What Inspires You Wednesday: Handmade

Small Equals Big Gift Guide Vol. 3

This week, there is no denying it. If you haven't started your Christmas shopping, you better get to it. It's coming and time waits for no one.   It's also time to think about what the holidays really mean to you. Do they mean fighting crowds in big box stores to find gifts that will be given over and over and over again. Or is it a time to find something more personal?

I'm inspired today by things that have been handmade with love so they can be in turn, given in love with an extra dose of thoughtfulness. There are so many artisans handcrafting beautiful things that anyone would be proud to give and happy to receive, and that to me is inspiring, especially at this time of year.

Here are a  few of my picks.

sources:

vase via nelle design

natural soap via kalamazoo soap co.

fingerless gloves via aurelia felt studio

pillow case via casa & co

white stoneware dishes via christiane sutherland

owl print via stone and violet

pendant light via lightfixture tamar

heart neclace via mimok

table runner via north country comforts

custom monogram spoon via sycamore hill



So, while you're wondering how you're going to find the perfect gifts to finish your list, consider handmade. 


Happy Birthday Garman


It's Garrett's birthday today and I, for one, am so glad he was born. I'm also glad that he ventured to America and landed in the Bronx, otherwise.....what are the chances we would have met?


He's the yin to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly, he's Lindt chocolate truffle in my Christmas stocking (anyone from the Seacoast of NH will understand that last one, and if you've never had a Lindt truffle, it's far time you did....but I digress). The weird to my weird.


Here's to you babe. You 'da man'.

(note: we do NOT have that much snow at the moment, but we did a couple of years ago).

Happy Birthday Babe! Love ya.


Hope you all have a great day.

Ciao for now,

It's Been A Long Time...Take A Walk With Us

Put One Foot In Front Of The Other

Hey gang, as I mentioned yesterday, there was a storm heading our way.  We totally lucked out. After we battened down the hatches, we still had time before it hit to head over to the field for a good stretch of the legs.  Needless to say, Lucan was thrilled.  It's been such a hot summer, meaning we didn't get too many of our walks in, so I was thrilled too.

Gar was lead-man through the field and into the woods.

And yes, we did beat the storm.

The field across the street is our go-to place to walk for a few reasons: 

1. it's literally across the street. 
2. when you get to the top of the hill, it drops down and nobody knows you're there and the dog isn't distracted by what's going on in the road.
3. there is plenty of room for Lucan to run 
4. we nearly always score something special to bring home, yesterday it was the hawk feather. 
5. if you go up and down the hills, it's a pretty good workout (which I could really use at this point)
6. we often share the field with deer and turkeys. we hear coyotes at night, but thankfully haven't run into any during the day. i usually have a big stick just in case.
7. at the far end of the field, there is a trail of sorts that goes into the woods. it's a great place for quiet thinking and destressing. we've seen an owl and a porcupine in a tree in the woods. the owl did the entire headtwist while looking at us, and the porcupine stayed way up in the tree. good porcupine.
8. our town conserved this beautiful open land a few years ago and nothing can ever be built on it
9. it's the backdrop for sunset meadows

I feel very lucky to have numerous routes for walking and enjoying nature, including the field, the trails around the corner and at Phillips Exeter, and of course, the beach. Now, I do enjoy a walk in our neighborhood too, but I'd choose an off road walk over and on road walk any day.

What's your favorite place to walk?

By the way, as far as the storm goes it did get very windy and it lashed rain. No trees down in our yard but close....our neighbors Lauren and Jay lost one out back at the edge of the woods. They didn't even know it until Gar went over to offer his chainsaw.  Good thing the storm was a quick mover.

$180+ of Handmade and Vintage for You To Win

No kidding. 

When I say Mercantile Muse sponsors are awesome, I am not pulling the wool over your eyes. This month they've been kind enough to offer prizes totalling close to $200. Did you enter yet? Somebody has to win, but you can't win if you don't enter.

Since they're so damn cool and I think you'll really like them, you will find them in the righthand sidebar.  When you have a chance, you really should check out their shops. I think you'll be happy that you did.

Did you notice it's Wednesday already? Woohoo to that!

Ciao for now,

24 And So Much More

Just Us

Today marks twenty four years married for me and the G-man. I truly don't know where the time goes.

It seems like just yesterday. OK, not yesterday. How about last week? OK, not last week, but certainly last year. OK, maybe not last year, but it definitely doesn't seem like 24 years ago that we walked down the aisle. It really doesn't.

It looks like a long time ago, but it doesn't seem like it.

Here we are....newlyweds. G-man makes it look like a robbed the cradle, but I didn't.

I show you these two pictures to prove that I've been a crafty gal for a long time. I made my own headpiece which had beautiful opalescent beads on the front (that matched the sequins on the bodice of my gown) and a seriously 80s floral spray on the side.

I also spray painted the hats my maid of honor Tina and bridesmaid Robin wore. I'm not kidding. I spray painted them and nobody was ever the wiser. We also lucked out and found their dresses off the rack at Macy's and they both fit perfectly. They were meant to be.

I guess kind of like us.  We fit perfectly off the rack too. No adjustments needed.  We clicked right from the get go. 

We met when mutual friends Gavin and Nadege were going to see Rocky Horror Picture Show and we were all mashed into the same car. We've been together ever since.

It's been a pretty darn good ride so far.

Sure we're a little older.

Sometimes a little wiser.



We've made a lot of memories and have more to make.

We're a little heavier and have more wrinkles.

Mostly, we're just as happy as when we started and more importantly, happy to  be together.

Pretty much, we're still just us.

I wouldn't want to go through life with anyone other than you Babe.


We're at the end of more thundershowers. They're nearly done. It lashed rain. Wishing it would be kind enough to pour down on Colorado to stop the fire. 

Hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was full of yard and house stuff, a little swimming in the pool and breakfast at the 401. It was all good.

See you on the flip side.

Ready To Launch & Freeform Friday

via lia artisan concrete designs

What We've Been Working On

I've said a couple of times in the last month that there has been a lot going on here. Well, it wasn't a lie.

In March, the Gman's job of 26 years was no more.  We've been trying to look at it as a new opportunity, a chance for positive change, but that doesn't mean it's been easy. Quite frankly, it hasn't. What is has been is pretty darn stressful times. That said, it's also been an exciting time.

After working with concrete for 26 years, as a concrete construction foreman building foundations, my husband is turning concrete -as he knows it- on its head. He's working with it in a completely new way and is really excited about it. 

Now, without further ado, may I me introduce to you................

Our basement has become a studio and he's been very busy putting together his first collection of home and garden decor.  Today is launch day for Lia Artisan Concrete Designs!

via lia artisan concrete designs

The good news is that he's just back from acquiring his first wholesale account. Woohoo! Now, I will say that we did have a little edge, since its Backyard Birds & Garden Frills the shop our sister-in-law Kelly and her mom run. However, they have a seriously beautiful shop and would not just humour him because, in the end, it comes down to business. I've blogged about their shop before, so you can see for yourself it is in deed a lovely store. 

via lia artisan concrete designs

The best part of Gman's first pitch is that as he was setting up his display, a lady going into the store wanted one of his designs! Yup, you got it right. He sold the 'half sphere planter on pedestal' (back right) before he'd even shown it to Kelly and Judy.  They insisted he sell it to the woman outright, since they hadn't put in an order yet.  Is that classic or what?

If you'd like to know more about my husband's new venture, Lia Artisan Concrete Designs, I'd love it if you stopped by his website. You'll find a little background on him, his process, the significance of the name lia and the inspiration for his first collection.  Keep in mind, it's a work in progress as I have to secure his official address and have a lot more info to add. It's a start though.  I'm actually using blogger to set up his website and it's going pretty good so far (other than time....which I need more of). I'll work on customization later, but at least it allows me to get something up and running pretty quick. If anyone has used blogger to host their website (knock, knock....Kristen!!), email, etc, I'd appreciate some feedback.  When I have his facebook page set up, I'll be sure to let you know.

Thanking you all for any good thoughts you can send our way as we get up and running.

Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge

Today is Day 5 in the Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge and the theme is architecture.  It was a hard choice. I take a lot of architecture shots when we're on vacation.  I'm quite drawn to building and their features.  I went with this shot of the facade of our favorite places, Grand Central Station.

It was a tough decisiont though, because what I really love doing when I'm at Grand Central is gaze at the ceiling.

Wish this picutre showed it more clearly, but it's the most beautiful shade of blue and it features constellations with some of the stars being lit.  It's amazing. The entire building is beautiful and it's always buzzing. All that I love about NYC.

Freeform Friday 

Oh yeah, friday night youtubing will surely include this one tonight. It's a standby and why not put your dancing shoes on and work up a sweat with me! And yes, you have to dance to the entire thing. Phew! If you're reading via email, click here.

Sieze the day and by all means, have a grand weekend.

ttfn,

A Biggo Salad, Supervisors & What a State

There Is Always Lots Going On

I was so happy last night because it was one of those days when I knew what was for dinner. Don't you get sick of thinking of what to make for dinner or am I the only one? Well, last night, I was good to go. Salad night! Making us of the roast chicken from the night before (still plently left by the way- I'm sure I'll be making soup).

Here's what was in it:

Baby spinach

red lettuce

1/2 a white onion, thinly sliced

1 small red and 1 small yellow pepper

handful of orange segments cut in half

2 handfuls of yellow cherry tomatoes, cut in half

about an 1/8 of a cup reduced feta (all I had left in fridge)

roast chicken, thin sliced

handful sprinkle of grapenuts cereal for crunch

I know. Gorgeous, right?

Dressing:

(not sure where I read this idea, but when I find the source I'll let you know. mmmmm)

2 tbs hummus

1 tbls of olive oil

squeeze of fresh lemon

1/3 cup of water

(I also added lime/pepper seasoning)

Shake in closed container until well mixed. Dress salad 5 minutes before eating.

We both loved the saland AND the dressing. The best thing is, it was good for us too. Wahooli! Tonight, fresh, off the boat haddock from Ralp, who's dayboat season started off with a bang.

Gar is off tilling my bil's and sister's garden. I should really say bil Al's garden because he's the veg man, Di's the flower girl. Her gardens will have to wait for a post all their own.

It's apparent that G is working hard.  I mean, he has two supervisors so that must mean he's working hard, right?

My only supervisor so far this morning was Lucan who became the subject of my first Instagram shot.

Being a good supervisor, he insisted that I share a 'before' shot of the pool garden.  Pretty pitiful at the moment.

When it looks like it's supposed to and is cleaned up and in full bloom, at least you'll have something to compare it too and you'll exclaim, "Wow, that garden has come a long way baby." I swear, you will.

Sunset Meadows

It's been so darn pretty night after night this week.

Enjoy the day. Make it a great one in your corner of the world. I am on a mission to check things off my the long list on my legal pad. Already have. Boy that makes me feel good.

What about you?

It's A New Year, A New Day

Hanging With The Neighborhoodlums

As we had planned for New Year's Eve, we stayed close to home. This is one of the benefits of having great neighbors.  We started two doors down at Sandee and Gerry's. We were missing a few neigborhoodlums.......Lauren and Jay- the youngin's- went down the road a bit and unfortunately, Tom and Joan missed this year with another offer in the next town.

That did not deter their friends Gail and Greg joining in on another New Year's with the Winnicutt Road Gang.  They walked into Sandee and Gerry's and said 'Where's Tom and Joan?', shocked that they would miss the fun. They would not believe us that they went somewhere else.

We did our best to carry on, beginning with a sing song around Sandee's piano. we sang a little of everything starting with a couple of Irish songs Sandee had found in her book, a little Dylan, the Beatles, John Denver, the neighborhood theme song of course- That's Amore, and we ended with God Bless America because everyone knows the words.

Then we took headed out, complete with flashing lights, New Year's horns, tin whistles, and champagne and walked the two houses up to our place.  As expected, more merriment followed. 

Sandee tested out her new wine aerator on Greg's wine. Two thumbs up from those drinking vino. I on the other hand, took my new cocktail mixer for another test run. This thing kicks butt.  Sister Gloria gave it to me for Christmas and she found it at Brookstone.  It not only mixes, but has an automatic motorized dispeser and light. Classic.

Gerry and Gar played YouTube DJs and we did some more singing as well as some dancing, including Gerry and Garrett doing their best Right Said Fred impersonation to 'I'm Too Sexy'. 

Greg and Gail had to leave just before midnight because they'd been away from home all day and needed to let the dog out.  Sandee had a quick lie down on the couch because she caught the dreaded bug. 

She recovered however, just in time for the Midnight toast.  I am peeking out from the back, donning the pink boa.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had as much fun as we did. Did you sing and dance too? Or did you play cards and games? Did you have a special meal, like my parent's bake stuffed shrimp? Did you make it to midnight?

Had a great day yesterday too at sister Di and bil Al's house. His family came down from Canada and we had a lovely roast turkey dinner.  We used to go up there for New Year's so it was nice to spend New Year's Day with them again. More on that tomorrow.

Here's a sneak peak..........Sistafriend Celine (bil Al's sister) got a Red Neck Wine Glass from Di and Al for Christmas! Too funny.

Sunrise Meadows

Beautiful sky this morning. Got up from bed just to get a shot of the pink clouds.

Have a great day in your corner of the world.

Ciao for now,

The Celebration Continues, That's The Way We Roll

More Birthday Fun for Gar

I know, you never would have guessed, but we continued Garrett's birthday celebration last night at my parent's house. Yes, there was cheese and crackers, a Guinness or two and the celebratory big honkin' shrimp (forgot to get a picture of those babies).

Sister Di stopped by with Sophia, her granddaughter and our grand niece.  The child is a dancing fool. It was hard to get a picture of her because she never stopped moving.  Here she is in front of Great Grammy.

She was squinchin' down to talk to Maxie (the family mascot terrier statue, in honor of the real Maxie who was a good old dog), when Great Grampy held out the moose. Well that was all she needed to see. She had Great Grampy make the moose (which is probably a reindeer, but looks more like a moose) sing 'Grandma got run over by a reindeer' over and over again. She can't help but dance when the silly moose starts singing.

Nephews Jeff and Pat popped in too. We are currently waiting in anticipation of Pat's holiday batch of brew to be finished.  He's becoming quite the home brewer.

Then we had to take the 'official' birthday pictures to go in the albums Mom/Marge makes for each of us every Christmas.  I will preface this picture with 'I think I need more than my yoga mat at this point'.

Then Gar and 'Mrs. D'.

One quick one of Gar and 'Mr. D'. He was on the phone with brother Michael who was bumming about missing the shrimp. C'est la vie.

All in all, Gar had a very nice birthday. Thank you all for the well wishes. He thought that was super nice.

The Coveted Creche

My mother made the family creche set years ago now, in ceramics class. The set has to be about 40 years old.

I love it. We all love it. It's gorgeous and my pictures don't do it justice. So simple and elegant, yet lots of detail.  It sits in the dry sink that my father made. Fits perfectly, like he made the dry sink for it, even though he didn't.

Ah yes, the other birthday boy. Baby Jesus. Let's not forget him.

The creche set I have in our home isn't anything close to my Mother's. It's tiny, but at least it's got all the necessary components.....jesus, mary, joseph, the wise men and the angel.  Personally, I like that my Mother's has everything including the shepards, donkeys, sheep, and even two big camels.

Do you have a cherished creche? One that someone in your family made or that holds special meaning?

Baby Jesus sits behind my manger until I get home from our family's Christmas Eve festivities. Just in time for his birthday.

Sunset Meadows

It was a very pretty sunset last night. It was pretty quick too, which is not the norm. Luckily I caught it before it went down completely.

Have a fantastic Tuesday in your part of the world.  Do be sure to stop back tomorrow for the start of our next shop and blog link up.....promote your shop or blog if you have one, find Christmas presents or do a little window shopping. I'll also have a new free holiday printable for you.

Until then, be well-