Realistic resolutions

I look forward to 2012.  The New Year feels like a fresh start, and a fresh start can be a very good thing.  I like to make resolutions I know I can realistically stick to.  Last year I resolved to be more healthy and get into better shape, stick to a budget and strive to be more content and appreciative in my day to day life.  For the most part, I feel like I did a pretty good job (minus all the sweets I've been eating lately!) so I'm feeling hopeful about this year.  :)

I'm resolving this year to read more.  I love books.  I love the smell, the papery pages, the heft of a book in your hand.  My girls have both taken off with reading this year and I know it's up to me to set the example and help keep them interested.  Kindles be damned!  You'll never convert me...

I'm resolving to get outside more.  I'm such a homebody and sometimes it's hard for me to simply walk out the front door.  The Northwest is a temperate climate, but the rain and gray is tiring.  I don't like to be in it.  But I know it's good for me.  This year I shall don a rain coat and get out more!

I'm resolving to be more involved in activities with my kids.  2011 did feel very self-centered in a lot of ways - I was building a business, working a lot of weekends, often feeling tired and distracted.  My girls have expressed some new interests, so this will be the year to help them pursue those interests, build confidence and hopefully allow us to grow even closer.


Happy New Year, friends!  I hope you'll share some of your resolutions in the comments, if you like to make them.  ;)

Mini top hat giveaway - we have a winner!!!

Wow!  43 amazing entries with so many wonderful comments.  It was so fun reading through all of your treasured memories of meaningful gifts.  I think what surprised me the most was all the meaningful blankets and quilts!  What wonderful treasures.  I will never look at a quilt the same way again!  :)  Here are some comments I found especially touching...

ELNM said... My husband gave me a Christmas gift last year of "dates". After 28 years of marriage, he says he still never gets to spend enough time with me!

Claudia from Germany said... A handwritten letter from my "lost" brother whom I haven't seen for years....

Brittany said... I had been trying to save up the money to go to Peru as a translator with a medical mission group and my parents surprised me with the ticket to get down there.

Rachel said... 
The most meaningful gift I've ever received was a portrait of my sister painted by my talented daughter. My sister died at the age of 22 and my daughter never met her, but they are so much alike!

Jingle said... My Nana gave me a scrapbook with my Great Grandmother's handwriting in it and a compilation of photos from when I was a baby. It is such a treasure.

Thanks so much to all who entered, and to all my new followers!  Hello and welcome!  :)  NOW, here is our BIG WINNER!!!   



Drumroll....



Chosen at random - the winner of this mini top hat is comment number 22  from Unity!  One of my favorite comments that made me tear up a little bit (Christmas makes me all mushy!!!)  :)

Unity said... My husband. It isn't every day that you are given the heart of your best friend to keep for the rest of your life.

Congrats to Unity (check your email inbox!) and thanks to everyone who entered via the Sew, Mama, Sew giveaway party!  Also, a big thanks to everyone who entered the Couture Carrie giveaway.  Our big winner from the CC giveaway has been announced and there's an email waiting for the big winner in her inbox!  :)

Exciting things are happening with Deeds & Petunia in the new year, so stay tuned.  I'm taking a break from the shop after this weekend until after the holidays, so get your orders in by Sunday!

It's Giveaway Time!!!

I'm so thrilled to see how this blog has grown over the past year!!! You have no idea how wonderful it is when I post a little something and you take the time to respond. It's nice to know you're listening and I'm so happy to share with you all the goings on in my crafty little life. :)  Blogging has helped me grow creatively so much.  It's also been great getting to know some of you - when you leave a comment I love to go and visit your world as well!  You're all so inspiring!

So - in the holiday spirit and to say thanks, I'm giving away one of my little decorative hats!

It's a sweet silvery crushed velvet number, complete with sleigh bell, accented with some yummy pleated ribbon and frosty millinery bits. Certainly cute enough to decorate with (perhaps adorning a wreath or mantle?) most definitely fun to wear!!! Two little alligator clips are attached to the bottom of the hat for hair or anywhere...

All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment telling me

What was the most meaningful gift you ever received?

Of course it would be great if you'd like to follow too, but it's not required to enter.  :)

The winner of this festive topper will be picked at random.  International Entries are welcome!  You can enter until the contest ends on Friday, the 19th of December at 5 PM PST.  Winner will be announced the next day, so be sure to check back!

Thanks for entering and good luck!!!  There are two hats left in my Etsy shop if you'd rather not take your chances!  ;)  Oh, and be sure to check out Giveaway Day over at Sew, Mama, Sew, where tons of amazing handmade giveaways are linked up!

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day!

Feature and Giveaway at Couture Carrie!

Hi friends,

I feel very lucky today to have my feather clips featured on the Couture Carrie blog!  Carrie's blog is chock full of amazing fashion eye candy and inspiration.  I'm flattered she likes these clips, so flattered in fact, that we're doing a giveaway!  So get on over there and enter to win one of these beauties!  Good luck!!!

Winner's choice - pink, black or blue!

Also - don't forget it's still $2 shipping to US addresses on all non-wedding items in my Etsy shop, and everything is on sale!!!  Don't miss out...  ;)

Christmasy Things

Around the house the decorating has started!  This year we're putting out little woodland animals, sparkly vintage bits and anything and everything that makes us smile.

I'll have a blue Christmas (tree)

Ever since I can remember, I've always loved blue at Christmas.  One year I begged my parents to get a blue spruce from the tree farm "because it's blue."  My favorite Christmas baubles are blue.  My favorite holiday houses are decorated with blue lights.  I even tried to buy a baby blue tinsel tree off of Ebay, but then decided that might be a step too far...

Only recently have I realized that blue might actually be my favorite color (if my living room, bathroom and dining nook count as a testament to that statement...)  So this year we went for it, with a vintage blue, gold and silver themed tree.

In the process of decorating - already looking good!

We incorporated blue and white lights along with elements of nature - silver pine cones, glistening berry sprays and shimmery snowflakes and wrapped the tree with jute twine, a staple in my packaging for Deeds & Petunia veils, and a favorite craft material of mine.

A few old favorites were included - the crocheted blue skate, a hand-blown glass bauble or two, vintage window ornaments...

At a local shop called Dwell I found some gorgeous vintage-y Wendy Addison "Nest Noel Joy" paper garland, which I (of course) immediately took my scissors to.  :)

We added the topper, turned off the lights and oooh'd and ahh'd.

I'm delighted with our blue tree.  It's a touch vintage, nature-inspired, sparkly and glittery, not too perfect.  Kinda like me.  :)

Glitter Haus Highlights

What a lovely, glittery event this was!  My favorite holiday show this year by far.  The people, the cozy home location and the talented vendors added up to a big success for our first year of Glitter Haus.

Laurie's house decked out her home for the holidays with the cutest vintage details everywhere you looked.

We served vegetarian-friendly hors d'oeuvres, cranberry embellished cocktails, and a dose of holiday cheer.

Cranberry Cosmopolitans!

Holiday clementines and figs with desert honey drizzle and pink sea salt

Glittering trees, adorable kids outfits, sparkling jewels, delicious seasonings, perfectly crafted paper wreaths, feathery clips were all on display.

By Linda of Luluz

LaLaLaurie's pins

Libertine Tacoma gourmet sales

Sparkling jewelry by Parisienne Girl Designs

Deeds & Petunia

B. Children's Wear

Laurie's kittens were tucked away while the house was full. The turnout was amazing! Thanks Tacoma friends for venturing out...

Can't wait to bring you news of the next Glitter Haus event! It was so fun, we just have to do it again!