I'm soft...like a teddy bear...

Children see right past your imperfections don't they? The other night as I was tucking in the princess munchkin...I put my knee on her bed to reach the lamp above her to turn it off. She put her arms around my huge thigh and I on impulse jumped back...just my self-consciousness...she proceeded to tell me, "you feel good mommy...so soft, like a teddy bear!"...uh, okay...not exactly what I want my thigh to feel like...but a few minutes later I realized that children love teddy bears because of their cuddly appeal...and that was a wonderful compliment coming from a 7 year old...so I went in and gave her an extra little kiss on the forehead...nighty night little princess...dream of pretty things.

Amazing things happen around the Holidays!

Hi Everyone! I hope you all have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING and that you find that you have many, many things to be thankful for!

I don't have much time to gab...but I HAD to post this right quick!!!! They have found a perfect match...can't wait to hear who the Angel is!!!!!

Lisa, we are all sooooo happy for you!!!!

All I want for Christmas...

I read a blog today that just puts so many things into perspective. I am Catholic and am a firm believer in teaching my children that Christmas and Easter is not always just about receiving, nor receiving a lot. BUT, even then I do believe that children should have some fun in unwrapping something they might have wished for all year long.

Here is the post from A Mama's Blog, I stumbled upon it on Twitter. Now, you can read it, but I'll tell you what reached inside me and clenched my heart. Heather (A Mama's Blog), has a sister who teaches Second grade. AND, like all children...all 7 & 8 year old children...they write letters to Santa. Here is a sampling of what a few wrote:

"…I need some socks because all mine have holes in them.”

"…I would like two blankets because my house gets cold.”

“…in the store, I would like new shoes.”

"…I need some pencils at home because I don’t half any and I half to wait until my couzin is done with his homework. Also his homework has a lot of pages to do and it takes forever and ever and I don’t get to finish not much of my homework.”

Can you understand what I'm feeling here with out me writing any further?

After reading those words...I sat here in disbelief.

Disbelief because I can't imagine the child that sat there in class, knowing that they were writing a letter to Santa Claus...probably someone they whole-heartedly believe in...there only chance of the year to ask for the toys they have been longing for, for months-perhaps years...and they had to sit there in their little desks and outweigh whether or not they should ask for the toy...so that they could play with it, enjoy it, cherish it, basically have the freedom that childhood brings every person only a few years in one's lifetime...the years of no "responsibilities" (you know what I mean)... OR, should they ask for the things they NEED, perhaps recalling the night before when they didn't get a good night's sleep because it was too cold...perhaps being embarassed when it's okay to take your shoes off, but you'd rather not because you know you have holes in your socks...

What child should have to make that type of decision...that's too mature of a decision...that's an adult's decision, right? Balancing our WANTS from our NEEDS. Sure, we need to teach our children that we can't have everything...I certainly do. BUT, is it too much to WANT a blanket or new socks? SOCKS? Can you believe that a child is wishing for that? Today, in 2008? In our great country of America?

We do live in a great country and I am very proud to be an American, and yet I think we sometimes take too much for granted here. We place so much focus on the wrong things.

My husband and I are not wealthy...no where near it. AND, yet we are so rich. Rich in the fact that we have each other, our children and our families...a roof over our heads, food not only on our table but in our pantry and refrigerator, we have transportation, we have heat...and now to add to that list...we have "pencils", "blankets", and we ALL have socks...with out holes in them.

I was interviewed here locally a couple of months ago...the subject was budgeting and Christmas shopping. I recall the interviewer asking me if I would be having a budget this year...I answered, "...of course, we do every year." She then asked me if we would be buying any big ticket items, to which I replied that "there is a lot more to Christmas than expensive gifts."

There is a lot more to CHRISTmas than any gift.

If you can't help send anything to this classroom, please try to find a family locally who is not as well off as you are...remember there is always someone out there who is worse off than you...always.

Heather...thanks for the reminder!

I got an award...doing the HAPPY dance!

Okay, so honestly who doesn't like to receive an award? AND, the SMILE award at that!
My sweet friend, Tam, from Painted Patooties bestowed this sweet little honor on me...THANK YOU Tam! You have such a great sense of humor, you are so very sweet and not to mention very inspiring when it comes to the area regarding FITNESS...and you are also the only women I know who can eat chocolate for a whole week and actually DROP a dress size...that in itself is pretty miraculous! Again, thank you my dear, you have brightened my day and put a larger than usual smile on my face!

Okay, so here are the CHARACTERISTICS for the SMILE award;

1. Must display a cheerful attitude.
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from others.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.

And, well every thing has rules...so these are the RULES for the SMILE award:

1. The recipient must link back to the award’s creator.
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

AND, now the award goes to:

1. Traci from Bloom Design , there is just something about Traci that I love. I think she is very genuine and she will at times send me all sorts of virtual goodies...so what's not to love? Plus her creations are wonderful...I own one, and her craftsmanship is wonderful!

2. Beth from The Pink Tulip...another sweet lady. I also enjoy reading her blog and about her vacations here and there. She has a gorgeous little girl and she looks so much like her mother it's almost unreal.

3. Vera from Doodbugzmom...Vera is great...she has a great personality and a generous soul. Plus I haven't seen her around much lately and simply want to nudge her a bit! When she does pop in, she always makes me smile...Vera, come get your award!

4. Michelle from Eat, sleep, create!... Michelle always puts a smile on my face...this woman is truly amazing! She has been a foster parent to so many children all the while rasing her own. When ever she is blessed with a new child to care for or having one of her former "babies" come visit her...you can just read the excitement and warmth in her posts...simply oozing with kindness!

5. Annette from Pickles and Co. ...her photos on her blog really just make me sigh...ahhhh...I believe she lives in some type of Wonderland. I also enjoy reading her blog and the little tidbits in her life. Apart from that, I admire her work as a designer...I'm a big fan!

So there you have it...it's really quite unfair because there are still so many more that I would like to award, but oh well...rules are rules I suppose...

Another plea...

Please if you read this...please post it on your blog, Facebook or tweet it on Twitter. You may remember my posts about Lisa, The Domestic Diva and her sunshine girl, Marielle. Well, Marielle is really in a lot of pain and is desperately in need of a kidney transplant...soon! After the childrens hospital in Philadelphia provided a lot of grief to their cause by the slow process in evaluating and testing donors...and might I add they were being very picky as to whom they would allow to get tested, Lisa will be now working with
NY Presbyterian-Columbia University Hospital.
The NY hospital has agreed to test any and all willing donors!
So please, help us get the word out...

Have I mentioned that Marielle is only 15 years old?

Please read Lisa's updated information on her blog here and pass it on!

Boutique Angels launch again!

I have some new skirts up for the Boutique Angels!!! What??? Can't find them under my ID???? Well....they were collaborations I created to match some wonderful friends, so I'll share the links with you!

I have to mention that, as always, 100% of the proceeds from each auction will be donated to charity. Our chosen charity for this launch is the Children of Fallen Soldiers Refund. Wonderful cause!

My first twirl skirt was a super fun, super colorful collaboration with some pretty talented girls. There are some wonderful hard to find European fabrics in this patchwork creation! The top was made by Jen of little*red*wagon who is a member of Ivylane, the perfectly matched clippies were made by Heather of little*e*designs who is a member of BoutiquePOP! kids and that yummy sugar cookie brooch (no, it's not edible, LOL!) was created by Stephanie aka twinkiechan! Thanks girls, it was a lot of fun!!!! You can find our auction here! Seriously, if you have ever wanted a Mimi Kattini...this is the one to get...so bid on it now!



My next collaboration, again...some amazing designers! This time I worked with Michelle, couture4mycutie...she provided the wonderful park slope fabric we used to create this ensemble! Patty of key*west*kids appliqued the made to match top and did a wonderful job! This set has a tote...oh so cute and nicely painted by Julie of the paintedbutterflystudio! AND, of course what boutique set would be complete without matching accessories? Heather of little*e*designs once again worked with us to create the lovely headband with flowers. AND, wait this set has one more hair accessory, this time from Melissa and Shelly of thebowvine...oh they also created that cute little necklace too! Whew! I think that is everyone! Collaborations are so much fun...they really are, and I enjoyed every minute of them! Thanks girls! Grab this set here...this one comes in custom sizes!


Please make sure to check out the rest of the auctions...we have some AMAZING listings so get your bidding finger out!!!!! Search "Boutique Angels Charity" on eBay!

Will the Puffy Taco be knocking on doors this Halloween?

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about what my children wanted to be for Halloween. Munchkin #2 wanted to be a Puffy Taco...read about it here. Well, this is what happened...

I've been very busy...and the munchkins dress up in their costumes for the annual Church's Halloween Festival, so I needed to have the costumes ready by this Friday...like tomorrow...and time just passed me by. Well, we are at Target the other night and we just happened upon the costume aisle....which of course I then proclaimed to munchkin #2..."oooooh, look at all of these costumes...which one do you want?". Munchkin #1 had many suggestions for him, and I of course retorted, "honey, this is the one time out of the year you get to be ANYTHING you want, so let HIM choose what he will be".

*pause*

Did you hear what I said? I was telling my daughter that she should let her little brother choose what he wanted to be...well, for the last 2 months we were all aware that he wanted to be the Puffy Taco...and up until the day before he still wanted to be the Puffy Taco...but now suddenly we are in the Target Costume aisle and picking out something else...so in essence, I guess I wasn't letting him be what he truly wanted to be...but in my defense...I've been busy.

He picked out a really cute "muscular" Captain America...you know the kind that makes your little one look like a Hercules...so fitting too, since it is an election year, don't you think?



He's been wearing the costume everyday and loving it...but of course he was asked today by the lady at the post office, "What are you going to be for Halloween?", to which he replied, "The Puffy Taco", aye, aye, aye...well, I'll have to explain that one tomorrow...and perhaps I will eventually make him a Puffy Taco costume for him to play with around the house since I really was now looking forward to making the darned thing...

My heart aches for this mommy...

Remember this post? At the end of my post, I wrote about Marielle....Lisa, the Domestic Diva's Sunshine girl. Marielle was recently admitted back into the hospital and spent a few days in ICU. She is still in the hospital but out of ICU and is now in END Stage Kidney failure. Lisa's sister and brother have both gone through the process of testing to see if they are a match for their niece...but, they are not. Both Lisa and her husband are also unable to donate their kidneys to their daughter. Lisa's younger sister will now be tested to see if she can possibly be a donor.

Marielle had a liver transplant as an infant and so she is harder to match since she carries her own antibodies and those of her donor's.

Anyone considering being a donor must be in good health. You may contact Joann Palmer of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at (215)590-2449, for more information about how you may be able to help by being a kidney donor for this beautiful, 15 year old girl.

You can also help by posting this on your blog and help spread the word! You may read more about Marielle's recent admittance into the hospital on Lisa's blog.

Above all, please say a prayer for my friend, Lisa and her daughter, Marielle and the rest of the family.

New Designs coming soon!

The Boutique Angels will be launching on November 3 and I am so excited about this one! I am collaborating with some wonderful ladies and can't wait to see all of the yumminess come together...stay tuned!

Beautiful days....

The weather has been absolutely Fall-ish the last couple of days! I LOVE taking the munchkins outside when it is this beautiful!

Gone are the days of being in the pool...but that's okay, now we are able to see the miracle that is nature. Days like these allow my mind to focus on other things...and not asking myself questions like, "I wonder if they are ready to go inside...whew... it's hot out here?".

The mosquitos are still out in full force...and not dousing yourself with Off! will certainly mean that they will be calling all of their friends and treating them to a buffet at your expense. Trust me these little pests eat as much as they want no matter how much you swat at them. I think I overheard a couple of them talking about how mighty tasty I was and if I didn't leave them alone there were two other buffets they knew of watching some roly polys play hide and seek. *SWAT*

The leaves are still on the trees. In a couple of weeks, you won't even be able to see a blade of grass on our front lawn...and no matter how much we rake or mow...or rather I should say my husband rakes or mows (I can do ANYTHING---anything I tell you, however I have never been able to turn on the lawn mower nor push it...go figure, hee hee) it will continue on through all of winter. I like to call it TEXAS SNOW. If I'm inside sitting on our sofa in the living room, I can honestly hear the *crunch, crunch* of the mail man walking to my door bringing my daily goodies. AND, I don't have to tell you how much the leaves delight the munchkins...they love everything about them...after all you can throw them up in the air or at each other and no one gets hurt, you can jump in them, lay in them, even hide in them...perhaps we could even make "leave" Angels...I don't know...we'll try it.

Ahhhh...Fall...pretty soon it will be Halloween...and here in Texas we never know what the weather will be like...we've had FREEZING trick or treating...and OH MY GOSH, it's HOT trick or treating...who knows what this year will bring...but for now I'm enjoying the weather!

Halloween: Rock star and, huh? Puffy Taco?

Well...Halloween is right around the corner and it is nearing that time when I need to start making the munchkins' costumes. I've made their costumes every year except for one. This year I think munchkin #1 has settled for wanting to be a ROCKSTAR...I'll probably get her a pettiskirt, make her some lace gloves, glittery corset, add some pink highlights and do some major teasing of the hair. She'll have everyone asking, "whose that girl?" and "how did she get a time machine to take her back to the 80s?", hee hee...no influence from me.

Now munchkin #2...well...let's just rewind to about a month ago. The 2 year old LOVES baseball! REALLY loves baseball...it is constantly on his mind...he can even watch it on television...like the major league baseball games and it grabs his attention more than any cartoon or preschool show out there...seriously, he'll watch the whole game...but won't sit through 30 minutes of Little Bill. We had a brilliant idea to take him to see the San Antonio Missions play live...and of course, he LOVED every minute...the only thing that would occasionally pull him away from the action on the field was this guy:
Oh...you don't know who (or what) that is? Why...that my friends is the "Puffy Taco" himself. He seems to be 1/2 of the mascot team for the Missions. Munchkin #2 was so taken in by this "edible?" being...that he now wants to be him for Halloween! A month ago, he wanted to be a baseball player...and although he still lives and breathes baseball...upon answering the question, "what do you want to be for Halloween?", he quickly and anxiously answers with "the puffy taco"...*sigh*... foul ball for me...I don't want to create a puffy taco on my serger...I don't mind frying one up on my stove, but sewing one...no not really! Hubby tends to think that this could be kind of "cool"...so, I told him I would make him a Quesadilla costume and he could help the little one go door to door asking for salsa...and somehow the puffy taco idea has lost a tad bit of it's luster...it's still there...lingering...but the coolness factor has plummeted some. In all honestly, if the little one wants to be a puffy taco...I guess...I'll wave my magic wand and turn him into one...for a couple of hours. BUT, this mommy thinks she still may be able to hit one out of the ballpark and change his mind...the question is should I? Pick your battles, my mother always says...technically, no one is getting hurt in this one...so we shall see...

What have you been up to?

Hi everyone! Yes, I am still here...
I haven't blogged in a while...and I am not sure why, because I love to...just haven't had the time, I suppose...I've been busy and not feeling well...and well, life is happening all around me as we speak...it's going around you too, I predict. Yup, the world enjoys playing "Ring around the rosies" with me in the middle, and when it's time "to fall down", I have to yank it back up and sternly tell it to stop doing that and ask if it could please play the "quiet game" instead...do you know the "quiet" game?

The first couple of months of back to school always seem so disorganized for me...have to get into routine mode. Technically, I should have a lot more time on my hands since munchkin #1...the 7 yr old...is back in school, but no...somehow I don't...and then there is the fact that munchkin #2...the 2yr old...keeps asking for his big sister...wants to go to school with her...in fact, I'm surprised he hasn't tried jumping in her backpack because that is totally something he would try to do...hmmmm, I think I'm going to leave it on the floor in the morning...just to see what he does...I'll let you all know if an attempt was made.

Anyway...I really do LOVE being a stay-at-home mother, my munchkins are the BEST...they make me laugh...HARD...sometimes...and of course they allow me to stretch out my vocal chords every once in a while too...okay, well I seem to try them out a lot...goodness, I never knew I could get that loud...and perhaps I would have never known had it not been for them.

On the other hand...boy do they like stopping to smell the roses...technically, we haven't any roses in our garden...but you know what I mean. AND, again if if weren't for them...I'd never do so. It seems I am constantly scurrying them out the door and into the car...then out of the car and into the house...and ever so often, I realize my haste and stop to join them in whatever they are looking at...did you know concrete has a lot of interesting swirls and lines in it? I never knew this...or perhaps I did when I was a child...but I had forgotten it all. Did you know that seeing a roly poly (aka: pill bug) come out from under a blade of grass was fascinating? Um, no I didn't...I mean I knew they did this, but never thought the concept to be too interesting to stop and look...apparently they are "playing hide and seek" with one another and we should try to see if we can find the other players...and to my amazement...there always ARE other players to be found.

Yes, the munchkins are an irreplaceable JOY in my life...truly you feel JOY when you have children...I mean I thought I knew what JOY felt like before...especially around Christmas time...but the munchkins really embody what that word really "feels" like, they make it something more concrete (ha...with swirls and lines in it).

We were talking with some friends the other night and they have a 10 month old little girl. We were all sitting around with some other friends and the topic of having more than one child came up and of course the chaos that can accompany that type of " setting". We all seemed to believe that the second child was much more rambunctious than the first, I was asked if munchkin #1 was a "good" child...you know what I mean...and of course, I answered "yes" and then I quickly added..."at least I think so"...and what I meant by that was that I believe that as time passes us by...we forget the late nights, the "no-no"s, the wagging of the fingers, the food fights and the tantrums, I honestly believe that when my children are teenagers I shall be erroneously remembering the perfect children that they were through their infant and toddler years. But, that's motherhood isn't it...focusing on the "good" and not dwelling on the bad? I honestly believe I will somehow make my self believe that I PAID someone for voice lessons and that my strong vocal chords are now the product of an amazing voice coach-in fact I will probably be trying to locate them on Facebook! AND, yet I will remember that my children taught me how to play with the roly polies in the grass.

Ahhhhh...yes, this is what life is truly all about! For me anyway...

So, what have you been up to?

Like mother, like daughter...

Quick and short:

The tooth fairy visited munchkin #1 last night...

Munchkin #1 came running to me this morning saying,

"Mommy...LOOK the tooth fairy gave me some money! Now, I can donate it to my school for the fundraiser!"

Awwwww....that's my girl...she has a heart for charity already!

(That's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth)

The day Americans paused.

Where were you? Do you remember?
I'll bet you do. We all do.
The day Americans paused.
September 11, 2001

I was at home with our first child, munchkin #1, who was at the time 4 1/2 months old. I was sitting in bed with her when I received my daily phone call from my mother. BUT, this time I could hear that something was wrong when she asked, "what are you doing?". I remember her telling me to turn on the television. I had long given up TV-I figured I was at home to give munchkin #1 my undivided attention...I have since realized that you need to let children know that they can not be given ALL of one's attention...ALL of the time. (BUT, they still get a lot of my attention, they relish in being the centers of attention, and I relish in the fact that I am able to see them receive this attention)

I remember watching the towers. I remember the fire. I remember seeing the replays. I remember listening to some who had witnessed what they saw, most not really sure what they had seen and most of all what was to come. My mother all the while trying to catch me up on the events thus far...was this really happening? My eyes and ears engrossed in details that I could never have even imagined.

Then the second plane came...this left me wondering where else is this happening? What is really going on here? I recollect my phone call with my mother being interrupted, by several beeps...ahhh, the wonder that is "Call Waiting". My husband was on the other line making sure that we were fine and making sure that I had heard of what was happening. Fortunately, we were no where near NYC, and I am just realizing how many women were grasping at the hope that soon their husband would be on the (phone) line.

I was aware of what was occurring, I was seeing what was happening, what was still materializing, and nevertheless so unsure of it all. Really...how could this be taking place? We are America! This does not happen here...we don't get attacked like this...uh-uh, no way, no how!

I recall feeling a bit scared, yet feeling confident that our country was already doing what they could to ensure that this was going to be isolated to these very symbolic towers.
Tears streamed down my face in abundance upon hearing of those who were unaccounted for. My heartfelt sympathy for those who already knew that there loved ones would not be joining them for dinner that evening, and for those who had lost their soul mates forever, was very strong. I turned off the television and turned it back on so many times that day, it was all so draining of ones human spirit. Yet--at the same time so uplifting to see and know that all of us paused at the same time through out the day. It was as if each of us personally knew someone in those towers. AND, although we didn't know them personally or by name...I guess in a sense we did know them, they were all part of our extended American family- mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, cousins, neighbors, friends, etc... and we weren't resting until we heard of each ones fate.

I remember this day, and it will always remain imprinted in my mind and heart. I can not watch programs related to 9/11...it still depletes me of all of the tears I can possibly give out in one day.

If this is how I feel on the anniversary of this tragic event...I can only wonder how those who lost their loved ones feel. I hope that they have been given strength through the years. I hope they know that we were all giving them a hug that day and the days, weeks and months that followed. Seven years have passed...I can't believe it...it is still so vivid in my mind.

I could never express the gratitude I have for all our service men and women who are in our Armed forces...NEVER...it is in an abundance unimaginable. What you do for us on a daily basis, while we can go on about our daily lives with no worries...because we know that you all are taking care of us...cradling America and all it stands for. Ensuring that all the world knows that you can not just come barging in here and do what they did without consequences. We are Americans and don't you forget it!

My group, The Boutique Angels Charity Organization , announced the children's charity which will receive all proceeds from our 4th Quarter launch, November 3-9, today! AND, coincidentally, it happens to be the
CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS RELIEF FUND

Hmmmmmmm...how appropriate...it just happened that way.

Win a FREE Lounge set!

Polkadotsandpigtails is giving away a free custom sized lounge set to the winner of the Boutique Buyer's Blog contest! All you have to do is play the Designer Word Match game in the comments section!
I am one of the Designers...try to match the word that matches Mimi Kattini!

Good Luck!

Word of the Day: NEGLECT

ne-glect (n-glkt)

1. To pay little or no attention to; fail to heed; disregard

2. To fail to care for or attend to properly

Oh no...according to the definition above...I have been neglecting my blog. BUT, let's not carry that neglect over to the MANY, MANY loyal readers I have...should I look up the word: SARCASM? I'm not being sarcastic by the fact that I have loyal readers...just that I have "MANY, MANY" of them!

Neglect, I have...BUT, I have good reason. An unwanted guest arrived in our home two Sundays ago. We have been making the said guest feel very uncomfortable. We weren't really aware of how to ask this guest to politely leave us alone, and so we assumed that within time it would eventually go away...as it normally has. It had been irritating the munchkins, thus frustrating the mommy (me)...I mean really, who likes to see their children unhappy?

The guest is very rude...it didn't even send a little note, a little nudge, a small phone call to let us know that it would be arriving...it just showed up...barging...in the middle of the night! It apparently assumed that it could just come on over and we would afford it a place to spend how ever long it meant to stay with us! Grrrrrrr....

Lysol and bleach have become my constant companions...we have always been friends, however in times like these...we seem to realize how much we really, really like one another.

The guest became a nuisance on Sunday and so we loaded the munchkins in the car and decided to find out once and for all how to get rid of it. AND, we finally found out it's name....Group A. Streptococcus...it goes by the nickname "strep", but I don't want it to feel any more at home then it already does...so I'll just call it Mr. Streptococcus. Hah...and get this, it had a friend...Respiratory Infection (no middle initial)! It all makes so much sense now!

Well, needless to say we were given a couple of medications to give to Mr. Streptococcus and it's friend, a sort of kryptonite for unwanted visitors. We are on day three of the dosing and I think I see them packing their bags. I'm going to show them the door here in just a moment and won't even shake their hands ...yes, I am going to be an ill-mannered hostess *gasp*, no hug or kiss on the cheek from me! No, I will simply usher them out with a graceful wave of my hand.

I shall be thinking in my head, "Go on, get out and take your friend with you...you've wreaked enough havoc on my munchkins!
Excuse me for a minute...*cough, cough*... don't even think about coming back to this house...next time we won't be so nice!"

When life hands you lemons...

You know, sometimes during your life you are handed lemons...

...some people let those lemons harden and they place them on a shelf as a constant reminder...that they've been handed lemons.

There are those who do the ever so popular making of lemonade.

AND, then there is me...I make lemon bars...really yummy, sweet lemon bars.

AND, then I gain 10 pounds because of those yummy, sweet lemon bars.

10 pounds???

What???

What is that life???

Did you just hand me another lemon?

**NOTE TO SELF: You can still be optimistic if you just squeeze the lemon into some water and discard the juiced lemon away

I want a Golden Ticket!

I love the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie with Gene Wilder! I like the re-make with Johnny Depp as well...but mainly because of Johnny Depp!

But for many years, the original has been seen in our home many a time! Who doesn't want to visit the Chocolate Factory and the candy man...AND, the room where EVERYTHING is edible? A dream for any sweet tooth, indeed!

Well, I have heard of a place...a place where the candy is stacked so high...high into the sky!
Well...okay, maybe not that high...but stacked none the less...and writing that, makes for a great visual!

If you are reading my blog...chances are you are in the boutique community. AND, if you are in the boutique community chances are you have heard of the Diva...the Domestic Diva! AND, if you are reading my blog and NOT in the boutique community...then YAY for me...I'm crossing over!!!! BUT, then I must explain the candy...and the Diva... and how they all come together.

You see the Domestic Diva has an annual BBQ...on Staten Island...in New York...and she welcomes those in the Boutique Community! Well the boutique community extends far and wide. Now, we get invited to many BBQs...who doesn't? AND, we attend many of those BBQs as they are normally where we live or at least within an hour and a half drive. Well, somehow the Diva has been able to get families to fly from one side of the country to the other...to attend her annual bash! AND, I hear every year it gets bigger! AND better! AND more exciting! I'm not going to get into all of the specifics...you can read her blog for that...but I will speak of the candy!

I have never attended the BBQ! BUT, I have heard of the candy cart! The one the children come up to all wide-eyed and jaw-dropped! Okay, this is why I believe the candy is stacked so high. I hear the children get to fill a goodie bag...with whatever they would like. AND, some adults do as well. Well...I don't know about you, but I have been to some Birthday parties where the pinata has been broken and the candy has fallen to the ground...reminding me of Easter when the confetti litters the lawn and sidewalks after a cascarone-fest...but not more than a minute later... the children just can't seem to fill up their goodie bags with enough...and just like that it's gone...beautiful grass once again! YET, the children at the BBQ...are given free reign to fill up their bag...AND, somehow there is candy left over! WHAT? How can that be? Is that possible?? SURE, if the candy is stacked high...high into the sky!

Anyway, she's giving it away to one lucky winner! AND, I want it! LOL! SO, that's why I'm blogging about it...to enter this yummilicious contest! SO, now all you have to do is visit her blog here and help me win OR you could simply enter yourself and blog about it and if you win...just share some with me, LOL!

On a more serious note...while you are there...please read about her daughter, Marielle...her Sunshine Girl! Ironically, the clouds are trying to put a damper on things...she is in stage 5 Kidney failure...and is desperately needing a kidney transplant. Please be giving to this generous woman and leave her some big hugs and prayers!

Aaaahhhhh...forget about the candy...I don't need it...just send some well wishes...here's praying the sun shines through the clouds and a rainbow soon leads you to the pot of gold...

Who can make the sun rise...the candy man can...

My 2nd Arte Y Pico Award...YAY!

The talented graphic designer behind The Pink Tulip, has given me
the Arte Y Pico Award. I last received this award in June of this year, and am honored to have
it once again. Much hugs, Beth...I love your blog, too!!!

This award recognizes a blog’s creativity and overall contribution to the blogger community.

Once you’ve been selected, please follow these guidelines and pay it forward:

1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.

2) Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog by so everyone can view it.

3) Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.

4) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the “Arte y pico“blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) Please post these rules.


Well, here are my nominations for this award...

Michelle from Eat, Sleep, Create (paying it back)
Steffi from Mausbar's Nahkiste
Angelica from Childish Couture
Tam from Painted Patooties
Julie from Painted Butterfly Studio

Hee hee...I just have to share this!

OMG, my sister-in-law sent this to me today...AND, I just had to share!!



You have to send one to your politically obsessed friends...

Totally Custom Twirl Skirt up for bids!!!

Well, I have one more for The Boutique Angels' launch on eBay! Again, all proceeds will go towards the research of Juvenile Diabetes through JDRF. We still have a few days left to raise money to help children like Mitchell and Jamie...so please search our auctions and bid what you can, it's a donation to a very worthy cause, with something great in return!

Okay, well...my camera has officially shuttered it's last click, flashed it's last flash, heard it's last "Cheese". Never again, will it allow me to capture life's little moments. In the last 3 years that it has been by my side, we've seen so much together, experienced many emotions...but alas, everything comes to an end. Farewell my camera, thanks for the memories!

I now need to buy another camera, but I also must make a very informed purchase! I don't want to just go out and buy an inexpensive camera to hold me over...because...well..then I will just get comfortable with it and forgo buying a REAL one!

SO, why am I telling you all this? Well, because I wanted to list another auction for the Boutique Angels and I figured out that I can't take pictures to have the set modeled. AND, so after sharing my plight with a very dear friend of mine...she suggested I do a Totally Custom Twirl Skirt auction...I wouldn't need new photos for that, I'd simply use examples of some skirts I've done in the past. Well a couple of hours later, I listed the auction! AND, you must bid...I guarantee a very happy little girl to whomever wins this set...have I mentioned your money will be going to JDRF????

Want a FREE Mimi Kattini twirl skirt?

Then head on over to
A Boutique Buyer's Blog!
The wonderful ladies over there are having their first ever contest and
the winner will receive a twirl skirt from ME!

All you have to do is leave a comment on anything you'd like referencing the Olympics and you'll be entered! The contest ends, Friday August 15...so hurry...and...um...your odds are pretty good right now!!!!

The Angels on the eBay Chatter!

My group, the Boutique Angels Charity Organization, is being featured on the eBay Chatter!
Please take a peek! Also, we'll be on Danna's Radio show once again, discussing the Boutique Angels' launch on Friday, August 8 at 8pm EST.

Please tune in or call in...I'd love to hear from you!!!!

You can find the link here and the call-in number is (646)595-3995

Vintage Pink

I have another one up for the Boutique Angels' launch benefiting the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 100% is being donated!
Search "Boutique Angels Charity" on eBay to view our listings now through August 17.

This little dress is absolutely beautiful in person! I must remember to take some lessons in
photography, LOL! I bought these vintage, embroidered panels a while back, and they
are in pristine condition. This is such a feminine little dress...great for portraits or any other special occasion. You can see more of it here!

Howdy Y'all!!!!

We got back from our mini summer vacation a few days ago...and we had a great time! We desperately needed to get away...my husband is in denial about being a workaholic...and the kids and I had an intervention with him.

So we packed our bags and went to a DUDE ranch...yes, you heard me right...a DUUUUUUDE ranch...after all, we are Texans...we'd fit right in! AND, we did!

Unless you worked there...there was no need for boots or belt buckles or even cowboy hats! This was a resort type Dude ranch...don't get me wrong...they had the horseback riding, the campfires, marshmallow roasting for smore's, hay rides and the occasional yelling of yeeeeeeeeeeee-haw certainly wasn't out of place...BUT, they had a SUPER FUN water park, too...it is HUGE...I only have this picture of it...but it had tons more to do...we spent most of our days there...after all...we are in Texas and it is EXTREMELY HOT!
But our nights were reserved for all those Dude-sy things like hayrides and campfires and such. We really did have such a great time...and the kids didn't want to leave.

We were able to get some authentic looking photos of the little cowpokes...they look really great and I'm imagining that I'm about to see an armadillo scurry across them...and then I take a look at that second one...and huh, who would of thought they had crocs back then??? OH, yeah... and the pettiskirt has been around for a long, long time!

Ele-fun!

It's been awhile...I know! I have been so busy!
I have a new charity listing up!

The Boutique Angels are launching for
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,
100% of the proceeds from our auctions will be donated.
Please search "Boutique Angels Charity" to see our listings!

Ele-fun is a cute and comfortable dress! The style is just perfect for
this Lilly Pulitzer fabric! This is one of my favorite prints...with it's adorable pink elephants...and turquoise background...this one screams---SUMMER!!!!
It comes in custom sizes from 18 months to girl's 8.

I'd appreciate a little peek if you could...please!!!!

Go ahead...feel good!

Okay, stop what you are doing...

Go outside...

in the middle of your backyard would probably be best...

look up at the sky...

take a minute to listen to everything going on...

smile...

take a deep breath...

NOW YELL, with all your might----

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!


come back inside and resume whatever you were doing before...

AND, smile.

The Boutique Angels want YOU!!!

The Boutique Angels Charity Organization is looking for buyers to join in
a group to help suggest and decide on a children's charity for our next launch in August!
We are a group of over 330 members consisting of custom boutique designers who come together quarterly to launch for a designated CHILDREN'S charity...100% of the proceeds from our Ebay auctions are donated to the specified charity.

If you have ever wondered when we'd launch for your charity...you must join this group and let us know what it is!
Request your invite here!

We've grown zucchini!!!!

Some of you may remember my posts here and here. I was so excited to actually be starting our own vegetable garden...oh the money we would save! Well, I haven't any idea as to what happened to the snap peas...they are nowhere in sight...the cucumbers? Well, the plant is out of control and growing right up our fence...but no cucumbers yet. BUT, today I found a zucchini! A beautifully green zucchini...about 8 inches in length! See her debut here:


I was so excited to see her...and she has a couple of siblings growing as well...look at them!

I'll be honest, I almost wanted to take her inside, dress her up and prop her right by my cook top...she was so darn pretty! But alas, reality set in...and I realized in a few days she would spoil and I do not like to waste food...and so I cast her in a small part in the following dish! She did very well!

As I was perusing some of my favorite blogs (see links over yonder to the left)...I stopped at this post...and almost immediately wanted to join in on the fun...and so here I am: cooking and blogging about it! Thanks Patty! I really haven't had any leisure time lately...but when I saw my zucchini today...I immediately ran inside for my camera...funny how this blog has been making me stop to question myself---"Hmmmm...is this a Kodak moment?" Anyway, I thought I would share a dish that my family enjoys which just so happens to include ZUCCHINI.


Here's what you will need:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts-cooked and cubed
1 zucchini (wink, wink)-=sliced
1 bell pepper--diced (I like to use red and gold peppers as well, but did not have any on hand)
1 medium-sized onion--diced
1 clove of garlic (optional)
3 cups chicken stock
1 tsp cumin
1 bunch cilantro---chopped

White corn tortillas--fry them in oil to make taco shells and set aside


In a medium sized pan place all of the above ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the zucchini and bell pepper have softened...for this dish, I do not prefer the vegetables al dente...however, you may cook them to your liking. It will look like this:


How should you plate it, you ask? Well take a slotted spoon and place a generous portion into a taco shell. Serve with homemade Spanish rice and avocado wedges. A nice iced tea goes perfectly with this meal!

SAVE the broth...use it as a first course by adding some tomato paste and top with some freshly shredded Queso Oaxaca for a delicious tortilla soup!

OH...YUM-ILICIOUS this was!!!!!!! Enjoy!!!!

If you'd like to be added to the Cook it! Blog It! blog roll, simply leave a comment here and Patty will add you!!!!

There are only 3 short rules:

1. COOK IT.

2. SNAP IT.

3. BLOG IT.

Happy Cooking!!!!

So much time...so little to share....

,..okay, scratch that and turn it around (to paraphrase from a favorite quote). SO much to share, but so little time to actually do it!

First off, I hope everyone had a great time on the day we celebrate our wonderful country's independence! We traveled down to my brother's home for a day full of fun! There was golfing, sack racing, a mini parade with shoe box floats, swimming, swinging, laughing, storytelling, fireworks, deer sightings, BBQ, Birthday cake and making old fashioned ice cream...Oh my goodness that was YUMMILICOUS !!!!


The evening ended with the children sound asleep and the men doing flips into the pool..NOT in the big pool mind you...the kiddie pools...the two feet deep pools-needless to say 4th of July is a big holiday for us...well...okay..MOST holidays are big for us!

Secondly, we have been needing rain in this part of the country...really, really needing rain! AND, of course it would rain on the weekend in which we planned to spend our days outside...it rained all weekend long...intermittently...but all weekend long nonetheless. I didn't complain because, again, we are in dire need of the little drops from heaven. My brother has a river several yards in the back of his house...I took this picture around the same time last year...




...this is what the river now looked like this past weekend...



...rather sad really as we are river rats. During the summer months, that is normally where you will find us...but the last couple of years the rivers just haven't been the same...and neither have we...we find solace in the pool...but its not the river. It is hard to believe that this is the same river in which just a few feet away from where my daughter is standing in the first picture there is a huge rock in which we all sit around because the water is over our heads. The same river that on occasion will swell and break from it's banks and cause flooding. No one wants the flooding, but it would be nice to have the rivers running with fresh clean water. Now I have to mention that not all of the rivers in the area are like this one...there are those that really never dry up...but even they aren't near as high as they once were. People from out of town still come in masses, but as a friend of mine mentioned...I know the difference, and I wouldn't be swimming or floating them right now. Okay...so I really should stop, because it just started raining...perhaps we are moving in modern times and the rain dance is not the only way to get clouds to turn on their sprinklers...have I just done some rain blogging???

Well, this is all for now...so much more to come...

Happy 4th!

An Award??? For Me???

I have been the recipient of the ARTE Y PICO Award! The honor was bestowed upon me by Michelle of Eat, Sleep, Create! Thank you so very much, Michelle!! Where did this award first originate you ask? Well, you can read about it here...however, it is in Spanish. These are the rules:

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogger community, no matter of language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award-winner, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y pico"blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5) To show these rules.


AND, so now the winners are...

Hoganfe
Pickles and Co.
Whimsy Portraits
The Pink Tulip
Duckcloth

Patchwork Art

I am guesting with the wonderful ladies of DollyLane, a custom boutique group! They are having a "Patchworks of Art" launch right now thru June 22nd...and I just had to participate!

I am quite pleased with this one...it is so girly, not that I've ever made anything but "girly". This one is a lot fun...with rouching and ric rac here and there... patchwork squares (and rectangles) of all different sizes...vibrant colors...a beautiful HILCO fabric print...you get the picture.
I used all the mediums I love to create this art piece----a Patchwork of Art! See the eBay listing here.

Tres Fun! Win a $30 gift certificate to Doodle Bugs stationery!

The fun...ummmm, excuse me the "tres" fun gals at...well...
Tres Fun

are giving away a
$30 gift certificate to shop for the WONDERFUL pretties at Doodle Bugs Stationery
...check it out to find out how to enter! You may just be the winner and then
you could get these cute little calling cards!!!

Saw my fabric...

Okay, so it was impossible to not order some fabric from Spoonflower...I made a cute little print...okay... so... well, I've made several...but I have ordered a yard of one to see how it looks...and today I got a glimpse from the cute little videos on the Spoonflower Blog...AAACCKKKK...I simply can't wait to see it...because I have a lot more to order... some which are highly detailed and some very simple. I'll let you know when Mr. Postman brings it to my doorstep!!!!

Spoonflower???

I love the look of hand screen-printed fabric! I've been a long-time fan of Duckcloth and their blog...which is where I first discovered the Sprout Design fabric collection...I recently used their Pamela Walker giraffe print and I will have more sets done in this collection as well.

NOW, I have discovered Spoonflower...have you heard of them???

Perhaps you have...BUT, for those of you who haven't, read about this innovative company who is still in the beta testing stage here! Your designs are printed on Robert Kaufman 100% kona cotton (for now) and I am so anxious to see how they will hold up after a few washings!!!! My own experience with the Pamela Walker print is that they are extremely vibrant when you first get them...AND, after a few washings you can't tell the difference...they are just as rich in color as they were unwashed! I'm not sure how these are printed yet, BUT I'm excited to find out about it all!!!!!! Are YOU????? It is obviously not for mass production as they have a maximum purchase of 5 yards. BUT, if you have a special project you are aching to do...this is the way to go! They have a video of some fabrics hot off the press here, if you are interested in seeing them.

Hmmmm...I have a couple of special projects in mind myself and so of course I have signed up for an invitation. I have no idea where this small company is going with this, but I bet we'll be hearing about them in a BIG way soon! Wishing you much success!!!!! You have no idea what you have started!!!

Lemon Berry Breeze

I have a new listing up!

A boutique modeling group that I am in, is having a launch themed around "Lemons". This is my contribution...Lemon Berry Breeze! AND, this dress is very breezy!!!! The twirlability is unimaginable!!!!

I had the pleasure of being paired up with Angelica from Childish Couture Boutique Modeling and Photography! Her lovely and beautiful daughter modeled this dress for me.

I just adore the pictures! Aren't they just amazing?? They make such a great team!!!

I don't make too many customs, so this is a treat...any size from 18 months to girl's size 8! AND, your choice of halter style as well! Like the hand-knotted trim I made? It adds just the right touch!

It's at a great starting price, too!!!!

The Boutique Robot...a look into the future!

I posted one of my daughter's school work papers a couple of posts down, in which she was to think of an invention of the future. She chose a robot that would make clothes and bows, hee hee...it still makes me giggle! THEN, we were to create this robot with recycled items. These were the recycled items we gathered around the house:

The process:

AND, here she is...complete with her own spool of thread, ribbon, tape measure, etc...

Oh...AND...just what exactly does the 2 year old in the house do when mommy and sister are hard at work creating this little robot and daddy has been asked to entertain him???? Well, just see for yourself....AND, yes that wall has been smeared with markers as well...thank goodness for washable markers!!!!

Bubble wrap...

The other day I was reading one of my favorite blogs from Beki and she had the cutest little push button post...I joked that I needed to get one of my own!
Well...my sister-in-law sent me this one the other day...AND, I just love it!!!!!

Have fun and enjoy!!!!!!

I was thumbing through my daughter's school work and found this. In case you can't read her answers this is what she had to say:

How does the machine help people?

Her answer: By making clothes and bows

Who will your machine help?

Her answer: Everyone in the world

I had to giggle! Apparently, there are too many women hard at work making clothes and bows, hee hee! I have mentioned that I do this in my spare time, haven't I? I think she means everyone in the Boutique world. I'll let her know that we all do this for fun, hee hee!

I must do my tag...

A couple of weeks ago I was tagged---again...this time by Annette, Pickles and Co., ...I've been so busy that I had not been able to get to it. Well, yesterday I was tagged by Beth of The Pink Tulip...SO, now I can do both at one time!

Okay, so just in case you have no idea what I am talking about...being tagged I must now list 7 random facts about myself and then tag 7 others to do the same. Well I've done this before, so here we go with 7 new things...


Hmmmm...

1. My husband and I used to be HUGE fans of Depeche Mode, we still listen to them occasionally of course, but we have a MUCH wider range of musical appreciation now...I also used to be a big fan of Anything Box and New Order...LOVED the music but never got into the fashion that that music brought along with it...so I always looked a little out of place, LOL!

2. I do not have a green thumb...not in any shade! I can not grow a plant...at all. My mother has a beautiful garden and has always been able to grow ANYTHING, honestly even a leaf will sprout roots for her. Sad, because I really do love fresh flowers and must have a bunch in a vase in my house at all times.

3. Since we are on the subject, my MOST FAVORITE flower is the tulip! I LOVE those beautiful little bulbs! I carried them in my wedding bouquet. My husband knows never to send me roses, they are beautiful but I'm not much of a fan...I'd rather get carnations.

4. I LOVE to swim...it is my ALL-TIME favorite activity! I can be in the water for hours...literally.

5. I LOVE ultra-modern furniture and design...I don't say contemporary, because when I sometimes come across something labeled as such...it doesn't look modern to me...I like nice clean lines. With that said, I have never been a fan of antiques.

I love houses like this and this, my husband has been designing one for us for years now...not sure when we'll get it built, but God willing we will.


6. As soon as the sun goes down, so do my shades! I can not have the blinds open with the lights on in the house...I feel as if I'm on display or being "peeped"...is that even a word? Hmmmm...so typically modern houses have large floor to ceiling windows...my husband is aware of my phobia, so he'll have to figure that one out...but he's good at it...SO, I'm not worried!

7. I LOVE shopping! My mother is my shopping partner and we can be at it for hours! My father often jokes that with the time we spent at the stores, we could have worked a couple of shifts! I don't buy much for myself anymore...BUT, I do love to buy for my children

Okay, YAY..I did it!!!! I'm so sorry it took so long Annette!!!! Thank you both for tagging me!!!

AND, now I will tag:

Michelle at Eat, Sleep, Create!
Eileen at Whimsy Portraits
Mary at Hoganfe
Myrinda at Fabrichound-the Blog
Jenn at Take a Bow Creations
Natlee at A small bit of something
Beki at Pampering Beki

One more for the Angels!

I was able to list one more for the Boutique Angels Charity Launch...

My daughter has obviously outgrown this style, so she couldn't model for me and my nieces live out of town making it impossible for them to model for me at the last minute...SO, instead of asking to borrow a cup of sugar from my neighbor, I asked if I could borrow her lovely little girl! It worked out just fine!!!

Here is it is, $.99...NO RESERVE...Ready to ship!!!!