Ch-ch-ch-changes!

I'm making the move over to Brand X.

Come and see me over here.

I'll leave this up for a bit as I transition, but be sure to bookmark my new spot on the great big internet. See you over there!

Resolution-shmesholution!

I find that I am much more apt to stick to a regime of self-improvement if I package it in a more positive way.

I like to think in terms of affirmations instead of resolutions. I am inspired by the quotes I collect, by other people who are wiser than I am.

Hence, the Book of Dreams. The Book of Dreams is a sort of affirmation journal. A place to chronicle your dreams and aspirations for the New Year.

Each kit contains a small tag journal with ten pages, so you can create mini-collages for 20 affirmaions, goals, inspiring quotes...even resolutions if you can't quite let go of that tradition.

Also included are one page each of affirmations and inspirational quotes, printed on vintage ledger paper (you're on your own for resolutions!); a "Deco Box" chock-full of charms, ribbons, millinery, vintage labels, greeting cards - all sorts of good stuff; vintage wallpaper scraps (enough to create all of your pages and then some); vintage crepe paper; and ribbons to bind your journal.

You'll want to add your own bits and pieces, too I'm sure.

As each of these kits is composed of vintage materials and findings, not every kit will include the items found here. But, rest assured, each kit will have it's own unique fabulous factor!

Who says resolution-making can't be fun?!

You can find my limited edition Book of Dreams Kits here.

Feliz Ano Nuevo!

We're home!!!

I love vacation, truly love it. But I'm always glad to get back home.

Ain't no place like it.

I have lots of photos to share. Puerto Vallarta is truly a magical, wonderful place. Loved it.

This is just a quick shot of a little village near town where we drank cervezas and ate quacamole. In flip flops and t-shirts. Ahhh, bliss.

I'll sit down for a real juicy post in the next few days. This will have to carry you through until then.

Wising you all a safe and happy new year's celebration tonight! And sending you all the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008.

May peace on earth begin with me this day.

Sassy in the Kitchen!

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, Heather sent to me...


A squishy, jingly, brightly-wrapped package.


It's very soft, about 12"x4" and an inch thick.


Very curious.


Again, this thing has been so much fun! And lucky me, we leave for Mexico tomorrow for Christmas, and I get to open the rest of my 12 Days gifties before I go!!! (You'll have to wait until after Christmas, though, to see because I don't want to ruin the surprise for any of my swap sisters.)


I don't know which I'm more excited for: leaving for Mexico or opening my prezzies!





So. Today. LOOK!!




Isn't it adorable! A darling linen apron with a quilted panel on the front and a grosgrain ribbon trim along the bottom edge. In my aquamarine! -- very versatile -- I can wear it in my kitchen or in my car!



It is hanging on one of my apron hooks along with aprons from my friend Christine, and Sandy who was my Red and Aqua Swap partner last year.


Perfect, perfect! Thanks so much, Heather. It will get good use!

Actually, I could have used it the other day when I was making the traditional Buche du Noel, or Yule Log, for our family Christmas gathering.

A foxy apron might have helped.

I overcooked the first cake, and it wouldn't roll.

I call it "Stump in Snow".

The second attempt was a success! Bon appetit!

Sending all of you warm wishes for the merriest of Christmases and peace in 2008.

cheers...tammy

Tickled Pink!

Do you love this wrapping, or what?!?!? On the Sixth Day of Christmas, my friend Cerri sent to me....

....something in a pink bakery box! How much fun is that?! Clever, clever girl.

In my "all together now" photo of all my 12 Days of Christmas Swap booty, I had this little box sitting on it's side, to show off the super-cute wrap-job. Cerri emailed to tell me that I ought to put it window-side-up. Oops.

So, I've been a bit panicky since then that I might have messed something up. I was delighted to see that I hadn't when I tore into that package yesterday.

Take a lookie-loo!

How cute!!! I love Cerri's little Princess Birds! I purchased a smaller one from her this summer.

This one is a larger bird, so I've dubbed her Queen of Tweet, and the smaller Princess of Peep.

They are darling together on the shelf in my studio. Thanks Cerri!

Then today, Day 7 of 12, my friend Donna sent to me...

A sweet, somewhat squishy-on-the-outside little bundle of fun.

Too, too fun! I love this little banner of Joy! The colors are perfect! It's the sweetest little decoration, and the perfect sentiment for the season. Thanks so much, Donna! I love it!

Days 3, 4, & 5

Oh lordie, I'm running around like a crazy woman. A crazier-than-I-normally-am woman. This should scare the bejeezus out of you.

Because it does me.

I mean. I quit my job three weeks ago to give me more time to focus on my creativity and play with my muse.

I am busier now than I ever was when I was gainfully employed.

How does that work, exactly?

So.

Therefore. I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. Days 3, 4, & 5, that is!

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, Shoshanna sent to me...

...this very curious little Christmas-cracker-looking package. Flocked. Vewy, vewy pwetty.

I just love all of these prezzies! I'm not going to lie to you. I love 'presents for pretty girls', as my alter-ego Lucy Van Pelt would say. I love them on my birthday, I love them on Christmas, I love them on Valentine's Day, I love them for absolutely no reason at all! I am not a girl who says, "oh, you shouldn't have." I'm the girl who says, "Oh goody, bring it on, let me have it, give it to me!"

I'm not kidding.

Back to Shosh and her lovely giftie. This little charm is soooooooo delightful! It's a vintage spoon, teensy weensy. She added vintage paper, handwritten and really, really old, then this vintage glass acorn and poured resin over the whole shootin' match. It's darling!! I've added it to my Silver Bella charm bracelet (did I show that to you?) since I took this photo (I know, I know, I have time to add charms to bracelets, and no time to blog...sorry...I'm busted). Anyway, it's a wonderful addition, and I just love it to bits and bits.

Being a girl who loves gifties ("let me at 'em!"), I am not a a delicate un-wrapper. I'm a ripper-and-tear-er, which I suppose comes as no surprise.

However.

For Day 4, Holly wrapped her giftie in vintage wrapping paper. So. I had to gingerly un-wrap that one. I mean look at it. What cut-and-paster doesn't love a good bit of vintage wallpaper?! This beauty is now part of my little (okay, ridiculously big) stash.

And, I could have been happy with that. (Yes! I could have!) BUT THERE WAS MORE! You can imagine my glee!

A lovely, and by lovely I mean oh-my-nerves-spectacular, photo frame. In these wonderful colors, which (how did she know?) are perfect in my little house!

As soon as I organize my life, and my family photos, there is a sepia-toned photo of my great grandparents that I can hardly wait to put into it. I just love this frame!

Oh. Day 5? Well, on the Fifth Day of Christmas, I sent my girls a little tube of glittery goodness, good cheer, warm wishes, hugs, kisses, a bit of courage, and a whole lot of magic.

And I send it all your way, too. Have a good evening, my sweets'. xoxo

On the Second Day of Christmas...

This is so much fun! I could get used to opening a gift every day.

Perhaps a 365 Days of Giftie Goodness Swap?!

The second surprise is from Karin. Karin is really, really good at the details. Look at the sweet little #2 tag on the gift. Love it!

This one is flat, but has a little bulge on the front. Hmmm...tres interessant, non?

Yippee! Oh, how did she know?! I just love a journal!!

Thanks Karin! Isn't it beautiful? Oh, I just love it!

I have a ridiculous collection of journals. Dozens! But they get used. I journal just about every day.

I had to stop last week, though.

My muse has definitely not gone on Christmas break yet, and in fact is working over time. I had to quit journalling, because I was getting too many new ideas!

It was stressing me out.

It was overwhelming.

It's a very good problem to have!