a charming life...

Vintage Trimming

2011-02-18T14:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's been forever since I've posted....reason being is that I really have nothing interesting to post about! Haven't been too creative either but even when I'm not being creative I still always have my eye out for pretty things to create with!

I actually found these trims a while ago and was recently digging into my stash and forgot that I had even had them!

So, just thought I would share because not only are the trims prettybut sometimes the packaging can be just as pretty or prettier!

getting ready!

2010-12-06T14:53:00.001-05:00

Maybe it's a little late to say that I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I did! Even managed to get into the city the night before to see the balloons waiting to make their appearances at the parade. If you are ever in NY the night before I strongly reccomend trying to do this!!!! As you can see it get so crowded but it just so festive!

So I've been busy decorating and adding items to my shop here and there...

Over the years all my red Christmas decorations slowly evolved to white. This year I'm getting back into red. Not alot but touches of it and so far I am loving it!!!!

Will be back soon with more....Have a great week!!!!

Fa la la la la......

2010-11-17T14:41:00.002-05:00

I am in full Christmas mode right now. I don't know why but I just am. Not decorating or shopping yet but making all kinds of things!

I wanted to share something I did last Christmas. The photo above is of my dad! Can't even begin to tell you how much I love it.

Very last minute last year I made some copies and stitched the photos onto some card stock and used them as gift tags for my family.

This year, I wanted to make some other items out of the photo because I just love it so much and is so Christmassy to me. I made a little journal that I am going to use keep all my Christmas lists and notes in. I made some extras that I have added to my shop.

I wasn't going to start adding Christmas items yet but I know that a lot of people have already started their Christmas shopping....me not being one of them.

I'm having Thanksgiving again this year so it's time for me to get out of Christmas mode for now and get back into Thanksgiving mode!

2010-11-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome......

I found this sampler the other day while cleaning out some things. My mother made it in 1984. Does that make it vintage yet???? It was one of the many cross stitches that my mother made. For a while there she was never seen without stitching one. She would stitch it and my father would make a frame for it. I loved that she always signed and dated them. She gave many of them as gifts and this one I guess she was keeping for herself but I'm not sure. I love the colors!!!

I've been busy, busy hoping to have kinda a shop re-opening soon!

Even adding some jewelry!

Just wanted to pop in and say hello and also to apologize to anyone that I haven't gotten back to. I was having some major blogger issues that were frustrating me to the point of thinking about giving up blogging forever! I think I figured out what the issue was and well, I have to admit...I think the issue was me! I had some of my settings wrong!

Welcome back!

2010-10-29T13:35:00.001-04:00

Have a fabulous Halloween!!!!

halloween decor

2010-10-19T22:22:00.011-04:00

I know that many of you will understand when I say that I have a hard time using orange when decorating for Halloween. Each year I use less and less. This year I used hardly any at all!

I know you get it!!!!!

I think this is the most orange I've used....these two little pumpkins. And I have such a thing for these rats! They're everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right now this is making me happy...A photo of my mom dressed up as a gypsy for Halloween. I found it in a box of old photos recently and I can remember her showing it to me and telling me how her mother made the costume for her.

That's all for now friends. On another note...Don't forget to leave a comment for a bracelet. You have untill Thursday! And on yet another note....Is anyone having trouble with Blogger???? Or is it just me????

giveaway!

2010-10-08T14:56:00.009-04:00

Hi girlies...In honor of my new found love for jewelry making, I am going to give away one of these three bracelets that I made. Keep in mind that I'm still new at this! Leave a comment and the winner that I choose (sometime on
Thursday) can pick which bracelet they like best.

In the meantime, I'm still beading....

Have a great week!!!!!

"attic" sale

2010-10-04T14:56:00.006-04:00

Just listed some items in my shop...once again...all from my attic! Funny, because I just noticed that it was almost exactly one year ago that I had my last "attic sale".

bracelets!

2010-09-30T13:57:00.006-04:00

For the past year or so I've been wanting to start making jewelry. In the spring I bought all of these pretty spring and summer-like colored beads but like everything else, never got around to it. This week I finally did and I'm having so much fun with it!

I still have lots to learn but didn't think these came out too bad.

Would you wear one? Be honest now because I'm thinking of just maybe giving one away...stay tuned!

If anyone has any neat tips or a resource they would like to share, I would love to know!

and the decision is.....

2010-09-24T14:58:00.004-04:00

...the bench stays!

After leaving the wicker seat for a day, I missed the bench {even though the cats preferred that comfy cushion!!!}. Maybe it was because I was just used to it but the majority of you did vote for the bench to stay....thanks for your help everyone!!!!

opinions needed...ASAP!!!!

2010-09-21T14:23:00.007-04:00

I haven't posted in long time and planned on my newest post being about how great my summer was or a "welcome fall" post, but what I really need here ladies is an opinion! I've had this bench in my mudroom for years. I absolutely love it! It was the first new purchase I made for this house right before we moved in. It's made from an old door and I found it on EBAY. I am able to stash the cat food underneath it and some baskets for my boys cleats (this is football season you know!)

Last night I had a thought! I love, love, love black wicker and have it outside. I thought, why not bring it in for the winter, put the bench in my bedroom and then put things back in the spring when it's warm out again.

What do you think? I'm not sure but need to decide before everyone gets home because I have the other bench sitting in the middle of my kitchen and if you saw the size of my kitchen you would know that it pretty much takes up the entire room.
So I would love to hear what any of you think!

playing with seashells

2010-08-05T16:09:00.006-04:00

During the summer we love to go to Jones Beach at sunset. Jones Beach State Park was created during the 1920's and runs about 10 miles along the Atlantic Ocean on the south shore of Long Island. There is a boardwalk that runs the length of the beaches as well. What I love about it is the style and architecture of the bathhouses, pool, shops, etc are still in their original Deco style.

One night last summer we collected these teeny-tiny shells...

This year the boys collected huge shells...see the difference?

How can anyone not love seashells!!??

Awesome Giveaway!!!!

2010-07-19T14:56:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite blogs is having an awesome giveaway...A gift certificate to one of my favorite stores!

Check it out!

Shop Update

2010-07-18T20:17:00.006-04:00

Finally, finally started a shop update! Only a few items for now but will hopefully list more this week!

What is it about these old doll heads that we love so much!?

handmade gifts

2010-07-08T14:57:00.009-04:00

Hello there! Well, now it's just a fact...I can not keep up with this blog! I did manage to change the background last night. Like I've said before, I know NOTHING about computers so that was a big deal for me! Anyway...I am lovin' summer right now and just wanted to share some little gifts I recently made for some birthdays.

A little personalized notebook....

...and a sweet little card.
I made some extras and plan on a shop update soon!

Other than that, hope you all are enjoying your summer as much as I am!

i'm still alive and the "J" word

2010-05-19T15:31:00.006-04:00

Wow...it took me about two hours to get my pics loaded onto Blogger. I thought it was a problem with the site...or maybe it because I actually forgot how to blog.

A few months ago I got what my friend referred to as the "J" word...a job! It's all still very strange to me. I haven't worked since my first son was born over ten years ago!!! Before he was born, while working full-time, I was also working part-time as an assistant to a designer. Knowing that that I was planning to get pregnant, I would eventually quit my full time job and keep the assistant job. My plan started out perfectly...I made my own hours, did layouts at home while the baby slept and when I had to go see clients, my mother would watch the baby for me for an hour or so. It was the perfect job to keep my feet wet until I would one day go back to work and I loved it! A year and a half later my mother died and I quit!

I am a firm believer in doing what you love and being creative is what I love. This job isn't very creative...it's not "me". It is pretty surreal to realize one day that 10 years have flown by and, WOW, finding a job is not so easy...

...by easy I mean a job that will have me home in time to pick my boys up from school. A job that I can't be at during the evenings because, between the three of them, there is at least one baseball or basketball game every night. A job that doesn't need me on weekends because of again, baseball, football or whatever the sport is that season, and my husband usually has photo shoots on weekends. A job that I don't have to work all summer or on school breaks or that doesn't mind that during my second week I had to call in because my son was sick. A job that even if I could find a babysitter to stay with three very active little boys, pays enough for me to pay the babysitter! But most of all a job that I can use my creativity and that I will love!

Really, I'm not complaining! I think it's more about the guilt of not working while all my kids are in school now. I also think it's about not having anyone home to take care of...no more babies!!! I've loved my "job" for the past 10 years...I really did!

~happy mothers day~

2010-05-08T08:48:00.005-04:00

{card is from ony of my favorite Etsy sellers....

Ellen from One Ripe Peach}

pink cameo

2010-03-12T14:13:00.003-05:00

Tonight I am going to a jewelry/sell your gold party and I was looking and sorting through my jewelry box the other day. I came across jewelry that I forgot I ever had! Including this pink cameo. My mother had given it to me I guess when I was in my 20's. It just makes me remember how well my mother knew me and my taste!

I also found this little ring that was mine. Good timing for my little niece who I was babysitting at the time. Fit her perfectly. And don't you just love those pudgy little fingers!!??

vintage wallpaper

2010-02-27T20:36:00.003-05:00

This week I finally got to do what I've been wanting to do for weeks...dig into some old papers and embellishments and play. It's been so long that I found some neat little trinkets and things that I had completely forgot I even had! When I dug into my wallpaper stash, I found the first rolls of vintage wallpaper I ever bought. About 11 years ago a really neat antique shop opened up nearby. I mean really neat...great old chipped up pieces of painted furniture, tons and tons of ironstone pieces, great mercury glass. Most of it all priced way out of my range but I loved to go anyway. One day my aunt was in visiting and I brought her there. She ended up knowing the owner and as they were chatting and catching up, I was snooping around the store and came across some old rolls of wallpaper. They were really OLD! I immediately fell in love with them but wasn't sure what I would do with them all so I only bought a few. Boy do I regret it now! Unfortunately, the shop closed shortly after.

The only thing I did do with them at the time was cut a few small pieces and put them in some old wood frames that I still have in my bedroom. When collecting vintage wallpaper became so popular, I still never used them because I wanted to save them. Besides that, they are falling apart. They are so fragile that when I start unrolling them they always rip. Today I decided that I'm not going to keep "saving"...saving for what or when??? And you know, it's a lot more fun when you are using something that is just so pretty! I also made some more little calendars and some wallpaper pockets. I didn't get pictures of all them because I ran out of good light...hate that!I love how simple this Bingo card looks!

Wow....two posts in two days! Let's hope I can keep it up!

blueberry french toast

2010-02-25T22:38:00.003-05:00

Have you seen this bread in Target??!!! If you do, I highly recommend you buy it! We are addicted to it....makes the best blueberry french toast!

I first bought it a few weeks ago...just before we had that huge blizzard on the east coast! Two snow days and the loaf was gone!

Right now it's 11pm and it is starting to snow...again! A little piece of me is hoping for a snow day tomorrow! I have a new loaf of bread! Since I took this photo I broke my all time favorite mug! I've had it for three years I think. It was a dollar at my supermarket. I bought four of them and broke three of them probably within the first month. I was down to this last one. It was not only pretty but the perfect size! I am very particular about the mug I drink my coffee in! I'm not crazy right!? Everyone has a favorite mug...right!? So now I am on a mission to find the perfect mug!

Since I am a bad blogger...here are some pictures from the storm we had a few weeks ago.

I love this picture....it's serious business building a snowman ya know!

But I think he's lovely!

happy {heart} day!

2010-02-14T09:47:00.002-05:00

a new year a new project

2010-01-07T14:24:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year! We did but what I think I loved most about it was just being home! Although we did some things, I loved not having to have to go anywhere...no obligations. No homework, no bedtimes, no baseball or basketball practices. Don't get me wrong...during the summer break after about a month I want to rip my hair out, but we could all use a week off once in a while! I also thought a lot about the new year and some changes. Changes that I will choose to make and some that I won't have a choice but to make! I also thought about whether or not I was going to keep this blog going. I love the idea of it but just never seem to have the time or anything all that interesting to blog about. Same with my etsy shop and just creating in general...where does it all fit in??? My head is always spinning with new ideas and inspiration and it bothers me that I don't act on it the way I should or want to. But what I've decided is that for now, I am going to just go with my gut and go with the flow and not worry about it and hopefully things will fall into place, and usually they do! So onto my first little project of 2010! After the holidays all the urns and planters in my house are empty! In the spring and summer they usually have hydrangeas or cut flowers in them. In the Fall, mums or gourds. During the holidays, cut greens, snowballs or pine cones. Then after all the decorations are put away and winter is officially here, everything is so plain again.
In my little dining area I have probably the biggest bay window you've ever seen...a little too big. But it lets in lots of great light and I have a big backyard that I love looking out into it. I remember the first morning I woke up in this house. I walked down the hallway and when I walked into this room and saw all the sunlight and the green backyard it made me feel so happy and content and I'll never forget that! I have this black urn that I usually find some plant to put in but it needs something big. Something to fill this space in. I thought about going into the backyard, grabbing some branches and see how it goes. People do it all the time right!?

So I did just that...picked branches up out of the snow and found some moss that I already had and got to work.

Ta-da! What do you think? Be honest! I added two sprigs with little white flowers that I got from Michael's but that was it. I will probably keep adding more as time goes on. Once the snow melts you never know what I might find but I am happy with it for now!

And you know who really loves it?....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-24T15:41:00.003-05:00

almost here

2009-12-23T09:09:00.002-05:00

I CANNOT believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!!! Where did the month go!!?? I've been in a fog this year for some reason and started off on a role but just somewhere along the line lost track of time this year. So many projects I've started and didn't finish. But there is always next year right!? We had a blizzard here in NY over the weekend so the boys were home from school Monday. Yesterday was their last day and even though 2 out of 3 are sleeping at the moment, it's about to get very noisy and hectic here soon. But that's what we love about the holidays, don't we?

I've had these pictures in my camera for some time now. Hopefully after I finish the rest of my baking, wrapping and cooking I can share more!

Enjoy your Christmas Eve, Eve!

CALENDARS!

2009-11-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

Instead of shopping yesterday, I was creating! While preparing for Thanksgiving all week, I told myself that on Friday, no matter what, I was going to do nothing except play with paper...which I did!

I made one of these calendars for myself a few years ago to put on my fridge and have been wanting to make more since. Just listed a few in my Etsy shop.

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

getting ready....

2009-11-26T08:59:00.003-05:00

PINK!

2009-11-17T15:01:00.003-05:00

Who doesn't love pink!!!??? Ever since I was little...pink room, pink carpet, pink clothes, pink bike...Everything had to be pink! I was never really a girly-girl but still had to have everything pink. I remember once for Halloween I didn't know what to be so I dressed in all pink, wore pink makeup and even sprayed my hair pink...I was the first "Pink". As an adult, while antiquing or at tag sales, if I found something pink, it was mine! Now being the only girl in a house of four men (3 little, 1 big), pink is the only feminine thing that I've known. But frankly, I am getting a little tired of all the pink and have decided to start parting with some of the pink stuff.

Some of these pink items can now be found in both of my Etsy shops and hopefully another pink lover can give them a good home!

Better late than never!

2009-11-06T14:21:00.003-05:00

As you can see I am a little behind on my blogging! Never seems to be enough time in the day! *sigh*. As always, my boys are really into getting dressed up for Halloween and I love that they do. I thought this would be the year that my 10 year old was going to tell me he wasn't dressing up anymore but as long as he was in camouflage he was happy!!!!!!!!

My youngest, for the past three months, was insisting that he was going to be Chucky for Halloween. Yes, that mean little doll Chucky from that horrible movie! I couldn't give in...just didn't seem right. I didn't even think they made a Chucky costume but when we went to the costume store he found it within seconds. I some how coaxed him into believing it was only made to fit teenagers and it worked. Right after he found this mummy costume and was thrilled. But he still keeps drawing pictures of Chucky....what's up with that?

My 8 year old loves to be something that stands out a little more. When he was younger he used to be so shy and would never do anything that would make him stand out or be noticed. Now he's the complete opposite!

As far as decorating went this year....it hardly went at all! I kept it very casual with a ot of white pumpkins, acorns, and some mice here and there.

Hope yours was a good one!

White Flower Farmhouse

2009-10-23T14:56:00.006-04:00

So, a few weeks ago one of my sons was trying to use the computer and it was "freezing" up. (I don't know "real" computer terms!). So I did what I always do...shut down and restart. To make a very long story short, all that came on was a black screen...a very black screen. Oh yeah, and a code that meant our hard drive went. Years and years worth of stuff, lost!

Right before the big loss, Megan from my favorite antique shop emailed me asking if I would be a vendor at an outdoor market they were having. I never did one before and wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say that I loved it. The day was beautiful, the people I met were all so nice and Lori and Megan are dolls! I didn't take any pictures of my table but I did take some of their fabulous shop!

Ruffles

2009-10-03T17:50:00.003-04:00

I looooove ruffles! Since the spring they have been a staple in my wardrobe. And it's funny because the other night on Project Runway, one of the contestants (can't remember his name) talked about how much he hated them. Well too bad, I love 'em!!!!!! Found these shoes yesterday...cute right?!

So I've been dieing to make something with ruffles and have been playing with a few ideas and came up with these two journals.

Kind of soft and romantic I think.

This little one I made a while ago and just found it.

Husband is working, boys are playing and I am trying to squeeze in some playtime of my own right now!

Oh....the notebooks are listed in my shop.

Attic Sale Day Two!

2009-09-26T15:41:00.004-04:00

Just listed some more items in my shop. Boy, this is like therapy! Some of this stuff is hard to let go of!

Attic Sale!

2009-09-25T22:42:00.004-04:00

Well, I've been putting it off and putting it off but today I finally decided to start cleaning out my attic! If you could see what it looks like up there you would be ashamed of me! But I am trying to do what all the professional organizers say....If you haven't used it in a year (or so) get rid of it. Most of the things up there I haven't used in many years and even though I keep telling myself that I will use it one day....I probably won't! So over the next few weeks, if I stick with my plan, I hope to be listing some old china pieces, ironstone, frames, sconces, lampshades, old wire baskets and whatever else I decide to part with.

I just opened a new Etsy shop where I will be selling non-handmade items and only vintage items...from my attic!

Antique Shop

2009-09-22T12:58:00.006-04:00

The morning that we were leaving Pennsylvania to head home, we planned on getting a very early start because we had already stayed a day and a half longer than we originally planned. If you have ever been to Lancaster or the towns surrounding it, you know that there are lots of great antique shops. So our plan to leave in the morning had already turned into the afternoon because we kept on making "just one more stop". Finally we had to get a grip and head home. We were driving for about a half an hour when we passed by a road and I had just caught a glimpse of something down that road that caught my eye. I told my husband that I thought we should go back but he was very adamant about not stopping anymore and getting home. I said..."but it looked like a really good one!" To that he turned around and went back!

We were in heaven...

About 90 minutes later we headed home and didn't make anymore stops!

The bad news...I don't remember the name of it or what town it was in. I took a business card but lost it.

The good news...I came home with some really neat stuff!

Lancaster, PA

2009-09-12T08:44:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago we took a very last minute mini-vacation to Pennsylvania. We started off at Hershey Park for two days and then headed to Lancaster for the next three days.

Just outside Hershey, is Indian Echo Caverns. Before going into the caverns the boys panned for gold!

There was this lake, I guess you would call it, inside the caverns, where the water was this beautiful green/blue color. The tour guide said it used to be just clear water but for years, tourists threw pennies in the water to make wishes and the copper turned the water this beautiful color.

The rest of my pictures are from around beautiful Lancaster County where it is just a peaceful and serene as it looks!

...and, they're off...

2009-09-09T13:39:00.003-04:00

My three boys started school yesterday and it went very smoothly! This will be the first and only year that the three of them will be in the same school together. Since it was they're first day back I wanted to make a special "back to school" dinner along with some a carrot cake.See that smudge on the top of the cake? Bet you didn't know that cats like carrot cake too!

The Brooklyn Bridge

2009-09-01T22:21:00.003-04:00

Every time we go into Manhattan, we like to take the boys to either a different attraction, museum or neighborhood. This summer I wanted to take them for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. When we woke up Sunday morning and saw what a beautiful day it was going to be, we knew what we were going to do. My boys love going into the city but Brandon, my youngest, doesn't go anywhere without his pad and markers!!!

We got really lucky and found a parking spot right at the foot of the bridge on the Brooklyn side. The plan was to walk across into Manhattan, walk over to Chinatown for some Chinese food, walk back over the bridge and back into Brooklyn for some ice cream.

The white line divides the walkers and bike riders. Be sure NOT to cross that line...those bike riders are on a mission!!!!

If you walk across without stopping it's about 20 minutes. But of course you will stop to take a bunch of picture and to just look at the amazing scenery. So plan on it being an hour walk.

Chinatown!

After dinner in Chinatown our plan changed a bit. We walked over to South Street Seaport, instead, for ice cream.

This man was doing some very unusual things with his body....interesting and very entertaining though!

This man thought he was a statue!

The boys got some very cool tattoos and then went on this bungee jumping thing-a-ma-jig.

Needless to say, we didn't walk back over the bridge....the kids asked if we could take a taxi. Which to them, was one of the best parts of the day!

she sells seashells...

2009-08-26T12:36:00.005-04:00

The other night we headed down to the beach to see the huge waves that Hurricane Bill was causing. The tide was super high and as the boys were playing near the edge of the water, I noticed that all of these perfect little seashells had washed up on shore.

They were everywhere! And every one that we picked up was just perfect!

But what I really couldn't believe was just how tiny some of them were...

...so tiny!!!

I want to play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-12T13:32:00.004-04:00

Have you seen these at Michaels? They are called Vintage Findings from Making Memories. I started picking them up before school was out and I remember thinking to myself, "these will be fun to play with this summer!" Hmmmm....what was I thinking!!!???? Even while taking these pictures I must have heard "mommy" only about 3,458,983 times! But really, aren't they so neat!!??

This one is called, "mini travel kit". What I also love is that on the back they show a picture of what you can do with it."mini kit girl"And then there are these little packages of glassine envelopes, artisan labels, plain labels, stamps, tickets and much, much more!

Every morning when I wake up I say to myself, "no matter WHAT....today I am going to make something!!!!!!" Today I actually managed to take these out of the packages.

So in the meantime, I'll just keep looking at pretty millinery....

...and great old papers!

There's always tomorrow!

playing with picnik

2009-07-25T15:24:00.008-04:00

I know that by now many of you, if not all of you, already know about the site Picnik. I have been using it for the past year to edit my family photos. For some reason, I never thought to use it on my blog photos. So, what started out as a post about my kitchen, ended up being a post of some of my favorite things and playing with different borders and exposures.

This "HOME" sign is hanging in my kitchen window. It has been there for almost 2 years and I will never get sick of it. I bought it from Etsy but unfortunately, I don't think the seller sells on Etys anymore.

Top of a lampshade in my bedroom....And also my new banner that still needs some tweaking!

Just love these old architectural pieces! Mudroom....Doesn't always look so pretty. Usually backpacks and baseball hats are hanging on this rack.

Thanks for bearing with me while I experiment with these photos...I'm having a lot of fun!

Hydrangeas

2009-07-18T19:20:00.004-04:00

My god....has it really been 2 months since my last post???? Hmmm...well let me see. Since then we've had field day, field trips, school parties, little league....times three. 4 Th of July BBQ, husband's birthday party, my 12Th wedding anniversary, in-laws came to visit and my oldest son turned 10, which by the way, is just killing me. In the meantime, I've really missed blogging and all my blogging buddies!Every time someone walks in my backyard they have the same reaction to my hydrangeas. For some reason this summer they are out of control. Maybe it was from all the rain we had this spring but they are just extra huge. But I just love it because I constantly have flowers in the house this time of year. I always put them in this iron urn in my living room and let them dry out. They stay perfect until the fall when I will replace them with gourds.On the coffee table in the living room The kitchen sink. At least I have something pretty to look at while washing dishes.And my newest and most favorite purchase. I have a thing for black wicker and when I saw this in Heather's shop, I fell in love. It's so perfect sitting on my kitchen table! I am also thinking about how pretty it will be with a candle in it! Here is some exciting news...I won my first giveaway. It's from Suzanne and this was one I really wanted to win!!!!!

Not only did she send the sweet wicker purse, but tons of fun along with it...vintage wallpaper, ledger, ric rac, an old hankie...lots of fun stuff to play with!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer so far. I am lovin' it! Not having to rush in the morning or deal with homework after school. Staying up late with the kiddos! Right now I have to go...lots of Target bags sitting on my floor waiting to be unpacked.

Happy Summer everyone!

White Flower Farmhouse

2009-05-15T20:13:00.004-04:00

On the eastern end of Long Island you have the north fork and the south fork. The south fork is known for The Hamptons. The north fork is known as wine country. Acres and acres of vineyards. Farms where you can pick any fruit or vegetable you can imagine or just buy them at one of the hundreds of farm stands. In between are some of the most beautiful and quaint old farmhouses and antique shops. Or you can go the very end to Montauk and see the Montauk Lighthouse. Every Christmas we take a ride out to the north fork and cut down our own tree. This year, by accident, we came across one of my now favorite antique shops. The White Flower Farmhouse. It's out in one of the cutest little towns called Peconic. Since Christmas I've been dieing to go back and as a Mother's Day treat to myself, I took a ride out with my boys.At Christmas I bought some candles that have now become some of my favorites. I love how simple they are...in just plain old clear glasses. The white "lavender" I bought from their Etsy shop. I love it in my bathroom!

Another one of my favorites is mercury glass. I picked up the beautiful tall one and the little round one second in from the right.

Of course my all time favorite collectible...Ironstone! Last time when I was there I bought a few pieces. When I walk into a shop with ironstone I just know we are on the same page!

And a girl can never have enough flower frogs! What is it about these pointy things, that poke you (and it hurts!) if you are not careful and would probably break a toe if you dropped one, that we love so much?????

As I was downloading my pictures tonight I cracked up when I noticed that my son must have been snapping away as I was looking around. Sneaky boy!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T20:38:00.007-04:00

Well, tomorrow is Mother's Day and I want to wish all you a very happy one! My husband has to work tomorrow and I really don't mind. Mother's Day is always bittersweet for me....I'm proud to be a mom of my three little rugrats but it's also just another reminder of my mom not being here with me.

The above photo is a piece from my moms pink lustre ware collection. I keep it on my dresser. That pin I gave her for Mother's Day one year and the pearls she wore when my parents were married and I wore when I got married.

Last month my Aunt (her sister) came across this silhouette of my mother and sent it to me. I love surprises like that coming in the mail!

In this photo I think she was like, 14! Don't you always find that woman back in the 1950's always looked so mature for their age? I remember her telling me that she had it taken for her boyfriend at the time. It's hard to see but she was wearing a white furry collar and she added a mole to her cheek with her eyeliner pencil...she wanted to look "older" she said.

This picture is of my mom and dad a few years later. I think she is about 16 or 17 here and my dad about 19. I love this picture!
This picture is one of my favorites! It was taken to be used on the placecards for my parents wedding. She said she had the flu...you would never know it! I think she looks beautiful!

I had a few gifts to give out tomorrow and wanted something special to put them in. I had some matchboxes left over from a swap a while back and thought I would use them. I have to tell you, these are the first things that I have made in months. Is it weird that when I was going through my wallpaper stash that I missed that smell...that old musty wallpaper smell? So I decided to make more and put them in my shop tonight. I loved the way the came out! Also squeezed in one little journal...

So, tomorrow I will be spending the day with my boys. We are taking a ride out east on the north fork and have lunch with my best friend whose husband is also working. Hopefully I will make it to one of my favorite antique shops and some farm stands. Hope you all have a great day!

I'm Baaak!!!!!

2009-05-06T20:01:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone!!!! I am finally back to blogging again! I've been wanting to post for so long and life has just been so busy that I have hardly even been on the computer that much. I want to thank all of you for your kind comments and emails over the past month! April was busy, busy....We welcomed my brother and sister-in-law's twins on April 9th...Alex and Katherine. Healthy and happy! Little league season (for all three boys) has begun and mine and my youngest son's birthdays were in April. All is good!!!!

So I thought I would share my birthday gift with everyone. Warning: If you are not a cat lover, you may want to skip the rest of this post! Meet Simon....

I've been wanting a new kitty for quite a while now and when my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday this year I said (while cringing) a kitten????!!!! To my surprise he responded with "what kind?" Well I wasn't that surprised...I have to admit, my husband is wonderful. He is a British blue shorthair. Within a few days of me asking my husband found a breeder in Connecticut. He is the sweetest little thing!

Bailey immediately took him under his wing. He is being a great big cat brother. Penelope (my Siamese) on the other hand, has copped a major attitude.

Ever since I was little I have loved cats...all animals really.
We always had cats growing up and I just adore them. I've even given them an old yelloware water bowl to drink out of (in style)....

...and a shabby chic container to hold their food.

Since I am on the subject of cats...I am lovin' Grey Gardens on HBO. So fascinating isn't it!? The history, the house, the era and of course, Little Edie and Big Edie. Now, as much as I love cats, three is my limit....really!

misc.

2009-03-23T14:31:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we all went into the city to go to the Intrepid. It's funny...I've lived in New York (actually on Long Island) my entire life, but there are still so many things in New York City that I have never been to. It was a beautiful day yesterday so I thought that maybe spring was on the way but not today....it's freezing!Whenever we are in Manhattan, there are two things I usually will not go home without....roses. Beautiful roses too! $10 for 2 dozen...can't beat it...

...and cupcakes! Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. Unfortunately they weren't as inexpensive as the roses...

...but, they are soooo good!

I also wanted to share this with you. My house isn't very big and I'm always looking for ways to save space. A few years ago I picked up this big jar from Target and filled it up with the kids snacks. When you have three hungry boys, you have a lot of snacks and keeping them in the boxes were taking up too much room. This jar holds a lot more then you would think. I also keep it low since it's glass.

Before I go, thanks so much to all of you for leaving me such kind comments about my husband. This past week has actually made a huge difference in how he has been feeling. One of the reasons we had a fun family day out yesterday. But it's always nice to hear that someone understands or has been there...so THANK YOU!

XOXO

Jennifer

baby shoes

2009-02-18T12:31:00.003-05:00

On Saturday we are throwing a baby shower for my brothers wife. They are expecting twins in April...a boy and a girl...what more can you want! This is so special because, well, TWINS, but also because I am really close with my brother. These are his first babies and he is going to be a great dad! I was up in my attic (yes..again!) before and came across a box that my mother had saved our old baby shoes in. I had to share because they just don't make shoes like this any more!

I was so glad to come across these booties. My grandmother made them. Granny used to make these booties all the time....all of the grand kids had them. My brother recently asked if there were anymore left and I told him I didn't know. They were still stuffed with tissue and wrapped up in a little plastic bag so they didn't yellow at all...perfect condition!

I can't wait to give the to him!

accessorizing the bathroom

2009-02-17T16:18:00.005-05:00

Back in November I mentioned we were remodeling our bathroom. It was the original 60's/70's pink. It been done for about 2 months now but I've just started to add the little touches. In other words, to me, the fun stuff. Above, is the shower curtain I purchased from Target. I bought it way before we got started. It wasn't at all what I had wanted and thought It would be fine to hold me over until I found the "perfect" shower curtain. But I have to admit...it grew on me. So I think I'll keep it for now!

I am going to admit right now that yes, I am a pack rat, hoarder, ebayaholic, collector of all things. But you would never know it. It's all in my attic. I can go up into my attic and shop around as if I were at an antique shop or tag sale. Sometimes I feel guilty for making a purchase that I know I have absolutely no use for...at the moment that is. But I know that one day, I will indeed need it. So I am happy to say that everything I used in my bathroom, I "purchased" from my attic.

I used to keep my perfume bottle collection in the bathroom. I don't think I will this time so for now, they are in, where else, the attic! But this little Shalimar bottle I recently purchased on Etsy and am in love with it!

I bought this old sampler years and years ago. Actually forgot I even had it. I just love the details in not only the cross stitching but the frame.

Some old milk glass face cream jars.

Light fixture is from Lowes. I don't know how to take a good picture of a light bulb, but I think you get the picture!

The bathroom still isn't complete. When it is, I will be sure to share more pictures with you!

Happy {heart} Day

2009-02-14T22:26:00.001-05:00

some valentine pretties

2009-02-12T20:01:00.002-05:00

I have so much I've been wanting to post lately but after I thought we were finally done with viruses, strep throats, fevers, etc, etc...I think round two has begun. My youngest had that lovely stomach bug this week and right now I am not feeling to hot myself! But onto Valentines Day and some pretty pictures from..."around the house". I am starting to realize that I use that phrase a lot in my posts!This picture below doesn't show the basket to well but it's an old champagne basket from France. Has lots of neat french stenciling on the inside and out. I made this little heart for myself using some goodies from one of Julie's sweet kits.

I LOVE this milagro so, so much! I was lucky enough to get it from this super talented girlie. The picture does not do it justice! It is so sparkly and yummy...I will never put it away!And last but not least...I received a comment on my last post from Julie. She liked my matchboxes, which by the way, thanks so much for all of your nice comments on them. I have had a few requests asking if I was going to be selling them in my shop. I had so much fun making them, that I think I just might and will let you know when I do. But back to Julie...We decided to have a little swap and this is what she made for me...

...some magnets and this great little journal. Her blog is here...check it out and also check out her Etsy shop. She not only sweet but also so talented! My favorite combination!

Well, time to go. I have some cupcakes that are patiently waiting to be iced and decorated for school parties tomorrow!

Swap #2

2009-02-06T09:45:00.003-05:00

Here are my boxes for Heathers matchbox swap. For the most part, I made them the same but embellished them each with a different old earring to personalize them a bit.

Then made each one a name tag with some millinery and ribbon. Hope they like 'em!

2009-02-04T12:56:00.006-05:00

Like so many of you out there, I too am a total Pam Garrison wanna-be! When I saw this post I knew I could make this garland immediately because if you have kids, you always have cupcake/muffin cups in the house.

We had a mini blizzard here yesterday, as you can see.......so it was a good day to be inside playing, but the lighting wasn't too good!

I think it looks pretty festive! The only thing I did differently was I added on some mercury glass beads at the ends. Now I'm wishing I added them were you knot the string on either side of the cups...next time!
Thanks Pam!

vintage floral china

2009-02-02T12:51:00.003-05:00

I started collecting china plates hoping to one day do one of those large cluster displays on a wall somewhere. Maybe over my bed or loved the idea of putting them in a bathroom. Well, I just unpacked the boxes they were in from when I moved into this house FIVE years ago!

We recently remodeled our bathroom and I was hoping to find some that would match well in there. Well, I don't think so. They are all just a little to pink for what I had in mind. But aren't they pretty!

These pink dishes were my moms. She had a HUGE lustre ware collection.

I love these old trivets too!

Thanks for letting me share some of my old china with you. Now it's time to pack it all back up again until I can find some wall space somewhere else!

blahhhhhhhhhhh!

2009-01-30T09:13:00.002-05:00

I think these pictures will speak for themselves! Myself...strep throat and sinus infection. The boys...Viruses. If you were to come in my house right now, I would suggest a gas mask!
To top it off, this is the week, 8 years ago, I lost my mom and it still feels like yesterday. So....To say the least, I am looking forward to a new week!

millinery and a fire

2009-01-23T16:10:00.004-05:00

Isn't this rose lovely!!!??? It was on an old hat (obviously) but I never wanted to pull the hat apart in fear that some of these beauties would rip so I just left it alone. But after reading Heathers post the other day, I decided to take out my millinery flowers and play around a bit. I thought her idea about steaming the flowers would work well also for loosening up the glue and get them off the hats easier. I always used a hair dryer and it worked okay but not that great. So I started steaming these roses off the hat they've been on for so long and I have to say, it does work great! But what I wasn't paying attention to, as I was dangling the hat over my kettle, was the part of the hat that was getting awfully close to the flame and suddenly...poof! My hat caught on fire. Thank goodness my kitchen is small because I was able to get it into the sink rather quick. All I managed to get off this $35 hat were some of the above roses...that are now in my shop by the way. They really are pretty though! The rest of these flowers I've added to my shop as well.
On my next post I will share some of my favorites...In the meantime...steam with caution!

***Oh...just one more note...Don't steam your flowers or hats after a fresh manicure...no good!***

a swap actually finished on time!

2009-01-17T18:02:00.005-05:00

Pinch me! Did I actually finish a swap on time? I have to admit...I was a little worried since we had to make 16 pages for Dede's swap but I did it! I really enjoyed it too! While working on it, all I kept thinking about was making a journal for myself which I am hoping to do within the next few weeks. But here are some pic's of some of my favorite pages!

You can see more here!

I also got some Valentine items listed in my shop today including some more vintage wallpaper stickers...

These mercury glass ornaments I was going to save for next Christmas but they are so pretty and can still be used for Valentines Day...or any day!

These little velvet hearts I just love. I bought some for myself at an antique shop last year and never put them away. When I went back last week she had them again. The woman at the shop said she buys them from a woman in Pennsylvania who makes them. I'm including a little burlap bag if you want to give them as a gift.

That's all for now folks!

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend...It's FREEZING here!!!!

so much inspiration!

2009-01-15T13:27:00.003-05:00

Never in a million years did I think I would be in Somerset Life! Many times I've thought of submitting something but at the last minute would back out due to insecurity. When I received an email from Jenny Doh, back in October, I was in utter shock!!!! I was shocked in general but even more shocked because the ATC's that she asked me about were the last thing I ever thought she would want! And an article!!?? I haven't written anything like this since I was in college. I am not only pleased with the way it came out but I am proud of myself to be a part of a magazine, or anything for that matter, that is associated with such talent! This picture is the original that I posted about the ATC swap I was in. I have to admit, after I took this picture and sent them off, I never gave them much thought. After reading so many blog posts this past year about having your work published, I could only imagine how it must have felt. Now I know and boy, it feels good! Now, is it me or does there seem to be an abundance of inspiration in blogland since the new year began? Everywhere I look...It's just wonderful!

My first swap for 2009 is this one... Dede Warren's Vintage Valentine journal swap. Here is a preview of mine so far...

It's due next week and I'm only about half way done. I'll show more when it's complete.

Also there is Heather's matchbox swap. This is right up my alley!
And look...even more inspiration!

What blogs, swaps, tutorials are inspiring you? I would love to know!

a new year and some new ideas

2009-01-06T12:57:00.005-05:00

In my last post I wrote about our trip into the city. What I didn't mention was yet another trip to Tinsel Trading. It's becoming a routine...when we go into the city, before we do anything else, mommy has to hit TT. Thank goodness no one minds! My four men wait patiently, parked outside, while listening to U2 or The Red Hot Chili Peppers and it keeps them happy while I go exploring.I try to never buy anything "new". Whenever I make something I try to keep most of my elements vintage. Very little "new". Aren't these silver leaves neat? And the little hearts...I cant wait to use them on some Valentine's Day projects I have in mind.Speaking of projects...Ever since I left Tinsel Trading that day, my head has been spinning with so many ideas and projects I want to get started on. I love using strands and strands of vintage mercury glass beads on my Christmas tree. I used to be crushed when sometimes and old strand, that was barely hanging on anyway, would break and the beads would roll all over the floor. Now I welcome it. I love using the beads. Unfortunately though, this year, they all stayed in tact. But as I was pulling them off the tree last week I purposely left some out that I thought were ready for a new life.
But I've also been thinking about how lucky we are to have Etsy now! How lucky we are to have these wonderful, creative artists willing to sell their work so we can add it to our work. It's like a chain of creativity. I wanted to share some of the items I have been getting from Etsy that I can't wait to use in my own projects. Ellen, from One Ripe Peach will go down as one of my favorite sellers! She had tons of mercury glass beads throughout Christmas and just look at this yummy paper with flocked polka dots!
And I know that everyone knows Marilyn from MemrieMare. This card of seam binding is just too pretty to use!

And her stars!!!!!! Just look at how they've started to tarnish!!!

These stars just came in the mail yesterday....Like little works of art!

So here is to a new year with lots of new projects and ideas!

Now I am going to make some pea soup!

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T16:01:00.003-05:00

Well hello everyone! What a week!!! These slippers haven't left my feet since Christmas and I am loving every minute of it! Every year I say the same thing to myself..."I am going to finish my shopping, baking and wrapping early and just enjoy the holiday!" And every year it's the same thing...I go non-stop until about 5 minutes before everyone gets here on Christmas Eve. It's all worth it, of course, but I just wish there was more time. But I have to admit that I've enjoyed this week after Christmas more than I ever have. We haven't done much of anything except lounge around in our Pj's and enjoy all of the snow we've been having!I've even had the pleasure of listening to the future Jonas Brothers playing on their new guitars!On Tuesday we ventured into the city. I've never been to Times Square for New Years Eve but at least now I can say that I've been on New Years Eve-Eve!It was neat to see them setting up and rehearsing!

The "2009" was in place getting ready for the ball to drop.

So with that, I want to wish all of you, my blog friends and families, a Happy and Healthy 2009!!!!!

You have to try this!

2008-12-24T07:35:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine just sent me this website! Isn't this neat!? Now we can have proof that Santa really does exists!

2008-12-23T08:16:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! Well, I am assuming that you all have been as busy as me these past few days. On Friday, Santa brought my youngest son home on the bus... We've been busy baking......wrapping......and getting the crabs ready to go into tomorrows sauce...YUM!I really need to get back to work, there is still so much to do....

Oh...and here is a little Christmas gift to myself from here.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!!!!!!

Heather's Pretty Little Christmas

2008-12-15T09:49:00.003-05:00

Today is Heather's Christmas blog party and I am sorry to say that I am not done with my decorating. I am hoping to finish up by today so please check back this week for more. But so far I can share these with you ....

This weekend while going way, way out to the east end of Long Island to get our tree, by accident we came across a fabulous antique shop. Probably one of the nicest I've ever been to. The owner wasn't in but she made these neat little wreaths out of old fire hoses. Isn't it great!?

And, while putting the lights on the tree last night, noticed a little surprise left inside. A perfect little nest. For now, I am leaving it in the tree. But I plan on saving it!

This candle is one of many things I bought from Danielle on Friday.

That's all for now folks. Come back soon!

The Vintage Dragonfly's Gift Faire

2008-12-12T21:24:00.003-05:00

Well, it was just as wonderful as I thought it would be! This morning I went to Danielle's Holiday Gift Faire at her beautiful (and I mean b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!) home! The above picture is of Danielle and her mother (who is also quite crafty herself!). They were both so warm and welcoming!

Before I left this morning, I received an email from Cris asking me what time I was going so that we could meet. What a sweetheart! I also finally got to meet Meleen. We've been in touch over the past year when we found out we both lived on Long Island but have never met. She was wonderful to talk to and I felt like I've always known her! Both Cris and Meleen shared some stories with me about Silver Bella...an extra treat!

Look at who you were greeted by as you walked in the front door.

All over Danielle's house were her handmade treats. I was blown away at how hard and long she and her mom must have worked on all of this. I knew she was talented from reading her blog but to see her creations up close and in person...she is unbelievably talented. I envy her attention to detail, perfection and creativeness!!!This corner of her living room I just loved. I think it was just the simplicity of this hat hanging on the door of this old armoire that made it so darling!

Isn't this to die for!!????The vignettes around her home are breathtaking!

Danielle was also kind enough to share with us her not one, but two studios. If you can, please check out her inspiring blog to see more of her lovely home and talent.

Next, I'll share some of Danielle's and her mom's creations that I am lucky to now have in my own home!!!!

2008-12-11T23:10:00.002-05:00

Oh my gosh...I've been so caught up in decorating (yes, I just started decorating today!) that I almost forgot to draw a winner. It's almost 11:30 pm here on the east coast so I just made it. So on to the winner....Monica from Home is Where Your Heart Is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Monica and I am so happy that I will be able to send this to her all the way in Japan...Congrats girlie!!!!!

I really have to get back to my Christmas decorating...I plan on having the majority of it done tonight so I have lots of time to do this tomorrow....

I'll take lots of pictures!

100th Post and a GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2008-12-06T15:23:00.004-05:00

Okay ladies, I have a lot to post about today! Yesterday we took the kids and my dad to see Wintuk. As amazing and entertaining as the show was, nothing could beat how at the end of the show, it snowed...and snowed and snowed! We are still pulling paper snowflakes out of our clothes!

After the show, late last night, I came home to find that my Etsy shop was featured on Vintage Indie! What a nice surprise after a fun day and also realizing that my next post would be my 100Th post!!! Being that this is my 100Th post and in October was my one year blogiversary, I have to say that this past year has introduced me to so many new and wonderful things. I never thought this was going to be such a fun, addicting, rewarding experience. I never thought that I would have friends, not only across the country but around the world. I never thought I would be getting back into my artwork and actually have it published on a website or other places (*wink, wink...that will be another post!). So I would just like to say thank you...to ALL of you for supporting me, my blog and my shop...THANK YOU! XOXO On to other things...Aren't these little pink ornaments too cute. They are teeny and pink!!!! I love how they come in their original little box too! Just haven't decided whether or not I want to keep them, sell them or use them in a project.

Also, I've had these Santa boots since last year. I love old or new Santa boots. These are great because they are big and be embellished and filled up with all kinds of goodies.

I hit the mother load with these little vintage mercury glass picks. They are new old stock and are smaller than your usual picks and that just makes them so adorable!

These chenille candy canes I make every year. They are short and chunky. I've aged them and dusted them with mica flakes. Really cute tied onto a package!

All available right here!

Last but not least, my 100th post giveaway! This old pink Christmas corsage!

Look at the little bells and gold balls!

Leave a comment and I will announce a winner by Thursday!

My new favorite corner!

2008-12-01T20:32:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I bought these old canisters from an antique shop. I love their worn, creamy coloring. My kitchen is very small so I will take any extra storage I can get! This frame I purchased at a flea market in the city on Mother's Day. When I bought it, I knew that I wanted to put one of my old dishes in the middle of it...preferably an ironstone piece. For some reason, I just can't put an actual picture inside on old frame...I don't know why. Maybe it's because, to me, it takes away the beauty of the frame itself. Anyway...the little bundle of millinery I received as part of my "Sweet and Sinister" Halloween swap back in October. I am in love with how my partner combined not only the flowers but the color combination. It's "so me"!

This sign hangs over my stove.

For now, this is my new favorite corner of my kitchen, I think it's a yummy combination!!!!

2008-11-28T19:16:00.002-05:00

I have to apologize for the shameless shop plugs lately but since it's "black Friday" I can get away with it right? But really, Christmas, as usual, is sneaking up quickly and I still have so many items to list and make and then suddenly this happens...We've been planning on renovating our bathroom and when the contractor came to look at it, well, you usually expect them to say, "in a few weeks or months". This guy shocked us and was able to get to it right away. So now the house is in complete disarray...just in time for the holidays! So I figured I better get a move on it before I'm too consumed with decorating, shopping and baking.

I've been making these snowballs for the past few years as gifts and I keep a lot around the house in bowls with some greens tucked in. They are so Christmasy and really do look real!
I also bleached these old bottle brush trees and added some mercury glass beads and crystal glitter. After I was done I hated to give them up but a girl can only have so many bottle brush trees!

Well thanks for letting me plug my shop and I'll be back with some bathroom "afters" soon.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!!!

Christmas shop update

2008-11-23T16:24:00.005-05:00

I was on a creative Christmas roll yesterday. All day long, I couldn't stop and I was loving every minute of it! I have so much more to finish and alot of other ideas I would like to get started. I was going to have a special Christmas opening in my shop, but then realized that I had more than I realized. So I figured I better get started.
I had some loose beads and couldn't decide wether to sell them loose or make something out of them. So what I did was both... shape them into this heart but it can easily be taken apart for the beads to be used in other projects. The same with these vintage bells below. They are great together and can be hung from a door, but still, can easily be taken apart to be added onto a package, etc.

And of course some vintage wallpaper stickers in shades for Christmas!

I am also in the process of making some of these. Last year after Karla's Christmas party, I had alot of requests for them. They are a bit time consuming so I've gotten a jump on them for this year.

So stay tuned...there is more to come!

Me!

2008-11-21T10:42:00.002-05:00

After a few requests and knowing how I also wonder what the face behind the blog looks like, I did it! I took this crummy, blurry, off centered, self portrait of myself. But you get the idea! Really though, it has been so fun reading about and seeing so many pictures from Silver Bella! It has also been so nice to finally see some faces and think, "that's just what I pictured her to look like!" Is this how you pictured me to look like?

Family Heirlooms

2008-11-19T11:41:00.003-05:00

Last night I was going through some of my mother's jewelry and came across her charm bracelets. One silver and one gold. Both she had as a teenager but the gold one she added some charms to over the years. Including that little picture of me when I was four. A while back I had ordered some charms from Andrea planning to make a charm bracelet for myself one day. How lucky am I, that I can now add them onto my mothers old bracelet!!?? So I started thinking about old family pieces and wanted to share these pins. When I was little my Aunt and Granny started this collection for me. Antique baby pins. I used to just keep them in a box untill a few years ago when I found this neat frame. I knew it would be perfect for some of my pins. I cut out small pieces of styrofoam and wrapped them in silk...TAH DAH! I wore some of these growing up. My mother would pin them onto my shirt collars.

This little floral one is the only one I bought for myself. I found it in an antique shop while on my honeymoon in CapeCod.

Isn't it great when you still have these kind of things that you hold so dear to your heart? For me, it's always comforting to have these reminders of what a lucky girl I am to have had such a wonderful mother and childhood!

Reindeer for Sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-16T15:58:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that I have listed these neat little vintage reindeer today. They are being sold as a set of six and come in this little sack tied up with some boxwood. Enjoy!

My own Silver Bella

2008-11-14T09:47:00.002-05:00

Since almost everyone seems to be at Silver Bella and I am totally jealous, I am making it a point to get as much work done as possible and I'm enjoying every minute of it!

I'm just getting started on some Christmas projects...
...and found some really neat little reindeer! Hopefully in another week or two I'll have everything completed and listed in my shop.

But for now, all Bailey wants to do is lay on my keyboard so I'm going to leave him alone...how can I disturb that face?!

Happy Fall!

2008-11-11T14:27:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to get into Christmas mode so I thought that before I do, I would share some Fallish photos from around the house.

Isn't this basket neat!? I think that it used to be used as an old knitting basket. It's pretty big and what I love about it is that it's black!

This sour cream bottle is rare because the lettering is orange. Most milk or cream bottles are red.

I think that I posted this little orange basket last year. It's a small golf basket!

This round braided thing (I don't know what it's called) is on a tray on my dining room table. My grandmother made it. She used to make her own braided rugs so it's sort of a miniature version of that. The fabrics used in it were whatever textiles she had around the house an no longer needed..included some of my Grampy's old shirts!

That's about it for now. I am hoping that while all you lucky ladies are going to Silver Bella this week (and yes, I am jealous of each and every one of you!) I will be trying to catch up on some of my own crafts as well. I'm looking forward so some fun Christmas projects I have in mind!

FROU-FROU

2008-11-07T15:20:00.004-05:00

I was never really sure if frou-frou was technically a real word. Well, I looked it up and it is:

\ˈfrü-(ˌ)frü\

1: a rustling especially of a woman's skirts

2 : showy or frilly ornamentation

I am so not a frou-frou kinda girl so I really don't know what happened here. But I started making some of these rosettes and was having a lot of fun with it. I'm pretty tempted to put one on my denim jacket! I also found some neat little frou-frou snowballs that I think will look cute as bowl fillers for the holidays!

All listed here!
Happy Friday everyone!

Halloween!

2008-11-03T22:44:00.002-05:00

Hope you all had a fun Halloween! We sure did! Although my boys have been drinking more medication than candy! I guess it's that time of year when colds, ear infections and asthma attacks begin...even had to make a trip to the emergency room last week. But I think that we now have things under control (I'm knocking on wood right now!).The Hulk wouldn't take his costume off all weekend...even slept in it!

We are very lucky to have a witch in our neighborhood! This wonderful woman gets on her roof every year and sprays the kiddos with silly string and throws candy and some other goodies down for them. So great!

A few weeks ago, my boys asked why I don't decorate for Halloween. I said, "Of course I do!" and my oldest responded, "you just decorate with a bunch of leaves a pumpkins...we mean scary decorations." So we all agreed to put a graveyard on the front lawn. I don't think I've ever seen them so happy...I mean really happy! I think my problem, even after all these years, is that I have to stop thinking like a girl and start thinking more like a boy!

What's another collection?????

2008-10-28T18:37:00.006-04:00

Every once in a while I like to post about something I like to collect...Today it's vintage transferware. The only difference is that this is a new collection and I only have a few pieces. But with even just a few pieces, I think that for the Fall, it's just enough to blend in beautifully with my ironstone!

This tureen I just adopted this weekend at a little antique show. $16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!!!!

What I am loving about this platter is that there is a little lip around that rectangle in the middle. It probably had a cover once but I think it will be perfect for some hors d'ouvres on Thanksgiving!

Aren't butter pats sweet!?

Even going pee-pee must have been pleasant in this chamber pot! (Hmmmm...Now I am just realizing that someone really did use this at one time!)

Last but not least, a big 'ole turkey platter!

I didn't even know that my one year blogiversay was October 15th so check back...I may just have to have some kind of giveaway!

2008-10-28T18:36:00.000-04:00

What do ya think of this?

2008-10-18T18:22:00.005-04:00

What do you think of this wanna be millinery flower I made today? I know it's not something that hasn't been done before, but I had all of these supplies out today and have been wanting to make some kind of flower. It was also an excuse you use this sheer dotted swiss that I've been dieing to play with and also just happens to be listed in my shop ;). But honestly, it really is such a pretty off-white dotted swiss with such yummy flocked dots!

Also made some of these too!
I stopped at a tag sale today that had tons and tons of sewing stuff. I was in a rush and didn't have as much time as I would have liked to sift through it all. She had this neat old plush trim in white and pink. I thought it was blanket trim but the packaging says it's for "girdles, corsets and brassieres"....ooh la, la!

Hope you are all having a nice weekend...so far!

hello friends

2008-10-15T20:22:00.003-04:00

Hello Friends...Tonight is the first time I've been on my computer since last week. For me, that must mean that I am practically on my deathbed and until today, that is how I've felt! I have a new found respect for those of you who have suffered from sinus infections! I've never had, therefore, had no idea how miserable that it can make you. Today, I feel somewhat better and decided to finally plant my mums and kale outside....yes, I am behind. I am now exhausted and need some rest so that tomorrow I can hopefully finish. So in the meantime, before I start posting Fall photos, here are some pretty "pink" pictures from around the house!

the cabinet my daddy made me

2008-10-09T22:16:00.000-04:00

I think that I may have mentioned before that my father makes furniture. Not by trade but by hobby. Self taught I might add! When I was little every Christmas he made me a gift. One year a stove, oven and sink another year a refrigerator. Also a dollhouse that had more detail and better mouldings than my house does now! When I got a little older, he made me a desk and as a teenager, a dressing table. Now that I have my own home he makes me furniture. When I am looking for a certain piece, I always shop around first. Usually I have something in mind that just seems impossible to find and that is when I ask Daddy! What I wanted was a piece of furniture to go under the TV in my den. But most of the cabinets I found were too short. I wanted something along the lines of a buffet or sideboard. The other detail that was just impossible to find was a place for the cable box and video games that wasn't closed behind a door. This is what we came up with. He makes the furniture and my hubby and I finish it. The first photo was taken when my husband was sanding it. He painted the base and stained the top. He sealed it with the same finish that he used on our butcher block. This den is for our boys and everything in it needs to be tough!

Friends and family are always asking how I finish my furniture so I thought I would do a little tutorial. I like to make my furniture look warn but hate it when it looks obvious that you've tried. To me, there is more to it than sanding off a little paint. What I do is take a scraper and rub it along the edges. Even dig it into a few places. I make sure to get into any grooves. the pic below shows that but I now realize it's a little hard to see. Here is a close up of the sanding and scraping.

I dip a sponge brush into some stain and push into the corners and creases.I let it drip down so it gets into the grooves.Then pat it and rub some off with a rag until I'm happy with it. If you let it seep into the grooves it just makes it appear older and dirtier. In this spot I just tapped it with the sponge a bit.
Ta-Da!

Aren't I lucky to have such a talented father? On top if that, I have a husband that doesn't mind painting. What more can a girl want!!??

I am so exctied about this....

2008-10-04T11:28:00.004-04:00

I am so happy to announce that Danielle from the Vintage Dragonfly is hosting this... this handmade holiday gift faire will be held at my home in long island, new york.
december 12th and 13th
10 am - 4 pm

we are very excited to be preparing for this event...please stop by if you can!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you have a chance to stop by her blog you will see why this is going to be wonderful. And for me...It's only about a 20 minute ride from my house! So if anyone is interested in coming with me or meeting up, we can make a really fun day out of it! Let me know...

fun with fall in the shop

2008-10-02T16:22:00.003-04:00

I wanted to share some of the fun things I've been working on for my shop. Some of it, well most of it, is gone already but I will be making more each day. I just thought all the pictures looked so pretty and "Fallish" together!

cards

2008-09-23T17:09:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to share these cards that I just made and will be listing in my shop hopefully tonight. I am having such fun with them but unfortunately ran out of time due to football practice. Oh how I wish they had outlets at football fields!

The Newest Rage in Window Treatments!

2008-09-22T19:15:00.003-04:00

I was going through some photos and forgot that I had taken this picture on our way into Manhattan one day during the summer. Looks like they even added a tieback to the front window!

Now don't you all start rummaging through your stashes of pretty fabrics and trims! ;)

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

2008-09-19T11:05:00.004-04:00

Today is my sweet nieces 1st Birthday!!!!! The party isn't until Sunday but in the meantime I wanted to share some of the favors that I made. We weren't sure about a theme until my sister-in-law showed me her pretty pink dress. She added a brown and white polka dot sash to it and that got us going on a pink and brown theme. I made these nut cups and filled them with these...

My pal Ellen had these cards in her Etsy shop and I fell in love with them because the little girl in the picture resembles Natalia!
I also just went up into my attic and unpacked this little child's mug. My Aunt gave it to me when I was little and now I am passing it on to my niece.
Now I'm off to see my sweet girl and bring her some birthday flowers (even though I know she doesn't have a clue!).

The last day...

2008-09-03T07:29:00.003-04:00

In about 3 hours I will be taking this little guy to his Kindergarten orientation. At this time tomorrow I will be waking him up to go to his first day of school....my first day of being all alone in 9 years! I was never one to rush my kids back off to school during vacations, but by the end of this one, I was done, they were done...we were all done!!! It's officially time to get back to some sort of schedule and routine. But this morning I woke up feeling incredibly guilty. Did I yell too much? Did I do enough with them? Will they remember this summer vacation with fond memories? As exciting it is to get a piece of myself back, I am afraid it's all gone just way too fast! I thought I had so much time before the day came that all three of them would be in school all day... and now it's here. The house is going to be so quiet. Even though when 3:30 comes around it will be complete chaos...it's just going to be so darn quiet all day.

Well, before I zap out the keyboard with my tears, I thought I would share some pictures of where we spent most of our summer vacation...my backyard!

millinery

2008-08-22T22:41:00.004-04:00

I am on an organizing kick right now. Whenever we are approaching a big change in our lives (in our house anyway) I go into an organizing frenzy and right now it's "before the kids go back to school, let's get organized!" frenzy. I get like this around the holidays too! The boys all go to school in just under two weeks and I have to get closets, etc. organized or I just don't feel right. I am not lucky enough to have a studio or really anywhere to keep all my crafting supplies so it's stored in different areas of the house. I never really see it all at one time. Well tonight I came across all of my millinery flowers at one time and it's officially out of hand. I didn't realize just how much of it I had. I also have tons of lace and I don't know why because I don't like lace! I know some of you are gasping right about now. I wish I knew why it bothers me so but it just does and in the meantime I've accumulated lots of it. I've starting listing some really pretty pink millinery in my store tonight. I have lots more and am hoping to get some more put together in some packs maybe by tomorrow night.
So if you are looking for some millinery....you know where I'll be!

Jackpot!!!!

2008-08-16T13:17:00.006-04:00

I had to take my youngest to football orientation this morning and on the way home stopped at a barn sale near my house. It an okay sale that I remembered going to last summer and nothing appealed to me much except for some ironstone pieces that were just way out of my budget. Well one year later the piece that I wanted and couldn't afford was there...again, but this time marked down to $15!!!!!!! This tureen is huge too and ohhh the details!!!!! I know that I am probably boring you all with my ironstone posts but it is my most favorite collection and when I find a piece, such as this, I have to tell the world!!!! This little cutie my aunt gave me a few months ago. I assume it's either a child's piece or a salesman's sample.

This is definitely a child's piece!!!!One big happy ironstone family!!!!I also wanted to share with you what Cari from CariKraft made for me. When I saw it I fell in love with it. Something about it just reminded me of me and my husband!
I think maybe it was the saying because I still love holding hands with him...

...and plan to for the next 50 years...at least!
Thanks Cari!!!

e-stationery

2008-08-11T22:41:00.004-04:00

Have you ever seen this before? It is e-stationery from a website called Iomoi. They have some of the prettiest e-stationery I've ever seen!!!! There is a membership fee but, there are a few free ones to choose from. Check it out...

I'm a basket case!!!!!

2008-08-10T13:57:00.006-04:00

Have you ever looked around the house and you know that you have alot of something? Then you really start to look around the house and realize you have way too many of that something and that you may have a problem!!?? I have baskets EVERYWHERE!!!! It all started with one of the baskets in the picture below. The picnic basket on the bottom left was my grandmothers first. Then my mother had it and always used to take it to the beach when we were kids. Living on Long Island we spent almost every weekend at the beach during the summer and I have such fond memories of my mother packing it and bringing with us. A few years ago I found it in my parents shed and that started my collection of picnic baskets. These three sit on top of a shelf in my dining room.Below that shelf these three are stacked on the floor. The one on top was hard to find but I wanted a teeny one and finally found it on Ebay.
Isn't the little latch neat?

These baskets are stacked on top of an armoire in my bedroom.

In my boys rooms I use baskets alot for storage.

An old wire basket for books

An old locker basket for Baseballs

In the mudroom we keep this basket by the backdoor. With three boys in an out all day, they keep their flip-flops and sandals in here.

More baskets under the mudroom bench filled with football and soccer equipment.

I even have this tray basket to keep my mail and paper work in for the week.

Oh I could keep showing you baskets but you know, with a small home, I think that they are such a great way to store things and still look neat and pretty!

Just some pretties

2008-08-05T10:11:00.003-04:00

Well hi there!!! Wanted to post some pretty pictures as I run out the door. It seems like I am always running out the door these days. But anyway, my flowers in the yard are doing great since it rained non-stop last week! My hydrangea bushes are completely out of control this year. I've been cutting them every week and it's been wonderful having bouquets of hydrangeas everywhere. But they're life has come to an end now so by this time every year I put them in a few baskets here and there until they dry out.
Isn't this seashell brooch just too pretty!!!??? Found it at a garage sale the other day. Now I'm just debating to sell or not to sell. Lately, everything I see I want to stick on one of the little notebooks that I've been making...hmmmm....

Just like these beautiful old millinery flowers that are on this hat! I want to put them on some journals so badly but these little suckers are giving me a hard time coming off.
pretty huh!?
Well it's 10:30 am and my boys are still sleeping. They all have appointments for physicals in one hour. I think exhaustion has finally caught up to them!!!! We spent the day yesterday at a water park here on Long Island and tomorrow we're off to Englishtown, NJ to watch drag racing and monster trucks!!!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Finally...A swap

2008-07-27T15:35:00.009-04:00

Finally, a swap!!!! I was starting to have swap withdrawals! I haven't had the time for one anyway but this one came just in time for me. What's even better about this one is that there will be guest artists and more. Isn't it crazy that I am already thinking about Halloween and what I can make. My boys are already discussing costumes. I hate to rush time but you know it will be here before we know it!I am also super excited about Sadie Lou's new venture..."Lolli Shops". I filled out my application and it was accepted and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us!!!!

Today has been a very strange day. It's been raining since about 10 this morning and dark...so dark that it feels like 8 at night. The thunder hasn't stopped for hours...a great day to stay in. In fact I promised myself that I was going to get alot of work done this weekend and for the most part I am happy to say that I have! I made this little journal the other night and am just in love with it!

I started to fool around with some filters, etc and made it look like this. One of my goals when all the kiddies go back to school is to learn more about photography and photoshop. I am ashamed to say that my husband a photographer and I've never taken advantage of him to teach me...I was never really interested. All I ever took pictures of were the kids. Now I am realizing how much fun it is!

Some more fun things I got to listing in the shop today.
Right now I want to take full of advantage of this dreary storm, curl up on the couch with my boys and watch a movie! Enjoy what's left of your weekend!!!!

Shop update

2008-07-18T19:44:00.003-04:00

I am finally getting my shop updated. But I just have to ask... how do you ladies do it? I thought that with the summer coming I was going to have all kinds of time to do what I love...creating and getting all the ideas that are swimming in my head out. I thought that when school was ending that this was going to be great...while the boys are outside playing, I can get to work on all the ideas and things that I have been wanting to do all year long. What was I thinking???!!! Sounded alot easier in my head! I haven't had time for any kind of creativity. I am amazed at how much some of you get done! Between posting, creating, selling items on Etsy and it seems that in blogland everyone is pretty family oriented. For the most part, I think I am organized and stay on top of things around the house. I try to spend some time during the day doing at least something together with the kids. I believe in making dinner and eating together almost every night of the week. How do I squeeze in anything else? Not to mention all the other things in between. So what I want to know is how you other girls manage your time? Especially those of you with small children. Do you pick a certain day or time of the day that you do your errands, housework, art work, etc. etc.? I am curious and would love some advice because, I have to admit, it felt great to get knee deep in papers, glue, ribbons, and millinery today!!!

Summer is flying by already!

2008-07-10T08:13:00.010-04:00

Wow! Am I actually sitting down trying to post? It seems that since the 4th of July we have been going non-stop! If I even had the time to sit down at my computer it wouldn't matter anyway because we have been having tons of some really annoying software problems. But that's boring! On to other things!

July is a super, super busy month for us! My husbands birthday, our 11th wedding anniversary and my biggest little guy turned nine on Tuesday...nine...I can't believe that I have a nine-year-old!

For our anniversary there is only one place we always go and that is Manhattan! Actually Brooklyn first to a great Thai restaurant called "Sea".

If you love Thai food and live in NY...GO!!!!! Great atmosphere and was used in a "Sex in the City" episode!

After dinner drove into the city and went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. When my husband and I worked in the city BC (before children), we used to go to the rooftop garden on Friday nights. The views of Manhattan and Central Park are breathtaking. Plus, there is always a sculpture exhibit from the Department of Modern Art. Even better....Martini bar!

Our last stop is always to Cafe Lalo for desert...a great little European Cafe!

About 15 years ago a friend of ours brought us here and we never leave the city without stopping for desert. If you've ever seen "You've Got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, it's where they filmed the scene that they met for the first time. The trees that line the sidewalk on the outside are completely covered in little yellow lights...so neat!!!!

We also went into the city last week with the boys. We've been wanting to do this with them for a while now and the last time we were in, just missed it. If you are ever visiting Manhattan and want to do something really fun try going on The Beast!

A 30 minute speed boat ride to downtown Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero. Be prepared to get a little wet but such a blast!!!!
After The Beast we went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (yes, twice in one week) where they had this exhibit...
Lots of fun! We got to see actual superhero costumes from the actual movies. Including Ironman, Superman, Wonder Woman and much more. After that the boys wanted to see some Knights and swords and typical boy things. I, on the other hand, went to the European Decorative Arts collection where I love to look at the furniture. Especially anything belonging to Marie Antoinette!
Now for some blogging news!I received this one from my friend Jenny at Fated Follies Studios. It is called the Arte y Pico award. It's is Spanish and I'm not exactly sure what it means, but I believe its about recognizing your 5 most favorite and inspiring crafty blogs. I want to acknowledge some old and new favorites.

1. Sarah~Vintage Lily....I love Sarah....Such a sweetheart and somehow she reminds me alot of myself!

2. Suzanne~Pink Roses...I love that Suzanne posts just about everyday and as a mother, love her stories about her relationships with her teenage children!

And some recently discovered blogs that I am lovin'...

3. Alice~Romantic Thoughts...Her blog is so "romantic" and soothing and besides, she is a fellow New Yorker!

4. Crystal~Vintage by Crystal...You just have to see her blog for yourself to see how talented she is!

5. Andrea~Vintage Paper Bella...Andrea's loves Shabby Chic so how can you not love her pretty blog!!??

Okay ladies...now you have to forward the award onto 5 more and so on and so on....

Phew...This post has taken me forever to finish. As I am writing my computer keeps shutting down. So frustrating! But the kiddos are up and so is my time!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

2008-07-10T08:13:00.001-04:00

4Th of July

2008-07-03T07:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Fireworks Day everyone!!!!!!

more mini notebooks

2008-07-01T16:45:00.003-04:00

Just added some of these new little journals to my shop. I can't tell you how much I love making these...the possibilities are just endless. This time I've tucked a few surprises here and there. But right I have some hungry boys waiting for me to make them some dinner...Let me know what you think!

Cape May

2008-06-29T15:27:00.005-04:00

I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post. I actually forgot my password while signing into Blogger. Anyway, we had our first mini vacation of the summer. Early Friday morning my dad, myself, kids and my brother and his family drove down to Cape May, New Jersey. Such a quaint little seaside town! The only bummer was that my husband was on a last minute business trip all week and couldn't make it. Saturday we went to Atlantic City. I don't gamble but it was alot of fun anyway. Such excitement all around. The beach, boardwalk and a great little carnival that was on the boardwalk. The weather all weekend was so odd though. Hot and sunny one minute and then rain and hail the next...and then it was sunny again...didn't matter though, we had a lot of fun! I went to a great little antique shop in Cape May. It was small but so many goodies in that little shop, I could have spent hours in there. I found this sweet teeny tiny little baby doll bracelet...will have to make something cute with that! I also got my mitts on a big box of old greeting cards for $10. I'm usually pretty picky with vintage cards because I have to LOVE the graphics. Most of these are great with great details! These baby cards have such pretty netting on them!

Some had great roses with glitter on them and they are in perfect condition too! I'm tempted to cut some of them and make new cards out of them but before I do, I am going to make some color copies.
I love, love, love collecting old buckles. These I had but while in NJ I found the tiniest two buckles...I don't even know if this picture really shows just how tiny they are but believe me...teeny, like the size of my pinky nail teeny!
This little doll has nothing to do with anything except that it was mine when I was little. It was still at my parents house and I just took her home with me the other day. Isn't she a cutie?!

Random Pretty Things

2008-06-20T16:25:00.002-04:00

Right now, I really have no business being on this computer! Lately, life is flying by and I hate that! I can and cannot wait for school to be over. I always find that during the last few weeks of school, they seem to cram everything in...field trips, school parties, "special friends day", etc, etc. In between all of this I am trying to squeeze as much (non-kid things) in as possible!

My youngest graduated from pre-school last Friday. On Wednesday, as I picked him up and was walking to the car, it hit me! I started crying like a baby! All I kept thinking was that this is the last time that I will ever be picking one of my boys up from pre-school. In September they are all gone...all day. It's going to be a big adjustment for me.

But anyway, I've had some of these pretty pictures in my camera and thought that while you listen to me whine, I can at least leave you with some pretty pictures!

I found these great old spools at an antique shop the other day (one of the "non-kid" things I was doing). That afternoon I received a package with some things I ordered from Andrea. These absolutely gorgeous ribbons were part of my order. So I put the old spools to use! But I cannot wait to use these beautiful ruffled ribbons on some projects I have in mind.

That's all folks!

I am going to New Jersey tomorrow to visit my cousin. I can't wait! He's a great cook and is so much fun to be around. My aunt is also coming for the visit which is an extra treat for me. I am going to do some baking now and am trying a new recipe...wish me luck!

"Green"

2008-06-11T09:32:00.005-04:00

This week Sara's challenge is "green". Who doesn't love green!!???

Oh my god...I think you can actually see the dust on these two tables...

One of my favorite postcards...Memories...so important!

This old sign actually says "fleamarket"

A few years ago I was antiquing with my aunt and found this little old block. I was so excited because I thought it said Mom. I showed it to my aunt and she pointed out to me that it was an upper and lower case "M". But we both agreed "who cares, it looks like mom to me!"

yeah, yeah...I snuck in a wedding photo... but it is in green frame!

My little guy had his cast taken off yesterday and his pins removed. I have a new found respect for people with casts. I took the boys to a fair on Saturday and didn't know that you can't go on the rides with a cast on. Poor kid! But I have to say that he never complained about it once...not once. My husband and I were so impressed. He has to go for therapy two times a week for the next few weeks but I'm just happy it's off since it's been 95 degrees here! But just FYI...If your kid ever gets a cast removed...hold your nose!

I'm not staying on today...My youngest son's last day of pre-k is today (he graduates on Friday) so those 2 1/2 hours are basically my last moments of freedom until September. I'm getting a much needed pedicure!

Have a nice day!