Carrot Creek Boutique

The Long Summer

2012-09-26T01:33:00.001-07:00

Out here in California it is still very much summer. I for one, am not thrilled about this. It's been a very busy few months and I can't wait for falling leaves, sweaters, and apple cider.

I've got a few paintings on my easel that I hope to release soon. I'm also excited about an upcoming project I'll announce soon.

Are you enjoying cooler temperatures yet? Stay well and bunny kisses to you!

Independence Day 2012!

2012-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

There is no other holiday in my opinion with as much pomp and circumstance as Independence Day, or the 4th of July! Here is a peek at our nation's colors flying around my home....ENJOY!

Welcome!

My Crepe Myrtles are blooming! There are two more on the other side of the driveway...I need symmetry!


I love my urns...I love changing the flowers with each season.

Have a seat!

My hanging basket fits a "color bowl" from the Home Depot perfectly.

Mr. Bunny has gifts of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!

Stars hanging from the hooks I use for Christmas lights.

Red, White, and PETUNIA!

I'm so thrilled my newly planted Creeping Fig plants are finding their way up this massive wall!

There is that wall I'm trying to cover...

Threw some flags on my wreath made by my buddy, Lizzy! Lazy decorating...it works!

Again...all you need are some flags. Stick'em in a vase and voila!

My kitchen window overlooking the porch.

Get cozy! Smell the fresh red and white roses from my garden!

I have an old photo from my hometown of Placerville on the 4th of July, 1896!

Here is a closer view....this is Main Street! So cool!

Just a cute picture from a long time ago of my nephew...all American boy! It's made to look old fashioned...I'm not THAT old!

One of the quilts I made for my patriotic guest room before it became an office. There are holes in it from bunny bites that I need to applique over. I was mad then, but now I find it endearing since my bunny is no longer with me.

McKenna, making herself at home on the American flag quilt I made.

Savannah was feeling left out....so sweet!

INDEPENDENCE

Synonyms: self–sufficiency, self-dependence, self-reliance, self-subsistence, self-support

If you haven't read the Declaration of Independence lately...GO HERE to read it! I hope everyone has a great holiday and takes a moment to remember the history behind it!

Oh yes, and leave me a comment and let me know how you're celebrating the 4th!

xo,
Kimberly

Blank - Bun on the 4th of July Greeting Card by hop4joy

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Moonrise, Sunset in California

2012-04-06T12:23:00.001-07:00

I was driving to a friend's home last night and stopped to take in the view. All I had was my iPhone (3Gs) camera (boo) but I snapped a few photos to try to capture the moment. Imagine how much better these were in person. God's creation is magnificent!!
Have a blessed Good Friday!
xo,
Kimberly

Spring Cleaning

2012-04-04T13:51:00.001-07:00

It's that time to freshen everything up around the house! Here are a few new additions around the Carrot Creek homestead (many thanks to Elizabeth for the creative and lovely floral arrangements!) ...
xo-
Kimberly

We just had April showers through the night (LOVE hearing the rain while I'm sleeping). The storm has cleared and left a few puffy clouds for our enjoyment. Bring on the May flowers! In the meantime, I'm spreading some around the house.

Bunny Love

2012-03-21T20:24:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share some bunny love. Sweet Daisy Mae is recovering from an eye injury (ugh) so all your prayers are welcome. I love them so much, and as you can see, they love each other too. Teddy Bear is giving her kisses and loving on her.

Oh, Savannah loves her bunnies too. So sweet.

Bunny hugs and kisses,
Kimberly

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Come have tea, mon ami!

2012-03-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

This Valentine's Day I hosted a tea party for some of my dearest friends. I found the image for the invitation on Etsy (love it!) and couldn't be more thrilled that it was an old French image for my Paris themed party. Even BETTER, it has a Border Collie on it. How lucky am I??

I used my menu chalkboard to list all the flavors of teas I was offering. I made a few pots of different flavors at a time so we could enjoy them all. Everyone had fun deciding which flavor to try next. I have great loose leaf tea sources. Leave a comment if you're interested.

I wanted pink and brown dishes and one of my friends loaned me a few of hers. She's lucky she got them back! Boy, do I love these dishes!!!

Two hearts are suspended from my Eiffel Tower. They're little ornaments.

As usual, I decorated my chandelier with crystals and heart ornaments. I hung the ornaments with pink thread at different heights.

I framed a larger print of my invitation for the mantel. My "L O V E" hangs below.

I took the portraits of the doggies and framed them. I wanted it to complete my Border Collie vignette...ah, another French word.

I used the Sepia option before printing them. I just love them. And the doggies too.

A few years back my mom gave me this darling miniature tea set. I put it under a cloche. I just love looking at it.

Beautiful flowers, right?? They're fake! I needed some pink in my life again and these are helping.

Look at these beautiful Spode plates! I put gorgeous desserts on them. I forgot to take a picture of the food! Arrgh! I must have been busy having fun. It was beautiful and delicious! Lemon bars, chocolate-coconut bars, mini pink cupcakes. Yum! By the way, you can't cook EVERYTHING. Pick your favorites and then supplement from a gourmet grocery store bakery.

My table the night before. I always set up the day before because I'm always cooking the evening before making my sandwiches and then making fresh scones in the morning.

Look what I woke up to on the table! Hubby decided we needed some flowers. Perfect! My favorite colors too. Pink and creamy-white! Mm, I can still smell them. Don't you love my bunny-sugar dish?

A few minutes before guests arrived. The house smelled like fresh raspberry and white chocolate scones. French Cafe music played in the background. Ambiance - not only a French word, but one of the most important ingredients to a successful party.

I made fresh Devonshire Cream for the scones. Delicious! I had the perfect heart shaped dish for it too.

I used my fleur de lis glassware. I got them for my birthday last year from the hubby. Find them here at Ballard Designs.

I consider my Grandmother to be among my dearest of friends. I was thrilled that she was able to come. Here is her photo I keep of her.

Here she is now, greeting my doggies. They love her! And so do I!

(I had to turn the flash on to capture the very wiggly doggies. They were so excited to see her they could hardly contain themselves)

Each guest left with a gift bag that matched the invitation. Inside was a matching magnet commemorating our time, a "Paris" gift set from Bath and Body Works, cookies, and a packet of flavored loose tea. I only wish my house was bigger to include more people. We had a wonderful time together and I will always remember it.

xo,
Kimberly
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Spring Preview

2012-03-18T18:30:00.001-07:00

I'm having fun decorating today. Here's a little preview for you.

(Wish my phone had a better camera)

Hop into Spring

2012-03-18T10:54:00.001-07:00

It's been quite awhile since I've blogged! Here is a look at my local window shopping journeys lately. Which one is your favorite? I am so lucky to have great shops nearby. Enjoy! ...and I still intend to post Valentine decor photos, so check back!

Have a wonderful Sunday.
Kimberly

Sunday Dreaming

2012-01-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm already thinking about Spring. It's blustery here today, though I'm so happy we are finally getting rain. Aren't these flowers dreamy?

xo,

Kimberly

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January at Home

2012-01-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a lot of time at home lately. I look forward to January each year not only for a fresh start, but for a chance to get things back in order. A place for everything, and everything in it's place is my motto. Taking down the Christmas decorations makes things feel bare so I like to decorate for "Winter." Here are some photos that I hope you enjoy!

I painted my chalkboard red for the season and my niece came by and left a message!

One of my projects was to plant my planters out front. I chose cyclamen to last through the season.

As you can see, we've been having a lot of sun for January. In the center of the urns I placed an Italian cypress.

My bunny gets decorated each season. He just hauled in some wood for a fire! I think he needs sunglasses.

I added more of my favorite "Friendly Village" plates by Johnson Brothers around the mirror. They are each a scene from Winter, Spring, and Summer. I guess I need one for Fall...

My candle sconces are dressed in pine.

Allergies forced me to clean out my fireplace and put pine cones and a wire urn filled with greens in it instead. I have candles lit inside to make a warm glow. They smell great too.

Every year I send my dad on a pine cone hunt for me. I use them all around including the chandelier where I've nestled greens and cones. Thanks Dad!

I love decorating this cast iron bunny. Isn't he handsome? Of course, HE is wearing a bow, but I don't care.

I picked up some ivy at the grocery store because it was on sale. I think this lovely planter makes a nice home for it.

This bark-basket carried a gift of goodies for Christmas. I have to admit, I was more excited about it then the goodies.

My moss bunnies sit atop my bookcases flanked with pine cones and ivy topiaries.

Our sweet Victoria Valentine went to Heaven before Christmas and I've got her pictures all around me. I miss her so.

Our antique family Bibles with an appropriate sheep statue. I love this.

Another "Friendly Village" tiered piece sits on my table with eggs and pine cones. There is Vicitoria in the background again.

I threw this basket together with some leftovers. Makes a nice coffee table piece.

Here is my mantel. I love how wintery it looks.

Can you spot the bunny?

I love mercury glass. It's so pretty. I hope to find more someday at a bargain.

Part of organizing meant that I had to clean out my garage cabinets. I chose to store my serving pieces above the kitchen cabinets to make more room for less "pretty" things.

I also put pictures I took in Paris up there. There are a string of lights above each cabinet that lights everything up at night. I like this feature a lot. Simple Christmas lights.

Every mirror should reflect something lovely.

I hope my French is correct here. It's "The little rabbit cafe," and there is a little rabbit right there.


See? I put it on a teeny carrot plate. Aww, how cute :)

What do you do for your January home to make it cozy? I'd love to hear. Coming soon, gardening in January for a bargain!

Warm hugs to you and yours!
Kimberly

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New Art!

2011-12-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have been in the house for over a week with a terrible cough and cold. I think I may be turning a corner - hooray! What misery! I hope everyone else is well or at least cozy with all the necessary accoutrements if you happen to be sick.

Here is my latest painting available as cards, labels, stickers, and postage over at my card shop. Check for the daily holiday sales that are happening over there too!

There are several Christmas cards to choose from in my "Holiday Cards" section. Click on the image below and you'll be taken there. I think there are a few more sprinkled in their own sections as well, I am working on getting them all together. Enjoy!


"Behold, the Lamb" by Kimberly R. Hodge

Hopefully I can take some photos of my Christmas decorating and share them with you soon! Take care and snuggle with someone you love!

xo,
Kimberly

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A Proclamation of Thanksgiving

2011-11-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

Looking to Google for answers to one of my daily questions, I found an article that is worth sharing. The question of the moment was, "Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on a Thursday?" Google replied true to form with thousands of answers. But it was providential that I would select one that delved deeper into the meaning of Thanksgiving; deeper into our history as a nation and into the hearts and minds of those humble beginnings.

There were many different proclamations by our forefathers as to when we would celebrate Thanksgiving, but it was the explanation of why and and to whom we are thankful, not the when that truly struck me to the core; not because I didn't know it is about being thankful, but because the words so eloquently written were then executed as a community of people with a like-mindedness to honor the one and true God, humbly thanking and praising God from whom all blessings graciously and abundantly flow.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt as much as I did.
_____________________________

Jonathan Belcher was the colonial governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire from 1730-1741, and governor of New Jersey from 1746 until the year of his death, 1757. In addition to serving these terms of office, Governor Belcher also founded the college now known as Princeton University. His goal was to promote knowledge of both good government and Christianity.
A draft text (with spelling modernized) of Governor Belcher's 1749 "Thursday in November" Thanksgiving Day Proclamation is given below:

    By His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esqr. Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New Jersey and Territories thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice Admiral in the same & etc.
    A Proclamation for a public Thanksgiving taking into consideration the manifold blessings of Heaven to a sinful and unworthy people, in particular that it hath pleased Almighty God in much mercy to preserve the life of our most Gracious King and the rest of the Royal family, and to bless His Majesty's Councils and arms, by restoring a general peace among all the nations engaged in the late war. To continue our invaluable privileges both civil and sacred and that it hath pleased a Gracious God in many respects to smile on this Province, and not to punish us as our iniquities have deserved, to favor us with such a plentiful supply of rain after a sore distressing drought, and to grant the smiles of Providence upon the former and latter harvest, filling our hearts with food and gladness; which unmerited instances of the Divine Goodness call aloud for our public, humble and most grateful acknowledgments to the God of all our mercies.
    I have therefore thought fit with the advice of His Majesty's Council to appoint and I do hereby appoint Thursday the twenty third Day of November next to be religiously observed as a Day of Public thanksgiving and praise to the great name of God our most gracious and bountiful benefactor, hereby exhorting both ministers and people to join in a public and serious manner in offering up their devout and thankful acknowledgments to the God of all our mercies and at same time to offer up their humble and hearty supplications at the Throne of Grace for the advancement of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world and that his blessed Gospel may run and be glorified among all nations and in particular among the Original Natives of this land and for all in authority over us, particularly that the best of blessings may descend on our Gracious Sovereign King George, the Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke, the Princesses the Royal Issue, and on every branch of this illustrious family that the Protestant Succession may abide before God forever, that this Province may ever be remembered of God for good, that He would mercifully heal our divisions, restore peace and tranquility, humble us for our sins, prevent the judgments we deserve, that He would incline us to lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty under the government placed over us, that He would graciously prevent the growth of sin and impiety, revive pure and undefiled religion and make us a people zealous of good works, and all servile labor is hereby strictly forbidden on said day.
    Given under my hand this fourteenth day of October Anno Dom 1749.
                                                                    J. BELCHER
    By His Excellency's Command.
        CHARLES READ Secretary.
            God save the King

(Courtesy http://www.belcherfoundation.org/thanksgiving_day.htm)

May you be blessed,
Kimberly

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Still Falling...

2011-11-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

First off, a new painting is on the way! More to come on that next week...

Secondly, I really dislike it when people assume that if you live in California you must live by the beach and have Palm trees in your back yard. Now we have had a somewhat odd year seasonally speaking, but I want to show you how we DO have four seasons here in Northern California and sometimes we are lucky enough to see them overlap into one another like a gorgeous tapestry.

My Tupelo tree that has weathered many wind storms and had it's top blown off of on more than one occasions just won't give up. It looks like it's on fire, the pictures don't convey it. It's a beauty.

A little birds nest is its crown. Good thing the top blew off to make room for it!

Late November and the leaves are JUST starting to fall.

A little blurry, but if you want year round color, plant some Nandinas. Bright red and orange all winter with red berries. Crisp bright green in the spring.

Crepe Myrtles have lovely color too. Mine are the all white variety which proves to be the hardiest, best shaped, and most insect resistant (as with most white blooming plants).

The fruitless Pear trees are turning a brilliant aubergine. Lovely.

I've forgotten the name of this deciduous plant that wears thorns under it's foliage, but it's a deep eggplant all summer, multicolored in the fall, and bare all winter. Spring brings green growth. Lovely little shrub.

Oh what's this? Yes, my Iceberg Roses are still blooming from a rose tree planted 14 years ago.

And so are my geraniums...they keep producing bright pink flowers.

Last spring I planted a variety of Japanese Maples. This one is fiery red.

Nandina berries. Be careful with these.


My Maple tree named "October Glory" or "Autumn Blaze" is a little slow to catch fire. It should be bright red soon. Better late than never.

I'll try to capture more if this weekend's storm doesn't blow the color away. I'm so blessed to live less than two hours from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, Napa Valley, and surrounded by beautiful foothills in either direction. Now who says California is just a beach and palm trees?

Enjoy your season, whatever it is bringing your way.

Joyfully,
Kimberly

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Falling In

2011-10-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I've been feeling guilty for not keeping up with my blog here, not to mention painting. I kept making excuses to myself and then finally settled on the best one of all: I don't need an excuse! No guilt allowed! If there is something you enjoy, don't put it on a "To Do" list or it quickly turns into a chore. When you feel inspired, you'll know. So please forgive me, and forgive yourself too for whatever it is you've been feeling guilty about.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

I'm always anxious for fall and this year is no exception. Harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and great food just warms my soul. I scavenged through my stash in my garage to find things to sprinkle around the house and porch this weekend. I even bought a pumpkin pie. I guess you could say I'm ready to shut the door on summer and curl up in front of the fire.

The porch fall display. Simple and colorful. I got the idea for the chalkboard words from Pinterest.


I've had this little scarecrow for years and the more faded she gets, the better she looks. Lucky gal.

Just a simple wreath. Garland wrapped around a grapevine wreath.

My mantel, always a work in progress. I don't think I'm alone in saying that about a mantel.

I put the corn in a candle hurricane to keep it upright like a floral arrangement.

Moss in a wire vase topped with a cute pumpkin. I love the vine still attached.

Fall goodies are on the menu!

Oh yes, our new doggie! (Hmm, NO WONDER I've been busy.)

Very cool pumpkin stack! From a harvest festival we visited.

So hard to choose!

I hope you've been inspired to do a little a fall decorating! If you need more encouragement, visit my Pinterest boards and become a follower.

Until next time,

Kimberly

hop4joy!

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Paper AND Canvas Prints!

2011-09-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

I now have the ability to make paper and prints AND wrapped canvas prints through my Zazzle "hop4joy" Shop! AND, you can even CUSTOM frame them! Yay! It's so cool!

Here are examples of the paper and canvas options available:

Gloss Paper Print

Canvas Paper Print

.75" thickness Wrapped Canvas

1.5" Wrapped Canvas

2.5" Wrapped Canvas

I hope you enjoy these new options as much as I do! I'll be working on adding more of my designs to these items. Remember to let me know if there is something you would like designed that you don't see in the shop.

OH! I almost forgot....I can design iPad covers now too! Like this one....

iPad Case by hop4joy

Well that's it for now! Stay tuned as I'm sure there will be more to come.

xo,

Kimberly

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2011-09-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

My new 2012 calendar, "A Year in Carrot Creek" is ready! Yippee! It's a perfect gift!

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Pinterest Update

2011-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have been pinning to my bulletin boards left and right. I love it! I can catalog what I see while surfing the net, or repin from other's bulletin boards. It's a visual treat for your eyes. I love that I no longer have to worry where I saw something, I'm able to "pin" something right from my brower tool bar. Try it and let me know if you're as pinterested as I am. View my bulletin boards here: http://pinterest.com/hop4joy

P.S. I think the invitations have to do with using your Facebook login to join and maybe even server abilities. They have had a few overloads because I think they weren't prepared for such success. But be patient, they're quick to fix any server issues,
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Pinterested...

2011-07-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

"Pinterest is a place to catalog the things you love."

Lately I've been hearing a lot about Pinterest. It seems to be getting a lot of attention from fellow cyber-dwellers. You have to be "invited" so to speak. Basically you sign up and they put you on a waiting list. I'm not sure if this is a gimmick, but my invitation arrived shortly after I was put on the waiting list. I haven't yet "pinned" anything for fear of feeling overwhelmed with my cyber to-do list. Maybe it'll help organize my thoughts and ideas, like they claim. If anyone else has used this, please share your experience! I would love to know before I get to pinning. I must admit, it sounds refreshing to view things beautiful, clever, and share-worthy all in one place and not forget where I saw them, as this is becoming a common occurrence in my life.

I'll put a "pin in it" and get back to you...

xo,
Kimberly

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Art 4 Joy Classes and more...

2011-07-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted here! As usual, I've kept myself busy. I have started Art 4 Joy classes to teach art to kids and to foster their creativity. Take a peek at my website that will give you all (I hope) the information.

Art-4-Joy.com

We had a great class today on COLOR! Mixing colors with paints and more. I'll rest for a few minutes and then start brain storming the next lesson...I just can't help myself.

I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July. I made a special painting for the occasion. You can purchase cards at my card shop for next year's celebration, or celebrate your bunny's independence by being rescued from a bad situation.

Blank - Bun on the 4th of July by hop4joy

Enjoy the summer!

xo,
Kimberly

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The Canvas Above

2011-05-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

I view the sky like a canvas; painted daily with new colors and shapes. How wonderful our Creator is to bestow this gift of beauty upon us! If you don't already appreciate it daily, all you have to do is look UP!

A few views as I stepped out my front door to snap these photos.

I hope you are enjoying and appreciating this day.

xo,

Kimberly

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Spring [Blog] Break

2011-05-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

You guessed it, I fell in. I am on a sort of break. A break from blogging, painting, and being in my creative zone...indoors. I've been busy outdoors with the weather so nice here. However, its raining cats and dogs today, which is why I've taken the time to finally say hello to the blog world. I hope this finds you all well.

I have been trying to get my outside gardening completed before the summer heat settles in. Everything seems to be falling apart and needing attention around the house or yard; bushes overgrown, trees overcrowded, and I'm just plain overtired. It's frustrating. I know soon it'll all calm down and I'll be happy with the fruits of my labor. Until then...back to work.

xo,

Kimberly

I'm not the only one who is tired...

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Busy Bunny

2011-04-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Between broken appliances and regular chores, I'm trying to make time for my creative side lately. Here are a few pictures of what has been happening at the Boutique.

Added another door hanger to the Etsy Shop!

Made a birthday flower basket for my mom...Spring is finally here!

A little close up...

Getting in quality time with my inspirations. How cute is Benjamin Bunny?? Q-T!!!!!

Finally finished a new painting! It'll be ready for prints very soon!

I have a lot more ideas brewing, so I hope you hop back and visit again.

Comments make me hoppy!

xo,

Kimberly

More New Products!

2011-03-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just listed these! I hope to make even more...stay tuned!

Mixed Media Original

Paper Weight

Until next time...

Kimberly

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New Products

2011-03-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard coming up with more products for my Etsy Shop. Here is a sneak peek of what I've been working on:

A Spring handmade card with my artwork on the front. There is even a package of seeds inside!

A paper weight with "Bun Voyage" inside!

There is another product coming but I have to finish it....I'm building the suspense!

These will be listed in my Etsy Shop hopefully tomorrow!

Until next time!

Kimberly

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Tickled Pink

2011-03-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Those of us girlie-girls seem to crave pink in our lives. For me, I enjoy pink roses and get my fill that way. But I decided I need a bit more permanence to the pink in my life. Here's a little peek of how I've accomplished this:

I love this vintage inspired set. I couldn't be happier with it's 1950's chenille patchwork squares and trim surrounded by beds of pink roses and subtle pink ticking stripes. I raised the bed on risers and covered those with fabric (they were hideous black). This way I can get more storage underneath the bed for guests. Okay, I also feel like a kid again needing to "hop" up onto the bed!

This is my latest arrangement. I found the French-inspired wire urn at my new favorite store, Gracefully Vintage in Folsom's historic shopping district. I just love it! I put moss in the bottom to hold a vase in tightly. I filled the vase with pink roses, cut short and all the same length. Then I filled around the top of the urn with more moss and voila! I love unexpected ways to display flowers. Oh, and hopefully my hubby will oblige my pink needs by offering refills as needed - wink, wink.

McKenna is quite enjoying her new pink napping spot. Hey, move over!

******** OFFICE REORGANIZATION SNEAK PEEK! ********

Once AGAIN, I've embarked on trying to get it "right" with my studio/office area.

I decided to pull all of the inspiring and pretty creative objects OUT of the closet and where I can see them. Even if I don't make anything with them anytime soon, I really enjoy looking at them. I filled canning jars with ribbon cuttings, glitter, wooden fleur de lis, decorative bird eggs, words, and little "bunny tails" for projects.