A GOOD DAY

I know I said I would be taking a break for a couple of weeks, but, I couldn't let such a special day go by without sharing.
Sunday, my little Abigail turned 10. I can hardly believe how fast she is growing up. (sigh)

We started the day going out for breakfast and then Abby wanted to spend the day walking around historic Ellicott City. But, before that, we took a little detour to the mall (courtesy of Dad) to get those two girls their ears pierced. (see their little ears!) They had no idea until we were driving there! Abby was nervous at first, Chloe was not, and both were very excited. Now they can't wait to pick out their first pair of earrings.
Both Chloe and Abby have been asking for awhile to get their ears pierced, so we figured we couldn't have picked a better day!

I think it is so great that Abby still loves American Girl! Rebecca is the new friend to add to her collection.

Abby asked for a tea party with cupcakes. Our tea was a glorious sweet strawberry milk which was a perfect compliment to the chocolate cupcakes. (aqua cream cheese frosting with pink polka dots was a must)

She was so excited when she opened her gift from Chloe! Look at that smile!

Abby, I hope you had a great birthday and that all your wishes you wished for come true!

My Mom and Dad just left for home in Colorado after visiting here for a week. I cherished every minute of my time with them and it was so sad to see them leave. I miss you both already and look forward to the next time.

Mom, thank you for making me the beautiful wreath, it is perfect on the front door.

I will be taking a little break from blogging for a couple weeks. Yesterday, we received the very sad news that David's mom suddenly passed away. My heart aches for David, his dad and his sisters. We will be spending the rest of the week in Colorado to be with family and my main priority is helping David through this hard time, and giving my kids extra hugs.

I have been thinking that I may need to postpone the opening of Posies on Parade. Not for too long. I think mid October will be a better time.

I'll be back soon, my friends.

I'm going to go hug someone I love.

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER

A few weeks ago, before school started, we took the kids to Georgetown for a night of fun.
It was all spurred on when Cammy told me about her favorite place to get cupcakes. So we hopped in the car, and ventured there to try something new.
I'm embarrassed to say, we have lived here five years and have not been to Georgetown. Oh sure, David and I got lost one day and ended up driving there, by chance, on a school day, trying to do some Christmas shopping at the mall! But, I don't think that counts.
Anyway, we found this AMAZING pizza place where everyone decided to be silly. Of course, it seems like every time I take a picture of Jacob, he is eating. He is a growing boy, who sure loves his good eats. Can't you tell he is enjoying that mouthful?

Abby and her Daddy--don't they look alike! Love it!!

Who are these two goofs, and what was in that pizza that caused this? They definitely were having way too much fun! I think they knew what was about to happen next.

With full tummy's (but not too full--not when you know the treats in store next), we walked up the street. Which by the way, was full of glorious shopping. We just didn't have time, we had to get to the cupcakes before they closed their doors for the night!

We found the quaint little shop, with the line to get in, trailing out the door! When it was our turn to order, we couldn't decide which to get, so of course we HAD to try them all! Just had too! It was a must! How do you know what to get next time, unless you do, right?

Oh man, we were not disappointed! AMAZING!!

How perfect do they look in the box---all the colors and textures. I can't decide which I like best. It's a toss up between the chocolate with ganache or the coconut. Coconut, definitley! Oh wait maybe the vanilla with chocolate frosing! See what I mean?

Well, luckily we'll be going back soon---TWICE! Next week, when my parents come to visit and at the end of the month, for Abby's birthday! How about that? One can't have too many cupcakes! It should be a rule!

All in all, it was a very fun night, that all of us will remember for a while! Can't wait to go again! Next time we'll save some time for shopping--I spied a Paper Source, which I have never been in before!

Thanks for the tip Cammy!!

COLOR INSPIRATION

I found these amazing treasures the other day when I went to the antique store.

Aren't the colors glorious? I am very inspired by all of these hues lately.

I'm a lover of all colors but these are my favorites.

You can't have too many hankies. Well, I can't anyway.

Can't have too many buttons either. Looking forward to using these beauties soon.

Love the softness and texture of the hankies and lace. Oh, and the scalloped edges---make my heart go pitter patter!

I hope you all will find some daily color inspiration in your world this week!

SOMETHING IS HAPPENING

Doesn't she look like she just has it figured out---that she understands? I think so, too! She knows something exciting is in the works!

Well, maybe she has figured out that the kids went back to school last Wednesday, and that I have had full, busy days in my studio working (NO, not working, feels more like playing!) with.....this

and that

Sewing this.

Oh, and stitching that.

Fun fun fun! All will be revealed October 1st, when Posies on Parade opens up shop!

OK. Back to work! I mean, back to playing!

MONDAY'S CREATIVE "MESS"

Cammy and Hope came over on Monday to do a little playing in my studio. We decided it would be fun to make wands. As you can see we made a mess, but I personally think it is a pretty mess.... a wonderful mess when you are creating something beautiful with good friends.

I was anxious to see how each wand turned out---how each person's personality and unique style came through. It's interesting, with a basic plan of making something, you can see everyones own take on the project.

Cammy's wand is beautiful---love her colors and use of an old piece of glorious wallpaper. Look at that vintage pompom trim---gotta love that!

Hope's is all about her up and coming, faster than she realizes wedding! Love her colors, use of old paper and that vintage square jewel!

.....And mine.

I used some wire ribbon I have had for years for the flower. It's funny how it may take that long to use a small bit of lace, ribbon or scrap of material that you have been saving---saving for the right project. It just goes to show---never throw those bits and scraps out!

It was an amazing day girls, as always! Thanks for making a "mess" with me!

And once again the time spent together passed by way to quickly, didn't it?

Until next time...........

FRESH FROM THE STUDIO

I'm getting ready for opening day of Posies On Parade, which, by the way, is October 1st. It will be here before I know it, because in my world, time flies by faster than I can keep up. I'm sure you all can relate.
Anyway, I have been busy as a bee whipping up someone new in my studio. I think, to date, she is my favorite!
I used an old linen napkin for her skirt as well as a beautiful delicate pink hankie. Layered over those is a soft, vintage, pink piece of lace. Mother of pearl buttons, vintage ribbons, and rhinestone buttons were a must! Oh, and her wings---old patterns of course.

To top her hand painted face, is an old thimble---perfect fit for a fairy's head! She's all set for a Fairy's Ball, don't you think?

But wait!! Something is missing! She needs a name of course! Any suggestions--just drop me a comment!

She'll be waiting on my shelf, in my studio for someone to take her home come the first of October. Waiting patiently-----

So, in the mean time, I'm off to make her a new friend. Can't wait to see what she'll be wearing!

Until next time my friends----have a glorious weekend!