Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Hired Hand. . er . Paw that is.

I was hard at work today, getting ready for Valentine's Day when I began thinking. . gee. . . it would be so nice if I had someone to help me out a bit. You know. . and extra set of hands to double productivity. Well, just when I was at my wits end someone appeared eager to help. The price was right and he was really cute too.

At first he was very eager to work. He jumped right in (literally) and started lending a hand. . I mean paw. He was very interested in how one makes a tussie mussie.

He grabbed a seat close by and waited patiently for instructions.

He was careful to pay close attention to every step involved in the process.

However, as the day wore on he lost interest, and soon became rather bored with the whole thing.

He longed to play with his friends and began dreaming of life before his new job. "What is a tussie mussie anyway?" he thought.

Finally, he realized he was just asking too much of himself and that his skill set was better utilized in a new position, guarding the lace.


At the end of the day we did manage to come up with a few things to share that both Leo and I were quite happy with. Tomorrow, Leo is going to try his hand. . paw, at the computer and loading some of our new creations to our site. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks for visiting. :)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

After Christmas Sale!

Be sure to visit Noelle Garrett Designs on Friday, December 26th for great after Christmas savings! Items are marked down up to 50% off or more! We need to clear out our inventory as we make way for some wonderful new creations for the new year! Shop early for the best selection and remember, every order comes with a free gift!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Love is in the Air

Yes, I know it's the week of Christmas but love is in the air here and I am inspired to work on Valentine's Day creations. I gathered my supplies and created a box filled with reds and pinks, hearts, charms and glitter. I am just itching for February to get here. It's funny, but every year I look for ward to the holidays and then by the time they get here I am ready to move on. Maybe it is the hustle and bustle or all the running around. I don't know. I am just anxious for the new year. So here is a little peak of what's coming soon.
I also had to share what a wonderfully romantic husband I have. We went out on a little date this weekend (believe me this is a rare occasion with two kids). So we went to a great Spanish restaurant and had wine and tapas. Yum! We agreed not to buy each other a gift this year, money is a bit tight and it really is about the kids. Well. . . we walked around old town Pasadena reminiscing about when we were dating . . and he grabbed my hand and the next thing I knew we were inside Tiffanys. I have never been in one before. Backtrack a bit. . .last April for our anniversary he bought me one of their charm bracelets. I of course flipped out and wear it every single day. Well, he treated me this Christmas to a little silver box charm for my bracelet. What a sweetie! It is just sitting here in its box waiting until Thursday for me to open. I just had to share what a lucky girl I am. He doesn't have to do these things to let me know how he feels about me but he does. This holiday, and everyday I am thankful for marrying the most amazing man and our two beautiful children. Happy Holidays everyone. May you have a wonderful week spent with the ones you love most!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Getting Ready for Christmas

Happy Monday all! I spent the weekend getting ready for Christmas. We got our tree and I spent Saturday night decorating. Here is a picture of it all lit up. I also have a picture of my tree topper although it is not the greatest shot, I just love her. I did manage to squeeze in a bit of baking and thought I would share one of my favorite recipes with you. Hope you enjoy. They are quick, easy and so yummy! Have a wonderful week everyone!



Snowy Bonbons

Cookies
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup butter/margarine, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 package almond paste

Almond Frosting
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4-5 teaspoons milk

Decoration
Edible glitter, white nonpareils, edible pearls

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat flour, butter sugar and milk in bowl with mixer on med. Cut the almond paste into 1/2 inch slices, cut each slice into 6-8 pieces.

Shape into 1 inch balls around a piece of almond paste. Roll into a ball and bake on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for 10 - 12 minutes, just until cookie is set and bottom is light golden.

Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

In small bowl mix frosting ingredients. Drizzle over cookies and sprinkle with toppings. Enjoy! They last quite well up to a week or can be frozen. They are so good!





Thursday, December 11, 2008

Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas and More!

Well, it's been a very busy week and I finally got around to blogging a bit. I first wanted to share some new projects I have been working on. Let's start with this elegant black/white vision board. I really like this one. I seem to be going through this black period for some reason. All I want to do is create in black!

Next up are some great holiday gift wrap ideas. I used vintage sheet music, lace and trims to wrap presents. They are topped off with our one of a kind tags! Below is one set of vintage sheet music which is available for Pink Friday this week. Take a look, and don't forget to visit all the wonderful boutiques of Make Mine Pink as they bring you Gift Wrap and Holiday Decorating Ideas on Friday, December 12th.

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend. Happy Holidays to all, and now, back to baking for me!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Need Last Minute Gifts?


Today is Pink Friday! Join us and the boutiques of Make Mine Pink for some great last minute gifts! For one day only, Friday, December 5th. We are also happy to offer an extra 15% off already reduced prices today only! Stop by and get a free gift with every order. Happy shopping!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Steals and Deals!


Just a reminder we are continuing our 15% off sale throughout the week! Take advantage of great deals on alrady reduced sale items as well as unique gift items. Every order comes with a one of a kind free gift as well! Take a peak and find something special for one dear to you.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

An Early Gift. . to Myself!

A new week and the end to an extended weekend. We had a restful time and now the countdown is on. I have much to do including making a list of ingredients to buy for baking. I usually start the middle of the first week in December and continue baking daily until Christmas Eve. I have a system set up and freeze the ones that hold up well, then defrost and decorate a day before I give them out. I have been shopping for unique containers to give my goodies in this year. I snagged a few pretty dishes and platters as well as some neat boxes this weekend. This is my first Christmas really having a business so I am going to have to be very strict with a schedule. I don't think I will be baking as much as I usually do, but that's ok. It will still be fun and fattening! Oops. . .did I say that? The key for me is. . . to bake then yummies, then I find I don't like to eat them, so it all works out. :)

Ok, on to show and tell. This weekend we helped my parents put up their Christmas lights. Every year my Dad and I spend the day hanging lights it is our little tradition. My Mom also has one of her trees up. The picture isn't the best but it is so elegant and full of pink. She just has 2 more trees to go!


I also have been busy working on a large custom order of holiday tussie mussies. I have them hanging everywhere! (please excuse the early 80's mauve and country blue decor- we are renting and our house is stuck in a time warp) LOL

Finally, an early Christmas gift. . a present to myself. I stumbled across this steal, it was mismarked and I was lucky enough to find it. I love it, she is almost 3 feet tall. My DD calls it "the headless alien." I just need to find a spot to put her. If you enlarge the photo you can see all the great details, but she does need a bit of fou fou I think. I'll have to work on that. Well, that's all for now. Sorry I was a bit long winded. Have a lovely week!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Don't miss some amazing deals!

Avoid the crowds this year and shop from home! We are offering some great deals at Noelle Garrett Designs. For three days only, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday we are giving 20% off purchases! This is the time to shop for unique one of a kind creations for the holidays. We are also joining Make Mine Pink this week for Pink Friday! We have new items as this week's theme is Christmas at Make Mine Pink! Stop by and have a look, and don't forget to visit all the participating boutiques this week.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

A Bit of This and That

Well I am listening to Christmas music so I guess the holidays are officially here. LOL. I held out as long as I could but once I get a taste of it I can't help myself. I have had a relaxing weekend and now I am ready for the busy Thanksgiving week ahead. This year I am in charge of pies and salads. We tend to rotate food responsibilities in my family. I love to bake so I am really looking forward it.

For show and tell I have a few new things to share ( a box of holiday goodies for sale, some embellished hatboxes and bottles) and of course some pictures of our trip to Disneyland on Friday. We had so much fun. It was Francesca's first trip and she really enjoyed herself.

I guess that is all for this week. I'm feeling inspired lately so I can't wait to sneak in some time to make new things. Have a wonderful Monday and Happy Thanksgiving!










Thursday, November 20, 2008

Pink Friday! Get Ready For the Holidays!


We have some wonderful new gift items for Pink Friday this week. Stop by Friday, November 21st as we join the botiques of Make Mine Pink for Christmas at Make Mine Pink. See all the wonderful treasures we have for sale by clicking on the link below!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Something for the Men!

Ok, maybe that title suggests something . . . .well, let's just say this blog is rated G. LOL. With that said, this week I am sharing a few items from a new category on my site. It is called The Gentlemen's Corner. I only have a few items so far, but I have many things in the works. I know the topic has come up about how there just aren't many items for men in some of our boutiques. With a little inspiration from my husband I decided to venture away from frilly and pink (only from time to time of course). I started with a few notebooks and created some valets with vintage cigar boxes. So here is a peak and I will be adding more new goodies soon. Have a wonderful week and thanks so much for visiting!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Fabulous Shopping This Friday!

We are so happy to be a part of two wonderful shopping events this Friday, November 14th. Please join Noelle Garrett Designs for some wonderful holiday shopping and start the season off with a bang! First up we have some beautiful gifts available for Pink Friday as we join the boutiques of Make Mine Pink for "Christmas at Make Mine Pink."We are also happy to offer some great deals for Friday Flea Markets. Visit them for a wonderful list of shops with amazing flea market finds every Friday!



Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Only 3 Days Left!



There are just 3 days left in the Make Mine Pink 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop! We have been adding new items each day so take a look! We also have our final giveaway this Thursday for an amazing prize! Simply sign up for our newsletter to be entered.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

What it's all about!

Here we are at the beginning of a new week. This week is a very special one for me. It was three years ago on the 14th of November that my sweet little Francesca Noelle was born. What makes it extra special is she was born on her Grandpa's birthday. My FIL was just beaming as you can imagine. As I think back I recall the longest 9 months of my life. You see, with Cesca, I had morning sickness most of the pregnancy. I was working at the time, teaching. My poor students. . I would grab the trash can and run out the door sick every day. I have to say, I am not one of those people that love being pregnant. I just love the results . . a healthy, beautiful baby! I just knew from the beginning it was going to be a girl. I had dreams of a little girl with dark blond pigtails the entire time.
Fastforward. . . here we are, this Friday she turns 3. I can't believe it, the time is just flying by. I keep telling myself to sav
or each moment and soak it all in. . even the simple things. We bought her her first bike today, an early present. She is so excited, she just loves it. It had to be her favorite color of course. . I think you can tell from the picture what that is. LOL Here she is with her big brother trying out her new wheels. As the days become busier and the holidays grow near I was reminded today of what it's all about. I am thankful for two healthy, happy children. . .and the simple joy that comes from being a kid, riding your bike on a perfect Fall day.Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful week!




Friday, November 7, 2008

We Have a Winner!

We have a winner in my blog giveaway. Thank you to all who entered. I can't wait to send this box of goodies off. The random number that came up was 22 and that is . . . Silena of The Enchanted Valley Boutique. Congratulations! Thank you all for leaving such sweet comments. It was wonderful hearing what you look forward to most this holiday season. I love seeing the looks on my children's faces as we put the tree up. Their favorite thing to do is decorate. Hmm . . .I wonder where they get that from? LOL. Have a lovely weekend.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

New Shop Hop Items!



We have just added some new items for the 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to be entered to win prize! The next winner will be selected on Wednesday!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

It's Time For a Treat!

Happy Monday (Sunday for you early birds) everyone! My weekend just flew by and I was lucky enough to find this wonderful textured box over the weekend at one of my favorite local antique shops. Sadly it is going out of business and they are getting rid of some really great items. I snatched up a few goodies, most of the furniture was already sold. This box is one of several I found there. The real surprise was when I got home and opened them up. The inside was as lovely as the outside.

I am really looking forward to the upcoming holiday season and decided to start the gift giving a bit early. So, simply leave a comment telling me what you are looking forward to most this upcoming holiday season and you will be entered to win this box. Only it won't be just the box. . it will of course be filled with lovely goodies for you to enjoy. A little treat from me to you. The winner will be selected at random on Friday, November 7th. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week.