"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: Twilight

Finally! I went with Amy & Meg on Friday. It was pretty good...nothing compared to the book. It really inspired me to reread them all. I just picked them up on audio book & have been listening to them while I clean...

I HEAR: Ben Folds on Pandora
If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times - I LOVE PANDORA! They analyze your taste in music & create a "radio station" based on the kind of sound you want to listen to. I've found a lot of amazing artists through them I never would have found otherwise. I also know how to better define what music I like. For example, this week I've been into: acoustic rock instrumentation, blues influences, a prominent rhythm piano part, acoustic sonority, a vocal-centric aesthetic, minor key tonality & narrative lyrics.

I TASTE: Silk Nog
Heaven for the lactose intolerant...my aunt bought a carton for me for Thanksgiving. :)
*AWESOME*

I TOUCH: Dust Bunnies
We cleaned under the bed & under the couch. It's so scary down there...I found lost shoes under the bed, a whole sweater under the couch, an old school I.D. of Meg's and countless pens & pencils.

I SMELL: Pumpkin Pie Beer Soap
One of my etsy purchases...it was a limited edition & the minute I read the description I knew I had to try it. I've been looking for a really good independent soap maker on etsy & I think I've found my favorite. This bar smells fabulous & really put me in the holiday spirit! Their soaps lather really well & are very moisturizing. Great stuff & a wonderful holiday smell!

Shop Etsy Saturdays: GypsyRose Handbags

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online. My tastes range from Mexican Day of the Dead to Japanese kitchy cute and from homemade soaps to paper crafting originals, so if one week isn't your speed, be sure to come back on the next Saturday and see what my next pick is! Every Saturday I have committed to sharing one of my favorite shops with you...

GypsyRose Handbags
Oh yes...it will be mine...oh yes.

I have a REALLY hard time finding purses I like & it occurred to me I could have my next one made for me. It kind of blew my mind. Why hadn't I thought of this of this before? I've been researching bag makers on etsy & this one's my favorite, So here's my dream bag:

It makes me weak in the knees...but she does so many cool bags!!! I also love she has a list of ways you can pimp out your purse and a huge online fabric gallery to choose from!

So, I'm waiting til after Christmas to order it, but I'm determined to have it by CHA...so watch out world - em's getting a brand new bag!

It's been 3 years - seriously???

Really??? Today, 3 years ago I had my stroke. It's stunning to think of how much has changed in 3 years. It's exhilarating to think of how much my life has improved since then.

I still have a few reminders {killer leg cramps since my right leg is STILL stronger than my left and even though I fight to hide it my left leg still drags a little - especially when I'm tired. Also - an almost completely dead left foot...wiggling toes or standing on tip toe is, well, really hard}...BUT here's what I can do: live a long & healthy life {thanks to Mr. Pacemaker}. Walk {hello - HUGE improvement}. "Be normal" {or at least not have to deal with heart problems, partial paralysis & exhaustion every day}. Which is AWESOME!

So I'm celebrating life today!!! My cup overflows & it's a glorious day to be alive! Go hug somebody & have a great day!

More Christmas Cards & Mini Kits...

Another from me...

Yeah, I wanted to do a pink Christmas...I *love* the little gingerbread cookie stamps & thought they would be perfect to do up a pink & brown Christmas card with...also a great excuse to use my white pen from Ranger. ;)

A Girly Girl Christmas Card Instructions
A Girly Girl Christmas Card Supplies

My favorite from Jen...

This is such a classic - and I loved, loved, loved the twist of turquoise in with the red!

Holiday Cheer Card Instructions
Holiday Cheer Card Supplies

My favorite from Pam...

All of Pam's stuff is so clean, simple & stunning I had a hard time picking ONE. But it came down to the ornament hanger on this one {that and this is one of my favorite designs!}. She fashioned the ornament hanger from a paper clip! Pam!!!

Ornamental Christmas Card Instructions
Ornamental Christmas Card Supplies

Hope you enjoyed these ideas. For more, you can visit the Luxe blog. Hope you have a terrific weekend!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Yes, it's Thanksgiving...I'm up "doing my desk", drinking coffee before headed over to my aunt & uncle's this afternoon.

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

...stuff from the Jingle Bash & the beginnings of a pink project! Yes, I know..when did I becone "pink girl"? It's a mystery to me as well...but I'm in love with the preppy combo of pink & green lately...go figure! Besides the stash of business cards (like for my new favorite people - designcandie & nerdbomber), there's my Carmex Cozy from Karmacrochet & some recycled magazine ornaments from Alicia Colina-Ashby.

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

BUTTON WINNER!!

First of all, thanks to all of you who participated!

Our winner is: aimee westcott!!!
Aimee, please email your mailing address and the name of one set of buttons currently in our shop you would like to receive.

We got A LOT of great ideas. Some we knew at first sight were a perfect fit for our shop -like: Frank Sinatra, Sock Monkeys, another bird set {ravens & crows}, City themes and retro TV. We love the woodland creatures too - but Odd Little Forest does them so well, we don't even feel worthy to compete. ALSO - we noticed some of you requested buttons we already had in our shop {great minds think alike} - like: pirates, Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, Christmas Story & Twilight.

Over the next month we'll be working on new button sets, so be sure & check our shop for new additions. In the meantime - we're throwing a Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale where you can get a FREE set of Rudolph buttons!

So...I've been tagged

Kandice got me. Which works out really well, since I was about to blog anyway. So here goes, not that any of you need any ADDITIONAL random/weird information about me...

The Rules:

• Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs. *
  
• Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 RANDOM/WEIRD FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I would be off "Don't Forget the Lyrics" in the first round. I love to sing, but can't remember the words most of the time. It keeps things interesting...
2. I subscribe to BUST, and my husband makes fun of it everytime it arrives. I've even shopped at their "Boobtique". It makes Matt giggle - it's hilarious.
3. I did a crazy radio spot for the Edge back in '89, when the Edge was new & really rocked. They played it for a couple of years...it was surreal hearing it every once in a while.
   
4. I've taken a lot of art classes. For one I did a study on urban graffiti in art districts vs industrial areas. That's when my obsession with graffiti started {back in the early 90's}. I still subscribe to {what started out as a tagger's mag}, Beautiful Decay.
5. I fall out of shoes without backs. I'm like the butler from Birdcage...
   
   
6. Some of my all time favorite "junk" movies are: The Birdcage, She Devil, Commando, Total Recall, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels & The Fifth Element. Some of my all time "real" favorites are: Jaws, The Shining, The Shawshank Redemption, What Dreams May Come & Sense and Sensibility. I could watch all of these over & over. I also love watching TV series on DVD - I am currently watching Twin Peaks & Todd McFarlane's Spawn. {I love Spawn!!!}
7. I am addicted to Carmex...
   

*this is gonna be hard I can't think of seven people who will do it...so I'm going with fewer. Consider yourselves tagged: Gaby, Laura & Angie!

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: AMY!!!!!
It's been a year since my cousin Amy's come home on leave from the army & I've missed her so much! She's in for a week. I can't believe I didn't snap a picture of her yesterday...don't worry - I will!!!

I HEAR: Laundry & Dishes
Pretty much in line with a ho-hum week. I couldn't think of any "highlight" from the week, so I just listened to what I could hear this second. Wooshing water.

I TASTE: Applesauce & Carmel Corn Rice Cakes
Food for the sick. I really haven't been in the mood for food. Nothing really tastes good. Sad.

I TOUCH: Crafty Goodness

The Jingle Bash was a lot of fun! We got to meet a lot of local etsians & do some shopping. It was too dark for a lot of my pics to turn out - but I did take a close up of one of the wreaths they had up for decoration...loved it! Made completely out of strips of recycled papers. {Makes me wonder what I can create with papers from my own stash...hmmmmmmm}

I SMELL: Honey Lemon Cough Drops
Wow, this is a really lame Sunday post...cough drops? I couldn't think of anything else. I even made chili this week, but I couldn't smell it. That what happens when I've felt so blah all week - everything's dull. Here's hoping for a much better Sunday post next week! :)

Shop Etsy Saturdays: Karmacrochet

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online. My tastes range from Mexican Day of the Dead to Japanese kitchy cute and from homemade soaps to paper crafting originals, so if one week isn't your speed, be sure to come back on the next Saturday and see what my next pick is! Every Saturday I have committed to sharing one of my favorite shops with you...

Karmacrochet
I struggled with my pick this week, there's so much good stuff on etsy lately! Finally I decided on Karmacrochet, beacuse:

1. they're a local artist & want to support my community
2. I'm going to get to meet them at the Jingle Bash tomorrow, and...
3. I'm constantly digging for my Carmex in my bag!


Yep, she'll crochet you your own custom color of Carmex cozy! When I first saw this I was like "yeah, right! How ridiculous is that?" But I bookmarked it, and I found myself revisiting the listing. I use a LOT of Carmex. Especially in winter - and I usually have to dig for it because it always rolls away from me. I think what finally got me was the key chain attachment. I'll never lose my lip balm again!

Now, what do I want, you ask??? Black with a red button, of course! I think I'm going to order one today. :)

Christmas Cards & Mini Kits...

The Luxe Girls have been busy creating a slew of Christmas card ideas! We challenged ourselves to create a card design that could be replicated 10 times as cheaply as possible. I love this concept, since I'm usually pretty cost conscious when I create anyway. All the instructions are free and are being posted on our blog with the cards every day.

We even created little 10 card kits to go with them. To keep the cost down, we wrote the instructions like a recipe and didn't include things like cardstock and glitter - items you probably already have at home. We also didn't factor in tools (trimmer, scissors, etc), but we also made sure we didn't use any tools beyond the basics to create with. A few of the kits include our holiday stamp set...which made them a little higher, but considering it's a non consumable item we "gave ourselves permission" to include it in our design. We really approached the challenge in exactly the same mindset we use when we ourselves are walking down the aisles of a scrapbook store, making decisions on purchases (do I really need this? how can I stretch this further? will I use it again? etc.).

We started the promo on Wednesday and I wanted to share the two cards of mine that have gone up so far:



This one's called "Sprinkled with Whimsy" (Since the paper line it features is called Sprinkles). This was card #1 on Wednesday. I wanted to do a retro pink/turquoise & lime holiday card. I must give a shout out to Gaby Alcantara who first gave me the idea to use Sprinkles for Christmas (she is so amazing - love her work!).

Sprinkled with Whimsy Instructions
Sprinkled with Whimsy Supplies



This one's my Winter Wonderland card (it went up this morning). For it you just need 4 pieces of paper and a stamp! I love this jolly little snowman & I wanted to make a holiday card that was more of a "Season's Greetings" than a "Merry Christmas" card. Hmmm...now that I think of it all of the cards I did were non traditional - go figure. My favorite bit? making that fun little scarf out of the striped paper...so much fun! And our calico paper makes such great snow!

Winter Wonderland Instructions
Winter Wonderland Supplies

So stay tuned we have *10* card ideas coming out on the Luxe blog. You can view them all there & I will do highlights over here of mine & a few of my favorites from Pam & Jen.

So tell me - have you started on your Christmas cards? finished? if you haven't started do you have a concept in mind or are you waiting for inspiration? I'm a last minute girl myself...and I'll probably be doing one of these 10 ideas for my cards this year!

Going to the Jingle Bash!

We're headed to the Jingle Bash @ Hermann Hall tomorrow! If you're in the DFW area be sure to stop by!!!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

...evidence of being sick. Seriously, this is my desk at work. When I realized it was Thursday I looked down and that was what was there. I feel crummy, but not too awful - so I figure I can either be sick & lazy or sick & productive. So, I'm being productive this week. It's not so bad...

See the hand? It's a cool sample sleeve for kleenex from Target.

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

Late night graphics & a chance to win buttons!

Etsy ate my header. Well, probably I erased it or something by accident, but as a result I made a batch of new headers for our shop tonight...

Are you a button person? I know I am. I'm brainstorming new sets to create over the Thanksgiving break if I have time. What would you like to see on a button? Do you have a favorite icon (owl, octopus, heart, mushroom, cupcake, etc) or a saying you're dying to see? Or a favorite book, movie or TV show that you'd love to see buttons for? Let me know.

So share a button idea on this post and we'll give away the set of buttons of your choice from ManHandled to a lucky winner we'll pick next Wednesday!

The LAZY BLOGGER struck again!!!

So glad I don't have this rule on my PERSONAL blog, or I'd be in real, serious trouble!!! LOL

Well, Luxe missed *another* day of blogging last Friday - and if you didn't know, we have this rule: we post EVERY {week} day (not including holidays) and if we miss - WE GIVE AWAY A PRIZE!!!

So skibble over to the Luxe blog & post on Monday's thread...we're taking entries until Friday morning. Good Luck!!!

VIRTUAL WAREHOUSE SALE AT LUXE!!!

So this is what we've been working on at Luxe...we're SO EXCITED!!!

We are running out of room! It's a good feeling to know we have so many exciting surprises in the works for our next round of releases we have to make room in our warehouse!!! So we decided for a limited time only we would open a separate online store - just for retirement items and a doozy of a VIRTUAL WAREHOUSE SALE!!! The price slashing is breathtaking (I'm even shopping the kits and I work here!) - 50% off and lower!

So do not walk, RUN to the new shop and take a look at all of the amazing deals!!! As we work our way through the warehouse, we will be adding, more items, overstock & bulk items - even retired class kits - so check back weekly to see what's been added!

Also, you can still shop at our regular online outlet for our newest releases and core products!

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: My Friends
Saturday I saw all of my closest friends! It was such a good day. I ignored my sore throat & started out with lunch @ P.F. Chang's with Angie. Then we picked up Meg to go back to my house where Martha joined us. We all went over to Tracy's for a Stampin Up party where we saw Ashley too...then we headed back to my house for pizza and Angie, Meg & I went to the Twilight Movie party @ Borders in Old Town...awesome day!

I HEAR: The Shower Scene from Psycho

Creepy, isn't it? Yeah...it's my dad's cell phone ring tone. So he's been staying with us for a little over 4 weeks now and when you least expect it...well, it's the full score...it feels like it lasts almost as long as the clip. I love my dad. But that's just weird.

I TASTE: Jen's Chili
I read Jen's chili recipe on her blog and HAD to try it this week. I left out tie beer...not because I wanted to, I just forgot. I also added chopped tomatoes, fresh garlic and dark red kidney beans - and it was the perfect excuse to make cornbread. It was sooooo delicious - everyone in my family loved it & can't wait for me to make it again!

I TOUCH: Kleenex & Chloraseptic
Ignoring the sore throat was a bad call...well, maybe not - I probably would've ended up sick today anyway. I woke up hating life - sore throat, congested, full blown nasty sick. Just in time to go back to work. Yuck. At least I had some antibiotics on hand & am already somewhat better than this morning.

I SMELL: Lemon Chicken
I tried a new marinade recipe this week...one word AWESOME! This one is another must try!

Whisk together: lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, pepper, melted butter, olive oil

Marinate chicken thighs in mixture for at least 2 hours and bake @ 400 degrees for about 30 minutes - or grill. Smells divine!

Shop Etsy Saturdays: Candle Bright Creations

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online. My tastes range from Mexican Day of the Dead to Japanese kitchy cute and from homemade soaps to paper crafting originals, so if one week isn't your speed, be sure to come back on the next Saturday and see what my next pick is! Every Saturday I have committed to sharing one of my favorite shops with you...
Candle Bright Creations
With Twilight movie mania hitting full force over here, I wanted to share some of my favorite Twilight merchandise on etsy...

First is the Bella spoon ring. I think all kinds of repurposed/recycled stuff is cool & I really liked this. Very "Bella".

Then *my fav* the hair forks. These spiky combs are perfect for thick curly hair {like mine} and I love them - the play on Forks, WA, the utility of them & they're kind of beautiful...

And if you were wondering what happened to the rest of the spoon - look no further. Cool stamped key rings all over the place! This one was especially cool.

Then of course there's our buttons from our shop, which I'm particularly partial to as well... {you didn't think I could actually resist throwing those in the post too???} :)

Have a great weekend...and GO SEE THE MOVIE NEXT WEEKEND!

Ultimate Crafty Recycling...

OK. Today I wanted to share "guest project" from my cousin Meg. She found the etsy YouTube station & started devouring all the how to videos, until she was so inspired she started creating on the spot. Here's the video she found:

Did you know you could do this??? Um, this brings recycling to a whole new lever over here!!! She started fusing immediately {all I had at my house were Target bags - no shock there} and here's a close up of what she made:

Sweet! I fell asleep {it was so late} and when I woke up she had made these two little guys with her fused plastic "cloth"... {lol - and Jen - I about choked when I saw the mushroom, but oh well - I guess the acorn doesn't fall far from the cousin-ly tree}


So adorable!!! We've been into the website Odd Little Forest - and have been drawing lots of inspiration of new shapes to try making from there.

I'm off to create something today! I haven't decided what to make yet, but I have a few ideas...Hope you have a creative day too!!!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

...a mess! This has been a crazy week! I've been on "vacation", BUT it hasn't exactly turned out the way I planned. If it had there would be a sewing machine here instead of a shoebox full of labels, a Christmas card I made, a LUSH ad, my camera, naked computer memory in a ziploc baggie & an almost empty roll of tape. Oh well...on upside I've been cooking a lot of new things this week!

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

PSA: Headphones & Pacemakers

So, I'm watching the news, minding my own business when this story comes on...which is odd since I just bought new headphones for my Mp3 Friday night & I'm a notorious headphone dangler...

"Have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator? Don't keep your earbuds in your shirt pocket or draped around your neck -- even when they're disconnected. A study finds that some headphones can interfere with heart devices if held very close to them."

I had no idea. And I try to really keep up with this kind of thing since my pacemaker is, like the only thing that's been keeping me alive for the last couple of years. Here are some other things that interfere you might not think of - drive thru car washes, lawn mowers {I know, the irony of it!}, cell phones {I can't ever use mine on my left ear} and compressors {which is how my husband keeps me out of the garage - lol}.

So here's what gets me...NO WARNING ON THE PACKAGING. None. I hate that. I'm really peeved. There was one line - for more product information go to our website...So I did & after I put the serial number in the warning was on the 2nd page. Great. That really helps me out after I've listened to them for 12 hours straight. I mean, c'mon, this is important information.

Apparently, I can wear them, but it's really dangerous to let one dangle out of my ear, like when I stop listening to talk to someone...and heaven knows I did that a lot. Well, NO MORE.

Thank you for reading, I had to rant to somebody. Please share this if you know anyone else with a pacer/defib combo & don't dangle. And if you do, don't hug me...

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

So, let's start with our BIG WINNER!!!

Congratulations to JULS who said...
"Love reading your blog. My name is Julia and I live in Gilroy California; The Garlic Capital of the World. Love your site been reading for about 10 months." at 10:12 PM
Please email your mailing address to emilyadamsonfire@gmail.com and I will ship you out your prize!

Now, on with our regularly scheduled Sunday post...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: Falling Gas Prices

OMG...yes that's GAS UNDER $2!!!!! *happy dance*

I HEAR: Ella

How cute is this kid? Ella, my friend's daughter, used to...um...how do I put this??? Run away from me screaming?{lol} It was like a game "you can't hug me. you can't catch me." etc. Well, I don't know when exactly we turned the corner, but now it's "Hi Emily, let me draw you a picture. I love you. Pretend to be my mommy and throw me a party." I went over to Ashley & Ben's for several hours this week while Ben was resurrecting the information from my dead laptop and had lots of quality time with Ella, Gracie & Nolen.

I TASTE: Cavalli's
Bliss. After several weeks of being a "good girl" I forgot my lunch twice this week and *had* to go to Cavalli's for lunch. Not only have they been voted best pizza in Dallas (Big D magazine), they were just named best pizza in America (World Traveler magazine). They are light, fresh perfection & some of the friendliest people around. And they ordered some of Matt's buttons to boot!!!

I TOUCH: Clutter & Paint Chips

One of my goals is to de-clutter. I've already made arrangements for the Kidney foundation to pick up on Thursday, so I'm totally motivated. I really want to tackle my "guest bedroom" which has been the "dump room" for everything we can't figure out where to put since we bought our house 5 years ago. I also touch paint chips in an attempt to make a decision about our bedroom....hmmmmmmm. We were originally thinking blue, no - I wanted blue & Matt didn't. He suggested another warm color...and you know those golden, Tuscan sunset/torchlight/afternoon sun tones are my favorites. Now we just have to pick ONE.

I SMELL: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shake...
Here's the problem...it spilled everywhere! When I was picking up Chick Fil-A for my dad, I saw these on the menu for the holidays & had to try one. It looked & smelled fabulous! Unfortunately, when I picked it up the domed lid came off and it gushed all over my car, shoes, driveway, front steps, tile floor and kitchen counter. What was left was very tasty.

Shop Etsy Saturdays: YeeHaw

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online. My tastes range from Mexican Day of the Dead to Japanese kitchy cute and from homemade soaps to paper crafting originals, so if one week isn't your speed, be sure to come back on the next Saturday and see what my next pick is! Every Saturday I have committed to sharing one of my favorite shops with you...

YeeHaw
I confess...I am a letterpress junkie. And this stuff is CUTE & SASSY! I love a little attitude with my letterpress! Check out this calendar combo, perfect for Christmas gifts (if I could bear to give them up):

and these darling cards that come with envelopes:

and if you're still designing your Christmas cards you might want to give these a look-see (there are a ton of these...must go check it out!):

or maybe you'd love the holiday assortment:


Hope you enjoy taking a look at YeeHaw & have a happy Saturday!!!

DFW local???

Check out St Jude's Craft Fair in Allen this weekend...I have a couple of friends with booths there & I've seen what they're selling and it will SO be worth your trip! 9-5 Friday & 9-3 Saturday (click the link for a map).

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

Currently my favorite paper in my stash - the Simply Luxe black & white polka dot! I know this is an extreme close up...but I love it so much I wanted to fill the screen with it!

So this is what I tried with it this week! (Yet another reason I *LOVE* this paper!) I swiped the paper with different colors of ink pads to totally change the look of it...so much fun! And it looks EVEN BETTER in person. Rock on!

I already had my black velvet backdrop on my desk for a photo shoot...and it looked SO much cleaner than my desk I just left it there {lol}.

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

In memory of Susan Dallas...

I found out today about Susan from Windy City up in Chicago. She passed away Sunday...If you ever shopped at that amazing store you would know her laugh and would remember her smile. Every time I saw her I gave her a big hug & I swear we talked at least a couple of times a month for the last year. I even just found this picture of her still on my camera from this summer. And I didn't even know she was sick...she was so upbeat, positive & full of life. She was one of those really neat people you wish you could spend more time getting to know.

Susan, you will be missed. My heart goes out to her family, the staff at Windy City and all the people that loved her. If you knew Susan, please leave a message on Windy City's post.

"Sense"-ational Sundays...ANNIVERSARY

INCONCEIVABLE....I started "Sense-ational" Sundays the first Sunday in November one year ago & haven't missed one since! In honor of the occasion I'm having a SENSE-ATIONAL ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY!!!

To enter to win the pictured giveaway (the brand new "It's About Time" collection and a few extras) all you have to do is post on this thread: your name & your location. I'd love to know if you've ever recorded a Sunday on your blog, how long you've been reading or what the favorite thing you've discovered on one of my Sunday posts was...but those are optional. I will announce the big winner next Sunday.

In the meantime...here is my official 53rd "Sense-ational" Sunday post...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: Angie, Steve & the boys

Angie & Steve brought the boys over to trick or treat Friday night...we couldn't believe the growth spurt Josh has had since the last time we saw him!!!! It was so good to see Angie, we made plans to meet for lunch later today...

I HEAR: Amy & Haley

Tracy & the girls joined us for dinner last night & the sound of Amy & Haley giggling & conspiring with Meg was just hilarious. The girls are growing like little weeds - can you believe they're 13 & 10 already???

I TASTE: "Zach-bane"

OK...weird name, I know. I came up with concoction a couple of years ago based on what was in the house. It was nameless for a long time...until one night when Amy invited her boyfriend (Zach) over to my house for dinner. She had made "the stuff". That was the night we found out Zach hated every ingredient in it. So from then on it was called "Zach-bane" and was the one dinner we could cook to guarantee Zach wouldn't join us for dinner (lol). Of course - the rest of us love it...

chopped yellow onion
chopped garlic
bacon
chicken thighs
frozen peas
fresh mushrooms
bowtie pasta
alfredo sauce

Cook bacon. Crumble & set aside. Drain pan (leave a small amt. of grease for next step). Brown onion, garlic & mushrooms. Add and cook chicken in same pan. Microwave peas. Meanwhile cook pasta and heat alfredo sauce. At the last minute combine pasta and alfredo and peas & bacon into chicken mixture. Dump both pans into a big pasta bowl & toss. Serve with parmesan cheese.

I TOUCH: Halloween stuff

I had so much fun doing the Halloween countdown for Luxe!!! This tablescape was one of the most fun things I've created in a while!!!

I SMELL: Eco Soap

I'm still fighting (and losing) the battle of the dishes. It's astounding to me how fast they're adding up...extra bodies, cooking more meals a day, breaking dishes & losing spoons...ooof. I like my new eco friendly soap though. :)

So...that was my "sense-ational" week. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!! Don't forget to enter to win HERE and & I'll see you next Sunday!

Shop Etsy Saturdays: Smarmy Pants

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online. My tastes range from Mexican Day of the Dead to Japanese kitchy cute and from homemade soaps to paper crafting originals, so if one week isn't your speed, be sure to come back on the next Saturday and see what my next pick is! Every Saturday I have committed to sharing one of my favorite shops with you...

Smarmy Pants
This adorable little shop is filled with some of the prettiest pincushions & pins on etsy. Her work's been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings & ME Home Companion, but she doesn't sell wholesale - just one of a kind creations on etsy. Here are a few of my favorites:

Feeling Patriotic???

So are we...CLICK HERE to check out the sale!