~the littlest birds sing the prettiest songs.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Yay Canada!!

WoooooooooooooooHooooooooooooooo!!
SO PROUD to be Canadian right now!


























...just picture my hands inside these clapping!!!
Congratulations to the amazing athletes, you made us all so proud.

Friday, February 26, 2010

MY HERO

Miss you so much.



























You had to leave us too soon, but you will never leave our hearts.
Thank-you...for sharing all your love and all your dreams.

"We are all creatures of this great earth-interconnected in ways beyond understanding.
Take elephants.
So big. So strong.
And yet, when a member of the herd passes, even elephants mourn.
They gather around, extend their trunks, sway, and gently touch the tusks of their fallen friend.
It is their ritual. It is how they heal.
And it is sad.
And it is beautiful."

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Treasury Love

It's always an honor to be featured in an Etsy seller's treasury, and we've been fortunate enough to be in 2 today! Have a gander:]

Talula's:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=115180

Kim's:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=115172

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Nicole Engle Photography

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME...

I am currently working with the very talented (& fun!)Nicole Engle from Ellijay, Georgia on an AMAZING photo shoot involving vintage props, adorable children and aged photo techniques. You can find all the details here on Nicole's blog about booking a spot for this exciting event!
While your perusing her blog, don't forget to listen to her playlist, and vote on your favorite photo too!
 

I am thrilled to be providing the girl's clothing, which was designed specifically for this occasion, and will be selecting photos from the shoot to be used in my advertisements.You may have noticed some of the new items trickling into the store, many with vintage lace and buttons. Items such as bloomers, pinafores, peasant apron dresses, tops and skirts; all have a nostalgic feel to them in tones of gray, white and  brown, and prints in beautiful toile or covered in roses. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this line and hope you like it too!

Check out this incredible car Nicole will have on site!



Click here to see a slideshow of Nicole Engle's photography.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and a file gumbo...

Cause tonight I'm a gonna see my machez a mio,
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar, and be gay-o,
Son of  gun we're gonna have big fun on the bayou!

Yes, it's JAMBALAYA for dinner tonight and who can resist saying that word without breaking out into song?

Here's my version of "Heaven in a bowl." The ingredient list is long, but don't let that scare you...the meal is simple and can even be done in a crockpot if you prefer. Just brown the meat first, (it adds a ton of flavor!)and cook shrimp briefly in a saute pan, and toss them in at the end just before serving.


I like to do mine in my favorite Le Creuset dish- if you don't have one of these yet, it is a MUST for serious cooks! They are expensive (made in France) but I guarantee will be your favorite cooking vessel.





HANK WILLIAMS JAMBALAYA

2 links spicy sausage(chorizo or andouille)
2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts or 6 thighs
1 pound peeled & deveined large shrimp
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green pepper 1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1/4 c. chopped celery
5 garlic cloves(trust me)
1 1/2 c. chopped ripe tomatoes(canned if preferred)
4 c. chicken stock
1 1/2 c. long grain rice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. thyme
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. onion powder
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. cayenne or cajun seasoning
1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1/2 c. chopped green onions
1/2 c. chopped parsley

Stovetop method:
* Brown meat in olive oil.  Add onion, peppers, celery and cook briefly to soften adding garlic last, so as not to brown it (results in a bitter taste) Add tomatoes, stock, rice and all seasonings and simmer, covered until rice is cooked. (or bake in oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour/ or place in crockpot for several hours)
Just before serving, saute shrimp seperately, and toss all together with green onions and fresh parsley.


ENJOY!

Friday, February 5, 2010

THE place to shop!

  It has been just over 3 weeks since the catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti. Although donations have poured in, how much will it really take to rebuild an entire city? To care for the wounded, traumatized survivors? The sad truth is that no matter how shocking reports of hunger, homelessness, and disease in the wake of a disaster are, people lose interest once the camera crews leave the scene of a crisis.

  It is important to remember that these people will need help long after the media moves on. One of the ways that I have chosen to help is by supporting an Etsy shop called Hearts For Haiti.  They have vowed to stay open as long as there is an urgent need there. I have watched this group of women tirelessly volunteer to organize, manage, and promote, and am deeply touched by what can be accomplished in such a short time. The best part is 100% of the proceeds go directly to Doctors Without Borders for Haiti Relief.

  I wanted to help in some way too, but like many people, was short on time. With a busy household of five children and a full time business, I chose to contribute in a small way by donating a few items, making purchases, and prompting people to spread the word through social networking. The beautiful thing about this shop, is that there are many ways to support this cause through it, that do not ihave to involve large amounts of money or time.

  Why not do all of your gift shopping for the year through Hearts for Haiti? I know I will be. It gives me a good feeling to know I am not spending frivolously, when others are merely just trying to survive.

Here are a few of my fabulous purchases so far:
This copper bracelet(which I've shown previously, but oh, so LOVE)  symbolically represents the heart, generosity and love of the people involved in this collaborated effort. Obviously, I am not alone in admiring this, as the seller, Jen of mintyfreshfusions.etsy.com has generously donated and sold so many!


























A birthday gift from the kids to their Dad, appropriately titled "Old Hank" (his name is Henry/Hank)
from a very talented photographer, and fellow IndieJunction gal Kelly Warren, of happyshackdesigns.etsy.com
I can't believe I scored this...the colors are amazing!























Another piece of jewellry with the most gorgeous pendant~I may or may not be gifting this one!
It's beautifully handcrafted by charmedbyheather.etsy.com



















Here's a great and very unique gift for the macho men in my life. Brass bullet pens...what a conversation piece! The bonus is that this seller, Kathy of awelldressedbullet.etsy.com is one of the people so dedicated to making this shop a success, through her many donations, support and with the creation of the Hearts for Haiti blog. If that's not enough, she is super sweet too. (a bit unexpected from someone selling "bullet paraphernalia" ;)



























Everyone can get involved by spreading the word. Don't let this become "old news."
Go out and blog, tweet, facebook etc. and if you have time, post your efforts here:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6407191&page=1
or leave a comment on the Hearts for Haiti blog and let people know about it.
For Etsy sellers, create a treasury (look for several great ones already there), add a link to your shop announcement, or volunteer to help behind the scenes. I'm sure a few of the current volunteers could use a "coffee break!"

These are just a mere sample of the great offerings there. Hundreds of sellers have donated a huge variety of items in many price ranges. Oh, and did I mention that shipping is FREE?
Just a warning though, this shop is addictive, due to the warm, fuzzy feeling you will get from supporting this wonderful cause. Shop at your own risk! HeartsforHaiti.etsy.com

Thursday, February 4, 2010

I'm walkin' on sunshine...

Who doesn't love a little ray of sunshine?
A big thank-you to The Lavender Daisy for giving me this Sunshine Award...
 you made my day!

The award tradition has the following for sharing it with others:
- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
- Pass the award onto 12 amazing bloggers.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



I am pleased to pass this on to fellow rays of sunshine:]
These are people with big hearts and positive attitudes! 
her darkroom
the vintage rabbit
reluctant entertainer
jane's apron
times and chimes
back porch musings
blonde in a blog
keeping up with stella
ambient girl designs
happy shack designs
vintage marmalade
candy shoppe designs

keep on shining!

Some of our current items:

RECENTLY SOLD: