I missed my era...

There is something about the style of the 40s and 50s. I truly think that I lived there in my past life~ How I would love to live in such a graceful, stylish era~

Happy Sunday mes amies,

bisous

all photos found here

mon anniversaire

As some of you know, this week, (ending tomorrow, officially) has been my birthday week. It truly has been fabulous. My boys have been incredibly accommodating - helping me whenever I have asked, spending more time with me than usual, and I really am charged up for yet another year of playing the part of the queen in our lovely home.

Yesterday began by taking my sweet Gram home after her week with us. I was sad to see her go as I would have liked her to have been able to enjoy my birthday dinner out with us last night. However, before she left, my handsome husband took a photo of the two of us which I love~ When we met my aunties - to do the Grammy pass-off - they gave me a wonderful trellis which will be perfect for planting sweet peas on next spring!

In the evening, hh and I took #s 1, 2, & 3 out for dinner to celebrate. (#4 is still under the weather and 6 pm is the witching hour for him on a healthy day - don't even ask what it is like when he is tired and not feeling great...) We had so much fun, the boys were wonderfully behaved, and I enjoyed a cocktail (or two...).

After dinner, my boys dropped me with with my girls - three of my dearest friends. After sorting out a *slight* mixup in plans, we spent the evening at the fireside bar of our local lodge which sits smack dab in the middle of our little wine country here (in case you are ever looking for fabulous accommodations to treat yourself - J & J, hint hint...).

When I arrived home last night #s 1 & 2 presented me with THE. MOST. BEAUTIFUL. letters that they had written me for my birthday. Yes, of course I cried! I will cherish them forever, and would share parts of them with you, but I really don't think it is kind to rub in what amazing kids I have. Really, it simply seems mean... :)

When I climbed into bed last night, I felt like an absolutely gem. I received so many birthday wishes yesterday, phone calls from a dear sweet darling friend in France, my family, and friends, and was once again reminded of what a wonderful family I have. I really don't know what else a girl can ask for~

bisous

studio fabulousness

Yesterday I had the most glorious time with my sweet artist friend in her studio.

Her work space is wonderful - it is open, filled with natural light, and when you are there, you are surrounded by every creative, colorful tool you can imagine! If you aren't feeling productive when you arrive at Seahorse Studio, you will be the minute you step through the doors~

I brought various projects with me as I wasn't sure what I wanted to work on when I left my home. I was able to get a start on a couple of different things before I realized that there were so many photo opportunities - which of course I couldn't pass up!

this octopus is actually painted on gelatin!

You see, my friend is an incredibly talented artist - there really is nothing she can't do. Her paintings are amazing and as she is a scientist at heart, she always finds the craziest techniques for making her beautiful pieces~

it's a give-away!!!

One of my very favorite blogs - Frenchie and Flea - is hosting a three week give-away and today is they are offering three lucky lovelies their choice of a print from my shop. I truly hope you will visit the gorgeous Allegra and Emily and put your name in for the draw~

bon chance mes amies!

bisous~

xx

save the date!

I am excited to announce that Melaine from My Sweet Savannah will be hosting a holiday boutique in her beautiful cottage home. Please join us Friday, December 11th at 7 pm to enjoy some holiday cheer. There will be beautiful creations and flea market finds, perfect for making this a hand-crafted holiday! There will also be hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and desserts~ It is sure to be a festive evening for all!

If you have any questions or would like to be added to My Sweet Savannah's mailing list, please email Melaine at lakeliving4@msn.com.

Here are a couple of peeks at what I am working on...

the holidays are coming!

please, oh please tell me where I found this~

There are so many times during the year when I feel like it simply must be my favorite. When autumn arrives, I love my need to nest - the cozy weather, the falling leaves, rustic breads and roasted vegetables. When spring peeks out from the cold, dark, wet winter weather, I rush to take photos of every bud and tiny bloom.

found here

However, the holiday season really fills me with great anticipation and joy~ The thought of baking endless cookies, bringing out decorations from years gone by, as well as adding to the collection, and getting a feel for this particular season and what it means this year - there are times when my head feels like it will burst with all of the thoughts and ideas!

found here

This year I am feeling strongly that less is more. I am also big on comfort. I am on board with the handmade holidays plan - I love the idea of crafting something for each person and giving them a little piece of myself in their gift. I also could spend hours on Etsy looking at the incredible treasures that others have created.

I am also enjoying my "grey" year. I don't know what it is, but for me, grey seems to have taken over - whether it is clothing, decor, or accessories, grey fills my heart these days. And that is certainly not a bad thing! Do you have any idea how many shades of grey there are ?!?

dave coote found here

This morning I am listening to the storms that are blowing through. The wind is howling - blustery does not apply here today... The rain is coming down, and it puts me in the absolutely perfect frame of mind for working on projects indoors. I have chicken stock on the stove, tea steeping, and cookie dough ready to bake when the boys arrive home from school. I think I will pull out my sewing machine and some of the soft, worn fabrics I have been collecting. Today is definitely a day for creating~

found here

Have a fabulous week my dears~ This happens to be my "birthday week" - something the men in this house simply do. not. understand. Week - you heard me - week...

xx