Holly's...Haven

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

"Maybe Christmas,"

he thought

"doesn't come from a store.

Maybe Christmas...

perhaps...

means a little bit more."

-Dr. Suess

Merry Christmas!!!

Thankful For.....

2011-11-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

This is what I am truly thankful for!! My amazing family!!

(that and a bestie who is an incredible professional photographer. :))

I decided that I would be diligent about getting annual family photos as I watch my kiddos grow

up far far too fast. After last years success with Jen taking gorgeous family pictures, I

decided that I just had to make her work her magic again!

Well,... she did it!!.....Again!!!

THANK YOU JEN!!!!

I just love them!!

You really captured my children's personalities, which can be nearly impossible.

(Especially when they are in front of the camera. ;) )

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Your MAD TALENT just runneth over!!

Now,... how to make choices for a Christmas card?????

Such Talent...

2011-10-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

My littlest and I attended a birthday party the other day for her "bestie".

She was turning the big '3'!!

So her mom (my bestie) got out the camera and just started taking snap shots...

they were all

BEAUTIFUL!!!

Given... her mom is a professional photographer...

BUT STILL!!

I feel like I should have paid a sitting fee. These are just a few

of the amazing photos that she sent me.

Thank you Jen for these...they are truly a gift!!

The darling Birthday girl.

Easy as pie...

2011-10-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

My son made an acrylic painting a few years back and titled it "Zero Gravity".

I thought it was so clever and cute that I (of course), immediately

stole it and hung it in our office.

Well,...

recently he decided he wanted a it in his room.

What??

He thinks he wants his own art work in his room??

The solution...

We scanned it into the computer and printed it out on nice photo paper.

He wanted to hang it over his bed so I needed to go an earthquake safe route. (i.e. no glass.)

We bought a cheep canvas and painted the edges blue.

I used Mod Podge and a paintbrush to spread sticky wonderful-ness

all over the back of the picture and stuck it to the canvas.

We flipped it over and stapled a felt ribbon right to the canvas.

And.....

Voila!!

He has a copy of his own art

hanging in his own bedroom.

And I still have my original in the office!! :):)

Obsequious...

2011-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

The word of the day is Obsequious...

...something I have been trying not to be since I painted this picture...

12 years ago.

I guess these things take time??

ob·se·qui·ous /əbˈsi:kwijəs/ adjective

disapproving : too eager to help or obey someone important

: marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness

: ready or prompt to help or obey like a servant or slave at the wish or command of another person especially to gain favor

Random-ness...

2011-10-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Been busy...

I feel like it's fall.

I know that sounds funny, because it is fall, but here in the desert where the temperatures stay high well into November fall is more of a feeling than a noticeable change in colors, or temperature.

It has cooled down,...a bit.

People have decorated for Halloween,

and there is that certain buzz.

That excitement that is contagious, and it starts to fill the air. Well it makes me want to nest.

So,...I have been nesting.

Redecorating. In colors fueled mainly by this picture. :)

sigh...

Got really sick of my curtains and replaced them with these.

I am in love with all things smocked.

Had a red clock on top of my cabinets. Red wasn't working for me any more, so I decoupaged it.

Put posy pins on some pillows that were in need of a makeover.

I have refinished a few pieces of furniture and started a few projects that I am excited about. I will post them all as they get finished up. Now my kiddos think that I need to get started on their Halloween costumes. Oii!!

Wish me LUCK!!

Drooling

2011-09-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

The French Inspired Home

by Carolyn Westbrook

My sister gave me this oober-amazing book about 6 months ago for my birthday,

and I thought it was lovely. Fun to flip through and enjoy the eye candy.

Now that we are mixing things up here at the Platt plantation and I am looking

for lighter and airier decor I find myself drooling over the pages of this book.

It has a very Victorian feel, and lots of gooey detail,

which 18 years ago I just loved. Then my tastes did a whole

eclectic voyage around the world flip flop thing, and now

...again...

I find I have come full circle and love the gooey-vintage

details mixed in with all of my other eclectic tastes.

What is a girl to do??

Fickle me!!!

Anyhoo... for any of you who have not yet flipped through a copy of

the French Inspired Home,... I thought I would just throw the idea out there.

It is a treat.

So many other things first...

2011-08-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

I was talking to a friend recently about how my blog is so

sorely neglected.

She is a good friend with good insight.

One of those people that you can just talk to,

...bounce ideas off of,

...blow off steam with,

...and voice concerns to.

She asked me a simple but good question.

"Do you enjoy your blog or does it cause you stress?"

I have been thinking, and I have decided... both.

I enjoy having a place to put my ideas. To document finished projects.

To get opinions from others.

Honestly... my favorite part of my blog is the convenience of

my side bar. I visit my own blog nearly every day just to bounce off of it to

visit all of you. To explore all of my other favorite places.

I don't enjoy feeling pressure that I should post something if I haven't done so

in oh... say 2 or 3 months.

(Not that I would ever let that happen.)

I only ever created the blog as a haven for when my creative juices are most active.

I thought about deleting my blog.

Thought hard about it...

and almost did it.

Than I felt a sense of loss.

Real loss.

That was something that I didn't expect.

I sometimes get attached to a work of art that I have finished and it is hard to sell it,

or give it away... and I joke that they are like my babies...

but I didn't realize that I was attached to my blog.

So I decided... no... I am not deleting you... my little

under nurtured,

but adored blog.

But, I am not much of a blogger.

I have discovered that I am all of these other things.

I am...

First a mom, a wife, and a Latter Day Saint.

Next a friend,

Next an artist,

a cook (not by choice :) )

a housekeeper (""")

the doer of laundry

the chauffeur

the book keeper

the homework editor

the hairbrush er

the sock and shoe finder

the referee of sibling rivalries,

a journal writer,

jewelry maker,

clothes mender,

band aid putter on-er,

back tickler,

etc.

and then... a blogger.

I really appreciate so much my little band of followers,...

and I really appreciate the few hits and comments that I do get.

So, I am not deleting my blog that I have a soft spot for.

I am, however, from here on out...

owning that it is at the rock bottom of my priority list.

I will not promise myself that I will do better about updating it.

Nor will I feel guilt, pressure, or stress if I go 2 or 3 months (not

that I would ever let that happen) without posting.

So.... if ANYONE is still with me it is opinion time.

I have been "lightening up" my house over the last while.

Getting rid of some dark colors and tossing in bits of robins egg blue,

and lots of ivory and white...

little splashes of yellow and green.

Making it feel fresh.

My bedroom has had red accents for such a long time now. I am so over the

red. Downright sick of the red. I have gotten rid of most of it. The only thing keeping me

from redoing the whole color scheme are two original works of art by two different

people that I know personally. They are beautiful pieces and of course...

they are very heavy with red. My walls are taupe. My room feels heavy.

I think I have found a solution.

( I really wish I could remember what magazine

I found these pictures in so that i could give credit. oops. )

See how the red in these pictures looks really light and airy, even cottage-Esq when paired with yellow?

I propose this...

I paint my walls a very light creamy yellow,

add even more ivory and white accents, and keep the few red pieces that I already have.

What do we think?? Am I on to something?

Or is red and yellow soo totally yesterday? :)

I would REALLY appreciate your opinions!!

Thank You!!!

So clever...

2011-05-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else receive this advertisement in their mail

recently??

I laughed out loud!!

It is so simple, yet so creative.

I already love my Kindle, but after this advertisement I love it even more.

How can I not be partial when they have such tastefully clever

people working for them?

Badger~

2011-05-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Meet our newest family member...

This is Badger.

He is a desert tortoise,

and the coolest pet we have ever owned!

He was a gift from some friends and we love him.

They had two tortoises, and Badger was the smaller of the two.

(He is about 15 inches around.)

Well, apparently when you get two male tortoises together they fight.

Badger is said to have nine lives like a cat because he has lost many a fight and lived to tell about it.

He has been flipped over on his back and stuck there for many long

hours in the HOT desert sun, until his owners discovered

and rescued him.

He has even had mouth to mouth resuscitation...

(yes really),

after nearly drowning in our friends swimming pool.

(On more than one occasion.)

All because of tortoise testosterone.

Who knew??

Anyhoo... because they too love Badger, it became too stressful for

them to always be worried that he was a casualty

of yet another tortoise war, and so they did what they felt was best

for him, and found him a new home.

We welcomed him with open arms!!

And though he is really not cuddly, I am amazed at just

how cute he is.

It is soo fun to watch him move around and eat.

Our youngest princess pets him and talks to him nearly every day.

" I wuv you Badga!"

It's very tender,... and then she turns to me and says...

"mommy,...Badga wuves me too."

Of course he does.....

Thank You to the Prestons for our newly adoptive family member.

Who knew one could feel such affection for a tortoise??!!

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

My amazing friend Jen of J. Frank Photography has done it again!!!

Every time I hire her to take pictures of my

peeps, or my whole family,

or a teapot in a french pastry shop :):),...

she exceeds my expectations!!!

She threw together a little Easter special where she did mini

photo sessions locally with bunnies.

BUNNIES!!!

How cute is that??

How clever is that???

I don't know if I was more excited to see my girls enjoying real live,

soft, furry bunnies, or to get really great original photos out of the deal!

Anyhoo... I think that they turned out darling!!

Thank You JEN!!

If you want to see more of the cute Easter photos, including ones with

chicks,...

yes, real live fuzzy CHICKS,...

then hop on over to her blog My Happy Place

and check out all of the eye candy.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

Fabric covered cork board.....

2011-04-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure that I stole this idea from my super cute friend Kym. I have seen these

floating around out there in dozens of places, but I can pinpoint the exact moment when I had

that mouth watering, idea stealing, euphoric light bulb over my head,...and I was in Kym's

kitchen!!!!! (Which, by the way, is the place to be because

the woman can COOK!!! :):))

Anyhoo... it was a super easy project so here is the low down.....

I used my happy 40% off coupon at Michael's craft store and bought a frame.

Picked up some masonite at Home Depot and cut it to fit.

Also at Michael's, I bought a package of cork board squares.

Glue the cork board to the masonite and cut off the excess with a utility knife.

Choose a fabric that you love. I went with something neutral so that I

could use a lot of colorful photos, stitching samples, and what nots to hang.

Place the cork face down on your fabric and fasten it with a staple gun.

I like to start with one side and then do the opposite, so that I can gently pull it taught

as I go. Then I do the same with the ends.

It doesn't have to be perfect because the frame will cover the edges.

(Perfection is overrated anyway. ;))

Place it in the frame and use nails to secure it in there.

I hammer them into the frame at an angle about 2/3 rds of the way, and then hammer them

flat against the fabric covered masonite to hold it in place.

Use several nails so that it is securely in the frame.

It is such a pretty way to display photos and art.

An 'upscale' cork board for your family room or entry way.

Thanks Kym for the fun idea!! (p.s...I'm dreaming of your cupcakes. ;))

Happy Crafting!!!!!

And The Winner Is................

2011-03-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry that it took me a few days to post a lucky winner,...I

have had company in town, and oii... if we didn't run around like

headless chickens!!!!

Anyhooo....

Just in case my own computer had any tendencies toward favoritism, I had my

husbands computer randomly pick the winner.

The very lucky lady who gets to choose one of these two darling dresses from

Shabby Apple is...............

drum roll................

TARA of "Come Sign With Me,

and "Tara Michelle Designs"!!

Congratulations Tara!! I will be contacting you. And THANK YOU to all

who entered. A little good natured competition

makes life more fun!!

A not-too-shabby giveaway.....

2011-03-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

"L'Ete"

"Sundance Kid"

If you have not yet discovered the Shabby Apple then you are in for a treat!!

I recently discovered the online shop at http://www.shabbyapple.com/ and fell IN LOVE with

the apparel they have to offer.

But my favorite.....

the dresses....

oh the dresses!!!!!

They have a wide variety of classic, vintage inspired, whimsical, working, and playful dresses!!

They even offer maternity and kids dresses!!

Well,... today is your lucky day!!!

Shabby Apple is generously offering to give away a dress to one of my readers.

You can enter to win your choice of either of the two dresses above.

"L'Ete", or "Sundance Kid"

All you have to do is leave a comment to enter.

If you would like to enter twice hop on over to...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791

and "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. (Make sure to leave a second comment letting me know that you "like" Shabby Apple.)

The winner must have a U.S. shipping address.

Wait, it gets better Shabby Apple is graciously offering my readers a 10% discount on any purchase.

You just have to use the coupon code... "hollyshaven10off", and you can choose from.....

....the cutest ever toddler dress.....

.....classy maternity wear....

....or, one of my favorites "Pina Colada"....

The Vintage dresses are dreamy!!!!

Happy dreaming. I will take comments for the giveaway until midnight Saturday March 6th.

Springy Vignettes...

2011-02-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

Still working on lightening things up around the house.

Now, along with the neutrals, I have been finding that light greys,

robins egg blues, and spring greens

bring me much comfort.

I always pegged myself as such a "warm color girl",

and now I notice that so many 'cool colors'

make me feel all warm and fuzzy.

It's a funny thing isn't it??

Color?

A certain color can really make my day.

Right now I am in love with yellow??

What's your color today?

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!

2011-02-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

My Valentine is my favorite person in the world...

my high school sweetheart,

(who just so happens to also be my wonderful husband!!)

Happy Valentines Day Steve!!!

It just needed a little somethin somethin...

2011-01-31T13:39:00.000-08:00

So a while ago I started adding more and more neutral tones to my home.

Neutrals seem to calm my nerves,...

to relax me.

I hung up these three really cute metal tiles.

Then those same tiles continued to bug me...

for a few days...

then a few weeks,...

then a few months!!

Finally I decided that they just needed a little something

extra.

A finishing touch.

I had a 16x20 picture in my garage waiting to go

to the goodwill. So I took the picture and the glass out of the frame.

I used my favorite 'Rust-Oleum' spray paint in "heirloom white"

to spray paint the frame.

I screwed an antique glass knob right into the wall above the tiles,

and hung the frame over the tiles with lace.

I am really enjoying the finished product.

The frame really was just the right "somethin somethin' that the

tiles needed!!!

And,... THANK YOU to those of you who so kindly commented on

my inquiry in my last post. I know exactly how I am going

to approach painting my curtains,...Thanks to you!!!

An opinion pretty please........??.............

2011-01-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

So I fell in love with these curtains months ago...

months and months ago...

But they are Anthro, and so they are way overpriced and I figured I would watch

for them to go on sale.

So I watched...

for like a year...

and they went on sale for-a-small-fortune!

And,... they only had one size left...

the wrong size.

So I figured I would make them.

Doesn't everyone have like 15 (or so)

unfinished

projects laying around their house?

Or is that just me??

So, why not make that 16, right?

So I have the curtains all ready to go, and I am ready to paint on them.

(Yes, I actually want to paint on them.

My favorite poems, important dates, kids birthdays,

places I have been. Ya know, make them personal.)

So here is my question....

I was just going to use good old acrylic craft paint.

Bad idea or good idea??

Is anyone versed in the knowledge of painting on fabric with acrylic?

If so, your opinion would be much appreciated!!

Thank you!!

Aren't they cute??

I think I will add a ruffle!

.....or two!

.....or ten!!!!!

Out of the mouths of babes....

2011-01-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

I had a conversation with my 2 (very nearly 3) year old yesterday.

This conversation stuck with me all day.....

I was catching up on my family scrapbook.

I am only,...

oh,...

6 YEARS behind!!

(I am so going digital/online scrap booking when I

finally catch up all of these printed pictures!!)

I was scrapping the obituary of Fern Johnson, my husbands

grandmother.

I showed the picture to my Ella and said...

"This is Grandma Johnson,... she was wonderful.

She thought that everyone and everything was wonderful,

which in and of itself is,...well,...wonderful."

Ella mumbles to herself and says the word "God",

which catches my attention because we always say Heavenly Father

in our home and now I am really curious as to what she is mumbling about.

I say.... "what did you say Ella?"

Ella says... "she with God."

(I just stare at her. We talk about a lot of things in our home,

but have we ever covered this?

I mean, to this degree?

So I continue to stare.)

I say... "Did you say she is with God??"

Ella: (a very matter of fact) "Yes."

Then she says... "Desus (Jesus) is wonderful."

Again I just stare.....

Ella: "Do you wemember mommy?"

Me: "Remember what Ella?"

Ella: "Wemember that Desus is wonderful??"

Me: "Oh Yes Ella, I do remember,...

do YOU remember??"

Ella: (another very matter of fact) "Yes."

Then she just scampers off to play.

I had chills from head to toe and pondered that tiny little conversation all afternoon and all evening.

I don't read too much into things that children say, but I know they are smart!!

And,... there is a lot that I would like to read into this, so I think

I am just gunna go ahead and do that.

Fit For Princesses.....

2011-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember this project?

Well, it is complete!!

I know, I know... you are all thinking,

"Wait!, What, Did she actually FINISH a

project??"

and the answer is........

YES!!!!, yes I did!!

I found the perfect sized letters for this piece at JoAnn's...

Took them home and painted them white...

Printed a few of my favorite pics. of my pixie...

Had to buy a few extra cute little clamp/paper clip thingies at Target...

and..... VOILA!!!

Now the room that belongs to both of my girls

actually looks like it belongs

to both

of my girls!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

Re-solve: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)

4 a : to deal with successfully : clear up

b : to find an answer to

c : to make clear or understandable

In 2011..... I resolve to persevere.....

Persevere: per·se·ver·ance noun \ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s\

: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness

I resolve to spend 15 minutes a day loving and believing in myself more

so that I can love and believe in others more.

I will recognize my strengths more

so that I can recognize the strengths in others more.

I will look for my beauty more

so that I can more easily see the beauty in others.

When I feel less then adequate I will try to focus on my best quality,

to work through it and

persevere.

What is your best quality? How will you resolve to love yourself more??

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

"The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul.

To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas,...

we need only drop the last syllable

and it becomes

the spirit of Christ."

-President Thomas S. Monson

Chance.....

2010-12-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Parker

Isaac

Chloe

and Ella

An Intervention,...maybe???

2010-12-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

My friend came for a visit and while she was staying at my home we realized that we have at least 11 matching pair of shoes,...

and

she had brought 6 of them with her on her trip. :)

Are we a little bit excessive??

My Talented Friend.....

2010-12-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

So,... my amazingly talented friend Jen over at My Happy Place FINALLY decided to put her mad photography skills on the market (after much persuasion/nagging), and so my little family got to reap the benefits. We will have the first nice photo we have had on a Christmas card in a couple of years.

It is really fun to work with Jen!! She has a very artistic eye and the girl will play "twister" in order to get the photo she has in mind. (Seriously,... I have have seen her crawl under furniture for 'the perfect shot'. I am in love with these photos and wanted to share,...just for fun. :):)

Now, If I could bother you for an honest opinion??!!

I haven't updated my Facebook profile picture,...

um,...

ever!!!!!

Yep, I'm one of those people.......

I was hoping for a little vote if you have a moment to spare. :)

Which one of these??

or #5

Thank You,... and THANK YOU JEN for the pictures! It was soo fun and I love them all!

Pumpkin pedestals........

2010-11-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

So I had these bases left over from old lamps. You know when the lamp breaks but the base is too pretty to get rid of?? Hate when that happens. I always cut off the cord, and yank it out of the base,... then I let the lamp base collect dust for a really long time.

Well,... I finally found a use for a few of them.

I bought a few clearance pumpkins from my local craft store. They are foam core in the center so all you have to do is literally shove them onto the base. It doesn't take any grace,... just a little bit of elbow grease.

I was also able to push the stems of each pumpkin into the bottom of the one I was stacking above it, so by the time I got a nice wad of tacky glue in between them they were very secure.

I didn't bother to glue the bottom pumpkin to the actual pedestal, because I plan to pop it on off of there and re-use the pedestal for every occasion. I think I may do stars for Christmas, hearts for Valentines, eggs for Easter. You get the idea.

This super easy project found a home on top of my piano. Love it........

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Caught Them.....

2010-10-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Finally caught my rare Halloween Pixies. They came out of hiding yesterday. Actually,...spurred by a fun find at Michael's Craft store, I had a renewed motivation to figure out which pile of paper goodies I had stashed them in.

(I like to think I am a relatively organized person.....

until I try to find something.

I tend to put things in a "safe place".....

only to never see them again. oi)

Anyhoo...

I was at the craft store and in the dollar section they had these adorable Little bird cages. They had half a dozen different styles and colors. I bought three for various projects,

and wish now that I had hoarded a few more.

My point is...

some things are too good not to share

and maybe you better go get you some before they are all gone.

And,...before anybody goes calling 'Pixie Protective Services' on me,

I happen to have it on good authority that they like very small confined spaces.

It makes them feel safe. (What with all the Halloween creatures running amuck and such.)

Fit for a princess......

2010-10-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

A while ago I did this ribbon project. I have been trying to come up with decor that is light in weight because I live in major earthquake territory. (Like I am sitting smack dab on top of the San Andreas fault. I think we may invest in a boat in case we really do become an island when that earth starts a shakin.)

Anyhoo...

I had to rethink the decor above the bed in the room my girls share. I took down a shadow box frame with a blessing dress in it, but I had one of my daughters names up there and didn't want to take it down because I poked....oh....six holes in the wall to put it there. So I needed to devise a plan to get my other little girls name up there as well.

The ribbon-hangy-thingy was the perfect solution, but I wasn't sure how I wanted to attach it to the wall. Last April I was in Arizona with some friends and we went to Hobby Lobby. (drool.........)

I found these crown hangers.

Crowns.....

Yippee!!!

Because every little girl is a princess!

So I finally hung them up. (does it take any one else 6 months to complete an incredibly simple project, or is that just a me thing?)

Well I love the result. Too bad my pictures are stinky. My camera is stuck in flash off mode.

In fact, I hope that Santa Clause reads my blog between now and Christmas because I am in desperate need of a new camera!

Alrighty then,...now I have to get my other little princesses name up on that wall. I think I will get chip board letters from the craft store so that when things start flying they will cause scratches in stead of cuts. :)

I will share again when the project is done,...

so maybe...

6 months?? ;)

I feel fall-ish..............

2010-10-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

This time of year has a feeling that is almost tangible. It wafts in and encompasses your senses. I love that feeling. I can't describe it or put my finger on just what it is, but I adore it. It makes me want to nest and paint, create and drink hot chocolate. (Although it is still far too warm for that here.) I can smell fall even though no leaves are turning color, and that tingle of excitement for the holidays is teasing me even though I am still wearing flip flops.

I have not blogged for two weeks because my....

clever?......

little two year old put a penny in my memory card reader,

and when I finally conquered it and was able to fish it out, my computer would no longer read a memory card.

Problem sort of solved now.

But that whole time I couldn't post a picture I got stir crazy with the anticipation

that Autumn seems to build within me.

So,...I have a list of projects,...and festive ideas,...

now I want to get some paint under my fingernails and see where all of the

crazy-happy fall-ish emotion takes me.

It's amazing what a coat of paint can do.....

2010-09-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

My parents have had this old chalkboard longer then I can remember.

Honestly it is older than me.

Every once in a while when I visit my parents my mom tells me to take some of her "treasures" home.

She is an obsessive collector and knows that she needs to get rid of things but she would much rather see them go to a new home then just toss them out.

They have had this chalkboard screwed to the wall in their staircase since before I was born. Last time I was at their house I just mentioned that someday I was going to "steal" that old chalkboard from them.

Not more then a minute later my dad came up to me (screwdriver still in hand) and pushed the chalkboard into my arms. (You don't think he is eager to de-clutter do you?)

Knowing that it was one of my moms many treasures I had to make sure she agreed, and when I turned to her she happily exclaimed that she already knew exactly what she was going to hang in its spot.

Poor dad,...I had to laugh.

It was a little beat up and wouldn't really even take the chalk anymore.

The chalk would just sort of make a squeaking noise and jump along only marking spots.

So I got a $3.00 bottle of chalkboard paint from Walmart and repainted the surface.

Now it works like a charm!

(warning,...major yellowed pictures coming up...pffhhttt!)

It even has this nifty little wooden chalk tray attached to it.

I gave it a thin coat of ivory paint and sanded the edges so that it still had a rustic feel.

It's as good as new and is finding its new home in my office on my art wall!

See the nifty little tray?!

Thank you mom and dad,...I love my new treasure!!!!

White...on white...on white..........

2010-09-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

So the other day when I was having my little......

"breakdown"......

I did the logical thing of coarse,

the thing every girly does when she is trying to quiet the chaos

in her mind,...I started re-decorating.

In my case I just went around and started painting all of my accessories white.

Some furniture as well,...but I will get to that later.

And,...to my husbands relief,...he put a stop

to the madness before I got my hands on our cabinets.

Cut little plate stand needed to turn white,...

so it did.

As did this one.

Then that made one of my frames look all wrong,... so

that had to be painted as well.

Which in turn made my candle holders look all wrong,

easy remedy........

but one can see how this coping mechanism could quickly become a problem

all of its own.

Not to mention eventually being very counterproductive. ;);)

Nonetheless, I had fun and changed my scenery a bit

which lightened up my mood a bit.

Love the white............

I made an oath....

2010-09-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

I made a silly oath to be a better blogger....

To post more often....

silly really, but it is cathartic and therapeutic, so why not?

So,...where have I been all week??

Many of you read my sisters blog and know that this week my family has been in crisis.

You just didn't know that it was my family as well because many of you don't know that Wendy is my sister.

Well she is my sister and my best friend.

When she called me with the news on Monday that John (her husband) had been seriously injured in a car accident I did what any sister would do. I worried. I prayed. And I worried more.

The next day when my mom called to tell me that my dad (who still thinks he is Indiana Jones even though he is now 73 years old) had fallen while trimming the branches high in a tree in our back yard, and had broken his hip and a disc in his back, I worried, and prayed, and cried.

They both has extensive surgery, and both surgeries went well.

By Friday my dad was having so many complications that they couldn't keep him conscious long enough to have a lucid conversation. Then my Steve held me and tried to book me an immediate flight to Utah while I cried, and worried, and prayed.

About one hour later when Steve had finally found a decent flight and was about to buy the ticket Wendy called me to tell me that my dad had taken a turn for the better. His oxygen levels had improved, he was awake and lucid, and he was having conversations with them. He was "out of the woods".

After a long talk with my mom we decided that it would be best for me to "stay put" for now with my four children who just started their school year, and my husband who has a very important business trip next week. Both my dad and John have long and painful recoveries ahead of them and it was "decided" that I would be of more use when they are both home from the hospital and my mother and my sister are trying to be super women and taking care of them an their own.

Although I have to agree with the logic, I feel helpless tonight.

Here I sit 11 hours away from some of my dearest loved ones and I am utterly useless.

I know that Wendy is spent emotionally and physically and I can't even wrap my arms around her.

I know that my mom is putting on a brave face while she crumbles inside.

I want to hug my daddy. I am still his baby.

It has been a draining week and I have nothing to show for it but more worry lines.

(Oh who am I kidding,...they are wrinkles.)

So that's where I have been all week!

On the phone for hours on end,

being the chauffeur to my kiddos,

pacing around my house with my nerves fried,

eating far far far too much. (Stress eating?)

And,...being helpless and useless and homesick.

I have to say thank you to so many people who follow my sisters blog and who have given her so much heart felt support. I am amazed by the love and the bond that is formed in this little corner of blog land where none of us have ever even met each other, yet the compassion is palpable, and the support is almost tangible. My dad and John are healing and I know that this has a great deal to do with so many prayers that have been offered in their behalf. It is such a comfort to know that there are still so many people in the world who have faith and will pray for a stranger because they have compassion in their hearts.

It has been a scary week, but I am fully aware that my family is very blessed. After all, my dad and John are both still with us and according to the doctors that in and of itself is a miracle.

p.s. I haven't been completely unproductive,...I did what any logical person would do in the middle of a breakdown. I painted nearly every thing in my house white. (well,...ivory, or antique white. cream?)

I don't know why. Neutral colors just really calm me down.

White on white on white.........

Anyway,...I will post some of my many white pieces of home decor soon.

Thank you for letting me have a place to unload.

This is my cute dad in a newspaper article done by the Deseret News.
He collects and restores vintage cars.

A new life for an old skirt.....

2010-08-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

This was an easy project and I like the outcome.

I took a skirt I have had for a while. It was one of those "maxi-skirts"; aka...really long.

They are a great idea for some people but not so much for me.

I decided that I would either need to grow 4 inches or have the legs of a giraffe to pull this skirt off.

I chose a length that I liked, and cut the extra right off.

Then I ran it through the washer and dryer to fray it really well.

I cut off all of the extra stingy thingies to clean it up.

I used some of the left over fabric for embellishments.

I chose these happy swirly doodads. (Yes I am so articulate.)

After sewing the swirls my fingers were tired and sore so I used 'liquid stitch' to affix them to the skirt.

.........Yes I did.........

I have used it before on machine washable projects and it holds up really well.

We will see if I am as lucky this time.

I am enjoying the finished product. It is so much more wearable now. I also love having a new item of clothing that I didn't have to spend a dime on. :)

Happy Crafting!!

I am linking this to Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest.

Happy 15 Years, Lovey!!

2010-08-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish the man of my dreams,...the "Platt man" (my own personal super hero) a Happy Anniversary. 15 years has flown by with him. Here's to the next 50 being just as wonderful. Love You Steve!!

Treasures from Utah.....

2010-08-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

I didn't leave my favorite place empty handed.

We spent part of our trip lounging at my darling sisters house and to make us feel more welcome she had left this on the bed in their guest bedroom. Now the 'P' hangs from a key holder by my front door.

I stole the picture directly from her blog, by the way. :)

She also gifted me with this gorgeous plate that is identical to one she displays in her kitchen. Thank You Wendy!! I love my treasures.

My mom, who knows that I collect vintage ivory shell buttons and old spools, had saved these for me. They were even in an old mason jar and the spools have their original silk thread on them. Thank You Mom!!!

Whenever I walk past them I run my fingers over the soft thread.

Just a smidgen of very important knowledge for you. I have decided that 'Down East Basic' clothing tags make the best bookmarks. Not only are they thick and sturdy, but they are dang cute and already have a ribbon attached.

And,...since "Mockingjay" comes out in less then two weeks we all know we are going to need a good bookmark!!!

Decisions,...decisions........

2010-08-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Ugh,...making choices...

not my strong point...

but I do do do enjoy it so!!

Don't you just love neutrals??

What am I deciding?? That is for me to know and you to find out.

Hopefully sooner than later. :)

Urban Images...

2010-08-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

We decided to shake things up a bit during our sassy photo shoot while I was in Utah with my sis.

Her mantra is that "every photo shoot needs a wardrobe change".

She had an 'urban feel' in mind so we went with neutrally greys and left the rest to John (the artiste.)

He found the perfect industrial settings,...

and voila.

Wendy...of coarse...did some uber-cool editing and came up with all of these different takes on the same photos. They are such the perfect photography team.

Am I not just spoiled that I get to "do them the favor" of posing for photo shoots?

(Thank You again Hydes!!)

To see more of Johns amazing talent visit Hyde photography.

Picture Perfect~

2010-08-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

My brother in law is a super talented photographer extraordinare. One of the major perks of visiting family while on vacation is when your sister kidnaps you and forces you into a 'photo shoot'. And even when you are dragged to said photo shoot kicking and screaming it turns out to be the most fun you have

had in a long time.

Not to mention how your uber- amazing photo savvy brother in law managed

to somehow turn you into a super model with his magic lens.

Ok,...believe me I know that I am no super model,

lets just say that my artistically gifted photographer bro-in-law made my sister and I feel prettier then we have in quite some time.

He has an amazing eye for settings, and would drive on up to any random hill or waterfall, dump us out of the car and tell us to hop in.

Yet it always worked. He is gifted.

My sister used some really neat photo editing techniques to come up with the different looks.

Wendy has more photos from this shoot on her blog if you want to hop on over and admire John's work. Also her photography blog showcases some of his masterpieces.

Thank You so much 'Fire-dog',....that was awesome.

Birth of a Food Baby....................

2010-08-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

I have had a week of glorious gluttony...

well, more like six weeks...

but this one has been exceptionally naughtier!! (I'm on vacation, right??)

For me...a little bit of rationalization goes a long way.

I have rationalized my way into mass consumption.

Don't get me wrong.

I'm not complaining.

I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Every minute of frivolous food frolic.....

of taste bud euphoria!!

What have I eaten you ask?? Only my FAVORITES, some of which I can't get my hands on in So.Cali. (More rationalizing, I know. I told you that I was gifted that way.)

Has any one tried the Ben and Jerry's 'Oatmeal Cookie Chuink'? It's new...

it's wonderful.....

j'adore it!!!

The happy, friendly, but oddly nervous little 'ice cream clerk' that scooped it up for me told me that people actually travel to get their hands on it. I'm not surprised. I think I may have scared him a bit with my enthusiasm.

What else have I eaten??

Molten Lava Cake at Chili's.

mmmmm.........

it speaks for itself.

Let us not forget Cheesecake Factory. :) My ..

favorite 30th Anniversary Cake.

yes they have many a Cheesecake Factory in So. Cali.

(do you enjoy pointing out my weaknesses? :) )

In my defense my sister had NEVER been to C.F.

For real!!

So I really had no choice.

Told you I was talented in the rationalization area.

sigh...............

unfortunately no festival of gluttony comes without cost.

The tally is in, and when I get home I have 7 pounds to lose.

7lbs!!!!!

Does it look less ominous when it is printed really tiny?

At this rate I am going to have to pick two names for my growing food baby.

Right now I will say it was totally worth it!

Ask me in two weeks when I am pouring sugar free chocolate syrup on lettuce. :)

What is your favorite guilty treat??

And More Highlights.............

2010-08-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

More Highlights from my "enchanted April' ,....er....July/August.........in my favorite place. (Utah)!!

Hogle Zoo with my little family, and my sissy, and my sissy's little family. I adore Hogle Zoo.

My cutie and her cousin. Is it possible that they were twins.........separated by 2+ years............and a different set of parents................and a couple of states??

The stitches are out and we are HAPPY!!! (Especially after the nice R.N. gave us a big, drippy purple Popsicle first thing in the morning. (Actually a very appropriate breakfast for the 24th of July which happens to be the 'Pioneer Day' holiday in Utah.) That is gonna be one nasty scar!! Does anybody know if that 'Mederma' scar remover really works??

Getting mani's and pedi's with my bestie. I created this glitter nail color and then Jolyn (the world's greatest nail tech) named it after me. What an honor. ;) ;)

It doesn't get any better then staying with family and watching the kids bond and bond some more with the cousins that they don't see near often enough.

Some other wonderful memories that will live close to my heart are.......

-a trip to the Jordan River Temple with my sister.

-my son bearing his testimony in Sacrament meeting without any persuasion. He just marched right on up to the pulpit and did it.

-watching the tiniest members of our extended family scramble during multiple games of fruit basket.

-and...my brother in law getting ENGAGED while my cute hubby is actually here in town to celebrate it. (sometimes there is nothing better then seeing a big ole smile on your hubby's face!)

A Favorite Place.............

2010-07-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself in a place where you feel completely calm? Where your anxiety leaves you and you can completely relax? A place where you can take a cleansing breath without having to yawn or sigh? Where you can read a book without the nagging feeling that there are 100 other things that you should be doing? Where you can lay on a white sofa with sun glinting through the window and take an afternoon nap? My sisters house is one of my favorite places. In her home I have total serenity,... and on this vacation I have been fortunate enough to spend some time in her home with her. The following images are all ones that I stole from the inviting corners of her nest.......

Low points of this vacation.....

2010-07-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

All in all our vacation in Utah has been pretty great so far and I really don't have much to complain about, but in the spirit of 'keepin it real'... I do have to mention the.......not.......so......fun parts of our trip.

So,.......................drum roll please........................

A $521.00 car repair was not on the agenda, but took place anyway.

And,.....a much bigger bummer was taking our tiny mite to the E.R. for stitches (way past her bedtime) after she fell headfirst into the corner of a bookshelf while horsing around with her cousins. She was such a brave little sweetie!! It was painful to watch them hold her down and work on her, but she did so well. Then,...the amnesiac that they used on her had the opposite effect than intended and she was a crazy-wired-psycho baby begging to go outside and play. (Which would have been really cute had it not been 3:30 in the morning by the time that she finally settled down. oi!!)

And More.....

2010-07-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Watching my little girls become fish.......

A BBQ with some dear friends that I am lucky to see more than once a year.

Being cheesy with my sister and getting matching sister/friendship/sassy bracelets while shopping at Down East Basics. (My favorite store that is no where near me in So. Cali.)

And...

by the way....

I totally stole this picture off of my sisters blog. (Thanks Wend. :))

More Highlights...

2010-07-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

A family BBQ in my oldest sisters amazing back yard. Doesn't this first picture look like a watercolor?? Her yard is more ethereal than these pictures can portray.

Watching my kids play with cousins that they haven't seen in months. Hearing the giggles, the water, and the birds. Watching my sisters giant gold fish swim in schools through her pond.

Smelling all of the flowers!!!

Bonding with my (almost.......practically.......but not technically) twin sister Wendy. That,...I can never get enough of.

Highlights.....

2010-07-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am in my favorite place in the entire world....Utah. I have been here for nearly two weeks visiting family and friends, and I am finally at the point where I feel like I can catch my breath, sit down, and blog some of the highlights of my trip. The first one being...........the ECLIPSE festival. Yep, that's right...I went to an entire festival on the 29th of June. All in honor of the movie. Yes I am a dork,...and yes it was the most fun I have had in a long time. My darling sister, my very good friend, and I spent 7 hours doing all manner of things "Eclipse" related. We got free goodies, watched a costume contest, ate yummy food, danced, shopped, and frolicked until the moment of truth. We watched the film.............and...................I................loved...................it!!!!!!!!!! It was (in my opinion) by far the best film yet.

I think that I may have joined "team Charley". He was hilarious.

I met Alice and Rosalie. Now we're tight............

And I got to hang with Napoleon who did a stellar performance of his famous dance. What a stud.

It was such a great night.....

In the near future I will post more moments from my favorite place.

Happy Fathers Day...

2010-06-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish a Happy Fathers Day to the two amazing men in my life.....

My Daddy......

And my Mr. Right. The father of my four little ones.

I love you both.......more than words.

Happy Birthday Big Sis!!!!

2010-06-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

It is my sister Wendy's Birthday today. Not only is she my sister, but she is also my best friend. I really don't know what I would do without her. I have a bond with her that can't be explained. This picture of her was taken with my little girl in Utah almost 4 years ago, and it was the first time Wendy and I had been able to see each other in 3 years. (Because we lived on opposite coasts of the U.S.) That was way too long and we vowed never to let that happen again.

I am a bit of a poetry snob. Or maybe just fickle. But unless we are talking about the classics, poetry has to be strictly prose, or very abstract, or I have a hard time liking it. I think it's really cheesy. I know I am probably going to get some hateful comments for that, but I'm just 'keepin it real'. But I found this poem on line and I was strangely o.k. with it representing my sister. I wish I knew who it was by so that I could give credit where credit is due.

One more year has passed on by,

Don’t look back

Keep your head held high

For you’re missing the most valuable moments,

You see…

When you are looking down toward your feet.

Walk, if you run, you’ll find yourself wondering

Why or When

What never failed to smile down at you,

Somehow, forgot to grin.

We somehow took for granted then,

The special times we shared-

Smiles, smells of home, were there

Whenever we got scared.

I ran to and from that place,

Yet, never saw that smile.

I look up now, no place to run,

And it’s been here all the while.

I realize late, the things that time

Can’t allow us to hold for long.

The youngest, the oldest, and all in between

Can’t return, once time has gone-

Take time, hold the moments, in time they slip away,

Words one heart fought, with a smile to say.

This year will pass, as the years before,

Smile at the life, that you most adore.

When time comes and you “forget” to grin, too…

Those who remember your smile of love,

Will hold heads high, to smile right back at you.

Happy Happy Birthday Wendy!! I love You!!!

So Inspired............

2010-06-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't already discovered this gem it is a book called 'The Artistic Mother' by Shona Cole. It is like a self help book for busy moms. It focuses on different ways for us to work creativity into our everyday lives. I don't know about the rest of you but making art is very much a therapy for me. Even so, I can never seem to find the time to do it. This book is strangely practical as it helps draw you back into making time for your own artistic therapy. So fabulous,...why didn't I think of it? ;)

Worthy of a talent show....

2010-05-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Does your child's art ever pile up over months and months? You don't have the space or money to frame every piece and hang it up, but you don't have the heart to throw it away? Well here is an inexpensive and space economical idea that my daughter and I came up with.

We bought a large canvas on sale at our local craft store and I let her just go at it painting shapes on it with regular old bottled acrylics. She had a blast and the only rule was to not leave any white.

Then she chose which art pieces that she wanted to 'display' on the canvas. We cut them all out and decoupaged them directly onto the painted canvas. To finish it off, since mod podge tends to be a bit tacky (and sometimes collects a lot of dust) we covered it with a coat of clear semi-gloss lacquer.

She is so proud of her masterpiece and is going to display it at a church talent show this weekend.

The bonus for me is that I have a new LARGE piece of art for my kids 'art wall' in my office, and it didn't break the bank!!

I am going to link this up to Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest.

a Facelift...

2010-05-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed my blog has recently had a new (and long overdue) face lift, thanks to Jenna at q.a.design. I was so over the old appearance of my blog but wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do with it, so I called in a master of design..............Jenna is refreshingly creative and her designs are beautiful and whimsical, yet still clean and simple!! Plus, she is easy and fun to work with. So if you are in need of some inspiration for a new design contact Jenna. Thank You Jenna,...I Love, Love, Love my new layout!

Stories,...two sad,...one happy..................

2010-05-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sad Story..............

One girl (me) went to Lego Land with her husband, and her kiddos, and her sister, and her sisters husband, and her sisters kiddos. While at Lego Land this same girl LOST her camera with seven months of memory card in it that she had not downloaded. This girl was lamenting the fact that she had lost two of her children's birthdays, four holidays, one haircut for locks of love, two karate belt ceremonies, and countless other wonderful memories worth of pictures. Needless to say that this girl learned a lesson the hard way to DOWNLOAD her pictures more often then twice a year.............duh!!!!

Another sad story................

One girl (me) who had recently lost her camera, hunted through her house for her old dinosaur 4 mega pixel camera that she used to use. She found it and started using it. (It's definitely better than nothing, right?) This same girl went to Arizona with some friends. While taking some photos this girl dropped her camera and broke it beyond repair. (Seriously don't know how that little fall did so much damage, but the poor camera was totalled.) This same girl pouted and declared that maybe she shouldn't be allowed to own any more cameras!!!

A Happy Story...............

One girls husband (mine), took all four of their kiddos to Lego Land while she was in Arizona. What a brave and crazy man. :) When his wife text-ed him with her sad news he felt her pain. (Or maybe his own since his wives habit of breaking and losing cameras was becoming an expensive past-time.) Later this same girls husband called her to tell her that he had FOUND her camera. Some wonderfully honest person had turned it in at Lego Land, memory card and all. 605 pictures to be exact. This same girl smiled all of the way back home! -The End

Yay!!! I can finally blog again. (With photos that is.)

Blue Toile

2010-04-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for some time (that was not a pun, but it was pretty good, huh?) I think I'll start over. For quite some time now I have been searching for the perfect clock for my upstairs bathroom. I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't exist. So,...I had to make one.

Super, super easy, inexpensive project. I bought a $3-ish dollar clock at Walmart. I rounded up some tissue that I already had, a paint brush, and my Mod Podge.

Mod Podged the tissue to the clock. When it dried I went over it with a very thin coat of clear lacquer so that it would not be tacky.

Here she is.............

all done...........

and blue............

and toile...................

and beautiful!!

Go make some time (he he he) to be crafty!!

I am going to link this to Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest.

How Insightful.....

2010-04-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

A dear friend recently gave me this wonderful book. "all cats have asperger syndrome" by Kathy Hoopmann. Two out of my four kids are borderline Aspergers. They are not actually on the spectrum, and they are very functional and enjoyable kids. But they are so close to the spectrum that they have many Aspergers specific personality traits. Our family has learned to embrace their unique and quite remarkable way of looking at the world, but sometimes when we are out and about their behavior raises a few eyebrows.

My friend happened upon this darling book and was so impressed with its simple, yet very real and to the point way of summing up Aspergers children for those who don't quite understand. I fell in love with this clever piece of literature just a few pages into the book. It compares cats and their behavior to that of kids with Aspergers. It was so spot on, and you know what,...I am now convinced that my cat does in fact have Aspergers also. :)

Just wanted to recommend this insightful and delightful book to....well.....everyone!!

Thank You Jen E. for thinking of me.

Snow White??

2010-04-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Yes I know,... Snow White technically has dark hair. But this baby has about the fairest skin that I have ever seen.

My lovely and wonderful sister Wendy came with her darling family to visit over spring break last week. Her husband happens to be a primo-photographer and took some pictures of my little Ella. She is featured this week on their photo blog ...Hyde Photography. If you get a chance,... pop on over and see her.

Thanks oodles Hydes!!!! I adore the pictures. Fire-dog, you are truly gifted!!

My remarkable sister....I already miss you guys.

Leaning towards neutral............

2010-04-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

What is it about old black and white photos, and vintage feeling neutral decor that is so soothing. Is it that they hold a spirit of quieter times? A spirit of summer days sitting on the front porch swing,...or of reading a book in a room with the linen curtains being blown by a breeze from an open window? I don't know what it is about ivory,

cream,

antique white,

tan,

silvery grey,

and sailcloth white,...

but lately I am so drawn to these colors. Or maybe lack of colors.

I have been in an effort lately to make my decor more earth quake friendly. Partly inspired by that lively 7.2 shaker that we just experienced last week here in Southern Cali. I have been using lighter decor. Less glass, less ceramic, less heavy frames,...all the while coming to realize that I have also been using a lot less color.

It feels very refreshing.

Aren't these pictures of my parents classic?? No my parents were not born at the turn of the century. :) They are just very unique and one of their many a-typical hobbies is dressing in vintage clothes and driving vintage cars (that my dad restores) with car clubs compiled of equally unique individuals. :)

vintage:

Function: adjective
2 : of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality : classic

classic:Function: adjective
1 a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value, b : traditional, enduring 3 a : historically memorable, b: authentic

Maybe it is the essence of spring in the air or maybe it is just me, but I want to watercolor for hours on an old rickety sun porch and then sink into soft layers of white on white and take a carefree afternoon nap.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T09:02:00.001-07:00

Last minute Easter basket stuffer............

2010-04-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is a really inexpensive last -minute project to stuff Easter baskets with. These cute little felt eggs, (although mine look more like tulips), are supposed to take up just enough space in the Easter baskets that there will be less room for candy. ie....Less candy for my kids to eat. ;);)

I didn't have a pattern so I winged it. I cut out four tear-drop-ish shapes from felt and blanket stitched each side to the next. Don't forget to leave a bit of space to stuff it.

I cut out cute flower and leaf shapes to embellish it with, and also rounded up some buttons.

Put the embellishments wherever I wanted to with no rhyme or reason. Ever sticking to my motto "perfect is over rated." And,.....voila.....they are fancy little eggs aren't they? Go have some fun crafting!!

I am going to link this up to Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest.

Teacher Gifts.........

2010-03-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned how grateful that I am for teachers.

.........only a few dozen times...............

Especially amazing, patient teachers that take certain children under their wing and help them to not only learn but to thrive.

Well,...since two out of my four children,...so far,...(knock on wood),...have some special needs,...I have a deep gratitude for loving teachers.

Easter is around the corner and when it comes to gifts I am running on empty. I am flat out of ideas. I always fall back on jewelry. Well if I am going to do that to them...again..., I am going to make it personal and unique.

So I embroidered little Easter/ spring type designs..............framed them in little memory frames.............added a key as a 'charm',............and used some length of antique bronze colored chain that you can buy by the yard at any craft store. (JoAnns is my happy place.) I used a large lobster claw clasp around the neck. I had my 5 year old sign her name on the back where I wrote "Happy Easter '10". I love the way they turned out, and of course my half pint can't wait to 'gift' her teachers with them,...which makes it all worth my while.

xoxox -Holls

I am going to link this up to Frugal Friday over at the Shabby Nest.

Powder Room Make-over.........

2010-03-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Our little main floor powder room used to be dark red. Don't get me wrong,...I like red. But the powder room is too tiny to be so dark and after four years of a red powder room I was ready or a change. I re-used many of the things I already had, so for just under $60.00 we were able to give our little toilette a refreshing makeover.

Before.........

After............

We chose a color called 'natural linen'. I couldn't help myself. The name alone...........ya know? Some of my husbands clients had some leftover wall treatment that they gave to us. It is not wallpaper, but it doesn't seem to be fabric either. (??) It is very nice so we decided to do an accent wall with it. My husband (the artsy- architect) couldn't just cover a wall with it.

Nope,...that didn't give it enough design interest.

Can't let anything be simple.

So I had to be patient as he cut it into perfect one foot squares and individually pasted them to the wall alternating the texture for a checker board effect. I am soo glad that I was patient. It turned out beautiful. He was right,...so right!! You can see just a corner of the accent wall in the next picture.

We switched out our shiny silver light fixture for a very inexpensive but much better looking brushed nickel fixture from Home Depot.

Couldn't help myself........had to buy that really cute little ruffled towel from Target. I know.........but it was my only real "splurge".

Re-used the art that had already been in there before. I did repaint a few of the frames that were ivory colored to a truer white so that they would stand out better against the now much lighter walls.

It is bright and happy,.........I love it now. A big thank you to the hubby for all of his hard work. He is a really good sport! (although,...I don't think he was a huge fan of the red bathroom to begin with. :))

I am going to link this up to Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest.

xoxox -Holls

So many ribbons,...so little space...........

2010-03-04T22:43:00.000-08:00

It is Frugal Friday over at the Shabby Nest, so I thought I would share my newest space and money saving idea. I used to store all of my ribbon on paper towel holders. It looks cute, but the more ribbon I accumulate the more footprint space the holders take up on my desk. I needed to find another way to store some of it. There have been a lot of great shelving systems around lately that include ribbon storage, but they have all been a bit pricey. Plus I don't know where I would put one more item in my over-decorated house.

For less then 5 dollars my husband put up a 'ribbon bar' of sorts right into my built in desk. It could be done to any desk that has a shelf attached, or even just a shelf,...who needs a desk?!

He fastened two brackets to the sides of the shelf. I painted them brown so that they would blend. Then he cut a nice thick, sturdy wood dowel to fit. It slips in and out very easily to add ribbon. He spent about $2.00 for the brackets, and $2.50 for the dowel,...saving me a lot of trouble. :):) Thanks honey, I really love it. It makes my little "idea nook" look even more inspiring to me.

I have kept only my favorite paper towel holders, and it has freed up a lot of space. Who can't use more space?

Happy Frugal Friday!!

xoxox -Holls

Oh the Inspiration...........

2010-03-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just need images to remind you of why you are passionate about something.

I studied art at the U. of U. and just assumed that it would always be a huge part of my life.

Almost took the desire, inspiration, energy to make art for granted.

Got married.....still made art.

Had my first kid.....made a little less art.

Had my second kid.....threw away my oil paints and anything else that could be toxic. Still did some water coloring and scrap booking.

Had my third kid.....not so much making art, but hey any cards for the teachers at school were still hand made and very crafty.

Had my fourth kid.....and my inspiration has been reduced to drawing a picture on my 5 year olds lunch bag every day.

Discovered this magazine. (Many of you probably already know all about this WONDERFUL magazine.) I seem to sort of be the last one to know about things,... functioning in my own little parallel universe as I do. But for any of you who haven't discovered 'Cloth Paper Scissors' it is worth flipping through, reading, obsessing with, and or dueling over an issue. It has so many remarkable, creative, and inspiring ideas. Collages. Mixed media. Paintings. Cloth art. Everything!! It is so fascinating to catch a glimpse into the minds of many creative thinkers. It has made me really want to get paint under my fingernails again. Hopefully that desire will stay, but for the present moment I am going to hunt down some back issues and really get my head spinning!! :)

Gettin my frugal craft on...........

2010-02-25T20:03:00.001-08:00

It is Frugal Friday over at the Shabby Nest,...so I decided that it was time to get crafty. This is just another take on a cloth covered journal, but they are very inexpensive and make such cute little girlie gifts that I decided to have a few on hand.

I purchased a little diary from the dollar section at Target, and rounded up everything else around my house. My favorite part,...vintage shell buttons that I scavenged off of my mom years ago.

Cloth covered the journal good old elementary school style. Finished the inside off with some classy paper.

Glued a grosgrain ribbon in the middle all of the way around so that the book can be tied shut. Gives you that oh so satisfying false sense of security.:)

And finished it off with lots of little buttons. Just craft glued them right on there. I like her,...she's fancy. Kind of has that 'sitting on a side table in an old french cottage' sort of feel.

12 inches later................

2010-02-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

Somebody remind me why I did this.!?.

It was for a good cause, right??

Although I think that she looks adorable with short hair,........she looks older. And lets face it,........they already grow up too fast. sigh. So doing something on purpose that makes them look older is........

well..........

a little silly. (In my opinion.)

She's still my little girl. Only 5 years old.

Now lets focus on how much EASIER it is to get ready in the mornings. Plus, she loves her new do and is very excited that her old tresses are all packaged up and ready to mail to locks of love.

We are proud of you Chloe!!

Rapunzel............

2010-02-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

She's mine, so I am a little biased,...but I think that she's beautiful.

We are about to cut off all of these wavy red tresses to donate to locks of love.

I admit that I will cry when they are gone,... but lets face it,...she is 5 years old and this is A LOT of hair to contend with in the mornings before school. Mornings have become quite the dismal occurrence around here and it has MUCH to do with the hair.

Before I could let this unbelievable hair be cut off I needed some pictures.

Nice pictures,...

good pictures,...

real pictures.

Not the kind of blurry snap shots I take, but the kind of artistic, classic pictures that my friend Jen takes. As luck would have it she is enrolled in a photography class right now, and she needed more pictures for her final presentation. So as you can see,...this relieved my guilt at using and abusing her,...

because really I was doing her a favor,...you know letting her take pictures of my kid,...right?

Didn't she do an amazing job? I think that she is ready to go out there and employ herself. (hint hint :))

She took so many fantastic ones and I only posted a few that really showed 'the hair.' It was hard not to post ALL of them.

Jen, Thank You soooo much!!!!!!!!!! Now I feel like I can cut off all of this gorgeous copper with a few less tears.

It's for a good cause...............

When I am finished crying I will post the "after" pictures. :):)

Ahhh,...much better.......

2010-02-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

Amazing what a few sympathy cards,

late night movie with a friend,

hot fudge sundaes,

amazing home made chocolates (thanks Jen!),

kind words,

and focusing on happy memories can do to help put the mind and heart at ease. :):)

Thank you all for your heartfelt comments!! They were sooo appreciated.

I am off to Utah to attend my brothers funeral, and celebrate the amazing life that he lived. See some of my very favorite people. Make more wonderful memories,...and heal.

xoxox -Holls

At a loss........

2010-02-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

I sit here and don't know which keys to press.

My older brother passed away yesterday.

It was unexpected.

It was a shock.

I know that i need to celebrate his life,

but i can't help but mourn his death.

I love him................

I can't seem to gather my thoughts,...so I will use his.

Pain

Why must there be pain?

For some of us, we are sharing a small slice of what one might call Heaven.

As others experience what could be known as hell.

For life is what we make it as we live each day.

For some may nourish from a douse of spiritual medicine on a cheery Sunday morning

as others feel discomfort in their souls.

We need to ask ourselves a question.

Without ugliness would we know beauty?

Without sorrow could one truly be happy?

Without the blessings of the higher powers spirit invested in ones soul

would we truly know the difference between right and wrong?

As we live and learn each of lives many questions, the pain will subside,

providing that our repentance be whole hearted and true,

as there may be some of us that have to learn lives lessons many times over.

A place without pain?

How beautiful Heaven must truly be.

-With love to the world

Warren White (Mott)

I have often times felt like I must have a guardian angel. Now I know that I do.

xoxox -Holls