A few of my favorite things....

I'm so sad to say, that it has been awhile since I last wrote. This fall and winter has been VERY busy. The new year brings hope for a more consistant me! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. I sure did! Every year my husband takes the kids to the Dollar Store and has them walk around and try to pick on their own what special things mommy would like. It's fun to see how their little minds work and I was ticked to see all the gifts they came up with. My husband did well too! I love that he puts so much thought into what I might like. Here are only a few treasures I received and I wanted to share them with you.

First is a book I've wanted forever and a day~Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey. I thought about buying it, but no...I held out for my darling dear to give it to me all wrapped up! It's about connecting, learning, and inspiring others through your own online journal. It includes beautiful screen shots from some of the best online crafty, creative blogs out there. We are heading to the beach and I can't wait to read it thoroughly there! Even if it says nothing, the pictures are worth the price of the book. So pretty, girlie and informative!

Secondly...

From an adorable little shop called Gypsie on the square of downtown Chambersburg, PA comes my favorite bar of soap. Pre de Provence French Soaps. It isn't the best smell in the world, but it lathers well and makes your skin feel like silk! It is a 72% Olive Oil Marseille-style milled soap. Great for babies, in the kitchen, laundry, shaving and bath. Asked how Sopia Loren keeps her beautiful skin young looking, "A love of life, spaghetti, and the odd bath in olive oil."

Thirdly...

This is one of those special gifts that I will cherish forever given to me by my husband. This piece of art was painted by a Waynesboro, PA artist named Linda Pedersen of LinLeigh Studio. It's called Two American Beauties. She did a wonderful job framing it and I can not wait to hang it up! We are renovating our downstairs bath into a vintage beach theme and this will work perfectly! If you are interested in stopping by her beautifully renovated studio that is nestled in the hills of Five Forks, her hours are by appointment only and her number is 717-762-0656. I will note that she does esquisite portraits for a very reasonable price.

Last but not least~from my sister...

A Lilly Pulitzer Aquamarine In the Slim Tote and Cosmetic Case. These bags feature original Lilly prints from the day~1959. Made from canvas and very durable and with classic tags. Yours can be purchased from lillypulitzer.com. Now I can not wait until summer to use it! Thanks Charity!

Birthday Wishes!

A big Happy Birthday goes out to my Priness who turned 3! It's funny how you never think that life is moving fast enough. Growing up you can't wait to be double digets, 10. Then it's 13, 16, 18...married, can't wait to have kids. Then you do and you look at them one day and say, I sure wish I could stop the time. You quickly realize that one day they won't want to snuggle, they'll start calling you mom and not mommy anymore. They won't think it's cool to hold your hand. The words "to savor the moment" suddenly take on a whole new meaning!

This year for Little L's birthday, she picked My Little Pony. So sweet. I made her a birthday out and have to say...love how it turned out. Wait while I pat my back.... Really, she looked adorable in it.

I LOVE different trims and accessories from glittery buttons to silky tulle fringe!

Hear those bells?

Christmas is right around the corner. At least for crafters that is. I am in my glory this year. Hobby Lobby has come to town and inspired me to start early so I'm not working up until the last minute. Their Christmas selection is amazing. (I live in rural America folks!) From glittery stars and beautiful unique trims, fuzzy pink trees and yummy faux Christmas candy. It's nice to be able to actually feel the trims and not just see them on a computer screen!

I've been busy here at home. Orders are still up through eBay and Etsy, which is always a good thing! Hope everyone is doing well and getting their crafty on!

MacKenzie-Childs Revisited

Several years ago, my sister, mom and I went to Palm Beach, FL. We were fortunate enough to visit MacKenzie-Childs. What a BEAUTIFUL store! Well...being that I couldn't afford anything from there, I made my own version. I took a cruddy looking, Home Interiors candleabra and added a little Vavoom into it and gave it to my sister for her birthday. Visit their site at www.mackenzie-childs.com It's awsome treats for the eyes!

The Little Candleabra That Would Be Something Great

Spring has sprung and gone...so put away that wreath!

Spring has sprung and gone...so put away that wreath!

Still standing~A vintage-inspired wreath I made this spring. I love how it turned out. Unfortunately, it clashes with my winter bird scene that is on my mailbox wrap. How tacky. I couldn't figure out how to get the stinkin' thing off the box. Maybe I should just call it a seasonal house. At least I don't have up Christmas lights!

Have a Peachy Day!

This is one of my favorite peach recipes. The bottom is warm and gooey and the top has a pretty, soft cakey top.

Old Fashioned Yummy Peach Cobbler

4 cups peeled, sliced peaches

2 cups sugar, divided

1/2 cup water

8 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 1/2 cups milk

Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt. Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir.

Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

To make real, fresh whipped cream. Mix 1 c. heavy whipping cream with 1/2 c. sugar and beat on high until desired consistancy. I mix this up all the time and it's so yummy. Like most, I love sucking it from the spray can, but this really does taste better when it's fresh!

Invitations Galore

Still going. These are really fun to create!