I wonder if that would make a good video post?  We'll see.  Whatever you want, just let me know!

     Love the photo above, so serene, makes me want to just curl up, rest and read a book. (or better yet, fall asleep reading a book)  I'm not sure where it's from, it's been on my computer for a while. (if anyone happens to know the photographer, please let me know for credit purposes) I may need to crawl into that picture asap...lots of Wriskey™ business going on around here..."soon" is approaching fast!  Combined with a few trips we have planned for business and I'm feeling tired and excited at the same time.  One trip that is strictly for fun that I'm really looking forward to is the tropical getaway in March... BahamaMama here I come!  I can feel the sand and sun now...excuse me while I go jump into that picture above and dream away for a while, be back in a bit!~xo

Some goods from Home Goods...

     Love to find some great buys at Home Goods!  They have the best stuff at the best prices.  So here is a little tour of some goodies I picked up. (I went a little overboard on the eggs, but couldn't resist!)

     I think the cloche was $9.99 and I used my great grandmother's silver plate for the bottom.  Birds nest galore and more eggs than I know what to do with!  I plan on filling them in my apothecary jars after I take out the Valentine stuffings!

remember it's mantel, not mantle lol!

This clock was a bargain at $7 bucks!

This wrought iron (and very heavy!) garden chair was $29.  Here is a before shot:

I added a table runner and pillow to dress, which instantly created a cozy nook in the kitchen!

cute egg wreath that I hung with silk ribbon from the kitchen sink window

this flower bucket was a bargain and I bought some inexpensive "twiggery" to stuff it

The Birthday Month...

   Since I wasn't able to attend the fabulous glitter fest at Silver Bella this year, I decided to at least bring some of it to my home here at Casa Bella!  I ordered this super cute project kit from Jenny .  This caught my eye because it looked simple ish and I thought it would be fun to hang up this entire month of January to celebrate the gazillion birthdays in our family.  At last count there are 16 birthdays to celebrate, including our son and my Dad on the same day! (January 15th to be exact)

     My little project turned out semi-ok but not really,"wish I had Jenny here to instruct me in person" kind of a way ..It came with precise instructions (even telling me when to have a snack!)  However, this student obviously did not pay attention... I put WAY too much antiquing glaze on, the sequins are uneven and I definitely have to work on those darn air bubbles!  So frustrating. Anyway, for all the January birthdays out there, this banner's for you (over-antiqued, crooked sequins, air bubbles and all, hey, I gave it my best shot)!~xo

and the winner is...

     413 comments!  Seriously?? I can't believe it myself.  This was so incredibly FUN!  My inbox was completely jammed from all the comments and I had a moment of drama/panic when I thought all them had disappeared and contacted Typepad, with the help of a fabulous girl named Kimberly, all was fixed (and she entered the contest herself! lol)  Much love to the typepad people.  Also, love to all of YOU! My blog readers ROCK, you are all absolute super stars, beams of light, and the best cheering section a girl could ask for. I read every single post (so did my Mom!) I spent some late nights reading into the wee hours, they were all so inspiring and lovely.  Thank you from the bottom of my pink heart!

     Ok, let's get onto the good stuff and announcing the winner....but first a happy dance (or our version of a drum roll!)

Our winner is #194, ShabbyJuls   Please email me your address and your goodies are on the way!  Thanks to everyone who entered and look for more crazy cool giveaways soon!  Have a fabulous weekend~xo

New Year & Time For a GIVE AWAY!...

 

     Happy New Year to you all!  Since this is my first post of the new year, let's kick it off right and have a blow out give away?  You all have cheered me along in 2007 and I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to everyone, you are the best.  You all inspire me to do better, be better and wish I could give each of you a hug.  All you have to do to win is leave a comment and a winner will be chosen using that cool random number generator thingie on January 12th.  Some changes are coming, you may have noticed the new picture of the back of my head?  It was time for a photo switch out, and since my daughter took that shot after we bought new hats, I thought it would be cool to put it up, she's very excited!. Although my friend Chris said it looks I may be mooning everyone (ps: Happy Birthday!), Sara said it's artistic and mysterious.  I just think it's a cool photo from a 6 year old!.  Would love to hear your thoughts!

Anyhoo, here is what's included in our giveaway, take a look at the photos of the loot below and good luck to you all, just leave a comment to be entered!~ xo

• The February 2008 Romantic Homes Issue
• Vintage Vavoom , a new book from the editors of Romantic Homes
• Trash Ties by Heather Bailey, yeah they're cool, I can't live without them.
• A fabulous french market tote
• Handmade french journal
• A Wriskey from the collection and a Wriskey charm
• Paris Plaque
• A grab bag of tags from Jen at Artful Dreamer
• and last but not least... a super cute pin cushion!

 

The Romantics...

      If I died tomorrow, it would be alright (ok..I'm exaggerating, but only a little) I just received the new February issue of Romantic Homes.  Besides being a blow out issue with dreamy eye candy on every page, they have chosen their "Top Romantics" for the year and yours truly is named.  ACK!  Can you believe?  I'm so honored!  As a long time admirer of this magazine for many years, drooling over every page, each issue... words can't express what this means to me.  I'm in unbelievable company with 10 fabulous women.  Just to name a few, there is Tanya , Annette , Claudia , and Shelly .  If you are a romantic (which I know you all are!) go get a copy today, you will love this issue!

     My "Junk Drawer" photo accidentally got placed into Heather Lee's page.  These things happen and it's cool just to see it in print, so I am not complaining!

    Sneak peek of things to come next issue!  It will be eye popping, very OOH LA LA, I promise!  Thank you for sharing in my excitement! I wish you all a safe, healthy, happy, prosperous and most of all "Romantic" new year! ~xo

He sees you when you're sleeping...

Wishing you all a magical Christmas filled with sparkle, love and laughter.

Paper Cuts...

Country Homes 

   Paper, scissors, tape...GO!  I'm a wrapping fool.  Along with that comes those nasty paper cuts.  My fingers are already covered in band aids, the only ones in the house are these .  At least my fingers are colorful (and glow in the dark).  I feel overwhelmed as most of you probably do.  This weekend will be devoted to the chore of wrapping.  Although it's a labor of love, I hope things go smoother than last year when during my wrapping fest, my back went out and I ended up in the ER.  Did I mention I have a really bad back?  REALLY bad....it's definitely on a naughty list somewhere.  I plan to be more careful this year!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend, (with no back pain and paper cut free ! ) ~xo

Santa Baby...

     What a difference a year makes?  Cranky, tired and crying (SO sorry Mom!) at age 2.  Cut to a year later...the crybaby is calm, cool, and just chillin with Santa at age 3!  Looking at these photos I can see my daughter (especially in the "ugly cry"..lol)  Isn't it a weird feeling to look at old photos of yourself and see your babies eyes looking back at you? ~xo

Santa and The City...

    Santa had no idea what he was in for with this crew!  My 3 best friends and I hiked our butts to a crowded mall (you know how I love the mall?..not) But I love my friends and will do it for them.  It's our yearly Christmas tradition of shopping, dinner and drinks and a picture with Santa.  We have done this since we were young (the drink thing was added after we turned 21, of course) I can't explain how embarrased my friend Rachel was (she is the blonde standing behind me) so grumpy, saying "we are too old for this"....just then the girl behind the camera shook a teddy bear with jingle bells, saying "Smile girls!" as if she were talking to toddlers, trying to get the perfect shot for their mom & dad... needless to say we cracked up and "SNAP" this picture was taken!  My friend Gina thinks she smelled liquor on Santa, perhaps his hot chocolate was spiked with something?  We ate at the Cheescake Factory, love this place...great food and ambience, and yes! they serve way more than just cheesecake! lol...I had the fried macaroni & cheese balls... unbelievable, really!  So many laughs when I am with these girls and countless insane moments, (my weak bladder sometimes gives out)...my 3 best friends since grade school, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, til death do us part....love them to pieces!

Making a list...

     The kids use these erasable plates to make their list and put under the tree.  I am still de-coding my daughter's list, but it's something like this:  "Socks,  Pogo Stick and a Puppy for my brother"    Cute?  Santa can manage the socks and Pogo stick.  We have to talk some more about the puppy , explaining to her that "Santa doesn't bring real animals"  Not sure if she is buying it. I'm still holding on to these years when she still believes in Santa.  Our son, who is 10, has known the "real story" of Santa for about 2 years now.  He is good at pretending for his baby sister!  Chiming in "I hope Santa can make it to the video game store this year" with a sheepish grin.  Christmas is so magical when the kids believe, don't you think?

Deck The Halls (and get some light bulbs)...

     Here is the foyer window (waiting patiently for it's pretty custom curtains).  It takes a long ladder just to put up a candle in the bare window, only to realize the bulb isn't working! ACK!  I quickly shout, "No worries honey I have a drawer full of them"...and then discover that none of them work either!  Ok...on to plan "B"...

...and steal some from the chandelier by the coat closet

and don't forget a drink for my thristy worker...that should smooth things over

     Now let's get down to business and unpack these boxes!  Don't you love finding treasures you have long forgotten about?  (well maybe since last Christmas!) Below are some crafties I made when pregnant with little man.  It was during my tole painting primitive ish stage...I still love them and remembering the excitement painting them, 9 months preggers...

And my love of anything with mercury glass will never die

Winter floral arrangements...

and little corners

Here is a handmade ornament my brother made for the foyer tree (it's a picture of his dog Dixie and we laugh every year when we hang it)

other pretty ornament treasures from friends and family...

Stay tuned for part II of our Holiday Home Tour.  We have one tree up and one more to go and a lot more boxes to unpack (and bulbs to buy!)~xo

Tassles & Dazzles...

     Here is a quick shot of the Target curtains I talked about here.  My talented seamstress added some *tassle dazzle*.  Now they look custom and I love it!  A girl can never have too many tassles?!

     Speaking of dazzle, I ordered this beautiful paperweight from Janet at ShabbyFufu.  It came packed with goodies in true FuFu style.  Such a unique idea and a beautiful gift for someone special on your list!  I mentioned Janet and her home in Florida here in a previous post.  You can find these beautiful paperweights at her store here ~xo