tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67872966220308854162024-03-05T19:20:43.663-05:00Queen of NostalgiaMusings of a paper artist...queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-88815175474539137512013-07-19T13:42:00.000-04:002013-07-19T13:42:10.149-04:00Oh my... where has the time gone? Since I last posted, I started working in the classroom again, teaching English to my lovely students here in Michigan! My sweet twin boys are now EIGHT years old, and getting bigger by the minute.<br />
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In between grading papers and attending conferences, playing pirate and stacking dominoes, I still manage to find time to do some crafting and sewing. I have also discovered Pinterest, which has become an obsession. A good obsession :)<br />
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In addition to aprons, I am now making lovely little ruffled tote bags and message centers... canvas signs and painted mason jars.... a little bit of everything :)<br />
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Here are a few pictures of my most recent work; you can find me at the Grand Blanc Farmers Market every Sunday from 10am-3pm.<br />
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These are two message boards I made. The one on the left is magnetic on the top, with a fabric covered corkboard bottom. There are also two little hooks drilled into the bottom to hang keys and other must-not-lose items :) The bulletin board on the right is simply a shabby chic frame that I painted and distressed, and it holds a lovely fabric covered corkboard to pin up your pretties!<br />
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Canvas signs are my new favorite decor! I love the movie "Practical Magic" and this quote is one of my favorites :) Next to it is a large chalkboard that I created. I love chalkboards...<br />
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This is a glimpse of my booth at the Market. I call this apron "Pink Lemonade" and the combination of yellow and pinks remains one of my favorites!<br />
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Aprons fluttering in the breeze... I love summer!<br />
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A sneak peek at my latest obsession... canvas market bags! Come see me on Sunday to see more :)</div>
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queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-62433333925328863342011-06-25T06:00:00.001-04:002011-06-25T06:00:00.921-04:00Queen's Guide to the Fabulous Tea Party...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">"I'm late, I'm late! I'm very, very late!"</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0tAmZZq3WcA3Tfrk96cc30toTtIwQMsQjHXruTo0CSs06PBgBqzrMCPJosjFCTpNTqEcn66Dwhyphenhyphenm6qeeVbIN9RNo-la0Xz3Ip8fcLVorBzeKZYQQMElYGf3sRM5TpWmfINjiMAvwYkA/s1600/wonderlandrabbitgfairy001_vectorized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0tAmZZq3WcA3Tfrk96cc30toTtIwQMsQjHXruTo0CSs06PBgBqzrMCPJosjFCTpNTqEcn66Dwhyphenhyphenm6qeeVbIN9RNo-la0Xz3Ip8fcLVorBzeKZYQQMElYGf3sRM5TpWmfINjiMAvwYkA/s320/wonderlandrabbitgfairy001_vectorized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621989027944796354" border="0" /></a><br />Poor Rabbit. It is his first time hosting a party. He was invited to create his own soiree by the lovely Vanessa at a<a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/"> Fanciful Twist</a>, and now he is worried if he can pull off a fabulous tea party. I decided to create a "How To" list for this handsome hare, and he was so delighted, he asked me to share :) Obviously delicious treats and tasty tea are a must (and perhaps some Flamingo Croquet) but some other things to consider...<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Invitatio</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">n Li</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">st</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Kjk9MzRQc5zRczrItYvo-JD4mtRV9iYhh2_jHL1836QjNacJQtq4xPPFkeW437jwDfEIXVfUuz_irX6nSjkccsZYJa7YZe99IkqThSH6TNF6w-7CDWQq6eUg0CssmioOy8n0aZogyxc/s1600/tree+climber+crowd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Kjk9MzRQc5zRczrItYvo-JD4mtRV9iYhh2_jHL1836QjNacJQtq4xPPFkeW437jwDfEIXVfUuz_irX6nSjkccsZYJa7YZe99IkqThSH6TNF6w-7CDWQq6eUg0CssmioOy8n0aZogyxc/s320/tree+climber+crowd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621989630314403890" border="0" /></a><br />Since conversation is just as important as to what tea to brew, it is crucial to invite interesting people who not only are witty, but can wear party hats with panache...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aetuRruGhYP-tOS5YmZVq1WlwsbsEK9KmqE3nalPu1XDrrj4RaqfacZHYYFzMuoBWzWXCZ4IDuJliczXHIunNyi9qvL1x1gAOfaEBUZMG1HZFPXj7s5J1AGYlOoKWPh6yPernlm17ZQ/s1600/alice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aetuRruGhYP-tOS5YmZVq1WlwsbsEK9KmqE3nalPu1XDrrj4RaqfacZHYYFzMuoBWzWXCZ4IDuJliczXHIunNyi9qvL1x1gAOfaEBUZMG1HZFPXj7s5J1AGYlOoKWPh6yPernlm17ZQ/s320/alice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621989938740381266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c_H0o4d3w0xRqnYkU_FqxLVrA13Lw4GxLZWdInVjBPVSJADLCGA_tjC9Ifw3MY7nQ54_Sy_-Hgyz6UwA7n9B9TaErl3hnrRxEo4e-0qNZjYu3-mtbrpzwind5N4rVOf8i44ipKKzMNg/s1600/0939+Sisters_Brothers_Friends_108_SummertownSun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c_H0o4d3w0xRqnYkU_FqxLVrA13Lw4GxLZWdInVjBPVSJADLCGA_tjC9Ifw3MY7nQ54_Sy_-Hgyz6UwA7n9B9TaErl3hnrRxEo4e-0qNZjYu3-mtbrpzwind5N4rVOf8i44ipKKzMNg/s320/0939+Sisters_Brothers_Friends_108_SummertownSun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621991822090892866" border="0" /></a>These gals know how not only how to rock their powdered wigs, but how to sip their tea without mussing their ruffles...<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Ambiance</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46_J9lKFfWlI1D4FK9rwiccp-NSmE7bbdcD9FAadKuvp24IhLuwv5sGzG3oASg5MgjqAxanf9DI75m85h70IGh_ecV72SSoXBHiNo2bDTqAc7Dj0oQFf1fQh94oD094XuYz5wFmEtBa8/s1600/tea-party-roses-rep0507-de.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46_J9lKFfWlI1D4FK9rwiccp-NSmE7bbdcD9FAadKuvp24IhLuwv5sGzG3oASg5MgjqAxanf9DI75m85h70IGh_ecV72SSoXBHiNo2bDTqAc7Dj0oQFf1fQh94oD094XuYz5wFmEtBa8/s320/tea-party-roses-rep0507-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621990449115301618" border="0" /></a></span><br />Please note I did not say "decorations." One must create an ambiance, an atmosphere, a magical place that transports the party goers to a realm of wonder. Indoor or outdoor, you must find the perfect nooks to tuck in unexpected lovelies, and they should include flowers, fancy china, and linens...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHyXXSuqM_boRdOw2Oa5M4D_Mp_ybvH_tZ22xY8zhoILWMcCCErW2Shh7ftzkgwVQRCmsc_s1pmTaFMhkAt1kp6TGBGxY_PTiq1CL6CBLc8nPNv2y1InpWYdi0O6Us8nnfXzyuA5dcaw/s1600/Pink-Roses-Dessert-Plates-HTOURSS0507-de.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHyXXSuqM_boRdOw2Oa5M4D_Mp_ybvH_tZ22xY8zhoILWMcCCErW2Shh7ftzkgwVQRCmsc_s1pmTaFMhkAt1kp6TGBGxY_PTiq1CL6CBLc8nPNv2y1InpWYdi0O6Us8nnfXzyuA5dcaw/s320/Pink-Roses-Dessert-Plates-HTOURSS0507-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621990453245788898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfexE_Bk_vf7FIaV_W-88A_9qjnG6IZ7T_Xpuo2MOQF5aapdzQhs0qyXfWh6OJWhxndrTTK4hP6pmtu5tpzmM7Rzd1S8O0kTzF86As_mDB0xmmXaUAixeWoo2fvxDwfiiiU6xr1-Fn6Y/s1600/Parlor-White-Arm-Chairs-HTOURSS0507-de.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfexE_Bk_vf7FIaV_W-88A_9qjnG6IZ7T_Xpuo2MOQF5aapdzQhs0qyXfWh6OJWhxndrTTK4hP6pmtu5tpzmM7Rzd1S8O0kTzF86As_mDB0xmmXaUAixeWoo2fvxDwfiiiU6xr1-Fn6Y/s320/Parlor-White-Arm-Chairs-HTOURSS0507-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621990441671565394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wrhqY3gkhUUi-z3-Eylmpy9nU2NCJ7gjfuu3VnFfm2j-Nq6R6Fd6MxpTxbxZYv9_2r_0ECALgkHyu7zr6s3UuzVNgsw9xqmKCqJjseFVRF2CLtDIbe14uQuj8cO-8s9xXwRxx8ImizY/s1600/DSC00801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wrhqY3gkhUUi-z3-Eylmpy9nU2NCJ7gjfuu3VnFfm2j-Nq6R6Fd6MxpTxbxZYv9_2r_0ECALgkHyu7zr6s3UuzVNgsw9xqmKCqJjseFVRF2CLtDIbe14uQuj8cO-8s9xXwRxx8ImizY/s320/DSC00801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621990425106940402" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Party Favors</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija6q4ldy6NS8it3pvYWo0Oi1nxyFBirTr4D76AGHW8hAQi5m92AbzAMeASBDHx_2r-wQ5FoINi33XU1GIwF_QwclUGdBGc-2s0_3IjsBLkIwNeWn-cByyfwdzUd_GRDvRjUQl4Dkd1YU/s1600/hats.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija6q4ldy6NS8it3pvYWo0Oi1nxyFBirTr4D76AGHW8hAQi5m92AbzAMeASBDHx_2r-wQ5FoINi33XU1GIwF_QwclUGdBGc-2s0_3IjsBLkIwNeWn-cByyfwdzUd_GRDvRjUQl4Dkd1YU/s320/hats.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621991838051118594" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span><br />Without pretty little gifties, your party may feel more like a simple snack time. Homemade favors are best, the more unusual and eclectic the better...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_qXTBQpDNglDpKFLrqyo85kcqkTngUIY4ikrHTAnTsZ1JqnAXcm37aK193lxkBRCtdmlPzpo9dn1K-MnN2IGqS9JMC0JDKvyTou8SF0Do3XhdPmDNllCYVtiBqo2-oSWvsqhFXr6WKs/s1600/paper+teapot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_qXTBQpDNglDpKFLrqyo85kcqkTngUIY4ikrHTAnTsZ1JqnAXcm37aK193lxkBRCtdmlPzpo9dn1K-MnN2IGqS9JMC0JDKvyTou8SF0Do3XhdPmDNllCYVtiBqo2-oSWvsqhFXr6WKs/s320/paper+teapot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621991847556437346" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span>This is a paper teapot I created a few years ago - perfect for place settings!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Couture</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7rzVptHbAUaGiw-pGvOKIq6OHGAcHfWrWEYmqszri7V_QSny2TMvWKKmrcDflccpJa8Pp8-RTx7pz0pNVmPhwhsSHd-VaGHqABYW8b03u-LlslOZbP4Fd8f4A8Knp_WWoaoP9kZXxMg/s1600/tea+time+SEPIA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7rzVptHbAUaGiw-pGvOKIq6OHGAcHfWrWEYmqszri7V_QSny2TMvWKKmrcDflccpJa8Pp8-RTx7pz0pNVmPhwhsSHd-VaGHqABYW8b03u-LlslOZbP4Fd8f4A8Knp_WWoaoP9kZXxMg/s320/tea+time+SEPIA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621991850157711986" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />One must throw themselves into her attire with reckless abandon. Large hats, layers of lace, and of course, as hostess, a fabulous apron...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXAI4keSkIyb8IWLKfnQ0vqx9ez_h6VqX5Xx2gLDSztRw0vZ9vCOtLiuBlVeMEe47SAT8UFUiDVfUjeFbo6ibVgWTvTK61mLbXnduJmy9pwVYYf5O4TlxjmKKc3YJyp8s1ydma9cal2U/s1600/aprons+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXAI4keSkIyb8IWLKfnQ0vqx9ez_h6VqX5Xx2gLDSztRw0vZ9vCOtLiuBlVeMEe47SAT8UFUiDVfUjeFbo6ibVgWTvTK61mLbXnduJmy9pwVYYf5O4TlxjmKKc3YJyp8s1ydma9cal2U/s320/aprons+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621991829569708962" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />And there you have it! Some simple guidelines to help you created a lovely tea party that will keep the party goers talking for months! So get your tea cozy ready, cut some flowers, and tie on that apron - and go visit the other party hostesses today!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Credits</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-style: italic;">All vintage photographs are from my collection of adopted ancestors. The Alice in Wonderland illustrations are from the Library of Congress. The watermarked images are of my creations and other pretties (such as the apron and stack of linens), and the fabulous photos of flowers and such are from http://www.countryliving.com/.</span></span><br /></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-19069750417192197892011-05-31T06:15:00.000-04:002011-05-31T06:15:29.649-04:00A Place for Everything...<i>So </i>busy lately! Is it just me, or does it seems like that the nicer the weather gets, the faster the days go? I know there are more "daylight" hours, yet it seems like I am still running out of time. Of course, the nicer weather means I am outside more, playing in the sun with the boys, helping them plant a vegetable garden, and trying to soak in some sunshine.<br />
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Before the nice weather arrived, I did spend some time cleaning my studio. I organized and prettified.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkWkDHXGMKZePbwvsDndPO8alXR5mQXVYk-yeEz51Ic6deZEt9_GPMcX8y6tDJmOKim8avdGDjS_J4fEEDpXf5uszyalPEHWvmW_yVK3OrWVr_2xpGPQWE1CjpR9SwdLgauLUTmCMz3w/s1600/kids+155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkWkDHXGMKZePbwvsDndPO8alXR5mQXVYk-yeEz51Ic6deZEt9_GPMcX8y6tDJmOKim8avdGDjS_J4fEEDpXf5uszyalPEHWvmW_yVK3OrWVr_2xpGPQWE1CjpR9SwdLgauLUTmCMz3w/s320/kids+155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I have a large shelf by the window, and I like to keep flowers and ribbons at hand. I use a lot of bowls, boxes, and jars so I can see my supplies. If I can't see it, I forget I have it - so I like to keep my pretties visible...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aeOAVoVMbGj0gBoHKzW3mJxNHyX2Tg433lldXBwGpFUw0ADolDQAu8mY5ryDfkIIDOdtnc5dExhPrSllGGUNEdnWz0W088iKRK8_DXbtTsHRpflmqnmzyO2slIs1F01bWRbpyilo4HA/s1600/kids+165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aeOAVoVMbGj0gBoHKzW3mJxNHyX2Tg433lldXBwGpFUw0ADolDQAu8mY5ryDfkIIDOdtnc5dExhPrSllGGUNEdnWz0W088iKRK8_DXbtTsHRpflmqnmzyO2slIs1F01bWRbpyilo4HA/s320/kids+165.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My best storage solution for ribbon: mug racks. I got several of these vintage looking, white chippy racks and then hung them vertically, and the rolls of ribbon fit perfectly! Not only are they pretty, they are easy to access.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaZeNRJ0O9-LHr7TaKu_LPm_8eXusUmrnmM2ID_qxiVbZCofdrnA_Jw3cBPvx2pJ8VzgvvFKGfB7dXx1PdOxBphO0En2_mKpHabgWsQ6W4EikvToXFXjEXjqjLhDhqaHC617I5aw_m-g/s1600/kids+166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaZeNRJ0O9-LHr7TaKu_LPm_8eXusUmrnmM2ID_qxiVbZCofdrnA_Jw3cBPvx2pJ8VzgvvFKGfB7dXx1PdOxBphO0En2_mKpHabgWsQ6W4EikvToXFXjEXjqjLhDhqaHC617I5aw_m-g/s320/kids+166.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><br />
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Storing supplies is one thing - crafting a creative ambiance is another. I like to tuck in unexpected notions with my supplies for little bits of unexpected inspiration. Antique photos and orphaned pages from a vintage book are nestled in a box of tea-stained ribbon...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2qFkI4f55GRexbxF0wAASo5SANU1HujmC9JhPgnMgEbW3bHjLLFxqOtcQjWExjQ4FIp1Lg5a5A5fozHk1Yik0hOZMtFhaR8nDR6TgqWN7-ZTTFaKlhyphenhyphen2z5FyTB2OCPB-7WoIz6hUhvg/s1600/kids+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2qFkI4f55GRexbxF0wAASo5SANU1HujmC9JhPgnMgEbW3bHjLLFxqOtcQjWExjQ4FIp1Lg5a5A5fozHk1Yik0hOZMtFhaR8nDR6TgqWN7-ZTTFaKlhyphenhyphen2z5FyTB2OCPB-7WoIz6hUhvg/s320/kids+161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I adore polkadots - so I need to keep my dotted ribbons handy! A fancy dowel is the perfect home to rolls of ribbon. The paper flowers I made are a nice nest, and I had these fabulous old Bingo cards which needed a place to stay...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFQXIISbFX0hMtmUX5B7aNHVYBJKr1bglHkQSNTPb79I-Vm9TC62mMd3dC2WIJOAZfx7EfoPGXLZENda8ZX1Uxdni9zdXhlT8UyQ4X2h57tlGLZXKlS3HT9ecanX1mR2KQSUTVbQw_-8/s1600/kids+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFQXIISbFX0hMtmUX5B7aNHVYBJKr1bglHkQSNTPb79I-Vm9TC62mMd3dC2WIJOAZfx7EfoPGXLZENda8ZX1Uxdni9zdXhlT8UyQ4X2h57tlGLZXKlS3HT9ecanX1mR2KQSUTVbQw_-8/s320/kids+159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A love of words and letters. Old printer trays are ideal for storing chipboard letters. One tray is for plain letters, the other for decorated letters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOL-oB1bX1AOoGbij-P2s4R23nCENOplXiJCLcWQmM8-YrVPB6OvbIGmK4yTVdKhZbV1-xu04NsX7X0RYqVwC-WqUu3qBeOxnXHlj6c1aMfX1UqBPBbzX2N92qkUp6uBChNwguwxT3Nw/s1600/kids+148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOL-oB1bX1AOoGbij-P2s4R23nCENOplXiJCLcWQmM8-YrVPB6OvbIGmK4yTVdKhZbV1-xu04NsX7X0RYqVwC-WqUu3qBeOxnXHlj6c1aMfX1UqBPBbzX2N92qkUp6uBChNwguwxT3Nw/s320/kids+148.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjKiF_GnFnkR6jghy7Rqtqac8BghjsCYE7_VggUIAqb8Z4FdGxiREoKiU7x4RmQdyTHFS5YXJ_iLULIChgoV5K_yeuCmD4nXg2pbHP0Jc8jFZb-WqPX2N0MXBijDJXlSwAG3kQ1sNJyQ/s1600/kids+147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjKiF_GnFnkR6jghy7Rqtqac8BghjsCYE7_VggUIAqb8Z4FdGxiREoKiU7x4RmQdyTHFS5YXJ_iLULIChgoV5K_yeuCmD4nXg2pbHP0Jc8jFZb-WqPX2N0MXBijDJXlSwAG3kQ1sNJyQ/s320/kids+147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBr4NnVkffZ5Hs4q1GmLHqclJCS9NE5AW99ykRl_hXQ0IJQD1V9_iw5f_zog0pLzSflf4pz6JZq9D9rwnO_hPqO4QMA8ohyj1ZoB0aFSqGhlYyaD0gNIF_-EMP4fxONLaIX9I7G4x8yQ/s1600/kids+146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBr4NnVkffZ5Hs4q1GmLHqclJCS9NE5AW99ykRl_hXQ0IJQD1V9_iw5f_zog0pLzSflf4pz6JZq9D9rwnO_hPqO4QMA8ohyj1ZoB0aFSqGhlYyaD0gNIF_-EMP4fxONLaIX9I7G4x8yQ/s320/kids+146.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
All little bits are kept in little jelly jars and little tin cups. Easy to see, easy to use. Buttons, bottlecaps, hatpins, and more...I put the jars on an old cookie sheet, so I can just lift the entire tray up to my work table if I need to.<br />
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Of course, that was a while ago, and it doesn't look <i>nearly </i>so tidy anymore. I am a messy crafter. When I work, I like to spread everything out, and right now my crafting table is covered in scraps of paper, bits of fabric, and a few half-finished projects.<br />
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However, seeing how nice it <i>can</i> be in there inspires me to clean.<br />
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The next rainy day.<br />
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I promise...<br />
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-70521332265699609782011-04-28T13:03:00.000-04:002011-04-28T13:03:53.336-04:00Fun with Dick and Jane...If you are a follower of my blog, you know I just adore vintage goodness! So when I saw this fabric a few years ago, I just had to have it. Now bear in mind, I wasn't even <i>sewing </i>then. I was strictly a paper girl working on scrapbook pages and paperbag albums. And while I would incorporate the occasional swatch of fabric or strip of lace into a paper crafted goodie, I never bought <i>yardage </i>of anything :) <br />
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So it sat in my stash of goodies,<br />
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Until last week! I was digging in my stash, and found my lovely "Dick and Jane" fabric. Perfect for my newest obsession - Pillows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3220137" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV9gVsWyiYlt8IxZIuSrZP-GPNQ338V1u9-RPMx8T0GWkY-7xRHHxE3Cv7zVVXA4yTggv4dbswv-_5DPmwHG-UiFC620CLzEhg4a__3tGdhLQu9q5mPB54KuVaXIDjTRxjXkxF3V9JWI/s320/pillows+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It measures 12x12, and has an envelope enclosure in the back so it is easy to clean. I have it <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3220137">listed at Artfire</a><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3220137">,</a> and I think would be a super cute Mother's Day giftie :)<br />
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Here are a few more that I have created...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwujqDz-3H5sKt92BCm6MTPshrnA0Y2sC3nkSIGvGGGJWLHwGBsiTMuvUEIHE_y3YvHfph9Iqs3xETOOAnfL2F4YYBUu1w1EIFVltKWOWP4ETSeCWae-IiIts5jqHVjDjGfLcxGnUm-U/s1600/pillows+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwujqDz-3H5sKt92BCm6MTPshrnA0Y2sC3nkSIGvGGGJWLHwGBsiTMuvUEIHE_y3YvHfph9Iqs3xETOOAnfL2F4YYBUu1w1EIFVltKWOWP4ETSeCWae-IiIts5jqHVjDjGfLcxGnUm-U/s320/pillows+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTiUncgtRg9Jf2MX65sIKoZu-HDvjrY1fS1ng2joeYvkpKrTs_oVM0dtLIY5Wd02USTgoji7mQ1m5jYHnIytx9F8aloOUXji2wtxXN6cGmWtkGof6VT10734F2T4ZZ3Cw6BkkkCDlclA/s1600/pillows+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTiUncgtRg9Jf2MX65sIKoZu-HDvjrY1fS1ng2joeYvkpKrTs_oVM0dtLIY5Wd02USTgoji7mQ1m5jYHnIytx9F8aloOUXji2wtxXN6cGmWtkGof6VT10734F2T4ZZ3Cw6BkkkCDlclA/s320/pillows+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Have a fabulous Thursday! I have fabric scraps all over the house, so I seriously need to get cleaning...<br />
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<a href="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-76445470114355492642011-04-12T10:21:00.000-04:002011-04-12T10:21:26.910-04:00Well, hey there! You would think I was a bear. I feel like I have been hibernating since Thanksgiving... only I think bears emerge all skinny and cranky. I think I have gained a few - but at least I am a happy bear! So what have I been up to? Sewing, reading to the boys, crafting, playing pirate, baking pies, and planning for spring!<br />
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Johnny and I made another PIE - he loves the show <a href="http://www.wordworld.com/">Word World</a>, where "words come alive," and one of his favorite episodes is where Pig makes a PIE. The letters come together and form an actual pie... so we made one too! It was a raspberry and strawberry pie, and it was delicious...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm_ZHkA2X2OtkpM1Sf0OeJC-horaetoaw55O7-7oSyr7NfpTl-X3_I9GZ2mdjBakcPBDtlt6ePb8_YwrubT2AItrwMD8ODG7zlqr1bJkrU248-m_rWh7f7TkILd96qdVk-yWujEpwOSE/s1600/april+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm_ZHkA2X2OtkpM1Sf0OeJC-horaetoaw55O7-7oSyr7NfpTl-X3_I9GZ2mdjBakcPBDtlt6ePb8_YwrubT2AItrwMD8ODG7zlqr1bJkrU248-m_rWh7f7TkILd96qdVk-yWujEpwOSE/s320/april+066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I also have been playing with some of my stashed vintage texts. I used pages from a 1916 children's magazine and covered chipboard letters. Perfect for titles for scrapbook pages and other altered art. I am also working on some little chipboard houses using the advertisements from the magazine. I love the timeworn patina from these pages, and the charming ads and stories! Apparently my cat, Bastet, does too...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaU4k9cB19MuZ8zCSImfNpHWIhERPM8MfAU6uFCh_TeKVEpSNU8vMHuDPPDYe7_5OA8NJltpcooo6ldtAAnICwcrnOO0nhRqB1yrYlrvG7ovT1zT2vre_dBXR2sk_h2J3P8xnfFrcbMU4/s1600/april+178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaU4k9cB19MuZ8zCSImfNpHWIhERPM8MfAU6uFCh_TeKVEpSNU8vMHuDPPDYe7_5OA8NJltpcooo6ldtAAnICwcrnOO0nhRqB1yrYlrvG7ovT1zT2vre_dBXR2sk_h2J3P8xnfFrcbMU4/s320/april+178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I have had this obsession with wanting to grow veggies in my backyard, but in containers because we are at the bottom of a hill in a subdivision where all our neighbors use chemicals on their lawns. So I tore out some plants (sorry hubby...) with the grand vision of making raised gardening beds. Well, Sunday we had temperatures in the upper 70s/low 80s, and the boys were out with daddy while Mama made lunch. Daddy, being the awesomely fun dad that he is, let them play with the hose. I came out for our sunny picnic lunch loaded down with sandwiches, and saw my little darling piggies - I mean boys - covered in mud.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TFSH9oXjoGt_1-kQIfH7TS2xg9mMMAMjTi8H8xjiujYKHGaUwr4RXJSRT7xVDF9lbc-X3XQGCZlg8q5jS4PPJlEDkKAOcGts3o9-2jlVhm4SoUgP_VvMKN0fsOFsPyFBz6PiLyLzRVg/s1600/april+167wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TFSH9oXjoGt_1-kQIfH7TS2xg9mMMAMjTi8H8xjiujYKHGaUwr4RXJSRT7xVDF9lbc-X3XQGCZlg8q5jS4PPJlEDkKAOcGts3o9-2jlVhm4SoUgP_VvMKN0fsOFsPyFBz6PiLyLzRVg/s320/april+167wm.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiozaEfqZP3-Mx54mCW5pq3Bt2hsFMvv642Tm5SMwRR2ghjaLS0-HWeIf-5KUibA_22AXDDuFuaZW_Wj6zJXkhBSPCtxzivsR3Zw2K21UAGN-IdMBJrJZuAukaCkgzSI9eCGo8yVhhmk/s1600/april+169wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiozaEfqZP3-Mx54mCW5pq3Bt2hsFMvv642Tm5SMwRR2ghjaLS0-HWeIf-5KUibA_22AXDDuFuaZW_Wj6zJXkhBSPCtxzivsR3Zw2K21UAGN-IdMBJrJZuAukaCkgzSI9eCGo8yVhhmk/s320/april+169wm.jpg" width="320" /> </a>They were so proud of their mud hole. So pleased at the knee deep sludge they had created...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDobGpeX4rguxi2WltPHgRjCfW_TI6JTiE_Z0BuDWJR7YVfLLJ8z3Lg4opQnWJJicoRJJoKo8R90mNBZU6aI_-EkAH8PlgLpGydR_qr56AmKV1FC7umJjCQIsvPoDDaZmAMikBuDMhzUE/s1600/april+163wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDobGpeX4rguxi2WltPHgRjCfW_TI6JTiE_Z0BuDWJR7YVfLLJ8z3Lg4opQnWJJicoRJJoKo8R90mNBZU6aI_-EkAH8PlgLpGydR_qr56AmKV1FC7umJjCQIsvPoDDaZmAMikBuDMhzUE/s320/april+163wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Good thing they're cute.<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-38752235251701814212010-11-08T09:12:00.000-05:002010-11-08T09:12:57.115-05:00Festive Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2n7sGd1zo2Ag0S36uK4bgxS3ifp_muYHknseyd9BpnN4QaSWRcsJg6Ky22Go7u8hAz_PyIo8MZIxzgi2S0Jy1dq4S71Sf0CM8LFAmgVYgym8TfP6NNM0KgrOclJ4Uj_1pKdMv7PR1DA/s1600/open+house+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_1753413311"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2n7sGd1zo2Ag0S36uK4bgxS3ifp_muYHknseyd9BpnN4QaSWRcsJg6Ky22Go7u8hAz_PyIo8MZIxzgi2S0Jy1dq4S71Sf0CM8LFAmgVYgym8TfP6NNM0KgrOclJ4Uj_1pKdMv7PR1DA/s320/open+house+invite.jpg" width="231" /><span id="goog_1753413312"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If you are in the Flint area this weekend, you need to come check out the Festive Friday event! Get your holiday shopping done early, and have fun at the same time! I'll be there with my aprons, handmade stockings, and other pretties :) If you have any questions, drop me a line at..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">queenofnostalgia@gmail.com</div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-8140933938216011292010-11-01T09:37:00.000-04:002010-11-01T09:37:06.904-04:00Tricks, treats, and teenagers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAqJESAAx7ifztrSFjNxYQPd0j20btpsEdCyE7xhF5pIbe9QGuWgirZL4e0y9CwS7iE71EZUuIWIcZZ0F5rkL8-kcazzHSYHHiK0RsU4T51X3Hpoe-I-WeH2ji1zZ1FHoZOmIkm5sr5Y/s1600/best+halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAqJESAAx7ifztrSFjNxYQPd0j20btpsEdCyE7xhF5pIbe9QGuWgirZL4e0y9CwS7iE71EZUuIWIcZZ0F5rkL8-kcazzHSYHHiK0RsU4T51X3Hpoe-I-WeH2ji1zZ1FHoZOmIkm5sr5Y/s320/best+halloween.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So the boys were dressed like a vampire (Johnny) and a magician (Mikey) and had a lot of fun getting ready for trick-or-treating. Layers of turtle necks and thermal underwear under costumes made them warm, and we only planned to do a quick run through the neighborhood. I think the bunny perched on Mikey's hat was my favorite detail :) So trick-or-treating commenced! We decided to start at the end of the neighborhood where Johnny's bus pal lived, and then work our way back. Unfortunately, we had to pass playground to get there. Mikey decided that he would rather slide than hunt for treats, which would have been fine if it weren't so cold and getting colder by the minute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNb4TB8zauiQlJvaHQREQgvV_yCFnJbLyV3DWwn5SqUAPsg61LeojcxIzH4UyebcAJ_7ZQ3p0z7QQLWHtmaiF-Spzofq98-3dbluOXjFrkpZ84Iwl0zwvoLksPZs3EELKrdfqemwQb_A/s1600/halloween+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNb4TB8zauiQlJvaHQREQgvV_yCFnJbLyV3DWwn5SqUAPsg61LeojcxIzH4UyebcAJ_7ZQ3p0z7QQLWHtmaiF-Spzofq98-3dbluOXjFrkpZ84Iwl0zwvoLksPZs3EELKrdfqemwQb_A/s320/halloween+095.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So a few quick runs down the slide, and I had to drag a howling magician down the street protesting with every step, bunny flopping on his mad little head. Meanwhile, chants of "I want <i>Mama</i>, I want <i>Mama</i>..." were behind me as Johnny decided only I could hold his hand, not Daddy, and he didn't want to carry his plastic pumpkin after all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mikey finally got on board, but instead of yelling trick or treat, he would run <i>inside </i>the house we were visiting, I would chase after him, Johnny would shout, "I'm coming toooooooo!" and Steve would be shaking his head and apologizing to the house owners. In the end, we lost our camera, got two pumpkins full of candy, and made it home in one piece in under 25 minutes. We actually had a fun, albeit <i>interesting</i>, time. Like I told Steve, it wouldn't be Halloween if there weren't some tears, some embarrassment, and a little bit of disaster. Then I realized my camera had fallen out of Steve's jacket somewhere along the way...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He went back out (darkness had fallen) and came home to report he didn't find it, but did interrupt some preteens making out in the neighborhood playground.... They begged him to not tell their parents, and Steve (probably more embarrassed than they were) quickly assured them he was looking for something he lost during trick or treating, no problem, as you were... and beat a fast retreat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About ten minutes later, two sheepish and red faced kids came to our door. After Steve left (who didn't have time to look around the playground as he was <i>completely </i>mortified that he interrupted two little lovebirds) they scoured the playground and found my camera and brought it to our house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids crack me up.</div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-64018367173637200982010-10-18T17:09:00.000-04:002010-10-18T17:09:17.640-04:00Winners! Halloween party fun :)I don't know about you, but I am tired from a weekend of partying with the ghosts and goblins, witches and gypsies this weekend! So much fun! Magical as always :)<br />
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This was my second year having a <a href="http://queen-of-nostalgia.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-party-pumpkin-style.html">party</a>, which was planned and hosted by <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/">Vanessa </a>at <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2010/10/halloween-party-2010.html">a Fanciful Twist.</a> Like <a href="http://queen-of-nostalgia.blogspot.com/2009/10/hauntingly-magical-celebration.html">last year's party</a>, I am having a little giftie giveaway! So I did the random drawing thingie, and here are my winners!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2DTADyTuY4bmHgo1qi2SMqbLJsSle3BJTOQ_b7PNWXDft_YteRIBvBAdw_xTRAnht3hesMqXg7szq1YFNmYvvGvPQSFZd3ABog3QJ_ekmB0l6GG6TO7JvQRmjFWoFJjJaSlA8KnI9_g/s1600/34+kelly.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2DTADyTuY4bmHgo1qi2SMqbLJsSle3BJTOQ_b7PNWXDft_YteRIBvBAdw_xTRAnht3hesMqXg7szq1YFNmYvvGvPQSFZd3ABog3QJ_ekmB0l6GG6TO7JvQRmjFWoFJjJaSlA8KnI9_g/s1600/34+kelly.PNG" /></a></div><br />
This is <a href="http://blondheart.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a>, who also had a darling party on Saturday :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY8yNYMTBxfqvF5QyNyIn2bPIp6VgeMtAzs3czRM1Mc9afuRrNJTsVq6BabBtti_Zy8tSsZUS-wVFlM3pq6N8rNQa7aszi26LEmpTqSYpRsLzijPi4d7yavRO6X81Ou9kzuGveqAWcyU/s1600/24+fanciful.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY8yNYMTBxfqvF5QyNyIn2bPIp6VgeMtAzs3czRM1Mc9afuRrNJTsVq6BabBtti_Zy8tSsZUS-wVFlM3pq6N8rNQa7aszi26LEmpTqSYpRsLzijPi4d7yavRO6X81Ou9kzuGveqAWcyU/s1600/24+fanciful.PNG" /></a></div><br />
And this is <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/">Vanessa</a>, our hostess! I am so glad the hostess gets one of my treats, as she inspires such lovely parties :) The hostess most definitely deserves a surprise :)<br />
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And just what are these lovely ladies going to receive? A witch hat, of course! I made two special hats, and will share pictures of them before I ship them off :)<br />
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Congratulations, ladies - and thanks to all the lovelies that visited my party this year! I can't wait until next year's festivities!queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-1713304480162555312010-10-16T04:07:00.001-04:002010-10-16T04:08:22.518-04:00A Halloween Party... Pumpkin Style.<div style="text-align: center;">Three little pumpkins were sitting on a gate... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOfvWJkKvHoHATDAhewZOw0-vqV1xV59v0gB2XvkT5Pt1yl9SvPCtETefjsexDpCWKMPliXBlzJkQHUG1jSjn6hqQOAd-3YTREuE0p6f24Uh3eEHFAUzEoEykyvnPue2WfgvP9R7Znzs/s1600/party+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOfvWJkKvHoHATDAhewZOw0-vqV1xV59v0gB2XvkT5Pt1yl9SvPCtETefjsexDpCWKMPliXBlzJkQHUG1jSjn6hqQOAd-3YTREuE0p6f24Uh3eEHFAUzEoEykyvnPue2WfgvP9R7Znzs/s320/party+040.jpg" border="0" height="196" width="320" /></a></div><br />And as it so often happens with pumpkins, they were arguing. Because today, of course, is the <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2010/10/halloween-party-2010.html">Halloween Party</a><a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/">,</a> hosted by <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/">A Fanciful Twist</a>, and none of them could find their invitation. Or the <i>directions</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_LljyAIKByhG2PSdbIfEB2Rxw5_nKYQvK2NAYiY9tpc29Hh0wUFD1OwiVN6IRoj0Smv424PzySU8AU6BuJdhNuJ3DUHH2kWpUACaQCz-UV8IvJqlIHtjKIeztd05o6oUXOimEMbU79g/s1600/party+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_LljyAIKByhG2PSdbIfEB2Rxw5_nKYQvK2NAYiY9tpc29Hh0wUFD1OwiVN6IRoj0Smv424PzySU8AU6BuJdhNuJ3DUHH2kWpUACaQCz-UV8IvJqlIHtjKIeztd05o6oUXOimEMbU79g/s320/party+037.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />"I'm telling you, I remember distinctly that the party is in the old house next to the pumpkin patch!" insisted the oldest, and with a naughty smile added, "You know. The <i>haunted </i>pumpkin patch."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2QPwS7Zgw_Nid5_Mmdxiws-hz4ur1QGvJVrG97waLSKaDNO6_EQfWZxDoOoHgFZxk-O5gahTnHmctdMrLCFI1pLB5oHn40Qcru3v-ONAJMRs1q7RJUClbGAwtqOwgPxAPGiQxsMJfPo/s1600/party+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2QPwS7Zgw_Nid5_Mmdxiws-hz4ur1QGvJVrG97waLSKaDNO6_EQfWZxDoOoHgFZxk-O5gahTnHmctdMrLCFI1pLB5oHn40Qcru3v-ONAJMRs1q7RJUClbGAwtqOwgPxAPGiQxsMJfPo/s320/party+041.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>The littlest pumpkin tried not to be afraid, but this was his first party, after all...<br />So the three little pumpkins began their journey. Soon they came to a lovely little forest, and met a little cat. Perhaps he might know the way?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikuQzC_ydQaU2Msm0PAMHMTvgp1qm8i_r-0XuOPBwH4I8AJ39HtaM44VCQPckiz8QXoss8Nu30omrb4beaWNfpApkXc2s-27TqVjk_kt4ism9TMgA4tJen78h49gUsmCWCTZd83S1G8I/s1600/party+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikuQzC_ydQaU2Msm0PAMHMTvgp1qm8i_r-0XuOPBwH4I8AJ39HtaM44VCQPckiz8QXoss8Nu30omrb4beaWNfpApkXc2s-27TqVjk_kt4ism9TMgA4tJen78h49gUsmCWCTZd83S1G8I/s320/party+025.jpg" border="0" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>"Excuse me. Hello? Hellllloooo...?" The oldest pumpkin gave the kitty a little tap on the head. "Most unresponsive, this one. Let's move on." And so they rolled further on, hoping to find someone who could tell them where this magical party was being held.<br /><br />"Hark! Here looks like someone who could help us! He looks familiar... Uncle Jasper?"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcqaa0Ky4ShzcjMldCYWBMTWDI6f0-gCVPUFDjww_apRiP4eRgmM0ecQ6clzz3VVrweI2fKlm8NjFI9qH_V0CUyMIoEJ3E1Z8oPpgdEz04hbm3aGjKblCdhmvOKGiZoGpRehBoRaBWAU/s1600/party+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcqaa0Ky4ShzcjMldCYWBMTWDI6f0-gCVPUFDjww_apRiP4eRgmM0ecQ6clzz3VVrweI2fKlm8NjFI9qH_V0CUyMIoEJ3E1Z8oPpgdEz04hbm3aGjKblCdhmvOKGiZoGpRehBoRaBWAU/s320/party+054.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br />But upon closer inspection, it was not Uncle Jasper, and he most definitely did not know the way to the party.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gWGWUtiON4_TC_2RRbokj7iNQzvCiT7zqaP4vaKy3GoAo4eLwBW6OnCiMWtRsCLUHQu_cQ4neJfvA-th6AuCpgJ4KApUhLKsO6Srg9mpYFt3VlVX2mLfW30Xibj66Nei4dt0asYpSjA/s1600/party+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gWGWUtiON4_TC_2RRbokj7iNQzvCiT7zqaP4vaKy3GoAo4eLwBW6OnCiMWtRsCLUHQu_cQ4neJfvA-th6AuCpgJ4KApUhLKsO6Srg9mpYFt3VlVX2mLfW30Xibj66Nei4dt0asYpSjA/s320/party+053.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="186" /></a></div><br />The littlest pumpkin shivered as he passed this tall and silent spectre,,,,<br /><br />"Aha!" cried the eldest. "See? I knew we were on the right track!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQaP4p63DFuvVrFWwGwGFtP-0CNYDOIOQ80bsJe_waLXD0kvIVm56fY4sRU0xkKQ11GuuUA36WHvh3F8OMrQ2BXOTiQ3galkd9fdUGkJjT0hPQ6WT8V1UWRKOanx175PDfMT3w_LgIic/s1600/party+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQaP4p63DFuvVrFWwGwGFtP-0CNYDOIOQ80bsJe_waLXD0kvIVm56fY4sRU0xkKQ11GuuUA36WHvh3F8OMrQ2BXOTiQ3galkd9fdUGkJjT0hPQ6WT8V1UWRKOanx175PDfMT3w_LgIic/s320/party+049.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>They all breathed a sigh of relief, and soon saw the house. But it was unlike any house any of them had ever seen before...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO3CfUYe1L4I8B4C3ACnx7yVUFRxxOIe4Fo321uXRS-l9ZMGxvmEv3nOfGf-yYRjwUx1DfxErYv81b8wsXcBdgrgrkd_V652p6oMdIfHua5q_6kjE5amQyc-TxagbhgyPPYTg6MKjdcI/s1600/partyhosue1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIO3CfUYe1L4I8B4C3ACnx7yVUFRxxOIe4Fo321uXRS-l9ZMGxvmEv3nOfGf-yYRjwUx1DfxErYv81b8wsXcBdgrgrkd_V652p6oMdIfHua5q_6kjE5amQyc-TxagbhgyPPYTg6MKjdcI/s320/partyhosue1.jpg" border="0" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>"Um, brothers?" asked the littlest pumpkin. "Perhaps we should just head home..."<br />"You aren't afraid, are you?" teased the oldest pumpkin.<br />"Maybe just a little."<br />"It will be fine. We'll have a great time! Besides, I am the bravest pumpkin of all time, and nothing scares me. I will make sure that nothing scary gets you, no matter how big and scary it is."<br />Somehow that didn't reassure the littlest pumpkin.<br /><br />They went to the front door, and a voice called from inside, "Come on in! You can put your hats on the shelf there. We're in the kitchen!"<br /><br />Hats?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym8luwPJHXjSN_FXn5UvCwF5TRVNSlPNVAoDNEIdaLE9j0TbIh17DY1X0VcA6zZPNy56zsAYZnKmFhABw-zJdiyL3iypMYVxIKdbs587unrgsIij-8fwTvwfuObcf4Ke1bjuIlJWLzQk/s1600/hataprons+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym8luwPJHXjSN_FXn5UvCwF5TRVNSlPNVAoDNEIdaLE9j0TbIh17DY1X0VcA6zZPNy56zsAYZnKmFhABw-zJdiyL3iypMYVxIKdbs587unrgsIij-8fwTvwfuObcf4Ke1bjuIlJWLzQk/s320/hataprons+022.jpg" border="0" height="289" width="320" /></a></div><br />And sure enough, there was stack of hats in the foyer. Witch hats.<br /><br />"Um, brothers?"<br />"Not now, littlest pumpkin. Let's go!"<br /><br />As they headed towards the kitchen, the littlest pumpkin widened his eyes as he took in every detail of this strange and fascinating house. He took a closer look at the portraits on the walls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi4GuFFCtODxBUiedHwC80Rl9qxgDrlqSiD0FH1D9aRUnrIWiv8v9CWp5qFOQhCmltaOGXtg6BFoEUUlQnMNt-1cidcjkp6fIa6Ch2VQ7ctRWGQAkSiLBlfKea1RYdhQnLmGP9a8auu0/s1600/old+witch+in+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi4GuFFCtODxBUiedHwC80Rl9qxgDrlqSiD0FH1D9aRUnrIWiv8v9CWp5qFOQhCmltaOGXtg6BFoEUUlQnMNt-1cidcjkp6fIa6Ch2VQ7ctRWGQAkSiLBlfKea1RYdhQnLmGP9a8auu0/s320/old+witch+in+frame.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3aU6NnQc0T65uvonwhzD1-1iLPZRB6atPvq0UZrRXn55qepcSEfInCMqnYYJzZORPmjTaU5UCMydqyvzWvgT8Xj97lld7E9QqF5gFfwErFtzMb-PeDBxbEm0gcWbLZdx00Ujiy1Elv8/s1600/sis+witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3aU6NnQc0T65uvonwhzD1-1iLPZRB6atPvq0UZrRXn55qepcSEfInCMqnYYJzZORPmjTaU5UCMydqyvzWvgT8Xj97lld7E9QqF5gFfwErFtzMb-PeDBxbEm0gcWbLZdx00Ujiy1Elv8/s320/sis+witch.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="272" /></a></div><br />There seemed to be a trend here.<br />"Um, brothers?"<br />"Not now, little pumpkin!"<br /><br />And so they made their way to the kitchen, where it looked like the party preparations were still taking place... Bowls of flowers...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVl6AXAPRUxaeyXgGjMpNDoILdV6FXezEkWULueY_HHJW6JQ0ZgW1Cbs6oEYbzKv8p2-eiKlVZxzzBibWMeq9mNRpHEZKd8ocvEXcdsP39N2WyJ9g1CldFOB4UqaKuKtiImzRSlp9_dM/s1600/party+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVl6AXAPRUxaeyXgGjMpNDoILdV6FXezEkWULueY_HHJW6JQ0ZgW1Cbs6oEYbzKv8p2-eiKlVZxzzBibWMeq9mNRpHEZKd8ocvEXcdsP39N2WyJ9g1CldFOB4UqaKuKtiImzRSlp9_dM/s320/party+010.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tEYF1BFHSEYTxP5eRGOiWfU-6URyQAt9eO-gxiyleDpmKOnZKGgI4v4bmdbV2VZQQK0vhm22JvpxGNT17NzsnQbkTCfrNKP9mRP9HJ0QQ4AQae-5Ak1H6YTOtSwmpsEt9XjoIkbeXA8/s1600/party+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tEYF1BFHSEYTxP5eRGOiWfU-6URyQAt9eO-gxiyleDpmKOnZKGgI4v4bmdbV2VZQQK0vhm22JvpxGNT17NzsnQbkTCfrNKP9mRP9HJ0QQ4AQae-5Ak1H6YTOtSwmpsEt9XjoIkbeXA8/s320/party+019.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY496FfyQPq_2S6c15TS9d1gqow7ndiKJors2qVYG-kfh_HXX3lljH1Zf3HwIWAR8shjBO1RZFRA11sTKw2l0Q98p0VxC-y2Qx4mgfFsOJHIWdOsjMXuflXavrxZRCmuOFFy9nWZUHZA/s1600/party+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY496FfyQPq_2S6c15TS9d1gqow7ndiKJors2qVYG-kfh_HXX3lljH1Zf3HwIWAR8shjBO1RZFRA11sTKw2l0Q98p0VxC-y2Qx4mgfFsOJHIWdOsjMXuflXavrxZRCmuOFFy9nWZUHZA/s320/party+011.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> And piles of pumpkins...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSUfUx4q_PpipERhjYY8odN08Q8SNsS7Jwu8Hp6SVmc_7D76WeuLxVFIwwpg4apZFjnrzvLI8na2haiMZt8YpY_GB_YbMD_pFp5IbRtft_Ws1F4OelAeVTGJbSqe65CEdbo3WKNDfR8g/s1600/party+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSUfUx4q_PpipERhjYY8odN08Q8SNsS7Jwu8Hp6SVmc_7D76WeuLxVFIwwpg4apZFjnrzvLI8na2haiMZt8YpY_GB_YbMD_pFp5IbRtft_Ws1F4OelAeVTGJbSqe65CEdbo3WKNDfR8g/s320/party+017.jpg" border="0" height="260" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS88qza6mfkjjl2_mukOIBITcpSpzmU5Vmo1-QRyNopUcEzPv3cvvpeS_Wr3va0wTFRoRvZSmCp1XiIe_6WkgaY94ManOOijcZ-OyEuxt9eU05r6nEFDqZiYHtQtGZHSp2KgUsesr6qyg/s1600/party+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS88qza6mfkjjl2_mukOIBITcpSpzmU5Vmo1-QRyNopUcEzPv3cvvpeS_Wr3va0wTFRoRvZSmCp1XiIe_6WkgaY94ManOOijcZ-OyEuxt9eU05r6nEFDqZiYHtQtGZHSp2KgUsesr6qyg/s320/party+018.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And jars of poisons...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvx8WfzRrYeM0Bka95SaFu42BYD4WZMeBECnd7qclO_t2DLm7OLz7kNOfapGk1t7ZsW9ophcneu9IaOUSMz_LdKiopNB1EMmN70ogjp2yS9n5dzdgrCcqFNhB6MpTdo8M0rAVcruf3wk/s1600/party66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvx8WfzRrYeM0Bka95SaFu42BYD4WZMeBECnd7qclO_t2DLm7OLz7kNOfapGk1t7ZsW9ophcneu9IaOUSMz_LdKiopNB1EMmN70ogjp2yS9n5dzdgrCcqFNhB6MpTdo8M0rAVcruf3wk/s320/party66.JPG" border="0" height="320" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Before little pumpkin could say a word, he heard a clunk and a clatter from the counter.<br />"<b>Murder</b>! <span style="font-size:large;">Mischief</span>! <i>Mayhem</i>!" the oldest pumpkin was shouting...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcgWM19j-xHZlangh-w1Fv0oiRYQTbVev9CNssnPKKiaA3TO7rt3GV4_WztRJRVPvzkllB-fyNF6xtA1AI1qooE-AAByV3nUodQwQFx4ZhOimKq9UxRwQnAVkzuQwzfZMCqiMIcnQf3c/s1600/party+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcgWM19j-xHZlangh-w1Fv0oiRYQTbVev9CNssnPKKiaA3TO7rt3GV4_WztRJRVPvzkllB-fyNF6xtA1AI1qooE-AAByV3nUodQwQFx4ZhOimKq9UxRwQnAVkzuQwzfZMCqiMIcnQf3c/s320/party+004.jpg" border="0" height="262" width="320" /></a></div>And without another word, the <i>brave </i>oldest pumpkin rolled out the door, hollering as loud as he could.<br /><br /><br />A cackle of laughter filled the kitchen, and the two remaining brother pumpkins looked up in fear...<br /><br />"Fear not, my little pretties! We are making apple pies today. Not pumpkin. If your silly brother had stayed, he too could have a nice warm slice of pie. Do you want a scoop of icecream on your pie?"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">They did.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbwI62ujKRjh5fRpafWy4w1WYsqBZ3qXv-zAAf3arupoIiWlj8all3zN9Z4qDI8NRsIAeWCo1X23Vq_rwDp3bqHwuAuaynixtb2eCxwf3e_8bzistfJkKOUflg9Y2vGq8RR0Q13Dow90/s1600/ApplePieIceCream_enl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbwI62ujKRjh5fRpafWy4w1WYsqBZ3qXv-zAAf3arupoIiWlj8all3zN9Z4qDI8NRsIAeWCo1X23Vq_rwDp3bqHwuAuaynixtb2eCxwf3e_8bzistfJkKOUflg9Y2vGq8RR0Q13Dow90/s200/ApplePieIceCream_enl.jpg" border="0" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><br />And so the rest of the afternoon, the two little pumpkins ate pie, danced to merry tunes, and played parlor games with some very charming, and very <i>kind</i>, witches.<br /><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by! I hope you had a <span style="font-style: italic;">hauntingly </span>good time :) Please leave a comment! I will be doing a random draw Monday morning (October 18) from the comments for a delightful prize!<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-size:xx-small;">Credits: In addition to my original artwork, photographs of house and empty rooms are from <a href="http://www.amasveritas.com/">Amas Veritas</a> and have been modified, spookized, and hauntified :) The black portrait frames originated from <a href="http://www.shabbyblogs.com/">ShabbyBlogs</a>,, and the delightful pie image is from Yesmeals.</span></span>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-69046026520410213492010-10-12T09:47:00.000-04:002010-10-12T09:47:44.619-04:00BEE book, things to do, and other randomness<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> What is Random Tuesday? Check out the <a href="http://www.theunmom.com/random-tuesdays/">UnMom</a>...</i></span><br />
<br />
So I can't find my son's BEE book. That is the "<b>B</b>ring <b>E</b>verything<b> E</b>veryday" book that is pretty much the most important thing in his backpack. Notes to teacher, daily schedule... And the worst part? <i>I </i>lost it. I took it out to fill with snacks and books for his day at the Farmer's Market with me. <i>I </i>took out the Holy Grail of teacher/parent communication that has his little homework calendar and important numbers and alphabet practice sheets... I took it out, put it on the floor in some random spot by some toys, came home that afternoon from the market, and it is nowhere to be seen. I asked the husband, and he can't remember seeing it.<br />
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Ugh.<br />
<br />
So now I have officially put the first black spot on Johnny's academic career. I wrote a note to teacher, and offered to come in and wash her chalkboards if I can get a new one...<br />
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I need to finish cleaning my craft room. I have an entire room devoted to craftage, yet I still am dragging my goods downstairs to the kitchen. Mostly because my craft room is a mess. And the TV lives down here, and how can I watch Supernatural while I craft if there is no tv?<br />
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Oh, that reminds me - I need to go to the library and get the next disks on DVD... <br />
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I have a day of bobbin winding, bread making, and sewing planned. I have one more Farmer's Market, then that season is over, and a few crafty shows right after that, so I need to do some serious restocking of goods. Halloween is fast approaching, and I have about 487 ideas of spooky things to make, but by the time I actually make them, it will be past the witching hour. Being a crafty vendor/artisan is confusing, seasonally speaking. You have to be at least 6 months ahead of your seasons... Crap! That means I should really be making stockings and other wintry goodies...<br />
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I should be making Halloween costumes, but Johnny said he wants to dress up "just as a boy." Easy enough, yes, but I have a sneaking suspicion that when Halloween is <i>here</i>, he is going to want to actually be something other than "just a boy" and I will have no time to create it, and whatever it is will be sold <i>out</i>....<br />
<br />
Ok, all done being random... although writing this feels natural, which is kind of scary because of the random way my mind actually works... I should see what time the library opens. Of course my plates on the van are expired (since 2009) and I am starting to get paranoid I am going to get pulled over (again).<br />
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But that is another random story for another day...<br />
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<a href="http://www.theunmom.com/" mce_href="http://www.theunmom.com"><img alt="randomtuesday" mce_src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb9/superkeely/randomtuesday.jpg" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb9/superkeely/randomtuesday.jpg" width="200" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-16229115676191188292010-10-11T10:07:00.000-04:002010-10-11T10:07:45.118-04:00A farmer's life for me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf25JTjLF1Jp1uoYLFRXbLm4Z6utNSmpSa8Mlg2Hk0cq9wbT_QZ8irnLLNt2gqVAnEgSp5RgR5gwH39csD5B547lHS0RSUiB7JEbgGjfuNgWHTZExPCkLM4HBIEsfCOZpLHRFmrNxlUE/s1600/artsyhay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglf25JTjLF1Jp1uoYLFRXbLm4Z6utNSmpSa8Mlg2Hk0cq9wbT_QZ8irnLLNt2gqVAnEgSp5RgR5gwH39csD5B547lHS0RSUiB7JEbgGjfuNgWHTZExPCkLM4HBIEsfCOZpLHRFmrNxlUE/s320/artsyhay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Had a gorgeous weekend! It feels more like summer than fall here in Michigan (and how often do I ever get to say <i>that</i>?) We took the boys to the <a href="http://www.oakhavenfarm.net/index.html">Oak Haven Farm</a>, and had a wonderful time. One of the best places! Free admission and parking, and a ton of free things to do! They went through a kid sized corn maze, fed the goats, and played in piles of hay... Johnny made a "hay angel" and needless to say, they needed some serious bath time when we got home :) There was even a waterwheel and little pond with ducks :) The kiddie corn maze was their favorite. We bought some caramel apples and much needed water (all that running through mazes, you know) and took advantage of the great weather.<br />
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I took some great pictures of my ridiculously handsome boys... this is Johnny:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVWKWZD3WOaWv8sNkz5bPYq29RP7g6FIEINNX-2f6gTGlG1EqMI9vk1v7J1__b9zo3LfgDiL5A1Rs29MN1dIt0rcBZBAmoD1lBCRdkDb-eyaVDIadZrGNA7vdvVQc3iVs8W2zejZDWL4/s1600/artsyj2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVWKWZD3WOaWv8sNkz5bPYq29RP7g6FIEINNX-2f6gTGlG1EqMI9vk1v7J1__b9zo3LfgDiL5A1Rs29MN1dIt0rcBZBAmoD1lBCRdkDb-eyaVDIadZrGNA7vdvVQc3iVs8W2zejZDWL4/s320/artsyj2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
And here is my Mikey:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-sYyP2xbPpdxk_O8Ky0D0Dz2dT7nW9-deS8YIWNCB7HEzaL2LUfFROS85mqRfMSr-7on44ahQibZQC_InvRdGK26hSdVhTakfoJm9Rdk3KcSv8t6PxMH7-4Ea5zQx1aYquRUs3YH1wc/s1600/artsy+m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-sYyP2xbPpdxk_O8Ky0D0Dz2dT7nW9-deS8YIWNCB7HEzaL2LUfFROS85mqRfMSr-7on44ahQibZQC_InvRdGK26hSdVhTakfoJm9Rdk3KcSv8t6PxMH7-4Ea5zQx1aYquRUs3YH1wc/s320/artsy+m.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDAEFR6MrDoTbZwY4vkYvUCKsnt4770mhTEYzVcrAn4C5qO0hCqZpYuk_GemkYcMv3DB7yKLO6CeZ6y1ZDxuQwja5LxcsJtWNSUSMio9nzl_jLiV-0bMtXQowwEPCZEdZOg000xOgNQ8/s1600/artsyboys2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDAEFR6MrDoTbZwY4vkYvUCKsnt4770mhTEYzVcrAn4C5qO0hCqZpYuk_GemkYcMv3DB7yKLO6CeZ6y1ZDxuQwja5LxcsJtWNSUSMio9nzl_jLiV-0bMtXQowwEPCZEdZOg000xOgNQ8/s320/artsyboys2.jpg" width="320" /></a> There is this little "house" set up to look like an old front porch. I am pretty sure it is for display only and not meant to be an attraction to be walked on... but before I grabbed my little trespassers off the porch, I took a great picture...<br />
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Every time I go to a farm or orchard, I have dreams of being a farmer... I know it is a <i>ton </i>of work, but I long for quiet country roads and fresh berries waiting to be picked. I live in a subdivision in a house like pretty much every house on the street, next to a busy road... I am a country girl who grew up in an old farmhouse, where dad had a huge garden and mom canned vegetables and made her own juice from the grapes dad grew behind the walnut trees in back. I miss those days. My mom has since packed her canning supplies in a box labeled "DO NOT OPEN EVER AGAIN" and has it stored in her basement (canning is work, I know), but I have that romantic nostalgia of summer days, carrying freshly canned goods to the pantry. Maybe she would let me have her canning supplies... Now I just need to find me a little farmhouse to live in :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-17573379523368169522010-10-04T13:15:00.000-04:002010-10-04T13:15:55.840-04:00A lovely afternoon...So I found my car keys...<br />
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And I went to the post office, mailed an apron, and then went to the library to get the next four disks of the show Supernatural. I love this show. I had only seen a few episodes years ago, and decided that I wanted to watch it from first season, first episode. I had to drive to another branch of my district library, but I was fine with that :) Because <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130321994&sc=tumblr&cc=freshair">Jon Stewart was being interviewed on Fresh Air on NPR</a> (I love NPR) and I had the most beautiful fall color drive...<br />
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And I happened to pass this little quilt shop I have been wanting to visit...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpu4JWA6aMYKF5KZgUSy5kizDv6XLTCz6fecFrzxithmtKtT2h8YAbGxRmTTR6PA2Ms_tHxn0t8plg4LLHrkc2OfYWgSEtDb1PsoOv_Io0ItFlwBtL0aTsZSGRhbi1Es6fT8t-Gm3BMk/s1600/newfabric+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpu4JWA6aMYKF5KZgUSy5kizDv6XLTCz6fecFrzxithmtKtT2h8YAbGxRmTTR6PA2Ms_tHxn0t8plg4LLHrkc2OfYWgSEtDb1PsoOv_Io0ItFlwBtL0aTsZSGRhbi1Es6fT8t-Gm3BMk/s320/newfabric+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My new favorite place! <a href="http://lindascountryquiltshop.com/Lindas%20Country%20Quilt%20Shop/index.html">Linda's Country Quilt Shop</a> is absolutely lovely :) I had to pick up some fabulous fat quarters and a half yard of some darling Basic Grey fabric.<br />
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So now I have some great new fabric to play with, several disks of a fabulously spooky show to watch...<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
Kristen<br />
the queen of nostalgiaqueen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-58135890132318419612010-10-04T08:28:00.000-04:002010-10-04T08:28:23.391-04:00Black and white goodness...Another treasury! My black and white apron is featured here in the treasury made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovemyhoneybeezzz">lovemyhoneybeezz</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_894048253"><span id="goog_894048261"></span></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADs6gENgp_-rNWAGIjn4dp5xR2trFWOZdDq4WLfuW1bcvRb9jCwCovipJcf26gwgR4DMz4vpPBfXwu_tmOtT6nMEtNMsQNefKcm3DUfZ-LIjjOluuDa1flhGGMm3L7ppK7tKNgNt5250/s320/black+apron+treasury.PNG" width="299" /><span id="goog_894048262"></span><span id="goog_894048254"></span></div><br />
I think I need to go play over at Etsy and make a treasury now... especially since I still can't find my car keys. <br />
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<span id="goog_894048255"></span><span id="goog_894048256"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_894048257"></span><span id="goog_894048258"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-17846609820720955502010-10-04T08:20:00.000-04:002010-10-04T08:20:37.204-04:00It's the Great Pumpkin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYSH_6jhl6Eo41TffOiOPAHRymxScUEVxMxs_x9FJPN-U_qkP3rTmMww-LhFU8HareNi4kv2ULow1PYpuhTNr_W4xvj9QMQBpJMSePicNzUnabNfBPRe5Mp-417GoVSvh-a7_8vpxPOo/s1600/pumpkins+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYSH_6jhl6Eo41TffOiOPAHRymxScUEVxMxs_x9FJPN-U_qkP3rTmMww-LhFU8HareNi4kv2ULow1PYpuhTNr_W4xvj9QMQBpJMSePicNzUnabNfBPRe5Mp-417GoVSvh-a7_8vpxPOo/s320/pumpkins+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We celebrated the advent of October by buying two big ole pumpkins this weekend, and then letting the boys help carve them. Well, I did the carving after the kiddos drew the faces on with crayon. Johnny did help scoop out the "bluck" with me - he used a spatula. He didn't like the mushy parts, but thought the seeds felt pretty cool in his hands :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDxNnt9cRNpjl7eZZoBC1Q4KSbNL4vyGtvkO-1oU0tZUUrFtzhtIwJEi0vlbrqGvCt-KYzL0DRlQTREPxE4U3YKpwXXXu2MrhXXMkbrtVdwHSC7JG6f31D3TjhEIbPFN3xy3jnh4v8AI/s1600/pumpkins+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDxNnt9cRNpjl7eZZoBC1Q4KSbNL4vyGtvkO-1oU0tZUUrFtzhtIwJEi0vlbrqGvCt-KYzL0DRlQTREPxE4U3YKpwXXXu2MrhXXMkbrtVdwHSC7JG6f31D3TjhEIbPFN3xy3jnh4v8AI/s320/pumpkins+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I sat up my booth at the Farmer's Market yesterday and froze my tootsies off! There are only a few more weeks left, and then my market season is over until next spring... I really do enjoy the market (when I am not holding my tent down against buffeting winds) and plan on making some really cute Halloween goodies to round off the season. Maybe a few Christmasy things too...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I need to head over to the post office today, but I can't find my car keys. That drives me crazy! Then again, I won't be driving anywhere if I can't find my blasted keys...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you have a fabulous day!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kristen</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-24543487360426849482010-10-02T20:44:00.000-04:002010-10-02T20:44:15.184-04:00Treasuries Galore!It's no secret I love treasuries on Etsy. I love looking at them, making them, and feel super fancy when I get featured in one! So imagine how fancy and honored I felt when I found out I was in not one, but two treasuries! I just revamped my <span id="goog_1038971876"></span><span id="goog_1038971882"></span><span id="goog_1038971891"></span><span id="goog_1038971885"></span><span id="goog_1038971896"></span>Etsy s<span id="goog_1038971879"></span><span id="goog_1038971880"></span>tore<span id="goog_1038971886"></span><span id="goog_1038971892"><span id="goog_1038971893"></span><span id="goog_1038971894"></span></span><span id="goog_1038971877"></span><span id="goog_1038971883"></span><span id="goog_1038971897"></span>, so I am so glad that other Etsians are finding me again :) Thanks so much to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gaiasgatherings">Gaia's Gatherings</a> for featuring my little witch hat in her spooktacular witchy treasury...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1038971841"><span id="goog_1038971845"></span><span id="goog_1038971853"></span><span id="goog_1038971859"></span><span id="goog_1038971865"></span></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5sM4tAWC0KLF2jlimtca7td1gBmTzWEYPTRfzgjoH2LgUi3wpRmkyHNSCxEZ-WqPtmz6u-n7Iq0fOoPLE8C2vsMx9IKQ3h7IJrL1mA6_HpeA_wvz0f87J-apEo-Ea0bSVdyAo5Od2yE/s320/witch+treasury.PNG" width="313" /><span id="goog_1038971866"></span><span id="goog_1038971860"></span><span id="goog_1038971854"></span><span id="goog_1038971846"></span><span id="goog_1038971842"></span></div><br />
And thanks to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bubbletime">Bubbletime </a>for putting my newest creation, flour sack towels, in her pretty <span id="goog_1038971871"></span>autumnal collection...<br />
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I love this time of year - witchy goodness and warm autumn colors... The boys and I decorated for Halloween this weekend, and then we carved pumpkins :) I made a delicious batch of pumpkin seeds (and ate waaaay too many) and plan on getting more pumpkins at the Farmer's Market tomorrow. I think the food and the decorating are my favorite things about this time of year... and of course the Halloween holiday specials! I love Linus and his quest for the most sincere pumpkin patch...<br />
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What do you love about this time of year? I'd love to hear :)<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><span id="goog_1038971847"></span><span id="goog_1038971848"></span><span id="goog_1038971861"></span><span id="goog_1038971862"><span id="goog_1038971898"></span><span id="goog_1038971899"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a></span>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-88029181141554137052010-09-30T11:56:00.000-04:002010-09-30T11:56:59.584-04:00Halloween, Some Pretties, and some aprons of course...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know, I know- I keep changing my look. But the weather out there is telling me that Halloween is fast approaching, so I may as well may my blog match the witching hour. Speaking of the witching hour...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqwq1V7bPAuxD6C5YDPtvDExYff8tnbIS1O_XQNjWt6AwQzCcnLa3yoz-7u_2FrtaS4tfL3dtA1DDnWmcgqB-6jnih4J1lPfh212K1mFPZJbTy-7aSXTCJO0hQf-76IisZSeCLhFk6Kw/s1600/halloween+party+2010.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqwq1V7bPAuxD6C5YDPtvDExYff8tnbIS1O_XQNjWt6AwQzCcnLa3yoz-7u_2FrtaS4tfL3dtA1DDnWmcgqB-6jnih4J1lPfh212K1mFPZJbTy-7aSXTCJO0hQf-76IisZSeCLhFk6Kw/s320/halloween+party+2010.bmp" width="218" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This year, the fabulous <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/">Vanessa Valencia</a> is hosting her enchanting <a href="http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2010/09/a-magical-and-perfectly-enchanted-halloween-party-revealed.html">Halloween Party</a> again this year, and I had such fun <a href="http://queen-of-nostalgia.blogspot.com/2009/10/hauntingly-magical-celebration.html">last year</a>, I am joining in again. This year's festivities commence on October 16, so be sure to hop on your broom and head over to my witchy little cottage, as I have some fun and treats planned for all my <em>spooktacular</em> friends...</div><br />
Speaking of treats...<br />
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I meet the nicest people at the Farmer's Market, and I come home with the lovliest flowers and tastiest produce! One of the sweetest people I have met lately is Jacqui, of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenandjacdesigns">jenandjacdesigns</a>...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHN0OZdIQD9UUyGUL0PQjHNRFHhqg0SIUCRvtXxzV8IiiNhpHR326tPeMIErrP5rknk3QEk0CbgE3dvOZJVEigcYr2rNhgd_Wk_m48pm_C_BKtwg9XkEwpYhdlgFi0E3AlUA2SSqRLB_U/s320/hataprons+025.jpg" width="313" /><span id="goog_1647345076"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> A fellow Etsian, Jacqui makes the cutest little hair clips, and she creates amazing altered couture for kiddos... and she is as sweet as can be. Jacqui makes Market days pass quickly as we talk kids and sewing all day :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last Sunday was chilly, but it still was a fine day to head to Market. I even took Johnny with me :) My little helper begs me each Sunday morning, "Please let me go to market with you?" So this week I relented. He helped me pack some toys, a big blanket, and some snacks, and we were off! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>He helped set up the tent and he made my display of hats... <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tiV2fkmGganiVovbZ6Q1Vpn6J464i1R0ltkZqx67AMgB1cCLHI3H3P4YwpeCx6e9ES5DJn8_GRWu3UH0u0ZD6YBLxL2dhf5qfqt44MD8In-8ndc51IANbKKLImmUMkhgAD1Z0aYKO3M/s1600/hataprons+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tiV2fkmGganiVovbZ6Q1Vpn6J464i1R0ltkZqx67AMgB1cCLHI3H3P4YwpeCx6e9ES5DJn8_GRWu3UH0u0ZD6YBLxL2dhf5qfqt44MD8In-8ndc51IANbKKLImmUMkhgAD1Z0aYKO3M/s200/hataprons+022.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">and little fabric veggies!</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_iR4n_bvuu8G_q1g6G-GgLyPo7Xm-oeyxjJcOSYEgXWsP4Q3oWVAtOk4eKnXZHKLc-9HkKNtTmVIn_uhY1PkMZHWNA_5K20CZlxAM2SlK7Bhg3E86J7-71dD5Yg6nULYiKEw_7kym6w/s1600/hataprons+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_iR4n_bvuu8G_q1g6G-GgLyPo7Xm-oeyxjJcOSYEgXWsP4Q3oWVAtOk4eKnXZHKLc-9HkKNtTmVIn_uhY1PkMZHWNA_5K20CZlxAM2SlK7Bhg3E86J7-71dD5Yg6nULYiKEw_7kym6w/s200/hataprons+023.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And he found my camera and took a picture of these lovely ladies who stopped by and found some paper shoes they just had to have :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmKX9QH7CmuIlAas-l7GBLSbuzq5fVxZBuKFphXu0HhY-hagKVCNztnWEO4BtrrK7DB7tbXQpJbSwqFd_8zuBxRoYvOHcNVKZofbEfaRSn8g20-pS4ka12FQzksaRjbK6uCsKLr7t-r4/s1600/hataprons+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmKX9QH7CmuIlAas-l7GBLSbuzq5fVxZBuKFphXu0HhY-hagKVCNztnWEO4BtrrK7DB7tbXQpJbSwqFd_8zuBxRoYvOHcNVKZofbEfaRSn8g20-pS4ka12FQzksaRjbK6uCsKLr7t-r4/s320/hataprons+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, here is a peek at one of my aprons. I think of this one as "chocolate raspberry". Decadent and sweet, with heavy and supple fabrics...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoHLfQbSICrnZx92ZELiioeEjSYVtp1-Go7lvSfxxCbl6WQlUMFFO69_MuevXcKRf95WDUZNilWGAdwmpGsYjQjpVCaBRJgMY9uRBueOrSL_0Ateardz1Qg3WRO14JJFV5jQksTijXGU/s1600/hataprons+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoHLfQbSICrnZx92ZELiioeEjSYVtp1-Go7lvSfxxCbl6WQlUMFFO69_MuevXcKRf95WDUZNilWGAdwmpGsYjQjpVCaBRJgMY9uRBueOrSL_0Ateardz1Qg3WRO14JJFV5jQksTijXGU/s320/hataprons+074.jpg" width="267" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7GmUFzMWg5nC2fOUQ0-kRajc35ojyXTVVl_CJmNJA8t_2ElnD63UDcRCsipdBEFw_cpH8vVAn1O86kH8IgLHAHOB5ACJ1WwkxnZ7La6Gg0qii8fRKY_huFcoq7T9Wjn72YP3djrzNNM/s1600/hataprons+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7GmUFzMWg5nC2fOUQ0-kRajc35ojyXTVVl_CJmNJA8t_2ElnD63UDcRCsipdBEFw_cpH8vVAn1O86kH8IgLHAHOB5ACJ1WwkxnZ7La6Gg0qii8fRKY_huFcoq7T9Wjn72YP3djrzNNM/s320/hataprons+076.jpg" width="320" /></a>I love the brown and white polka dots, and the fabric ties make the most beautiful bow:) This one has some darling shabby chic rolled fabric roses on the bodice - </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PI4EWG5l9TdA0ZwNWx9UzSB52sB5KoAeszIsZdUUsROpGWnru-qNA_PaIlV5sgHra547uTM_ombvWfmijcIICjEK82mPm1hP5cENDLJvIjqs-1pxAB185WwtUHeO0aue5XW1LzK_ro0/s1600/hataprons+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PI4EWG5l9TdA0ZwNWx9UzSB52sB5KoAeszIsZdUUsROpGWnru-qNA_PaIlV5sgHra547uTM_ombvWfmijcIICjEK82mPm1hP5cENDLJvIjqs-1pxAB185WwtUHeO0aue5XW1LzK_ro0/s1600/hataprons+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PI4EWG5l9TdA0ZwNWx9UzSB52sB5KoAeszIsZdUUsROpGWnru-qNA_PaIlV5sgHra547uTM_ombvWfmijcIICjEK82mPm1hP5cENDLJvIjqs-1pxAB185WwtUHeO0aue5XW1LzK_ro0/s320/hataprons+073.jpg" width="320" /></a>perfect for the domestic goddess!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span id="goog_165690266"></span><span id="goog_165690267"></span><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-38465072818152205232010-09-22T08:31:00.000-04:002010-09-22T08:31:16.421-04:00a clean, well-lighted place...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iZnMhDMQsvip_JKhdcS3hZphKcdb7ld-HAm-h1LmgISFSTtweQMTdzbfGphauK4FpiQTe0x3HMYi6CSvvI1Z8Bdm3o3V7MeMB9bFF3BzHTK6MHMT4xxI8DNHWhg5TedKrJLWoZfohSc/s1600/Candle%2520flame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iZnMhDMQsvip_JKhdcS3hZphKcdb7ld-HAm-h1LmgISFSTtweQMTdzbfGphauK4FpiQTe0x3HMYi6CSvvI1Z8Bdm3o3V7MeMB9bFF3BzHTK6MHMT4xxI8DNHWhg5TedKrJLWoZfohSc/s320/Candle%2520flame.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>I don't know about you, but I never fail to be amazed at how helpless I feel when the power goes out. I tend to swear more and get obsessed with odors. It's true. Stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the candles and matches, I stub my toes and swear like a sailor, and suddenly notice every smell. Obviously because I am deprived of visual stimulation, my other senses compensate. And not in a good way. <br />
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The cat litter box suddenly is unbearable (even though I just scooped the damn thing) and the odor of last night's rotisserie chicken dinner haunts my kitchen (even though I did the damn dishes last night).<br />
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See what a potty mouth I become when deprived of electricity?<br />
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But you, you clever thing, are wondering how on earth am I blogging about my blind and smelly ordeal if I am electrically challenged?<br />
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I am at McDonald's, basking in their lights and sounds. Coffee never tasted so good :)<br />
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I needed to indulge. Try getting two five-year-olds ready for school in complete darkness. Mikey kept sneaking around behind me, then shouting "HappyBirthday! MakeAWish!" and then blowing out the previously glowing candles. Thankfully I had laid out clothes the night before (which I rarely do so I am shocked at my ESP) so I didn't have to dig for clothes in the dark.<br />
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Now that the sun is up, I should go home and clean my perpetually messy craft room. I had planned a day of ironing new fabric and sewing new aprons (I will be at <a href="http://portersorchard.com/">Porter's Orchard</a> this weekend for a little festival) but since I apparently need electricity to iron and sew, I guess I will clean and organize. Maybe Mother Nature is trying to tell me something...<br />
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Oooh, but before I do that, I will do a little more playing. I went to the <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/">Country Living</a> website this morning after being inspired by the pictures at Moxie Fab, and found the most fun thing ever! It is called, "<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/antiques/be-the-appraiser/">Be the Appraiser</a>" where you have to try to guess what antiques are worth, and once you do you get to read about the antique in question, and learn its origin... so I am a total nerd, okay? I'm cool with that... Antiques Roadshow is one of my all-time favorite shows, so I get to play I'm on that show. I'm not very good at it, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun :)<br />
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Hope you have a bright, light-filled day!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-36329028564179957622010-09-20T11:05:00.001-04:002010-10-01T09:33:08.509-04:00Are you a Good Witch?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP6UkXQwvD8MnPHhpIZUapVOkhtE0m1n9IyaHa01E0i3VE63D2EmWBtb5muKUgXn2ioUU1QTkeFVxwHCGj8vAbhG5ssiQcPjWRrrmyghjmHdbkvuAoIV61pOFGn0g0h8MZ0RWjhaUOq8/s1600/hat+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP6UkXQwvD8MnPHhpIZUapVOkhtE0m1n9IyaHa01E0i3VE63D2EmWBtb5muKUgXn2ioUU1QTkeFVxwHCGj8vAbhG5ssiQcPjWRrrmyghjmHdbkvuAoIV61pOFGn0g0h8MZ0RWjhaUOq8/s320/hat+017.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;">NOTE** I am entering this hat into the <a href="http://sewdangcute.blogspot.com/2010/10/introducing-new-contestcrafting-with.html">"Crafting with the stars" contest :) </a>Wish me luck!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="border: medium none;">How can you not love the new Halloween papers from <a href="http://www.g45papers.com/Default.asp">Graphic45</a>? <a href="http://www.g45papers.com/category-s/50.htm">Alice in Halloweenland</a> is perfectly perfect for the projects I love to make: vintage, whimsical, and delicious colors. Adoring all things witchy, I made several of these darling little witch hats. Relying heavily on the graphic45 papers, I also used fabric, ribbon, bottlecaps, vintage buttons, odds and ends... I love to mix materials.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOH-_5Df089S5QgoHR2_1ZFvIyxLTzibIemuWOLBs5U0yhX0BUBBl4QEKheBGFmQIBa0KWSQmTC4Pq0G5h6AXCml0qC1XtV-j8iNWcyuQcKZvZebSx7ooPWbQ-1Lhhu-6TtFSDV-EtS00/s1600/hat+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOH-_5Df089S5QgoHR2_1ZFvIyxLTzibIemuWOLBs5U0yhX0BUBBl4QEKheBGFmQIBa0KWSQmTC4Pq0G5h6AXCml0qC1XtV-j8iNWcyuQcKZvZebSx7ooPWbQ-1Lhhu-6TtFSDV-EtS00/s320/hat+015.jpg" border="0" height="320" width="215" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;">I sold a few at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and may put some up on Etsy. After I got home from Market, I had a bee in my bonnet to take the boys to the <a href="http://www.grandblancfamilyfunfest.org/Pages/default.aspx">Family Fun Fest</a> in Grand Blanc. I think listening to the carnival sounds and smelling popcorn all day made the festival irresistible. So after I rushed home, I changed my clothes and had Steve help me get the kiddos ready. We got a pizza on the way (my picky eaters won't even eat Carnie Food - what is that about?) and had a picnic in the park before going to the carnival. Mikey decided he was content to play at the park playground, as was Dad (he said just <em>listening</em> to the Tilt-A-Whirl made him nauseous), so Johnny and I took off for carnival fun.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border: medium none;">He won a blue turtle, went through the fun house, and rode down the Gigantic Fun Slide twice by himself. I was super impressed that he did it by himself, it was super tall (I think I was more nervous than he was). <em>And</em> he got some free balloons from a nice lady, just because he is just <em>that</em> cute. He had an absolute blast, and Mikey was tickled to have Dad all to himself to help him do the monkey bars. It was a win-win for all!</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border: medium none;">The only not-so-fabulous part was that as I was getting the monkeys in the tub, I started to sneeze. And feel drippy and tickly. Sure signs of an end-of-summer cold. Bluck. I feel icky this morning, but have too much to do to be sick. So I am refusing to succumb to my desire to plop on the couch and sniff all day. I am hoping sheer will alone will heal me :)</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border: medium none;">Ooooh, and <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/">Glee</a> starts tomorrow! </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNPvvSRn8H5n2wBrrt_dS213ayreN8UhVY0qGxNU8KcTlkWVuRowNFuXBIK3f4p7SPw5sFMMV3vBz-CvHabEvDYZ49OXp8Zg5olnPjVxzw2HY6kDZ3tgrQ_myJUnOZ4XLcBnZ3wB4U_U/s1600/glee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNPvvSRn8H5n2wBrrt_dS213ayreN8UhVY0qGxNU8KcTlkWVuRowNFuXBIK3f4p7SPw5sFMMV3vBz-CvHabEvDYZ49OXp8Zg5olnPjVxzw2HY6kDZ3tgrQ_myJUnOZ4XLcBnZ3wB4U_U/s320/glee.jpg" border="0" height="235" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;">How exciting is that?</div><div style="border: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none;" /></a></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-68366190468261529062010-09-13T14:36:00.000-04:002010-09-13T14:36:15.570-04:00Autumny Goodness (What? It's a thing...)It was so nice to be chilly last night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After weeks of hot weather, I relished the need to have to snuggle under the quilt and curl my chilly toes up under my legs. I was at the Farmer's Market yesterday, and the booths were bright with pumpkins and squash, gourds and Indian corn. I instantly wanted to find a caramel apple to eat...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Autumn is cuddly. Warm blankets and socks, hot drinks and steaming baked goods... Not only is Autumn cuddly, it's yummy. Lookie at all the pretties I found on Etsy:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuPXYX8ox-knYOPOkU-95LtkSN4yIUulqAcMdTaMsraJSNV5rjLGFZIKLzcPuiyUx7MoYXB9Cvys_LTkJj2MsZ64qmL60eWDe0hO9H_6CBc-AB0myaD8xc1qcwtxXX7RKLtesW2jfXUY/s1600/autumn+treasury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuPXYX8ox-knYOPOkU-95LtkSN4yIUulqAcMdTaMsraJSNV5rjLGFZIKLzcPuiyUx7MoYXB9Cvys_LTkJj2MsZ64qmL60eWDe0hO9H_6CBc-AB0myaD8xc1qcwtxXX7RKLtesW2jfXUY/s320/autumn+treasury.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I know Autumn isn't officially here yet, so I have yet to give up my "summery" colors and fabrics just yet. I finished this apron last week, and the lemon pie sweetness pair with pink lemonade roses are my apron tribute to summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-ggT0kK_it3txgo_8P5_jpEA_LT5Fl584BgHZi2cIA25AZ1HlfCnWgBU1xltH6aXAMFijA02nhBy8X7xsLIs2ps_X6uuY-yCgtobnGw9TQlAxX6jTScm2HvFgZDpSMhB19XjKDthafU/s1600/aprons+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-ggT0kK_it3txgo_8P5_jpEA_LT5Fl584BgHZi2cIA25AZ1HlfCnWgBU1xltH6aXAMFijA02nhBy8X7xsLIs2ps_X6uuY-yCgtobnGw9TQlAxX6jTScm2HvFgZDpSMhB19XjKDthafU/s320/aprons+019.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you have a great day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-78724458881760624162010-09-08T09:05:00.000-04:002010-09-08T09:05:46.222-04:00Pumpkin bread, Glee, and the house to myself....Ahhhh.... I have pumpkin bread in the oven, my Playlist going, and I am reading the blogs I love to follow. In the house. <br />
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Alone.<br />
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This is my first "real" day without the kiddos. Johnny had his first real day yesterday, but I went with Mikey to his first day. We were there for just about an hour, played with puzzles and playdough, and then came home. Mikey "helped" me clean my craftroom (which is fitting, seeing that he is the one that <em>destroyed</em> it) but it still has a way to go. I have moved my poor craft room all over my house. It has been in the basement, the guest room, the "office"... and half the time I end up crafting in the kitchen anyway... but I need a place to store my goodies, you know? Unfortunately, my darling boys are fascinated by all my goodies. They like to stack them. And dump them. And walk on them. And....<br />
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You get the idea.<br />
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I finally installed a hook and eye locky latchey thing on my craft door. No boys allowed. I had one of those baby door handle things over the knob to try to deter my little destructors, but they were too clever for me. They just figured how to tear that off and get in and have their way with my crafts :( Sundays, when I am at the Farmer's Market, was their favorite day to do a little breaking and entering while Daddy watched them. But no more! They are locked out, baby!<br />
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At least until they realize they can team up, find a chair to climb, have one spot the other, and unlatch the hook.<br />
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But until then, I think my sanctuary shall be safe. I still have some crafty corpses to dispose of, but my goal today is to get my room completely in order and get cracking on a custom order that is long overdue...<br />
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While I am celebrating my alone time, I have to admit I got teary after putting Johnny on the bus this morning. Mikey's bus comes at an ungodly 6:50am, and he grumbled at me and was basically ticked off, so there was no Hallmark moment for us this morning. Johnny and I had to be at the bustop at 7:15am, and as we walked, Johnny looks up at me, and says, "Can we talk about Halloween, Mama?"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALErr6rUdh6jhMkzici2ztbOaZmoL85p7jQ2lMEA_oyzgP8IFZOQ3wV6AjZQtWzSwP-ihDSdlxddtFO4eb6nN10u805rCa2I973xd2T2MoqM7axyc3iRSGf-zPUxT0xGjzenUuHg92ok/s1600/johnny+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALErr6rUdh6jhMkzici2ztbOaZmoL85p7jQ2lMEA_oyzgP8IFZOQ3wV6AjZQtWzSwP-ihDSdlxddtFO4eb6nN10u805rCa2I973xd2T2MoqM7axyc3iRSGf-zPUxT0xGjzenUuHg92ok/s320/johnny+008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Of course we can! So we walk, hand in hand, talking about pumpkins and candy, costumes and carameled apples. I was fine until he got on the bus. I watched him get in the front seat. Totally fine.<br />
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Then he turns to look at me. A giant smile on his face, he puts one palm on the glass and waves with his other hand. The bus pulls away, and I can still see that little hand and his bright blue coat. The bus goes down our street, and I start bawling my face off. I cried all the way home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv18kZjn2HmqRWToz5lX1_uLAbtDiEww_0CYLhMLKqqSYwxdoN4x8qNLXP6bSnc09Yr9mnGnLZnHcJTlHxrEDPB6A9ITmf56Ev_lzVfx507VtfouFj3_LUOYOKq2VIAVNJd2lRBMdD0eg/s1600/johnny+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv18kZjn2HmqRWToz5lX1_uLAbtDiEww_0CYLhMLKqqSYwxdoN4x8qNLXP6bSnc09Yr9mnGnLZnHcJTlHxrEDPB6A9ITmf56Ev_lzVfx507VtfouFj3_LUOYOKq2VIAVNJd2lRBMdD0eg/s320/johnny+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So now I am baking pumpkin bread (don't be too impressed - it's a mix), drinking a pot of coffee, and listenin to my <strong><a href="http://www.playlist.com/playlist/17330278155">playlist</a></strong> which is heavy on songs from the best show on television, <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/">Glee</a>. It makes me feel better.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-31511656275732552602010-09-03T14:48:00.001-04:002010-09-03T14:49:15.923-04:00A pretty new look, and pancakey goodness for picky eaters...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.shabbyblogs.com/index.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6yPlQdAt0B6PSodtGZzocq3K4ki8pd6_jD4KDh3J1njoOqvMbFf52zHifwLv-ndEZ4n00vKkHz8pUM2OZwJbXKwlbcvTVZgD0MAMUoztLTOmblUZZJfC3ptzsNOIA-Zpyogv8X9ardM/s1600/ShabbyBlogsGlad.jpg" /></a>Like my pretty new blog design? Me too! I checked out <a href="http://www.shabbyblogs.com/index.html">Shabby Blogs</a> and found the purtiest new banners and backgrounds. I luuuurve that site.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I almost have a "nesting" urge right now. With my wild ones almost ready to board the bus next week, I feel this urge to become more organized, tidy, and SuperMomish. I hung up this wall organizer thing for the kitchen, and cleaned off the little white board hanging next to it. By the way - a magnetic white board in the kitchen near the door is my best thing ever! I can write myself notes, clip up permission notes... It is like a ToDo list on the wall! And because it is on the wall, it can't get buried under piles of mail, backpacks, dishes, and other goodies that seem to accumulate on my counters.</div><br />
So in my nesting SuperMom mode, I thought I would share my Most Important Recipe Ever. The boys call them "Pancakems", but I secretly call them YouDon'tEvenKnowYou'reEatingHealthyVegetablesInYourPancakems.<br />
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In the tradition of the <a href="http://thesneakychef.com/">Sneaky Chef</a>, these pancakes have pureed veggies and other goodness in them. Excellent books, by the way. This recipe I am sharing I created after being inspired by her concept of putting healthy pureed veggies in "regular" food. It is a "from scratch" recipe, and my boys love to help <strike>make a mess</strike> mix them up with me. I also know that you moms and dad are craaaaazy busy out there, so I also wrote the "quick and dirty" version using pancake mix. I make a giganto batch of these babies - pancakes reheat nicely, so I can pop a few in the microwave for a snack or breakfast the next few days. I feel <strike>relieved</strike> wholesome that I can serve up a hot breakfast every morning - without having to drag out the griddle every time.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">YouDon'tEvenKnowYou'reEatingHealthyVegetablesInYourPancakems</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3 cups all purpose flour </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 tsp salt</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">7 tsp baking powder</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 TB sugar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6 TB butter/margarine (melted)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 1/2 cups milk</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 eggs</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup pureed sweet potatoes <strong>OR</strong> two packs (7ish ounces total) of baby sweet potatoes/mixed veggies ORANGE colored</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaQblBjg4tx2NMX-Eva0kYYZx4rfSKQMpwV2jyr6QgwOQQVEcEh6gVHzHAHQINxsk3xyqKDlTpwHN7J87FJA8J0yaVPvZ30caWHYnYPr2_Ay-RtZ1JghFWUtY5H39fQVbDfZWOzRkb2g/s1600/pancake+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaQblBjg4tx2NMX-Eva0kYYZx4rfSKQMpwV2jyr6QgwOQQVEcEh6gVHzHAHQINxsk3xyqKDlTpwHN7J87FJA8J0yaVPvZ30caWHYnYPr2_Ay-RtZ1JghFWUtY5H39fQVbDfZWOzRkb2g/s320/pancake+005.jpg" width="320" /></a>Combine all the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Mix together well. Add milk and eggs, butter, and veggies and stir it all up! Scoop about 1/3 cup (use an actual 1/3 cup measuring cup - easier to pour) batter onto hot greased griddle, flip when bubbles look like they want to erupt (you can lift an edge and peek to check too), cook another minute, serve. Yields a ton of pancakes... at least 30ish, more if you make smaller pancakes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These pancakes are super nice and fluffy :) The veggies keep them moist and give a super subtle flavor (only if you know it's there, if you know what I mean). If I have pureed sweet potatoes on hand, I use those, but lately I have been using the baby food. I suggest either straight up sweet potatoes, or a "orchard" or "farmers" blend baby food - my favorite is Orchard Blend Sweet Potato (it has apple, pear, and peach puree in addition to the sweet potato). Just make sure it is <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">orangeish</span></strong>. Otherwise, the pancakes will be a funky color and the <em>jig is up</em>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You can also use 1.5 cups white flour and 1.5 cups wheat flour if you are feeling extra virtuous - which I often don't. Feel virtuous, that is. It makes the cakes a bit flat and brownish. However, when once-in-a-blue-moon virtuosity does happen to strike, I may use 2.5 white, .5 wheat, or some other such division of the flours. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The simplest version? Take premixed pancake mix, follow their directions, and add the baby food to it :) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Good luck! If you try it, let me know :) And if you have any suggestions or other recipes, I would love to hear about them! I need all the help I can get to make my boys eat foods other than pizza, PB&J, and pancakes. At least the pancakes have some veggies in them...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaQblBjg4tx2NMX-Eva0kYYZx4rfSKQMpwV2jyr6QgwOQQVEcEh6gVHzHAHQINxsk3xyqKDlTpwHN7J87FJA8J0yaVPvZ30caWHYnYPr2_Ay-RtZ1JghFWUtY5H39fQVbDfZWOzRkb2g/s1600/pancake+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaQblBjg4tx2NMX-Eva0kYYZx4rfSKQMpwV2jyr6QgwOQQVEcEh6gVHzHAHQINxsk3xyqKDlTpwHN7J87FJA8J0yaVPvZ30caWHYnYPr2_Ay-RtZ1JghFWUtY5H39fQVbDfZWOzRkb2g/s320/pancake+005.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 28px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 545px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></a></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-2748062743549332452010-09-02T08:54:00.001-04:002010-09-02T09:00:41.161-04:00Flowers, some little boys, and the guilt of motherhood<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJmFLH77aKf_kU6VSjPaWhoB9sgoSHI-3IdOEHnXf5zXxymNNhn1j3CRa7CUYMWArspWYNme7GgRDwUaYoJjybp4x6USBFmMWtgZ1npxXsS2rHiWWudigBfgANPYLsCSA3SioYee0WoQ/s1600/computer+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJmFLH77aKf_kU6VSjPaWhoB9sgoSHI-3IdOEHnXf5zXxymNNhn1j3CRa7CUYMWArspWYNme7GgRDwUaYoJjybp4x6USBFmMWtgZ1npxXsS2rHiWWudigBfgANPYLsCSA3SioYee0WoQ/s320/computer+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A pretty glorious morning :) My little blog helpers are checking out the new laptop. Like the flowers? One of the farmers at the market gave them to me on Sunday. Aren't they amazing? They fit perfect my old sap bucket/rusty pail and I love how they look. It is nice to have a pretty spot to blog - even if I have ten little fingers wanting to "help" me type.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of my little helpers...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The countdown begins... My little munchkin butts are heading to school next week. They have been in preschool, so this isn't like the first time they will be going to "school," but for some reason, because they are five and starting the full day thing, I am wigging just a smidge. Mikey is headed to the full-day Autism program, and Johnny is going to the Young 5s at the elementary school. The Young 5 program is like kindergarten, (in my day, I guess it would be the equivalent to what the school called Primary class. Since my boys were born in July, they are considered young, so Johnny was able to get a spot in this program). They were in the same building last year, but now the teachers tell me Johnny is ready to leave the special ed building and head into the land of elementary. Which is a good thing. Right? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp-mgZm3BPnBiF-omJjmsJDrq9_uvpjTKItlf5rvCvij_LgO2W9ZUdFDSn0hevNB7w8hRL813jDUqH6Fz46oaT6ZlbshqcIRjGyX4xSkoXx7ca5xosAQ4Gx5jgFXhxfGLSQJjRVLG6DA/s1600/computer+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp-mgZm3BPnBiF-omJjmsJDrq9_uvpjTKItlf5rvCvij_LgO2W9ZUdFDSn0hevNB7w8hRL813jDUqH6Fz46oaT6ZlbshqcIRjGyX4xSkoXx7ca5xosAQ4Gx5jgFXhxfGLSQJjRVLG6DA/s320/computer+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> But now he is going to a "bigger" school, with lunch menus and lots of kids and bus stops... At his old building, I knew just about all the teachers, his class was small, I packed his little snack, the bus had like four kids on it and the bus driver would help get the boys to their seats, and Mikey was in the classroom next door... It felt homey and small. Now they will be riding different buses, not to mention going to different buildings. They never were in the same class - Mikey's autism is more pronounced than Johnny's - but I was comforted by the fact that they were right next to each other. Next fall, most likely they will be in the same building. It will be a different building for both of them, but they will be together. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRt_mLaL5DozcWCYQb7cXvY1GciDIZ7guX-JGVYOXHW-J0K7KNfKD6HrmrFWb0caALzUQvj70P9U9zLyNw7dt2y-eO3In4sLWlJFuTTEBHM57IC0v24D1qVjNfPBZ6fNu0Fq2tLW4-Bc/s1600/computer+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRt_mLaL5DozcWCYQb7cXvY1GciDIZ7guX-JGVYOXHW-J0K7KNfKD6HrmrFWb0caALzUQvj70P9U9zLyNw7dt2y-eO3In4sLWlJFuTTEBHM57IC0v24D1qVjNfPBZ6fNu0Fq2tLW4-Bc/s320/computer+019.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mikey also has a new teacher this year. He has had the same lovely teacher for the last two years, and this year, his last at the special ed building, is with a new teacher. Luckily, I know her and she is a sweetie, but she is new to Mikey. Mikey has a hard time with change, and I sometimes so do I. I get comfortable and like routine just like my Mikey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now here comes the other side of this whole back-to-school event. In some ways, while I am wigging out and feeling like my babies are getting too old, too fast, I am also soooo ready for them to be in school. I am with these little guys pretty much every minute every day. So the idea of some alone time sounds so good - and makes me feel like a big fat mean shmuck for wanting that time. I am nervous about them being at school, excited and apprehensive, sad and at the same time guilty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a mom is complicated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinno3ejj0Cq6DW8_9AJMe2Pu5xZeV7r0pkhxk4560mRGbB4B-wvCC8JTNUXW_N2WHaVvx7cVvOpd8oBlRXAHUSDgzAl1PDyZ_lPpvhSy2sEVMzF-34C7dnflIx-5TDH2dyMkyMf0F4jS4/s1600/computer+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinno3ejj0Cq6DW8_9AJMe2Pu5xZeV7r0pkhxk4560mRGbB4B-wvCC8JTNUXW_N2WHaVvx7cVvOpd8oBlRXAHUSDgzAl1PDyZ_lPpvhSy2sEVMzF-34C7dnflIx-5TDH2dyMkyMf0F4jS4/s320/computer+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-81655541230649810642010-08-29T06:48:00.000-04:002010-08-29T06:48:11.668-04:00To market, to market...No, I am not going to buy a fat pig, but headed to the market I am indeed :)<br />
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I have a hard time sleeping the night before market. I am paranoid I will sleep too late (not that my little alarm clock Johnny would let that happen) but I usually have one last apron that needs a pocket, or a box I need to remember to put in the van, or business cards I need to remember to trim and pack, and I need to remember to fill my big ole water jug and put that in the van, too...<br />
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So I have been up since about 4am. But I finished that apron, squeezed that box in the back seat next to the antique high chair, and got my set of business cards ready. I still need to put my water in the van, but I want it to be extra chilly, so I will let it stay in the refrigerator as long as possible. It is supposed to be in the 90s today.<br />
<br />
Yuck.<br />
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Have I ever mentioned I don't do well in the heat? Bluhck. We have had about zero rain the last few weeks, and with the ungodly heat, our yard looks like dry, shredded wheat. But as I will be outdoors today, I would rather not have any rain today.<br />
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Fickle, aren't I?<br />
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I am taking my camera today, and I hope to be able to show you the apron I had to finish for today. It is limeish green plaid with cranberry trim, and the reverse is cranberry toile. Sounds kind of funky, but I hope once you see it, you think it is as darling as I do! Any excuse to used toile...<br />
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I mentioned my antique high chair earlier, and I need to take some pictures of this crazy chair for you. It is a convertible high chair/potty seat/toy-riding-thing. One of the other vendors has been wanting to see it, and I managed to squeeze it in the van. It is one of my favorite estate sale finds, and makes a pretty cute display piece.<br />
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Well, the sun seems to be about up, so I am off! Wish me luck, and hope you have a great Sunday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-78816173731562413502010-08-27T10:18:00.000-04:002010-08-27T10:18:49.051-04:00Aprons, shoes, and liberation!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTJCjs6llG4veZiGjthmNwuqVN-ssAbwBj4ipCCow3YXnEodvLAkL1nFyMY3WQMyujHj-77yRPdtHsQJ0CSKDG8dVHkIwZXas62K5LV4N9eUWc3aLGFtywmtXgEKp5x3bRrR5m_n9GtU/s1600/213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTJCjs6llG4veZiGjthmNwuqVN-ssAbwBj4ipCCow3YXnEodvLAkL1nFyMY3WQMyujHj-77yRPdtHsQJ0CSKDG8dVHkIwZXas62K5LV4N9eUWc3aLGFtywmtXgEKp5x3bRrR5m_n9GtU/s320/213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Are you ready to do the happy dance with me? Are you sure? Ok then - stand up, kick off those shoes, and do a little dance because yours truly has Internet at home again! Yay me! Don't get me wrong - heading to the library with two five-year-old boys in tow is <strike>horrifying</strike> <em>superfun</em> when trying to check one's email (let alone do something like work on a blog) when all they want to do is play hide-and-seek among the stacks, "help" the librarians by running behind the circulation desk, and rearranging all the books on the carts... what usually happens is we pick out some books, I chase them around the video collection, and I gaze wistfully at the computers, wondering what is happening in BlogLand. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the rare occasions I sneak (Snuck? Sneaked? Snookened?) out of the house alone by <strike>bribing my husband to watch the kiddos</strike> explaining I need to get some work done<em> </em><strike>so I don't go insane</strike>, I would head to the library, solo, to plop in front of the computer. But there is a time limit, and I don't get to be in my jammies, and they don't allow drinks in the lab... </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't know about you, but blogging and wasting time on the computer isn't the same if you can't have your comfies on and a snack and drink nearby. So. Happy and liberated, I am in my comfies, drinking a big ole fat cup of coffee, so happy to be talking to you again! Speaking of snacks... </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA-swAVId0qwYB_ibwYkaVmKlrneYr1nPHeLOfEhovLrCSMFEem1baAGry2H0mb3xS2IFZrMZygOL95KYM4zkKKIpQN7S1MjUTVSGoTBlH6sKHXQLFmuhDacLIs5IumTGyYoPZ1Z8XF8/s1600/223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA-swAVId0qwYB_ibwYkaVmKlrneYr1nPHeLOfEhovLrCSMFEem1baAGry2H0mb3xS2IFZrMZygOL95KYM4zkKKIpQN7S1MjUTVSGoTBlH6sKHXQLFmuhDacLIs5IumTGyYoPZ1Z8XF8/s320/223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This "cake" is a confection of paper and ribbon. Each "slice" is a box, perfect for gifties and such. Plus it is just plain cute.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My sporadic posts of late have hinted at my activities at the Farmers' Market. I honestly adore working the market. The other vendors are so sweet, the market goers are so nice and friendly, and there is just this sense of camaraderie and fresh yummy goodness in the air. My newest obsession is aprons, and it is so intriguing to talk to my new market friends about fabric and cooking, quilting and traditions... I have been also making some cards and other little pretties to sell. Among them are these little shoes. I had seen these little paper shoes from a template by <a href="http://www.ellenhutson.typepad.com/">Ellen Hutson</a>. I tweaked and played, changed and altered, and here are a few of my versions of this little shoe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMqRvEpbqSOHZY9IFASjEagquFklsjzgbZwdC8pq7hyUmEb-dNjqwFi3RNon6XyHnHsBvpQ-DY5CpLrfqAox8KlNsv18JESCxMQNIZCH5oosu9rykTMKe5zQrmGQ99boy31IwPs7TLco/s1600/212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMqRvEpbqSOHZY9IFASjEagquFklsjzgbZwdC8pq7hyUmEb-dNjqwFi3RNon6XyHnHsBvpQ-DY5CpLrfqAox8KlNsv18JESCxMQNIZCH5oosu9rykTMKe5zQrmGQ99boy31IwPs7TLco/s320/212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is "Dolly" all dressed up in this vintage inspired apron. It has a little quote printed on the pocket, and the skirt just kills me! I love mixing fabric...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXZpjavbDlpAO20Vjazqzg7sBc_In2YNOoVzOCyR9u7QKqCggfYtn83Oh_VsPfrx0RuslfmuCnT1yuCZzuAb27sY273EygCY70omzKPrfTZ5Ej4Zn9rZ4xhjwEcmEACAP8bKkmHUiZQw/s1600/218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXZpjavbDlpAO20Vjazqzg7sBc_In2YNOoVzOCyR9u7QKqCggfYtn83Oh_VsPfrx0RuslfmuCnT1yuCZzuAb27sY273EygCY70omzKPrfTZ5Ej4Zn9rZ4xhjwEcmEACAP8bKkmHUiZQw/s320/218.JPG" width="178" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I keep playing with apron patterns and styles. The more I sew, the more I learn, and I have made a few patterns of my own. Talking to other women at the market has been so helpful - getting their input on lengths,and pocket preferences, and color combos...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have about 6 different apron styles that I am currently working with. I need to start some "fall" color influenced aprons. School is starting soon (gasp!) and soon apple picking and pumpkin carving will be the activities of choice. I am picturing oatmeal colored aprons, with skirts of scarlet and muted greens and deep pumpkin orange...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">See how chatty I am? I have missed you dearly, honestly and completely! Now I am going to refill my cup and get some reading done :) I am dying to know what the rest of you have been up to!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Have a lovely day,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787296622030885416.post-37466399871478507062010-08-19T19:08:00.000-04:002010-08-19T19:08:26.161-04:00So I have been sewing like a madwoman, and have some super fun aprons that I need to share. If you would like to see them in person, you need to head to Grand Blanc, where I am a vendor at the local Farmer's Market! Each Sunday from 10-3, you can find me and my pretties under the shade of my little white canopy, aprons waving in the breeze... I am also featuring handmade recipe cards, little paper shoes, and other whimsical goodies. Since I am at the library, I haven't figured out how to upload my photos - but I hope to be able to soon. Here is a link to information to the <a href="http://www.cityofgrandblanc.com/NewsEvents/FarmersMarket/tabid/5439/Default.aspx">GB Farmer's Market</a>. It is absolutely wonderful. I remember years ago when it was just starting, and there were a handful of produce stands. Now it has expanded tremendously, and each Sunday feels like a hometown festival. It really is lovely :) Hope to see you downtown! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/283/D1E273BD53990579298D2AC38531982E.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>queen-of-nostalgiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582749278799457689noreply@blogger.com1