Recession-proof collecting

I've been downright thrifty since I switched away from full time employment; no fancy coffee, farmers market flowers or, you know, basic health care..... But somehow, I cannot kick the china habit.

Recession..blah blah... 401K plummeting....stocks down.....massive layoffs... Amy says "Oooo look, I've got 3 new blue and white pieces of china!" Earth shattering, right?

This platter survived the original great depression so maybe it can teach me a thing or two about hard times.

This one in perhaps my favorite so far (and not just because a handsome boy SURPRISED me with it after a long day of work!). Don't ask me how I got so lucky, I don't know.

French, duh. This little maker's mark makes me want to redo my business card, so simple and elegant!

And when those closest to you, cough cough, ginny branch, start giving you magazine tears of china, you can bet your bottom dollar you have a collecting problem.

(and a very thoughtful friend who will shop with you till the bitter end!)

Read More

The advent of the Advent

As a kid, advent calendars used to elicit a nightly squeal of "I can't believe there's only ___ days till CHRISTMAS!"

But every night this week, I've said to myself "I can't believe there's ONLY ___ days till Christmas." Funny how one's perspective changes. I've gotten no shopping done and not much money to start the shopping.

And thus the advent of the homemade Christmas.....

Read More

Together.....

Read More

A few new designs....

It tantalize your Holiday Spirit and satisfy my need to create some fun (while taking care of my newborn ) I've just added a couple of fun Holiday Designs to my store! They are fun, festive and a bit flirty too! So have a "BRASSY" Holiday this year and snag something to stuff a stocking, unwrap on Christmas morning or give as a secret santa gift!

OH! and most of my other items are on sale too! So be sure to browse around and see what's in stock and what's on sale! xo - Meg

Read More

Sharing a Holiday Tradition....

If you've followed my blog for awhile then you will recognize this little guy. But since I have gathered a few new friends since this same time last year I'd thought I would share this idea again.

My sister got us started on this new tradition last year (it makes a great gift for your own family and for others too). Allow me to introduce, Mr. Peeps.



No, this isn't a creepy little elf "peeping" in your window (wink, wink). It's a fun new family Holiday Tradition! Bare with me here. I promise you'll love it!

Mr. Peeps is an elf sent from Santa's workshop to watch if your kids are "Naughty" or "Nice". He arrives with a poem soon after Thanksgiving and goes home with Santa on Christmas Eve. He was a instant HIT at our house last year! Here is the poem that goes along with him:

Christmas is approaching, and this is the day

Santa has sent Mr. Peeps to your house to stay.

He send this small elf to your house and mine.

Soon after Thanksgiving, He must be on time.

Mr. Peeps has a purpose. His purpose will be,

To whisper to Santa all the good that he sees.

Soon after he gets here, he moves only at night

To high places, low places, he stays in plain sight.

In the kitchen, for instance, he sits high on a shelf.

Mr. Peeps can sit anywhere, for he is an elf.

He holds very still when he thinks you are watching.

His magic is precious, it fades with on touching.

He sits on the tree on Christmas Eve day.

He knows that Santa is soon on his way.

He waits and he waits without making a noise.

He waits until Santa arrives with the toys.

So you better be nice and mind what you say

Because Mr. Peeps will tell Santa when he comes with his sleigh.

Once Christmas is here and Santa has come,

Mr. Peeps must leave, for his job is well done.

But, he will return next year on the very same day,

To watch your behavior as you work and play.

- Sharon Reynolds

Isn't that fun?? A great way to help your kids be good this season. So pop on over to your local $1.00 store and see if they have any "elves" or pop onto Etsy and pick up a great handmade one or a kit to make one yourself!

Read More

Flirty Apron Swappin'.....

Wow! What a weekend! We were busy, busy. It was great to be surrounded by family and great food but it's also nice to go back to our "normal" everyday life. ;)



I signed up for some apron swapping this Holiday Season and recieved my first apron for the Flirty Apron Holiday Swap this week! Check it out! The theme was to create a glamorous girlie aprons using tulle, velvets, silky fabrics, etc.



Here's the one I received from my partner - Thanks AMY!

Read More

Thanks, Domino!

If you've been wondering why I've been hording glass containers and walking around covered in dirt for the past month, this is why...

I've been planting up specimens for my terrarium tutorial on dominomag.com. There ya go, mystery solved!

My gosh I love making these things. They're quick, easy, cheap, low maintenance, sweet, interesting; all things I never knew could coexist together. Please head on over and let me know what you think!

And here's a big thank you, thank you, thank you to the wonderful Cathy Halley for taking a chance on a young whippersnapper like me!

Read More