Fern and Sprout

XOXXOX

2012-02-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

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Happy Valentine's Day!

(Or Happy Tuesday, as some of you would call it. :)

I have to recap some of our weekend fun for you...

Dancing at the school "Sock Hop,"

A morning of roller skating to celebrate

my youngest monkey's bday...

He's 8 years old now.

Wow. Time flies.

Happy birthday, my dude.

If that wasn't enough of a party...

...Mister Christmas and I had attended the Sweet Hearts Ball.

We got FANCY for a good cause - to raise money for cardiac arrest awareness. Their goal is to have

Automated External Defibrillators

in every school and business in the state.

I met so many amazing survivors of cardiac arrest, and heard so many sad, but inspiring stories.

And we raised money for a SPECIAL cause.

I was truly moved and motivated.

Sunday was a nice, lazy day with these two...

Happy Valentine's day!!

XOXXOX

"Here Comes Trouble."

2012-02-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

After an ACTION-PACKED weekend of fun and frolic,

(which I will talk more about tomorrow,)

it's time to make the final preps for Natalie's baby shower this weekend.

That's right! There's a baby boy coming soon!

In honor of my dear friend, Natalie's new wee wittle,

I am throwing a baby shower this Sunday.

This week may be a little hectic for me, but

I'm so excited for Sunday! I can't wait to share it with you!

What kind of projects are you working on this week?

Fascination Friday - MUSIC...

2012-02-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

...Or "lyricus," as the Greeks called it. The Iroquois called it "shan-de-la", which means "the cobra's gyrations."

-Ron Burgundy (Anchorman)

I don't think it's a secret that I've been going thru a rough patch lately.

Music, or "Shan-de-la" has really been getting me thru it.

Here's a peek at some artists I've been loving lately.

Gregory Alan Isakov

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M.I.A.

(Yes-I know she pulled a very inappropriate stunt at the Superbowl, but it wasn't a deal-breaker for me.)

These guys...maybe you've heard of them.

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Widowspeak

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Birthday boy...

2012-02-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

This little monkey had a BIRTHDAY, yesterday!!

He planned the entire evening.

We started with dinner at NOODLES,

and ended the evening with presents and ice cream at good ol' DQ!!!!

I haven't had one of these in a LONG time.

Happy birthday, my little dude!

Fascination Friday on Saturday ☺

2012-02-04T11:10:00.002-08:00

In honor of the 22 inches of white stuff we've received in the last 24 hours...

Today's Fascination Friday (on Saturday) is all about

WHITE.

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Whether it be filled with snow, sleet, or sunshine,
have safe and delightful weekend!!

Spring is coming...

2012-02-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

Tra la! Tra la!

(Although we are supposed to get pounded with twelve inches of snow on Friday.)

A new Fern and Sprout event is also coming...

I am helping to organize this event, and I will also be bringing NEW Fern and Sprout goodies for SPRING!

Here's another little somethin' somethin' I'm working on...

Some friends of mine are opening a shop at 18 South Broadway called SEWN.

This adorable shop specializing in handmade clothing, jewelry, and household items will be opening this weekend!! I can't wait!
I'll be promoting their shop and helping them with social media.
Stay tuned for more info!

Happy Wednesday to all of you!

Life can be frustrating...

2012-01-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

photo found here...

This picture was a nice little pick-me-up today.

Life has been very frustrating lately, to say the least.

Sorry for not writing much.

Dealing with lots o' crap these days.

Stick with me.

Peace and Quiet.

2012-01-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

We took some time to relax at the cabin over the weekend.

It was so peaceful. We had the fire going the ENTIRE time.

I always forget how much I loooooooooooooove sitting by the fire.

Mister Christmas and I really needed the getaway.

The pups were excited to have new surroundings.

The boys brought their legos and spent lots of time making stop-motion videos.

Bigsby was sooooooooooo snuggly.

Here's a few more shots of the inside of the cabin - all decorated by Scott's mom and grandparents over the years...

We took a short hike along the rode. The monkeys had a blast exploring.

This is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I know Mister Christmas and the monkeys feel the same way.

We're going to try to spend as much time there as we can this year.

Fascination Friday on Monday

2012-01-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

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Aaaaaah, this journey thru life.

We just never know where it's going to take us, do we?

This is the inspiration for Fascination Friday...

(yes, I know it's Monday. Forgive me:)

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Sometimes we have to let go of where we have been

to move toward where we are going.

We were able to spend some time at the cabin over the weekend.

It was very relaxing. I'll share about that, tomorrow.

Hope you all have a lovely Monday.

Home away from home...

2012-01-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

South Broadway

is a special place for me.

After working on the block on and off for about 13 years, I've met so many amazing, interesting, and crazy people.

I've seen so many changes to the neighborhood over the years.

When I look back to when I first started working on South Broadway, it blows my mind to see how much it has changed over the years.

South Broadway has become my home away from home.

It is such a HUGE part of my history.

It has shaped who I am, creatively and socially.

During my "creative funk" last week,

I took a trip down to South Broadway, and ended up taking some photos along the block.

I came up with an idea that I'm very excited to share with you!!!

Each week, I'd like to share bits and pieces of my "home away from home," South Broadway.

There are so many lovely little places along the block.

There is so much history and so much inspiration.

If you live in Denver, hopefully you will find something new to love about this interesting part of the city.

If you don't live here, it will be a peek at a special place I call home.

There is so much to share, starting next week. I hope you enjoy it.

birthdays and old friends...

2012-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

This boy had a birthday yesterday!

Since it was a holiday, I took the day off - sooooooo...

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, MARK!!!!

Over the weekend, we celebrated Mark's bday by going to see Ben Bailey (the "Cash Cab" guy,) at the Comedy Works.

Discovery Channel copywright 2006

It was great to meet up with friends and celebrate.
Fun! Fun! Fun!We also took the monkeys to breakfast at a former favorite of ours:

We haven't been there in a LONG time - and we got a gift card for Christmas, so we decided to go.
We had lots o' fun!

I ♥ these little yellow coffee cups.

We used to go to SNOOZE all the time,
but now they have several locations and they are all waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too crowded and a little overpriced these days.
We still had a good time. It was fun to revisit an "old friend."

Speaking of "old friends,"
one of my favorite people in the world, my friend Faith came to visit me yesterday.

I haven't seen her beautiful face in YEARS because she moved away to Washington.

What a delightful visit we had yesterday.

And she brought me the most lovely and thoughtful HANDMADE gift...

It's ME!! (with RED hair because she knows how much I dream of having red hair.)
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
She's beautiful!!!!!

Thank you so much, Faith! It was so great to catch up with you.
You always INSPIRE me.

Thanks for taking a peek at my weekend.
I hope you all have a brilliant week!

FASCINATION FRIDAY

2012-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

I try not to get too negative on the blog - but in all honesty, I've been in a FUNK.

A creative slump.

I'm distracted and life is gettin' to me.

This morning I started thinking about how I can find some inspiration in the middle of this fog.

I started thinking about the things that make my creative heart beat a little faster.

Bad or good, these are the inspirations I can use to get myself back into the game, this week...

1. Anything sparkly (click on image for something cool:)

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2. Black and white

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3. Music by Kimbra

4. Colorful stripes (like these from Prada.)

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5. Cameras and photographs - old and new

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6. BOOKS, BOOKS, and more BOOKS!

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7. Test-driving used cars. (That's right-I'm in the market for one.)

8. Friendship

9. Sadness

10. Coffee

11. Maps (Evan is learning state capitals and I'm having so much fun practicing with him.)

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12. Dreaming...while I'm awake and asleep.

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Where do you find inspiration?

Happy weekend to you!

Engrossed

2012-01-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit of a creative void, this week.

I've been doing TONS of reading. In fact, I'm reading THREE books right now.

I'm so engrossed in reading, I haven't felt much like writing.

I do have goodies to share. I'll get to that soon.

Promise.

Thanks for hanging in there.

Happy Thursday.

Happy birthday, my love!!

2012-01-09T19:22:00.000-08:00

Mister Christmas has a birthday, today!!

We had a blast celebrating with friends over the weekend, and we also enjoyed some really nice quiet time together.

Tonight was a family birthday party. Since we will be family, someday soon.

Happy birthday to the man who inspires me, supports me, challenges me, encourages me, understands me, and amazes me!!!!

There are some new and exciting things on the horizon.

Stay tuned. :)

Fascination Friday

2012-01-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

In honor of FASCINATION FRIDAY,

I decided to do a post on a HUUUUUUUUUUGE passion of mine...

PHOTOGRAPHY.

As I browse all of the blogs and websites I follow, I always see these photos of PROUD, (and extremely cute and stylish) camera owners with their cameras.

I decided to share some of those with you along with a shot of myself (above.)

ENJOY!

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My friends and family make fun of me because I take so many photos. But I think they are secretly grateful that I always have my camera there to capture the moment.

What can I say? It's my passion.

I'm not going to apologize for that. You shouldn't apologize for your passions either. :)

Happy Friday!

Rest Day

2012-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

The monkeys haven't been sleeping very well, lately.

Therefore, I am exhausted. :(

There's so much on the horizon - I've got to get busy...

I've got a birthday party to plan.

I've got a baby shower to plan.

I've got taxes to do.

I've got cleaning to do.

ETC.

but today I am going to rest. I promised myself I would listen to my body and my heart this year...

and by golly, that's what I'm doing today.

I'm going to catch up on my reading...

...and catch up on my rest.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Ghost of Fern and Sprout past...

2012-01-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

I guess I didn't realize what a productive year it was for Fern and Sprout.

Even with everything that happened along with putting on a summer market, (Lucky Pearl Bazaar) and taking a break from Fern and Sprout during those summer months, I still managed to come up with some new designs and have a fantastic market season.

Phew.

Here's a look back at some of the Fern and Sprout designs from 2011...

As I looked back thru my photos to put this mosaic together, I am very pleased with the way my business went last year. I downsized a little, and invested in QUALITY rather than QUANTITY. I hope to continue that this year.

For all of you who have supported me in the last year, either by reading this blog, shopping my booth at a show, helping me prepare for a show, helping me during a show, allowing me to be a vendor at your show, ordering my product for your shop, or simply following me on Twitter or Facebook...
I want to say THANK YOU.

This is my passion - and I couldn't keep that going without you.
Here's to a fun, enlightening, and productive year!
XO

My last day of 2011...

2012-01-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

Mister Christmas and I spent our last day of 2011 helping our favorite local craft store,

Fancy Tiger,

move into their new space. It was such a fun day, and when it was all over we were treated to pizza and beer!

Their new space is SAAAAAAAWEEEEEET! If you haven't had the chance to visit, (or if you live in another state or country :) here are some shots of their beautiful new store...

The space is so much bigger, yet feels so much cozier.
Very well-planned, and super COOL.

Mister Christmas helped put up a bookshelf or two...

Thanks for inviting us to help with such a special day!

So excited for you and your new space, Amber and Jaime!!

For New Year's Eve,

we decided to keep it "chill," so we took in a double feature...

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
and
"Sherlock Holmes 2"

So much fun!!!!

We even had a little time to share a New Year's drink in between shows...

A very nice, mellow way to ring in the New Year.
Am I getting old? :)
We were surrounded by senior citizens at the theater.
(Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)

Stay tuned for a look back at the GOOD parts of last year, including some 2011 designs from Fern and Sprout.

Cheers!

Good riddance.

2011-12-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

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So long, 2011.

Although I did make some beautiful memories with my family and friends, I won't miss the most HEARTBREAKING year of my life, AT ALL.

I am ready for the NEW YEAR!

I know the year to come will hold it's own share of issues. I realize life just isn't perfect.

But I sure am ready to move forward...in lots of ways.

In honour of the new year, I'm giving you some sparkly inspiration for this

Fascination Friday...

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Welcome, 2012.

Soooooooooo happy you are almost here!

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Have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR, my friends.

✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳✳

My ♥

2011-12-29T20:01:00.000-08:00

I don't know how we could have made it thru the last six months and the last few holidays without Mister Christmas.

Evan took this photo of us under the mistletoe at the Kloewer's. There were people EVERYWHERE but somehow, he managed to snap this picture at just the right moment.

This photo is very special to me.

This man is VERY SPECIAL to me.

I love you, Scott.

Happy New Year.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a little peek at our holiday festivities,

including Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day...

I hope your Christmas was MERRY and BRIGHT.

Stay tuned for a look back at my year...

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2012 is almost upon us and MY, MY, MY - I am ready for that!!!

What are your New Year's Eve plans?

Do share!

Finders of fun...

2011-12-27T12:56:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie.

Christmas was really rough for me this year.

But, these two inspired me. They are so strong, and sweet, and sensitive, and they are growing into amazing young men. They really blow me away sometimes with their kindness and compassion for others, including me.

They have really been enjoying their time at home, and I have been savoring every minute of it...

Whether they are playing in the snow...

...or enjoying a couple of "frappies" at Starbucks...

...they always manage to find the fun in EVERY situation.

They are so inspiring to me.

I hope you all had a VERY MERRY Christmas.

I will share some shots of our holiday, very soon.

Thanks for reading, my friends.

Torture

2011-12-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

I enjoy seeing the sights during the holidays, but there's no sight quite like seeing my dogs in a Santa hat and a Santa suit.

They torture me every day with their licking and their obnoxious behavior.

It's about time I torture them for a change.

Don't you think?

Aren't they just ADORABLE????

(Even with that look of misery in their eyes.:)

Snowbound.

2011-12-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

It's a cozy, wintery, lazy morning here at our house.

Here's what it looks like outside...

And, here's what it looks like inside...

The monkeys are lounging...

The pups are staying cozy...

Rodrigo is curious, as usual.

He is mesmerized by the snow outside.

We are all staying warm and RELAXING.

I'm so glad all of my Christmas shopping is FINISHED!!

I just have a few presents left to MAKE. :)

Last night, we checked another holiday activity off of our winter break to-do list.

A GINGERBREAD HOUSE

I did the icing. (I'm pretty proud of those icicles!!!)

The monkeys applied the candies.

I think we did a SPLENDID job!

This could be our best gingerbread house EVER!

Wherever you are, I hope you are staying nice and toasty!

Baking day!

2011-12-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

Monday was BAKING DAY!

The monkeys and I went over to Natalie's house and we baked cookies all day.

The kiddos had a blast decorating the sugar cookies...

We also made chocolate button cookies, peppermint bark, and thumbprint cookies.

We were baking ANIMALS!!!

Speaking of animals...

...Bigsby even (reluctantly) donned his Santa suit for the occasion.

We are making a gingerbread house, tonight.

And Mister Christmas is bringing us a SURPRISE dinner!

Hope you are all staying WARM and FESTIVE.

Things to do over winter break...

2011-12-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

I must say, I'm really excited to see more of these faces over the next two weeks...

And the monkeys are soooooooooooo excited to be out of school!

We made a "TO-DO" list for the next two weeks. Here are just a few things off the list:

Make a snowman.

Baking day.

Look at Christmas lights.

Make a gingerbread house.

Museum.

Make a fort.

Play dates and Sleepovers.

Movie marathon day.

Ice skating.

Roller skating.

Read. Read. Read.

Those are just a few - and we've already done a couple of them. We are checking them off as we go.

We looked at Christmas lights on Friday AND Saturday nights.

Friday was our dear friend, Jef's birthday. We started the evening with drinks and apps at LINGER,

and headed to the Denver Botanic Gardens to take in their beautiful lights.

(Hilarious picture.)

Good friends and great fun. What a fantastic evening we had.

Happy birthday, JEF!!

On Saturday, we got hot chocolate and headed out for a look at some of our favorite holiday light displays from years past...

We started at the Kloewer's...

(Sadly, after 29 years of their holiday display, this is the Kloewer's last year.)

The monkeys will miss it.

These lights are only a block and a half from our house.

So pretty.

For some of you, this might be Christmas overload...

so I will wait until tomorrow to share pictures of our baking day with you.

Hope you are having a maaaaaaaaaaaaaarvelous week!

Fascination Friday

2011-12-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling very FESTIVE, these days!

How about you?

It has really helped to have some time off.

I hope you are all able to find some time for

PEACE and RELAXATION

Here's some peaceful, yet FESTIVE inspiration for your weekend!

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Happy Friday and Happy Holidays!

Have a DELIGHTFUL weekend, everyone.

These two.

2011-12-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

These pups are so funny.

So crazy.

So sweet.

I've been missing them, lately.

We are looking forward to lots o' playtime and snuggle time with them over the winter break.

Going out to do the LAST of my holiday shopping!

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Have a marvelous day!!

Look at the tree...

2011-12-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

"Look at the tree...make it naaaaaaaice!!"

This video is an oldie but a goodie.

Enjoy...

Ha! Love that video.

I decided to bring you some holiday inspiration on this beautiful Tuesday evening.

Here's a peek at our tree...

I know it's not a REAL Christmas tree, but it's the next best thing:

A WHITE CHRISTMAS TREE.

This is our 2nd year with the white tree, and I must say it looks even prettier this year.

These are some of our favorite ornaments...

I am as busy as an elf getting ready for the boys to be home for winter break!

Are you ready for the holidays?

AAAAAAAAAALL FINISHED!!

2011-12-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Fern and Sprout participated in the last show of the season over the weekend -

The Firefly Handmade Holiday Market!

It was held at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

We had such a great turnout!

There were sooooooo many talented vendors!

(I spent waaaaay to much $$)

These are the lovely organizers: Kristin of Studio 22, Alison of Bird Dog Press, and Holland of Haute Nature. Aren't they cute!!??!!

Here's a few shots o' the booth...

And, once again, I was next to my Mister Christmas...

We had such a FANTASTIC time at the show!

Thank you, Firefly Handmade and BMOCA for hosting such a magnificent event!!!

I was so proud to be a vendor there!

After Saturday, we went to the Tea House in Boulder

with our friends from the show. What a BEEEEEEEAUUUUTIFUL restaurant!

What a blast we had at dinner with Jil Cappuccio and Kirsten of Pearl Clothing and their s.o.'s!

We laughed until our tummies HURT!!

I am sooooooooooooo glad to be finished with holiday shows.

We both are.

More time for these guys...

(Aren't they adorable in their dapper duds for the winter program at school???)

I am so grateful for the splendid holiday season I've had so far!

Thank you to EVERYONE involved in all of the holiday shows - your hard work has made my holidays brighter!

To all of my fellow vendor peeps from craft land - you are all so talented and WONDERFUL! Thank you for making the shows soooooooooooooo much fun! I am so inspired by all of you!

And, to all of my DELIGHTFUL customers - Thank you for the LOVE and SUPPORT!

I love getting to know EACH and EVERY ONE of you!!!!

I hope you all have a DAZZLING and WONDROUS holiday season!!

(Excited for a season of RELAXING!!!)

What's in store for today? A little online Christmas shopping, a little grocery shopping, and a whole lotta relaxing!

Tune in tomorrow for a peek at our FESTIVE Christmas tree.

And a happy Monday to you.

Still going...

2011-12-07T07:36:00.001-08:00

I don't know how I'm doing it, but I'm still working hard to get ready for this weekend's

Firefly Holiday Market.

I've got plenty of this...

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...and I'm listening to this...

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...and dreaming of this...

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Can't wait to see all of you this weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

Firefly Holiday Preview...

2011-12-06T07:49:00.001-08:00

Here are a few goodies you will see at this weekend's

Firefly Handmade Market...

Most of these are new designs, but I will also have the staples there, too!

Flower Gardens, trios, shoe clips, etc!

I am so excited for this show - one of the biggest shows of the year!

And, I'm really jazzed about the venue...

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art!

See the sidebar for details.

Can't wait to see you there! Back to work!!

Holiday Handmade - made my spirits bright!!!

2011-12-04T20:25:00.001-08:00

It was a looooooooooooong and frantic week for me.

Not only was I preparing for the biggest show of the year, but I came down with a HORRIBLE cold - Mister Christmas was sick with the same thing.

(Don't know how that happened. ;)

After several sleepless nights and hundreds of hot glue sticks...

I was ready for HOLIDAY HANDMADE.

The "BIG" show took place on Friday and Saturday.

It ROCKED, as usual.

Event organizers - Amber, Krista, and Jaime, (pictured above,) did a REMARKABLE job, this year!! (They always do!)

Our booths were buzzing NONSTOP with happy customers finding the perfect handmade gifts from over 60 vendors. What a STUPENDOUS weekend we had! I'm so proud to say I was part of it!

This was my third year as a participating vendor - and I must say - it keeps getting better and better.

Here are a few shots of my booth...

...and as usual, Mister Christmas was right next door...

I don't know what we would have done without our fantastic helpers!

Thank you sooooooooooooo much, Mark, Jenna, and Kevin!!!!

AAAAAAAAAND...

We had a surprise visit from

Boba Fett and the Americans!

This handmade show quickly became a dance party!

Sooooo much FREAKIN' BOOTIE SHAKIN' FUN!!!

What a weekend!

Thank you, Fancy Tiger!!!

Next up - the FIREFLY...

This will be your last chance to pick up some Fern and Sprout for the holidays, so BE THERE, people!

Time for snoozing.

After this week, I will be back to my regular blogging schedule

with LOTS of holiday inspiration for all of you!

Stay tuned for a peek at some goodies I will have at the Firefly!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-11-28T09:23:00.001-08:00

So sorry for not posting enough, lately.

I am busy, busy, busy at work getting ready for

HOLIDAY HANDMADE

which is THIS FRIDAY and SATURDAY!

As you can see, Mister Christmas is getting ready, too.

I have lots of goodies to show you!

Stay tuned!!

The best birthday, EVER...

2011-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

It all began with a SURPRISE pedicure...

Thank you, Natalie!!

As we drove to lunch, I saw the most crazy and BEAUTIFUL cloud in the sky...

...my BIRTHDAY CLOUD!!

Off to lunch with three of my dearest friends at

Le Grand Bistro!

I had a delicious French Mojito made by Hans...

...and lots of giggles with my girls.

The occasion most certainly called for my top hat.

What a SPLENDID lunch it was. Thank you, ladies!!

I got the most beautiful handmade cards from my monkeys...

...and another special gift that I wasn't expecting...

I've never gotten anything in a BLUE box before. :} It was VERY EXCITING.

Off to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Hillstone - with 5 of my favorite people...

Jenna and her new husband, Kevin

and Natalie and her husband, also Kevin. :)

(The 5th favorite person being the one who gave me the "BLUE" box. :)

Oh...that Thai Steak Noodle Salad.

And that cole slaw.

And that Hot Fudge Sundae.

I know they all sound ordinary, but not at this restaurant.

YUMMY.

There were more beautiful gifts to come...

...and surprises, too!

We said our goodbyes at dinner, to (supposedly) go separate ways.

It was off to the Cruise Room with Mister Christmas...

...apparently to meet my friend, Kimmy for a drink.

However, when we showed up, EVERYONE was there!

This has to be the most BEAUTIFUL bar in Denver.

More LOVELY gifts...

We started to wind down, and everyone said they were going home, but I was ready for more fun!

My sneaky Mister Christmas led me to another of our favorite "haunts,"

the Bar Car...

...where EVERYONE surprised me for a SECOND time,

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND

had my karaoke song waiting for me...

RIDICULOUSLY FUN!!!!!

(These are my sweet friend, Anna's cute little legs as she belted out an Amy Winehouse tune.)

I've NEVER had such a FUN birthday.

I've never felt so LOVED.

40 FEELS VERY GOOD!

And, TODAY is my oldest monkey's BIRTHDAY!!!!

We celebrated with some DONUTS, this morning...

I've got some surprises up my sleeve for him, today.

Have a magnificent Tuesday!

Happy birthday to me.

2011-11-17T22:01:00.000-08:00

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So, today is my birthday.

I'm not saying how old I am but I'll give you some hints. :)

This birthday is very somber and reflective.

It's also very bittersweet.

I'm at the age where I look back on the life I've had.

I also look at where I am right now, and where I'm headed.

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As I look back, I think of all the major life events that took place in the last decade...

9/11

my monkeys were born.

both my grandparents died.

I split up from my husband, Bret.

I met Mister Christmas.

I started and grew a successful business.

I moved several times.

I lost two of my best friends.

I gained several AMAZING friends.

I met Natalie.

I discovered blogging.

Bret died.

And now, here I am...

taking life day-by-day.

Life is much harder than it was before, yet it's also a lot easier.

I don't worry about the small things anymore.

But, I also spend more time worrying about the bigger things.

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At this very moment, the future is UNCLEAR.

I never would have pictured myself where I am right now.

That's okay. We never end up where we think we will...

Do we?

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So...I am preparing for what's to come on this journey through life.

Although, nothing can ever REALLY prepare me for what's to come.

The future is the future, and it's always a mystery.

I am really hopeful about what's to come in the next ten years of my life.

I know their will be more milestones.

There will be more disappointments.

More triumphs, and more heartbreak.

I face the mystery of the future knowing that I am stronger and I am surrounded by the people I love, and who truly love me.

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Happy birthday to me. :)

Furry moments

2011-11-15T09:17:00.001-08:00

Bigsby has really been enjoying the sunshine the past few days.

He likes to stay warm and cozy.

Sometimes, it's not easy being scrawny and scruffy.

Back to work!!

Happy Tuesday!!

Sugar Plum Bazaar Preview...

2011-11-14T08:47:00.001-08:00

That's right, kids!!

The Sugar Plum Bazaar

is THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY!!

In case you need a reason to come do your holiday shopping there,

Fern and Sprout has 26 of them...

That's right, I was busy making

Flower Garden Headbands over the weekend.

Of course, I made other things, too.

I will have TONS of goodies at the

Sugar Plum Bazaar,

on Saturday and Sunday.

Mister Christmas will have his collection of

"candy dishes"

there, too.

It's going to be a

WINTER WONDERLAND!!

With all the holiday shows coming up,

we celebrated my monkey's bday a little early, over the weekend.

Same place as last year...

It was a fantastic break from all that hot-glueing I've been doing.

Happy early birthday to my sweet little monkey.

Can't wait to see all of you this weekend!!

FASCINATION FRIDAY!

2011-11-11T10:44:00.001-08:00

In honor of my friend Natalie's 4 month old pregnant belly, pictured above...

this FASCINATION FRIDAY is all about pregnant/baby inspiration.

Enjoy!!

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Don't those photos just make you want to make a baby?!?

Ha!!

I'm so excited about this baby!!! Can you tell???

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Go make a baby. ;)

A couple distractions

2011-11-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

I've been using some really fun APPS on my iPhone, lately.

I have always had a "thing" for label makers, so imagine my delight when I found out about

"LABELBOX."

(free)

It's really great for promoting your biz, or...

...making fun of those you love. :)

HOURS OF FUN!!

Here's another:

PICSTITCH

(also free...)

This app allows you to create collages from your photo library.

Okay...enough distractions for today...

BACK TO THE CUTTING MAT!!

Happy Thursday, my dear friends!

Good news & Tamale Tuesday!

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I spent the morning with my "BESTIES."

They helped me roll some felt and made me laugh, A LOT.

Bigsby came along to help out, too.

Jenna made us some leftover tamales from the wedding.

OOOOOOO! They were still delicious.

Thank you for the lovely food, and for all the help, ladies.

What would I do without you?

I got some great news, this morn...

I am OVER THE MOON because I just found out my friend, Natalie is having a

BOY!!!!

I brought her this "Tiffany" blue cupcake to celebrate!!

I am SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

I'll post some pics of her looking oh, so cute and pregnant

VERY SOON!

Back to work-work-work!

Happy, happy, happy Wednesday!

to be a cat...

2011-11-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

Aaaaah, Rodrigo...

...sometimes I wish I had your life - it's rough.

But alas, I must work, work, work!!!!

I actually have HELPERS, today!

We are working from Jenna's house today!

It's Tamale Tuesday!!!!

I will post photos of our workday, tomorrow.

FASCINATION FRIDAY!

2011-11-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, kids!! Time to have some fun!

Here are some

"WORDS OF WISDOM"

that get me thru the day-to-day.

This is a little insight into my quirky little brain.

Some are funny. (I try not to take myself too seriously.)

Some are truthful.

Some are cute.

Some really express how I'm feeling in my life, at this moment.

Enjoy this FRIDAY inspiration!

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Have a FANTASTIC weekend!

Fringies

2011-11-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm up to my ears in Fall Fringies.

They are making me happy.

I'm even making them in

holiday colors

for all of my upcoming holiday shows...

...just thought I would give you a preview.

Back to work...work...work!

Welcome, November!!

2011-11-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a frightful and delightful Halloween!

We had so much fun TRICK-OR-TREATING!

After preparing for the not-so-chilly evening's walk with a little

"Starbecky's,"

we headed out into the SPOOOOOOOOOKY night to collect some treats.

I was so inspired by all of the jack-o-lanterns we saw along the way!

The boys got some SERIOUS loot!

Bigsby even put on his monster costume for the evening. :)

Alas, Halloween is over, much to my monkeys' dismay.

On to MY favorite holidays!!!!

Happy November, everyone!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2011-10-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

HaPpY HaLLoWeEn!

We had a busy weekend with lots o' Halloween festivities...

Here are some photos from the Halloween Carnival where my mom works...

Mister Christmas knows how to get his Halloween on, too!

We'll be thinking about DADDY as we trick-or-treat tonight. That was something my monkeys LOVED to do with him.

Here they are in their FRIGHTFUL get-ups...

Aren't they SCARY and yet, so adorable at the same time!?!

Enjoy your Halloween, friends!