Happy BD to Us……

 

My BD/Thanksgiving morning began with a lot of hugs and kisses from my little guys and hubby.  The perfect gift and best reason to be thankful this year!!  

   

Our BFF had our families over for Thanksgiving dinner, and she had this beautiful display waiting for us when sis and I arrived.  I loved her pink and brown Paris wrapping paper. She is the queen of gift giving !!!  You can’t really see it, but there are mercury glass birds tied on top.  So beautiful!!!

 

 

 

 

I got this beautiful vintage snowman from my BFF.  I love him!!!  He looks like such a doll on my mantle perched in front of my glass glittered trees. 

  

I got Sis this cute shirt along with the “Twilight” DVD.   She wears it with pride!!!  We loved…..loved….loved…. New Moon.  We are planning to see it again with another friend next week.

 

As for Glitter & Bliss, we met our goal of having all existing orders out before black Friday. Now, we are focusing on new items for the upcoming January Dallas market and updating our little catalog.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Like me, I know you are all enjoying decking the halls of your homes.  I plan to put the final touches on my decor. this weekend. Don’t you just love this time of year!!!

Glitter & Bliss

Cute Frame and Linen Roses

  I found this darling paper, and I instantly fell in love.  It is called “Hooray” by Daisy D. I love the flags and bright colors.  I had hopes of including this design in our January Dallas Market show, but unfortunately, it is discontinued.  I do plan to use it while supplies last.  It’s too cute and perfect for a birthday frame. 

My sister has been busy making these roses lately.  She simply searched for a tutorial on you tube, and soon was well on her way.  We are planning to add a linen accent pillow to our line with a few of these little guys on it.  CUTE!!  Sis is having a blast getting these ready.   She made one for each of my dining lamp shades.  :)

 

I know I have been such a stranger lately.  We have been working day and night trying to get orders out just in time for the holiday shopping season.  We have been busy filling current orders and, at the same time, trying to build up stock for our upcoming January market.  This = a lot of late nights.  We are also working with our team to develop new items for the January show. Sis and I have been so blessed lately to find a wonderful local screen printer that has worked so hard to get our designs “just right”.  Also, our seamstress and her daughter have truly been a God send.  They have certainly helped us take this little business venture to the next level.  Big hugs to all!!!

I know, if you are like me, you are so excited about the holidays.  I have been listening to Christmas music since before Halloween.  I just love this time of year!!  I found these darling houses at TJ MAXX last week.  This is my new inspiration for my mantle this year.  They light up, but not until I make a few repairs.  They need some TLC, but nothing a glue gun and a little glitter can’t take care of.  They were a bargain….

 

Happy Monday to All!!!

 

Glitter & Bliss

Halloween Fun….

Count Dracula

 

 

Love those glow-in-the-dark fangs…..

Dash from “The Incredibles”

 

Max striking his “Dash” pose. 

 

 

Trick-or-Treating was a big hit this year!!!

Fun was had by all!!!

ETSY is Back….

 

Notice our ETSY store is back.  I have listed two totes and two linen pillow cases to kick things off.  All items are now screen printed, so they will stand the test of time.  The Euro cases are 100% linen, and the totes are made of cotton/canvas.   More to come, when available stock allows. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend with family and friends!!

 

Glitter & Bliss 

A Tale of the “Not So Fun” Trip to a Corn Maze…..

 

We headed out last Saturday morning for this Kansas corn maze.  We left with high expectations.

The boys and my nephew were all smiles when we arrived.

 

First, they enjoyed the Jupiter Jump, and had lots of fun posing behind these cute corn guys….

Then, we ventured over to the pumpkin patch to pick a few pumpkins.  We soon found out that it was too muddy and wet to walk the paths with the wagons they provided to wheel them around  in.  Darn……

Max leaving the pumpkin patch with no pumpkin….. 

We were all fine with that because the big event “ the giant corn maze” still awaited us.  Adventure was just seconds away. ….

Here the boys are…..gearing up for the hour long travel inside the maze.  We are all excited!!!

Even Sis was all smiles……

But…  What is this?  All eyes turned downward at our shoes sinking in the mud underneath us. 

We were stuck…   Seriously.  We kept trying to walk, but we had no luck.  Giant mud puddles were everywhere.

Sis even wore her UGGs.  Not a good plan. 

It was icky!!!   Both of my little boys fell.  They were covered in mud from head to toe.  It was not fun…  So, it took us 15 minutes just to find our way back to the Entrance.  We never made it through the maze.  Too much mud and way too much standing water. ..

 

 

The end of the story is that we were given no refund, everyone but  me took their shoes off and put them in the back of the van, my boys had to strip down to undies for the trip home, and I left my boots outside the van and we drove off and left them.  Thank goodness they were cheap. ……but I loved them!!!  Double Darn!!!

 

Glitter & Bliss

Halloween/Fall Decor

 

Well, you know how I love a little glitter, so when I saw this cute skeleton, I had to snatch him up.  I found him at TJ Maxx early in the season.

 

 

This is my favorite thing I have found this year for new Halloween decor.  They carry these at Michael’s.  You just peal and stick.  They can be used year after year. 

 

Fun Vintage  Inspired Decor….

 

I kept things simple in my dining room.  Less is more…..

 

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!! 

 

Glitter & Bliss

 

A Visit to the “Curious Sofa”

 

 

 

This was the perfect way to end our little weekend trip.  We loved seeing the “Curious Sofa” all decked out for Halloween.  It is creative overload here.  The owner is amazingly talented.  That is for sure.  I hope to get to visit when the store is decorated for Christmas.  Their Christmas open house is Halloween day.  A total transformation will begin taking place this week.  Wow!!! 

Glitter & Bliss

A Visit to Nell Hill’s Stores

 

We loaded up last Friday night and headed to Kansas City.

just me, my mom, sis, and my BFF Becky….. 

 

 

On Saturday, we traveled to Atchison, Kansas to Nell Hill’s store.  We were blown away….truly.   I have heard/read about her store for years, and Sis and I decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about.  We were told to travel to her Atchison store and take in the “full” experience.  We were so glad we did.  On our way there, we passed apple orchards and farmer’s markets.  It was such a  perfect autumn outing.  Atchison was a precious, small Kansas town, packed with historical homes and quaint shops.   As an added bonus, they were also having their annual Octoberfest activities.  Perfect!!!!

 

 

 

 

These are a few of the items I picked up for me.  :)

 

Curious Sofa pics are next.  Happy Wednesday to all!!!

 

Glitter & Bliss

The "Martha" Witch

This was her October 2005 issue. I fell in love with this witch. Inside, Martha provided instructions on how to "build" her, and we (me and my hubby) just had to try. I was seven months pregnant with my second son and had very little energy, but this project was so much fun. Martha provided an online template that enabled the witch to be printed off in sections. We could never get this to work, so my husband gave me the dimensions, and I started drawing free handed. She is not perfect, not even close, but we (especially the boys) have enjoyed her so much!!

Our version....... I added a few crows.

At night, we light her from behind and you can see her silhouette. Spooky!!!

We had a fabulous trip to Kansas City. I will posts pics tomorrow. I can't wait to share photos of Nell Hill's two stores and Curious Sofa all decorated for Halloween. Happy Monday to All!!!

Great Finds…….

 

Happy hump-day!!  I thought I would share some cute finds with you.  Sis and I picked up these white pumpkins at Target.  They are the perfect distressed white (artificial) pumpkins we have found.    

 

 

This cute little bottle with the stained glass crystal top was 7.00 at Drug Warehouse of all places.  Super cute….   The lid screws off, so sis filled it with clear dishwashing soap.    Love it!!!

 

 

We are also loving our new Pumpkin Spice Tyler candles.  The scent is heavenly.  We picked them up at a local store called Surcee.  We are so thrilled to report that our products can now be found in Owasso, Oklahoma.  We have admired this store for years, so when our local rep called to tell us that they placed a Glitter & Bliss order, we couldn’t believe it!!!  We also bought the cute white jack o’ lantern there. 

 

 

Lastly, we picked up these cute “Number” cups at TJ MAXX.  How fun are these!!!

 

 

I will be sharing more fall decor soon.  I am gearing up for a fun girl’s weekend trip to Kansas City.  We can’t wait to visit Curious Sofa and Nell Hill's Store.  I will be sharing lots of pics.

 

Glitter & Bliss

Total Bliss

 

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win a wonderful giveaway from Whimsy by Victoria.  She highlighted this wonderful oil painter.  Her work is truly amazing!  I have spent days, with the help of my sis, pondering over all her prints.  It was so hard to pick just one.  Her ETSY store is called Janet Hill Studio.   Go check it out, but be prepared to fall in love.  I sure did.

 

I decided on this one.  It is simple…yet beautiful.  I love the wardrobe color with the splash of pick and white in the dress, shoes, and flowers.  Perfect!!!!  Thank you again Victoria!!!

OK…on the Glitter & Bliss front…Life is crazy…busy.  We had a great response at the September mini-market.  Our French inspired pillows sold well.  We were thrilled!!!  However, reality has certainly hit in a big way.  We are busy……  I think I mentioned that already.  Sorry….  Too busy to blog often or comment on your wonderful blog posts.  Yes, I am now one of those who lurks in the background, but rarely leaves comments.  So sorry about that...    I have very little time to cook, clean, bathe, primp (although I did recently get a little BOTOX—and I highly recommend it),... but that is an entirely different post...  read to my boys, have adult conversation with my husband, visit with friends, etc. I hope to have those things back very soon.  They are very important.

As for finding a place to rent, we have had no luck. It has been difficult finding a place that is both affordable and the right size for our little business. So, what is a girl to do?  You guessed it…… park the mini-van on the driveway and move into the garage.  My husband has been so sweet to let me take over the only real  manly space in the house.  Thanks honey!!!   We still plan to open our ETSY store again, but not until our orders are a little more under control.  We are shooting for the beginning of October.

 

I hope to do a little fall decorating this weekend, and I will share picks next week. Happy weekend to all!!!

 

Glitter & Bliss

Good-Bye Summer

 

Thank you for……

little boys with water guns….

 

 

and afternoons at the park….

for bouncy balls……

and trampolines……

 

and sights and sounds of fireworks……

 

Thank you for the memories!!!  May fall bring more good times and blessings to you and yours.

Glitter & Bliss

My Dad- A Tribute

I posted this a year ago, and I thought I would re-post it today on his birthday. I am having a blue day, but reading this helps me remember how lucky I was to be his daughter. I love and miss you daddy.




Today, my dad would have been 72. He was a wonderful father. He was like the biggest, softest, security blanket you could ever cuddle up with. He was the first person who really made me feel “good” about myself. When I needed a little encouragement, he was always there to lift me up. When I fell short of his expectations, he always had faith that I would find my way home. He never gave up on me, and for that I am very grateful.

He was a fan of all sports. His first true love was coaching. He is still famous in the small town where I grew up. There, in 1966, he brought a team of underdogs to victory in the state basketball championship…. a record he still holds to this day. He fought against racism and segregation in our small town. He believed that all of us are created equal and that we should all have the same opportunities, whether it be on the basketball court or in life’s endeavors.

After his coaching years, he took over the family lumber business. Here he would find his second love…construction. Today you can find bits of his work, both great and small, scattered all over Northeastern Oklahoma. He was also a humanitarian. With this experience in construction and renovation, he often volunteered his time. In May of 1999, Oklahoma City suffered horrible damage due to a tornado. My dad donated his time and skills to help victims of this storm rebuild both their homes and their lives. No cause was ever too great or too small.

He was also very creative. He was a wonderful painter, sculptor, stained glass designer, and photographer. He won many awards in each of these fields. He loved to stroke a canvas…creating beautiful works of art. One of Humpty Dumpty hangs over my son’s baby bed and another of a beautiful magnolia blossom dresses the walls of my bedroom. What treasures these are to me.

When signs and symptoms of brain cancer were beginning, he was just embarking on the wonderful phase of life called “retirement”. He was so happy. He was always happy though…. But now he was really happy. My mom and dad were never more in love. They were traveling and finally shopping for that perfect RV. My twin sister had a 2 yr-old son and my first son, who bears his name, was just learning to crawl. Two grandsons…he was thrilled beyond words!!

My dad’s fight with brain cancer was short, only 7 months. However, it was the hardest…darkest time of my life. There I was, married to the man I had waited my entire life to find, I had a wonderful new baby boy, I was attempting to be an effective and inspiring teacher to 8th grade students, and all the while, watching my father drift away. It was almost unbearable at times. I wanted to, and sometimes did, scream at the top of my lungs.

On the day of his death, we were all encircled around him. Until his final breath, he was still my wonderful, handsome father. On this same day, my husband and I learned that we were going to have another baby. You know the old saying, when one door closes, God opens a window. I believe this to be true. And I know that my precious father is watching over us all…watching his grandsons and granddaughter grow, and expecting me to go on and be a good mother, sister, wife, friend,…person.

Now, almost 4 ½ years later, I still find life, without my father, to be somewhat unrecognizable. The colors of my life are all different now. Some days are vivid and some are gray, but with each sunrise and sunset comes the comfort of knowing that one day I will find shelter in my fathers arms once again. For that I am especially grateful.

Headed to the Dallas Symphony

 

Sis created this order for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  They requested all music note backgrounds, and we loved how these crystal necklaces turned out.  It is so much fun to customize orders. 

 

 

 

Speaking of customizing orders…  Sis and I are planning to have custom orders available on ETSY for our crystal necklaces.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have your children or grand children’s names on a crystal necklace?  We thought so.  More details to come!!!

 

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday evening!!!

 

Glitter and Bliss

New French Inspired Linens

 

Well, here it is.  Sis and I have hired a wonderful seamstress who happens to be the mother of sis’s next door neighbor, Amy.   Amy will be helping her sweet mom with the linens and also helping with crystal jewelry.   We feel so lucky to have these new wonderful ladies on board.  We are all very excited to add these new items to our line at the showroom.  We are selling the pillow cases in both the standard and the euro sizes.  They are the perfect linen/flax material and embellished with twine and a crystal.   Naturally……

     Large Standard

 

  

Large Euro

 

These will find their way shortly to ETSY.  We are excited to reopen our little store, and offer this cute linen group to you and yours.  Just in time for holiday shopping.  The price for both the large standard and euro sizes will be $43.00.    Have a wonderful week!!!

 

Glitter & Bliss

New “Green” French Inspired Totes

 

Hello to all.  Well, this week has been full of  preparations for the Mini Dallas Market that will be held next week.  We have new items that we have just added to our line.  We have recently hired two new people, one being my sweet friend Lisa.  She works with me as much as I can pull her away from her other commitments.  She is a joy to work with.  We are having a wonderful time and getting a lot of work done!!  Well, today I was showing her my new artwork for our new linen/flax pillows and towel line.  She suggested placing the artwork on “green” tote bags.  Well……our wheels started turning.  She took my artwork and created these adorable French inspired Totes.  Your can’t tell from the pics, but she embellished each one with crystals beads.  Perfect!!!  They are heading to Dallas along with towels and pillows. 

 

        

 

I will have much more to show you next week.  Happy weekend to all!!!

 

Glitter & Bliss

100 % Bliss….

Fall is approaching……….

I can feel it in the air. 

I am so excited for…..

 

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes

 

 

 

Brightly colored leaves just after a perfect autumn rain

 

 

 

A visit to our nearby pumpkin patch

Little boys in long sleeves

    

Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Adorable Vintage Halloween Decor

 

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.  Are you ready for fall?  I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to your week.

Glitter & Bliss

And the Winner Is…..

I wanted to first say thank you to all who entered and left such uplifting comments.  Sis and I read every one, and we appreciated all the kind words.  I am thrilled to have most of you as followers, and some new friends as well.  We are so lucky.

 

All of your sweet names (most twice )were placed in Max’s favorite hat.

 

We shook it around….  over and over…then again and again..

It was time to pick one…

And the lucky winner is…..  Shilo.  Congrats to you my sweet friend!!

 

Thanks again for entering, and I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.

 

Glitter & Bliss

                                  

My One Year Give Away

Hello to all!!  I can’t believe to report that my little blog is over a year old.  It snuck up on me.  I actually started it on 8-19-08, so my celebration is a little belated.  I can’t express enough how much joy this little blog has brought to me and my family.  I have loved documenting my sweet family happenings……both great and small.  On the business front, we have also felt so blessed to receive all the wonderful input about our  little product line.  We would have never, in a million years, thought that since March 09, Glitter & Bliss would currently be gracing the shelves of over forty stores with several orders left to be filled.  God is good.  So, I think it is time for a give away.  I have been wanting to do this all summer, and I thought this would be the perfect occasion.

 

2 1/2 inch 

Blessed

Crystal Pendant Necklace

 

 

 

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment.  If you are currently a follower, please let me know this in your comment, and I will enter you twice.   If you would like to become a follower, please add our blog to your list, and I will enter you twice.     Please let me know you have do this via your comment as well.  I will take entries through Tuesday and announce the winner Wednesday morning.    Thank you  in advance for entering and good luck.

 

Have a glorious weekend.

 Glitter & Bliss

The Kitchen….

It rarely looks this clean, so I thought I would take a few pics and share them with you.   One day I would like to install granite countertops and carry our living room hardwood floors into the kitchen.  One can dream….    Meanwhile, it is a nice place to congregate and have lots of family time.  Sis and I built identical houses, so yes….she has the same kitchen.  It is so crazy!!!

 

    

These two lantern inspired lights hang over the island.

This is my built-in desk area with storage on both sides.  This space has really comes in handy. 

 

Here are two  little stations in my kitchen. 

I tend to decorate on trays or dishes. 

 

        

I love my birdie flour sack towel.  I think several of us bloggers have one of these.  Too CUTE……

Happy Monday to All!!!

 

Leslie

FEAR

I am not one to get too personal on my little blog, but I would like to share how FEAR has been playing a very active role in my world for two months now.  I had a yearly mammogram in June, that followed with the dreaded letter stating that something suspicious had been discovered, and that a repeat mammogram was recommended.  I quickly made the follow-up appointment.  In this single day, I had four different sets of mammogram images taken and a detailed breast ultrasound.  

 

After viewing the ultrasound, the radiologist told me that he did not feel comfortable letting me wait for a six month re-check, so a week later I had an MRI with contrast done.  Because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, I get so anxious every time my annual mammogram rolls around.  Lately, so many things have been going through my mind…….  most of which involve my two little boys.  I did not want to be sick, but more importantly, I did not want my family to watch me be sick.  The images of my father’s battle with cancer are still too new to all of us.  We are still trying to move on from all of the pain of that experience.

 

I found out just this past Tuesday that my MRI came back ok.  I am already scheduled for a six month follow up mammogram and ultrasound to monitor any changes.  I was so thrilled!!!  I know that God has been with me through all of this…holding my hand.    My husband has been my rock , and he has kept me calm through some very anxious moments.  I feel so blessed, but I also feel so sad for the mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters, brothers, friends…etc…who have been or will be impacted by cancer.  For me, it is so prevalent in my family, I have vowed to myself to take a more proactive approach to my health and the health of my little family.  Mommy has so many jobs….both great and small. 

 

Today I feel especially blessed, and I pray that the FEAR and WORRY I have been experiencing  the last couple of months will subside. 

 

My motto now more than ever………….

 

Leslie

Back to School…. ALREADY ?????

The big item of the day is that my 5 yr. old started ALL DAY Kindergarten.  This has been a hard thing for me and his little brother.  I know…..  let HIM go…..  I get it!!!  But, I am missing him so much today.  I know that this is a new chapter in his little life, an important one, but I will always miss his baby and toddler years spent at home with me.  Do I need therapy???  That is sometimes debatable.  LOL….

Our morning got off to a great start.

 

All Smiles!!!!!

 

 

…..and he enjoyed his  favorite…..   Peaches and Cream Oatmeal

 

 

 

Then we were off…..  He looked like such a big boy!!!   I was fighting back the tears at this point. 

 

 

Your teacher is such a doll, and you love your new classroom. 

 

 

I love you Ben!!!  Happy first day of Kindergarten!!!  I know you are going to have a wonderful 2009-10 school year.

I WON !!!

 

I never win a thing, so I was so delighted to get the  sweet email from Kelly at Kelly Ann Studio about winning the “Jillian” necklace.  Thank you so much !!!  I can’t wait to get it!!! 

 

It’s Time to Move Out….

 

Thanks to everyone who sent happy anniversary wishes this past weekend.  We had a wonderful date Saturday night, and enjoyed Wicked very much.  How talented are some…….    The singing…. the dancing…..   Amazing!!  Just as amazing as seeing it before on Broadway a little over a year ago.

Now, back to reality….    We have been working on a large order for the  Dirt Road Diva girls  in Porter TX.  These sisters are so fun to “create” for.  They ordered a variety of everything pink.  We made them 20 picture frames total, including the cottage crown, #1 memory, and nest frames.  Everything with a hint of glitter……naturally.  :)  Here are a few new frames I created just for them.

 

 

This little business venture has been taking over our offices, dining rooms, and garages lately.  Sis and I have come to the realization that something just has to give…………   So, we have decided that it is time to start looking for a “Glitter & Bliss”  space to work out of.  We have called about a few locations, but haven’t found the right space for us just yet.  It is a big step, but one we feel like we are both ready to take.   We would love to have a production space as well as a retail space…..  Humm… Dare to Dream…..

 

What if Glitter and Bliss looked like this quaint New England shop…….

Or this……..

 

but had this right next door……..

 

and maybe a store full of chocolate right across the street…….

 

and a flower shop nearby…..

 

 

I could go on and on……….    It is so fun to imagine it all. But, in reality it might end up looking a little like this….   :)  Wish us luck. 

 

 

 

I will keep you posted on our endeavor to find the perfect little store. 

 

Happy Tuesday!!!

 

Show Us Your Life…. Wedding Dress

Kelly’s Korner is having this fun party, and it is perfect timing for me, because this weekend is our 7 year anniversary.  We were married in a beautiful historic church in Tulsa.  It was the perfect day!!!

 

My dress couldn’t have been any plainer.   No beading, no pearls, no lace….    I was going for the Caroline Bessette wedding dress at the time…   However, I did not have her budget to work with.  :)

 

 

Now…  I’m no Caroline Bessett Kennedy, but I really loved my little dress.  My sister, BFF, and I made all the bouquets and flower arrangements.  The center pieces were done in lemon leaf, white roses, and hydrangeas.  It was simple….but perfect!  All our guests enjoyed a sit down dinner and dancing.  We danced way into the night.   It was the last time my late father enjoy family and friends before he became ill.  I will cherish the memories of our wedding day forever.

 

 

Happy Anniversary to my sweet hubby.  I love you more and

more every day!!! 

 

I am so looking forward to our date night Sat. night!!!!

You got us tickets to see………..

 

I can’t wait to see it again, and I am looking forward to enjoying it with my hubby.  Have a great Friday!!!!

WICKED and ETSY Love…..

 

Sis and I were so fortunate to see WICKED on Broadway in New York City a little over a year ago.  We loved it!!  So, when we heard  it was coming to Tulsa, my BIL grabbed tickets and took sis to see it again.  She had another amazing time!!

 

 

As you know, we love ETSY.  We hope to post new items in our store again, but meanwhile, we just love to look at all the talented and creative people that ETSY features.  Laurel found this fabulous clothing designer, Dyanas Designs, and we both fell in love.  The amazing thing is that she is from right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

 

Items that are currently for sell  on ETSY

  

 

 

GASP!!!!    I wish I could have one in every design and color.  I hope you are having a wonderful Monday!! 

 

Glitter & Bliss

Wednesday…..

 

Well, I would much rather post pics of my sis, but today she was dead set on snapping  a few pics of me in our new necklace.  So, here I am showing off our new 2  1/2  inch crystal necklace with the large clear beaded chain.  This was something we threw in at the last minute at market.  We really like it, and adding a little variety is always fun.

 

 

I also got a lot of love from my little niece today.  She loves her Aunt Leslie!!!!!

 

 

 

We were asked by several clients at market to design Holiday pendants.  So, we have been working on Halloween images for large crystal pendant necklaces.  Here are two of our favorites.  I will share others later.  :)

 

 

                           

 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful hump day…..     

 

Inspiration…

 

Happy Monday to all!!  Life has been crazy here.  Sis and I are diligently working on new orders that were placed in Dallas.   Laurel, and are new employee Rachael, have been busy making crystal pendant necklaces, and I have been tackling the picture frames.   Our cottage line is doing well, and I am having a lot of fun creating these. 

 

Well, the late nights are back.  I stayed up several nights last week past 2:00 a.m.   I am busy trying to think about new items for our line, and these papers have really inspired me.    I’m sure they will be seen, in some fashion, in new items for the BIG January market.    They would be so precious in a  little girl’s nursery/room.  :)  I am still looking for the perfect little boy’s room inspiration. 

 

 

 

I am also thinking about a new baby frame.  We plan to incorporate this old-fashioned baby carriage…..  It is just too cute!!

 

 

Tonight I’ll be taking a break to watch The Bachelorette.  Who are you rooting  for???

 

 

My vote is Ed.  He seems like such a nice guy, and he really seems to be crazy about Jillian.  What do you think?

 

 

Have a wonderful Monday!!!

Garage Sale Find…..

 

Well, actually it was kind of a “Roadside” sale.  I picked up this little iron/glass coffee table on the way back from Dallas last weekend.  It was in somewhat perfect condition, so like I always say, we loaded up this little guy and shoved him into the mini van.  I have touched up a little paint and shinned the heck out of it.  I really like the airiness it gives to our living room.  The glass has beveled edges, and it (glass) was in perfect condition.  Yea!!! 

You’ll notice the “Everyday Italian” coffee table book.  I love Giada!!!    She covers my other most favorite book “ Barfoot Contessa”.    I love Ina too.  I love bringing my favorite cook books into the living room.  I seem to read them a lot more, then when they are in my kitchen cupboards. 

This was my old coffee table.  I moved it beside our couch, added a tray with goodies displayed on it, and brought in my favorite toile lamp I bought in a precious store in New England.  Love it!!!

 

This is my old glass top table I also, strangely enough, found on the side of the road on another Dallas trip.  I moved it into my master bedroom, in our sitting area.   I have some more decor to add to the top of the table, but I need to shop for the perfect decorator books. 

 

This is the view behind the table.  I love enjoying our backyard garden space from inside.  Our impatiens are doing so well mixed in with hostas, ferns, caladiums,  and hydrangeas.    Our front flowers are a different story.  All the plant food  in the world doesn’t seem to perk them up.  It has been so HOT  !!!!

 

  

Well, Sis and I are really working hard….already…getting new orders out.  We hired a college student before the June market, so she is ready to hit the ground running when we returned from Dallas.  She has so much energy!!!  Just what we needed.   We are also lucky that our hubbies help us a lot as well.  They are like having 3 other employees between the two of them.  Did I mention that my hubby is a busy veterinarian and my brother-in-law is a partner in an engineering firm???   

   During the June market, we got close to 400 picture frame orders.  The new cottage definition frames sold really well.  I’m a  little scared to count the crystal pendant orders.  Our new designs (peace, queen of fun, live out loud, and love rocks ) went over well.  We are so happy, and truly feel so blessed for the opportunity that  the Madeline Wells showroom has given us.  We have hopes to continue to grow, and we are already excited just thinking about the January market.   God is so good…..

 

Love to All and Happy 4th of July!!!!

More Dallas Fun…..

 

OK…  Sis and I bought somewhat matching shoes before we left for Dallas.  Laurel’s are the super cute pair with the crystal flowers.   We even did the French pedicures.  Fun….  Fun….  But, take a second to notice my feet  (on the right).  You will understand later….

 

 

We visited Anthropologie, and had a blast just trying things on.  We loved this blue scarf.  It was so cute.  Sis bought it…  I can borrow…  Perfect.  :)

    

I did purchase this cute little hair clip with the white flower.  I loved it!!!  It was only 15 bucks…..  What was I thinking?  The guilt set in shortly after we left the store.  :)

 

 

OK…   This cute little braid hair-do was all over Dallas.  How much fun is this?  We are going to do a lot of braiding this summer.  So, get your braid on girls.  :)

 

Now, back to my feet…   This is what they looked like on the way home.  Very ……  Super….  Unattractive…..swollen.   They hurt so bad.  I felt like I was 80.   What’s the deal?  Sis had no swelling.  They are slowly resembling  feet again, but just this morning.  Maybe it was the new shoes??   Who knows.

 

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!!