Christmas 09

Did you have a wonderful Christmas?  We sure did.

From the bustle and hustle to both of our families houses to the cozy break from the day to day, we've been reveling in generous gifts given, drinking a lot of hot chocolate, sneaking way too many treats, and simply being lazy by the fire.  Yesterday was the first big snowfall and today was even bigger!  Am happy to see the earth blanketed in white for an appropriate end to December and am even happier that we can hide out in our little house and welcome the new year.  Thanks to thoughtful family, our little one was spoiled with gifts under the tree.  Her shelves are stocked with adorable outfits, socks, lotions, diapers, blankets.  Our celebrations will be full for these next few months. 

Favorite memories from this years Christmas was the still kid giddiness in both of us-not being able to sleep and finally just agreeing to get up at 6 am and have our own little Christmas before making way to share with family, reading notes left in each others stockings from last year-our first Christmas as man & wife and writing new notes to be read next year, and the tradition of visiting temple square-it doesn't seem to change much but there is something magical about walking under it's vibrantly lit trees.     

a holy night

May your Christmas be filled with a little less of gifts & things

and more of,

family, children, squeals & hugs & kisses & love

reflections on life & blessings & new beginnings

Christ & sacrifice & renewal & spirit

good news & praise & listening

cheerfulness & coziness & excitement & awe

get in the spirit here

christmas card 2009

*New Winner* Giveaway: Whippy Cake

I'm sad to do it but it's been a week with no response from #18 Sarah Michael and I have no way of contacting her and so I've let random.org pick a new winner for the Whippy Cake Glamour Band giveaway!  Emmie #4 I'm sure you won't be sad!  Send me your contact info. for mailing (writebym@gmail.com}. 

Emmie {orange + barrel} said...

I love that! It goes perfectly with my clothes!

wide eyed

Went to our last pre-natal class last night and the end to the class was watching 4 births--all varying situations and all varying degrees of intensity.  Do you want to know what we looked like when we left???
WIDE EYED! exclamation. exclamation. exclamation.
I remember watching a birth in high school but at that point it didn't matter so much.  This time sitting on the second row watching a full size projection on the wall and seeing the terror + process, I went into immediate freak out inside mode.  Steve's worried about passing out + seeing me in pain, I'm worried about pushing & exhaustion & possible complications & tearing & needles & the still unknown of how this miracle really even happens.  I'm one of those people who does much better when left in the dark ya know...not really knowing what's going on until in the moment and it's too late to think about courage and so bravery and strength are met simply by the need.  I mean I have had kidney stones and they say that is worse than labor but this is a baby, a human being coming out of me.  This has left me wondering how all you women do it--over & over again?
Oh my I don't think I'm strong enough for this....

sprinkle some snow on those cookies

Remember the easy peasy cake mix cookies recipe?  Well I've just discovered that rolling them in powdered sugar opposed to regular sugar is a whole new bite of tastiness + they look really festive.  Thanks to picking up a costco chocolate cookie sprinkled with powdered sugar, I had the urge to try it out on my own.  I just might like this taste even more than the regular sugar!

doily clock

Why are blog giveaways sometimes so glorious?

Because you might just find yourself a winner of something awesome.

This mini-doily clock as seen here arrived in my mailbox a couple of weeks ago

after I spotted my name as a winner over on Oh Hello Friend.  I was thrilled!  Like I've said before, I only enter the giveaways that I really want to win...and this time I did!  This little gem is truly inventive + darling and can be found in a variety of colors via and furthermore.  It looks so lovely above baby daughter's crib.

Jotting Thoughts: a mother's note

little one,
you're going to be a good one.
i just feel it,
and i've felt it since you began growing inside of me.
you're going to have a calm and a pleasantness all your own.
you're going to have big dreams and a big heart.
and even when people would ask me what gender i thought you were and i would say i really didn't know, i did kind of feel that you were a girl,
yet i still don't really really know, but i hope you are.

it's almost christmas time and we'll unwrap gifts, and then shortly after we'll unwrap you.
it's going to be a busily exciting time.
we're anxious and scared and happy all at the same time.
am overly excited to get to know you,
to get to know your dad in a whole new way (wow...your dad?),
to see you with grandparents & cousins & aunts & uncles.

was thinking back on the day we decided that WE should become FAMILY.
we were content, we liked being us, but there also wasn't a reason to wait too long--
except for unfinished schooling, work, finances, internship, time, feeling ready, selfishness, still newlywedness, duh dot duh dot duh dot.
oh that's right, there were all those concerns and yet, the schooling is now almost done, work will always be work, your dad couldn't be more financially well minded, internship will be an adventure for the 3 of us, time-well there's never enough of it, waiting to feel ready would take us to our death beds, selfishness could also take us to our death beds, and still being somewhat of newlyweds-well we think that will last a lifetime.
and we're here so close to family, so close to those who will love you like we do and we want you to experience that.

so we put all reason aside, hoping some little soul was waiting for us,
and you were.
you surprised us quickly and my 25 years of knowing that motherhood was for me, hit me hard. 
i was scared. 
i was scared for the timing, i was scared for the changes, i was scared to not feel like myself anymore, i was just scared.
and when we expressed that we weren't ready and that we needed more time for us, people would say, you do have time, you have 9 months.
we didn't believe them and we thought through our silence & our wonder & our fears.
and i pleaded a bit with God, not wanting Him to think me ungrateful.
but here we are, 8 months along and we have had time for us,
wonderful time that hasn't changed who we are but has expanded who we are.
who we are individually and who we are together.
i think you will continue to expand us.

and little one,
i want to remember to not only be your mother, a good mom,
but to be your dad's wife, a good wife.
he feels you kick & squirm & say hello,
he rubs & tickles & loves you inside my belly.
i know he will adore you.
i adore him.

and my glamorous image of motherhood,
staying at home nestled with kids, painting in the afternoon, eating sandwiches cut into the shape of stars, and little giggles heard may or may not be real,
but i'm going to do my best and i'm going to love you and support you and marvel at you.

so ready or not,
we're here and waiting
to welcome you on your big day.

small things gift list

Need a few more small things for those stockings + under the tree?  Here's my list of smallish but goodish items!

001. Petite Measuring Spoons. Love my Pinch Dash Smidgen Set.

002. Metal Ruler. The heavy duty art supply.

003. Ramekins. Will have you tempted to make creme brulee, fill with the perfect scoop of ice cream, or fill with individual servings of treats + snacks.

004. Task Clips. Office organization just got easier.

005. Pure Vanilla Bean Paste. A delicassey in the cupboard.

006.  Scented Colored Pencils. Pleasant art fun for you + your children.

007. Wooden Artist's Model. You just might come home to him holding a note, giving you a high five, or reaching out for a hug.

009. Mini Whisk. You'll want to whisk eggs every morning.

010. Herb Growing Kit. Food network stars aren't the only ones cooking with fresh herbs.

011. Slippers. Indoor, outdoor, all around the house, you can never go without a pair of good slippers.

012. Travel Pillow. Your sanity & neck will be saved during long travels.

013. Choxie Chocolate. The pretty packaged + unique flavored + modern way to do chocolate.

014. Baking Mat. Will save your pans and your cookies.

015. Sleep Spray. A spray of freshness for a calming nights sleep.

annual gingerbread house

Always look forward to this night.

We are having to get a bit more creative to make each house different each year
(See 2007 & 2008).

We tend to pick the candy we want to eat along the way, not the candy that will look the most Christmasy!

This year a swedish fish reindeer line up stopped on our roof!

And good thing I took these pictures when I did because the reeses walkway is just about gone!

Cook: Skewers

A summery recipe that you don't have to trudge out into the snow to make!

Marinate chicken in mixture of coconut milk + shredded coconut for 20-30 minutes.

Bake cubed butternut squash with a tad of olive oil + brown sugar on 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until soft.

Layer chicken, squash, and pineapple on a skewer and place on the george forman grill.

and then...

Savor.

gourmet hot chocolate

 

1 small plastic bag

1/2 cup hot chocolate

handful of marshmallows

handful of chocolate chips

red string or ribbon

merry christmas tag

and you've got yourself a jolly gift to deliver around your neighborhood, to co-workers, to family, and to friends!

*Winner* Giveaway: Whippy Cake

I'm getting an inkling from the notes that everyone loves headbands and this one from Whippy Cake was no exception!  We have a winner!

#18 Sarah Michael said...

I would wear this little jem any and everywhere. Even while whippin up a cake!

 

Your comment had me laughing Sarah!

Congrats, I hope you send me over a picture of you wearing the glamour band whipping up a Christmas cake.  Send me your contact info. for mailing {writebym@gmail.com}.

Thanks Whippy Cake and thank you everyone for participating!

Giveaway: Whippy Cake

Today is an extra special giveaway day because one of my newest blogging friends Becki over at Whippy Cake and I are doing a giveaway swap!  Here's to double the pleasure double the fun!

Becki is offering one lucky reader one of her famed glamour bands, sleekly called The Past. Present. Future.  Am picturing this as the perfect final touch to that new year's eve outfit, charcoal ruffle top, red boots, long necklace, dangly earrings, and the glamour band.  Other favorites offered from Whippy Cake are: rag dolls, boy ties, & chokers but then again she's got a whole slew of goodies to look through!   

To enter this giveaway:

Visit Whippy Cake and then simply leave a comment in my notes section telling me where you would wear the glamour band this holiday season.

{non-bloggers, please leave an email as well}
This giveaway will be open until Monday December 14th 2009 8:00 am mst.

And then don't forget to visit Whippy Cake and enter for the item I'm giving away on her blog!

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites...we need your votes!

Have you noticed, we like contests!  We've entered yet another.  The appetizer challenge through food 2.  Voting began today and extends for the next 7 days.  I don't even eat bacon but I eat these.  Something about the smokiness of the bacon + citrus of the pineapple + savory & sweet sauce all rolled in one. They are absolutely delicious and the perfect beginning to a holiday or party meal.  If you don't believe me, make a batch this week and win over everyone's stomachs!  Beware, they'll go quick.  Read the recipe and vote by logging in through facebook (clicking on a dot with the first dot being 1 and the last being 5) for our appetizer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites here. 

wrapping away

This year all gifts are under the tree early early early.  I don't know how we did it but we brainstormed and conquered all before december 8th.  I couldn't let the space beneath the tree linger and so I then decided to complete the task and get some wrapping done!  They all look lovely and now the anxious day awaits.

As I was wrapping, my mind pictured a strand of poinsettia fabric just waiting to be used.  A Christmas ribbon alternative I thought?  Surely!  I think it was the perfect touch to a simple package.  Finish off with a handmade tag and you've got yourself a merry little gift!

p.s. speaking of gifts, today's regular giveaway will be offered tomorrow...and it has a little something to do with spearmint gum...or double the pleasure double the fun for that matter ;o)!!!

new untitled 23

Husband's been working hard eating sleeping and breathing html (which I too often accidentially call hotmail...oops!).  Check out his new website here.

little gifts, big loves

Still searching for that perfect little gift, that stocking stuffer, that christmas party accessory?  Skip on over to Shop by M and pick out a few things to be shipped to your door just in time for Christmas! 

crib sheet

Target, thank you for offering dwell studio products.

and

Dwell studio, thank you for offering baby options that don't include winnie the pooh or disney characters!

Shop Blog Swap: Modern Crush

Remember the Shop Swap & Blog I joined in on?  Well I received my second swap partner's item last week and oh what a pretty thing to hold on to for that someday dancing + pretending + playful daughter of mine!  Modern Crush is the maker, also known as Georgia.

She is a graphic designer/starbucks barista by day and craft enthusiast by night!  She grew up as a fine artist and has just taken on the art of collage in the last year.

The reveling in collage began on a whim when Georgia was asked to donate a piece to her former high schools annual art auction.  She created a one of a kind crown and soon the requests were flying in!

Georgia's imaginative + vibrant pieces are both fun and unique.  I love the details of her creations, the combination of texture, color, use of different mediums, and the natural whimsy they inspire.  Thank you Georgia! 

Find Modern Crush at the following:
Modern Crush Blog

Modern Crush Etsy Shop

you selling?

Here is the deal, I am looking for a gently used baby carrier.  Not sure what kind exactly but I've been browsing the local online classifieds and emailing people but haven't seemed to find one that is easily accessible (those classifieds people don't like to mail items, they want cold hard cash in their hand at the time of purchase!)  So, do you have a baby carrier that you are wanting to sell but don't want to bother with the hassle of posting online?  Because I'm an interested buyer who doesn't want to bother with the hassle of online classifieds!  Let me know.

Cook: Cheesy White Sauce Lasagna

For your weekend's pleasure, cheesy cheesy white sauce lasagna.  I have made lasagna a few times now and every attempt has been a failure.  The main reason is that I don't eat red sauce and so my attempts with a substitution of white sauce have resulted in a different consistency.  This recipe seemed to be a little more successful, mighty cheesy but better than the past attempts!

4 servings

13 ounces alfredo sauce

3 1/2 tbls. milk

3/4 cup & 2 tbls. cottage cheese or ricotta

1/2 egg

1/2 cup shredded cheese  (I used parmesan & colby jack)

4 ounces lasagna noodles
*feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, vegetables, etc.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat pan with cooking spray.  I also lined my pan with tin foil for easier clean up.

Combine milk and alfredo sauce.

Whisk egg and combine with cottage cheese and shredded cheese.

Spread a layer of sauce onto bottom of pan and then one layer of lasagna noodles.

Spread a layer of sauce, cheese mixture and repeat with lasagna noodles until desired height.

Top with more cheese!

Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbling.

Spotted

{photo via stephmodo}

Loved spotting my earrings displayed at Patina over on Stephmodo today!
Today and tomorrow are the last day's to pick up Shop by M items at Patina, go go now!

sewing with mom

Being my mother's only daughter, my excitement to bring her a granddaughter is much.  Along with that excitement comes the opportunity to soak in motherly advice and motherly preparations.  My mom being the excellent seamstress that she is, entertained me for a couple of nights while I clogged the sewing machine a dozen times, cut uneven fabric, and made several large piles of thread from unpicking!  We buzzed around her cheery yellow craft room, trimming, ironing, sewing, and chatting along; having to stop during pivotal girl talk because no women can work and talk at the same time!  The hum of dad working in his tool shop in the background, fabric strewn across her lime green table passed down from her grandmother, strips and pieces quickly becoming creations.  Then a holding up of our accomplishments, saying "oh cute" at the same time and laughing at our all too similar mother/daughterness.
Simply happy that my daughter will wear handmade pieces stitched with love by her mother and grandmother.

01 december

Happy December 1st

{it's here already!}

This is what we did last night to ring in this new month!

And here's our plan for 25 days of celebrating.

01. Watch It's a Wonderful Life.

02. Watch Miracle on 34^th Street.
03. Deliver neighbor gifts.
04. Hang mistletoe and kiss under it.
05. Design, address, and mail Christmas cards.
06. Watch the 1^st Presidency Christmas devotional.
07. Go to the tabernacle for the live nativity.
08. Make Mexican hot chocolate with homemade whip cream.
09. Put up Christmas decorations.
10. Start or complete Christmas service goals.
11. Put up and decorate Christmas tree.
12. Make a gingerbread house.
13. Make a popcorn garland.
14. Listen to favorite Christmas songs.
15. Drive around to see neighborhood lights.
16. Read Christmas story from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
17. Read stocking notes from last year and write new ones.
18. Make spritz cookies with Christmas cut outs.
19. Eat out at a festive restaurant.
20. Go to a seasonal movie.
21. Have a candlelit dinner by the Christmas tree.
22. Visit the lights on temple square.
23. Play in the snow.

24. Doorbell-ditch a Christmas gift.

25. Go to a local Christmas event.

How will you be celebrating?

*Winner* The Give Giveaway: Shabby Apple

Well friends it has been a fun last couple weeks of giveaways!  Loved loved loved meeting so many new bloggers + visiting your spaces.  So many talents to admire, personal touches to adore, and stories to remember.  Hope you will continue to say hello.  And what do you say, should I continue monthly giveaways in 2010?

Am ready to get back to regular blogging.  Upcoming posts may include Christmas prep, continued baby prep, my ever growing baby belly, what we've got cooking, local events...

So on to the last winner anouncement to wrap up these giveaways, the Shabby Apple 90 words per minute dress goes to....

#4 Ryan + Jess said...

Shabby Apple...what's not to love?

Jess seems to get lucky on my blog when it comes to giveaways!  Congrats, it will look dashing on you.  Send me your contact info. for mailing.

Thanks Shabby Apple and thank you everyone for participating!

Thanksgiving

It was a lovely time, that Thanksgiving holiday.

We celebrated 2 thanksgiving dinners, one with each of our families on different days which meant double the turkey, double the stuffing, and double the pie!

A jam packed holiday week with one temple sealing, one baby blessing, one wedding shower, 2 thanksgiving dinners, a house full of kiddos and strewn out sleeping arrangements, the playing of games, the seeing of movies (we LOVED blindside), a little black Friday shopping, the putting away of thanksgiving decor and out with the Christmas, feeding grandma's neighbors sheep apples from the tree (seen above), and a little relaxing in between.  Ahh, it was nice.  Now looking forward to more holiday celebrations!

Don't forget, it's the last day to take advantage of my black friday specials
and the last day to enter the Shabby Apple dress giveaway!

Tomorrow: Black Friday!

 Link over to Shop by M for specials offered this weekend only!

and

Link over to Untitled 23 for a reveal of the convenient crib my husband designed that was featured on numerous mom blogs around the web.  He took your suggestions and made it bigger & better.  Now he needs your feedback.  Click on his poll and share your comments with him!

*Winner* The Give Giveaway: Bebecha

Bebecha giveaway winner announcement.  This winner will be sent a set of hairpins!
Number 15 {via random.org} is....

  Meg said...
Oh my word-- that is one classy shop!

 Send over your contact info. for mailing {writebym@gmail.com} and don't forget to visit Bebacha often!

Now selling at Patina!

Shop by M is now selling at Patina Market thru Saturday December 5th!  Here are just a few things you will find there (click on image to enlarge). 

Patina Market Location

Patina Market Artists

Patina Market Story

*Winner* The Give Giveaway: Artwork by Michele Maule

Artwork by Michele Maule giveaway winner announcement.  This winner will be sent an 8x10 print of I know...! Number 11 {via random.org} is....

Call Family said...
Such an adorable print!

 Send over your contact info. for mailing {writebym@gmail.com} and don't forget to visit Michele's shop often!

Jotting Thoughts: On being thankful

It's been a rush of a couple of weeks with giveaways and shop preparations and selling at markets and family arriving early.  Must take these few moments to stop and be thankful....

Drove to work this morning with only a handful of cars on the freeway.  Arrived to work on time although I was running late in the first place.  Didn't want to be heading in to work when husband is home, the rest of the office is home, and family has already been playing for 3 days without me.  However, drove in silence with the heat blowing high, appreciating the crisp sights of the morning.  Never knew how much I love the grand surrounding mountains of my hometown valley until I moved away and didn't have them to admire anymore.  They make the clouds a bit puffier, they provide a nice resting area for the fall leaves, and when the snow falls, they are glorious.  Am thankful that God is generous and concsientious of us enough to have created a world of beauty and detail.

Am thankful for a strong body.  Have always made sure to give thanks for the 5 senses my body houses so healthily.  Am thankful to run and walk and see and hear and taste and feel and smell.  Am thankful for a natural desire to be healthy, that I've never been drawn to much junk or medicine or alternatives.  Am thankful that my body can house another soul.  That I've been given the capability and responsibility and blessing.

Am thankful for a peaceful and creative home.  That husband and I are both peacemakers.  That he is an even greater peacemaker than I.  That our home is filled with decor of personal art, rulers, paper, and markers on desks, cameras ready to snap, projects, ideas, inventions.  Am thankful to create.  Am thankful for how it enlivens me.  How others creations inspire and push me.

Am thankful for a relationship of friendship, companionship, romance, and loyalty.  Am in awe that someone does love me just as much as I always hoped for.  Am thankful for the daily laughter we share, the keywords texted to remember to tell a story later, the side by side house work completion, the affection, the sharing of ideas and hopes and dreams, the support to accomplish those ideas, hopes and dreams, the cleverness that often leads to surprises, the daily multiple phone calls, emails, and texts, the confidant in conversation, the nightly reading to each other, the sensitivity, the head over heels feeling still so fresh.

Am thankful for parents who I have fun with, who make me laugh, who let me be me, who are full of ideas, who bring the family together, who guide lovingly, who always have something up their sleeve.  Am thankful they are near by. 

Am thankful for holidays and excitement and eagerness and togetherness.  Am thankful for this season.

Life as a new mother

{via elizabethbryant.blogspot.com}

One of my dearest friends Lizzy recently had her first child.  As we have briefly chatted in between the new schedule of this new mama, exchanged texts, g-chatted, and emailed, I have found it hard to comprehend my late night giggling + d.i. browsing + movie watching college roommate as a mother.  She is a new person with this new extension of her cooing & crying & cuddling in her arms.  It has made me all so sentimental towards my own soon to be experience of birthing my first child.  

The other day as we reminisced of how life has progressed, we couldn't help but feel so grateful for the time line our lives have taken.  From fun loving college girls to wives and mothers.  I remember talking with Liz one Sunday night about her pregnancy and then as slyly as I could said something to the affect of "well maybe our babies can play together when ours is born!"  She immediately screamed recognizing my announcement of my pregnancy!  Liz has the best reactions to announcements, believe me.  As I have collected her words through pregnancy, I also wanted to collect her words {freshly} now as a new mama.  Enjoy.

Me: 3 words to describe your feelings when you first saw your little boy.

Liz: Amazement, relief and spiritual.

Me: What does motherhood mean to you?  Has your view of and belief in motherhood changed from before becoming a mother?

Liz: I've always been the girl who played house growing up and dreamed of the day I would be able to be called "mother". with 6 older sisters, I would imagine nursing my babies (and even pretend to sometimes with my dolls) and dream about the day I could stay home and care for my children. it is such a blessing to be at home right now and share these moments with my baby. it's hard but I love it.

Me: Jot down a few details about the appearance of your little boy on this day at this time.

 Liz: The first thing I noticed was how long he was. 21 1/4 inches is a tall boy! after they cleaned him, I noticed how much strawberry blond hair he had. it was such a pretty color and lots of it! we were also both happy that he had ten fingers, ten toes, nice ears, big feet and hands and a nicely shaped head (especially for a vaginally delivered baby).

Me: What has surprised you the most about this life change?  What has surprised you the least?

 Liz: The thing that's surprised me the most is this intense love. yes, I was told about it but I didn't realize how intensely I would feel. it's overwhelming, consuming and all-encompassing. the thing that's surprised me the least is the incessant crying (on my part) and lack of sleep.

Me: What are your favorite moments throughout the day as a new mother?

Liz: I love when he sleeps (of course) but I also love when he's awake, especially when he's nursing. he puts his little fists on my chest and gazes at me. I'm not sure he can see me but I know he feels how much I love him. I adore nursing. it is the most fulfilling (and yet, draining) part of my day. I love that I am able to supply such healthy nourishment to my baby.

Follow Liz and her Simple Fancies here.

*Winner* The Give Giveaway: Wendy & Peter

Wendy and Peter giveaway winner announcement.  This winner can choose a headband or hair clip! Number 31 {via random.org} is....
  Liese said...
pretty much obsessed with headbands

 Send over your contact info. for mailing and your shop selection {writebym@gmail.com} and don't forget to visit Wendy and Peter often!

The Give Giveaway: Shabby Apple

Giveaway Closed, Winner Above!

The give giveaway continues for one more day...because I couldn't resist sharing this little piece from Shabby Apple with you!  If this plus the fact that it's Thanksgiving week doesn't get you out of bed on the sunny side, I don't know what will!  This turquoise dress known as 90 words per minute is sure to spice up your closet this holiday season.  Pair with some red shoes, some deep grape accessories, or some patterned leggings and you've got yourself an outfit.  Shabby Apples description says it best: "The dress has ruching at the sides to flatter the hips and a tie at the neck. The dress's puff sleeves have a band that hit just above the elbow. The skirt hits just below the knee. The dress is made of poly/rayon/spandex jersey." 

You know the drill, 

To enter this giveaway:
Visit Shabby Apple and then simply leave a comment in my notes section.  And maybe for this one, you could tell a friend about their hip + classic + well designed & modest variety of dresses.  Am loving their background and story.

{non-bloggers, please leave an email as well}
This giveaway will be open until Monday November30th 2009 8:00 am mst.

*Winner* The Give Giveaway: Artwork by Angela Vandenbogaard

What a wonderful week of giveaways and now on to a week of winners!  This winner can choose an 8x10 print of her choice from Angela's shop! Number 8 {via random.org} is....

  delore said...I only enter the giveaways when I especially want it. Let's hope it's my lucky day!

 Send over your contact info. for mailing and your print selection {writebym@gmail.com} and don't forget to visit Angela's shop often!

Shop by M: Black Friday Preview Party

Welcome to the Shop by M Black Friday Preview Party!

There's a lovely array of flowered pom poms hanging from the middle of the room, a mix cd of all time old + new favorites {a little peter yorn, michael jackson, iron & wine, regina spektor, etc.}, there's some apple spiced cider ready for your pouring and a flowered pin as a courtesy gift as you walk in the door.  Come come, look around!

Details: On Friday November 27th, the day we all know as Black Friday, the shop will open its doors with a few of these new goodies + current pieces.  The Black Friday party will only continue through the weekend and so you won't want to miss it.

What's That? Do you see, do you see?  Yes those are the coveted birdy earrings that sell out in seconds.  Can you believe I snatched up a few more.  Discontinued, I don't think so, there's obviously still a few floating around and they flew into my hands!... am thinking this is the last of the last so don't hesitate.

Also, you won't want to miss the big reveal of my new product {the non-jewelry related one remember}.  It's not pictured here because it will literally be hot off the press just in time for Black Friday!

Giving a Gift? You want something wrapped as a gift and mailed direct?  Surely, I would be happy to do that too.

Free Shipping! And lastly, if you snag the Black Friday button now posted on my sidebar and post it on your blog before Black Friday with a few words about the hardy party, email me the link and you'll get free shipping on any order you make, yep free shipping!

Let the party begin!

The Give Giveaway: Bebecha

Giveaway Closed, Winner Above!

Here we are to day 4 of our giveaway week and the loveliness continues!

Bebecha is a local to me shop that I recently happened upon and bookmarked right away.  It is all things fabric + all things pretty.  From earrings to hair pins to headbands you'll have a difficult time choosing just one.  Some of my favorites include the button earrings, skinny headbands, and the wide headbands.  Wouldn't something from this shop be perfect to jazz up your holiday outfit?

Bebecha is giving one lucky reader a set of hair pins as seen above!

To enter this giveaway:

Visit Bebecha's Shop and then simply leave a comment in my notes section.

{non-bloggers, please leave an email as well}
This giveaway will be open until Thursday November 26th 2009 8:00 am mst.

*Check back tomorrow for a Black Friday Specials Preview Party and on Monday for a big time giveaway!

The Give Giveaway: Artwork by Michele Maule

Giveaway Closed, Winner Above!

Day 3 = artwork by Michele Maule!
What more can I say than my eye caught the vibrancy of Michele's artwork and then a shop browsing occurred!  Michele paints beautiful original artwork of the details & emotions that make up our everyday.  My favorite part is reading into the paintings and then reading into the titles of the artwork as well.  Some obvious, some mysterious.  Some of my faves include you told me, you and me, together, and not so much. 

Michele is offering one lucky reader, the above shown clock print!  Can picture this framed in a home office, in the nook of a hallway, above a child's bed, or in your crafting area.

To enter this giveaway:
Visit Michele's Shop and then simply leave a comment in my notes section.

{non-bloggers, please leave an email as well}
This giveaway will be open until Wednesday November 25th 2009 8:00 am mst.

Check back tomorrow for another Give Giveaway!

Pardon the interruption...

An interruption to giveaway week...have kind of missed regular daily detail posting but the giveaways are awesome aren't they!  Thanks for joining in and for giving great feedback to the talented shop owners + am loving meeting all you new visitors.

In breaking news, I was contacted by Nichole of Patina Market and invited to join as a vendor to her recently opened shop around the corner.  The grand opening is tomorrow evening and free cupcakes & handmade gifts can be enjoyed.  This anthropology inspired shop located in a historic building will feature some of the most talented hands around.  Check out the grand opening line up here.  I will be featuring Shop by M items in Patina Market for 2 weeks, nov. 25th-dec. 5th.  Hope to see you there!

Also, husband just announced that he has a little Black Friday special that he will be showcasing (along with some super cool handmade stationary currently showing)...the revised and finished crib!  Not only does it have new smooth edges but it will have a few new buttons and whistles to boot.  It will be a surprise for you and me!

Lastly, anyone on the search for some nearly brand new chocolate-polka-dot-peep-toe-wedges???  Yes they were my wedding shoes but they sadly sit in my closet now and I'd love for them to have a new home where they will be worn and well used.  Only worn 3 times, size 6, brand yellow box.  Email me and we'll barter!

Now back to giving...