Snow blind . . .

. . . it seems like everyone is getting snow.  This last blast brought only about a foot - believe me, we have had alot more!  But the wind!  And the cold!  Wasn't I going to book a cruise for January?

I don't suppose that this kind of white is what Kathleen at Faded Charm meant for a White Wednesday post but really, what is whiter than snow?  Here I am, the first time I participate and I don't follow the rules.  Yeah, that's me - I very seldom follow rules. 

These white photos are being linked to Faded Charm's White Wednesday anyway.  Next time I'll play nice.

Be sure to wear your shades outside in the snow - it's blinding.  And a pair of long johns!

Adventures in bridal fairs {part 1} . . .

. . . the wedding planning begins.  And we quickly realize that we don't know anything about planning a wedding.  What to do - what to do?  Why, we begin by going to the first of many, many, many bridal fairs that are happening!  The one we planned on attending was 2 hours away and after getting up at 6:00 to be ready to leave by 7:00 and plowing snow 15 miles to the nearest highway, we decide that the snow storm that was in progress was going to hinder us in our search for tulle.  So we trudge back home, disappointed, but determined to find an outlet for our wedding hyped-up attitudes.  Lo and behold, there is another fair only 40 miles away.  We'll risk life and limb traveling on trecherous roads for 40 miles (which only took about 1 1/2 hours to get there)!

There were photography vendors, invitation vendors, venue vendors and dress vendors.  But, where did we start?  Why, the cake vendors, of course!  Never mind that there is no date set, no reception hall booked, no colors chosen, no dress even considered.  We Wanted To Find Cake!

Can you choose a cake and design a wedding around it?

If I had to choose, this would be my pick.  Simple and elegant.  And white!

  (But I don't get to choose.  It is not my wedding.  I'm already having a hard time keeping my mouth shut.  I'm trying to wait until my opinion is asked for.  Oiy vay, this may be the hardest thing I have ever had to do!)

Cookies would be so much fun!

Or are they passe'?

(It is just that frosted sugar cookies are MY absolute favorite!  Oh yeah, already forgot.  It is not my wedding!)

Cake pops on a stick.  Or too 'kid party'?

And the ever popular cupcakes.

Sometimes it is not good to have so many choices!

Really girls - we could use some wedding planning tips.  What did you find absolutely necessary?  What would you do without?  What was a big hit?  What didn't work?

Now, for some reason I'm craving a piece of cake . . .

A quickie for my birthday . . .

Giveaway Alert!!!

So, I start to change over calendars and come to realize that TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!  Remember last year when I officially changed my birthday to July?  I was tired of blizzardy, right-after-the-holidays, 'I got you a bigger gift for Christmas that includes your birthday', nobody feels like going out because it's so cold birthdays.  I liked my birthday celebration in July.  I liked it alot!  But, I wanted to do something for my January birthday too so I'm celebrating it with YOU!

Since it is January and my brain is still in 'vacation' mode, I didn't think what fun thing I could do that would bring you all to my blog and marvel over it.  I'm busy purging (isn't that what we all do in January?) so I thought I would just stuff this box with . . . well, stuff.  You don't care what is really in it, do you?  As long as YOU are the winner?  I promise I won't make you take my old clothes that I've been saving for years (I'll never get into those sizes again and who wants to wear denim skirts again anyway).  You won't get the mauve and light blue country-style decorations that graced my home at one time.  The collection of pig related items - forget it!   

Only the good stuff for my friends!

If you want, you could post this photo on your sidebar.  I'll give you my undying appreciation and maybe a little sumpun, sumpun extra will be in the box for you if you win.  Oh, and an extra chance too!

If you follow me, yup, you guessed it . . . you will get another extra chance!  Maybe the 200th follower will get a bit of love! 

But first, you must all leave me a comment!  I'll contact you sometime next week if you win.  You can comment up until I pick someone!

Good luck, my lovlies!

Edited ~~ comments are now closed.  As soon as I figure out how to show the random generator thingy, I'll post the winners!

New year accomplishment #1 . . .

. . . Okay, so I'm writing down some dreams and goals for 2011 per my last post.  I come to the one that says 'get more involved in blogging events' meaning linky parties, swaps, etc.  And I remember that it is Friday.  Isn't there a Friday party somewhere?  Yes!  Debra at Common Ground has a Vintage Inspiration Friday party!

So here I am . . . accomplishment #1.  Check!  Now, I may not hit every Friday but it is a start!  You know me - good at planning, not so good at carrying out said plans!  And you know how long it took? An hour (if I had a decent computer it would have taken 10 minutes.  Wait - I just wrote down 'get a decent computer' as another goal)!

Oh joy!  Oh rapture!  I did it!  This is one party that I can do - I have lots of vintage junk! 

 

Now, isn't there a 'white' linky party somewhere too?  I'm off to meet new bloggers (another goal)! 

Thanks for listening to my blather!

Let the merriment begin . . .

. . . with the celebrating of another year over and the anticipation of a new year.  Days to start over with new hopes, new plans, new attitudes, new dreams.  A time to say so-long to the chaos and challenges we faced in 2010.  We put our mistakes and our perceived failures behind us.  We've got things to do!  We've got plans to make!  We have dreams to fulfill! 

I've seen alot of bloggers post about their favorite accomplishments over the last year.  While I've been enjoying your make-overs, your new opportunities, your creative endeavors, I feel like I didn't do a thing this year.  Oh, I know that is not true but I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday so I for sure need to have me a sit-down to figure out what the hours of my days were spent doing.

I don't do resolutions.  Every morning when I wake I vow to make changes.  This year I am going to write down everything I want to accomplish and set some goals.  This list is going to be posted where I see it every day so I can't forget.   I am terrific in the planning department - not so terrific in the carrying out of those plans.  A new year is just what I need!

Reflection is not my forte'.  It scares me a little.  Some things are best forgiven and forgotten.  But some things need to be remembered in order to know what needs to be tweaked in my life.  I'm painfully aware of my flaws and willing to work on some (I wouldn't want to change who I really am and I think I am pretty okay).  That is why I am writing it all down here.  Remind me this year, my blogging friends, that 'change' is my go-to word.  Ask me what I've accomplished so that I am forced to show you.  And as you always do, inspire me daily.

I think that I am prepared for the challenges that I know are coming this next year.  I am ready!

I wouldn't have even thought of half the plans and dreams that I have if I hadn't met each and every one of you.  I thank you for your friendship!  I strive to be worthy of your visiting me. 

Blessings to you all for the new year!  Together, we are going to rock 2011!

Christmas Blessings . . .

Merry Christmas!

Seasonal delights . . .

I scrounged up some more photos of my Christmas decorations.  I didn't want to leave you with the impression that I was a total Grinch this year by skimping on the holiday merriment!  Compared to the boxes and boxes (and boxes and boxes) of Christmas decorations I own, I really didn't put much out.  I think I could lend enough decorations to enough houses to have my own Holiday Homes tour.  Hmm, do you think a Christmas decorations only garage sale would be a hit?

Isn't this wreath yummy?  Got it from Dream in Cream.  I'm making a small one for a friend.  Very time consuming but so luscious!

A pair of angel wings, waiting for a bell to ring.  Remember?  Clarence in A Wonderful Life.  Speaking of movies, how come A Christmas Story hasn't been on tv yet?  My favorite!  Will there be an all day marathon of it on Christmas Day?

I won the cute little signs from Castle and Cottage.  Paula makes beautiful things!  She has a tutorial for a tree banner that is on my list of things to create.

A forest of the bleached brush trees. 

What kind of grandma would I be if I didn't share photos of the munchkins!  It only took about 50 snaps of the camera to get one decent picture.  Squirmy should be their middle names!

Of course the little ones like the paper better than the gift!

Who in their right mind would give a 4-year old a complete drum set?  We listened to many concerts of banging sonatas.  The J-man's very favorite present!  I sure am glad the drums went home with him.  Some day, this grandma will buy a ticket to his rock band concert, throw myself into the mosh pit and nod my head silly over his music!

These were one of my gifts!  l.o.v.e.

Well my lovlies, I'm sending good wishes to you all and thank you for another year of friendship, encouragement and inspiration.  May God bless you during this wondrous season!