Oh Merci ::: Merci-Notes.blogspot.com

Ringing In the New Year

2011-12-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

FOR BEAUTIFUL EYES,

LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN OTHERS;

FOR BEAUTIFUL LIPS,

SPEAK ONLY WORDS OF KINDNESS;

AND FOR POISE,

WALK WITH KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.

~ AUDREY HEPBURN~

XO,

Mary

2011-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

"It's Christmas Eve! What memories do you have of Christmas Eve as a child?
The memory that comes to my mind first is of sitting next to our Christmas Tree
in my little rocker that my Grandfather had made when I was a toddler,
singing and singing and singing ....
still singing, Christmas Carols from a caroling book we had.

Our home was filled with quiet excitement.
With 6 children we were not about to upset Santa's route by mis-behaving!
"ho ho ho"

The memories that we create are so very important for us later on.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas!

2011-11-16T14:10:00.001-08:00

Our weather here has been more like Spring.

Yesterday the temperature maxed at 63!

However, Thanksgiving IS just next week.

This has been a very busy Fall,

yet even so, we are looking forward to the excitement

that all of the Holidays bring.

I have done some additions to my shop, Oh Merci.

With even a bit more to come!

So get your sleigh ready for all of the Joys of the Season!

"The Family Circus"

2011-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

HI! I have been a busy elf with a few things yet to finish up and then photos to take.
Thank You all for bearing with me, and for visiting Merci-Notes!

I just heard that Bill Keene has died at the age of 89 years. Perhaps, you have been
so lucky to have seen his work! He was the marvelous cartoonist and creator of
"The Family Circus". As a child, this was my most favorite cartoon in the newspaper.

Mr Keene was not a trained Cartoonist! He went to Northeast Catholic High School in
Philadelphia, PA. It was while there that he taught himself to draw. He would use those
cartoonists that he admired to hone his skills. The Philadelphia Daily News granted him
his first published work in 1936. He was only 13 1/2 years old!!!

When Bill was 20 he joined the United States Army, 1942-1945. While serving, there were
a number of important things that happened to him. He met his wife, Thelma Carne, while
he was serving in Australia and they were married there. He also did drawings for the
Stars and Stripes Newspaper ~ Pacific Edition.

Well, they started their U.S. life in Pennsylvania, Thelma and Bill had five children
and true to many comics and comedians, his wife was his inspiration for the "Mommy"
in the comic strip. His Cartoonist career took off also.

It was not until 1960, while living in Arizona, that the "Family Circus" comic strip started!

This cartoon series was true to life for me... the funny things that happen to families as

days come and go. What a gift to families ~ to laugh at your day and also give thanks.

It is no surprise that Mr. Keene collaborated with Erma Bombeck, another person who

enjoyed the funny things in everyday life. Some of my favorite comics of his were

the "who did it?" ones, where the answer is "I duno, or Not Me". I also loved the

path Jeffy would take when coming home from school or doing a quick errand for

his Mommy.

Thank You Mr. Keene for all the love that you gave to us.

Visit the Family Circus site for * Mr. Keene's own take on his life!

* click on the top link "Life and Times of Bil what's is name"

XO,

Mary

2011-08-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day! Off and running.
I am ready to introduce a new collection. This is the first piece. I was inspired by a vintage item
I saw years ago in one of my Shabby Chic Books, by Rachel Ashwell. And then of course,
my daughter Caitlin's beautiful Light Shades!

A peaceful time of the day.

The calm of the evening.

Stop over to my shop to see more.
It is good to be back!

XO,

Mary

2011-08-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

OK, I know. I have been gone a loong time. A very long time. Everything is fine.
One thing I was doing was working 12 hour days helping Caitlin at my end with her products. I loved every minute of it!

Here is a video Caitlin sent me this morning. I love this song, and I can actually sing it very well. Umm, well I think so.

Raindrops from Nate Pence on Vimeo.

We have a lot of rainbows here... many doubles!

On another note. I have something I have made, ready for the shop for some time now. Maybe I am suffering from some fear?
I do not know except that I am getting really good at procrastination! Something new to me.

So I need to get a box and find out my shipping prices, then I can list it. No car till Thursday... unless I get a visitor.

So I will , yes, I will be back this week! Maybe even later today!!!

2011-04-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hobbes was so cute, all snuggled up in "my" chair. Hmm, never thought I would
have a chair all my own. As kids we would love to sit on the floor to play board
games or watch T.V. As we became older we would call out "I get my spot back."
This assured us that when we returned we could retrieve our cushy seat. I do not
know what the deal was... were there too few seats or just favorite spots? Well,
it held the peace in a large household, where I will add we had ONE T.V. and we
all agreed on the program. Thus when we watched T.V. it was as a family. My
families living rooms were had fun and laughter.

No, Hobbes is not watching T.V., although I actually have seen him do this!
He has taken to snuggling into my favorite chair.

X.O. 

Mary

P.S. I finally have photos of my latest piece!
I will have them up within a week... sooner hopefully!

2011-04-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a Blessed Easter ~

2011-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Miles To Go.... I feel this towards many things. Do You?

I will be back again.. sooner this time. Shooting for Thursday/Friday.
I apologize for my absences.

With Love and Kindness,

Mary

2011-02-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

The sun is out today and above freezing! Progress that is.
AND I spied a small flock of Red Robins! They are early I believe,
Good news to me for Spring surly must be arriving ahead of schedule!
Oh Pretty please!

THE ROBIN is the one
That interrupts the morn
With hurried, few, express reports
When March is scarcely on.

The robin is the one
That overflows the noon
With her cherubic quantity,
An April but begun.

The robin is the one
That speechless from her nest
Submits that home and certainty
And sanctity are best. ~ Emily Dickinson ~

May the sun be shining down upon you today!

Hugs, Mary

2011-02-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

To all of you Dear Friends ~

I wish you a beautiful Valentines Day!

The beautiful Swan Photo was done by Photographer "Mozzercork"

So gracious to allow me to use this beautiful photo!

XO,

Mary

2011-02-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

"Snow! Snow go away come again some other day" .
I just recalled this from my childhood. I do believe it is supposed to refer to rain, not snow.

There is an upside to snow and cold weather!

mmm. Just perfect on such a day where there is 2 feet of snow outside {over night this landed in our yard!}.

Not the snow blower, that we had from my Dad and Mom {thank you Mom}

The snow. The wind howled all night long and the thunder! wow!

But when you have this waiting for you...

A cup of very very special hot cocoa!
This is made by Andrew, the cousin of my son's Fiance'.
He is a chef and actually is one of the designers of flavors
over at Black Dog Gelato. This cocoa was so amazing! A creamy, velvety,
rich, thick deliciousness! I guess they have hot cocoa there also...
so when you are in the City make sure you go there!!! Cold or hot they have you covered!
Unbelievable deliciousness!!!

SECRET Ingredients!!! {my lips are sealed}

And look what I found in my cup!!!!

links ~
Black Dog Gelato

xo,

Mary

Shop Update!

2011-01-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

One of my all time favorite songs has lyrics that go like this :

L ~ is for the way you look at me
O ~ is for the only one I see
V ~ is very, very, extraordinary
E ~ is even more than anyone that you adore

Romance... that gaze that leading men give their leading ladies in the movies (old movies) ~ so very romantic.

I am a romantic but do not need the fuss so much. Romance comes in so many different forms.
Time spent together noted by a special gift.

Hearts and flowers ~

Love is not complicated. It is simple and pure when you get right down to it.

For simple expressions of Love stop by my shop, Oh Merci.
Merci! :)

XO,

Mary

2011-01-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends! I have new hearts in the shop ...
better photos are needed so I am off to do just that.

A new group of necklaces will be there later today!
ooo, I must say I do love them... can I say that?

I am excited about what is happening over here ~
more on that later. :)
oops, Updating...I will see you Saturday... Mr. Sandman is calling.

XO,

Mary

Big News

2011-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

My year is starting off with some excitement.

So I need lots of Inspiring visions around me.
And remembering where I started at here in the Big Web ~

And remembering some of the special people I have met

And The Parties tht Ensued ~

Friendships forged and sealed.

Now for my news!
I am so very excited to have been invited into The Everyday Is A Holiday Design Team for Jenny And Aaron!
I am Thrilled to get started!
You can click on the "Everyday Is A Holiday Design Team" Button on my left
side bar to hop over to their place at any time ~
OR click "HERE" Jenny and Aaron to start meeting the Team as we are introduced!
Thank YOU!

XO, Mary

2011-01-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

So very sad...
so very sad today
people can touch your life in ways that you many not even realize.
* each one of us a brilliant star not knowing when we will be gone.

In Memory of Trish

Please stop by Caitlin's

Take Me Out Tonight

2011-01-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

The New Year has begun with all of us, including Doug, Monica, Caitlin and also James still being down with the cold/flu bug...
not exactly energizing but it is inspiring. Once one is FINALLY well again, we are talking weeks here, a grateful feeling washes
over you and you are ready to get out there and meet 2011.

So I begin 2011 AND the Valentines season (oh, yes there is a Valentine Season) with
a cute video and song that will inspire everyone wherever they are at *(notice the line "dust off...").

Hobbes also enjoyed many naps over Christmas and New Years... I once saw him emerging from the folds of a VERY
fluffy comforter that was on a sofa.
Any talking or movement I make he interprets as "she is going to feed me"," she knows I am HUNGRY for the third
time this morning!" This guy will eat all day if you let him, but I will not let him. Must not let his cute face bother me,
nor his paw as he ever so gently taps my shoulder or arm.
Soo cute is he.

XO,

Mary

2010-12-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

XO,

Mary

2010-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

... I had a moment to play around with sprays at the top of this wreath.

It has not been often this fall that I have found time to re-charge like this.

Putzing around, fluffing the nest.... a favorite activity of mine ~ in need of restoring.

Here is a link to a new friend who has done such a lovely and sentimental job of getting
her nest feathered! Do please stop in to say hello to her.

Merry Christmas!

xo,

Mary

2010-12-15T04:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok... no quick chocolate treats that I promised you, yet. However....

Look what I do have for you!

Life can be so very hectic, even traumatic today. I have started some pieces and stopped,

called away... All good. No worries, "Balance" can be restored.

If you need some Balance in your life perhaps you should visit Oh Merci.

Sweet Sugar Plum Dreams to you all!

Mary

Nativity

2010-11-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

Hello! Is everyone feeling nourished. The joy of loved ones, laughter and
favorite family foods all combine to make a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
Caitlin shared with us the Target "Black Friday tips" video series with us. Very Funny.

The Christmas spirit kicks into high gear for me Thanksgiving weekend.
So to keep busy at home ~ A Nativity was made!

"Sweet Baby Jesus" is a nice name. All of the pieces are hand painted in soft
vintage shades and a tiered table is made and fine silver glitter is added.
This is designed by me for You! Do stop by my Etsy Shop, Oh Merci :)
I am helping Caitlin again but I do want to get a few pretty necklaces made for you also!

Oh, visions of sugar plums danced in my head just now... thinking of the marshmallow brownie
short cut desert I made for the chocolate lovers on Thanksgiving Day.
I will make some this week and take a photo and give you the steps to quick chocolate delight!
I hope you like my new design!

Hugs,

Mary

The Shop is Opened!

2010-11-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

A season of calm and bright.

That is my wish for us all, dear friends.

For now ~ wreaths, peaceful and joyous.... indeed, ready for a celebration.

Indeed! I did get carried away!

These petit vintage style wreaths have been a favorite of mine for several years now.

I just made mine with a wee loop to place a wire hanger
within so to dangle from your tree.

A gallant deer, a brilliant candle and ~

Glistening pine cones.

Then, the petit cottages designed by myself for YOU!

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*******

It is a time to be so grateful for all of the love we have.
It is an "Oh Merci" Christmas!

*** Please stop by my shop! ***

With Kindness,

Mary

2010-11-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

I hear Christmas music!
I am almost ready to add to my shop, which has been neglected for sometime!
So sorry about that and Thank YOU all for waiting so patiently!
I will see you Tomorrow, Sunday Evening... shop fluffed up a bit.

Here is a little peek ~
~

With Kindness,
Mary

October Celebration!

2010-10-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Fall is a wonderful time for celebrations. Golds, oranges,
that wonderful cranberry red leaf color. Fires in and out of doors.
Leaves crackling under foot.

The way the sun shines upon us at this time of year, a warm hug.

A Birthday Celebration for our second child, Douglas, now a young man.
Merci Beaucoup Dear Father. How blessed I am.

*** UPDATE ~ Birthday Boy chose real German brats from the Wurst Kitchen!
*** they also have great hot dogs and Italian sausage.

Hugs,

Mary

2010-08-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have a petit garden at this home. I smooshed in {garden term meaning "put in another plant"} four tomato plants within ONE tall, square, wire cage. Another plant, grape tomatoes, was placed a few feet away and then a pot of basil soaking up the sun. Along side of that is a pepper plant with 3 peppers on it!

All of this is in a bed were I lost a small magnolia tree and a hydrangea bush last fall. This is what I call my vegetable garden :) It is in the sun and everything is loving the spot. Oh I also have two self starter/volunteer tomato plants along the back side of the bed... an heirloom variety. Lovely.

We have enjoyed several meals with the tomatoes and basil but today came the day where I took the leap into preserving the small bounty with a freezer method.

If you want to have bounty from your garden, farmers market or pick your own farms this winter then read on with my SOOO EASY technique!

1. My tomatoes ~ washed, stems removed.
2. I made a small X at the top of the tomatoes with a small pairing knife. {this expedites skin removal}

3. Place tomatoes in boiling water for 45 SECONDS.
4. Immediately remove, with slotted spoon or the like, to large bowl of ICE water.
5. Peel off skin and place in another bowl ** remove any bruised or bad spots... I did not use any tomatoes with bad spots
6. I like the entire tomato so I do not remove seeds... but you can now squeeze out the seed if you like.

7. Place in freezer bags.

NOW here comes the strange part! I almost did not do this but at the last minute
I decided to give it a try.

8. Place a straw in the Zip Lock FREEZER bag, seal except where the straw is.
Sip the air out of the bag with the straw! Sip several times until the bag is well collapsed
then quick take out the straw as you are sipping out the air. THIS WORKS!

Notice the wonderful results! A fair amount of the air is now out of the bag.

9. Place in the coldest part of freezer to begin with.

I know I only have 4 small bags.. but I am still thrilled. You can also freeze tomatoes in a sauce form even with spices. I wanted all of my options opened so no spices for mine.

I am hoping to freeze many more of my tomatoes ... this was fun, easy and clean up was a breeze!

Mmmm, just think of taking one of these bags of treasure out of the freezer this winter

and simmering up a nice sauce, soup or pot of chili.

Are you preparing any produce at your home for the winter?
Let us know what you are doing and any tips you have!

Hugs,

Mary
p.s. I will be back soon with pretty thinks to share

2010-08-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends. I am sorry, I have been missing... all is fine.
I have been learning a lot on many fronts of life.
Yesterday I actually learned a new skill in the work shop!
It felt marvelous to not have to ask for help...
to be growing in my skills.

Let me tell you HOW HOT IT WAS yesterday! Definatley not the day to be
working outside {easier to clean up the mess outside}.
I actually had to bring in my material and electric tool to cool down inbetween tasks!

This is the window box outside of my kitchen window. A few years ago we
waited an entire summer to get this delivered!
Do you see the pretty little plant swag that I made? {above photo} The trailing vine
was hanging down pretty far so I decided to connect it to the middle pot and let
the remainder fall down the center. The other side is not as long yet so it is a bit
lopsided for the moment.

Petunias love the heat but with all of the rain I think they are a bit waterlogged.
I love the patterns in these flowers~ which is why I chose them.
Next time I would include more solid shades of pink with them...
they seem to be a bit faint in color.
They still look lovely!

Back to my special project :)
Caitlin will be doing her own version of this special project so I made a few for her also.
I can not wait to get them done! I especially cannot wait to see Caitlin's!!!

I know... a bit of a tease today, but really! I love this product!!!

Thank you for visiting sweet friends!

Hugs,

Mary

Trudi Temple!

2010-07-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

I heard about Trudi through my local nursery, The Growing Place, where I had the honor
to hear her speak of her life and love of gardening. Trudi started her life and her lessons
in Germany during WWII. To hear her speak of her journey is as if she is telling
it for the first time... she has such life and JOY within her.
Do you have Market Day at your school?
Trudi STARTED Market Day!
But read in her book how it started!!!

I greatly encourage you to get her book*

and read about how her life was as a young girl and how she came to America.

Above, in the second photo, is Trudi's front gate and yard...
She uses every inch of space for her beautiful gardens!
Whenever this gate is open ALL are invited in to enjoy her gardens.
Such kindness and hospitality.

Above is a note on the back carriage/garden house door. ~
It invites you to use her "powder room"!

See the water lilies!

My photos do not do justice.
Below is a small view of the BIG protected vegetable garden. (deer, bunnies...)

A view from her terrace~

a beautiful planter~

Oh, need a little cat nap?

Notice the lower structure of this "flower bed" also.

Here is a tip I learned from Trudi~
Save your garden and household vegetable waste and dig a hole, I dig 12"X12" holes.
Cover with dirt and place a garden marker on top like a stone...
this is so that you remember not to plant her for 6 months when the soil will be rich with nutrition for you plants.

If you get her book you will find out how big of a hole Trudi has dug and what
in the world she put in it!

I went to Amazon and found her book.
HOWEVER, for some STRANGE reason the two new books
are priced at $99.99!!!! Something must be incorrect with the listing.
It is a great book... for $29.95, NEW HARDCOVER.

* Links

Trudi Temple

Book info:
Tittle:
Trudi Temple's Garden ~ The Story of Trudi Temple, Founder of Market Day
Authors:
Laurie Bohlke & Trudi Temple
Publisher:
Goblin Fern Press, Inc.
3809 Mineral Point Road
Madison, Wisconsin, 53705 U.S.A.

Hugs,

Mary

2010-06-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Has laundry ever looked so Glamorous?

I did quite a bit of household duties the other day. I was very satisfied with
all the bits of tidying and cleaning. By evening, I noticed this pretty basket..
looks like a celebration waiting to happen! Inside of a favorite Simply Shabby
Chic basket is a vintage table cloth... love that silver with the white!

I am happily busy with my VERY SPECIAL PROJECTS! I love them!
I can hardly wait until the time I can present them!!!

What are you working on? A project, a vacation, celebrations!?
Post a comment to let me know! :)

Hugs,

Mary

2010-06-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Whew! It is H-O-T here and humid. Going from having the furnace on and
two days later turning on the air is too quick for me.

My Garden has been affected by the heat wave also.... acting a bit confused and
perplexed... the garden has EXPLODED with blooms everywhere. It is like
being in a bedroom designed in the 1980's... flowers everywhere ~
the floor, the walls, the curtains, the bed and vases on dresser tops over flowing
with more flowers! Ok, maybe I like all of those flowers :)

I hope that your summer is also turning into a beautiful flurry of blessings and fun!

2010-05-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

What happened on Mothers DAY!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Mothers Day with Your Mom and with your children.
I cannot think of a better gift than a hug and an "I Love You".

I had a very nice Mothers Day. My Daughter could not make it. *** I must say that both of my kids have spent every Birthday and Mothers Day with me. I am very blessed to have such wonderful children! (now young adults). They think of me not just on special days but throughout the year.

My husband, K.c. and Son, Doug and I went to mass early, and then to breakfast at a favorite place that we have not been to in a number of years! I like the scrambled eggs and dry wheat toast :) It is tempting to get the fancy blueberry pancakes but they are too rich for me. It was so lovely to sit and talk without worry of schedules. This was the best gift of all. The card my son gave to me with his special message in it was WONDERFUL! We went into Naperville and had a Hot cocoa and coffees as we strolled around in the sun a bit. Naperville is a pretty town with a river running through it... a park and walkway with MANY activities in it runs the length of town.. and that is quite a distance. One of it's features is a wonderful swimming hole. Formerly a rock quarry, now a "real swimming pool' of extreme size... zero depth ending with sand. Such a wonderful family place.

SO, back at home later in the day... I look out my kitchen window and see a bunny busily digging in our back yard. And I know what that means!
She was getting herself ready for her OWN Mothers Day!!!

She dug and dug for quite some time. I came back later to see she had moved on to the next portion of construction... feathering her nest! More like laying down layers of fresh green grass.
When I woke this morning I found this ~

Can you see the medium brown area in the grass? to the right?

Mother Bunnies make their own home I guess. They also are not "on" nor "in" the nest with the babies. They do not want to draw attention to the nest so they spend there time nearby watching. Early in the morning and in the evening they will place themselves over the nest and the babies will raise up to get milk from their mother. They sit their for about 5 minutes. Their milk is very rich. I did not know what the babies ate prior to researching this last night.

I have a wonderful link you can share with your children that follows a family that has domestic bunnies ... 2 litters at the same time... wonderful photos and facts!

Links ~
Baby Bunnies

It was a great mothers Day all over our home yesterday!
I wish all of you a blessed year!

Hugs,

Mary

2010-05-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!
I have emerged from my embroidery hoop! I was not able to join another
embroidery group at Amy's this time. I was helping my daughter, Caitlin,
with some special order projects and really enjoyed the proccess. I had to
tackle a problem and I met the challenge finding everyone very happy with
the end product! It does feel wonderful!

My Lilacs were in bloom during this time leaving my home filled with their
wonderful scent! Guiltily, I kept all bouquets for myself this time.... a cold
front and the embroidery projects left me no time to drop off some of the
sweet aromatic florals for neighbors.

NOW I am focusing on a project I have been
dreaming of for a loooong time!
I am so very excited!!!

Can you believe this apparatus!? It is a drill press that my hubby put together
and now I am using it on a portion of my project. What is that? YES I said ~
"...I am using it ...." My Son, Doug, helped set it up and gave me invaluable pointers.
I have not used a drill press since... mmmm... 7th grade shop class.

The various designs for this project are swimming around furiously in my mind!
Really, this has been in my head for several years!!!
I have a couple of other things I am thrilled to work on also.

I do hope that this day finds you well.

Thank You for stopping by lovely Friends!

With Kindness and Love,

Mary

2010-04-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

One of my new projects was a result of an early morning feeding ~
our cat wakes me up with the birdies ... or earlier! ~ So during one
of the early morning sleep walks downstairs to "kitty food central"
the lid slipped out of my hand, fell, and shattered into many pieces.
All the while flying into several rooms! sigh.
Clean up in aisles 3,4 and 5 please.

So I solved two issues with one... a new painted project for a show and
a new kitty kibble jar for Hobbes. {I voted NO GLASS LIDS}
I also
voted on a nice seal to keep the food fresh...easy open!

I love gingham and of course you guessed it, I love aqua! So I took some paint
I had ordered up for another project,and made my own custom shade and painted
a gingham pattern. I love it! It makes me smile every time I use it... which
believe me is way too often for Hobbes!
Hmm, I think Hobbes would like a picnic at the shore... fish :0
I think he actually prefers chicken!

The beautiful knob I found at Anthropologie a bit ago. I love this knob!
A friend has a similar one that is all white and it is amazingly beautiful!!!
The little aqua one works fine here.

Now who is ready for a trip to the beach!?

Hugs,

Mary

2010-04-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

I chose to do something in my 40th square.

#40 ~ This represents DREAMS.
Dreams that must be dreamt inorder for foundations to be built.
All of the wonderful ideas and plans.
The dreams for Amy's 40th year!

Cheers to Amy!!! HOORAY!!!

*the long stemmed sequin is a dream almost ready to pop! :)

Here is my finished sampler!

I really had fun doing this project and I met many wonderful women... such TALENT wow!!!

Thank You for following along as you watched the squares unfold and
Thank You to those that followed as we stitched together.

And here is to New Friends! Cheers!

Links ~

Amy.. stop in to see all of the finished pieces as they are completed :)

Hugs,

Mary

2010-04-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Here it is... the final piece of my little puzzle... can you tell what it is? Does it remind you of anything?? hehehe.
Square #39

Does this give you a clue?

And what about ~~this one~~ these two!
LOVE IT!

And baby will make three ~

So then you have the petit version ~

Yes, it is in celebration of the banners that my daughter has designed. I love them!
And as you can see, BIG girls and boys love them also!!! :)

Oh, want one too! Just pop over to NICE.

Links ~
NICE ~ my daughters shop
Wedding photography
"HOORAY For Babies"
Amy :) See her finished embroidery sampler!!!

I will show you my finished sampler tomorrow for I have one more to share with you #40!

Hugs,

Mary

2010-04-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

This rocker was painted a few years after we moved here.
An early piece of mine
My home looks so funny in this photo... you can see the wood
moldings that the builder put in before we moved in. Now
every room has painted white moldings. I still have the rug but
it is not down on the floor anywhere. The curtains are just panels
I made for windows in our previous home that worked in this home.
I can not even remember where I found this great rocker! I found
the fabrics and made new cushions and even new burlap strapping
that support the seat. I think this rocker is is in a vacation home in
Wisconsin now.

Here is another piece to to my little puzzle :)
#38

Last puzzle piece tomorrow!

Links ~

Amy

Hugs,

Mary

2010-04-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have yesterday's square a of "39 Stitches and today's also.
I will be disclosing the last couple pieces of my "puzzle" over the next several days.
By the 39th square the final piece will be disclosed :)
And the little story along with it :)
I LOVE IT and I hope and believe that you will also :)

I do have a 40th square also... it is a special one to honor Amy.

#36

#37

I did not re ~ do the french knots for the fabric is a bit fragile.
I did back the fabric with a feather weight inter facing (iron on).

Links ~

Check out Amy's squares!!!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Joyeuses Paques ~ Merry Easter ~ Blessed Easter Day.
So many things going on in our Country, and all over the world.
I do wish each and every one a beautiful day full of only love.

On This special day I choose to do a hyachinth plant, full of fragrance,
life, beauty. I love to get these plants, usually white but this year PINK,
and enjoy them inside with their scent swirling through our home. Afterwards,
I let them sit in our garage all summer then plant in my garden in the fall. This year
I am going to try planting them after they are done flowering. We shall see :)
I have a very special plant that arrived to day via a friend. She gave me a beautiful petit daffodil plant!!! I {and my husband} had the joy of caring for her families dog, Kailey for the past week. She is a wonderful petit little lady who will jump up into your arms when she tires from our long walks* (*long walks for little legs). She is petit but her legs are long, a very pretty pup! When she plays she reminds me of a cartoon of a lamb frolicking and enjoying the fields... in this case our carpet. She loves to chase after her toys and she even herds them!!! OH dear! I am rattling on. But she is cute!!!
back to today's square :)

#35 Easter Hyacinth Plant

Links ~
To see The cutest pup ever ~ {except for yours of course}
Amy ~ 39 Squares :)

Happy Easter!

Hugs,
Mary

2010-04-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the day, the Saturday before Easter, that my family decorated eggs. My Mom would "cook" up a huge batch of eggs so that we all had several to decorate. I had one older brother and 4 younger sisters. (We had a lot of fun!) For our own family we had the same Saturday tradition.
I remember the very first time my daughter Caitlin was old enough to color Easter eggs. I was in the Kitchen with the eggs all ready, and getting the dyes in the coffee mugs ready for her. In she comes ~ about 2 years old, with her paint brushes!!!! She wanted to "paint" her eggs just like she saw the "Easter Bunny" depicted doing!!! So I let her do it this way and they turned out beautiful :) A few years later, my second child, Doug, liked to dunk his eggs... as much as possible :)
#34 Easter egg .... ready and waiting in the Easter basket!

Links ~
Amy

Hugs,
Mary

2010-04-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have been busily stitching away while tending to home and family this week. I am also helping out a few friends :)
So let's play catch-up today!

The next in the series for Amy's "I'm Stitching Along" group ~ 39 Stitches is a very special one which is actually second in a series of, mmmm six squares. A puzzle if you will :)
#26

The next square is actually two for one. We all like a deal and this one is a pretty one. I love how the curtains in our home blow in the breezes that come in the open windows. I also love a big window ledge so that plants and things (pies?? hehehehe) can be placed on it. In this case no pie, but a pretty plant like I used to put on Caitlin's bedroom window sill when she moved out of the nursery to her big room.
#27 & 28

As I stated earlier in this wonderful stitch along, I love hearts. This one is very similar to a logo I have used for quite some time when I paint pieces for others.
Oh, minus the "LOVE".
#29

Somewhat self explanatory. "H" for our last name.
#30

Have I told you in the last week how much I love Shabby Chic?? ok, ok. So another O'de to Rachel Ashwell :)
This photo shows one side of the iconic Shabby Chic Tags AND rumpled vintage "corsage" with "Simply Shabby Chic fabric:

And then my attempt to write at least as small as a June bug:

Next we have a square doubled up with love. My mom had a wonderful pin cushion with two beautiful strawberries. Then, Caitlin loved strawberries while growing up. OH, I guess a third, a favorite fabric since I was a little girl. velvet! :)
#32

Now we are caught up to today. For my family, an important Friday. Something that I appreciate much more as I grow older.
#33 The Lamb

Now we are caught up and will see you tomorrow! Yes REALLY!!! :)

Thank you for visiting with me. I do so appreciate it and Welcome all new Friends!

Links ~

Sailing and curtains

Amy

Hugs,

Mary

Chocolates and Bikes! yum!

2010-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Today I want to take a moment to share a recent client my son did work for. Doug is making his way in the world of photography and was presented with the job of shooting Easter candies for a wonderful candy shop. You see, YOU, no matter where you are can be placing their cute chocolate bunnies or nests into your Easter baskets. The chocolate shop is called Anna She. Anna is a REAL person trained in art and European candy making. On the opening page you can see my sons work in photography and again with all of the Easter Collection confections! Photographing food is one of the toughest things to photograph. At culinary schools they even offer classes/degrees in this.
*** see links at bottom please***

"My Bike". How many times did you say this while growing up? For me, this phrase was part of my daily language. I had only two bikes, growing up. My first was a used bike, nice soft tires and the perfect size.
My second was a new, beautiful blue, Sears and Roebuck Bike that appeared along with three identical blue bikes in our living room on a Christmas morning. My sister Kelly awoke early that morning, PEEKED out into the living room (more like put her entire body in the room!) and immediately came back into our bedroom and began to excitedly tell me what Santa had brought to us all! ooaaahahh I moaned and put my head under my pillow so as not to hear anymore details. Oh, I was thrilled, but would have been more thrilled to actually find out for my self when we could get up. Later, while riding those same bikes I found out just how much I loved that sister of mine. It was now summer, a new big home and we were to ride down to the shops ~ a 4minute trip easy. We had barely left our house when I suddenly saw my sister fall head first over her handle bars. It seemed like slow motion. She landed in a tangled heap, I do not remember what hit the ground first, maybe hands then head??? I was so very worried about her. I probably even threw my bike down to the street to get over to her. (we always put down our kick stands to support the bike upright. Amazingly and Thankfully Kelly suffered no wounds!

Sometimes we take someone for granted; they annoy us or are our opposite in some traits, they 99% of the time win at the game of Fish... I am so thankful for that early opportunity for me to fully realize just how much I loved Kelly and each and every sibling of mine ... even more today.

Today, I still have a blue bike, a gift from my K.C. our first year of marriage. It even has a nice wicker basket on it!

#25 "My Bike"

Anna Shea Chocolates
"I'm Stitching"

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing a square, from "I'm Stitching Along", that is the first in a series of 6. Yes, six total squares but I love it! It was difficult to start (slippery) but should be a breeze to finish, famous last words!

You may notice that another thread running through all of my squares is "love".
#23 ~

For the next square ~ What do you think of or feel, when you see this square? It is not exactly like my home... We are very fortunate to have one fireplace and plenty of flowers, birds and rabbits... so far no ducklings this year!

#24 ~ "Home"

Thank you so for visiting!!! I am loving your comments!
Links ~
I'm Stitching Along
Duckling Home

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Spring has come, my front yard is about to explode with flowers! I think my yard looks the best in the Spring. It is much calmer during the summer months. We face south so the flowers bloom just when you need them!
Here is a summer bloom for my "I'm Stitching Along". It is a wild rose like I had growing next to my "Tarzan Tree" in back of our yard.
#22 Wild Rose

Thank You Lorainne!
I found out yesterday, through Lorainne, that Amy celebrated her 39th Birthday ~ Sunday, March 21st, 2010 ~ The first full day of Spring. Hop on over to wish her the best and read her Birthday story!!! Happy Birthday Sweet Amy!!!

Links ~
Inspirco
Tarzan Tree

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

#20 No surprise to you, I love Shabby Chic... so a petit nod to this.

#21 On This the 5th Sunday of Lent the Infant Jesus.

2010-03-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Growing up with a big brother and four younger sisters was wonderful. One thing that my parents did with us was to take us camping. NOT in the middle of the woods but on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Water, waves, sun, sand, Dunes and at the beginning of the little walkway out to the lake from the camp parking lot, a little store. By sweeping this walkway from the petit store to the opening where the walk opened down to the beach I could earn my own money for a fudgesicle. There was a coke~ a~ cola machine but I was more interested in frozen chocolate. Oh, and being noticed by the older boys! There were also trees on top of the dunes on each side of the walk and our camping area. Trees with VINES (Tarzan like vines) hanging down! Once, my brother and his friends decided to grab on to a vine and went sailing out just over head of our tent, softly landing on the sand. Of course there was heard the mandatory Tarzan yell (we all liked to watch the old Tarzan movies).
Our tent was much larger than the petit one in my 1"x1" square. but you get the idea of what fun camping can be for kids... now mom's... they do sacrifice for their children in this:)

#19 Camping :)

Caitlin sent me a link to an interesting vacation site... look what YOU could "camp out" in!
Remind you of anything???? hehehehe

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I seem to have a petit history behind each of my squares.... I do not know why but that is how it has come forth and I do love it, if I may say so. It is definitely sentimental for me. Perhaps because Amy has started her "Stitch A Long" as a celebration to her birthday. What a wonderful plan :)

#17 This one is called Pups... you know WHO you are :)

#18 Homage to my yellow raincoat {eventually worn by almost all of my sisters:) } and my white rain boots. Splashing in puddles! I think the BIG reason why this came to my mind was because of a square that Amy did. It is a little girl in a red dress with cute black shoes! You need to go and see it!

Oh merci, oh merci tellement!!!
oh thank you, oh thank you all so very much for all of your sweet comments here and on my flickr page. It does mean a lot to me :)
OH MERCI!

Links ~
Amy
"I'm Stitching Along"

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

I am officially caught up with "I'm stitching Along"! I am soo happy and now will have to slow down... have you ever been working on something, full speed and then, suddenly it's over, de finition, goal reached. That is a bit how I feel. Of course I could just get behind and then get caught up all over again ~ NOT.
Be prepared to see my little blue lines that I either forgot to blot out OR am having trouble getting out! I am using a Q-tip with cold water drenching it. Any tips???

My Dad used to call me "duck when I was first learning to walk...

#9 One of my first peices of dish ware to collect was by "HALL".
I love this company. They use gold on them, a bit or a lot of it in certain pieces. This square has two gold squares "kitty corner" from it... very light.

#10 The perfect ribbon! From One Hundred Wishes. Oh Merci!

#11 Growing up I loved to climb trees! Right behind our house was the most popular climbing tree around! It was called the Tarzan Tree ~ I did not name it but we all loved the name. I have played "tag" in it... did well 'til I jumped one too many times from limb to limb . Luckily grabbed enough of the trunk to slide down a bit to regain my self on another branch. Another time I was just "hanging " on a branch when I decided to go ahead and climb up into the tree ... just as a dog {known as "king .. KING OF TERROR} whooshed right under me as I raised myself up JUST in time!

#12 This is for MY Mom :) The best mom in the entire world!

#13 This is our Cat, Hobbes... selected by my son Doug who said he wanted a Black and white cat, just like his friends cat.. {name of "Buttons" and mewed just like a t.v. kitty! mew, mew.} Doug selected an ORANGE TABBY! But it mews just like a little kitty.

#14 Is it any secret? I love tulle wreaths! :)

#15 I remember getting caught in the rain on campus with my then boyfriend ...

#16 CAke :) You know who you are! :)

See you tomorrow for #17!

Links ~
One Hundred Wishes

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have joined in the fun at Amy's in her Birthday ~ 39 Square ~I'm Stitching Along. You will see her cute icon on my side bar. I made sure that I first had all of my supplies (very cost friendly)
AND actually had some squares complete before I officially signed up... soo many great things to join!

I did start off after the "official start", but she welcomes us all in and it is a great idea she has!
They are 1" squares, counting down 39 days to her Birthday. You should see her squares of embroidery! LOVE*love* LOVE them! Check out the little girl in the red shoes and dress that Amy did!
It is day 13 and I have finished 7 days in about 3 days. I really want to catch up with everyone :0

The above square is Day two~ for my Dad :)
He had a son and then FIVE Daughters. I had a daughter first, Caitlin, and then a son, Douglas. My Dad had just two years with his first Grandson. My son did not get much time with his Grandpa nor his Uncle Matt who still is in New York. However!!! My son has sooo many similarities of my Dad and my Brother. Not just features and build, but also mannerisms!!!! My dad would be very proud of Douglas and Caitlin :)
Day 3~

A simulated crocheted square. My new love is to crochet, oh, and now embroider!

Day 4~

This is like the arbor that my Guy built for us from our side yard to the patio.

Day 5~

The wagon that our Grandpa Made for us :)
The wooden sides could came in and out...
6 sections all together.

Day 6~

Lake Michigan where my Dad and Mom took us every summer ~love~

Day 7~

I love hearts!

Day one is the photo at the top... I love the sun coming up and the start of the new day!
So there you have it! Just 6 more to catch up! It is still raining here.. just a drizzle, so I will work some on it today. You don't have to twist my arm!

HUGS,

Mary

2010-03-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

The bedroom. Always a sanctuary for me. Even as a little girl I loved slipping
into my bed after my prayers {top bunk with a short stint in the lower bunk}.
Beautiful white cotton sheets fresh and lovely. I would think of the wonderful
events of my day and then plan my fun for the next day {after any chores}.
Today, it is pretty the much the same...
Oh, no bunk bed lol, but soft cotton sheets in pinks and whites and petit bouquets...
This is my finished duvet cover ~

I finished fairly quickly, just set aside for a few days while I considered all of your
tips on closures. I really wanted a zipper, however such a long one was not quickly
available to me. So buttons won out. Simple, pretty, white buttons.

I decided to use a spare, flat, pink sheet {Also Simply Shabby Chic} and
make a European size bed pillow with a large soft ruffle enveloping the square.

So soft and inviting. I placed my crocheted pillow there on the bed, however it is
always in the family room now ~ in my "Pink Chair" :)

Here is the link to the making of the duvet cover.
Sweet Dreams

Hugs,

Mary

2010-03-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

Oh where or where have I been!? Fixing (at the "Doc's", numerous visits) my
computer after it ate too much.... then somewhere in the process of packing up
the computer numerous times my camera cable was lost. Yes I do mean lost. I
can not find it anywhere!!! It should have never even been unplugged, but it still
went missing.... I looked for days and weeks and finally convinced someone we
needed to buy a new cable... did you know you can not just go out and purchase
one down at the corner shop. Nope, you must buy it on line. I am sooo happy to
have my new cord and now I can share with you what good things I have been up to!
Taa Daa ~

This is a table top secretary I was commissioned to paint {by a very favorite family}.
It looked differently... but I have no before photo... I cleaned it up and put the primer
on so fast that I forgot all about a before shot!

There are TWO versions of the "topper".
A nice artichoke ~

Or she can easily switch out for a nice little birdie~

Side views ~

Of course I must paint the back also : )

The rosette and ribbon banding can come off if she wishes.

AND who could resist doing a bit of something to the inside... even though it is tight quarters ~

The map on the left represent where the husbands family comes from and then the
right map, where the wife's family is from. Hmm, what is it like to have an ISLE
named after your family!!!
I did find my family's area! We have a burg/borough named after us! But I digress.
This piece is done in the McKenzie~Childs style. I hope that you like it :)

And that is ONE thing that I have been up to this year. I will be back soon to share
finished projects also! YES I did say FINISHED! :)

Thank YOU all for stopping in to visit while I was in limbo land. I do so appreciate all of you :)

HUGS,

Mary

2010-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

The heavenly White stuff! No, NOT snow. I am dreaming of
the beautiful white lilacs that will be blooming in my garden in...
well a few more months. Hey, a girl can dream.

Hugs,

Mary

owl city

2010-01-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

Caitlin and I Thank You for voting in The Poppies Awards!
Don't forget to check out Poppy Talk

Owl City - New Music - More Music Videos

Inspiration! I like this ~

Hugs,
Mary

Vote For Caitlin!

2010-01-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

My daughter Caitlin has been nominated for a POPPIE Award!
WOW oh WOW! Can you feel me beaming :)
It would be great for us to get behind her and vote for Nice.
We have from now until January 29th at 11:59pm. Thank you, Thank you! OH MERCI!
Just click over the "POPPIE Award" link above : and scroll down to "Nice".
Caitlin Thanks you also :) :) :)

xo,
Mary

The Making of A New Duvet Cover

2010-01-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, mountains of fabric to find my way through. I love this fabric, Simply Shabby
Chic~ Mon Ami I believe. I have been looking for a replacement cover for our duvet,
gee, since at least last summer. We were in desperate need of a new one. But to no
avail. The cover I love is only for an actual comforter...i.e. ~ comes with the "stuffing"
and you cannot separate the stuffing from the cover...   You have to stuff the entire
thing into the washer, a giant washer. Now if you remember this, I do have a lovely
washer. oh, what is that,? Have we finished the laundry room yet? ummm, of course
not. We have to agree on the counter material... something that does not add to the
budget... hmmm.
~back to the topic~
I found this fabric at Target, on clearance!!!   Lovely, it is not all white
but is so pretty and my k.c. does not mind.   :)

This little seam ripper has been my best friend in this project.

First I started ripping out the wrong end! Luckily I was only 2/3 of the way through!
*better than all of the way*   Working over several evenings I had all four sides ripped out of the
two flat sheets. This is because I needed to use the beautifully sewn hem allowances
there for more yardage.

Hmm, someone wants to help :)

I made French seams of course! Love them!
Hmm, someone is not impressed :)

NOW for the closure... what to use.... buttons, snaps,
ties, zipper....???

If you have any recommendations on closure material
please let me know. What do you like to see or use?
I do so appreciate your tips.

xo,

Mary

To the People of Hatti

2010-01-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

"God be near you

Day by day,

And bless you

In His loving way.

Mary Keep you

In Her tender care,

Be with you always ~

Everywhere."

Happy New Year

2010-01-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

Already we are into the new year... Still a time that slows down
so that I can take stock. Not just in the goals I want to set for myself
but also and foremost of all, what I am grateful for. At the top of my
list is that God blessed me with two children. Two beautiful, intelligent,
kind, loving, strong, WISE, caring children.

Now they are young adults. Wings unfolding.

*Wishing You a very Blessed New Year*

xo,
Mary

king of the house

2010-01-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the little prince of our home. He surely looks regal resting on his thrown,
toped by his crown*. I think it suits him! *Caitlin made it for him.
However he runs a tight ship and he does not put up with any funny business...

Be careful, he is watching ~

He knows if you are letting things go and are off taking a cat nap.
He likes to wake me up for breakfast... AT 4-4:30 A.M. and no
I do not get up and feed him then, ha I wait until 5:30 A.M.! Yup,
he is the king. I have even climbed over my husband to get out of
bed so as not to disturb him, the cat ~ Hobbes. After having a good
laugh over this with my Mom, I have not done it since! The real king
of this home is back on the thrown but sometimes Hobbes forgets and
needs to oversee his kingdom:

If you go over to my flickr page you can see the notes on the above
photo.
Look closely at the above photo and you can see in the bottom right
hand corner a project I am working on for a client/friend. At the time
of this photo it was in the primer stage. I will show a photo after I
deliver it to Megan... soon :)
We had a very lovely Christmas and New Years Eve here.
Thank you for always checking in on me. I needed to re-energize and
I do appreciate all of you!!!

I wish you all ~

A Very Prosperous and Healthy New Year!

xo,

Mary

2009-12-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

On THE trail of a great GIVE*AWAY! My daughter is in the new Kayte Terry book. To catch up and join in just hop over to Nice-etc.!
It is thrilling for her to be a part of one Kayte's books!

Caitlin also has some great new gift products that she has designed! Check out the new clocks. They are absolutely beautiful.

Where have I BEEN!? Right here in my humble abode working away... I have been busy this fall with several projects for a design firm, Truffles. LOVE her designs and her seamstress are AMAZING! I am hooping to have a wee tree trimming party for our family. Yes, we still have no decorations on the tree. Lights are all in place though!

While out for a tiny Gift shopping moment we happened upon some REINDEER!!!
MY very first reindeer sighting!!! They are such beautiful animals.

Ok, well, I really did see them and my husband took some photos of them with his phone but they will not load unto Flickr so... use your imagination.. just like we have been doing all of these years for Santa's Sleigh :) So sorry.
I hope to be back by Wednessday. WITH some kind of photos!

2009-12-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

"F*R*A*G*I*L*E* ~ must be Italian"! The movie "A Christmas Story" is a
Christmas classic. My favorite line is when the little brother can not move
his arms while in his snow suit. Remember getting ready for the fun in the
snow, all of you northern snow birds? ALL worth it.

One of the most favorite parts of this movie involves an award that the father
is given. {*as seen above*} I have THE best link to getting or giving the very
best quality leg-lamp of all!!! Right here in Illinois, the most courteous and
professional company, Ships everywhere AND family owned. Their site is
FABULOUS! They even have a Leg Lamp cookie cutter!! Have a wonderful
time at their site!
Ho* Ho* Ho!!!

Hugs,
Mary

2009-12-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

Time is whirling by! Thanksgiving was so lovely... a late evening dinner. We actually went shopping for gifts on Saturday! A first for us. When the kids were little we usually had all of the shopping done by Thanksgiving. It is easy to do when they are little ones. We also never go shopping on THE weekend. This year it was my husbands idea to go out... I can not say where to!!!
Do you have last minute cleaning, decorating, baking... fun busy things on your list? I have just heard the fastest violinist in the world, David Garrett. This guy combines classical with rock and it turns out lovely, energetic... a happy background for a fun and busy time of year. So if you need a little break from all of the wonderful Christmas music, listen ~~~~

I know this is a still shot video but I was going for the composition... to inspire us to get our list of "to do's" done.... it is short so get going!!!

With Kindness,
Mary

2009-11-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

It's easy to set the Thanksgiving table... Rachel Aswell shows us how with a video via Target. Don't forget to also raid your own cupboards for forgotten treasures to welcome guests to a table that is truly your own.

Hugs,
Mary

2009-11-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

A Saturday post! wow... am I finally getting back in the swing of posting!? I hope so! It will be short... for now. I just finished up a few Deer Diorama's for the shop and just one petite wreath ornament. I am hoping to get my jewelery tools back from you know who and make some really grand necklaces for gift giving! Very excited about that!!!!

I hope that your Saturday i s going well ~ fabulous... filled with good health and loved ones there or on the phone :).... must call my sister Jayne!!! and Kelly, and Amy and Nancy and my big brother Matt! :)

Hugs,
Mary

Studio Time

2009-11-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

Since I have some moment to breathe I am going to play in my studio... I may add a few ornaments and a cottage to the shop.
The above photo is one of my new wreaths while it was "in the making" in my studio spot. I love these shining gems for our homes this Holiday Season! If you put them over a mirror you get two times the merriment!

Hugs,
Mary

2009-11-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Roads traveled. I took the road home through downtown Naperville yesterday, after an appointment. As I was approaching one of the High Schools I noticed a sea of Red White And Blue. A beautiful sight of hundreds of Old Glory waving in the afternoon sun.

"First known as Armistice Day in recognition of the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, the holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. In 1938 Congress declared each November 11th a legal holiday and in 1954 replaced "Armistice" with Veterans."

From those first Patriots who helped to form this great country of ours to those who are serving today. And to those who gave their life last week at Fort Hood.
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.... Thank you.

The Shop Is Open!

2009-11-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

It has been a long fall. A bit of Christmas has made it's way to YOU at My Shop!
I have some Deer Diorama's I still have to photograph... hopefully tonight.
I think the photos are a bit grainy, I am not used to the sophisticated equipment
of my Son's camera... I did the editing. But believe me, I love these items at the shop!

Oh Thank You So For Your Patience!
xo,
Mary

2009-11-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hi!
I was able to snag my Son, Doug, for a quick photo shoot this morning! It is sooo nice to have my very own personal photographer! So I am working on loading my Christmas items to the shop today! I did forget to photograph three items... sigh. Oh well. I will have my camera back soon I hope.

I will update my blog today as soon as I am done listing at my shop :)

Hugs,
Mary

2009-11-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas will be rolled out... at least some delicious pieces made to add to your Holiday Home... even into winter. I can not wait to show you but I must... no camera. I hope that I get it back tomorrow... and add the pieces to my shop by Wednesday. That is my goal. Meanwhile, I hope that you will enjoy this~

Soft pillows of loveliness resting on a bed of chocolate cookie. I finally have made this cookie...

It all began for me when I was asked, as a High School Sophomore, to babysit for the Pastor's family that lived across the street from our home. It seems that their usual babysitter had found a beau. I was the lucky person who had a chance to try out for and win this newly opened position ~ Caring for their two lovely children, Mathew ~3 yrs. and Sarah~1 1/2. This family quickly became my favorite babysitting job. It was also here that I was invited into their cookie jar, if I was desiring a treat. Mrs. H. had THE best cookies and I am not sure if this cookie jar only held this type of cookie but it was the only one I ever ate! My Mom taught us to have ONE cookie. Well! Let me tell you when it came to these cookies I would have THREE!!!! Boy did I feel guilty, but they were sooo good that I would eat three! As the years went on I gave my little charges over to my younger sister Jayne. She too LOVED these cookies and she too felt guilty for eating more than our usual one!
I have sent her a copy of this recipe in hopes that we can re~create this cookie layer of goodness. Oh! You see we both felt soo bad for eating more than one that we never asked for the recipe and years, and years later when my sister reconnected with Mrs. H. she no longer knew the recipe!!! OH MY!!!

Now LOOK!~

The complete deliciousness. They are topped with a homemade icing.

I must say that these cookies are truly decadent. I sent off a copy of the recipe to my Jayne. I am planning on making some changes.. after I consult with Jayne. I believe I have a better frosting that hardens nicely AND I may toy with the layering process. Well, I used to be an Excellent baker of cookies and pies... BEFORE I married. After marriage, my hubby wanted to eat them all up! I guess he did not have the one cookie or two if a special occasion rule! :)

SURPRISE COOKIES ala Martha Stewart~ Makes about 2 dozen

* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup cocoa powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 12 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally
* Chocolate Frosting for Surprise Cookies

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add reserved flour mixture; mix on low speed until combined.
3. Using a tablespoon or 1 3/4-inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto ungreased baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies begin to spread and become firm, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Remove baking sheets from oven, and place a marshmallow, cut-side down, in the center of each cookie, pressing down slightly. Return to oven, and continue baking until marshmallows begins to melt, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
5. Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting over each marshmallow, starting in the center and continuing outward until marshmallow is covered.

FROSTING Makes 1 cup

* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
* 1/4 cup cocoa powder
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions 1. Place confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in butter and cocoa powder. Add milk and vanilla, and whisk until well combined.

Bon appetite! Hugs, Mary

Home

2009-10-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am joining in a lovely Monday Celebration of our homes, our cottages
hosted by ~ The House In The Roses. "Show off your cottage Mondays"

Home for me has been a very important word and place for me. As I have
raised my family I have tried to create a place that is rejuvenating, safe...
a place where the batteries can be re-charged form busy, fun, exciting and
challenging days. Even during renovation and up-keep projects that my
husband and I do often together.

Where even with a busy family there is always someone to say goodbye
and hello to you :)

A place for me to find some quiet time for reading.

A home that is filled with all of our love in so many
different ways.

I wish you a very wonderful, loving Monday.

Hugs,
Mary

2009-10-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ho Ho Ho~ there is a lot of soft, sparkling Christmas making going on in my studio!
I have some New things and some wonderful special Heirloom items being made.Thank You for being patient!

Do you hear jingle bells in the distance???

Hugs,
Mary

2009-10-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Look what I found when I opened my blog this morning!
A Beautiful New BANNER!!! Hmm, I wonder what pretty angel did this for me? :)

Oh Merci Caitlin!!!
I LOVE IT! It is just what I would wish for... lovely colors also!
This is especially nice because Caitlin is very busy with her shop!

That is not the only especially nice thing that Caitlin did for and with me lately!

On Friday, early evening, she phoned that she was on her way home and
we could go out on an errand to get a certain book *(more on this at a later date).
When I opened the car door ~ hmmm, the scents from her car were lovely.
I thought that she and her friend Taylor had gotten coffees earlier and the
aroma lingered. But no! There were two cocoas in the cup holders, one for
each of us!!! Now how thoughtful is that !!!

We ended up at the local Antique Shop where we each found just the right
amount of treasures.
Here is one of mine~ another little Angel ~

Hugs,
Mary

2009-09-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

A bit of a peek at Christmas. A bit of changing up and adding to...
in my petite work space. ~
Christmas 2009 :)

HO*HO*HO

Hugs,
Mary

Oh Merci ~ NICE

2009-09-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have returned... bearing gifts! Well, gifts for me! From Nice!
As many of you know that follow Merci-Notes, I have been helping Caitlin, {Nice} get ready for this years Renegade Craft Fair. She always thanks me. Last year she surprised me with a box of these~

My very first business cards. Caitlin designed them herself! Love them.
This year she gave me the OH SO CUTE vintage coin purse to carry the cards in!

As you can see in the above photos she also gave me a soft white leather journal,
which I shall use for drawings, and a beautiful towel that looks like it could be one of Kath Kidston's very own!!! I hope one day to have something that she designed.
The roses are from the dear sweet hubby who brought them to me this past Saturday, our anniversary, with a mini breakfast and a nice cup of cocoa, minus the whip, from Starbucks.
AND he had it set up on the patio!!! I love our patio and we have not been using it much this summer and he new this~ so this was also especially nice!

Back to Caitlin, she always gives me surprises gifts, like extremely cute tank tops or tops... She just gets them and gives them to me!!! However I still can be mad at her right now... You probably can figure out why! Guess, and I will let you know who is first to be correct.
not happy, sad.
*i think she owes me a complete redesign of my blog for this one!

Hugs, please give me one also!
Mary

"I Remeber"

2009-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

With Love and Kindness,
Mary

Pretty Stacks

2009-08-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Having both a son and daughter that are talented and creative minded makes for a busy household. Right now, for example, Caitlin is getting ready for The Renegade Craft Fair and I get to help her. Mind you it is the less exciting work but non the less it is enjoyable to be of help as she gets on her way. What is my job of the moment? I am the Chief CEO of stitching down trims ends. Soon to be promoted to CFO of sanding and then I am hopeful of becoming a letter cutter! :) Unfortunately no travel abroad is needed for these positions, but if the opportunity comes, I would grab it in a stitcher's minute! :)

I must say, thank you all for stopping by, those that leave such sweet words and those that come and pop in for a visit. :)

Hugs,
Mary

2009-08-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

A whirlwind of events and emotions.
A wonderful visit from Kathy and Pete (K.C.'s sister) a few weeks ago. We all met up with our son, Doug and his girlfriend, Monica for dinner. I am not into bars or their food but this was a new Irish pub and the COMPANY was my highlight. :) We all had a great time and everyone did enjoy their dinner. Oh, Kathy and Pete are both of Irish heritage and have gone to Ireland for a wonderful trip!
Before dinner we met up in Geneva, a wonderful town also along the Fox River. We popped in and out of shops dodging the rain settling into our favorite antique shop WHERE Kathy bought me THIS~

Am I lucky!? :) Yes :) They were able to spend the night with us before heading back home.

We all found ourselves on the other spectrum of emotions the past weekend. My husbands Father's wife's son, lost his wife. A beautiful memorial mass at his parish in Michigan. The priest was amazing and best of all he and Mike have a good friendship for some time now. It is nice to have such a person when you are faced with such ... loss of love.

Now back at home, I will be doing my best to visit all of you and post while I help Caitlin to get ready for the Renegade Craft Fair... almost here!

Hugs,
Mary
P.S. Is my post coming out correctly for all of you??? I see empty white boxes and... the wrong placing... of course it is correct in my "preview" box. Please let me know if all is ok or wacky with this post format.
Thank YOU

Dreaming of...

2009-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ah! How can one dream of Christmas when this is just the second heat wave {a tiny one at that} which was really only considered a "turn on the air" time because of the HIGH humidity. We really have been blessed here with a very comfortable summer. My only disappointment is that it went way too fast with not one trip to the beach. For us to get to a good beach is only 3 hours away, in Michigan~ my shoreline of choice! If you have never been to the shoreline of Michigan on it's west coastline... please plan on one! Petoskey, Harbor Springs... Mackinac Island... all the way south to the Indiana boarder.

The Michigan shoreline holds a delicious secret! It has nestled into its rolling hills a fruit belt that is highly respected. Think strawberries, raspberries, cherries, BLUEBERRIES and apples to name some. South Haven even has a Blueberry Festival with Travers City hosting the Cherry Festival. Each of these festivals have their schedule up for next summer's fun. But wait, summer is not over yet, so get to the beach everyone and you can still enjoy the fruit all fall (oh the fall color in Michigan is beautiful!) stop by American Spoon Shops or get one of their catalogs (catalogs are my favorite, they use artists for the art work) or shop on line.
Lake Michigan is definitely a place where I draw inspiration and energy. The waves nicely meeting the shoreline with the perfect "crash" sound, the dunes, the sand the seagulls and the joyful sound of families making memories!

This photo subject is one of my inspirations I have around my home... Christmas is never far from my dreams... stay tuned :)

Cheers to you all for a wonderful start to the school year and to wonderful celebrations to finish off the summer.

Hugs,
Mary

Amour

2009-08-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

A little happenstance. It seems that time for "fluffing" my home...
well, seems to be nil. So here is a table that was next to my bed,
still with the bedside items on it.

* Rosary from my Mom :)

* Painted rock form Caitlin {melt}

* Silver token with "#ONE MOM" stamped into it from Doug. {melt some more}

* Heart that I made many, many years ago~ One for each of us, 4 all together, this one out of damask scraps, tattered a bit through love. Love is like that.

* Coco Chanel perfume ~ my Mom wore Chanel #5 while I grew up and she would let me use some once in awhile :)

* Tag from a special sweater Caitlin gave me from Anthropologie.

* Clock that reminds me of my first digital clock from my Grandma, as I went off to college.

* Lamp that Caitlin and I found.

Oh, the table itself was a find with my husband at a Flea Market... some time ago. You can see it on Caitlin's blog and her etsy shop as a prop.... yep, that is what happens to my house. All of our tastes mingle but we all have exciting little differences that makes all a delight of life.

Do You have special little happenstances in your home?

Hugs,
Mary

Wintery Nights At The Snowy Little Cottage...

2009-08-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

YOU are the reason I have The Blog Celebration Week. All of the joy,
fun, prayers, sharing, support... What wonderful Blog friends you are!
Thank You for visiting with me, not just this week but throughout the
year. And For Our NEW friends! Welcome, I think that you will find
many friends through my links :)

I am excited about the holidays approaching as summer winds down.
I will be setting up For Christmas and my Winter Wonderland in
my etsy shop soon :), as well as helping my daughter get ready for
The Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago.
Oh, I will be continuing with posts~ sharing and visiting. :)

And where will this sweet little cottage be This winter???

Who Is the "My" in My Snowy Little Cottage"???
ok, ok, I will tell you :)
Shanae at Speckled Wren!!!
Yippee, Yaaaaya Shoot off the fireworks! * ** **OOO**
{pretend those are fireworks :) }

Thank YOU ALL so MUCH for joining me in a
wonderful week of blogging!!! :)

Hugs,
Mary

Entry Time Has Closed...

2009-08-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thank You all for joining in The Blog Celebration Week!
The Entrance Time has closed. I will be returning soon with
The winner!

A Surprise Visit

2009-08-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer I love. You can catch me going barefoot all of the time.
A few years back when the new little kitten heels came out with their "flip flop"
styles out of leathers etc. I was all over that! Soo happy. The shoes in my
closet are mostly for summer. This is a new pair of old fashioned flip flops
from Old Navy... kind of too white. But my very fluffy white and aqua eyelet skirt
looks good with it for ~ for FUN :)

In honor of Summer and the Heat wave that we are about to get here in
Chicago {we have had ONLY one other heat wave all summer, it lasted just
7 days} I am making or rather "re-making" or doing a small twist on a recipe
from Ellie Krieger of the Food Network. She used tuna in a pouch and I
substituted left over grilled chicken. BUT I so want to try this with left over
GRILLED Salmon.

Looks delicious and IS VERY delicious! Even my husband liked it and he
is specific on his sandwiches.

Mediterranean Tuna Wrap
{or grilled chicken or grilled salmon or...}
{Oh, geez, I also used a whole grain bread instead of the wrap}

2 (6-ounce) cans chick light tuna in water, drained well*
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup chopped calamata olives
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt
freshly ground black pepper
6 cups pre-washed mixed greens(about 3 ounces each**
4 whole-grain wrap breads (about 2 ounces each)***
2 large tomatoes, sliced

*Substitute grilled chicken, grilled salmon... , 1 - 1 1/2 cups cubed or flaked
**I used spinach
***I used whole grain wheat bread

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Pour about 2/3 the dressing over the tuna mixture and toss to combine.
In a separate bowl , our the rest of the dressing over the greens and toss to combine.

Place some tuna salad onto each piece of wrap bread. Top with greens and tomato slices.
Roll wrap and serve.

I like this recipe for it forgoes the usual mayo or whipped condiment for a fresh and refreshing flavor on a H*O*T evening.
Here is my mix with the grilled chicken.

I did not have any olives and in my rush to get dinner on the table for the
restless native, I forgot the luscious tomato from my garden!

Oh MY!
I never let you know when the winner will be announced for the give away!!!
*see here for entering It will be this coming Monday, August 10.2009

Bon Appetit!
OH! If anyone sees the new movie Julie and Julia let me know how it was!

Hugs,
Mary

A Petit Project

2009-08-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

The week is going by fast! I so appreciate my blogging friends.
After all, visiting, sharing and supporting one another are just
a few of the reasons why we have our lovely blogs.
You are the reason why I love The Blog Celebration Weeks especially.
I love thinking up and plotting out the projects that we will do
each year... well, this is only the second year but I look forward
to many more years.

I know that many of you are young mothers and this project is for
your children... although Karla's, Chelsea is a wee bit young for this
one. This project is really devised as a jumping off point for YOU. :)
I know that you all can take my idea to the next level and beyond!
Just remember that your children should be Very involved in all
aspects of this. Considerer it your training for the approaching
school year where parents need to let their child do their own
diorama's and science projects.

I think I was influenced some what by Posie Gets Cozy and Posy.
Early projects of garland at Alicia's For the Holidays and Jane's
twinkling lights still shining on her banister and plate rack. I love it!!!

This is also a recycling project if you wish.
Ok already. I will finally let you in on it! I am calling this ~

"My Joyful Garland"

This is a garland to inspire {a.k.a. get our kids to do____{fill in the blank}.

1) Supply your little and not so little ones with your scraps of pretty papers,
newsprint, magazine pages ... what ever is appealing to them in terms of
color or image.

2) With your help, share your punches and get out their own scissors.

3) Punch out shapes and cut out strips.. what ever shapes your children like.
Place a hole punch in one end of the tag { to run the yarn through later}
Of course you can do this for the little ones who want to participate in the
following steps :)
Perhaps they will want to decorate the tags.

4) Give each child their own pretty bowl or cool container OR place the
"tags" all together.

5) You decide or decide together WHAT the THEME of each Joyful Garland
will be.

Will it celebrate:

each chapter that you read?
bed you make
chore that you do
smile that you give
kind act that you do
each time that you walk/play with your sweet pup or cat
...what ever inspires your child

This is to be a happy project that can be hung from a door way (especially)
or anywhere that it is going to be highly visible and not forgotten about and
where others can celebrate and congratulate one another on their success.

So gather your pretty markers, glitter... and some nice thick yarn scraps
and hole punch (optional).

6) Cut lengths of yarn that work in your home for hanging and go ahead and
hang them NOW.
{i put some blue tape on the end of mine... you could use clear tape to help
thread the tags}

7) As each accomplishment happens, you or your child can write on the back
of the tag what was done...etc.
Then Your child, children, string it "UP" the length of your yarn {length is your
choice} so it is at the top of the yarn. This way it is easy to keep hanging the
tags as they go along, joyfully through their tasks.

This project is simple. I hope that it does bring JOY to your child as summers
rays of sunshine
spill over your happy home.

hmm, maybe I should make a Joyful Garland for Myself???

Hers

His

Please hop over to sign up for the special give away.

Hugs,
Mary

The Colors Of Summer

2009-08-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

Remember to sign up for my special blog give away. Just click
sign up and read the directions at the end of the post :)
* I am excited to award this gift!!!

Today Is the Colors of Summer project! I have been saving my old
t-shirts and wearing some others for gardening. I just could not part
with them. Their colors were still fresh and cheerful and in good
shape... but not really for wearing out. While cleaning out my closet
this spring I found the saved stash of shirts. Having just put away
some winter throws from our living room the idea of a "summer throw"
for my family seemed perfect! Perfectly easy I imagined and I do believe
it came out that way also!

This throw is like a quilt but their are no "insides" to the quilt. Just the
top and it's textured back :) Perfect! You could finish this in 2-3 days
worth of free time!
*** Just think of the cute t-shirts that our children have or teenagers!
Oh the posibilities!
*** Think about the dimensions of the throw you would like to end up with
OR just cut out all of the t-shirts and "wing-it".
*"wing-it" is not a dance that chickens do :) It is a dance that
we/some of us do sometimes or even all of the time! makes life exciting!

Let's get started~

Supplies:
*old t-shirts {with or without decoration/designs}
*thread
*scissors
*square of cardboard {size of the squares you would like your quilt to have and
PERFECTLY SQUARE}
*iron {makes cutting easier}

1) Select your t-shirts, or the fav's of the one you are making this for...
oh! with their permission! heehhe

2) Iron t-shirts. You can do this all at once or one at a time.
*this makes cutting out precise squares much more enjoyable!!!

3) Use your cardboard square template, place it on one of your t-shirts and start
tracing around the template with a soft pencil washable pen.. I used pencil
with an ultra light hand so as to barely see it.
*Place the template strategically so you use the t-shirt fabric with little waste.

4) Keep the squares in nice neat piles so there is no chance of stretching or wrinkling.
*it HELPS to keep the WEAVE {just go by those little lines that all t-shirt
fabrics have} of the fabric in the same direction in the piles.
a techy type of thing but it will keep everything going SQUARE when you start
to sew :)

5) All t-shirts are cut and in there color pile. Let's lay out the squares for ONE row.
Just arrange in a color pattern that pleases YOU:)
*i went horizontal here...rather the width of the fabric.

6) Pin your first row of squares together and use as many pins as you need to get
nice neat squares. Neatness does pay off in this project.

7) First row done.
Layout the next row above the first row until you get a pleasing arrangement.
PIN & SEW the second row.
*YOU NOW HAVE TWO SEPARATE HORIZONTAL ROWS.

8) Continue in this manner until you have the desired number of rows built up.

9) NOW you can start to attach the rows VERTICALLY TOGETHER.
*Match up the seams.
*I matched up and sewed a row at a time and did it in two halves so that
I only had to work with the bulk of the fabric once, when I sewed the final
middle seam. :)

10) You can stop here or continue on with a binding around the perimeter of the
t-shirt throw.
Why did I not move this Gazing ball out of my way!!!???

For the border/binding around the edges, I used some left over favorite fabric that I used here originally :)

This fabric was a perfect match-up for me!
I just cut four strips of about 2 1/4" wide. Two for length and two for width of the finished t-shirt throw.
***OH, cut them each about 3" longer than the sides of the throw.
Pin strips on opposing ends, sew. Sew with a 1/4" or smaller seam.
Then same for remaining 2 sides.
Press under the outer edge of the strips by 1/4".
Fold binding over to cover the seam and press.
pin and hand sew Or machine sew binding around the T-shirt Throw.

You ARE DONE :)
Whew! This project is much easier than my lengthy directions seem to
imply. I tend to like to give a lot of pointers... just ask my daughter and son!
Remember, this is just a bunch of T-shirts :)

I hope that you make this T-Shirt Throw. Now that I have the final photos finally taken I am going to start using it... Just in time for our heat wave this weekend LOL!
I am going to figure out how to start a flickr group for your Celebration Projects :) {just look at my empty side bar... sewing etc. I know, computers~ not so much.
Thank You for playing :)
See you tomorrow :)

Hugs, Mary

Before Your Eyes & My Special Giveaway

2009-08-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today we have found treasure. Treasure right in our
very own homes just waiting for us to find it.
"What is this!?" You ask?
Yes, you have unfound treasure, only requirement is
to open your fridge or cupboards.

Enjoy the beauty and talent of packaging designers.

A beautiful bottle and a gift from nature.

Hot cocoa containers can live on through the summer
and back into the fall!

Can you imagine a gorgeous Fall bouquet in this cocoa
tin! I just slipped a drinking glass through the opening
that was a tiny bit taller than the tin... so we can re-
treave the glass later.

And the simplicity of a small jar with a beautifully
scribed label in tact.

Let us not forget my "Shabby" bottles!!!

As sweet and innocent as lovely sweet peas.

I went to my own cupboard and fidge and found more
containers... future vases in a pinch or planned. These
are also "vases" that one could easily send over to a
friend and neighbor with blooms billowing over there
tops.

I realized that I have even more objects around my home. All containers
that were oh so lovely and not ready to be confined to the recycling bin.

Anyone wondering what and were the gift give away is? ! Ah, you are going
to be thrilled! Well, I am! :) I hope that you will be also!
Just leave me your name on TODAYS POST comment section OR if you do not have the means to comment you can go to my etsy shop, Oh Merci and leave your name and info in the "contact ohmerci" section of my shop :)

Here it is~

This is my first cozy little cottage design.
I love the slopped roof and the petit round top front door.
You will be set for the winter with this Sweet
Snowman Cottage.
***aqua vase not included***

Have fun spreading some summer joy around your home today
with this simple and fun petit project.
Tomorrow ~ Ah, a very fun project full of summer!!!

Hugs,
Mary

Second Annual Blog Celebration Week!

2009-08-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

"She Sells Sea Shells Down By The"...Garden! Well, I do not sell them. But I did make this for our First~
BLOG CELEBRATION Project! Each day this week I will make a new post for this Blog Celebration Week!

My Son Doug loves angel food cake. While washing up the plastic container that it came in, I realized I could perhaps use this as a mold for a stand for my gazing ball. First I placed the gazing ball in the center to see if it fit ~ Success!

Quick Crete/cement (or your choice)
ROUND container* for mixing
Stir stick
plastic mold
Water

*I would use a perfectly round container if you can. Mine was wonky inside and it made for some frustration stirring.

Mixing up the quick Crete/cement in a recyclable container.

Scoop out powder into your mixing container
Slowly add water to the powder to get a peanut butter consistency
work quickly once the water is added
poor or scoop out cement mixture into the plastic mold getting it as full as you wish and
Smooth out top as best as you can, and clean up the edges with a rag
Let dry over night
NEXT DAY:
Turn up side down and mold should come out.

Now for the FUN!
Get out your shells bits of sparkle, ballerinas, pearls etc.

You can set your shells etc. out to gather your game plan. ooo! Did I just say "game plan"! Too much sports "muzac" in my life.

Make sure that your gazing ball will fit into the design.
*I left my gazing ball on the cement form while I did my initial design plan.

I found that Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue worked very well! So happy!!!
I am NOT sure if it will hold up in the rain though. So you can be sure of success and use the E6000 Glue in a WELL VENTILATED AREA~ like outside!

Have fun and add to your hearts content!

on the way~

HINT: stand back and admire your progress so as to make any adjustments along the way!

finishing frosting:
I found a sand that had a hint of sparkle to it naturally.
Brush, spread... any way you can... get the glue around the shells a small section at a time and sprinkle with the sand of your choice :)
* I used a shallow box to catch the sand that fell away.
* I used this glass container that I use for paint water to hold the mold during the sanding process.

HINT: stand back and admire your progress so as to make any adjustments along the way!

This project I have fretted about for MONTHS!!!
Should I go through all of that work?
WILL it turn out?
Will it fall apart?
Will it look... wrong?
Yes, I am a worrier. Even Cailtin said it turned out better than she expected!
In the end, I am sooo glad that I tired it and I do hope that YOU will too!
I am going to figure out how to do a flickr group for this and the other projects for this week. So get busy my sweet friends and let me know when you can show us!!!

Ta Daa!!! ~

Thank you so for coming by and I will see you tomorrow for more FUN! :)

Hugs,
Mary

Lovely: Part II

2009-07-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

*First I must apologize~ I will have to have our Blog Celebration Week #2,
NEXT Monday, August 3, 2009... My camera is being borrowed so I
am behind in my photos.

Today I will finish showing you the "guts" to my lovely dresser. (it is summer and "guts" and "lovely" remind me of summer...as a child)

This is the top drawer.~ Yes I made decisions about which drawer of the two will have which papers... kind of weird but it is a nice finishing thought.
The paper in the middle was one of my favorites and I did stock pile a number of sheets of it. But in the end I decided to use it only in the center of this drawer, as opposed to the entire drawer. The sides, front and back are all different papers.

I used Mod Podge for my adhesive. At one point I ran out of glue and could not get out for more... papers wrong size... I got a bit cranky once or twice.

Here is the second of the two drawers:

I heart this paper by Amy Butler. Not my usual soft worn colors but it works in this petit dresser.
Ok.. remember I told you that I got a bit cranky at times during this LOOOOng project. Here is evidence of one of those times. The dresser is curvy, VERY CURVY. I made a pattern to cut out the paper with but it did not work out for some reason. Now I was faced with only one extra sheet of Amy's beautiful bluish patterned paper. My paper shop was out of it and would not be restocking it! horror. I ended up adding the nice blue grey polka dot paper {which they are not carrying anymore either :(, I bought the last four sheets it turns out} on the edges and brought the front paper down a bit on the bottom of the dresser to compensate for any peeks. ugh. Not my best work but it is for me, not a client or friend.

Here they are, two lovely drawers:

NOW for the part of the dresser that inspired the papering project in the first place, the cabinet portion of the dresser!

Right Side:

Here is another cranky moment. The Paper that I just loved, with all of my favorite colors in, had that annoying antiquing around the edges of it. It was annoying in this project for it made it very difficult to match-up each paper without wasting. I do not like to waste... now I happen to know that my hubby will not be reading this for he would not agree. I do throw out food/leftovers after four days and my favorite bread if it has any mold... the whole loaf... Ok, am I getting cranky again?

I did not get an individual shot of the right side so here are the two sides together.

The middle wall of this side has a soft green polka dot paper.
OH!!! Did I mention that the SIDES OF THIS DRESSER ARE CURVY ALSO! Yep! Making another challenge for me and my antiqued edged paper. *Another note: my husband offered to cut out a new bottom for the cabinet portion of the dresser. I unwisely declined. If I had accepted I could have papered the bottom while it was still out of the cabinet... well in my perfect world. Any way the hubby had better and more important things to do, and it was better that I was cranky on my own.

So this is One of the challenges I have been busy on this summer.

I do love this lovely petit dresser. It fits perfectly on this little wall in our kitchen... but it is supposed to go back into the living room... wonder where it will end up?

*I should note here that by filling the insides of the dresser with pretty papers I was able to get rid of that DRY old smell.

Maybe I should re-name this post~ "Lovely Crankiness" ?? hehehe

Hugs,
Mary

Beau

2009-07-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

*First I must apologize~ I will have to have our Blog Celebration Week #2,
NEXT Monday, August 3, 2009... My camera is being borrowed so I
am behind in my photos.

I hope that this finished project will appease you :) It sure pleases me :)
Remember how the dresser started out?
The wood was very dried out and gouges were plugged with some strange
compound. Now, quite a difference. I love the color. The PERFECT shade
of white AND chosen in record time!!!

How do you like the handles? The glass pulls are new, from Lowe's, and
the pretty turquoise/aqua knobs are from Anthropologie.

IF these knobs came in a white version, I would be all over it!!! My Friend
Meg used some beauties from Anthro for her buffet that were all white and
I loved it all! SOO fabulous and "chic".

Surprise!

Ok... I was so excited to use some of my pretty papers that when I went
visiting over to the beautiful Posy site and saw this, I thought that she
too was going to use scrap book papers! A sister in "creative crime" I
thought. It was not until I started actually cutting and pasting my papers
that I realized that by the word "papers" she meant "wall paper". I do
highly recommend wallpaper as it is MUCH easier in that it covers all
of a surface or as little as you want it too. sooo... I improvised. I was going
to use several papers per drawer anyway as I did here.

I am going to have to post again tomorrow with the rest of the pretty insides.

Thank You for stopping by :)

Hugs,
Mary

Apree

2009-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the photo of the cushion I was telling you about.
I reworked it from a back pillow of a love seat into a big
plump cushion for this wicker chair. I used some of the
filling from a love seat pillow back. It has a very nice
downy loft to it. I love it and it is nice on the tush. I have
been wanting a quiet, comfy chair for our bedroom. An
upholstered chair would be ideal but I am not complaining.
I do need to fix some of the wicker on one of the legs. No biggie.

*** I am working on my BLOG CELEBRATION WEEK for
next week. Five days of fun! And a give away ~
which I will be showing you during next week. :)

***I will also be back yet again THIS week! I know, don't fall
off your chair! Elizabeth has challenged me! She needs to post
less and I need to post more. We are going to balance everything
out together! :)

Hugs,
Mary

Yet Another...

2009-07-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, another project. This one IS FINISHED. However, I can not show it to you yet :( I know. It seems like a bunch of empty promises lately. I have been sharing my camera, so right now I do not have it to take the finished photo.

But this is a cushion that was on our little love seat in the living room. The deck cushions have been patched once with some lovely creamy white Laura Ashley velvet fabric. (we used to have a beautiful Laura Ashely Shop nearby). this is one of the back cushions~ I have reworked the shape to fit a cute little wicker chair that I have had since Caitlin was a baby. In fact it was in her nursery and then in Douglas'. Well, I have now put it in the master bedroom, brightening a corner by our window. :)

I think I will have the camera later today~ in which case I will update this post with the after photo :)

*The dresser is just in need of placing the hinges back on (there is a debate on brass (the original hinges) or silver hinges. and selecting the final hardware. Definitely later in the week I will be able to show you this. i LOVE it :)

so check back in ~ I will place the after photo at the bottom of this post.
*** UPDATE~ I did not get my camera back so I will show the finished chair in a future post.... Oh Merci for your patience :)

Hugs,
Mary

The Maternity Ward... I mean Yard

2009-07-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yes. My husband found a rabbit sitting by a hole in our front flower bed. We think that she had just birthed the bunnies that evening. So Ducks, birds and rabbits galore have found our yard to be the perfect "first home" for their broods.

I know the mother rabbit had come to check on them for their coverings were changed daily. She hid them very well. On occasion we caught glimpses of their cute little faces~ then suddenly, 3 sets of legs and ears would go flying all around as they all tried to turn their backs to us... as if this would deem them invisible to us. A game of TWISTER in their tiny home. The above photo was taken on their last day in their tiny little home. They took up residence under our bushes for a few days and then under the clematis vine. Now they are off to the big wide world.

The Forth of July has come and gone... so quickly! We had fireworks every night! This includes surrounding towns and neighbors and neighborhoods! I am amazed at how large the "backyard" fireworks were this year! We watched the Naperville fireworks... they always do such a beautiful job. Our favorites are from Naperville and Petosky, Michigan where they shoot them out over Lake Michigan.

Finally~ a peek at what I hope to be doing today...

LOVE all of these papers! Amy butler... will I have the courage to actually use the paper??? It is soooo beautiful. Basic Grey, Porcelain, 7Gypsies, Deena's Penny Lane, Me&My Big Ideas. I will be using them on a special project, but like I said... which will I have the courage to actually "use up"... if they are gone.. they are gone :( However my project will be gorgeous!!!

Hugs,
Mary

Sounds of Summer

2009-06-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

The windows are once again open here in our home. I am loving it! Such wonderful weather after a week of above 90 with humidity! I actually sat out on our patio on Sunday! AND WITH my CAMERA!!! Yes, I actually thought to take pictures!!! See, my husband, K.C. has always been "Joe Camera" in our family. Thankfully! We have nice family shots:)

3 phases of wind: *to see correct third photo go to my flickr page

Out on the patio the wind was blowing the trees around, tosseling them a bit wildly, like when you get out of your car and your hair is flying all over the place and you can not see! Pony tail weather.
The sounds that the trees made reminded me of my summers at Lake Michigan with my family. We went there every summer for a week of camping~ such glorious FUN! We also would take day trips. It was only an hour and a half from our home. Our friends owned a beautiful camp ground on Lake Michigan. We would camp in between two dunes... about 75 feet for tents on either side of the sidewalk. The sidewalk was cement and it led happy families and teenagers from the parking lot and wonderful little camp store through the little camp set ups then opening up to looking down at the beautiful beach...sun, sand ,waves and laughter. So many happy times there. It was were I would see teenagers having dances after dark and sneaking kisses from there girlfriends behind beach hats. Older boys thinking I was cute and best of all, my brother swinging down from the above dune on a vine right over our tent!!!!! Now that is fun! Well, we thought so, our parents did not agree :)
Are you hearing any sounds that take you back to a special time, event or place?
Please share with us:)

Hugs,
Mary

Avante

2009-06-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yes. Another Before shot. Another project. I warned you last time
that I would not be showing you the after picture for a bit... and now
you see why, right? I started the rocker first, but I am waiting on
fabric decisions and I also wanted to start the dresser. The above
photo shows more closely the color of the wood and condition of the
dresser as I found it. Meaning~ wood in dry condition and some
white wash remaining. *Except for the primer I put on the one of the
drawers.

I was experimenting with primer. Brush on verses spray on. Guess
which one won? yes-serie bob! Spray on. :) Well, let me say this: I
brushed on one coat of primer and then sprayed on remaining coats (2).
Why brush on??? My dear sweet K.C. purchased an enormous, gigantic
bucket of primer a bit ago... for me! He did not realize, well yes he did,
I have been using the small cans which are easy to store and used up
in perfect order. He deemed it prudent and efficient, and rightly so, that
a ginormous bucket of primer is healthy for the budget/cost efficient,
best buy. By brushing on the first coat of primer I saved on the number of
coats of spray primer. And truly this was the best technique. On occasion
the brush on primer will have some yellowing of the white primer~ old stain
leaking through as was with this very old dresser. The spray on primer seals all of that up for me.

The second photo shows off the pretty curves of this piece. The two bottom spots
are cabinets. Caitlin took the photos for me during a time crunch. Thank you Caitlin :)
As you can see the insides are in need of a Fairy godmother. I have a trick up
my sleeve, but I am not the only one to think of this "Oh So Pretty" and Practical Idea!!!
hehehe, you will have to stay tuned to see who, or guess:) :) :)

Hugs,
Mary

Avante

2009-06-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is another before shot~ that will have an apre`s
follow-up.

I found this at an estate sale I stumbled onto with my husband. we were out on errands in a different area from our usual. My Aunt had a rocker just like this and my cousin, Carol, loved rocking in it. It is a stationary rocker... so no slip sliding away across the room.

Cat toy (little round poof) is thrown out now and shoes... please take care of your shoes-----.

This is a nice box pleat skirt to make sure the lower mechanics of the rocker are concealed.
The back cushion is attached with snaps, I will have to change that, the lower cushion with ties.

Can I tell you how many staples were in this chair!!! There were THREE and one thirds tips around the deck and perimeter of this rocker! My fingers hurt for several days. I do mean HURT! I am trying to make the new upholstery without staples... I wonder if I can?

I am excited for the results HOWEVER I will be showing you a before and after shot of something else before this rocker is shown :) I am hoping to use some Shabby Chic fabric, IF I am lucky!!! So, PLEASE, wish me luck:)

Are you working on a project???

Hugs,
Mary

Refreshment

2009-06-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is the "immediate" View at my kitchen window. It is quite by accident. Everything here is by default. Have you noticed that the best photos or spots in our homes happen by chance. The jumble of dishes, quickly stacked and placed on a shelf, next to some treasures of our children... all the colors and shapes looking so extraordinary together. Thus is the lot of my kitchen window.

Needing a place for the glass pieces, the window won out. All close at hand for frequent use... vases and pretty petit jars, empty of their jams and mustards (currently in use :)

The peony cut too short finds a home in my window... what joyful greetings. To quench your thirst~ why a pretty Shabby Chic water bottle. Yes, I have saved them. I love Rachel's design on them and the fact that Elizabeth always presented us with refreshments during our chats in the oh so wonderful and VERY missed Shabby Chic, Chicago... I can not part with them.

Share with us your "surprise spots" in your home... places that make you smile, all by accident.
If you do not see any at this moment~ do not fret, just keep your eyes opened and one or two will suddenly appear. Perhaps as children come in from the beach or...

Happy scouting!

Hugs,
Mary

just playin'

2009-06-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

I had a bit of time and made one more petit pocket purse. Well, it could
be smaller~ this one is 5 inches x 7 inches. The pretty corsage is on the
reverse side of the zipper, a pretty pink zipper :)

On the inside there is placed a label that Caitlin designed for me...
yes it is my banner :)

I made a batch of these that I already sent out...
oh, but now I have added my special petit corsage to them.
Makes it a bit more fun when touching up your lipstick. :)

Hugs, Mary

My Yard

2009-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know, more photos of the flower beds. I was hoping to put in a proper vegetable garden this year (I would have to sneak it in for it is against the rules. Really! Suburbia and a big neighborhood... equals rules. Some have put them in places were the swing set used to be. SOME have called sheds "play houses"... they surely look lovely :) I wish I had one too:) and house my studio in it:) a bit chilly/freezing in the winter!
Back to my yard...

I do not know what this is called~ It has been here for many years now and I never made a garden journal. The leaves are like Columbine and the long stems of flower will be done soon... leaving just the nice dark blue green foliage.
*massive amounts of peony buds in background :) soo happy about that :)

Here is a peony that is ahead of the curve in blooming.

This is the arbor to the back garden from the right side of the house. French Lilacs, that flower smaller pink petals, flank it while I patiently wait for two Clematis. One is a fluffy white Marie Boislott I believe. The bunnies munch on it every year. There is a second Clematis on the same side but opposite end which I think is pink.. also bunny food~ so no blooms in several years. I really should get a bunny proof fence around them.

This photo is for all of us who love the cherry and apple blossoms that float down and around the trees and are photographed and seen before a foot has even tread upon them.
Hi Lorraine :)
I happened to see this from inside this week after a dark rainy night and morning... it was such a happy sight.

close up :)

This is the same day as the above photo. We had a very nice afternoon and then rain and sun... We get that very often here... so you can count on rainbows, yes several rainbows, every year. You can also count on at least one double rainbow every year also! It is amazing! This was a double but I looked at it too long before getting my camera! So sorry about that.
Can you see it just over the bushes on the left?

I do have tomatoes around the corner of the patio. They grow profusely there and I have plenty to share. I love the petit, yellow pear ones and tiny clusters of various cherry tomatoes. I also have an herb garden next to my kitchen. I use this all summer and once was even able to use the sage for Thanksgiving Turkey!
I am so fortunate to have this yard. It has the perfect amount of grass for K.C. hmm. maybe a little less to mow this summer if I am lucky.

I will be back soon with projects and things to share :)

Hugs,
Mary

Maternity Ward

2009-05-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

On Thursday morning we found this laying on our duckling safety set-up:

And this!

click on photos to see better.
Do you like our set up we made for them?? hehehe. I was still worried
that the babies may hurt themselves when it came time for jumping, so
we put out an old card table,covered it with a big tarp and stuck cushions
I was throwing out in between the tarp layers.... GOOD THING!
BECAUSE, later in the day we came and checked on her again . NOW there
were at least three ducklings and they all scurried off behind her before I
could get my camera in place... no paparazzi photos for me.

BUT then SUDDENLY, THIS happened! Shrieks and QUACKS!!! Oh MY!!!

This one just suddenly PLOPPED right down! I thought a moment, then
looking at Beatrice, a.k.a. mama duck, I went softly forward to get the duckling.
Mama would have nothing of the kind, she hissed at me, glaring with beady eyes.
Now K.c. had already had a fly over experience with her two days before! He
was trying to take photos of her and the nest UP CLOSE, as in over the top of
her! She flew out shaking up that paparazzi!
Oh! Back to the the problem at hand: I calmly stood there waiting. Mama
duck and baby started to "talk" to each other. I am sure Mama was saying, "Now
you get back up her this instant!" Baby duck was going the wrong way, she
wanted to slide down the "fun slide" I guess. So she did! Now she was on
ground level. This was not working so I swiftly went down and scooped up
this feathery delight and promptly placed her back with her mum! All was
good again.

Can you see the baby ducks in the above photo? *click on the photo*
There at least three ducklings. The ducklings need food and water so within 24 hours they take their leap of faith and leave the nest, following their beloved mum, Beatrice in this case.
This a.m. I went out to check on them and they indeed had left the nest. It is not too long of a "waddle" down to the lake and creek. hehehe

So ends The Story of Beatrice and Her Very Cool Nest!

Hugs,
Mary

Vintage Storage?

2009-05-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have finished the "Vintage Storage" crates!
Remember them in their "Avant" stage.
Here is the half way point~ waiting for them to dry.
Oh, yes, they are stacked four crates high in this photo.

There are several views of the sides... each side is
different, of course.
I like the aged look of the application.

Apres:
And here they are a bit embellished and in place in my petit studio.

I wrapped some bits of tulle' around the wooden posts of the crates.
I wanted to keep them fairly free of adornment.

Bits of tags for quick identification of the crate contents.

Final view, a bit blurry. The insides were kept clean... easy viewing of contents.

I have loved the crates in Anthropologie stores for years. Now I finally have my own!
If you want to make them I am happy to help where ever I can :)

Thank You

2009-05-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

This is a day late, but truly any day is a good day to remember.
Mercy Me... I love this song.

Thank you so for stopping by.
Mary

Darling Storage

2009-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

First thing, Beatrice, our mother duck nesting in our hanging basket, is
doing quite well. Incubation is still underway.
While waiting, I am cleaning out my studio. Once the floors were finished
and the shelves up, etc. I just jumped right in to creating things and never
completely organized this petit space. It is in dire need of organization.

The above wooden crates were from this winters supply of Darling
Clementines and regular clementines. Soo delicious! They carried their
precious cargo to our home and now I am going to use them for storage in
my studio. Well, that is AFTER a little sprucing up!
I will be back to show you the final product.

It is going to be 85 degrees here today. Knowing this, I have already
exercised and did a bit of gardening... oh, and the screens are ready to
be put into place for those beautiful breezes!
Hope the sun is shining nicely on you and yours!

Hugs,
Mary

"Do You See What I See"???

2009-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

No, not a star, but but something that is also wonderful and special!
Do you remember reading here about where Mr. and Mrs. Duck went? Well, the other weekend we found a little "HOME" that she made. I noticed that there was a clump of root ball hanging down from the basket. K.C. tipped the hanging basket a bit and we found a beautiful pale blue egg inside!!!

Then about Tuesday of last week we found Mrs. Duck, back in here Pent House, staying put on her bundle of joy(s). Remember, I did tip you in that my backyard seemed to be a maternity ward this Spring!

This is what can happen if you forget to clean up your hanging basket in the fall... Maybe you should thing about it? hehehe
We have a very good wildlife preserve,where they care and rehabilitate wounded birds etc. then return them to the wild. I called and the prompters directed me to Geese and Duck info... Very interesting. Geese mate for life, Ducks for the season of mating, leaving within one week once incubation starts. This means within one week of her sitting on the nest he leaves. That is the way it works for the Duck (Mallords) world. She will sit there for approximately 23 days. They have been known to make their nest in MUCH higher places. The ducklings should be fine as they are made to be able to handle tough situations. That is good news. I will be moving the hose reel and perhaps place an old towel over the brick edge... just for safe keeping... to hedge their chances. Oh dear, their little free falling entrance into the world. sigh.
I wish I could place a video recorder/ movie camera out there to catch them in action. I do know that ducks are not sleepy heads, they get up very early.
I would say that Beatrix, (the new name for Mrs. Duck) is a good mum!

Spring Continues...

2009-05-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Crazy Spring! Well, these tulips went crazy as soon as they went into the vase! This drove K.C. (Hubby) crazy! Yes, really. So I tried to "fix" them and they become more crazy! As if they were dancing.

The effect grew on me and I now like the look very much. They remind me of those very fancy Dutch Tulips with the Parrot colors.

Hello...

These gorgeous White Lilacs came from my garden.

I have 3, THREE, lilac bushes in the yard! I planted them a few years ago and now they are quite profuse in their blooms. This makes it much easier to cut them and share them with my neighbors. I try to think of the shape of the bush as I cut so that I will be left with an attractive bush as opposed to a stump! It is raining so I will try to get a picture of the bushes in bloom soon. :)

Tomorrow I have a very exciting post, well, I think it is!
And Yes, unless I have more computer problems, it will be tomorrow! :)

Hugs,
Mary

Oh Merci ::: Merci-Notes.blogspot.com

Ringing In the New Year

"The Family Circus"

Shop Update!

Big News

Take Me Out Tonight

Nativity

The Shop is Opened!

October Celebration!

Trudi Temple!

Happy Easter

Chocolates and Bikes! yum!

owl city

Vote For Caitlin!

The Making of A New Duvet Cover

To the People of Hatti

*Happy New Year*

king of the house

Studio Time

The Shop Is Open!

Home

Oh Merci ~ NICE

"I Remeber"

Pretty Stacks

Dreaming of...

Amour

Wintery Nights At The Snowy Little Cottage...

Entry Time Has Closed...

A Surprise Visit

A Petit Project

The Colors Of Summer

Before Your Eyes & My Special Giveaway

Second Annual Blog Celebration Week!

Lovely: Part II

Beau

Apree

Yet Another...

The Maternity Ward... I mean Yard

Sounds of Summer

Avante

Avante

Refreshment

just playin'

My Yard

Maternity Ward

Vintage Storage?

Thank You

Darling Storage

"Do You See What I See"???

Spring Continues...

Happy New Year