Just in Time for 2009

Generally I'm not the type of person who likes to wait til the last minute to do things but apparently this Christmas I've decided to do just that. (I do have good reasons but that's another Oprah show!) I confess I have not bought one present yet. Not one. I have made a few presents but my body and credit cards have not stepped foot into the mall. But, what I have been doing is shopping like crazy for the store. Really crazy! So much so that I'm having to add four new categories - Millinery, Trims & Embellishment, Soaps, and Paper Goods. I'm soooo excited to bring all of this yummy merchandise in for the New Year. It's a fabulous way to usher in 2009 don't you think? I haven't listed any of these on the website yet (come on, I have to go Christmas shopping tomorrow!) but give me a couple of days and I'll have it all finished for you. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of things to come.....


Beautiful blue posies.


Handmade roses crafted out of silk ribbons.


Pale turquoise pom-pom garland.


Vintage pharmacy labels.





Exquisite French soaps.








Affordable little pick-me-ups for every season.

This is only a sample of the many new items arriving daily. Please check back soon for the complete listing at the shoppe. If you don't hear from me in a couple of days you may have to send in the rescue squad. I'll be the lunatic Mom in the corner of Target banging my head on the wall while mumbling some gibberish about pink Barbie cars and PS3's!! What the hell was I thinking? Have a wonderful day! XOXXOO

A Pretty Little Christmas

Okay, I know these photos were supposed to be posted yesterday but I just couldn't get to it until today. So, in honor of Heather and her Pretty Little Christmas blog party, here are a few pictures of my home for the holidays.



Hard to capture all the sparkly little lights in the middle of the day, but, oh well!














May your Holidays be filled with peace, joy, and abundance. Hugs to all of you!

Christmas Came Early

A few months ago I asked a good friend of mine to keep her eyes open for pearls. I use them in many of my projects and go through them pretty fast. I was expecting Gail to find a few strands here and there or maybe a loose lot or two but oh no, no, no, she scored! When I opened the box there were HUNDREDS of the little lovelies. White ones, creamy ones, big and small ones. It was like Christmas! Gail was even sweet enough to separate the pearls into categories for me! Thank you sooooo much for taking time out of your schedule to help me with my endless pursuit of the pearl.





In my last post I mentioned the empty pocket watches I found that I had an idea for. Well here they are in their new incarnation - mini shadowboxes encased in a wonderful old pocket watch! Wear them as a necklace or hang them in a favorite spot in your home. They'd even make a great holiday ornament. I think they're really lovely and wish I would've have bought more of them! I simply ADORE the glittered encrusted shells that house the shadowboxes and think the whole package was just too much fun! Don't you just love it when creativity makes you soar! I'm trying to think of other uses for the glittered shells. Maybe a place card holder on a festive table? Any ideas?










Have a happy weekend! XOXXOO

Trinkets and Treasures

After a whirlwind trip back East and a Thanksgiving filled with laughter and tears I made it back home feeling a bit exhausted but very grateful. Death will do that to you. It makes you cherish the small things, like the soft, sweet breath of a sleeping child. Or the sound of a full house on Thanksgiving day. Death reminds you to cherish the tiny little moments and to be more present in life, something I have to constantly work on. Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes and prayers. I am grateful for the support.

Last weekend I spent the day with a friend of mine scouring the aisles of an enormous flea market. I was on a mission to find some Christmas items and more bling, and of course, anything else that I simply had to have! Mission accomplished!





Unfortunately, these photos didn't capture the beautiful color or patina of the tinsel but trust me it's gorgeous. I found gold, silver, blue and pink in both the tinsel and garland, all of which will make it into a special project I have in mind. I'll post that later.



I scored a fairly large box of coral bits for only $20! I'm thinking beach collages, soldered bottles, apothecary jars filled with memories of summer....Oh lord, is it summer yet?! I also filled one of my grandmother's silver dishes with the coral and have it sitting on a side table in my living room. I think of her every time I see it.



I found a whole bunch of lace, perfect for all sorts of embellishing, and brass tags that I use for packaging my coasters. I bought an assortment of pocket watches that will debut next week after I toss a little whimsy on 'em!

Although not pictured (sorry I ran out of steam and good light) I found the most amazing pink cabinet to use for display when I do the SF Gift Show in February. It's glass fronted with 3 shelves and when I get through with it will be perfect for displaying my bottles. I'll post photos of that later too!

Again, I thank everyone for their heartfelt love and support during this difficult time. I appreciate it more than words can say. I wish you all peace, abundance, and TONS of joy and laughter during this holiday season. XXOXOO

Beloved Mimi

Well, when I said I was going to try and post more often this was not the kind of a post I was thinking about. I had in mind pretty photos of completed Christmas projects, news about the shoppe, or maybe even some favorite holiday recipes. It never occurred to me, at least not consciously, that I would be writing about the passing of my beloved grandmother. Although let's face it, at 92 years of age I knew full well this day was coming. Of course I'm devastated by the loss. This was the matriarch of our family and her presence will be missed beyond words. But my grandmother, Mimi, as we affectionately called her, lived a long and healthy 92 years. In the end, it was Alzheimer's and a tired body that claimed her. She died in her sleep surrounded by love on Thursday morning. I take great comfort in knowing that death is not the end and that love knows no bounds. She is in my heart. She is in my memories.

On Saturday I leave for Virginia where all the family will be gathered to celebrate the life of Mimi. She leaves behind 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a lifetime of love that bind us all.

Note: I drafted this on Sunday morning and then put it aside so that I could gather some photos of my grandmother. I am sad to say that I have very few and the ones I do have are profiles that don't show her face. I'm sure I'll come home with a collection of wonderful photos after the services that I can share with you later. In the meantime, these heartfelt words will have to do.



On a lighter note, and while I'm on the subject of love, I'd like to thank my husband for being such a rock during this difficult time. You are my best friend, my anchor in the storm, and I am grateful for your enormous shoulders and endless supply of hugs! Happy anniversary Clement. I love you BIG!

Princess Rylie

The month of October was such a busy one for me that many things, like my blog, and my house, my garden, and my studio....okay, okay, you get the idea, had to take a back burner. And despite the fact that we're officially into the Holiday season, a time when the To-Do list grows exponentially, I am bound and determined to post something every week. I have lots of new items for the store waiting to make their debut and special promotions to announce. There are just too many things coming up that now more than ever I need to stay connected to all of y'all!

That being said, let me jump right in to some long overdue photos of my daughter Rylie's 4th birthday party. Like many girls at this age, it's all about the princess. As long as it is pink, purple and sparkly then Rylie is happy! So, in honor of all that is sparkly here is Princess Rylie and crew!






And here are a couple of class pix for Halloween. Unfortunately, my batteries went dead and I only got a couple of Rylie in princess mode.




It's hard to believe that my little girl is already 4 years old. I know it's a cliche but it really does go by sooooo fast. Happy Birthday Princess Rylie!

History Made

Wow, what a night! Walls were torn down, barriers erased, and fears disappeared as the American people cast their vote. Turnout was the highest in 100 years. 100 YEARS!Young people stepped up like never before. My 11 year old son watched the entire evening unfold and I'm quite certain that would not have happened under any other circumstances. People of all ages voted for the very first time because they knew their voice mattered. For me, the most important issue was that apathy was replaced by hope. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of optimism and pride that we so desperately need right now. When 90% of the population feel like the country is heading in the wrong direction, we need a new direction. Regardless of your political affiliation, this was a night that America made history and for that I am so proud.