MagdaleneJewels' Blogs

Wordless Wednesday - Leave Your Own Caption!!!

2011-10-26T04:26:00.000-07:00

Bbest Christmas Treasury - Great Gift Ideas!

2011-10-26T04:11:00.000-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Zachary!

2011-10-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

His favorite gift - a Bubble Maker from Uncle Brian!

Wordless Wednesday.Happy Birthday Belle!

2011-09-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Baby Belle's 2nd Birthday!

WordlessWednesday: Back to School!

2011-09-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Zachary - 1st Day of School!

Wordless Wednesday:Queen Anne

2011-08-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Queen Anne's Lace

Wordless Wednesday: Beauty of Nature

2011-08-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Fawn

Wordless Wednesday: Leave your own Caption!!!!

2011-04-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Not too often can one caption a photo like this!!!!

Leave your own Caption!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

DINNER AT GRANDMA'S!

(I invite you to leave your own caption!)

Wordless Wednesday: Get Together - Try to love One Another

2011-03-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: Get Together - Try to love One Another
(turn up your volume!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySvYx7XyBws

Wordless Wednesday: Kitty's Keeping Warm

2011-01-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday: What else can you do when it is snowing and 0 degrees!!

Belle & Kitty keeping warm!

Wordless Wednesday: Welcome Orion!

2011-01-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

Orion
Born: 1.7.2011

Wordless Wednesday: ..Dashing Through the Snow...

2011-01-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Zachary's First SleighRide!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas - Zachary Dec 2010

I love this photo - it reminds me of one of my Grandmother's little brother which would have been taken in 1910!

October Blogger of the Month: SplendidLittleStars

2010-10-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

When I think of Margaret’s shop, Splendid Little Stars: http://SplendidLittleStars.etsy.com, the first words that always come to mind are simply adorable! Behind all her adorable “little star” creations is a very talented seamstress, artist, and jewelry designer.

Margaret’s shop is filled with the cutest hand painted toddler and children’s outfits, such as little dresses, onsies, hats, and snowmen socks. A talent which she has perfected over the past 20 years. Having grown up in the late 60’s, I am especially partial to all her tie-dyed children’s clothing as well. Don’t see something you like – all you have to do is ask as she welcomes custom orders. As Margaret says. “customer satisfaction is of primo importance to me”. If you would like to learn about this talented artist’s art of hand painting and tie-dying techniques, I suggest you check out her blog, which is quite interesting! http://splendidlittlestars.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-studio.html

If you think Margaret is just busy painting and tie-dying – think again! She also has another shop on Etsy: http://SparklyPark.etsy.com, which consists of some beautiful pieces of jewelry, which she has personally created and designed. Her interest in jewelry designing started before her clothing business, where she, along with other artisans sold many different handmade items.

To Margaret, the best part of the business was not just selling her merchandise, but her experience with her most treasured customers. I think Margaret brings a lot of these feelings with her as one of our “treasured” Etsy Blogger’s.

One special idea of Margaret’s is her offer to gift wrap your purchase, and enclose a note on one of her own handmade cards, and send it directly to the person whom you may wish to receive your purchase.

Come visit her at her blog! http://SplendidLittleStars.blogspot.com

If you wish to find out what makes the creator of “Splendid Little Stars” tick, read her “honestly” blog!

http://www.SplendidLittleStars.blogspot.com/2009/10/honestlyseriously.html

or visit her blog: http://www.SplendidLittleStars.blogspot.com

Wordless Wednesday: My new cousins!

2010-09-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Zachary with his new cousins: Maya (5); Travis (12); Leo (7)
My niece Tara's children

Wordless Wednesday: Zachary x 6

2010-09-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

Zachary: Brookfield Zoo

Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly's are Free

2010-08-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Brookfield Zoo, Chicago - Butterfly Exhibit

Blogger of the Month: Sykin

2010-07-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sykin’s Twilight

As a Twilight fan, and having just seen the 3rd movie of this series, Eclipse, I thoroughly enjoyed Sykin’s shop: http://sykin.etsy.com/, as everything in her shop is related to the Twilight series, including a card with the Twilight Eclipse symbol (above).

In between designing her Twilight jewelry, Sykin is a working mother with two small children, Kyler and Emma. Sykin soon hopes to start designing clothes and other handcrafted sewing items to add to her shop.

As I browsed through her shop, I choose these few items which are a part of her Twilight theme. For those of you who know the series, you can then just envision Bella wearing this unique bracelet of topaz with black beads and a crystal heart, probably given to her by her vampire boyfriend, Edward; as she in turn places this long silver necklace with topaz beads of the color of the eyes of the Vampire, around Edwards’s neck as a sign of her longing to be one of them.

Although conflicted between her love of a Vampire and Jacob, a Native American boy who can shape-shift into a werewolf who is always there to protect her, Bella will probably carry this key ring with a skull and red heart which Jacob gives her for protection. Skyin’s card with the werewolf howling with the full moon, would be the perfect symbolism for his tribe.

While Bella’s feelings are confused between these two rivals, her worst enemy to fear is Victoria, the leader of the young Vampires. Her fiery presence would be enhanced by these Vampire blood red hoop earrings.

Sykin will also take personal requests for her jewelry, or graphic and web designs. You can view some of her past work of custom items, such as her Bella bracelets with matching earrings, along with some other very interesting items.

Carnival Blog: My Summer Designs

2010-07-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

For our newest Carnival Blog, I choose this topic: It's Summer time! Tell us about your upcoming or current Summer inspired designs!

Well, as usual, Summer comes and goes so fast that as far as crafting goes, it is almost time to start thinking of the Fall. Although I had so many ideas of which I was going to create something, even so far as buying all the beads (for my jewelry); or yarn (for my knitting/crochet) shop. But as usual “time waits for no one”.

So with all these glorious Summer ideas in my head, and taking a vacation to visit my cousins in Chicago in which I made the children (3 of them) quilts – I did manage to make a few new additions to each shop.

From my shop http://MagdaleneKnits.etsy.com – my newest additions are this adorable little summer dress I call “Good Day Sunshine”; I also added two sets of little Maryjanes with matching headbands: one in plum with violet insoles, and the other in Ivory with rose insoles.

When my fingers are numb from all that crocheting, I take a break and create something for my jewelry shop: http://MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com – One is a 17” necklace of Swarovski Pearls and Swarovski Peridot Crystals; since Peridot is the birthstone of August, I also made a pair of Lt Peridot and Peridot Swarovski Crystal earrings; from my glorious garden I choose this red rose made of polymer clay with Sterling heart links, surrounded by Siam Swarovski Crystals, and finally last week I finished these Clear Crystal Swarovski Teardrop earrings.

With one month left of summer, I still have a few pieces to finish and add to both shops. In the meantime, hope you enjoyed my summer showcase!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

Too cute for Words!!! My Grandson, Zachary and his cousin, Nathaniel
hats by: http://desertdiamond.etsy.com/

WordlessWednesday: Summertime

2010-06-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Atlantic City (me on the right!)

Blogger of the Month: BeadedTail

2010-06-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

I can definitely say that one of my favorite blogs here on Etsy is BeadTail’s: http://beadedtail.blogspot.com. We are continually treated to the many adventures of Sharla’s pets, her dog, Sadie, and two cats, Angel and Isabella. One day you can take a walk with Sadie, or just lounge around with Angel and Isabella. Their adventures always bring a smile.

I could go on about Sharla’s blogs, but I am here to help honor BeadTail as our Blogger of the Month. While viewing Sharla’s shop, http://beadedtail@etsy.com, we are once again reminded of her love of animals. Her one of a kind jewelry consists of adorable cat earrings; Rottweiler earrings (perfect gift that for friend who owns a Rottweiler dog!); beaded and fabric collars (made by her mom); cat beads, butterfly earrings just to name a few. One of my favorites is her beautiful “cat’s eye” beaded bracelets which she features in her shop also. Can’t decide what to choose for that animal lover in your life? how about one of her $15 - $20 Gift Certificates, Sharla also offers.

What is even more special than Sharla’s animal jewelry, and her delightful blogs; is her true love of animals, not just hers, but her dedication to help make us aware of all the abandoned animals that live in shelters waiting to be adopted. A portion of the sales from her shop are contributed by Sharla to the many animal organizations she supports; namely, the ASPCA, Humane Society for the US, Dogs for the Deaf – just to name a few. When you visit her shop, take a moment to read her profile where she lists the numerous organizations she supports through her many sales.

In the words of Sharla, “We're making tails wag one bead at a time!”

Wordless Wednesday: And the Winner is!!!!

2010-06-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Little Zachary!

Wordless Wednesday: VOTE!

2010-06-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

Zachary: All American Baby

He is now #14 out of 1600 babies!!!!

http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/id/4/w/24/y/2010?page=14

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Lemon Tree, Lisbon, Spain

Blogger of the Month: Handmade By Sandi

2010-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our Blogger this month is Sandi, whose shop: http://HandmadebySandy@etsy.com, is mainly filled with her crocheted items, such as hats for both women and men and children; coffee holders; wash cloths; and crocheted chokers. According to Sandi, her love of crocheting was something she learned from her mother many years ago. As you continue to browse through her shop you will some other surprises as well, such as handpainted tote bags, earrings (love her Margaritaville earrings!), oven mitts and aprons.

Sandi comes from Suffolk, Virginia, and has been on Etsy for just a little over a year. A breast cancer survivor, Sandi began to crochet little hats and skull caps to “keep her head warm”, a result of her chemo treatments. Wanting to do something special for others who are suffering from the effects of cancer, once she finished her treatments, Sandi began to crochet hats for other cancer patients. As she says, “What a wonderful feeling to give back for all the help she received!” Besides crocheting, Sandi also loves to sew and her love of different types of earring are also evident in her shop.

Sandi also has a second shop: http://Sandists@etsy.com, also known as “Sandi’s Stash Shop”. Here you will find an array of various fabrics. As one who also sews, I know what it is like to buy extra yards of fabric and then don’t use it. Sandi is making use of her extra fabric by selling it through her stash shop. She also has some blank T-shirts, which you can design yourself.

Happy Birthday Sandi!

Wordless Wednesday: First Visit to Bronx Zoo

2010-05-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

Zachary's first day at the Bronx Zoo!

Carnival Blog: Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother’s Day to all my friends reading this blog! This year will be exceptionally special because not only am I am Mother, but this year I became a Grandmother also. Which also means that my daughter, Kelly, will be spending her first Mother’s day with little Zachary, who arrived on October 2. So today my sons and I will be going to her house, and her husband, Danny, will be cooking dinner for the Mom and Grandma! (yes, my sons get to eat also).

Every Mother’s Day I can’t help thinking back on some of the more classic mornings that greeted me – sometimes even at 5am! So I thought I would share a few of these memories with all of you – and I am sure, you all have similar stories to tell. I think the one I tell people the most about is when my son Ryan(who always just thinks a little differently than the rest of us), wakes me up about 6am with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. Since he might have been just about 10, I knew he didn’t have enough money to buy these; and where could he get these so very early in the morning also. For those of you who know Ryan, you will understand this completely. At about 5am he went up and down the Avenue where we live. This is a very small town with all apartments just a walk from the town, some of which have the most beautiful gardens in front. I guess by now you are putting 2&2 together; yes, he stopped at each building and picked flowers all along the way. I had tulips of every color, daffodils, and lilacs in this beautiful bouquet which he gave me that Mother’s Day! Then there are the many breakfasts I woke up to on many Mother’s Days. I will take a few excerpts of each. As I am sure you have all experienced, those moments lying in bed pretending to be asleep, as you listen to pans being dropped, footsteps running back and forth, kitchen closets opening and closing, only to be awoken with the beautiful sound of “Happy Mother’s Day Mommy!” They would prepare a tray of everything you can imagine; a very large bowl of cereal filled to the brim with an ounce of milk in it, oatmeal made with cold water (if that is possible); 4 slices of blackened toast (they must have been thinking Cajun cooking) with tons of butter and almost a jar of jelly on top of that. Have you ever had day old cold coffee, hopefully you won’t have to experience it either - they didn’t know coffee was supposed to be hot! And then they would sit there with the biggest smiles on their little faces, so pleased with themselves, as they would sit on my bed watching me enjoy this big, scrumptious breakfast. But the saving grace was always the cards they would hand make either in school or at home (all of which I still have) – remember those little framed handprints with the poem? and of course, always the little cards with the drawings of the whole family. These are little memories that we still talk about each year on Mother’s Day, and a memory that a Mother can never forget. I hope my daughter, and somehow I know she will, experience the same joys and memories as each year little Zachary grows more independent, and decides to start helping in the kitchen.

You may be asking yourselves what ever became of those colossal breakfasts that 10 people couldn’t eat. Did I really eat them, well that will always be my secret of how those meals would magically disappear :)

Wordless Wednesday: Bird Watching!

2010-04-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday:Happy Birthday Dexter!!!!

2010-04-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

Little Baby Dexter all grown up - looks like he over celebrated his Birthday!

Carnival Blog: The Life of a Scorpio

2010-04-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

If any of you were a “Flower Child” of the 60’s, you will remember that our whole life revolved around our Astrological Sign. Our anthem was “Aquarius” from Hair (which I saw at least 6 times)! For my 16th birthday I received Linda Goodman’s “Astrological Signs”; I don’t know how we could have existed without reading every page of that book. Starting with our own Sign, then of course who we were or were not compatible with, our colors, personalities, friendships were all based on what we learned from reading this book. Your first question on meeting someone new was “What is your sign”? as if that quickly gained knowledge gave us true insight into that person’s whole psyche!
Born Nov 16th, I am a true Scorpio! We are known to be quite mysterious, never revealing the truth person that lays beneath the surface. We are deeply passionate and emotional not only in relationships, but in everthing we believe in; and we expect the same from our friend. If you are not sincere with your feelings, don't even try to get close to a Scorpio woman. With deep penetrating eyes we can see through almost anyone we meet. Our passionate and deep stare will continue as we are talking to anyone we meet. This is something I have always tended to do without even realizing it to be a true Scorpio trait. When speaking to anyone, I tend to stare directly into their eyes, as if I am reading their minds right down to their soul. Many people I know can attest to what they refer to “as that look”! One may think I am not even listening to them, but I am absorbing every word and meaning behind what they may be saying. We are also deeply sensitive, while putting up that mysterious front, within we are truly emotional and affected by almost every encounter in our lives. The many tears I have shared with many is one trait, I wish I could control, but then it wouldn’t be me or my personality.
A Scorpio’s color is deep red or maroon, which I guess comes from our intense, mysterious and passionate side, which as you have guessed by now is also one of my favorite colors. Once a person gains our confidence and trust, they will have a friend for life. While reading my horoscope a few years ago, in fact on the day of my birthday, I cam across this horoscope, which I cut out and have had it on my refrigerator every since – which makes it something I read everyday”
“It takes a special kind of courage to return one of your unflinching stares, and you know it! Should you encounter someone who can actually do that, better get that person’s number or email address. They are your perfect match.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANDRA!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Hoppy Easter!

2010-03-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter from Zachary & Ava!

Wordless Wednesday: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T05:34:00.001-07:00

Zachary already celebrating! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Carnival Blog: MagdaleneJewel's Spring

2010-03-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been to long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the winter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose. …”The Rose”

Nothing conjures up more of a magical feeling within when one see the first buds on the trees; the robin’s call to its mate; the burst of the crocus breaking the winter’s earth. Spring is not just a season to many, but a calling of renewal. The smiles return, the warmth of the sun begins to shine through, thoughts of love in the air filled with the aroma of the flowers of Spring.
So too does beauty exist within many other realms in life. Here I bring forth “like a burst of Spring” a few pieces from my shop, which I hope will bring that warmth of Spring with magic in the air.

Wordless Wednesday: Kitty Love

2010-03-10T05:37:00.001-08:00

Kitty and Belle - "Kitty Love"

Blogger of the Month: TiLtCreations

2010-02-26T08:26:00.001-08:00

TiLtCreations, http://TiLtCreations,etsy.com, is a shop of various handbags, clutch purses, and backpacks, and is the creation of Teresa our Blogger of the Month. With her hands full as a stay-at-home mom, with a teenage boy, and a 4 yr old (both of which would fill anyone’s day), she still manages to create her one of a kind bags for her shop, and also takes custom orders. Although drawing and painting are her passion, she has found much creativity using different fabrics to create the beautiful bags in her shop.

I particularly loved this little “wristlet” bag. Perfect for those little things that always get lost in your purse – a cell phone, lipstick, credit card. All perfectly lined, she even took the time to add a little attachment inside the purse for those keys that are always getting lost! Another favorite is this brown and green paisley bag, which has been hand embroidered on the top “ultrasuede” flap of the purse. The inside is fully lined (as are all Teresa’s) purses, and has a matching zippered pouch within also.

Tilttoo, http://TiltToo.etsy.com, is Teresa’s “detash” shop. One not to waste anything, Teresa sells not only patterns for everything, but unused fabric from her handbags, backpacks, pouches, etc. from her other shop. As Teresa describes this shop – “a little of this, a little of that…..and a lot of destash”.

When Teresa is not busy watching her boys, are sitting at her sewing machine, she actually has time to write in her blogs –not just one blog, but she actually has four very interesting blogs!
If you hurry up – Teresa is having a BOGO sale (buy one – get one free) in her shop until Feb 28!

Wordless Wednesday: A Day in the Life

2010-02-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

Carnival Blog: My Vacation In India

2010-02-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Presentation at St. Mary Magdalene School (me on stage in purple dress)

When I saw our newest topics for our next blog, I thought how easy, I can truly combine both questions into one answer. Of all the places I would have ever want to visit, it would be India; in the past few years I have been lucky enough to visit there twice, each time for a month’s vacation. When my dearest friend, who is from India, moved back about 6 years ago, I thought I would never really ever see him again. When he invited me to visit India, I couldn’t have gotten on the plane fast enough; 26 hours of air flight, but well worth it.

From the second I arrived in Bangalore, India, which is in the southwestern part of India, I was totally in awe and overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the people. I had no idea my friend Paul had arranged a whole month of traveling and activities, each one a beautiful memory. My first day we left for Goa, which is one the west coast of India, and runs along the Arabian Sea. Dating back to before the 3^rd century, Goa, the smallest state in India is rich with history. I visited many ancient Cathedrals, some dating back to the 13^th Century; one, The Cathedral of St Francis Xavier, actually has St Francis’ body incased in a glass coffin surrounded by gold. I also made friends with 2 gypsies who lived on the beach.

Goa . Arabian Sea St. Francis Xavier (body in casket)

We next traveled to Tamil Nadu, which is in South India, to meet our friend Albert and his family. From there Albert joined us along our journey, where we met up with 4 more of their friends. I then got a tour of all of South India, with it’s many ancient Hindu temples, one of which is the Temple of the Lord Rama; and Catholic Churches dating back to the early centuries. Although we visited the “fertility gods” there, I luckily didn’t need their help! At another Temple I was blessed by an elephant! Another beautiful spot we visited was the Hogenakktal Falls. People go there to get massaged in their waters, or you can walk along the rocks of the Falls (which we did, and yes, I did slip down a rock). From there we traveled to Mysore, to visit the most beautiful palace, which was built in 1897.

\Temple of Lord Rama Inside Temple

Me being blessed by an elephant!

Hagenakkal Falls Paul & I at Falls

Visiting Mysore Palace

Besides all the sightseeing we did, I was lucky enough to visit a few schools, which Paul’s friends own. In one school, which Paul’s sister owns, they dedicated a special day for my visit with children ages 3-7, dancing all the ceremonial dances in their beautiful costumes. As in each ceremony I attended, they always start with a ceremony of lighting a candle in oil, which is a very powerful symbol in human consciousness and enlightenment. Afterwards, I went to each classroom where the children each sang a special song for me, and I in turn taught the children songs that children in American would sing. Most surprising was when Paul told me I was to be the guest of honor at a special ceremony at Albert’s school, St. Mary Magdalene (name sound familiar?) Again, we started with the candle lighting ceremony. As I sat on the stage, I was again entertained with the many ceremonial dances in their beautiful and colorful costumes. Of course, I was not told until that afternoon that as guest of honor, I would have to give a small speech to all the children and their families who were attending this feast. So as I started to write my small speech, Paul mentioned that I would also be speaking it in their native language, which is Tamil. I did actually managed to get through that, and at the end I was presented with a beautiful gift from the children. One thing that did amaze me the most when meeting all these children was just not their excitement of meeting someone from America, but how well they spoke English and their wanting to learn so much knowledge in everything

Children dancing their custom dances Me visiting the children in each class

Since I was there for a total of 2 months, you can imagine that this is just a small sampling of the many beautiful experiences I had, and the many f friends I made while there. Some of which I chat with almost everyday online. Although we only traveled all along the South of India, there is so much more beauty to behold throughout India which I hope to see one day soon.

Wordless Wednesday - Time for a Change!

2010-02-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

Belle making herself comfortable on the changing table!

Carnival Blog: Valentine's Day Wish

2010-02-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day has always been something a little special that we celebrated while I was growing up; and naturally, those special memories are the ones I have carried on when my children were growing up. While young, we would always have a special dinner that evening, followed by a Valentine’s cake or cookies that my grandmother would have made. Also it was that little special gift that you knew came from the heart that would be treasured. The one gift that stands out in my memory, and of which I still have, and continue to wear every year on Valentine’s Day, is a small heart with tiny turquoise stones set within the heart. Continuing the tradition, I have always made Valentine’s Day a special day for my children also when they were young, and still do. About the beginning of February, I would start sneaking little candy hearts into their lunch boxes or put them on the dinner table next to each place setting. On Valentine’s Day I would always go to the bakery down the street and purchase these very large heart cookies which my children loved and would look forward to. Of course, I would have to buy about 12 of them, some for my children, my nephews and nieces, and of course make sure there were extra for their friends that might arrive. My children still expect those big heart cookies even today. When they were younger, I would always buy a little gift, usually a stuffed animal with a heart or a special book. The past 10 years, once they got past that stuffed animal stage, the Valentine’s Day gift tradition were boxers with hearts on them for the boys, and of course that little something extra from Victoria Secret for my daughter. Since we have a new member added to our family, little Zachary, I can’t wait to shop for his first little Valentine stuffed animal! Will my children be getting their traditional gifts this year, or is it time that I do something a little different this year?
As I was thinking what to write, one thought kept coming to my mind. Traditions are all very nice, and wonderful to cherish; but I wondered if those poor children in Haiti, or other countries left in devastation this past year have even heard of Valentine’s Day. I can’t help but thinking, here we are all talking about that one special gift, or dinner, or date we may have had; but what do these poor children have to celebrate. Will they be having a special dinner on Valentine’s Day; will they even have a sip of water to drink? As they sit in the street because they have no home and have lost all of their family and have no where to go, will there be someone there to comfort them, give them a hug, or that special Valentine cookie? Will they be admiring that little special gift we so cherished, or will they have a blanket to keep them warm? I was remembering those little boxes of Valentine’s that we (and my children) would buy to fill out for all of our friends. Do you think anyone will be giving them a Valentine’s Day card? I think this year, I should start a new tradition – I am going to try to get as many people I know to buy that box of 20 Valentine’s, signing each one with a little note to let them know they are loved by so many people around the world. I know the Red Cross is trying to get food, water and medical supplies to them, and perhaps we could send them cards through the Red Cross or some other organization that you might be participating with. Also in breaking tradition, the money that would have been spent for those boxers or Victoria Secret surprise, will instead this year be donated to the Red Cross. If you wish to be willing to break tradition and made a contribution to these needy little children whose hearts are empty, you can go to RedCross.org; each State has their own chapter, and there you will find many different areas that you can contribute to. This year my heart will be with those poor, hungry, homeless little faces looking for someone to let them know they are loved.

*** "All You Need is Love" poster by http://www.sixsixters.etsy.com***

Wordless Wednesday. Peaceful Morning

2010-02-03T07:03:00.001-08:00

A view from my Bedroom window. Another Snowy Day!

Blogger of the Month: NicoDesigns

2010-01-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

"Live each day as if it was a Gift."
The name “Nico” was a name given to her by her father, who she calls her hero; and, I can bet a lot of her inspiration! As Nico states, “I sew for sanity. Creativity is a great hobby and I encourage everyone to try it.”

Using her family as inspiration, Nico seems to find a creative idea in all that is around us. Things we would dismiss, she seems to find as inspiration. The adorable little shoes in her shop I am sure were inspired by her two infant children. What inspired me most after looking at Nico’s shop, which I admit, I have not visited too often, although her tiny felt shoes caught my eye quite a while ago, was not only her dedication to her work, but her caring attitude.

We often hear of the many organizations that need our help and donations, well, Nico has stepped forward to make donations to many of these organizations through the sales she makes from her shop. For example, one of her items, a tiny bird which turns out to be a pin cushion, created from remnants, 5% of the sale will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House and another 5% will be donated to a Cancer Hospital in memory of a small child who lost her life at the young age of 7. A little soft angel doll called Chloe was handmade and dedication to her memory.

I also noticed a quite attractive handbag in Nico’s shop of light blue with a trellis type print. What amazed me was that this very attractive bag was a “diaper bag”! I am currently watching my newborn grandson and a 1 yr old and find myself stuffing everything into my large bag. The inside of this bag comes with three large pockets, which are perfect to hold sippy cups, a wallet, glasses and a small toy or two. Wow, something I definitely can use. Nico also has a few other great designs of her “classy” diaper bags. All the items in her shop are eco-friendly. The use of 100% cotton and new and recycled materials are also what inspires Nico to not only take what God has given us, but has used them in a positive way; and what is left over or can’t be used is not just discarded, but donated to prevent them from further polluting our earth.So as Nico says, her inspiration is her family, so too do I find her dedication and donations to such very worthy causes is a true inspiration to me.

I also took a second to visit Nico’s blog: http://designsbynico.blogspot.com/, which I am so glad I didn’t miss. It is a blog filled with many tutorials on how to make “Baby Legwarmers”; and yes, I have already made a pair from her great and easy instructions – to – Hats from old Sweaters. A small train set with pieces of left over wood, with a little help from her dad. I sadly admit I have not visited Nico’s blog before, but expect to be an avid follower from now on. I can’t wait to see what she will pull out of her closet for her next creation!

Wordless Wednesday: la dolce vita

2010-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

Belle living the good life!

Carnival Blog: My Best Memory of 2009

2010-01-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Zachary (1/2 hr old)

Kelly (4 hrs. old)

They say one should never look back, but follow whatever waits for us in the future. There often does exist an exception to that rule; milestones that carve into our very hearts and souls that we can never forget, but also allow us to look to what the future will bring.

Kelly,Keith & Ryan (1987)

There exists in my life three very important milestones in my past that made me who I am today; those being the birth of each of my children, Kelly, Keith and Ryan. They are the blessings that God gave me when the doctors told me I would never be able to have children. It is truly them that I have to thank for always being the rock that carried me through the worst times. Often, even as young as they were, when we thought things couldn’t get worse, they always made me smile. Three children with three totally different personalities; each unique in their own way, they were always by my side no matter what bridge we had to cross, helping to make me to the person I am today. So as I look back at the many trial and tribulations of our lives, the Year 2009, brought all of these past milestones full circle, and so began the future of the next generation.
As most of you all know by now, my daughter Kelly, my first child, had her first child in October, making me a grandmother for the first time. It that mother’s intuition that will never fail us (or as I would say my angels watching over me), but coincidentally, right before Kelly made the announcement of her pregnancy, I said to my son Keith, about a week before her announcement, that I thought she was pregnant, which she wasn’t even sure about at that time. So now three months later, little Zachary has joined my daily routine as I watch him every day. For those of you who already have grandchildren, you will truly understand this; when I visited them in the hospital, my first thought was my baby was having a baby. So I can definitely say that little Zachary’s arrival is truly the milestone that makes 2009 a year to remember. Now as we enter into our second decade of the 2000 millennium, I look forward to watching the daily progress as each day brings a new experience watching him grow. Yesterday, although only 3 ½ mos. old, he turned over for the first time. So as I look back at the special gift God brought into our lives in 2009, I can now look forward to watching my family grow as they experience adulthood; but no matter how old they get, they will always be my baby’s.

Wordless Wednesday: The "Ultimate" Beatle Fan!

2010-01-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Zachary.3 mos. already a Beatle Fan!

Carnival: My Best Christmas Present!

2009-12-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

So many gifts came to mind as I read our topic for this blog. If I think back to my childhood, my first recollection would be my Madame Alexander doll. As I thought at the time I would grow up to be a ballerina, my grandparents gave me the Madame Alexander doll, “Elise” which was a ballerina. I have always treasured that doll and it still sits on a shelf in my room. My other most treasured Christmas presents were my “Eloise” books. I have the whole series, including a signed copy of the first one of the series by Kay Thompson, who wrote the books; and yes, I also have an Eloise doll, which sits with all my Eloise books. When my children were young, they would love to read them also. A special tradition which was always under our tree for as long as I can remember, were the many books that each year would be waiting to be read. Each year would be a new and special Christmas book, which were never wrapped, but stood so proudly to be the first gift to be seen, as my sister and I would sneak out at 5am to see if Santa arrived. We couldn’t open our presents right away, but when my family would awake, I would already be sitting in one of our fireside chairs reading my newest book. Since my children were born, it is a tradition which I carried on with them; a special Christmas book waiting under the tree for each one to find. Since I still have most of the books, one of which I think I got when I was about 2 years old (all having to do with Christmas), each year we bring out the past books received and place them around the tree, waiting for the newest book for Santa to bring. Although my 1st little grandson is just 2 months old, I have already bought his first Christmas book. Sorry I can’t reveal the title since my daughter reads my blogs! But you can guess that it will be quite special.
Although the many dolls and books which meant so much to me as a child and to my own children, I think nothing compares to the handmade little Christmas ornaments and decorations my children would make at school. Each one unique in their own creativity, they range from a tiny beaded wreath to a wreath made out of tissue paper and a paper plate, and of course those tiny framed handprints. One year my son Ryan’s (the artist in the family) class made little Christmas trees. They had to bring in little things to decorate their tree with, and of course Ryan being Ryan, his tree had to be unique. He managed to find tiny lights and hook them up to the tree with batteries attached. His little is still always placed on our coffee table with the lights still blinking. So each year when it is time to decorate the tree and take out the ornaments, there among them are my prized and favorite Christmas gifts – little gifts made with little fingers and a lot of love.

December Blogger of the Month: CalKat

2009-12-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

Our Blogger of the Month Calkat – seems to be a combination of two very talented artists, Carrie & Kathy. Not only are they venturing in the selling of their OOAK pieces of jewelry in their shop Calkat: http://www.Calkat.etsy.com. They have three other shops here on Etsy as well; Ametista; The Clay Shoppe; and YogaFairies. I choose these few pieces from their CalKat Jewelry Shop as an example of just some of their beautiful pieces.

Carrie and Kathy (CalKat) have spent the last five years designing and selling custom made, one of a kind (OOAK) jewelry using primarily Sterling Silver, Gemstones, and Swarovski crystals. During that time when they were creating their beautiful jewelry, they began experimenting in other realms, and discovered their love of polymer clay; as they say “and the rest is history”. So began “The Clay Shoppe” http://www.TheClayShoppe.etsy.com. Looking through this shop, one will find some very unique and different clay designs made by their special modes. One of my favorites is the little “cherub angel” molded out of polymer clay. They are continuing experimenting with different clays and ideas, and soon hope to start working with precious metal clays.

Ametista is another one of their shops here on Etsy: http://www.Ametista.etsy.com. I think this was one of my favorites. I love their apothecary bottles with their old-fashioned look. Again, another unique example of their craftsmanship.

Lastly, is their fourth shop “YogaFairies”, this name really intrigued me, so I couldn’t wait to visit this shop: http://www.YogaFairies.etsy.com. There you will find a little polymer clay fairy sitting in a yoga position, imparting the Indian wish of “Namaste” to each of us. You will have tovisit this shop to learn about this very sacred part of Indian culture. Each Yoga Fairy is an original handcrafted piece, so no two will be created exactly alike.

Both artists love exploring new techniques and playing with fun ideas, as they invite you to come back often as there's always something new to see!

Wordless Wednesday: Rest in Peace!

2009-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Belle loves sleeping in the Ava's crib!

November Blogger of the Month. The FabMissB

2009-11-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

Besides writing, painting, baking, reading, ransacking through thrift shops, and drinking champagne, The Fab MissB loves to make beautiful things to use and enjoy. She also loves to travel, which is how I felt, as if I were "time traveling" through her shop: http://www.TheFabMissB.etsy.com. As she says about her travels, "if the twenties are about improvisation, I feel like Thelonious Monk. In the years since getting married, hubby and I have bounced around the world, through Africa, Europe, China, and the American Southwest, and now, the Big Island of Hawaii". I felt like I was traveling back in time as I viewed the many interesting vintage items in her shop. It reminded me so much of things I would find around the house and kitchen that were my grandmother's, and of which I now proudly own. Her blog: http://theFabMissB.blogspot.com is a sketchbook filled with the many inspirations she finds around herself everyday.

So join me as she invites us to "come on in and find your 'One of a Kind'!" These are just a sampling of the unique items I enjoyed from her shop.

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

Zachary - 2 mo old - Gobble Gobble!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Autumn in NY
This photo won the "Awesome Photo Award"!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

My first official "grandma" day!

Carnival Blog: My Favorite Holiday Movies

2009-11-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

A scene from "Miracle on 34th Street"

This time of year who can't resist the many Holiday specials that have become such a part of our lives. When I think back to when I was very young, there was not such thing as Cable TV - let alone color TV. What stands out most in my mind, while waiting for Thanksgiving Dinner, with its delicious smells coming from the kitchen, was every year watching the original "Miracle on 34th Street". Who can ever forget the innocence of Natalie Wood saying "I Believe, I Believe". In fact a few years ago, my children gave me the collector's edition of the original movie.

Then comes the official "Holiday Season"! Those four weeks that we would wait so patiently for the sound of those reindeer's hoofs landing on our rooftops. To keep the anticipation growing during this time of year, I truly cannot omit those favorite Cartoons, which not only I grew up with, but also became a holiday tradition for my children as well; as now will follow through with my first grandson, Zachary (although only 1 month old). Of course, you all know I am going to say "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Poor Charlie, who carries with him the true meaning of Christmas, with his little tree, it branches almost bare, yet he still finds the beauty in something that the others laughed at and cast aside, as he so proudly decorates his little tree. Next, another family tradition was and still is watching "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the island of misfit toys; and lastly "Frosty the Snowman".

Now to answer Mysticwynd's question of which is our (myself and children included - although they are all grown) favorite Holiday movie would be, I would definitely have to say "A Christmas Story"! If you had asked me maybe 20 years ago, I would have definitely said the original "A Christmas Carol" with Alistair Sims, which I would sit up practically all night on Christmas Eve as they would run that movie continuously. For those of you who don't know the movie "A Christmas Story", which is shown on almost every channel throughout the Christmas season, it is the narrative of a man looking back on one particular Christmas season. The movie takes place during the 1940's, when life seemed so simple and innocent. The boy's one dream for this particular Christmas was for Santa to bring him a "Red Rider BeBe Gun", only to be continuously told, "You'll shoot your eye out kid!" I think one reason this movie ranks among my Christmas favorites is because so much of it reminds me of the innocence of my own childhood during the Christmas season. The anticipation of that one particular gift that you truly want; walking down to the corner, often up to our knees in snow to buy a "real' Christmas tree, then helping my grandfather carry it back up the hill to our house. If I went through the whole scene of my grandmother's many comments as we were decorating (which in themselves were truly classic) I would have to make a movie myself!

Somehow we often forget the simple things that makes life so special. Unfortunately, the holiday's are so commerical, that unless we bring our own past traditions to our children, the true meaning of Christmas truly gets lost. I guess that is why the movies which stand out the most, and are mine and my family's favorites are the one's that bring that innocence and joy back into our lives.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T06:14:00.001-08:00

We all need to catch up on the news of the day! Belle watching the news!

Blogger of the Month: MadebyMelissa

2009-10-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Sadly to say, this was my first time visiting Melissa's shop: http://www.MadebyMelissa.com Were it not for her being chosen as our October Blogger of the Month, I would have missed a shop of many finds. Melissa's shop has a wide range of articles for sales, ranging from Jewelry, Toy, Vintage Items, to various crocheted items such as Baby Blankets, Pot Holders, Wash Cloths, and little animals, like the lop-earred bunny pictured here. She also has quite a few very cute earring just in time for Halloween.

According to Melissa she started crafting as a way to express her own creativity. Not only has she managed to completely fill her creative side with so many endeavors, she also works during the day as an engineer. Even with all this, she still manages to be a part of quite a few Etsy teams, such as EtsyKids, EtsyMom, EtsyBloggers, and EtsyBEAD; and with all those accomplishments, Melissa also finds time to write on her blog: http://www.MadebyMelissa.blogspot.com.

Coincidentally, as I learned more about Melissa, I found that we have much in common. Not only do we both design jewelry and crochet, we are practically neighbors. Mahwah, NJ is probably only about 1/2 hr away from where I live in Westchester, NY; and if these weren't enough of a coincidence, we both share the same birthday - NOV 16! (although maybe a few years apart). Thanks Melissa for letting me browse through your shop, and next time I am driving on the Garden State (Pkwy), which I am often on, I will wave as I pass by Mahwah!

Wordless Wednesday: GO YANKEES!

2009-10-28T06:00:00.001-07:00

Zachary - age 3 weeks - all ready for tonight's big game!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Belle & Ava

Carnival Blog: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

I always knew that October was designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but wasn’t aware that it was also dedicated to those who have suffered from Domestic Violence. I have too many friends affected by this cancer; and with all the research done over the past years, I am still amazed when I hear a friend say “they found a lump”. One of my friends just recently celebrated five years of being Cancer free.

I will never forget that morning when she called me and said that it was discovered that she has Breast Cancer and was already in Stage 4. At the time I didn’t know much about what the different stages meant, but quickly learned as my friends were getting older, and it seemed I was getting these calls more too often. I can’t tell you the feelings that went through me after I hung up the phone that morning. After her surgery, I soon realized that not only is cancer a horrible disease; but the personal and internal feeling that a Breast Cancer survivor experiences I think are worse. Afraid to look in the mirror at those horrible scars that just saved your life, you now have to deal with the emotional baggage that comes with the healing. You begin to feel that you are no longer a woman, or desirable to your husband or boyfriend, and that besides being the realization that you are not only physically scarred for life, you are also mentally scarred. My friend , and is lucky to have a husband who not only was caring enough to go through the whole process with her, but his support and love really helped her through the difficult times. When I first when to visit her after her surgery, as she was lying in bed, I remembered her husband bringing us tea in a beautiful porcelain teapot and little cups to match and some cookies on a tray. In my mind I felt he was trying to say that no matter what you went through, you still deserve the best. Although she was never a religious person, I brought her a pair of rosaries, which she put next to her bedside, knowing that somehow prayer was also necessary in her healing process. After a year of radiation, chemo, and tamoxifen, the doctors determined that the cancer was gone and she started to begin the process of reconstruction surgery.

Going back to the doctor for her final check up before the reconstruction surgery, another dark cloud seemed to appear. They discovered a lump in her other breast, which also turned out to be cancerous. Sometimes you wonder why God picks you to be the one to bear such heartache of such a disfiguring disease, and then have to have to suffer through it again was really too much. This time, during her second surgery, besides having to remove her one remaining breast, they also had to remove all the lymph nodes on that side of her body. Well like I said it has been a long road of recovery physically, but also more mentally; she has just pasted her 5^th year as a cancer survivor. It is funny, we usually try to meet for lunch at least once a week, and if no one knew, you would think she was the same beautiful person she always was.

We all think of this little tragedies that life brings, but when you see the suffering that one goes through suffering with Cancer, we should thank God in our prayers and know that whatever heartache may fall upon us, there is always someone who cares.

In my shop: http://www.MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com are two Breast Cancer bracelets which I made in honor of my friend.
I will donate $5 from the proceeds of each sale to the Susan B. Komen foundation.

Wordless Wednesday: A New Arrival

2009-10-07T12:10:00.001-07:00

Zachary - 2 days old (my 1st little grandbaby)