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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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 savor 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!

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.

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!

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.

12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop

Get ready for the holidays and win great prizes at the same time! We are happy to be a part of Make Mine Pink's 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop Nov. 2nd - 13th! There will be wonderful prizes and beautiful holiday treasures to get you ready for Christmas! We will also be giving away great one of a kind items, simply sign-up for our newsletter to be entered. For more information on the shop hop click on the link above. Happy shopping!