The Shoppe of my Dreams

In the off chance that you are still following my old blog...

2009-12-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hello there :O)

What on earth are you still doing following this little old blog here? Just so you know, I've been gone from here for ages and ages now...

Hurry on over to my current blog, Whatsoever Things Are Beautiful, and win yourself something fabulous from the lovely kitchen linen collection of Anna-Maria Horner.

Blessings,
Susan

Oh my gosh... I'm hosting a Bake It Pretty giveaway!

2009-09-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you still haven't followed me over to my new blog site yet, be sure to do so as soon as possible. It's for your own good, trust me.
I mean, you wouldn't want to miss out on my new blog's final grand opening giveaway, would you???

Love, Susan

Win a dreamy cakies crown!

2009-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

All you have to do is follow me to my new blog site

www.whatsoeverthingsarebeautiful.blogspot.com

and everything's easy from there on out :O)

Love, Susan

Please follow me to my new location...

2009-09-04T10:08:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about this for a good long while, and it's high time to "suck it up" and make the change already!

I know I'm still in the "grand opening" stages of this here "shoppe", but as I'm still figuring things out and rethinking my blog's purpose, et cetera, I'm greatly compelled to make this move.

And I do mean move.

There are two phenomenal giveaways still to be had (not to mention the one already in the works from Crab Apple Designs) from cakies and Bake It Pretty.

Please, if you will, indulge me by following me to www.whatsoeverthingsarebeautiful.blogspot.com.

I hope to see you in my new space :O)

Blessings, Susan

So many fun things to share right now...

2009-09-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'll be brief, because I have a lot to do today, but so many neat things are happening in the parts of cyberspace that I like to frequent.

Prettiest of all the new schtuff are the photos posted by one of my all time favorite photographers, Denise Bovee, of my sister-in-law's (and new brother-in-law's, of course!) wedding last weekend on her blog. They are flat out gorgeous. You will LOVE Mallory's wedding dress! I double dog dare you to even try not loving it. Best of all, it was completely perfect on her. Congratulations, Mallory & Jonathan!
If you're getting married or want some awesome portraits taken of yourself or somebody you love, be sure to get in touch with Denise. Not only is she super talented, but she's very sweet and personable, too!

Most delicious of all new news going on is this: Ree announced yesterday that her new and first ever cookbook - yay!!! - is now at the printers AND she is going to do a mini book tour - I am trying to bribe her to come to San Diego for her west coast stop...
Isn't this a perfect cover for her first book? It feels so much like her website. I like that connection a lot. And I love that her four kids are in the background of this shot, but I love even more that her husband took this photo of her only after being bribed with a chocolate dessert. You can preorder the book for half of the retail price here for only about $15!

Anne-Julie is all settled into her new apartment (with not one but TWO of Emily's hand painted Black Apple dollies even, lucky duck!) and is doing a sweet little giveaway to boot. Check it out here.
I love these little digital paintings she did - of herself and her fiance - and I'm happy to see them as a magnet set. What a sweet little gift they would make! I want a set for my husband and myself, one for my sister and her fiance, and one for my sister-in-law and her brand new hubby, too. Also, Anne-Julie's Portrait of Sophie Bizarre is miraculously still available... You know, just in case anyone is wondering what to get me for my 30th birthday this Christmas Eve...

Something really fun that I promise you've never seen before (since it was custom made just for me and all) from her arrived from Rubyellen of cakies fame for the next giveaway on this here little blog that is slowly making a name for itself (despite it's cheesy name - ha!). I will post that giveaway tomorrow after I take some pictures.
This picture is full of girliness, which Rubyellen aces. However, the item that will be up for grabs will suit either a boy OR a girl very well.

Also, the last and final "grand opening of the shoppe" giveaway comes from Amanda at Bake It Pretty and it is absolutely delightful. Amanda was so generous! That announcement will come soon. Meanwhile, visit her blog and watch her "super cute" little video where she shows off all of the goodness that is to come soon to her shoppe. Yay! I am particularly fond of the paper banners and peacock fan picks (I may send some to you Mal!) and new doilies. Yay, yay, yay!
This is my favorite tip from Bake It Pretty's ultimate kit which is still sold out. Boo rats boo. If you are dying to have a kit, just wait a little longer, or order this tip for only $2.50 and stick it into a ziploc bag. Trust me. It rocks!
And speaking of giveaways... please do not forget about the adorable crab apple designs giveaway that is currently still up for grabs but ends on Tuesday. You can find it here.

See? Loads of fun stuff going on.

Have a great Thursday!

Blessings, Susan

She wants blue velvet...

2009-09-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

So... For a few years now I have secretly had a strong desire to have a blue velvet couch. It may have all started with a spread in Domino Magazine (please don't get me started on how much I miss that magazine!) that featured the studio of Nick Olsen, but I think it goes back a bit further than that. Perhaps on a trip to Graceland, or maybe way before that when I wore a blue velvet dress to my first ever formal...
Is this couch gorgeous, or what??? And look at how cushy it looks! And those pillows... Sigh...

Anyway, whenever it was that I first thought about owning one, ever since I laid my peepers on Nick's I've wanted one of my own. It's been a bit of a secret only because I wasn't sure if I was just crazy for wanting one. I have pegged myself as a person who wants a mostly neutral colored room with one large pop of color (in this case, an amazing peacock blue velvet couch...), and possibly another small pop of a contrasting color here and there (like those golden pillows). I'd love to have an exact replica of Nick's couch, but I'm sure that's near impossible. The funny thing was, when I first saw it I actually DID have a blue velvet couch... Only it was probably the most hideous couch EVER. It was navy and gold and ivory striped, and very boxy... Shudder... However, the couch was freely given by generous folks, was very comfortable, provided a place for my family and I to lounge for three years, and for that I am truly thankful. Truly.

From time to time I google "blue velvet couch", and sometimes I happen upon loveliness that has me wanting my own blue velvet couch all over again. Here are some of my finds. Just try to convince me that you aren't enamored, too.
If a whole couch is too much, maybe one (...or two) of these salon lounge chairs by Baker Furniture will do the trick... :O) Traditional Home did a post on it... back in 2007... which is how I found this chair. I also really like the fabric behind it, but it was only available to designers at the time...
This here is the large Hutton sofa by Room & Board. I'd get the smaller three cushion version if I could. Abigail of www.gogoabigail.com has one and she has only good things to say about it. You can see hers here looking gorgeous - and with a yellow pillow no less!!!

What do you think? Crazy? Or crazy good???

Anyway. Can you believe it's September already??? I mean... September. SEP. TEM. BER.

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~Albert Pike

We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and a mystery. ~H. G. Wells

Blessings,
Susan

And the winner is...

2009-08-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

The winner of this darling little pink dress...

Made with love by Faith of faithworks4u...
With this gorgeous lace and ribbon detailing all along the front of it...
...is knelson! Congratulations!!! Please email me with your mailing address :O)

I am having a lovely weekend thus far. My sister-in-law's wedding was just beautiful. And that makes me so happy.

Love, Susan

One final pretty PINK reminder...

2009-08-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be announcing the winner of this adorable pink dress by Faith of faithworks4u. Don't miss out on your chance to win! Here's the link to the giveaway post.

I love my little lady :O)

This new dress by Faith is sooooooo pretty! You know I love the detail along the bottom!

Love, Susan

A new giveaway that's a little bit vintage...

2009-08-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

...a little bit recycled...and a "lotta" bit neat :O)

I don't remember when I first discovered Melissa's shop on Etsy, but I do remember how I discovered it. You know the Etsy favorites boxes that you can find on so many blogs these days??? (Well, most of them are actual Etsy shop boxes, but anyway...) Well, I just so happen to have been visiting Mandy Sutcliffe's Belle & Boo blog one day and spied these lovely little cards amongst her favorites.

This one was the gallery shot and it had me at polka dots and double ruffle collar...

I was immediately smitten. How are you feelin'? These are my favorite sorts of dresses for Eleanor.

Well, after contacting the owner of the shop, she quickly told me that she would love to be a part of my little blog's grand opening giveaways. She told me she would make up a few things and send them my way as soon as she could, and I was quite happy to wait and see what would arrive.

Along with her blog, Melissa has two Etsy shops. One is a vintage items shop called BlueCakeAndButtercup that has awesome things like this in it:

You've gotta check this out in her shop to see the other pictures. Did any of you actually own one when you were a kid? I wish I could find one of these babies at a garage sale... sigh...

The other is her artsy crafty shop called crabappledesign where she gives old things a new purpose by making them into cards, journals, and the like. My favorites in her shop right now are:

Is there anyone in all the world who can resist a fawn and mommy when they combine their forces???

BINGO!

My kids would have fun with this little notebook, but I have to admit that I would, too!

Well, she has generously donated (thanks Melissa!!!) one medium sized journal, five tiny "perfect for slipping into your purse for jotting down little notes" sized notebooks, and four vintage paper doll dress cards for me to give to you in this giveaway. Dividing them up seems like the kindest way of giving them away... But how to divide them...? I think the large journal and one card will be one, four small notebooks and one card will be another, and one small notebook and two cards will be the last.

My favorites are the kitten and the spaceship ones... You?

Only four of these pretties are for the giveaway and the rest are mine :O) My sincere apologies to the disappointed.

To win ONE of the three prizes mentioned above, you must do TWO things:

1.) Visit either of Melissa's shops BlueCakeAndButtercup or crabappledesign then come back here and tell me what your favorite item she's got for sale is

AND

2.) Tell me what your best/favorite reduce, recycle, reuse idea is

This giveaway ends in two weeks!

Speaking of reduce, recycle, reuse ideas... A reader named Claire recently left a comment on my blog, which prompted me to visit her blog, and I just loved it! It's called blah to TADA! and I added it to my reader list to the left because it is fun and full of neato ideas. Thanks for reading, Claire! I'm not sure how you ended up on my blog, but I'm so glad you did.

Okay. So scoot on over to Melissa's shops and you'll be on your way to winning some really cute stuff :O)

Oh, yes. And thank you for the your advice on the polka dot dress. Could that have been more unanimous??? I'm off to enjoy a leftover red velvet cupcake with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting on it from a batch I made yesterday. I hope you have a lovely Tuesday!

Blessings,
Susan

Serious or hilarious...

2009-08-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

...or both? I say both.

Here's an oldie (2006 old, that is) but a goody for your weekend enjoyment and enrichment. My husband showed it to me this morning and I just had to share it with you! The message is simple and obvious, but isn't it baffling how so often even we - the rational people that we are - sometimes just don't get it???

Have a lovely weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

Blessings, Susan

Inspiration from and for Rubyellen

2009-08-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today Rubyellen (I call her Ruby usually, but isn't her full name so pretty? I should call her by her full name.) of mycakies posted on her blog about the package she received from Fallon (of Olive on Etsy) for the lovely package exchange that I am participating in this month. The lovely package exchange was created by the adorable Danni of ohhellofriend - which is an insanely lovely shoppe on Etsy. I am just realizing that I failed to share about it with you until just now... :O( I promise to keep you in the know next year. Really, I do!

Anyway. The package Rubyellen received was just too good not to share. You are going to LOVE it! You'll think to yourself, "I want someone to send me a lovely package like that in the mail, too!" I can hardly wait to receive my lovely package from my partner Dianna! I am still working on Dianna's, but I will post the lovely pictures soon soon soon. I think she's gonna' love it - I hope, I hope!

Pretty lovely package buttons I can't figure out how to add onto my blog at the moment...
Here is what Rubyellen received. It is a "doll-housed up" cardboard box...
And inside of this lovely, adorably decorated house were...
lots of lovely packages! For more photos and details, visit either Rubyellen or Fallon's blog.

Fallon, you are awesome! I guess the title should have read "inspiration from Fallon and for Rubyellen", but anyway! Your lovely package had me speechless, and it also had me thinking we would probably make good idea partners (since my package is of the same vein as yours - at least I think so!). Rubyellen, have fun enjoying your gift!

Oh, in my title I also mentioned that I had a little bit of inspiration for Rubyellen... This requires a bit of a back story. A little while back, Rubyellen had a contest for her blog readers to suggest types of crowns that she might create and she would choose three of the suggestions and then everybody could vote on one winning suggestion. A lovely lady by the blogger profile name of rustandroses suggested an octopus crown... And I have been obsessed with the idea ever since! Unfortunately that suggestion didn't win, but I still have high hopes for the future. And just in case Rubyellen's forgotten about the octopus option... Here are some inspirational photos taken at Sea World on Friday :O) No pressure, Ruby...ellen!
Silly Susan :O)
Eleanor is not sure she likes this very much...
Just kidding. She's the one who started it all and reminded me about the crown in the first place by sticking an octopus plush on her head :O)
Long tentacles could work... Or maybe I should call this one Scary Susan...

Okay, enough fooling around! I've gotta get to the library before it closes and finish up my bathroom cleaning! Bye!

Blessings,
Susan

Purity made simple - the winner!

2009-08-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Is it really Friday already??? Yikes!!! Where does all of the time go???

First off, I have to announce the winner of the miracle magic bottle of Philosophy's purity made simple one-step facial cleanser. But wait...

Take a look at what recently arrived in the mail for me... You'll never guess...
It's my very favorite of White Owl's necklaces!!! Eeeeeee!!! Seriously. It was my very favorite. See? It's even in my Etsy favorites list to your left!

What do you think of it??? Just as good in real life? Thumbs way down? No? Yes? I'd like feedback. It lays better than it looks in the photo. If you click on the photo you will see an almost life-size picture of me - try not to look too closely! (Oh, and please forgive my wayward/cinched into a bun hair and apron and the bad lighting, too. I was just trying to get a picture taken amidst a million other things so I could share the necklace with you and ask your opinion. I do admit to pulling a Holly Golightly though as far as slapping on some mascara at the last second in the scene where she first meets Paul.)

And, without further ado...

Mommy of three... YOU ARE THE WINNER of my favorite facial cleanser of all time!!! Hurrah for you! Congratulations! Please send me your mailing address! Go and check out her little blog. She has an adorable photo booth strip up of her family and it makes me want to smash my family into a photo booth as soon as possible!

Have a lovely Friday. I might be back here in a little bit asking for some advice on a dress... I'm conflicted about it and need some honest sisterly opinions - you can do that, right??? Oh! Yes. AND speaking of dresses... I have a very sweet giveaway that I have been waiting and waiting to put up but haven't had the chance due to technical issues. You're gonna' love it!

Blessings,
Susan

"Trust me. It's the right thing to do."

2009-08-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

...as Ree always says.

Scoot on over to The Pioneer Woman's blog to win one of TWO Le Creuset 7 1/4-Quart Round French Ovens in "Caribbean" (possibly my favorite Le Creuset color if not "Saffron" - just like my blog decor!) as Ree celebrates "the love of cooking and major league chowing down."
All you have to do is leave a comment ON HER BLOG answering the question: “What’s the last great recipe you cooked?” by 11:30PM (PST) tonight!

So simple! Such an awesome prize! Good luck!

Love, Susan

P.S. Dearest Mallory... If you read this blog ever, do you like this color??? My inquiring mind must know. ASAP!

Fork it over

2009-08-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the fabulous design*sponge blog I read a great post about...wait for it... forks! It really was a great post that touched on fork history, fork art, fork collecting, and fork cleaning/care. You should check it out and share your wealth of new found information at your next dinner party - or whenever you feel like talking to someone about forks. Ha ha.
This is a fun print by Julia Rothman helping to identify thirteen different forks. How many of them have you used?

'Curious to know how many forks there really are for dining? I was. According to Wikipedia there are twenty four. Well, twenty five if you count the novelty spaghetti fork.

Okay. Put a fork in it. This post is done!

Blessings, Susan

Oh, for the love of letterpress...

2009-08-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

I am awake at 4:47am... I am awake at 4:47am... I am awake at 4:47am... I am awake at 4:47am...

It is very early, and I am up for reasons beyond my control. In order to be a bit productive in my sluggish state, I thought I'd take a few minutes to clean off my desktop when I came upon a few pictures I'd saved long ago. Anyway, I thought I'd share 'em with you because they are neat and I think the little shop that they originated from deserves a shout out even though I've never actually purchased anything from it (despite wanting to).

Pup & Pony Press is a little home based business run by Wendy Emery. Wendy's a wonder woman like most other Etsy sellers (this is where I originally found her) - a wife of 15 years, mom of two, a lecturer at California State University, Long Beach - and more! Pup & Pony Press cranks out (well, presses out) some pretty delightful cards and stuff.

Here are Wendy's lovely and cheery business cards...

And here's her ~40 year old press (though she has one that's 100 years old!) in perfectly pink production. I have wanted a letterpress ever since I discovered Etsy, despite knowing nothing about the how-to's of it all, et cetera.

This little elephant was cut from linoleum - 'way to reduce, recycle and reuse, Wendy! Tee-hee!

Adorable!

Stinkin' cute!

The ones like this are my favorite because they are sneaky... If you look closely...

...and tilt them just so...you'll find a hidden secret message. Cool, eh?

If you live in the Los Angeles area (sounds like a television announcement!) you can visit Wendy in person at the Los Angeles Printers' Fair on August 29th. I would love to attend this fair. I'm interested in the history of printing and I would love to see the vendors and watch a letterpress in action. However, I'm going to be preparing for a birthday party which takes place the following afternoon and I am sure I'll be in need of every minute available to me that Saturday - plus I'll be exhausted since I'll be at a wedding the evening before, too.

So, are you impressed? I certainly am.

Love, Susan

Drumroll, please!

2009-08-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hi!

First, thank you to those of you who participated in the very first giveaway here. I'm sorry that I only have two things to give and that I can't give something to each of you. I really enjoyed your thoughts on what sort of shoppes you would love to own, and I am delightfully pleased to know that some of you already own your dream shoppes! As stated in my last post, I would love love LOVE to own a cupcakery of sorts, but as I know I couldn't live on cupcakes alone, I'd combine it to be an adorable boutique shop just like the one I described in one of my opening posts. I'd sell a grand assortment of things from lovely people all over the world working their little businesses to provide for themselves and their families, as well as to promote Charity. And I'd probably wear house dresses and aprons and pearls whilst doing it.

Okay. On to the announcements...
The winner of the Belle & Boo journal was chosen by counting the number of actual journals sold in Mandy's Etsy shop since the posting of our giveaway. I'm sure most of her sales are through her website now, but as far as Etsy goes, she sold six journals. SO. The winner of the journal is bellasymphony (or Becky), the sixth person to leave a comment and meet all other requirements, too! If you have frequented her blog lately, you will know that she can use this journal while attending school for Fashion Design this year! Yea! I swear this was totally a coincidence that I know her and she won. Remember: Someday it might be you - and I personally know so many of you!

I did a drawing for the card with actual tickets and everything (ask my son if you don't believe me), and the first name I drew from the jar is the winner of the Belle & Boo card. That winner is twostraycats (or Lily)!

Congratulations, Becky & Lily! Both Becky & Lily happen to be owners of their very own shoppes, which is so awesome and the best sort of coincidence, if you ask me. I've mentioned Becky's before a couple of times, but Lily also has a lovely shoppe on Etsy where she sells pillows and things, not to mention one of the cutest dolls I've ever seen that is a perfect sister doll to my little lady's Lela doll by Ruby of mycakies. Check out Lily's shoppe to see how she's helping animals in need with every sale.

TwoStrayCats kitty doll (Come on... You know you think she's as cute as I think she is!)

mycakies Lela doll (Eleanor received this as one of her Christmas gifts last year)

Pretty pillows by Lily (see the paw print???)

Adorable sock monkey pillows & blocks by Lily - don't forget about the Craft hope sock monkey project! And there's that reminder paw print again :O)

And many, many thanks to Mandy, for graciously donating the lovely gifts to be given. Please do visit the magical world of Belle & Boo whenever you get a chance.

Someone roll those drums again, please, because I have another giveaway announcement to make for the amazing bracelet given by Andrea of Wrist Candy Creations. This particular winner was chosen by counting the amount of bracelets she had sold in Andrea's shoppe from the time I posted the bracelet giveaway to the time I checked her sold items this morning. She has sold thirty one bracelets since! WOW! Many of which were the Ophelia bracelet, too! I'm sure there are a lot of happy wrists out there because of Andrea's creations.

The blessed winner of the bracelet I adore (mine sadly just broke - I don't want to talk about it, thank you. It's too upsetting...) is jeena! I loved her "three", too! I wish I lived near raku!

A lovely hug and thank you to Andrea of Wrist Candy Creations for donating her "fit for a goddess" bracelet!

Oh, and that reminds me... I'm supposed to tell you MY three...

Well, honestly, there are just too many to list only three... But, for starters, our local library. I'll finish this list later and explain how the library actually fits into the equation. Sorry to be a party pooper!

WINNERS!!! Please email me at theshoppeowner@gmail.com with your addresses so that I can send along your prizes!

Have a great evening, ya'll!

Love, Susan

Just a reminder and I'll SEA you later...

2009-08-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, in a couple of hours we'll be merrily walking around Sea World with family. It looks like it will be another lovely day here on the Southern California coast - hurrah!

In my absence I would like to remind you that there are some great giveaways still in play here at the shoppe that you should be sure to share about and try for. I would secretly (okay, not so secretly) like to keep everything, but I won't, but I would hate for you to miss out on any of the goods just because you forgot to spend a couple of minutes meeting the necessary requirements.

So, just to remind you of what's up for grabs and to make finding the giveaway posts a little easier, here is a small review for this fabulous Friday. Ahh, Friday... The weekend is almost upon us!

The first giveaway (which I will announce the winner for on Monday) was provided by Mandy Sutcliffe, creator of the charming world of Belle & Boo. I can think of a million uses for this adorable notebook and pretty card sent all the way to me for you from London which makes what you will receive royalty!

The second giveaway (which I will announce the winner for on Tuesday) was provided by Andrea of Wrist Candy Creations and is fit for a Greek goddess (even an inner one *wink-wink*).

The third giveaway (winner to be announced next Friday I think... though that's my sister-in-law's wedding day so I may not get to that announcement until the Monday following...) is provided by me and is a very generous 4 oz. bottle of my favorite facial cleanser EVER - Philosophy's purity made simple one-step facial cleanser. It's a miracle worker!

And I sure hope you remember this sweet little number which Eleanor announced yesterday - and didn't she just do a bang-up job? Giveaway number four, provided by the amazing Faith of faithworks4u, is this pretty in pink dress modeled by my precious little lady. You've got about two weeks to go for that one, but don't put it off for too long!

I hope I got all of those links right! I'm in a hurry :O(

Have a fun Friday!

Blessings, Susan

I'm with The IT Crowd now...

2009-08-14T03:47:00.000-07:00

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... HA.

After dinner my husband asked me to come and watch something with him that a friend had recommended we add to our Netflix queue. I loved it and actually laughed so hard that I cried watching the second episode - it's about stress which is ironic considering how hilarious this particular episode was... Anyway. So, I just have to share it with you, even though this may not seem to "fit" with other posts.

The show is called The IT Crowd and it is a British comedy sitcom. Oh, how I do enjoy good British comedy... Check it out if you are a fan of the zany and sometimes overdone :O) Moss is my favorite character.

Speaking of Netflix... Are you aware that as a subscriber you can watch a ton of free movies and televised shows and whatnot??? It rules. We have recently been enjoying (as a family) watching Meerkat Manor which my eldest son loves, despite regular sad moments (think March of the Penguins cracked frozen egg sad), as well as a bunch of other great stuff. I am liking Netflix more and more lately.

Anyway. I've gotta get back to bed.

Blessings, Susan

The lady has something to say...

2009-08-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! It's me. Eleanor. My mommy likes to call me "lady". She's kooky like that. She also told me that she promised to do a pretty in pink sort of giveaway today. So... I'm here to tell you all about it, since I've experienced it first hand and all. I'll do my best, but if you know me, you know I'm a bit shy...

Remember when she posted the picture of all of my handmade goodies in my closet and asked you to guess which item was going to be given away? One person guessed it was the apples and pears dress, but nope... That wasn't it. That was a birthday gift from the creator of BellaSymphony for me. And we would love to give away a BellaSymphony item, but that's not what's in the shoppe today.

Oh, see! Here it is!

Hmmm... Hanging it on the wall may not be the best way to show off this dress...

But isn't it cute, anyway?

Mommy tried it on me - she couldn't resist. She said it would be much easier to see how cute it is if I put it on and modeled it for you, and I just can't argue with my mommy - no matter how shy I am.

This pretty bubblegum pink dress with adorable puffed sleeves and lacey ribbon trim all down the front is the amazing handiwork of a really wonderful lady named Faith who owns the Etsy shop faithworks4U that my mommy has shared about in the past.

Here's the left side...

And the back...

And the right side...

Ta-da! (If you're interested in the daisy in my hair, it was custom made for me by mycakies on Etsy. Which reminds me... If you think this giveaway is a tad girly... Shhhhh... This is a secret... Ruby of mycakies is making something that will be an acceptable giveaway for both boys and girls - but more on that later. Again... SHH!)

Back to the giveaway!

Faith has been featured in small magazine (which is no small feat!) and makes the neatest vintage inspired dresses from various decades for little girls like me, though she has been branching out a bit for adults and for little boys, too. I have this dress in yellow. My mommy is sort of obsessed with the color yellow lately, but this pink dress is definitely helping her to branch out.

Mommy likes this one because it reminds her of the movie/musical Annie.

I'm thinkin' I need me some go-go boots (and that dress, but I like the camel and baby blue version best)...

Wow! Gotta' love stuff with red button detailing and matching bloomers and polka dots to boot!

This is one of mommy's favorites by Faith - and I actually have it in my closet :O)

My mommy thinks that Faith is a superwoman when it comes to sewing and using great trims and all. Also, Faith is the quickest sewer we've met on Etsy - EVER. And so good at what she does, too! A lot of things we've purchased online and in stores have come apart at the seams or whathaveyou, but not our dresses from Faith. No wonder I have a pretty neat collection of Faith's dresses... Hey, mommy knows a good thing when she finds it.

Okay.

You can win this bright and cheery little dress (THE PINK ONE - a sure winner to wear for a party, or to church, or just anyday really). It's a size 18 months. You don't have to have a daughter of your own who will fit the dress - though obviously that would be ideal - and all you need to do two things in order to qualify to win: Number one - leave a comment telling my mommy and me what your favorite fashion decade/era is. You know... Are you a 50's gal? A victorian lady? An 80's thriller? Number two - visit Faith's shop and tell us which of her items you like best! Inquiring minds (mommy's and mine, anyway) want to know.

Easy peasy, right? This giveaway ends in two weeks. Mommy says she hopes to have a little interview with Faith and announce the winner! How exciting!!!

Tomorrow we probably won't be around posting. Mommy is taking me to Sea World with my brothers, my grandma Abbe, and my aunt and uncle. I'm pretty excited about it. I'm thinkin' I'll wear my very newest faithworks4u dress that she sent to my mommy as a gift. It has little kittens on it and it's very summery.

Have a bubblegum pink day!

Blessings,
Eleanor

NOTE: faithworks4u is currently having a huge sale! Go check it out!

Remember this???

2009-08-12T16:41:00.001-07:00

A while back I mentioned this DIY project...

Anyway, I was in my Anthropologie store yesterday (buying a wedding gift for a wedding this weekend - oh, how I wish I had known and registered at Anthropologie when I was getting married!), and I took a closer look at the wisteria tree there designed by Ruthi Auda... You know... Just to see if this project was, in fact, a good DIY for me.

And, you wanna' know what???

It totally is! Oh. My. Gosh. You will not believe how completely easy (though definitely time consuming) it at least appears to be! And the results??? Loveliness beyond compare, especially when you consider what it takes to actually make it. Three simple things. Crepe paper streamers in various shades of lavendar, floral wire, and bare branches! That's all, folks! Ruthi Auda is a complete DIY genius. She deserves a round of applause!

Like I said before, I am so trying this someday for some event. Whatever and whenever that might be...

Speaking of events... There will be a pretty in pink sort of giveaway tomorrow. I promise. And you will love it. Well, at least, I do :O)

Love, Susan

How do you like them apples???

2009-08-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

I spotted these a couple of days ago and meant to share them straightaway...

The amazing Bakerella has done it again! How completely perfect are these little candy apple cake pops for back to school??? How blessed would the teacher who received these feel? I love how many different ways she has dressed her famous cake pops since she first invented them. If you haven't tried to make them yet, you must soon. They are so easy and so yummy.

But I don't think having one of these a day would keep the doctor away... But that's beside the point really.

I love them with these happy little faces best I think. Eeeee! So cute!

I'll be back later. Lots on my plate today.

Love, Susan

A good quote for Mondays - or any day, really...

2009-08-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ~Maria Robinson

(I took the picture above on a Sunday morning when these hydrangeas were in full and glorious bloom. I love hydrangeas. They're not my favorite flower, but I think they could be.)

Who-who wants a neckLACE???

2009-08-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

I do! I do!

I have to apologize in advance. The title of this post is a tad deceiving probably, since I've posted other giveaways recently. I do not have a necklace to give away at this time, rather I wanted to share a some from a shop that I stumbled upon a little while back.

First, I love lace. Period. I don't think there can be too much of it, really. Well, not the way I'd wear it, anyway. And I've had a crush on this dress idea of using layers and layers of different vintage lace trims for ages and ages and wish my wedding dress had had some lace on it... I have been collecting lace trims for some time and think that someday I will use them for something amazingly lovely. Which I would, of course, share with you here.

Pretty, no???

Just one more version...

Anyway...

The shop I found is called White Owl and I absolutely love what they do and how well they photograph the things they've made in order to sell them. Otherwise, very cool DIY inspiration if you can't afford one they sell, that's for sure!

Dainty... Pretty... So feminine...

I love this one with the little pearl... And I'm so much more an ivory person than a bright white person...

And here's a stunning one in black.

A necklace too much for you??? How about some gorgeous peacock inspired earrings then?

I think these are by far my favorite of everything I've pictured here.

I would like to do a giveaway today, but I can't because my camera won't load onto the computer I have access to right now. I need my husband's laptop - I'm so sorry! But don't forget about the first three giveaways!!! Sign up immediately, por favor! Just a week left before I'm announcing those winners!

It's Monday again - eeeeek! Where does the time go? What are your goals for this week?

Love, Susan

Sock it to me

2009-08-08T02:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody :O)

I promised I'd let you know... Craft hope's fourth project has been announced.
(this photo is from www.sockmonkey.net and I think it's stinkin' adorable)

In short, the project is to make sock monkeys for preschool aged burn victims who attend the Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp hosted by the Firefighter's Burn Institute in Sacramento, California this September. How cool is it that this project is so close to home this time?

Anybody want to try to make some sock monkeys with me? I'm partial to the vintage patterned ones (cute hats and long tails!), but I'm sure the kids will be happy with whatever you send their way. The deadline to get your sock monkey in is September 18th. Be sure to sign up if you plan to participate!

You can find a pattern here for the vintage/original sock monkey, and even some easy peasy kits (for those of us who don't have everything on hand or just don't have the time to go looking for it) for pretty cheap, too!

Update: Tamara, the owner of www.sockmonkey.net, wrote to me and let me know that upon finding out about the project she's set up a special discount on her kits, just for those of us who want to participate in project #4! Get your discounted kits here. Thank you so much, Tamara!!!

Love, Susan

You're going to love my Philosophy on coming clean

2009-08-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

So, I have a statement...

I was MIA for the most part yesterday... To make up for it, I'm going to give you the only thing that really helps me come "clean" - face-wise, that is.

Perhaps you have heard of Philosophy products??? If not, listen up.

(This is one of the fun things about Philosophy products - their use of great vintage shots like this, not to mention fun product names. Don't you just love this little girl's hair and outfit???)

I am not sure how long it has been since I started using Philosophy skincare products, but I know that I haven't looked back since then. Sure, there were times when I would run out of the product or be too poor to buy more, and end up trying something like Neutrogena or Olay or what-have-you from Target - and then end up feeling like I'd just wasted $5. Sure, maybe those lines work for others, but they've never completely satisfied my needs. The only time I came close to thinking I'd hit the jackpot was when I tried some of Aveeno's skincare line. I will still fall back on that if Philosophy ever bites the dust (but it won't, because it's just that good).

(More cuteness)

Today's giveaway - to help me come clean on failing you for the past couple of days because pictures of cupcakes, even chocolate ones, can only last for so long - will be a 4 ounce bottle (perfect for you to try out for yourself for a few weeks, right?) of my favorite facial cleanser (the best one around, according to little ole' me), Philosophy's purity made simple one-step facial cleanser. When I first tried it I thought I didn't like it because it doesn't really foam up like most cleansers, but I love it now that I realize my error in thinking that a cleanser needs to foam up. One of the best things about it is that, unlike most cleansers, it doesn't require the use afterward of any toners, etc. Seriously. After you use it you will have NO remaining dirt (zero) on your face to be removed by a toner or witch hazel or whatever you find clever. It rules. It's an award winner at Sephora and beyond. It's for real. It works miracles. MIRACLES I tell you! It would definitely grace the shelves of my little shoppe if it were real, right on a pretty shelf next to a vintage bathtub with clawed feet. I love those.

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what YOUR absolute favorite miracle beauty product is. And if you want to send a little my way, I wouldn't be mad. By the way, coincidentally, Philosophy recently came out with a foamy version that I've been hesitant to try. If it isn't broke, there's no need to fix it, right? Besides, it gets mixed reviews.

Oh, yes. And one more thing. You can also enter to win - direct from the Philosophy website - the awesome set you see below of their favorites (and mine) from now until August 31st of this year. Skiddadle, ya'll!

Love, Susan

I had a magical evening last night

2009-08-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Good morning :O)

Yesterday was all in all a very lovely. The baking part went smoothly, and nary a cupcake was leftover (of any of the flavors I made!), so that, I think, was a pretty good sign that they were nice to look at, but also nice to eat, too! I'm very happy to have reserved some of my favorites (the coconut ones...) to enjoy today in the quiet of the morning.

See? I told you there would be chocolate involved!

Sorry, I didn't have time to adjust the exposure of these to make them look their best, but I think you get the general idea, right? I didn't have one of my chocolate creations, but after my eldest son ate one, he told me I was the very best cupcake maker in all of the world, and someone else told me that my chocolate cupcakes were even better than her mom's chocolate cupcakes. And you just can't receive better compliments than those!!!

Here's a picture of some more of the chocolate ones with some of the miniature coconut pieces of heaven... For those of you who would turn your nose away from coconut anything, I double dog dare you to even try not to like these. I use the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for them, and top them with cream cheese frosting (you can use her recipe, but be sure to cut it in half unless you double the cupcake portions, too!). You should absolutely try it out as soon as humanly possible. The caloric intake is pretty severe, but for special occasions these are just perfect - especially if you are one of the few like me who don't crave chocolate on a moment by moment basis. Actually, even if you aren't like me, just trust me on this. Try them.

I didn't take pictures of the yummy cupcakes I was inspired by Ree to make at the last minute. I was so tired and all at the end of the day and I just wanted to sit down and relax and enjoy what all was going on around me. This is going to sound insane, but I didn't even take a picture of my kids all dressed up!!! I am just kicking myself for that. But my memories of the evening are so peaceful and happy, and in the end, that's all that really matters to me.

Anyway. I originally thought that making some lemon bars and serving them with whipped cream and blueberries would be awesome, but I ended up making some light as a feather lemon cupcakes instead, and topped them with a heavy whipped cream topping and some blueberries. They didn't look as polished as the chocolate or coconut ones, but they were so good. So. Stinkin'. Good. I used these baking cups to cook them in and tried the no cupcake pan method. It was awesome! I took your advice about only filling it to the half-way point, Amanda, and they came out perfectly :O) Thank you for that useful bit of advice. Being that the lemon cakes were a last minute decision, I didn't have time for any trial and error!

Hmmm... What else? Oh, yes. I told you I'd do something to make not doing a giveaway yesterday up to you, didn't I? Well... Maybe a hint will do... Speaking of the mastermind behind Bake it Pretty - AGAIN - Amanda has offered to put together quite a sweet slew of schtuff for me to give to you. But I'm saving it and all of the lovely details for the last grand opening giveaway, because it's just. that. fun. and. delightful. Also, dessert usually comes toward the end of a party, doesn't it???

Okay. Have a great day. I will try to post something soon giveaway-wise, but I have a lunch date with my husband at a little mexican joint with a view of the ocean and need to take a shower and dress my babies.

Love, Susan

Oh, and one more thing...

2009-08-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Speaking of the loveliest of fruits... While I'm busy making cupcakes, look at what Ree's up to this morning.

YUM.

Shortbread cookies, cream cheese frosting (is there even any other kind???), berries...

I am so making these! Just not today.

Though cupcake versions of these single layered ones might just be perfect...

Okay. Really signing off for the day now! Bye!

Love, Susan

A wonderful Wednesday

2009-08-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

Good morning, everybody :O)

I have an incredibly full day today involving the making of at least 70 cupcakes for a very special celebration this evening (good thing I love making cupcakes and that I know how to "Bake it Pretty" - and don't worry, there will also be plenty of chocolate involved! I'm just a sucker for the coconut ones...), a lot of running around doing errands (though some are fun, like visiting the library), hunting for the loveliest of fruits (I hope the trusty little daily farmer's market stand doesn't let me down!), and the excitement of knowing I get to see my boys all dressed up and my little girl wear her gorgeous lace dress all over again (she still fits it six months later and I am just as giddy as can be over it).

So, even though I started pretty early this morning (just after 6:30am), I simply don't have time to post a giveaway today. But I promise to make it up to you. For now, please share about the first two giveaways and especially embrace the beginning of this month as if it were New Year's Day - maybe get to work on that project you've been avoiding. You can do it! Hop to it!

Speaking of projects... and trying to convince you that I do, in fact, enjoy throw pillows (just not excessively expensive ones)... Check out these awesome and inexpensive pillows posted on design*sponge this morning.

Are these pillows lovely or what???

And they look incredibly easy to make...

And for less than $10 a piece according to the tutorial! I'd say this is a DIY delight, wouldn't you?

So, about a wonderful Wednesday... I hope you have one! I've really enjoyed reading about who you consider to be your top "three" (or four, in some cases!). Thank you so much. Be sure to visit them this month!!!

If you haven't already entered the first two giveaways, there is still time!

Love, Susan

Giveaway #2 - Lovely Wrist Candy for you!

2009-08-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

I don't remember exactly how I came upon Andrea's little shop on Etsy. I think she may have been featured in a treasury or something. Anyway. Since the moment I laid eyes on today's giveaway item, I have been a big fan of this lovely little shop called Wrist Candy Creations. And now, after some experience with her, I'm a fan of Andrea, too! She is very sweet and giving and kind - and, obviously, creative.

Andrea generously offered to make whatever wrist candy I wanted for this giveaway, and I could think of none other than the one that arrived inside of this perfectly sweet package. You will soon see why.

Remember this from before??? You're going to love what's inside!

Here's the card of the dear who sent this little dream my way to give to you!

Very careful and protective packaging... But what's inside???

Oooooh! It's almost like peering into an oyster's shell and hitting the jackpot :O)

Oooooohhh... Aaaaahhhhhhh.....

Eeeeeeeeeee!

It's Wrist Candy Creation's amazingly lovely Ophelia in Pearls bracelet, of course! And it is such lovely wrist candy indeed! Here's how she describes it, and I think she is right on the money:

"You'll want to wear this bracelet every day! A stunning, long, leafy, antique brass stamping is gently curved to fit your wrist. Ivory glass pearls complete the rest of the bracelet. This enchanting bracelet is finished with an antique bronze lobster claw clasp and a pearl dangle. Bracelet measures approximately 7.5". Please convo me if you prefer a different length. Treat yourself to this romantic piece of wrist candy! (This bracelet comes highly recommended by my cat.)"

Yes... Mine makes me happier than a little birdie with a fresh french fry! I can't tell you how many compliments I receive on this piece when I wear it. It really is so beautiful! And you really will want to wear it every day. It reminds me of something a Greek goddess would have worn. ***Sigh***

See? Highly recommended by her cat :O)

Do visit her shop and see what all she has to offer. Be sure to check through the things she's already sold because there are often pretty surprises like this one that is called "Honey". It's sweet, no? Can you tell I like pearls (even if they're faux)?

She made this one just for me. The picture doesn't do it justice, really. I thought the brass piece looked a lot like a peacock's fan of feathers, so I asked her if she would be able to pair it with some peacock colored beads. I love how it turned out. She even sent along a pretty pair of matching earrings that I've ended up wearing even more than the bracelet!

If you aren't a bracelet fan, she's got plenty of necklaces and earring styles, too. These Madeira earrings remind me of beautiful vintage spoon handles.

Okay. So here's how this giveaway's going to go. All are welcome to enter my giveaways (guys, gals, but I would like to stick to adults for now, please):

1.) If you want to win, you need to become a follower. If you've already been a follower from before this post, you have now doubled your chances of winning. Hurrah for you! Please, please, please, though. Just ONE following per shoppe visitor. Pretty please with a macaroon on top! Honesty is the best policy, as they say.

2.) Oh, and just for fun, I would like for you to answer the following question, too: I've mentioned the 3/50 project before (see the sidebar to your left just above the Craft hope button), and I'm curious. What three independently owned businesses (whether on Etsy/the internet or down the street from your house) would you miss if they disappeared?

So, don't forget to complete both things! First, you need to be a follower. Second, you have to tell me what your three are. Simple, right? This giveaway ends in two weeks, too!

Have a great day and don't forget to try for the first giveaway, too!

Love, Susan

A Pretty Tuesday Tweet for you & for me

2009-08-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I am not one who "tweets" or "twits" or whatever it would be called. I don't even know how to start doing that, but for now, I am content to be ignorant. However, I do visit blogs, and on this particular morning I just so happened to notice in the sidebar of her blog that Amanda of Bake It Pretty has "tweeted" the announcement of a special discount to whomever might be lucky enough to notice. I captured it's image just to be sure I wasn't making it up.

I love Bake It Pretty very much. I am so happy for Amanda that her business is getting such great press (like a full page spread in Better Homes & Gardens Magazine!), and that she is thereby getting a whole lot of business. So much so that most of my favorite things are actually sold out right now, but I can completely understand that. I mean, do you know how many people actually read BH&G??? It's a crazy amount of people. Just trust me on that.

Isn't that a gorgeous spread?

And take a look at these pretty new liners she has in now (below)! I love the teal and maroon ones. Actually, I like them all. I think my favorites are still her bright liners, though. Even if you're baking dark chocolate cupcakes, the color of the papers stays bright as can be! No oily looking liners!

And this little cupcake icing kit really is the best-ever - EVER - it is one of my favorite kitchen things now. She is restocking them again (you wouldn't believe how fast these sell out!!!), possibly even today!

But she doesn't only carry cupcake stuff. Look at these adorable cutters! How fun are they?

And these little bags are so so so so so cute. I want them for my 30th birthday this year... See? They even come in one of my favorite colors. And all sorts of other fun stuff, too.

Anyway. If you have been holding off on ordering from Bake It Pretty, here's your chance to save a few dollars on your first order. Or your Tenth. Whichever it is.

All of the pictures above are from Amanda's site. She does such a good job of displaying things in her shop, don't you think?

Thanks for the special "tweet", Amanda!

Love, Susan

Hint hint! Nudge nudge! Wink wink!

2009-08-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

This lovely piece that I shared with you in a previous post and still really, really want, by Anne-Julie Aubry (who is in the middle of relocating to a new apartment as I type), is amazingly still available in her online gallery show...

I'm just sayin'...

And this one is still available in print form, too... Don't be creeped out by the rats/mice. They're probably related to those of Brambly Hedge, or maybe they are friends of Mrs. Frisby and the rats of NIMH! Either way, they are certainly marvelous to me. I haven't asked Anne-Julie who they are, but I think a part of the magic of viewing other people's art is finding your own story within them.

I would love to have these... Perhaps one will magically appear on my doorstep... Hey... A lady can dream, can't she???

I hope you had a lovely night of beautiful dreams. I've so enjoyed your comments about what sorts of shoppes you would have. Thank you so much for sharing!

I'll share my answer when I reveal the winner of the first giveaway. And, of course, I have something other than this little shoppe/bloggeroonie in mind.

Love, Susan

I'm late! I'm late! For a very important FIRST GIVEAWAY date!

2009-08-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

(NOTE: I have fixed the comment problems, so if you were unable to comment before, please, please, please do try again. Comments will still be moderated, though, so if you don't see your comment right away, don't worry. It will post once it is approved.)

Boo rats boo... Shameful... Shameful... UG. I am so sorry for being late for this! I apologize if you have patiently (or impatiently) been refreshing your screen waiting for this post to appear. While I do have an icky relationship with tardiness in my life, I promise you that I was not going to be late for this. In fact, I was all ready to go but deleted the entire post instead of posting it!!! It made me sick to my stomach. I am so sad over all that I spent time on that was lost into cyberspace. You can see that I saved the original draft at 12:40pm. I don't know what happened. Really I don't.

But this is not what you are here for! You are here (thank you so much for your patience with me!) for a lovely giveaway, and you shall have it!

After much thought, I decided on the perfect item. And it is perfect for so many reasons.

First, what is my little dream shoppe all about? It's about hopes and dreams for the future, and about the future in general. It's about helping others and being open to receiving help from others as well. It's about being inspired as well as being an inspiration. It's about the small things, and the big things, and all of the in between things, too! It's about life and the things we choose to fill it with or take from it or have taken from us. It's about savoring the moments or simply savoring a first or last bite of a favorite comfort food. It's about me and my family, and hopefully a reflection of you and your family, too.

But mostly, I hope that this little shoppe is about faith and hope and love. And in all things, Charity.

Sigh...

You should see my little girl right now. She is wearing a new dress and she is a sweet as a peach in it, but she doesn't know it at all. I love that sort of innocence. Not yet worried about what others think or even the teeniest bit vain... Such lessons can be learned from watching children. It is one of my favorite things about being a mom. Truly. Right now she's carrying a little basket around with her baby doll, and covering the baby doll with her brothers' Legos. So precious!

Oopsie! Back to the giveaway! But, really, there isn't a better way to bring up such a sweet giveaway like this than to speak of how special and innocent and precious children are...

Welcome to the world of Belle & Boo!

You will never find another quite like this one that Mandy Sutcliffe has created. Belle & Boo was one of the very first shops I discovered on Etsy. It was the second shop I ever favorited and my first overseas Etsy purchase. My first purchases were the two beautiful prints below. I like them ever so much, though I wish the little boy had darker hair. But that's just me. Some of her characters (particularly the boys) remind me a bit of Christopher Robin of Winnie the Pooh fame, but not exactly, of course.

This one is called "Freedom".

This one is called "Friendship". I like to imagine that the little girl let the dove go, and the little boy is the one who met him a little later in the day.

This is a part of what arrived in the royal package I showed you in an earlier post.

What Mandy sent along for me to give away is this lovely little journal, a very brand new item to the world of Belle & Boo. It is one of a darling collection of four and it is of tremendous quality and just think of all of the hopes and dreams and recipes and sketches and whatever you desire that you can put onto these pages! Click here to see Mandy's own post about her new journals and other items that just made their appearances in her own shops! I am not sure which one I like most. Maybe the one of the little boys playing cowboy and Indian together.

When she told me she would be happy to send a journal my way, I wondered which one she would send. And, perfectly, she choose to send along the one that has a picture of Belle & Boo together.

A second winner will receive the lovely greeting card pictured here above the journal. It's entitled "I like your bow" and is absolutely nice enough to frame, really. Mandy was kind enough to send that along, too. I'm not sure if she meant for me to keep it, but I am happy to give it to you. I do have quite a lovely collection of my own, and even won a very neat print very recently in one of Mandy's own giveaways on her blog.

The rules for this giveaway are as follows: This particular giveaway will last for two weeks. If you have already been a follower prior to this post you will double your chances (that's right! DOUBLE!) to win. Sorry. Multiple profiles under your name do not double your double or double double double your double, or anything like that. One following will suffice. If you share this shoppe with somebody else, you will also receive another ticket. The more you share, the bigger your chances are! So, simply do these two things (or three if you choose to share with others, and I do so hope you will!):

1. Please tell me how you found this little shoppe, and try to be specific ("through your comment on so and so's blog", or "my friend Mandy told me about it", or what have you). You will receive the "credit" if someone you shared the shoppe with mentions you as how they found the shoppe so please be sure they are specific!
2. Answer this question: If you were to open a shoppe of your own, what sort of shoppe would it be? Or, if you already have a shoppe, what is it and where can I find it???

Also, you will receive a ticket for everyday your comment is up throughout the two weeks. If you comment the first day, you will recieve 14 tickets, if you comment the last day you will receive only 1, et cetera. And I've gotta post this before I have people start calling me on the phone! If you don't get it, email me. My info's at the top! I hope this isn't too complicated!

Love to you all and do return throughout the week to see the other giveaways. I won't give myself any time restraints on those ones, though! :O(

Love, Susan

How about some pretty favors, though???

2009-08-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Style Me Pretty... I LOVE that website. I know it was originally created for brides to be, but they have so many great ideas that can be used at so many other sorts of events. Do check it out.

Today, in honor of my grand opening - just kidding! - they've got some gorgeous DIY (do it yourself) favor box templates up that are so sweet and I'd certainly use them myself at an event. I wish they came in tiffany blue or that pretty vintage glass jar color... I do so love just about anything with polka dots, though. And those yellow waves/crescents... Gorgeous.

Anyway, if you like these cuties, just click this... little... link... right... HERE .

Enjoy!

Love, Susan

Here's the dilemma du jour...

2009-08-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

So, if you've already visited my little shoppe this morning in hopes of waking up to a lovely barrage (an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or, in this case, photos) of things I'm giving away, then you were most certainly disappointed.

And I'm deeply sorry.

Really, I am.

While I am eager to greet you with pretty delights as pictured below (this is some inspiration I found on Style Me Pretty that I've been holding onto for my little sister Laura's bridal shower), as the title above states, I have a bit of a dilemma on my hands.

Here's the problem:

I have a lot of loveliness to disperse amongst the masses, and I just can't decide which item to giveaway FIRST. Or second. Or third. Or fourth. Or... I know, I know... Silly "problem", right??? I was originally planning on having one super giveaway, but I decided it would be more exciting (for me anyway) to split it all up.

So here's the deal.

I'm going to do a giveaway every day this week (even though that's not the extent/amount of what I have to give away), starting at 2:00 pm today. And I will continue on until... Well, until I no longer am blessed with lovely things to give to you. And I hope that day never comes.

Follow me (hint hint - BIG HINT), won't you please, on this exciting adventure?

I'll see you at 2:00 pm sharp!!!

Love, Susan

Tired mom fascinated by giant dwarf

2009-07-31T04:27:00.000-07:00

Fascinated by giant dwarf? What on earth?!

Give me a few and I'll explain.

Late last night/early this morning (depending on how you would word it...), in a very sleepy state I happened upon a lovely blog by the maker of a past "favorited item" that I somehow forgot about and lost in my list of favorites on my personal Etsy profile. I hate when a favorites item disappears and I can no longer remember what it was and therefore can't add it again. If you could follow what I just wrote, you, too, are a true Etsian.

So, the blog was that of Sue Eggen, creator of giant dwarf and all of it's splendor. I'm not sure why she has named her shop giant dwarf, I only know that the things she makes are so lovely and feminine and nothing of what I think of when I think of dwarves or giants, or even giant dwarves... But I think more of J.R.R. Tolkien's dwarves than Disney's, and that may be the issue. Or maybe she was thinking of stars??? Because that would make sense to me.

Anyhoo... Enjoy these gorgeous images from her shop, blog, and flicker pages! I wish I could give one of these amazing fascinators away! Maybe someday!

Doesn't she have perfectly cute "Snow White" hair?

So many pretty colors to choose from at a recent craft fair. It's not pictured here, but there's also a piece she calls the swan, that is lovely and white and creamy. I think I like it almost as much as the harvest and canary ones.

She also sells wool felt - which I gave up looking for on Etsy a while back. Hurrah that it is finally here and in so many pretty colors. This is very same felt she uses for her creations, so if you are a DIYer (so long as you're only making it for yourself!) you should totally get some!

Sorry to show the canary one again, I just love it! She is also wearing it in the very first picture of this post. I love that picture. And I want to be friends with every girl who has a lovely pair of yellow shoes.

Oh, yes. And I must, must, MUST mention her Anthropologie connection. These are some sample pieces and color cards (I love that even the little color cards are adorable!) she sent in to Anthropologie and they chose two and asked her to make 100 for their site - and then they changed their minds and asked for 500!!! But, if my memory serves me correctly, she told them she'd only make 100. So, 100 lucky online Anthro shoppers are now the happy owners of some giant dwarf goodness.

Here are the finished pieces she sent to Anthro 'round about March of this year. So pretty! I love her pictures. And you should see how she wrapped them in old sewing pattern paper cuttings. What a neat wrapping idea!

How sweet are her bunny tags and baker's twine bows???

Well, have a fabulous and fascinating Friday!

Love, Susan

"Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday"

2009-07-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be bold and dub this - and hopefully every Thursday to follow from here on out - "Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday". I would have called it "Thoughtful Thursday", but it seems that is pretty commonly used already in newspapers, on other blogs, et cetera.

What does it mean to be thoughtful? Well, reviewing a little vocabulary never hurts, even if you think you already know the definition of a word:

I found this definition on www.thefreedictionary.com and they got it from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

thought·ful (thôtfl)

adj.

1. Engrossed in thought; contemplative.

2. Exhibiting or characterized by careful thought: a thoughtful essay.

3. Having or showing heed for the well-being or happiness of others and a propensity for anticipating their needs or wishes.

thoughtful·ly adv.

thoughtful·ness n.

Synonyms: thoughtful, considerate, attentive, solicitous

I like each of the three definitions and think they all apply to this and future "Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday" posts. Okay, so in these Thursday posts I hope to focus on one theme at a time and share a bunch of quotes about the theme and today's theme is HARD WORK & EFFORT.

NOTE: I realize that doing a first of these Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday posts with the theme of THOUGHTFULNESS would probably have been ideal, but the truth of the matter is, I needed a kick in the skirt in the hard work department today...

This is a picture of my daughter watching my sons hard at work trying to build a strong sand fortress. Undoubtedly, they were hoping, that maybe just this one time, it would be able to withstand the force of the mighty ocean waves off of Coronado Island. Anybody ever feel like this when it comes to things like washing laundry and dishes?

And without further ado, here are the thoughts for this "Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday":

God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest. ~J.G. Holland

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. ~Thomas Jefferson

Many an opportunity is lost because a man is out looking for four-leaf clovers. ~Author Unknown

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~Thomas Edison

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. ~Attributed to both Vidal Sassoon and Donald Kendall

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all. ~Sam Ewing

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. ~Abraham Lincoln

If a man is called a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and Earth will pause to say, Here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still. ~Chinese Proverb

All the so-called "secrets of success" will not work unless you do. ~Author Unknown

You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. ~Author Unknown

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile. ~Roger Staubach

Thou, O God, dost sell us all good things at the price of labor. ~Leonardo da Vinci

Housework is what a woman does that nobody notices unless she hasn't done it. ~Evan Esar

The devil will find work for idle hands to do. ~What Difference Does It Make, The Smiths

I hope that you will have a wonderful and thoughtful day, and that aside from being inwardly thoughtful, we will all try to go out and do something thoughtful for someone else today, too!

Love, Susan

More loveliness from Ree

2009-07-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

But this time it's in giveaway form.
How fun is this Chirp patterned china by Lenox??? It very much makes the quirky me want to, well...chirp - ha ha. I love the colors, and the birdies, and the Asian feel of it. And while this lessens my chances of winning, I just had to share about Ree's giveaway with you today.

A quick summation of the details of the giveaway is that the winner will receive six (SIX!!!) 4 piece place settings (or any mix of this pattern adding up to the same retail value of the six place settings), and all they have to do is comment on whether their obsession with China is a 1 or a 10 in intensity level. I know! It's that easy and that awesome.

I love to use pretty things on a daily basis so if I win I will use them every day. I have a whole philosophy about it. Someday I will explain it in detail. For now, scoot on over to Ree's blog and comment about where you measure up on the scale of 1 to 10. Hurry! The giveaway ends tonight!

Good luck!
Susan

The Humiliation Chronicles

2009-07-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have my stories, but today I'm just going to share one just posted by Ree, The Pioneer Woman, that made me realize that I am not alone in this world as far as saying or doing completely mortifying things, all the while having good intentions and being completely and truly innocent of meaning any harm.

Oh, Ree... I feel your pain, sweetie. Thank you for your honesty. I want to hang out with you.

Read Ree's confession here. Ladies, you will want to hug her afterward, but mostly, you will have had a laugh at yourself, too, because I know we all (well, at least I do) have our own records to place in The Humiliation Chronicles.

If you haven't checked out Ree's blog before, you are in for a real treat. Especially if you visit the Pioneer Woman while she's cooking :O)

Love, Susan

Project #3 results are in at Craft hope

2009-07-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

The numbers have been announced... And they were awesome!

Five hundred and forty-two blankets!

Twenty-three handmade balls for a game the kids love t0 play. Ha! And what a neat way to reuse a Target bag, eh?

Three hundred and thirty pillowcases to be used as sheets to keep something between the babies and those plastic mattresses. AND MUCH MORE! I can hardly wait to see the pictures of the children in India when they receive their new blankets and things.

Watch for details about Project #4 to come some time next week.

Until then, I'm sure you can think of something you can do to promote Charity in your little part of the world.

Love, Susan

Loving and SAVING this idea

2009-07-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty rough day today, to say the least, but all is calm and bright now. Yay!

One thing that wasn't "rough" today, though, was the mail. THE MAIL. I must tell you about the mail today! I wish I had pictures for you, but I am just too exhausted to muster up the effort after all of the aforementioned happenings of the day. So. I have been eagerly awaiting a package for some time now from a certain seller on Etsy. I won't say whom at this time, but I can tell you that she is great, and creative, and sweet. Well, her package for me (and you!) arrived today. It was not much to look at on the outside, but what was inside totally made up for it. Everything was so neat that I wish I could keep it all for myself - but, of course, I won't! So that little package brightened my day quite a bit.

Also, I just saw these fantastic Save the Date Handkerchiefs on Style Me Pretty's latest post and the fancy in me started to sing. Aren't they amazing??? The bride did such a dazzling job on them, really. I'm so impressed. Click on the pictures to see them in more detail. They are beautifully done!

I just adore them! Especially the colored ones below :O) What a neat keepsake, huh? If I received one of these as a save the date, I'd think to myself, "I am not missing this wedding for any reason. Period."

Oi! The silhouettes, the birdies, the vintage florals... So many things that I love all wrapped up in one teeny save the date announcement of perfection...

Now, I'm already married (coming up on ten whole years in March of next year!), so save the dates aren't really something I need to spend time thinking about, unless I actually get to have a tenth anniversary celebration like I would LOVE LOVE LOVE (one more time - LOVE) to do... But wouldn't they make neat invitations, too? Say, for my little sister's upcoming February bridal shower that I am planning? Ummm... Methinks ABSOLUTELY! But, we'll see. This whole Yudu thing looks great, but it also looks a lot more expensive than I can manage - no matter how much I love my sister!

Well. I had better get to bed. Here's to hoping for a smooth day tomorrow for me and for you.

Love, Susan

I want a paper cut. Do you want a paper cut?

2009-07-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Not the painful stinging kind, though. The pretty and delicate kind...

Like the ones you see here made by Julene Harrison of madebyjulene. They are so neat. A tad (understatement) pricey for me, but I think this is something that I could do a quote of my very own of if I tried a few times - or maybe several times. I think I shall dub this "Take matters into my own hands Tuesday".

Perhaps they are not too pricey for you, though. Just in case, here is the link to have her commission a piece just for you.

Isn't this family tree neato?

I can't really see your house from my house. Besides, I live in an apartment. Not to mention, I probably have NO idea where on this planet you reside. Aren't these colors beautiful, though? I love seeing the cutting up against the evening sky. And this particular cutting reminds me of old sailor style tatoos :O)

If you are reading this blog, I do, in fact, think that you are the beez neez :O) Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit.

So, as far as taking matters into my own hands goes... I really do think I could do this. But it would take a lot of time and skill and I'm sure I'd have to practice and really mess up a few things first... Speaking of first. First I have to finish cleaning and organizing my laundry room - I do so like organizing things (really and truly I do, it's a sickness), how about you? And then I have to actually do laundry in it. And then I have to fold all of the laundry that three kids and two adults produce in a two day period - which is surprisingly quite a bit, especially when one's three year old sneaks some chocolate covered pretzels and shares them (awww...how sweet!) with his little sister who proceeds to rub them all over your sheets and comforter (I mean eeeeeeeew...how messy!)...

Before all of that, though, I'm just going to look at fancy paper cuttings for a couple more minutes while my daughter continues to nap and my sons are sitting and playing Legos together quite civily. Care to join me?

I hope your week is going very well.

Love, Susan

Something rather mysterious has happened...

2009-07-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

Eeeeeeeeeeeek! (hands clapping rapidly and happily)

Today, I found out that I'm fortunate to be a lucky recipient of the beautiful locket above.

How cool is that??? Answer: tremendously.

Fancy Wearables Locket with Mysterious Genevieve, the lovely product of a collaboration between Lori of heartworksbylori and Emily of theblackapple.

Boo rats boo, but yipee & yahoo, too :O)

2009-07-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

The "boo rats boo" is because I didn't win the sweet Belle & Boo dress from the giveaway by Tea Pony that I shared with you last weekend. But, congratulations to Jenn - whomever she may be - and thank you to Tea Pony for having the giveaway in the first place.

Now... The yippe & yahoo are because Tea Pony is doing another giveaway! You heard me correctly. Another giveaway! And this little waistcoat is really, really cute - don't you agree? I love the puffed sleeves and the button detailing.

So... If the picture above just so happens to catch your fancy, scoot on over to the Tea Pony blog for the easy peasy giveaway details.

Have a lovely Monday. I know people are usually so down on Mondays. I just don't get it. Sure, the weekend's over, but look at it this way: It's a fresh start to a whole new week. Another opportunity at living well and loving in this life.

Love, Susan

Giveaway hint, hints...

2009-07-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Something to note before I get started: The sweetie pie giving the thumbs up in the picture above (again, taken by my three-year-old) is my eldest son. He's been doing this in so many pictures lately and it cracks me up. I am happy, though, that at least he is still smiling and willing to take pictures with his mommy, and that his chosen gesture is a positive one.

We have been having a nice weekend in my little "spot on the beach" (as opposed to "neck of the woods" - since I am nowhere near the woods anymore). Aldready in the mail I received four - yes, FOUR - packages for my little shoppe's grand opening celebration. You know, for the giveaways I've been going on and on about? I am so excited!

I want to share some pictures with you because I think it will be fun to give you a hint or three about some of what is to come. Whadda' ya say? Wanna' see?

HINT #1:

Hmmm... Now, this is a lovely package, don't you think? I wonder what could be inside... (I'm giggling with excitement over here, because I, of course, know what's inside. For now, though, you will have to be satisfied simply with the pretty outside of this Royal parcel. Tee hee!)

Let's proceed to hint #2, shall we?

HINT #2:

And what do you suppose might be inside of this adorable little tin? (...more giggling and tee heeing...)

And last but certainly not least...

HINT #3:

The lighting is not great in this picture, but this closet is a walk-in with no natural light save what comes from behind me when I enter. I don't even think a really awesome camera without special lighting could help me, but I'm not a professional by any means so I really don't have any authority on the subject. Anyway.

Back to the hint part... I've hung one of the delightful items here amongst some of my daughter's other handmade lovelies. Go ahead. Take a guess as to which one it is - unless, of course, you sent it and know which one it is! What I can tell you is that you are going to think it is absolutely adorable - which is really helpful in figuring out which one it is, right? (more tee heeing)

Oh, and one more thing. A small request from the shoppe keeper. PLEASE don't forget to share about it with your friends! Remember this: more people frequenting the shoppe means bigger and even better future giveaways - it's just the nature of these sort of things, you see? So, pretty please, do make this little blog one of your best shared secrets. Even more packages are headed this way before the big grand opening on August 3rd, so be sure to check back often.

As I've said before, I'm totally excited about this whole thing.

How about you???

The beautiful fruits of the labor of many crafters

2009-07-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Remember how I spoke about Craft hope a few posts back? You know, when we were eating doughnuts together?

Yes. WELL. Today I am so excited to share some amazing and heartwarming pictures with you. They are a part of the results of Project #2 - making dolls for children in Nicaragua.

This little doll also came with a quilt - how thoughtful of the maker! I feel like I recognize this doll but I can't place it at this time...

I'm getting teary eyed...

Get me some tissue...

Alright. The floodgates have opened and it's going to take a whole lot to close them up again!

Special note: As a fan of Emily Martin, I'm loving that some of her black apple dolls (above) were given to these sweet sleepy babies :O) Sniff, sniff, sniffle... I'm not sure if she was aware of this at the time, but Emily's doll making tutorials, that she very generously shared after her appearance on MARTHA , were promoted by Craft hope and were used by many of the contributors.

And this one looks like a Project Grab Bag doll! I've wanted one for my little Eleanor for some time now! I'm happy it is with this sweetie pie, though.

This project just amazes me, does it amaze you??? All of those people who gave even just a teensy bit of themselves for these children. It is probably too late now to get something turned in for Project #3 if you haven't already done so, but I promise to keep you posted about Project #4 when it is announced. :O)

In the meantime, I'm sure you can keep your peepers open for some sort of kind act you can do or word you can share right in your own little circle of influence.

Read more and see more pictures here (Craft hope's post about it) and here (the personal blog post by Eren, the woman who took the dolls to Nicaragua).

To lighten the mood with even MORE Alice In Wonderland characters printed on stuff...

2009-07-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

So. That last post was a little dark for my "dreamy shoppe", but I just couldn't help but comment.

Anyway, I'm about to make it up to you right now with a slew of adorable sweetness. And really, does it get any more adorable and sweet than japanese cartoon fabric??? Warning. I say adorable A LOT in this post.

A long while back on Etsy I came across the darling little shop of Marissa Fischer called RaeGun. I was searching for an Alice In Wonderland-ish dress (eventually you will find that I have a thing for this Lewis Carroll masterpiece of literary art) and happened upon her Little Lass Overalls (see above) and fell head over heels. This item is now hanging happily amongst my daughter's other dresses and is the only non-dress of the bunch because I just loved it that much. Best of all, I got it on sale - hurrah!

Marissa uses a lot of japanese fabrics that are so whimsical and sweet. If you would prefer to make your own lovely stuff instead of purchasing the sweet things she's created, she also sells the fabric in her Etsy fabric store called RaeGunFabric.

Here are the overalls up close. The buttons, ric-rac trim, gingham... All adorable!

Here is a super sweet Alice dress, too!

And a Little Red Riding Hood dress...

And hedgehogs and squirells and bunnies on YELLOW. You know how I have a thing for yellow... and bunnies... and hedgehogs... Yes. And squirrels, too.

Speaking of yellow... I've had this dress favorited ever since I found the overalls. But I'm still waiting for this one to go on sale :O( I love the eyelet trim and the bloomers!

Okay. Sorry. Back to the point of this post:

Marissa just so happens to be having a giveaway on her blog for a pack of over thirty-five 3.5 inch japanese fabric squares. Oh my, think of all the fun you can have with these cute little things! (click on the pictures to get a closer look at all of the adorable prints)

Sew a little blanket, add the squares to tops for a cute embellishment, make soft blocks...

I just love the Three Little Pigs fabric!

She has random giveaways pretty often, usually for some of her actual clothing items, so if you like what you see here, be sure to peek at her blog every so often. And if you choose to be a part of her giveaway, good luck!

ADORABLE ADORABLE ADORABLE :O)

Love, Susan

Quoth the Mad Hatter,

2009-07-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Those are the things that upset me!"

Sorry, this post has nothing to do with Johnny Depp or Tim Burton's upcoming version of Alice in Wonderland...

Please tell me, how do you feel about the fact that there are throw pillows - or ANY pillows, for that matter - in the world that retail for $895.00 each? I suppose it is only fair to mention that said pillows are described as "Exceedingly glamorous...reminiscent of a stunning evening gown worn by a starlet in the 1930s. ...haute couture reference...bold buckle fashioned from Swarovski crystals...filled with a 100% goose down insert."

Indulge me for another moment, will you?

When those same pillows go on sale for $449.00, are you thinking, "Hmm... Now that's much better. I'm totally getting one now. Absolutely."

The pillow above is obviously NOT the pillow I'm talking about, but I wanted an old picture of the Mad Hatter and figured it would be funny to share one that is, in fact, on a throw pillow. And I actually find that pillow pretty hideous (not the original art, but overall - ANYWAY), but, hey, to each his own...

To each his own... Yes. This is true, I suppose. And I understand that people have the right to create a product and sell it for as much as they darn well please, and that people have the right to decide what they like and spend what they darn well please for it, but... Really??? Almost $900.00 for decorative throw pillow? That's half of some people's monthly mortgage payment! It baffles my mind. Maybe I'm just not chic or rich enough to understand the whole concept even... Anyway. Someone please explain this to me if I am way out in left field. I'm not trying to be a meany and hate on someone's great work. I. Just. Don't. Get. It.

If you have completely disagreed with me throughout this post, then here is the pillow of your very dreams By FRED RED NY. It also comes in a rainbow of colors... And here is a link to an article on these pillows that is much more favorable toward them than mine is and also lists the pillows as retailing for only $695.00!!! But watch out for that first picture! It's a doosey!

By the way... I'm wondering if you think that the above description of this pillow is accurate.

Loveliness from France

2009-07-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Portrait of Sophie Bizzare"

Isn't this beautiful??? The lace, the creams... I love it.
(You can purchase it for me here... Just kidding... Sort of...)

One of my favorite artists in the entire world, Anne-Julie Aubry, is having an online gallery show through Gallery1988 of San Francisco, California. Unfortunately, the piece I love the most (see above) is too pricey for me. Boo rats boo.

Here are just a few more of the pieces she created for this show:

"My Only Friend"

I also loved this one very much... But it was already sold before I even laid my peepers on it :O(

"In Blue"

Here's a "lighter" piece, for those of you who for some weird reason might find her work a tad too dark for you...

"Follow Me"

And this one... I love her silhouette against the moon. MAGICAL.
This one is also available unframed as a limited edition print instead of with acrylics and whatnot here.

I just love Anne-Julie's work. I think it's full of whimsy as well as a little bit of curious darkness, but mostly I just think it's completely...magical. And Anne-Julie is truly one of the sweetest people you could ever get to know. Truly. For non-gallery priced prints of her work, you can visit her Etsy shop The Nebulous Kingdom.

Stunning pieces, Anne-Julie! You are amazing!

Good morning!

2009-07-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Come sit down with me and have a virtual doughnut and milk for a few minutes, I have a little story to share with you. What? What's that you say? You can't have a doughnut? Oh, you're dieting? I see. Okay, okay... Well, if you won't have one of the finest doughnuts San Francisco had to offer on my last visit there, how about making yourself Heidi Swanson's delicious looking Wheat Berry Breakfast Bowl. Because I am totally okay with that, too.

First off, I have something to say that needs to be said, so I'm just going to come right out and say it already. I have not started this little dream shoppe simply to be another blog that shares about pretty things I like and host giveaways. Quite the contrary, actually. And while there certainly are many lovely things that will be shared here, and some awesome and exciting giveaways, I truly started this blog with the hope of helping others. Please hear me out before you walk out my shoppe door in disbelief.

Let me take you on a short tour of the shoppe. To the left you will find several things. Just under the bit about me are some very important links. Rest assured that nothing shared here is unintentional or unimportant, so please be sure to really browse around when you have some time.

For now, let me tell you a little - but true - story for just a few minutes.

On May 15, 2007, I discovered Etsy while perusing the famous design*sponge blog of Grace Bonney and happening upon these adorable owl cards by blackbird press.

Cute, eh? I thought so. And they came in yellow, too!

Yes, yes... I know the exact date that I discovered Etsy. Not because I'm obsessed with it, but because my personal profile lists the date I joined and I know that I joined within 15 minutes of discovering it because I could tell I'd struck gold that morning. Through Etsy - read this awesome link to find out what it's about and why it was created and who is a part of it - I have discovered so many wonderful people who are working hard to make a living in this crazy economy (some as the sole provider for themselves and their families). I also noticed that while some sellers have shops that are crazy busy, many sellers on Etsy have very little or no business despite great products and usually affordable prices. So I've been doing my part to share great shops I've found and lovely friendships I've made.

In conjunction with that, while living on the east coast, I had the privilege of being a part of an amazing MOPS group in northern Virginia. As part of our weekly meetings we committed to doing some community service projects. For example, for one project we made baby blankets together for new single moms who were in need. I was pretty poor at the time and often felt like I couldn't do much to help the needy (sadly thinking that money was all that could help), but doing these projects together and being able to see that we were really helping, while not even necessarily spending a lot of money to do so, really struck a cord with me.

Striking an even louder cord was the love and generosity of family and friends during my little family's own time of great need. Seeing people give so freely and lovingly for the cause of Charity and not expecting anything in return has made a mark on me that will never fade. It has caused me to do my best to seek out needs and fill them where I can. I used to feel very sad that I couldn't help the staggering amount of people all around the world who were in such great need, but then I realized that even in my own backyard there are ways that I can love, help, and serve others, even if I only did it one person at a time.

Then the deal was really sealed for me when I happened upon the 3/50 project. This project is so great, and I absolutely love that it really all started with people fighting back against the advice of Oprah, hee hee! Now Oprah fans, please relax. I believe that Oprah (assuming she knows about it) probably loves the 3/50 project and the idea behind it, so don't set your wee doggies after me in protest to my giggling about people doing the opposite of what she says. I also believe that she absolutely had good intentions instructing consumers to stop spending money on anything that was non-necessity - sounds like sound advice, right? Anyway, read up on the 3/50 project for a minute before you finish reading this post, then come back here and finish reading.

***Pausing so that you can read those links***

Okay, so being now very seriously inclined toward the good of others (not that I had never wanted to help others, but just that now I had truly grown up about it and understood what it really meant), and knowing what I knew of Etsy and the 3/50 project, I began to put put things together and I asked myself, instead of asking which of my favorite brick and mortar stores around my home are (since I'd already figured that out pretty much), "Who are my three handmade shop favorites? Which of them would I hate to see disappear?" And the fact of the matter is that there are way more than 3 shops I'd hate to never see again. And so, the shoppe of my dreams was born as a way of promoting these little shops and their creative, friendly, hardworking owners (not all of whom are Etsians but so far most of them are). I am so excited to introduce you to many of them in the days to come - and they are very excited to meet you, too - believe me, they wouldn't be giving me lovely things to give to you if they weren't!

So, now (at least in brief) you know what started this crazy little project of mine. I hope I am not coming across as trying to brag about what a wonderfully giving person I am or something. I have a long way to go before that, I'm afraid. But I do try to do what I can when I can, and I hope that you do the same.

Last night I just so happened to have stumbled upon another very awesome project that I just have to share with you. Craft hope is amazing. "Craft Hope is a faith-based, love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world." The projects you can volunteer to be a part of are designed to meet the real needs of orphans around the world. There have been two already:

The first project asked that people make little dresses for young girls in Mexico, and result was that 27 beautiful little dresses were given.

The second project asked that little dolls be made, and as you can see, people's enthusiasm for Craft hope grew and 407 dolls were contributed for kids in Nicaragua! WOW!!!

The third project, which you can still currently sign up to be a part of through July 25th, asks for blankets, booties and beanies for newborn orphans in India. There are also projects that don't require that you know how to sew at all - ones that ask for things like pillow cases to be used as sheets and hankies to be used as spit cloths. Check it out! I'm about to go and sign up for something right now.

So, will there be pretty things discussed on this blog? YES. Will there be awesome giveaways? YES. But also, very importantly, there will be little nudges and encouraging words to get out into our world, whether it is only to your next door neighbor's house or all the way to India, and lend a helping hand, if only in the smallest way. But I'm hoping for big ways. I'll leave you will this quote that I love from Mother Teresa:

This quote was beautifully written out by Gina, the Lettergirl. She has a shop on Etsy and a lovely blog, too.

If ever there was a pretty DIY project for me...

2009-07-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

I think that this would be it.

(Thanks to the lovely blog GreatFull day for sharing this!)

Ruthi Auda, a woman with a dream job decorating for Anthropologie stores, posted on her blog about this gorgeous wisteria tree she designed. It is beautiful. I just love it. Ruthi has also posted about other Anthro projects she's done (Check them out Anthro enthusiasts!), but unfortunately, she isn't allowed to do "How To's". I think this one is doable for someone who's really determined though, don't you???

Love, Susan

I can't decide which one I like more...

2009-07-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

I originally visited Anna's shop because I remembered this apron and how much I liked it...

But then I discovered this one... And, oh, wow... These are my favorite colors right now. Without a doubt, I would wear this as a dress if it actually was one.

And then this one... Hmmm... I don't know. These roses are so beautiful, too!

And then I saw that they also came in shorter versions (which you will be shocked to know are only $15 each!!!)...

Does it get any prettier???

Why, yes. Yes, it does!

SO hard to pick a favorite!

Which one do you like best? Which would you choose???

These beautiful aprons are from a new collection by Anna Maria Horner, a woman who NEVER ceases to amaze me. She just had her fifth baby - no, no, not fifth... SIXTH - and I think she is such an amazing example for any mommy, or any woman for that matter! Her blog is full of encouraging words, inspirational musings, lots of love, creativity, and sooooo many beautiful colors and pictures. Which is why she's been a favorite of mine for a long time now.

You can find the aprons above here. Take a peek at her shop. I have a lot of her retired dish towels that I don't think are available anywhere anymore (though I could be wrong), and an apron or three (also retired), too. I enjoy them very much and they've held up splendidly despite the daily beatings they take!

Maybe someday I'll have the blessing of doing an Anna giveaway. Here's to hoping!

May you have a lovely day in your kitchen today!

Love, Susan

Belle & Boo and Tea Pony, too!

2009-07-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

I have another lovely giveaway to share with you.

Esa West, of Tea Pony fame, is giving away this adorable dress featuring the art of the lovely Mandy Sutcliffe, creator of the illustrated world of Belle & Boo. This is the second collaboration between these two very talented ladies. You are (possibly) not aware of this yet, but I am a huge Belle & Boo fan. So much so that I've attempted to decorate my kids' bathroom in this theme. I will not go into the details about my love for Mandy's work just yet (though I promise to do so in a very soon to be posted post - hee hee!), but I will say that I know that this little dress is going to be just darling and the craftsmanship will be superb. How do I know this??? Well, I just so happen to own the dress that was the first collaboration between Esa and Mandy. And it is darling and superb indeed.

This is the illustration the dress is based off of. You can purchase it here.

Oh, and most importantly, here is the link to Esa's giveaway. Good luck!

Love, Susan

I just have to pass along this REAL SIMPLE yet REAL(LY) AWESOME deal!

2009-07-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

(Update 7/19/09: Sorry, the subscription is now back to the regular price... Boo rats boo...)

Real Simple Magazine is my absolute favorite magazine. It passed up Martha ages ago (though I do believe it is a sister magazine...). I mean, I've even asked for it for Christmas. It would most certainly grace the shelves of this little shoppe, but I won't wax poetic about it right now because there is HUGE news to be shared!

I just stumbled upon such a steal of a deal that I totally almost didn't believe it at first on the lovely blog Great Full Day. If you haven't perused this blog you must do AFTER you take advantage of this amazing, stupendous, killer deal.

Listen up ya'll. You can get a subscription to Real Simple Magazine - right now - for ONLY $5 with absolutely NO (ZERO) ADDITIONAL FEES whatsoever!!! I kid you not. My subscription expired about 2 months ago and I didn't have the ~$25 to renew, so I just paid my $5 and am now awaiting my new issue - Yea!

So, click here immediately - if you are feeling like it is a good fit for you, of course - and be happy that you've just partaken in such a lovely moment of bargain hunting happiness.

Love, your bargain sharing friend,
Susan

Get your party clothes ready

2009-07-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Right now this little shoppe is in the construction stages. I'm doing a little posting (think of it as wall paint and detailing) and background work (picking out furniture and stocking goods), et cetera. But the plan is that this shoppe will have it's Grand Opening on Monday, August 3rd.

I am very excited about the artists and shop owners who have already offered to be a part of that big day, and I just know you will be excited to see what wonderful things they've donated just to make that day a special and memorable one.

So please do be sure to stop by for a visit on opening day.

Until then, please be sure to tell your friends all about this little shoppe. Make it one of those best shared sort of secrets. :O)

Hugs,
Susan

P.S. If you are wondering where I got the dress my little girl is wearing in the picture above, wonder no more! Hop like a bunny over to a shop run by the amazing Faith of Faithworks4U. I call her amazing because I have yet to meet an Etsy seller who sews as quickly and perfectly as she does. She has a new 1968 inspired side closure dress that is about to be favorited by me in just a second!!!

(Update 7/18/09: Faithworks4U is presently having an awesome buy one get one 1/2 off sale! I'm not sure how long it will last so go take a peek A.S.A.P!)

Win something awesome from a dear friend of mine

2009-07-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Now, you know how I've been talking about the grand opening of this little shop, and how I plan on doing giveaways and all... Well, I wish that this post were about my giveaways, but I am still very pleased to be giving you the hot tip on the giveaway of a dear "real life" friend of mine named Becky. When I say "real life" I mean that she and I really do know one another on a face to face level, we've visited one another in the hospital when some of our babies were born, our husbands are friends, et cetera. Not that an internet friendship isn't "real", but I think/hope that you know what I mean.

Anyway, Becky is the owner and creator of BellaSymphony, which is a super cute, ultra hip shoppe all her own that is oh so happening. She sells such beautiful things for babies and kiddos and for fashionable ladies, too. We're talking tutus that are too, too cute for words (I almost posted a picture of each kind she makes because I couldn't decide which one I like best!), little mod dresses, luxe blankies that I love snuggling my wee ones in, facinators (see the first picture in this post) for me and you, and so much more! She has such an eye for coordinating fabrics that you are sure to find something you'd love to have or give as a gift that she has lovingly handmade.

I LOVE this little mod dress. LOVE.

Tutus that are too, too cute :O) Sorry, I couldn't resist being cheesy.

Super luxe giraffe minky blanket - she even makes crib sets!!!

Can you say "adorable bloomers"??? Mermaids??? Oh, my!

Reusable nursing pads in several prints for the oh so hip mamas out there are both money savers as well as being comfortable and totally chic!

That lace! Those colors! Yes, please!

On my personal Etsy account I've had her shop there as a favorite for as long as I can remember, and if you can see the pictures I see above, then you already know why and you'll be popping on over to favorite it soon, too, if you haven't already left my shoppe for hers. Ha!

Visit her blog for infomation on the giveaway she's doing. She's picking a winner on August 1st so get hopping! Even if you don't win the giveaway, at least take consolation in knowing that you've just won yourself a hot tip on a hot shop.

Happy shopping!
Susan

A bit about the shoppe owner

2009-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hello there!

I know it's been a while *cringe* since I last posted anything. Life has been very full and I haven't wanted to miss any of it, so even some special things like this shoppe have had to be put on hold for the sake of stepping back and smelling the roses a bit.

Things are still in the works for a lovely grand opening, and I promise it will be magical and full of goodness and giveaways. "Patience my pretties. Patience."

Meanwhile, I've been thinking a lot about blogs I love and things that I like and dislike about them. One of my biggest pet peeves online is that I really don't like when I can't see a picture of the person who posts all of the goodness on this or that blog. So... that is why I have posted a very recent picture of myself above (with my sweet baby girl), love it or leave it. My three year old son took it and I think he's got some skills, don't you? The first is a picture of a little Momiji doll that I fell in love with on a recent trip to San Francisco and just had to have (though I ended up buying it at home online for cheaper because I'm just thrifty like that). I would definitely carry these in the shoppe and will have to do a post on them someday and give one away. Sometimes I fancy to myself that I look like this little doll, being that I am half Chinese and all, but, truthfully, she is a little cuter than me.

A few things about me that you may or may not want to know:

I strive daily to love and serve God above in my thoughts and deeds, as well as to love and serve my neighbors. I believe strongly that Charity is what our world really needs.

I am so blessed to be happily married to a man who also happens to be a bit of a genius. Nobody else challenges me like he does and I love that about him. Sometimes I like to think of the two of us as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. While I do not have red hair, I'm a bit of a zany "let's try it" sort of gal who dreams of being famous (ha ha ha) or at least of having a "celebrity home" and wardrobe (silly, I know and dreadfully far from reality), and my husband is my dark and handsome Latin lover who loves music and often resorts to speaking in Spanish. We have been married for over nine years now and are still in love. He makes me giddy and I know he always will.

In our marriage we have been blessed with the births of three - count 'em, one, TwO, THREE - children. Two sons and a daughter. These little ones (8 years, 3 years, and 1 year) have been amazing treasures and I love them beyond telling. Rest assured that you will see pictures of them in future posts.

I love cooking and baking and especially eating. I wish I could be a world respected food critic and fly around trying the best of every restaurant.

I like fancy things like lace and ruffles and pearls, and can often be caught in all three at once. On the other hand, I completely understand the comforts of jeans out or yoga pants at home (not that I ever really do yoga, but man do I love the pants).

I love to read.

I love to go adventuring with my husband and our kids.

I have created this shoppe to help promote the small businesses out there with wonderful shop owners who are giving all they've got to survive these days. I will elaborate more on this in another post, so we'll just let that marinate for now, okay?

And there is a lot more to write about, but, as I mentioned before, I have three kids and they are presently in need of a late breakfast. Ahhh... sleeping in on a summer day... Magical, no?

Love, Susan

Baking up a really deliciously grand surprise!

2009-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

(If you think these daisy cupcakes are over the moon adorable then I suggest you immediately scoot on over to the Bake It Pretty shop where a lovely lady named Amanda provides all of the pretty things my cupcake loving heart desires!)

So, while this shoppe has been open - on the sly - for a few days already, I've been busy thinking up a really fun way to celebrate with a grand opening of sorts. It's party time and I am so excited to do my very first giveaway. You can be sure that it will be a memorable one!

Back to baking!

Dreamy...

2009-05-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Owning my own shoppe one day is truly only a dream at this point, and for my first post I would like to introduce you to the bed I'd love to do all of my middle of the night dreaming in - see first picture from the top. Unfortunately, though, with the $15,000 price tag it's got hanging on it, I could really only ever dream of doing so. Or maybe someone else will do a less expensive similar bed. (UPDATE: Anthropologie now has a bed for sale called the forest canopy bed for about a third of the cost of the bed of my dreams. It is a lovely bed, but not perfect. And it looks a tad dangerous to sleep in... Still. It could be awesome.) I would also settle (ha ha) for the second one pictured, too.

Both of the beds are made by designer Shawn Lovell and all of the pictures above are from her site. Click the pictures above for direct links to those items. The last picture is of her working on the bed of my dreams. She makes amazing things, and as I understand she does it all by hand and custom, so I guess charging an arm and a leg for enormous items that are true works of art makes sense. Right?

I discovered Ms. Lovell and her lovely beds and other metal works of art after seeing this print by Miss Emily Martin of theblackapple fame (thank you so much, Emily!), which inspired me to go on a hunt for my own perfect bed. I think Emily and I may have found the same bed, but I digress.

This blog is to be a place where I share and store the things I would love to have in a little shoppe all my own. About things that I dream of owning or giving as a gift. When I find something and tuck it away in my shoppe, please know that it is definitely something that I have found to be truly magical or special. Some of what I post here, however, will be merely storage and display related items that I think are fantastic as well. I sort of imagine my shoppe to have a lot of different sections. There will be a section with a couple of wingback chairs and bookshelves full of the books I've read and love (home decor books, novels, inspirational work, et cetera) and art prints in pretty frames. And an area with a lovely kitchen table and a buffet with a top cabinet where I'll display lovely kitchen things like aprons and tablecloths and dishes and cookbooks. This bed would be perfect for displaying amazing pillows and other bedding. Don't you think? Of course, if I were ever able to have it for my store, I'd probably keep it at home instead.

Anyway, here's to dreaming!

Susan