corners: of my home

A living room corner

While you all were decking your halls...

I was wrapping presents. Yes, I am just as surprised as you that I even had this many presents to wrap. Although I do love the finished result, wrapping is one of those tasks that I dread. I always wait until the last minute and have 507 present to wrap. Do you guys wrap on the floor? For some reason I do and my back always hurts when I am done. SO although we have no decked halls, we have wrapped presents and that is almost just as good.

I was also spending time with my kids. We had really nice weather here last week and we took advantage of that. My daughter was off school, so we made cookies and did some shopping just her and I. She loves her mommy time and I love to see her growing up into such a sweet girl.

I also had some time to do some artwork. I have finished one collage and started two others. Actually, do you remember this? Well, it is still a work in progress but another collage idea developed because of it. I am trying to work towards a shop update by next week.

Until tomorrow, ciao!

pure bliss

Just a few of my finds from Monticello Antiques

Today was the first day in a long time that we didn't have to be ANYWHERE! We stayed in our pj's until 11am. Then headed over to Barnes and Noble to conquer a little Christmas shopping and to get this mom some fun magazines. Like Blair, I have yet to jump onto the yuletide bandwagon. Like many others I am hoping for a low-key holiday season. I restrained from participating in any craft fairs/trunk show/boutique type things this year. I also didn't sign up for any holiday swaps, which I am sure I will regret once you all start posting the amazing things you receive. I know myself though and I would just turn into a big bucket of stress. That my friends is no fun for anyone, especially my little muffins. :) So I just need to get going on the shopping and the decorating. Because really that is where the fun is.

Where do you find great joy during the holiday season?

Three

Peeking out from under my rock

My wall + pocket purchased from Sally at studiocraft

Hi everyone, just a short post to say hello. I am on the last few days of a three week marathon. You have all been here before haven't you? Something scheduled EVERY day. Some really fun, some not so fun and some not expected. This week I have been to a 20 year high school reunion (not mine, at least not yet), to the rose bowl flea market, will celebrate a special boy's third birthday, go to a parent teacher conference, throw a baby shower and juggle three minimum days and a day off of school. Wish me luck I'll need it. By Thursday I will be ready to catch up on all my favorite blogs and be posting much more myself.

Miss you, we'll talk more soon.

Thank you for your patience.

a portland collage of sorts

Please store your tray tables and put your seat in the upright position. We will be arriving in Portland momentarily.

Hi all, I am back. Posting later in the week than I thought, my schedule has been packed since the minute I returned. I do have so much to tell you all.

First a confession, I didn't take many photos. I know, I know but rainy weather and hands FILLED with bags is not conducive to picture taking. Please forgive me. Portland was absolutely beautiful. Fall was in full swing. The colors of the trees, absolutely breathtaking. It was raining the whole time we were there but we didn't let that stop us.

Us? Yes, I was lucky enough to spend the weekend with Kristin. Thank you my dear friend for taking time out to come on this adventure with me. Good times, great talks, where should we go next? :)

So after getting there the first thing on the agenda was Studio Craft. By now I am sure you have heard all over the blogging universe how much fun this was. I concur it was. Not only was the room filled with beautifully handmade things, but it was filled with beautiful people. That for me was better than the shopping (did I really just say that?) It was the connection of meeting people I have been only been able to talk to via computer or admired from afar up until now. Blair, Melissa and Sally are even more wonderful in "real life". Funny, kind and so very genuine. I was excited to introduce myself to Alicia and Stephanie both of who's work I really admire. I also got to meet Lisa, I loved her energy, she radiates. Then I got to meet Sumi who unfortunately does not have a blog but is uber-talented and just an all around sweet person. Most of the stuff I bought from Studio Craft is going to be given away as gift so I can't show much.

From Studio Craft we were given directions to Mississippi Avenue by the lovely Melissa. Great shopping but the weather was blustery and COLD. We managed to hit all the stores and found some great stuff at a place called Flutter. Pizza for lunch then back to the hotel. Out again to see Running With Scissors (wow, yikes, ummm disturbing) and then to a great dinner.

The next day we stayed in our pjs till noon. Ahh bliss!! A phone call from Sally got us going to Alberta Street to shop and see an installation of Amy Ruppel's art at a place called Office. We had a wonderful breakfast and met up with Sally and Sumi. We had some girlie chat at a cafe then set off to hit Grasshopper, Bolt, a knitting shop (what was the name of that place again?) and Office. Well I am sad to say we only got to go to Grasshopper. Who knew the shops closed at 4pm on Sunday :( Oh well we survived, not knowing that our greatest shopping adventure was still to come. Back to the hotel and then out again to see Marie Antoinette. (A complete visual treat, great music too)

On the last day (already?) we made our way over to the Monticello Antique Mall. Jackpot! Thank god we did not stop anywhere else because we needed every minute left of our Portland trip to explore this place. I have been to plenty of antique malls in my time but let me tell you...The Best EVER! Seriously! The booty we scored unparalleled.

On a plane, back home to real life. Hmm...Portland, what a great town.

Ahoy Mateys!

My littlest pirate was not cooperating in the photo shoot I was trying to have on Halloween. This is the only decent photo I got of both of them.

Ironically my last post was titled momentum and I haven't posted for almost a week. It is not because I haven't been inspired just crazy busy. Doctor appointment, Halloween, half-day of school, award ceremony, first day of dance class and I am leaving for Portland tomorrow to go here. It should be lots of fun. I promise to fill you all in when I get back. See you next Tuesday.