Friday, March 12, 2010

Tiki Torches, the new Pink Flamingo?


Well, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country (or the desire to decorate, nest and make anyplace 'our own') out of the girl!

We've been enjoying our little yard and view and all the sunshine, when yesterday, it became glaringly apparent that what out little yard lacked, big time, was tiki torches...yes, the Hawaiin equivalent of the perfect pink flamingo. I have a certain fondness for those kitchy pink birds...

'Time for a trip to town!' I announced to my ever patient husband (the lure of fish and chips for lunch at a little open air stand may have helped my case...)

Anyhow, off we went - how hard could it be to find a place to purchase tiki torches...I mean, you know, this is Hawaii...without going into all the details, hubby needed sustenance and we stopped for those fish and chips.

As luck would have it, we passed by a Lowe's store and I KNEW the sought after tiki's would be found within! YES! I was able to carry four (hubby insisted that was a sufficient quantity and as many as we would be able to get in the back of the rental car), he grabbed the giant bottle of oil and we were off! I'd like to add here that they have very pointy ends (for sticking in the gound, of course) but it was windy when we came out of Lowe's and I have the cuts on my shins to prove it - what a girl will do in the name of lawn decor...

We arrived back at the house and my darling hubby set them up...I could hardly wait until dusk. As we lit them and they flickered in the twilight, it felt like a perfect Maui Moment...

now, how to get them into my suitcase ~

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Hawaii Bound!

...so, I've been a good girl and tolerated the winter with a modicum of good humor (yes, I admit, it's been an especially mild one) and I've waited patiently for vacation time ( I didn't start packing until 2 weeks ago, hehehe...) and after months of dangling all manner of flowers, colorful bits, sunny treasuries and spring creations in front of myself, our vacation is finally here - we leave early (really early) Saturday morning! We've rented a little spot for a few weeks of sunshine, palm trees and tropical breezes - lots of relaxing and hopefully some inspiration for new creations when we return.
In the spirit of tropical vacations, here a few essentials for YOURS! Enjoy and aloha!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

SleepOver Saturday

Who doesn't love a sleepover? Especially when you're eight, are staying with your aunt and uncle who dote on you and get to be the 'only' kid for 24 hours...my niece Sophie slept over on Saturday night and we had a blast. I filled the pantry with her favorites - Smarties, chocolate milk, cashews and raspberries - and she arrived with all our usual entertainment - facepaint, a notebook for writing stories and several bags of beads for jewely making. We fit it all in, including her basketball game, a neighborhood walk, watching some Olympics on TV (she would like to be in the Olympics someday, and win a medal in either curling or singing...yes, singing:) and facepainting her uncle while he slept on Sunday morning. That sent us into hysterical giggles!
Here is the pair of earrings she made for me - what a sweetie!

Monday, February 22, 2010

TransCanadaEtsyTeam February Challenge - Snow!

This month the Trans Canada Etsy Team is hosting a new challenge for it's members ~ make something inspired by our great Canadian winters and all that snow!
Anyone who knows me (or has even read one recent post here on my blog) will be aware that I have mixed feelings about winter - especially a long cold one. This winter has been especially mild with a minumum of snow in our neck of the woods which is definitely my kinda winter!
Snow Bound Earrings reflect my contariness - lovely pristine whites and grays combined with a feeling of being bound by the cold and snow!
Voting begins on the evening of Tuesday, February 23 HERE, on the team blog! Drop by and pick YOUR favorite!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Sunshine Award!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blog world. The 'rules' are to post the award on your blog and then pass the award on to 12 other bloggers. Link the nominees within your post. Let them know they've received the award by commenting on a post. Then, lastly, share the love and link to the person from whom you've received the award.
What a lovely surprise to find I had received the Sunshine Award from the lovely Wychbury!
Thanks ladies!
...and here are my nominations ( the first 6, anyway!)
1. Rough Magic Creations - Mollie's happy generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor is evident in all she does! She reaches out and touches everyone with delightful 'downeast' charm!
2. Ginny's Blog - Ginny's venture into the land of blogging has been a leap into the unkown - I admire her determination to 'learn' the ropes and her easy way.
3. A Cottage in the Woods - Zuzu's magic is inescapable when you open the gate of her absolutely gorgeous, inspiring blog - I could live there!
4. Knee Deep Studio - Rebecca shares her unique paintings, music and amazing photography of her mountain home - beautifully inspiring!
5. Suzula Sez - Suz's new blog features many wonderful creations as well as some of my favorite vintage finds! Suz also shares lovely bits about her family (furry members too!) and home!
6. Cat Ludwig Studio - Cat is simply one of my favorite photographers and I love to visit and be inspired by her talent!
Hope you enjoy and are inspired as well!