angela henrie designs

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

Let's just say, I wouldn't recommend having a wedding right before Christmas.

While you were away...

2011-10-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

I got a couple things made...

This is Sleeping Beauty Turquoise...my fave.

One charm has a a bezel crystal flower and the other says, "Flower Child".

(But then again, you would already see that if I possessed any photography skills.)

This is a "Y" style necklace all in handmade links.

The little bar says "LOVE".

It really does hang downwards on the neck.

If I had the energy, I would figure out how to rotate the picture.

But I just got my husband off on his scout campout.

He requires a lot of help.

A lot.

I am drained.

And ready to enjoy a quiet weekend...

Hope you have a good one!

The Art Around Me

2011-10-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I obsessed over artists. (Really obsessed.)
I wanted to be one. (Bad.)
I wanted to paint. (Really bad.)
I craved it. (Pathetic.)
But I didn't have "skills".
I would beg my mom to take me toAaron Brothers just so I could walk around and look at brushes and paints.
I never took art in junior high or high school because I was too intimidated.
My drawing was too cute and cartoon-like.

When I went to college, I took a watercolors class in the Summer.
The teacher assured us that it was the easiest course we would ever take at the University.
My C- proved otherwise.

Later, I came to find that my talents were in metals.
Fabrication.
I can make jewelry, but I still SO admire those that can draw and paint.
I have come to realize, however, that I live with several talented little artists. My children have artistic skills that FAR outreach my own. I basque in the variety and cleverness of their art. They each have their own style...
I find that fascinating.
As I was doing my Monday morning walk-through to assess the weekend damage, I was so taken by their latest projects:

Sophie did this in oils. She has a kind of dark, sinister side. Sometimes I ask her, "What the?" But I don't think she even knows what is going on in her little head.

She worked on this all Summer.
It's really awesome in person.
So many details...

Libbie has always had more a pop art style.

She designed her wedding announcement.
I think it's so cool.

This Summer, my oldest son started drawing.
He practiced and practiced.
Now he's taking an art class and learning SO much.
(I'm so excited for him. And a little jealous.)

Hunter is more of a collage artist.

For not ever being an accomplished painter, I sure have lucked out in the offspring department. Now I get to rub shoulders with artists all. The. Time.

ATMO (At The Moment Obsessions)

2011-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

What I am obsessing about at this very moment:
(Or otherwise, things that are distracting my brain from thinking about planning a wedding.)

How to get my grubby little paws on a pair of these (Korkease),

Rachel Zoe hair (Yes, still),

How to make/find/afford one of these (Native American Ketohs),

Making friends with my torch

So I can make more of this.

Stop it!

Hold the Phone...

2011-09-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have a slight distraction in my life right now...
What could it possibly be...
I'll give you a couple hints:
I have to plan one of these

Makes me want to do this:

(I'm notorious for doing this.)

My Little Pal

2011-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have this little pal.
He's my nephew.
We get to spend time together every week.
He's Batman. He exterminated Robin.
I had to convince him that I'm Cat Woman.
He was a bit reluctant, but finally gave in.
He finds and guzzles down my Big Gulp every time he's over.
He'll eat an entire package of cookies if you are ignorant enough to leave one out within his reach.
You can ask him any question and he'll answer "YES".
Unless it's "Are you stinky?"
He won't admit to that.

He loves a good photo shoot.
My sister's a photographer.
And he's the ultimate poser.
He can catch and throw a football better than any of my kids.

Oh, Ty Ty...
Pictures stolen from my sister's blog. She's QUITE the talented photographer.

If you're not in labor, what's the point?

2011-09-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Labor Day?

To celebrate, we get to have everyone home ONE MORE DAY after the weekend.

Just so we can labor a little bit more.

Well, Happy Labor Day, friends!

Fo Realz

2011-08-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

OK. Not so upright as they could be.

I'm not as rigid as maybe I should be.

But I made them all line up on the way out the door to church. Just to look at my masterpiece.

Whenever I question what exactly I'm accomplishing in life,

I just take a look at these guys.

So maybe my linen closet is a disaster.

And I don't ever take part in carpools.

I never answer my phone.

I don't exactly volunteer at school.

I let my kids sip on my diet drinks.

I've been known to let them eat cake for breakfast. (Like ONCE!)

(Shall I keep going?)

You see, I'm not perfect.

I bet you feel much better about yourself now!

Fleeting Summer

2011-08-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

(pattern from Sublime Stitiching)

I am sad it's over.

Although, the excessive heat and humidity is making me cranky.

Being the positive person I am, I will now look forward to Halloween.

I think I will turn a new leaf and start working on decorations right now.

2011-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a SECRET room in my house that NOBODY knew about.
It would be all about bed.
Only bed.
Nothing else.
The bed would be plush.
I could sneak away to this bed and be all alone.
No one would bring a half dozen stuffed animal "friends" to sleep with us too.
No one would kick me or smack me, dead-armed in the face.
No one would turn the tv on at 3 a.m., watching old Clint Eastwood movies.
And no one, I mean NO ONE, (not a ONE!) would eat cheeze-its in my bed.
And then, MAYBE, I would know, for once in like 22 years, what a good night's sleep is all about.

2011-08-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school.
I walked my six year-old on to campus, hand in hand.

But as we neared the school, she dropped my hand.
I felt a lump in my throat, but at the same time I was excited for her.
Excited that she was feeling some independence.
It's hard to see them grow, but so rewarding to see them grow allright;
little signs that they are going to be just fine dealing with this world.
I am now left with one little one at home.
This is the last year I will have her home with me.
It's painful.
But good things are a brewin'. I can feel it.

You say it's your birthday? Well it's my birthday too!

2011-08-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am one year older and one year wiser.
I am concentrating on the latter.
When my husband actually remembered, he tried to call and call me.
Then he realized he was calling the wrong number all morning.
He doesn't remember my cell number.
Then he had a brain fart and couldn't remember our home number.
He had to ask Dex.
Poor guy.

QUOTES from the CAR

2011-07-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Having several children can make life a bit chaotic.
My time in the car is my "down" time.
It's rare that I have everyone with me. Usually it's a couple, maybe just one.
This is our time to talk, just shoot the breeze.
I never talk on my cell phone if I have my kids with me on the road.
I just can't miss out on these one-on-one moments.
Sometimes I get asked, what I perceive to be, crazy questions!
Or I get to hear deep, random thoughts of a twelve year-old.
And let me emphasize R A N D O M...
Here are a few of the latest and greatest:
(Do NOT try these at home.)

"Mom, is the reason why there are so many suburbans around here because we live in the SUBURBS?" -author witheld

"Is New Mexico like Mexico, only newer?" -author witheld

(These are not toddlers asking these questions.
Then it would be cute.)
There is no such thing as a dumb question. Right?
So keep asking away, kids.
I am here to answer and guide you through life.
(And exploit you if it's just too good not to share!)

2011-07-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Just a thought I had...
You know how there are various restaurants that claim "fusion" in their titles?
That's how I view my house.
It used to bother hubs that the outside of my home is southwest/territorial/adobe and the inside is...
well, not.
Like I'm not being consistent.
Unpredictable.
Why, thank you for the compliment!

I love shutters on the outside. Shutters that can actually be utilized.
France has so many prime examples!
But my house isn't French-Country...
Maybe a little "fusion" is in order.

What do you think?

Would it be French-Mexican fusion?
Whenever I find myself in one of these quandries,
I just simply ask myself, "WWFD"?

2011-07-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

I find more and more that I have the time to get on the computer less and less.
Today, that changed for a moment.
The heat here is, at times, life-stopping.
Meaning, I wish life would just stop.
Fast forward to Fall.
Deep Fall.
Like November Fall.
Today I find myself in a heat-induced lethargy.
It sounds pretty silly to say, "It's just too hot to swim".
But it's true.
When the pool water feels like a lukewarm bathtub, it's time to head North.
Before I do that...
Some images of COOLness

image: Chow

image: Google

I'd like to get my feet in some of these.

image: Google

Another outdoor shower...

One of these days...

ONE of these days.

image: Restyled Home

I'm feeling better already.

Signs of Summer

2011-06-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

We catch "Beach Fever". It's very contagious...

The list goes up...

Swimming consumes most of our days...

Oh the red, white, and blue. (I keep it up through pioneer day.)

Give a girl a necklace... she's accessorized for the day.
Teach a girl how to bead a necklace... she's accessorized for life!

The Reason Why my Outdoor Shower Hasn't Been Built

2011-06-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's been months of designing and hard work.
It was a project I washed my hands of.
This was MAN work.

Meet Goliath.
The Hubs made him for Scout Camp.
He took up the entire garage.
He's a whopping 12 feet tall and

MEAN!
I bet he's going to get himself PELTED with rocks!

Sleeping Beauty

2011-04-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite stones is Sleeping Beauty Turquoise.
The color is the prettiest shade of blue.
It reminds me of a clear, clean sky
or the clearest of oceans...

Do you know WHY they call it Sleeping Beauty?
It is mined only in Globe, AZ from the Sleeping Beauty Mine.
That mine looks like the outline of Sleeping Beauty.

I think it's crazy romantic.
Special stone.
Special mine.

What the WOOL!

2011-04-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

I was teaching my girls how to felt wool this weekend.
It is such a COOL medium to work with. We made little miniatures to keep in a little wooden bowl.
It's one of those things that you can do while you watch (listen to) tv so that you feel productive while you're just sitting there. (or is that just me.)
If you know me very well, then you know that I also love working with denim.
Do not abandon jeans around my house if you aren't willing to sacrifice them to one of my skirt projects.
I had a pair that my sister gave me and they were LOW riders.
Annoyingly low.
Let me just suggest that these make THE best skirts.
There's not a lot of excess fabric around your waist and they sit just perfectly on your hips.

I decided to try felting the wool directly to the denim.
It worked perfectly!

Display it, Don't Say it

2011-03-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

"Hot Mama", "Foxy", and "Meow"

Remember how I like to give mini lectures on being confident?
That confidence is attractive?
I've been in the mood to make "Confident" pendants so you can say it without having to really SAY it.
Know-what-I-mean?
Any requests? Just let me know.
I know you are all dying to display your confidence as am I.
Fake it 'til you make it...

Just Call Me Crafty

2011-03-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Spring Break wasn't ALL play.
I got some things made. Here and there.

My sister and I are doing the beehive craft bazaar in the next couple of months. (Is that what it's called?)
We are letting our inner-crafty-selves take control of our minds and bodies and just making mounds of treasures that will hopefully create a frenzy of craft-starved consumers to throw money at us in hopes of owning some of our clever creations!
I know. I know. I don't like to be labeled, "CRAFTY".
But I guess in reality, I really am just that.
I need to just embrace it.

2011-03-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Spring Break has come and gone.
The weather was beautiful...
What could be more fun than a
CRAZY family kickball game!!!

I have to tell you, my inner competitive, INSANE monster comes out.
I don't typically participate in team sports.
I go nuts.
I yell and whoop, laugh like a freak, and I even cursed, TWICE, in front of my little nieces and nephews.
Yes, I lose all control of my calm self and become the CRAZED AUNT we never knew existed.
Sorry kids.

Our tough team.

I'm pretty sure we won.

Shhhhhhh. Don't tell him.

Otherwise, I will not live to blog again.

(This is only like the THIRD blog this picture has made it on!)

Summer Showers

2011-03-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

In the Summer,
I ease most comfortably into my nature girl role.
I have MANY plants that have to be watered DAILY so they don't wither in the hot AZ sun.
So I'm in the yard A LOT.
In order to survive the heat, frequent dips in the pool are necessary.
A must.
I ban oven use, blow dryers, curling irons, hot showers....anything that's HOT.
AND, I moisturize and condition with coconut oil All. Summer. Long.
It's no big secret that I daily bathe in the back yard with the help of my gardening hose.
(I have ongoing bets with my sister on how long I can go without stepping into my "indoor shower".)
Water out of the tap is THE perfect temperature!
But I am done with the hose.
It's nature-ish, sure, but not very glamorous.
I have been nagging C to get a shower built for me in time for my Summer rituals.

I love this "peek-a-boo" fence. It would be just enough privacy...I could easily hang hooks in this one to leave my teensy bikini to drip dry and make a dash for the house sans a towel.
...Just let the hot sun and wind from my brisk movement dry me off NATURALLY. (Kidding!!!! Or am I?????

I have this kooky obsession with corrugated metal. I would absolutely love to incorporate it somehow into my shower...

This one is is definately cute.
And the mirror...can't decide if I'd want a mirror in my shower...

I love the vibe here.
And the stumps are awesome. (I really try to use that word sparingly...)

A little too formal for me. But classy, to say the least.
A lot of ideas to work with here.
Can't wait to see what he comes up with...

All pics via OTHER BLOGS. Duh. Just wish I remember which ones.

2011-03-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Children's bracelets...

Speaking of Projects...

2011-02-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

For YEARS I have been wanting to silk screen.

And for years, I put it off.

It was daunting to me.

But finally, FINALLY, I dove in.

My t-shirt that my kids are just as proud of.

My skirt.

My Frida skirt. (She is silkscreened)

My advice to you:

If there is something you've been wanting to learn, do it!

Tackle it now!

You will probably LOVE it!

Could it Really Be Over!

2011-02-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

Is TAMN really saying goodbye?
Is the perfect life that we've been able to watch perfectly come together really just be over for good?
For reals?
No. No. It's never really over.
I can think of a handful of blogs that you could read and get that same "My life is so dull" feeling from.
And I'm related to some of them.
These "my life is perfect" blogs are the reason I take sebaticals from blogging from time to time.
I hope I never sound like I'm trying to brag about my perfect life. Because it is SO not perfect.
And my eight adorable kids? SO not perfect.
The hubs? VERY, VERY far from perfect. (Kidding, hun.)
And me? The least perfect person in this FAR from perfect world.
And I experience TONS of crafting mishaps. (I only show you the stuff that miraculously turns out.)
Stay tuned...
I'm almost done being turned off by perfect- people- who- blog.
Trying to keep it real,
Angela

2011-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

And the winner is...
LINDSAY WOOD-FELSTED!
E-mail me your address, Lindsay!
Happy Valentines Day to all the lovahs!

It's Here!

2011-02-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

The show is this weekend in Salt Lake.
I just love how these turned out.

And inside the little drawer...

Voila!

Go see Cassandra's blog to find out more.

2011-02-07T12:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend I got some jewelry made.
My little 3-year old worked right beside me and strung her own necklace...

I don't know who was more proud;
I think it was a tie between the two of us.

I am partial to these square dancers.

It takes me back to 7th and 8th grade P.E. when we did square dancing out on the basketball courts.

The girls and boys would line up across from each other, the music would start, and then we'd follow in line to meet up with our partner.

Oh the anxiety!

Who would my partner be?

Would he have clammy, sweaty palms?

EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Didn't We Just Put Christmas Away!

2011-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

These conversation hearts are about three years old.
I pack them away in a ziploc, and then empty them into a big jar every Valentines.
After I caught guests reaching in the jar for a little treat, I decided to do something different with them..
Maybe get some "fresh" treats for the candy jar...

I really hope hubby is shopping hard for my box of chocolates and stuffed animal. (You know the one...the HUGE one holding a heart that professes it's love...the bigger the better, baby!)
Can't wait to put it on my bed...

What/Who Do You Love?

2011-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

Leave me a comment.
Tell me who you love.
Or what you love.
Maybe you'll win something.
Something SWEET!

You never know...
This may be your LUCKY Valentine's...

Make it good and be original!
(I know you love your spouses and I know you love your kids... We all do. So tell me something I don't know.)

Love is In the Air

2011-01-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I have been focusing on hearts...
Wait! I'm always making hearts.
Now I have an excuse.
With all the love that's in the air, it's hard to contain all my heart and "love" ideas.
And just to prove I am feeling the love...
I will announce a Valentine-ish giveaway tomorrow.

I'm already in a relationship


I'm available.

2011-01-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my very favorite 14 year old in the entire world!

SCHMOPHIE!

There's not a single day that goes by that you don't make me laugh!

And the rumors are true...
I HAVE been painting my front room.
Here's a little peek...

What's my deal-e-o with the color blue lately!
Who would have ever thought...
Hubs is a little freaked out, you know, with re-sale value and all.
But he's breathing on his own now.
I don't know how many times my kids each asked me, "Does Dad know you're painting?" "Did Dad SAY you could paint this color?"
Have they not learned the protocol around here? Have I not taught them " tis better to ask forgiveness than permission?"
Oh yeah, they've probably learned from past experiences of mine that it's not always smooth sailing living by this mantra. They are actually LEARNING from MY mistakes.
Oh, see! They will grow to be MUCH better human beings than me...

Meanwhile, I will be braving 20 foot ladders the next little while to finish up the tall ceilings.
Hope I live to show you the AFTER pictures...

A Collaboration!

2011-01-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

I've been so excited about this project I have been working on with Cassandra Barney.
She paints.
I make the jewels for her subjects.
And both will be sold together!

Have you ever heard of such a thing! Art to wear AND art to look at all in ONE SWOOP!

I think her art coordinates well with my jewelry style. Don't you think?
We are soul sistas, so it's kind of expected.

These paintings will be in a frame with a little drawer for the necklace.

AND,
this set of paintings and necklaces will be on display one night only at Repartee Gallery in Fort Union (1110 East Fort Union BLVD,Midvale, UT) Saturday, February 12 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm. If you are interested in any of these and you can't make it to the show, contact Allison Dawson at (801)352-2569 or allison@reparteegallery.com

Jipped.

2011-01-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

On my way to Utah, this Thanksgiving, I had plans.
Plans to stop off at a trading post or two on the reservation.
I have wanted a new ring.
But it was cold. So cold.
There was not a trading post open for business. Not a one.
So when I got home, I was determined to put my Indian hat on and try to transcend their talents into my own creation.
This is what became of that quest.
Have I ever told you I love big, turquoise rings?
Is it that obvious now?

2011-01-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

In the last month and a half, I have "lost" THREE under eye concealers.
Three.
Gone.
Not just one, not even two, but THREE.
Disappeared.
What are the chances?
Nobody seems to know the whereabouts of these precious little pots of age-erasing cream.
I am starting to think I am going mad.
Maybe I am doing something with them in my sleep.
No, I am not crazy. I am NOT a sleepwalker.
You would think at least one of my many daughters would know a little something about the whereabouts...
No. Everyone in my house is innocent.
It's time to call a family meeting.
They cringe when I call a family meetings such as this one.
It's always my last resort.
EVERYONE sits on the couch, I give a little schpeal on honesty, and then a moment of silence for the confessor to come forward.
What if no one comes forward, you ask?
We sit and watch the Ten Commandments. The ENTIRE four hour movie.

Or until I give up and go to bed.

Frida Obsessed?

2011-01-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

Me?
Obsessed with Frida?

A dear little friend made this forme for Christmas

And a dear little sister made this for me for Christmas.

That same little dear sister gave this doll to me too.

And this...this is just a self portrait of me a Frida.

My mom asked me not too long ago why I like this woman so much. "What is it about her?"

"I mean, her art is crazy!"

I know. That's one of the things I like about her. She let it all hang out.

I admire her. Her angst.

Her survival of extreme pain.

Her need to express herself through art.

I feel like, had we ever been fortunate enough to cross paths, we would have been close friends.

Maybe, after this life we will be!

Twenty Eleven Now Begins...

2011-01-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

This year I decided I am no longer doing special orders. I am going to be concentrating on one-of-a-kind pieces. I'm not certain the outlet, but you can still get a hold of me if you are ever interested in a peice I show here.

I have one Lucky Penny available at the moment. The other pendant says, "I heart my kids".
Happy New Year everyone!

Can I Sit Down Now?

2010-12-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

"This, you see, is my ultimate ambition – to live a simple life with the frog I love."

-Miss Piggy

Need I say more?

I'm glad it's over.

Now on with a new year!

2010-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

I just got photos from our Thanksgiving. Isn't family the best!
When we travel, our family has to take two cars, get two hotel rooms, food costs a fortune!
Yes, it IS a pain.
But it's always worth it, to make memories and relieve traditions.

We had dinner in my brother's old, old, OLD, restored barn.
It was very Martha.

The Fam

It just wouldn't be a normal day without getting a flux from this kid.

Yes, Brock, your getting HUGE!

Ah, babies. I love the babies...

Sister love. Isn't it great when they get along!

It all makes me feel SO thankful!

2010-12-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, I am diving into my garage studio...

I hope to emerge with some truly spectacular creations...

Raising NON-Black Friday Shoppers

2010-11-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

It is a hard task.
Raising NON-Black Friday Shoppers.
I abhor Black Friday shopping.
I have tried to pass that on.
But still, unfailinigly, at least one or two daughters get caught up in the hype on Thanksgiving Day.
I try to suppress, deflate, discourage those desires.
My sister even offered to brave the cold and sleep depravation with my girls.
But when it came to actually going, they were "too tired" and had "studying to do".
Bah hah!
My influences have obviously been too strong.
It's just not in there genes to be Black Friday shoppers.
When my sister asked Sophie what store she wanted to hit, she replied, "Black Friday!"
Poor little thing...Didn't even know what Black Friday even was.
Have I done my job or what!

How many kids can fit in a Madsen Bucket?

2010-11-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

Not sure, but there having a giveaway and I'd love to find out!
(Just click on the pic.)

I Can Multi Task

2010-11-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

I have not been solely working on peanut people. I tend to focus on many things at once. .. Jewelry is always included. I have a few new designs...

This pendant says, "MOM".
Photography is NOT one of my focuses.

Halloween Bash

2010-10-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

It was a night to remember...

Great ambiance...

Good food...

Great costumes...

Good friends...

Little pyros...

Good times!

Secret Obsessions

2010-10-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

I not-so-secretly obsess at home that I can dance the robot.
I do it all the time.
It's a predictable occurrence for my body to jolt into robot motions at the very sound of a boom-box beat.
My kids scoff and shake their heads at me.
There is not even slight hesitation in their criticisms when they inform me that I am NOT a successful robot mover and shaker.
What does this do to me?
This constant dream-destructive discouragement?
I'll tell you what it does...
It drives me to be the bangiest, best, big-time robot dancer out there!
I study Youtube videos when everyone is at school and work.
My moves are getting more fluid and natural.
I am becoming one with the robot.
(I will show those schlumps I call my own flesh and blood! One day, they will BEG to dance like me.)
I'm struggling with the empty eyes, though.
Because I am such a deep person.
( It's hard to hide my depth. )
Dancing Kim inspires me.
I just wonder if Dancing Kim is still dancing today.
Man, she's awesome.

It's Such a Small World...

2010-10-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

I have a Soul Sista.

Emily, me, and Cassandra
In some sort of weird, twisted way, we were almost sisters.
And our souls are completely aware of that.
You see...
My mom

Pammy

and her dad

James

TOTALLY dated in college.
He's an artist.
His beautiful daughters are both artists.
Funny, I really could have used an artist in my life growing up.
I had so much artistic angst. It was practically tangible.
I would beg my mom to take me to Aaron Brothers so I could walk around and look at the brushes and paints.
I would constantly cut my clothes up and sew them to other things. Add beads. Whatever it took.
I pretty much, sort of... stalked artists...
Luckily I found jewelry design and music.
And then I found Cass...
Cassandra Barney is my sister-friend.
We are, as far as we're concerned, pretty much related.

Thanks for the visit, Sista!

2010-10-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's a trade off.
You are either a project person or a clean house person.
Anyone who is both...my hats off to you. I don't know how you do it.
Is it a "side of the brain" thing?
Is it motivation or lack of?
Who really knows. (Or, in my case, who cares.)
Lucky for me, I have a husband who will clean my bathroom without complaining.
This gives me the time I need to get things made.
I must cultivate my talents if I want to get any more talented.
He understands.
Plus, he's much better than I at cleaning the toilet. (Sorry, C. You're just blessed I guess.)
Saturday, it was imperative that I make a seat cover for Gigi's toddler seat on my bike.

She felt pretty special.
And that makes me happy.
And when I am happy, EVERYONE is happy.
Know what I mean?

Halloween Paintings

2010-10-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

I love my kids' art much more than my own.
I think they are much more talented.
Today, two of them took a painting class from Morgen Thruston. (Go check out her talents!)
I love how these turned out and they were IMMEDIATELY placed on the living room bookshelves!

Then we watched "Hocus Pocus"...(CLASSIC!)

Hunter did this one for me a couple years ago

Today, I was telling her how much I love Halloween. She said, "Who doesn't!" I said, "Sadly, I know a few in my family who don't. Can you believe that!"
"No, Mom. That's just SAD."
Yes, that is sad indeed.

2010-10-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is my scary, monstrous mesquite tree in my front yard.

When I drive down the street, heading home, I imagine that it is trying to eat my house. It could eat my house.
That's just how big it is.
I have love/hate feelings for it.
It's a living thing. I love living things and the beauty of nature and all.
But sometimes, in weak moments, I fantasize chopping it down to nothing.
(And having a lifetime supply of mesquite firewood.)
In the Summer months, though, it shades my home and it MUST save us hundreds on our power bill, right?
And then, every Halloween I have a PLETHORA (no exaggeration ) of gnarly limbs and twigs to add to arrangements, door ways, table tops...
Please, don't buy any overpriced stems from the craft store this year.
Let me cut you some from my tree. There's plenty for ALL of us!

Viva La Color!

2010-09-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

I love Mexico. I love Betsey Johnson.
Betsey Johnson's casita IN Mexico. LOVE it.

I have saved these magazine clippings for years. They are some of the only pictures I have not "grown out of" and tossed.

I have tried the clean, white look.
I grew bored with it.

My own cabinet from Mexico

I always go back to color.
If you go with your gut, you can't go wrong. Decorating trends will come and go (use those on the kids' rooms.), but your heart will always stay true to a certain style.
I have to admit, I have no respect for people who decorate and style their home for "re-sale" value. (OK, maybe a little respect. But I feel sorry for them.)
Ughh. That's not living!
Paint, like crazy haircuts, makes life exciting.
You can ALWAYS repaint. And you can ALWAYS grow your hair out!

2010-09-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

Has there ever been a restaurant that you could literally visit ALL THE TIME?
I have developed a crazy little weakness for one such place.
(And it doesn't help that hubby shares the SAME weakness!)

This be that place! The pizza is oh so thin and yummy. I have still managed to lose weight while incorporating their cheese pizza into my life.

And YOU CAN TOO.
Go HERE to find their locations.
You KNOW what we're having for dinner tonight!

Little Feet

2010-09-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Little feet.

Love them.

I could eat them up...

with a spoon!

photos: courtesy of Bronwyn Henrie

Toaster Love

2010-08-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Just imagine...
I could have two of these babies going at the same time and have toast for all the kids at once!

2010-08-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

I love these muffin/cupcake cups I found. They're parchment paper.
Don't they look like little presents?
And edible glitter! It was hard to decide on a color because there were so many to choose from!
If you are in the Phoenix area, drive directly to ABC Cake Supply.
Honestly, they're not the sweetest people, but they have a LOT to offer.
I'm just sayin'...
(And for those of you that are too young to know, that's Raggedy Ann. It's a childhood thing.)

One Man's Weeds...

2010-08-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Is a crazy woman's flower!

I picked these in Utah along the road and creeks and carted them home in big garbage bags.

They dried and kept their beautiful autumn colors.

Bring on the Fall!

What's Inspiring Me This Week:

2010-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

A lovely swing on the porch.

A lovely porch.

(image)

Rainbow Oreos to greet some tired, worn-out kids after school.

(image)

Or just some yummy rose-petal cupcakes...

(image)

A whole entire wall full of open shelving.

I love the paintings incorporated with the dishes.

It's a mix of objects to utilize and objects that are just pretty to look at.

A perfect combination, if you ask me.

(image)

Dear Hairstylist to the Stars...

2010-08-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Could you give me this do?
I am completely uncoordinated with a curling iron.
Hair products; how do I put those on?
My hair regimine has consisted of baby shampoo and suave conditioner outside under the high pressure of the garden hose.
(I like to swim! And then feel I must immediately wash the chlorine out of my hair.)
My hair stylist had a baby and I have felt alone and abandoned.
So I turned to "the box" for the beautiful blond color it promised.
I know, I am a mess.
Please help.
Angela

Beautiful!

2010-07-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

I admit it.
I have been in a funk.
The big 40 is fast-approaching and I don't really know what to make of it.
I have been feeling that my life is half over and my kids are just going to eventually leave me anyway...
But then,
I read my friend, Cass's blog today.
She shared one of her paintings of an old woman.
But most importantly she shared her positive feelings of growing older.

And how we EARN our tiny wrinkles.
And how beautiful and interesting can one be without them!
Would any of us really like to go back to junior high or high school?
No freaking way.
My cup is half full from now on...the best years of life are ahead of me.
I treasure my memories of being a "young family", but I can't go back.
No regrets.

2010-07-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Can we just talk about this?
Sometimes life can be a bit crushing.
I leave my daughter in Utah in the morning and make the long drive back to AZ.
I'm not being very valiant.
I'm not being very brave.
I'm not even very good at acting like I am fine.
I am feeling like I'm not very good at handling "life stuff".
I know MANY people go through this EVERY day. But today, I feel like I'm the only one. Suffering.
A piece of me is being ripped out and left to the lions. The savage, beastly lions of Utah that prey on sweet, innocent, young girls.
A bit pathetic. A bit neurotic.
I know. I know.
If you see a red suburban pulled off to the side of Highway 89, just ignore the big crybaby inside and move along.
She'll get over it. (That's what people tell me.)
Or maybe not.

2010-06-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Man, I am going to miss this girl!

(Seminary Graduation!)

Sophie, me, Hunter, Amanda, Amy and Ruby

We leave this week to take her to Utah.

SLC or bust!

Go Utes?

Mother-Daughter Collaboration

2010-06-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things is collaboration on a project.
I can get so tired of big doses of just my style.
I admire and obsess over the talents of others.
My daughters are no exception.
I am continually amazed that they all have come from me, yet posess such unique and beautiful talents of their own.
I am giddy when they agree to fuse their talents with mine to create something together.
I am sentimental. (Could you not tell?)
Hunter and I have been working on this painting.
My part is done.
She has (sniffle, sniffle) 6 days to finish her part before she (sniffle, sniffle) leaves.
She is moving away from me.
We won't talk about that...it will put me in a funk for the rest of the day.

Fillerup!

2010-06-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

New Summer means New Summer Jar.

We fill it with all of our momentos from Summer.

Time to GET BUSY!

New Jewels...

2010-06-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable, I know, but in between cooking, cleaning, and laundry, I have managed to get some new things made.
I did a little line of "Nice Girls" Jewelry in honor of all the nice little girls out there. (Thanks to a little bird named Cassandra!)

Nice girls have nice manners ("I'm Sorry", "It's OK"), are "True Blue" and "Friends Indeed".

Adouble wrap of turquoise stones with a red, opaque crystal-wrapped heart.

Yum.

Awesome picture!

This is actually a long necklace made of smokey quartz, pearls, and Blue Peruvian Opals (LOVE these stones!) There's a small twisted heart as a little dangle.

Another "I love Candy". This one is on a chain of various stones, crystals, pearls, and silver.

The smaller heart is on a chain of crystals.

To me, I like my jewelry small in the Summer. Because it's so dang hot!

And finally, I took a trip to the leather shop and bought me some leather and crystal studs.

This strip wraps around the wrist three times. (Or if you're four, you can wear it as a belt!)

Being more OPEN minded

2010-06-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Proof once more that open shelving is AWESOME!

(John Gruen photography)

High School Boyfriend from Hell

2010-06-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I was on a hike with friends and we were talking about our body images and yucky ex-boyfriends.
Did you have one?
I TOTALLY did.
Mine was a tad bit shorter than me and drove a black Iroc Z.

(Only his was blacker, lower, and more evil looking.)
He had a mobile phone mounted in between the seats that charged me every time I called him. (It took me a while to figure that one out.)
He had oily bangs that hung in his face and always wore a tank top to "show off" his ever-bulging little muscles. Were they steroidally-charged? We'll never know for sure.

We never really had a conversation in the car because the stereo was always blasting Oingo Boingo or OMD.
He had this incessant habit of trying to make me feel bad about myself.
I don't know. Maybe it made him feel better about HIMSELF.
I had to hear how much prettier his ex-girlfriend was than me.
Or how if I lost weight, he would stop partying with his friends.
He was even generous enough to offer me a Diet Coke when he was ordering his fried chicken sandwich and fries from Dairy Queen.
Once, he convinced me to get on a scale and then scoffed in his jerky way about my 130 lb. body.
Now I can laugh about it. But back then, it was an evil little, flesh-eating bug that ate away my self esteem.
Now I get mad at myself for even putting up with that.
But then, now, I can blog about it and it just magically makes me feel better!
He SO missed out!

2010-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Having been a Mom for almost 20 years now, there's one thing I hate most: Mean kids.
Since toddlerhood, I have taught my young to be kind and respectful to others. Sometimes I'm shocked at how parents let their children treat others: Harsh words, no apologies. It's been eye opening.
Now I understand that there's going to be the" hitter" or the" biter". We've all had those in our families. But there does come a time that being a bully or being mean just isn't acceptable.
One observation: It's usually the mean kids that are popular. Everyone's afraid NOT to be their friend.
And another observation? It's not often to your advantage to be the "nice guy".
Sad.
Being nice doesn't always get you the friends you so desperately would love to have.

I have a beautiful little daughter with a big, soft heart.
It's hard to watch her be hurt by others or not really have a good friend to call her own.
But at her school awards assembly, she got a Citizenship Award. I couldn't have been more pleased.
She deserves that.
I hope she has the courage to stay on that "Nice Path".
And not give in to the peer pressure of being a mean girl.

The Winner of the Giveaway... An Hommage to an 80's Classic.

2010-05-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Let's see if you can follow my brain travels on this one:
(I apologize, first, that you even have to try.)
This August, I will be turning 40.
The other day I was at a party store and stumbled upon the "Over the Hill" aisle.
"Wait. Is 40 over the hill? Isn't it 50? Is this me?"
It can't be.
It totally is!
Ughhh.
It had to happen sooner or later.
So, when I reflect on my life, my brain waves always travel to the 80's.
It never fails.
One of my faves was Sixteen candles. (It's a classic to ME!)

Long Duck Don is forever engraved in my frail little mind saying, "Sexy Girlfriend!" That's what my friends and I called each other for years. Somehow, it evolved into "Sexy American Girlfriend"!

My thoughts and quotes from my past tend to get materialized into my jewelry.

It always happens.

My gift to one of the MANY Sexy American Girlfriends out there is this little treasure.

Wear it well, LARAINE!!!!
I can't wait to see you sportin' this around town!
(And I may just be a Sexy American Girlfriend, but I am NO photographer!)

Summer, summer, summer...

2010-05-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is:

NETFLIX

Salads

Swimming, Swimming, and then MORE Swimming

Bakesales

Kids Make Dinners (YEAH!)

Late Nights/No Bedtime

Books

Showers Outside

Afternoon "Quiet Time"

Matinees in the Cool Theater

4th of July Party

My Birthday

Guess how old I'm going to be this Summer? Leave your guess and tell me how great I look for being that old and I'll enter you in the drawing to win something GREAT! I'll announce the winner Monday night and unveil the prize...

Girl! Where You Been!

2010-05-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

It's not for lack of inspiration. No crazy illness. I'm still alive and all.
I've just been BUSY. (I know, Mom's say that all the time!)
And I'm not one to complain, but...
I think these last two weeks of school are the worst and busiest of the year.
Even more than Christmas!
There's end of the year programs, projects, recitals, parties, pictures...GRADUATION!

Don't even get me started on graduation. It's too, too sad for me.
I miss the old days.
When our biggest decision of the day was whether we would go to the mall or the park. ("Mall!" I'm not a "park Mom". We can talk about THAT later.)
When peanut butter sandwiches with Cheetos (inside) was an exciting lunch.
Or when "Nap time" meant we ALL took a nap!
Sometimes I sit back and think, "Whew! That went FAST!"
Makes you want to savor each day. Just inhale all the little silly stuff...
Enough. I have to go make cupcakes for the orchestra party...

Some New Jewels

2010-05-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Little girl necklace says I HEART COOKIES.

Key to My Heart Necklace

MOM with hammered heart.

For more info on these pieces, go to justthejewelry.blogspot.com.

FOUND

2010-04-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the grand opening of FOUND.
My sweet friend, Kristin, is absolutely amazing at, first, finding treasures, and secondly, arranging them into the most beautiful vignettes.

The store is packed with neutral antiques and finds that will easily fit into any decor.
Sometimes, all you need is a "new" antique or piece to give your old space a new focal point.
The old can feel new again!

If you're in the perusing mood this weekend, I would strongly encourage you to go see the store for yourself.
I was impressed by the the reasonable prices of some of the ecclectic furniture pieces and the abundance of decorating ideas. (I really want that painting!)

I didn't bring my camera, but I wish I could show you the variety of old lighting that was there.
(Definately NOT anything you would find at Home Depot!)
Great job, K! But, it's really all I expect from you!
A

2010-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is coming and I've been trying to come up with some appropriate pieces for Mom.

These are handmade links and pearls with a one-of-a-kind "MOM" pendant.

Just a simple "MOM" on a silver bar. The chain is of faceted silver beads.

OK. Maybe not every Mom loves candy, but this one does! I had to throw it in the mix. It, too, is on a chain of faceted silver beads.

I've also been a little preoccupied with making children's jewelry. I have two little girls constantly making requests...so it actually keeps my creativity at a child mentality level. (What would I like if I was 4?) Trust me, it is not the least bit difficult for me.

2010-04-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Senior Prom.

Next, graduation.

Then, REAL LIFE!

(Bah hah hah hah hah!)

Isn't life just a fairytale when you're young...

Memory Lane...

2010-04-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

It's Hunter's senior prom this weekend.
I have tried and TRIED, unsuccessfully, to convince her that wearing my old prom dress would be FUN!
(Allright, allright. I probably really did say, "It would be a hoot!" But who wants to admit they actually use that phrase! Not me.)
It seems to me that the fashion trend now is "everything goes". Am I right?
She doesn't think so.

I mean SERIOUSLY...who wouldn't think that those ruffles would look adorable framing her sweet little face!
"Besides," she told me, "it's too big."
(Brat.)
I opened up my hope chest in hopes to find a picture of me in this dress.
I found my beautiful, lacey, MAUVE photo album!

What a treasure...and in tafetta!
I searched each page. But all I could come up with was pictures from graduation:

I'm sure my friends are thrilled. But it's the perks of being my friend. I bet, back then, they had no idea I could have a hand in giving them this much exposure!
Sadly, no pictures of me at prom.
I'm sure they'll pop up somewhere. Maybe my mom's hoarding all of them.
We all know how she LOVES to hold on to stuff! (NOT!)

2010-04-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

OUTDOOR dining and entertaining.

OUTDOOR lighting.

OUTDOOR showering.

I love ALL of it.

2010-04-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

It's not that I've been lazy...
My projects seem to be harder to accomplish these days.
My fabric scissors have mysteriously disappeared...
That's frustrating.
I have not gotten myself to Joannes to buy new ones.
I have been too busy running other errands.
LOTS of errands.
What errands?
Mom errands, I guess. Can't really tell you WHAT I've accomplished lately, but I've been really busy doing I'm- not- sure- what.
Trying to fit in a new workout routine everyday doesn't exactly simplify things.
Please don't expect me to be out the door before 11AM.
I'm just trying to stay sane and nice right now.

Red Party

2010-04-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

What is a red party?

It all started when my oldest daughter "became a woman", if you know what I'm saying.

I didn't want my girls to be embarassed of the "changes" that would occur in their life.

Becoming a woman should be celebrated.

(Are you following me here?)

Back in the day when the Cosby Show was primetime and I watched it religiously every Thursday night,

I was expecially taken by an episode where Rudy got her period.

Her mom declared it "Woman Day" and they went out for the day to celebrate the event.

I thought, "I want to make it fun for my girls, because let's face it, it's a dreaded thing!"

So my sisters and I put our heads together and came up with "Red Party".

All the "women" in the family go out.

Sometimes we've had to literally kidnap the new "Woman" because she's 13, easily embarassed and a predictable bolter.

We wear red.

We go to RED Robin or RED Lobster or somewhere RED...

And we just have a good time.

Celebrating our womanhood.

(We have a couple of traditions that we practice at the "Red Party", but I've decided to keep those private so that they're special to us. And let's face it...you probably know WAY too much about me!)

2010-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, oftentimes my mom would say, "I could just eat you with a spoon!"

What?

How?

(I was young. You take everything so literally when you're young.)

This always made me think of ice cream sundaes. That's what I'D want to eat with a spoon!

But now I completely understand why she said those words.

I call this one "Sprinkles".

She gets frustrated with me when I call her that.

"My name's Wynnie. Call me Wynnie."

And then I tell her,

"I can't help it. When I look at your cute little face with your sprinkles of freckles, well, I could just eat you up!"

She giggles.

"OK."

Gettin' Cozy

2010-04-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

No stuffed animals in the baskets this Easter.

We go for the real stuff around here.

Her name's "Cozy".

It's the third name she's had in a week.

Happy Easter!

Peeps for the Masses

2010-04-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Allright, allright...so I didn't come up with 101 things to do with Peeps.

(April Fool's took A LOT of undivided attention.)

Sometimes I talk big.

I don't always walk the walk.

But the good intentions are there, really.

Just hatched Peeps

Skinny dipping Peeps

(Thery're not so skinny.)

Taste the Rainbow Peeps

Don't Bop Bunny Fou Fou Cakes

(Yes, they're from last year.!)

April Fool's Part Deux

2010-04-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

And of course, it would not be April Fool's day without the surprise attack on the kids coming home from school...

Special Note: Do NOT wear white shirts on April 1st.

Another Special Note: Don't ever let your guard down...

Not while we roam the streets...

Make Me Laugh

2010-04-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh. April Fools. It's a day I can get away with being absolutely childish and immature. And trust me, I can be very immature. I don't even have to try very hard - it comes quite naturally. I have a sister that is always the prankster. But this year, we were going to pull one over on her.

One thing you must learn about a prankster is they are extremely paranoid. Especially on April Fool's Day.

We had such a great plan to tin foil her bedroom. We know the code to her garage (security is TIGHT at her place!), but she foiled US in her state of paranoia and locked the garage door into the house. Frustrated, we made do with tin foiling anything we could in the garage

But then, Miss Paranoid came home early and caught us in the act!

Oh, next year, girl...I cannot wait to get you good!

Peeps show

2010-03-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

101 things to do with Peeps (my most beloved candy of all time)
The quest is on...

And I only have a few days...
Stay tuned

Fun Find

2010-03-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

For something extra fun in your "junk drawer"...

This "Happy Tape" would make a colorful and "happy" addition.
I love the "frame" tape.
There's even a cool dispenser to hold your new collection.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

Have you stopped and smelled the flowers?

We love pansies - They smell delicious!

2010-03-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

Oops! My aspirations are bigger than my actual muscles and stamina. I only got 2 sets of doors sanded and prepped.

I still have these

and these

to do. I can do this!
I'm thinking I will go buy paint today.
I am much like Pavlov's dog. Dangle the paint in front of me and I will salivate. It only helps me get the job done.
Oh, and great news...the color I will be choosing today is...
BLUE!
I've got to decide on the shade. I'm thinking something a little more beachy or even tuquoisey...

What I WANT to get done this weekend:

2010-03-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

So many projects, so little time.
As far as the yard goes...there are so many weeds to get.
So glad I have two boys I can put on that project.
We have had so much rain, which I LOVE, but the weeds!
Oh, those weeds.

I'd like to get some queen palms planted this weekend around my pool.
So glad I have a husband to put on that project.

What am I going to work on? Oh, it has to do with sanding and paint.
My back courtyard doors (6 sets of them!) SERIOUSLY need to be sanded and painted...before it gets too hot.
What color you ask?
You know conservative is NOT my middle name. Remember my teensy, tiny obsession with blue doors? You don't? Here's some more inspirational pictures:

Several months ago, I painted my front door and side door blue.
Hubby was not happy, to say the least, but quickly and very kindly got over it.
(He just chalks it up to me being quirky. "Artistic people are supposed to be a little crazy" he reassures me all. The. Time.)

If I know him like I think I know him, he's going to want everything uniform...that means blue doors in back! Now I'm just predicting here...he could get totally unpredictable on me and then it may just cause a serious setback on the project.
We'll just have to see what the outcome is, won't we!
Until Monday!

Coming to a neighborhood near you

2010-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Piano Lessons.

Taught lovingly by me.
Time slots are filling up fast!

E-mail me for more info:

angelahenrie@hotmail.com

(BTW, my kids make fun of my old-as-bones e-mail address. Does it really matter? Wouldn't a "hotmail" account be considered more "vintage" nowadays? Or am I seriously uncool?)

Spring Break!

2010-03-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

I am crazy, nuts about this pool house!
We have 85-degree weather today. It's really just torture. It's warm enough to want to swim, but the pool is still freezing. (But even that doesn't stop my kids from getting in - we know they're just crazy.)

When I was young...(yes, I did just actually say that.)
Spring Break was the time to get on our tan! You wanted to come back to school with a healthy glow, or in other words, look like a brown paper grocery bag. The tanner the better. Heck, my dermatologist TOLD me to get sun and burn my zits. The 80's was sun-damage-ignorance bliss! I don't think I ever saw a bottle of sunblock. Did they make it then? All we needed was a bottle of baby oil and some lemon juice and peroxide in a spray bottle. As teenagers, our big motto in life was "Tan fat's better than white fat". Yeah, we were deep. SO mature.

Now we wouldn't dream of letting our kids out without slathering them with 50 SPF. (I put it on myself too now. Not that I haven't already done TONS of damage already!) You live, you learn. Right?

2010-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

My family and I went to Las Vegas for the weekend. Whoa, wait! It's not the kind of trip you're probably thinking of. We go to visit FAMILY. (My husband grew up there and I lived there for 10 years after we got married.) It's always a pretty quick trip. Filled with family. No casinos or strip. I did have a little unfortunate event in the middle of the night while I was there: I tripped over someone's suitcase and I think I broke my toe. What the heck do you do for a toe! Do you even go to the doctor? I'm at a loss. I need direction.

It's Upon Us

2010-03-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

The dreaded bathing suit season. I like to just refer to it as "Summer".

Now I'm no huge bathing suit shopper, but I have found a few that I just may consider:

J. Crew

(No, I would not actually wear white, but I just loved the simplicity of this one.)

Strapless bathing suits always remind me of my mom when I was growing up.

(She was vain enough to not want tan lines. I love it...

J. Crew

Another strapless number.

I LOVE this one from Lands End.

So, I guess I'll have to post pictures of me in the one I pick. Not!!!!!!

2010-03-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

More pictures to share from the Flying Cupcake because,
well,
they just plain make me happy to look at.

One thing I could not live without...

2010-03-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

My Bosch.

It has been out of commision...and so have I.

I basically can't function without it. It's become like an appendage of myself.

My right arm!

I went to the cooking store today and got replacement parts.

I was so impressed with how simple and convenient it was.

It makes me love it even more.

I love you, Bosch.

I will never go back to a Kitchenaide (no matter what color it comes in!)

2010-03-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

Is it just me?

I hate that my kids keep getting older.

All they want is to GET older.

Every birthday I demand them to stop growing.

Stay little.

They just roll their eyes.

They have a "crazy" Mom.

Does this feeling ever go away?

2010-03-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a really cool idea.

To change the feel of a cabinet, why not paint the inside instead of the outside?

Just a thought...

Birthday Party Success

2010-03-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

The Birthday Girl was pleased with her party dress.

She loved the little "Toto" patch.

"Oh Mommy, there IS no place like home!" she exclaimed

(Kidding. She's 3.)

When she saw her cake with the Wizard of Oz characters, she smiled so big and said,

"Wow."

(Really, she did say that.)

The rainbow was INSIDE the cake:

Surprise!

She ripped her rainbow tissue presents open tiny piece by tiny piece.

Was it a success?

Why yes, I believe it was.

My 3 things:

1. 3-year olds

2. gel food coloring

3. cuddling up and watching Wizard of Oz with Gigi

Sidetracked

2010-02-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

I am going to be a little bit distracted the next few days.

I have to put together a birthday party for this little love bug. She's turning 3. (She's shy.)

She wants

A Wizard of Oz theme.

Green is her favorite color.

She wants a green cake.

I don't know how I'm going to put this one together.

We shall see.

Cross your fingers for me.

Sisters

2010-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

My sister moved away to Utah.

To the mountains and the snow.

She left behind 3 sisters.

She left behind Trader Joe's!

Every time we get together for lunch

It's just not the same without her.

"Something's missing," we all agree

We miss our little sister!

Thanks for your weekend visit, B! Love you! (And I'm sure you've had much better poems written for you.)

My 3 Things:

1. Anna and fam came for a visit

2. 70 degree weather

3. Heated pools

Valentine Jewelry

2010-02-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

Valentine's is just around the corner.

I've been busy making lots of hearts.

(Individual shots and prices are posted on my jewelry site .)

What do you do for your Valentine?

My 3 Things:

1. My little studio

2. The whole wheat muffin recipe I got from Amanda

3. Sugar Free mints