chrissi b ...my life on parade!

2009-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Andrew Wyeth

July 12, 1917 – January 16, 2009

Snow or sun the weekend offers ...

2009-01-16T01:53:00.000-08:00

While I plan a weekend outdoors with sun, many of us are digging out of snow or just staying in to stay warm. Truth be told, I envy you.

I long for a day in the house. I long to make a pot of veggie soup and bake some bread. I dream of popping a movie into the dvd player and cranky up the fireplace.

Yes, I could do those things, but years of guilt overwhelm and I find myself making lists of pulling weeds, or sweeping pathways or simply a good winter cleaning and airing out the house.

Glass half full? Glass half empty? One never knows ....

In an effort to make your day buzz a little faster, consider these links for free games, movie downloads or other diversions of the winter weekend ahead.

Netflix: If you are already a member, take advantage of the movies that you can watch from your computer now. Thousands of possibilities can be watched NOW, no need to order your dvd and wait for the mail to arrive. If you are not a member, consider this small extravagance. Prices range from five to twenty dollars per month.( Cutest hubby and I have been a member for years, and I find myself watching movies when I am working late in the studio .....a great time to watch something just for you.)

Blogspot: Start a family blog. Gather your holiday photos, create a theme and start a blog to document your family and to share with other family members. Blogspot offers free blog space with easy features to add photos, film and more. Sites such as The Cutest Blog on the Block and others offer free backgrounds for instant whimsy.

Design an online photo album: Shutterfly and others, provide you with the ability to upload your collection of photos into a book format. You choose the papers, style, font and captions. Email friends and family a link to your grand work. If Auntie Mae likes it so much she can purchase the real thing, to hold in her hand and treasure. What fun!

Play some online games. Trusted sources from The History Channel, The Disney Channel, and m&m's offer free games that are family fun and safe.

Snow or sun, enjoy the best your weekend has to offer and have fun!

i adore this painting from kay crain. run to her site to play and purchase!

Mr. Smith truly goes to Washington....

2009-01-15T01:16:00.000-08:00

Who is minding the White House? As of yesterday, it seems it is Michael S. Smith. Mr. Smith has truly gone to Washington and has been named designer for the White House. Known for his sense of style and ease, Michael S. Smith may be just what this grand lady needs. A blend of comfort and style. Regal yet real.

Good-bye to "karate chopped pillows"! Count me in on that one.

If your house needs a bit of primping too, wander to your favorite book store and stroll through a copy of Elements of Style or Houses. Mr. Smith plays with your imagination and inspires. A nice diversion on a lazy afternoon when you are playing the "What if" game in your head.

What if I could re-do this room? What if I inherited ....you know the game. ...enjoy!

Missing in Action ...

2009-01-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Just popped in to say hello and saw that we have not chatted for two months. We have missed the holidays completely. How did we all survive? I hope the New Year finds you happy and safe.

Just when you thought you were rid of any thought or chat of holiday magic, I appear. Annoying as ever, and in the mood to remind you that Valentine's Day is just one short month away.

I love Valentine's Day. It is my favorite "real" holiday of the year. I find Valentine's day a treasure of hours filled with surprises and delights. It is a chance to say hello. Express love. Devotion. Friendship. Passion. Fondness. Flirt. Or simply a day to have fun to surprise.

One need not be in love to celebrate this day of hearts and flowers. One need only to be present. Be a part of your surroundings. Relationships. Friendships. One need only to interact with people to count ourselves among the pack. If you find yourself an active member of any group, family, office or race and you too can find someone to surprise on this day of hearts and flowers.

With all world chatting about money (yikes!), one does not need to break into that frozen block of credit cards, buried deep beneath that awful non-fat, non-dairy delight in the bottom of the freezer either.

Leave the credit cards on ice, and play in the thought of some new choices to amuse this Valentine's day .... here are a few cheap thrills to get you started ...I will post more ....

When running through T or your favorite grocer, keep an eye out for their collection of silly kid valentine cards. You know the ones that are oh so kitchy or stupid silly? Gather your favorites week by week and when your collection is large enough to annoy, but cute enough to over joy .... fill a mailbox. Paste them on a bathroom mirror. Pop in briefcases and lunch bags, tape them to steering wheels and ipods ....Anywhere and everywhere your family is ...fill their spaces with these silly little notes of love that cost mere pennies. They will remember this always.

Gather a few "hearty" gifties from your favorite drug and discount stores, fill a small gift bag and tie this treasure on an appropriate mylar balloon. Box and send to someone away at school, away on business or down the street. This little bit of nonsense will let someone know that you are thinking of them.

....spread some love and enjoy!

Chrissi B! a new thought on Christmas ornaments....

2008-11-14T01:31:00.000-08:00

I know I have been chatting a bit too much about Christmas lately. I am sorry, but the simple thought of the holidays, it's planning and plotting have me a bit consumed lately. I am a schemer. I am a planner. I do not leave to chance the purchase of wraps and ribbons, cards and gifts. I plot. I plan. I explore. I gather.

I search out the best of what I need, and I build and play. This Christmas I find myself working with new colors and new ideas. In an effort to play a bit with an idea, I find myself painting mini canvases ....Mini canvases everywhere. My idea is to have mini works of whimsy decorate our main tree, our mantle and our table.

Work with me here, people. This idea may sound good in theory, (they all do), but can it work? My first obstacle was finding the mini canvases ....Dick Blick to the rescue. Love them. Mini blank canvases are sold in packages of 5 for under $5. Love it! These small wonders may be used as gifties for kids to create. Tied on packages as gift tags, or used at dinner as place cards. Let your imagination be your guide. If your artistic endevors find you wanting, consider adding bits of bling, buttons and ribbons.

For years I have created small Christmas trees that hold more than lights and gifts. I have tied dozens of mini picture frames onto a four foot faux tree. Photos of those who are no longer here to celebrate, and those who simply cannot come to celebrate are tied with simple ribbons and care. It has been our way of remembering family and friends at Christmas. Frankly, this side tree is my all time favorite to decorate. Each photo is a memory, each face is a treasure. Since the tree is not real, it can easily carry the weight of frames and mementos.

Small picture frames are easily available, and they do not have to match. In fact, I think the tree looks better if the frames vary in style and size. I mix woods with crystals, baroque with modern. Simple white lights, and a few other oddities like my grandfather's childhood teddy, my dad's toy truck ...tied into the sturdy branches and I am done.

So, start thinking about what you would like to do this Christmas. We still have time to paint a few canvases. (Great gift for grandparents!) Frame a few small pictures and create a new Holiday tradition. ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! Today's etsy find is from L Young's Studio ...

2008-11-13T01:01:00.000-08:00

Running to etsy the other day in search of a bday gift, when I found today's great discovery. So if it is Thursday ....It must be etsy.

Today's find has me just loving the work from L Young's Studio. One click, and you will love it too. Initially, it was Lori's Initial canvas that caught my heart. I have a huge love of letters and fonts and found her work amusing. Small canvases hosting clean images with clarity and color ....Good stuff. All good.

A Texas inspired wonder, found me searching for wall space, while the Queen Bee Notes, had me making lists. Gifty ideas danced in my little head. Oh the credit card began her happy dance, and my holiday list began to dwindle. Love it.

While shopping, please peek at the lovely charms. You are sure to find several tied to baskets at my house this year, but really ....I would love to see them decorate a foyer tree or a mantle. Let your imagination wander and please ...Explore L Young's work ....enjoy!

Chrissi B! a trip to Lowes and life is good ...

2008-11-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

Cutest Hubby and I spent the afternoon working through closets. In an effort to get through the holidays with ease, I have decided that I must have clean closets. (Don't ask me how I got this utterly insane notion, I have no clue ...)

Old magazines, filled with of ideas, gone! Old catalogues, gone! Shoes, purses, sweaters and more ...All gone. There will be pick ups of furniture and techy goods. Bags and bags of household items and clothing, will find new homes.

New homes all around. I am sure someone will love that new printer that makes too much noise for me, and that red designer purse that is just a tad too big for me to carry. What was I thinking?

Pre-holiday season is a great time to gather some finds from your home and pass on to others. Your "almost new" coat may provide needed warmth, and those out grown toys and games may make the perfect Christmas for a child in your community. ....enjoy!

We found great closet organizers and storage at our local Lowes, check it out.

Chrissi B! Restoration Hardware, Smith and Hawkins and other fabby finds ...

2008-11-10T01:38:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I am suddenly feeling a bit "overbooked". Our calendar is feeling up rapidly as is our free time to hunt and gather, package and .....Well, you know. I need more time!

Cutest Hubby and I spent the day running errands Saturday and doing some Christmas shopping. The stores in our area were busy and the shoppers were buying. It was a delight, but then I began to see that there didn't seem to be a lot to choose from. While Holiday decorations and gift ideas filled the shelves, there was not as much as last year. Does that mean that we all need to shop a bit earlier as all of the "good stuff" will be gone? I am starting to get a bit nervous.
So in an effort to make my holiday frenzy a bit more relaxed, I have made my lists and started some serious online shopping. A few of my favorite finds include:

Smith and Hawkin offer this set of 72 cut crystals to scatter and instantly glam up any table setting. These gems are hand cut and only available during the holiday season. Great for a vase filler too ...And a real steal at only $22 a set. Fun bit of bling for the girls, don't you think?

Love them! Need them!

While there, take a peek at The Most Beautiful Garden coffee table book. On sale at less than $30, it is a great find for the gardeners among us.

A click to Restoration Hardware, and I have the perfect throws and the cutest teddy's all tied up with some great slipper finds and even a monogrammed robe! Love it! The colors are scrumptious and the quality is great ...prices starting at $20 .... Love it!

Crate and Barrel offer these colorful plates for dessert or dinner ...Jewel toned lovelies that will be great after the holidays to brighten up any table. Pick up some wine gift tags and paper goods here too. Free shipping on many items. Love it!

If you are traveling for Christmas, consider having your "goodies" shipped to your destination. This will save you time and trouble of double shipping and double packing. ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! Puppies make everything better ....

2008-11-07T01:04:00.000-08:00

When president-elect, Barack Obama spoke before the masses the other night, he reiterated a promise that he had made to his daughters. Yes, a puppy is on the way. A puppy will join them in the White House. No matter how you voted, no matter what your political leanings ....You just gotta love a puppy!

Puppies are great aren't they? Spend a few moments with a pup and even the hardest heart can melt just a bit.

A dear friend shared this puppy link, from USSTREAM TV. With just a few clicks, you too can join the thousands (over five thousand last time I viewed) of puppy watchers. On camera 24 hours a day, this group of six pups nap, eat, play and nap again. What a life! Almost as fun as the pups, are the comments that run along side the feed. Some find these pups so addictive that they are watching for hours at a time.

If you too need a puppy fix and time and space allow, consider a visit to Pet Finders. Simply drop in your zip code and the miles you are willing to travel to secure a pet and there before your eyes ....Pups! Dogs! Kittens and Cats, all for adoption at reasonable costs. This is a great resource to consider if a pet is in your future.

Already have a pup? But maybe you need some ideas on photo shooting to "capture your moment", visit Best Animal Photos for cute shots and tips.
Media outlet's around the globe, once reporting on races and rivals are now awaiting the decision of a puppy. Wake me when they decide, but for now I will just rest a bit and as always .... enjoy the show.

Chrissi B! delighting in the joy of Paloma's Nest, Thursday's etsy find ...

2008-11-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

Some days I am just searching for quiet. Some days I am searching for simple. Clean. Pure. Nice. Today's etsy find is that ....And so much more.

Paloma's Nest was a breath of fresh air as I was in search of some holiday ornaments. My etsy brain began to fry a bit and then I spied a small, little treasure just a click away. I was saved.

Paloma's Nest is the creation of Caroline Colom Vasquez, of Austin, Texas. Such a large state and such little jewels ... Petite wonders of words and art that sprang from my screen and jumped right into my heart. Love it.

There are the smallest of bowls, to hold the largest of messages. Thank you. I Love You. Patience. Mementos to praise and inspire. Treasures to hold in the palm of your hand.

Paloma's Holiday collection, offers some wonderful wooden gift tags for tying and a set of 6 medallion in their own wooden box that are truly very special.

Each small work of art is a delight. Visit. Shop. ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! Pottery Barn Kids, free classes, fun holiday and ...

2008-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

If babies are in your future, check out Pottery Barn Kids for a FREE workshop. Yes, PBK is offering you a free Nursery Decorating workshop, simply by signing up. Love it!

Pottery Barn Kids offers a delightful site with links to the Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen and Pottery Barn Bath. News on free concerts, book clubs and other "gifties" will pop in your email box if you sign up for the service.

Pottery Barn Kids Christmas ideas are bright and cheery, and most are available personalized. I adore the Santa Bag offerings for a family gift or to sit by the tree for your own kidlings. If it doesn't fit in the bag, you don't get it .....Good idea here!

You may just find one bag parked by our tree. Santa gifts for all who visit ...A sort of grab bag idea.

One thought may be ... Have each guest bring a gift and tuck it in the bag to be dropped off at a local charity. Great idea for a cocktail party ... Enjoy the company of family and friends and all that we require is a gift that we will share with our local toy drive.

Check out the cute bags and your own head will spin ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! just one thing

2008-11-04T01:55:00.000-08:00

Election day 2008. Vote ....enjoy the gift of freedom!

Chrissi B! bring on the fans, we have a buffet warmer from Bella ...

2008-11-03T01:47:00.000-08:00

A day of football at our house yesterday. Teams lost. Teams won. Sorry, I don't really know who won or lost, but I do know ....My house was filled with lots of hungry fans looking for some quick food fixes between passes and field goals.

I love having fans over to enjoy the weekend games with the guys, but I always worry what to serve and how to serve it so I can NOT be there. I can tolerate football well enough, but not for the entire day. My plan is just that ...I will plan and walk away. Or shall we say run away to the quiet of upstairs where there is a "football free" zone.

So after years of lining up crock pots and electric pans, I came across food warmers. They are everywhere ...Macy's, Kohl's, Target, all have their versions. What a great idea. I can make all the fixings for Tacos and leave the guys to fend for themselves. Love it!

I purchased the Bella Cucina Triple Buffet Server from Macy's and love it. After using this for a few BBQs and some football weekends, I now see a future of putting together holiday buffets with ease.

Cutest Hubby and I have even brunch from the warmer. Scrambled eggs, cream cheese stuffed french toast, and sauteed apples, each warm and ready to eat. No more pulling out trays from the oven ....Easy. Love it!

Although the containers appear small at first glance, they are 2.5 quarts each. That is a nice amount of taco fillings, chicken wings or even fabby french toast. If you have a large family or love to host the fans on the spur of the moment, consider a warmer. Many are on sale this year and it may be just the thing to give you a bit more time with guests ....enjoy!

* here is a lovely recipe for stuffed french toast from Bed and Breakfast Inns Online, Queen Anne's on 7th,Charleston Illinois (pictured) .....check it out*

Chrissi B! Happy for No Reason ....try it!

2008-11-02T01:20:00.000-07:00

If I ask, "Quick, write down three things that make you happy! Hurry! Hurry!" What springs to mind? No, after you find me demanding and annoying. What do you write?

A good friend was sharing thoughts on a book ...Happy for No Reason, written by Marci Shimoff. He explained, Ms. Shimoff suggested that we each make a list of three things that make us happy. Three small things for which we are grateful, jotted down, each night before our head hits the pillow.

He explained that Ms. Shimoff theorizes that WE can change our mindset and become happy people. I so believe this.

I cannot make you happy. You cannot make me happy. No one person in the world has the power to provide happiness and joy for another.

Sure, we can find joy in moments, and happiness in small bites out of each day, but happiness comes from within. I so sound like my grandmother here. She was the happiest soul I have ever met, but alas, that is for another chat.

As the "holly-daze" approach, with all of the stresses and worries that they bring, lets each find happy places in our own little lives. Happy moments to jot and recall.

I have been keeping notes of happy and grateful moments for years. It works. As I become stressed and overwhelmed with life's annoying moments, I quickly jot ....Cutest Hubby, great family, great friends ......You know, we each hold our own lists of life's gifts. They may get lost in the daily mess of living and breathing, but they are there. The simple joys!

If one day is particularly daunting, I read through some past "happy thoughts" and again, I find joy.

Visit Ms. Shimoff's site. There are books to purchase, events to visit and songs to download. Be happy and ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! Pottery Barn, Horchow, Macy's and ...we are all just crazy for ...

2008-11-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

I simply adore polka dots! Do you too? Do you enjoy the whimsy of a dotted pattern? A random bunch of circles on a wine glass? or ribbons and bows filled with colorful dots? Was it the wonder bread I ate as a child? Whatever the reason ....I love dots!

If you too find that a few scattered polka dots make you smile .....Have fun with these great finds:

Pottery Barn, offers a collection of polka dot towels in cranberry or green and ivory. A nice way to spice up a powder room or guest bath for holiday visitors....Love it! While there, please consider a "dotty" set of sheets in crisp white with dots of red, green or blue....on sale! (other dotty finds include travel cases and shower curtains ....)

Room Service Home will delight your love of dots with everything from Dotted Note Pads, (great teacher gift), to personalized wrappings, to crystal champagne flutes! You gotta just love this place!

Horchow and Macy's and Spode offer some dotted dinnerware that will delight even the fussiest of guests.

Designer, Kate Spade offers a lovely set of tidbit plates to spice up your next gathering .... really lovely.

Now that I have you too, crazy for dots, google a few finds and ...enjoy the hunt!

Chrissi B! Black Friday tips and links

2008-10-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

I am a huge Black Friday shopper! You may recall that Black Friday, is the day after Thanksgiving when stores try to lure you in with amazing pricing and special deals. Each year stores print there advertisements weeks in advance and these ads are "leaked" to the public through local news, papers or online sources. Each year, I scour the web for our favorite retailers and make our lists.

Cutest Hubby and I set our alarm for the wee hours, pry ourselves out of bed and hit a few of our favorite stores. We have been doing this for a few years and we have had great results. It is great to have a shopping buddy, and you may need someone to stand in line for an hour and hold on to that five foot teddy bear! I did.

After years of entering this black hole we have come up with a few rules. If you too are thinking of hitting the store this year, feel free to use our hints:

No malls before three in afternoon ....too much traffic to get to our local malls and just too many people to deal with while in the mall. Not worth the stress, wait a few hours and people scatter and store lines lighten.

We want to be in and out. We will not wait in line with hundreds of people for one item. We know we will not get the computer for $300, or the Ipod for $50 ...We are practical.

We refuse to camp out or sleep in the parking lot.

We visit websites.

We make lists and we use them.

Be flexible. If shopping for one special item, scour all the stores and figure out the time, distance, etc. You may be better off to visit one store and pay a bit more because you actually have a chance to get that desired item.

Don't waste your time standing in line for three hours when the big box store only has 25 MP3 players and you are the 400th person in line.

After we have hit our favorite stores we head out to a quick breakfast, and then home for a nap. Rejuvenated, we may venture out again or go online .....All low stress. All fun.

If you too will venture into the depths of Black Friday, consider visiting a few websites to gather information about sales and promotions. With just a few clicks you can sign up for postings of your favorite store's sales and make your lists early. It is so helpful to be just a bit organized.

I hit Black Friday, info, they list many popular stores and I find their ads to be spot on. I have also checked out Black Friday.net, their site is easy to search and navigate.

Enjoy the fun and madness of Black Friday, enjoy the hunt, don't get stressed and have fun ....there is no gift that is so important that it should cause you stress. Shop smart and take someone to carry the packages ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! Molly Hatch, Muddy Waters and other great etsy finds ....

2008-10-30T01:58:00.000-07:00

Thoughts of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend have been dancing in my little head. Visions of guests sitting around a table. My thoughts whirr with place settings and platters and bowls. Always bowls. I love bowls.

Bowls of flowers. Bowls sitting empty. Of course yes, bowls filled with food....I think bowls! If you, too think bowls then jump over to the etsy find of Molly Hatch.

Molly's handmade bowls are lovely and would do any table proud. I also love her plates and would delight at a platter that one may order ... Her work is clean and crisp, and sure to mix with most serve ware. Yet, I find that her style stands alone. Made in Vermont. Good stuff.

Just Mare, from Pine, Arizona offers a lovely line of dinnerware. I am not sure how one would choose, as they are .....Well perfect! It was this twig and leaf platter that caught my eye, very pretty. Pop over and check out her wares, they are impressive.

This small green bowl from Twisted River Clay is beautiful. Good color, nicely done and just .....Check it out and if you make your purchase before the month ends, you will save 20% ....Run to Twisted River Clay, now.

Muddy Waters brings you this quirky must have of a cake tray. Why buy imports when you can buy art! Love it! Fill this wonder with cookies and gift it to a favorite family ...They will love you.

Grab a cup of tea, consider your entertaining needs this holiday season and check out etsy. Not your usual offerings and you are supporting small business .....love it! ...enjoy!

Molly Hatch is the artist of this lovely plate ....

Chrissi B! Christmas crafts with friends ..

2008-10-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

Chatting with a friend the other morning, and she was telling me how much fun she had spending some time with her sisters. They had spent the day making Christmas gifts. What fun! These women are a very savvy bunch of ladies. Each made their lists, shopped for special items and made space and time to gather twice a month until the gifties are made. I love this idea.

Each sister brought her collection of papers, stamps, ribbons, embellishments and whatever else she wanted to "bring to the table". The creativity flowed, as did the wine and gifts were made amid laughter. This afternoon's treasures included picture frames, cards, small scrapbooks and recipe journals. Love it.

Perhaps you are a crafty Miss, who enjoys some crafty friendships? What a great excuse to get together with a few favorite friends and enjoy the best of the season ...Inspiration! Imagination! Celebration!

Maybe you are not the crafty sort but would like to make a few holiday gifites? I love the

Paper Source. Paper Source is a wonder for stamps, books, ribbons and so much more. I adore this place and with locations around the country they may be just the shop for you.....Not your usual crafty store ....Much more!

Visit your local craft, knitting, stamp, or paper shop, most offer instruction and classes. Many offer a workspace for creating. You can sit and work on your projects with others who are trying to create and learn. A nice way to send an afternoon and make a friend.

The holidays are quickly approaching, consider making a few chosen gifts to spread the cheer this Christmas season ...Gather some friends and make some cookies! Create some cards or paint a picture frame ....enjoy!

Chrissi B! enjoying Yeats on a Sunday afternoon ...

2008-10-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Cutest Hubby and I are hosting family and friends today in celebration of a special day .... In all the preparation this poem kept coming to mind ...enjoy your Sunday.

Brown Penny by William Butler Yeats

I whispered, 'I am too young,

'And then, 'I am old enough';

Wherefore I threw a penny To find out if I might love.

'Go and love, go and love, young man,If the lady be young and fair.

'Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

I am looped in the loops of her hair.

O love is the crooked thing,There is nobody wise enough

To find out all that is in it,

For he would be thinking of love

Till the stars had run away

And the shadows eaten the moon.

Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny,

One cannot begin it too soon.

Chrissi B! A simple dinner napkin ...

2008-10-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend promises to be a whirlwind of entertaining. Cutest Hubby has family and friends coming in for some fun .....Lucky me, I am planning and plotting.

As I ready menus and prepare serving platters and dishes, I scour the linen cupboard for napkins. I love a good linen napkin, don't you? I have collected linens from vintage shops, antique shops, flea markets, family and all retail sources. I adore the offerings of The Pottery Barn and Horchow for the ease of a good monogrammed find.

When deciding on linens, my thoughts also turn to napkin rings. I rarely use a napkin ring, but I so love the display. I appreciate the finish it provides your table setting, or the ease it enables guests to gather their needs at a buffet table. An email arrived for me this week with some grand napkin rings ...Perhaps these will amuse.....

Mackenzie-Childs (Love them!), offer these classically bold bone and horn rings. Not too formal and whimsical enough to work with Tracey Porter, Toile or something a bit more modern. Well priced in sets of four, these would make a lovely stocking gift.

If your budget is a bit larger and your tastes a bit more eclectic, wander over to Horchow for these topiary wonders. At forty-five dollars each, they are not for the faint of heart, but may make a lovely gift for the napkin ring collector.

Unique and dimensional napkin rings from the past make a grand collection. I love the display of the silver children's napkin rings around a dinner table, each different, each wonderful! Next time you wander through a good antique shop, check out the silver or plated napkin rings ....Many will delight.

If the thought of napkins and place settings seems to please, consider a few offerings from Barnes and Noble .... I liked The Complete Napkin Book and Napkin Folds.

A simple change of dinner linens can make your tired china new again. ....enjoy!

2008-10-24T01:09:00.000-07:00

I am a lucky girl. Most mornings when I go downstairs to grab my first cup of coffee, I find a small folded note in my empty mug. Cutest Hubby, carefully prepares the coffee (his makes his own blends of several brands and flavors) the night before and sets the timer to brew minutes before I awake. When readying the mugs, spoons and coffees he jots a note of endearment and tucks it in my cup. A treasure to Find ...For me!

Although finding notes is familiar, they seem to always catch me by surprise. I love it.

The notes are short. Quirky. Fun. Mine. A secret that I carry in my heart.

Today, as you walk through life, consider tucking a note of sorts into a book, folder, mug or???? Make a quirky little drawing or funny little thought a surprise for someone to find. ...enjoy!

* the coffee maker pictured is from Cuisinart. Coffee on Demand is the best coffee maker we have ever used, we love it so much ....We bought another, just in case....find it online or at Macy's or other retailers ....no carafe to look at and a great brew ....love it!

Chrissi B! Thursday's etsy find in red ruby rose, rosybird, maddy and me and kulhbags ....

2008-10-23T01:32:00.000-07:00

Holding on tighter to your pennies these days? Then you need a prettier place to keep them. Lovely little coin purses are the find in today's etsy treasure hunt. Lots of lovely little purses.

My first find is red ruby rose. If you love a vintage look, inspired by lush fabric finds then this is a source for you. A great place to fill your gift list, red ruby rose is found in the UK and has been selling on etsy for just a year. Her sales are strong, her feedback great, and her purses are wonderful. Do yourself a favor and check out her website, Rowena too .....great talent.

Rosybird offers a nice array of small pouches that are sure to bring a smile. This Milwaukee artist offerings are sure to amuse each time you reach for bus fare.

I am a huge fan of felted wool and the whimsy of Maddy and me is delightful. This mom to four has a delightful use of color and may just be the find to get you through a blah, winter season. Love it.

Kuhl Bags , offers you the bags and pouches that you will not see coming and going. Nicely styled, compact and fresh. A great gift find in wristlets too!

There you go, a nice start to the thousands of bags and pouches listed on etsy. Dive into a sea of possibilities and ... enjoy!

Chrissi B! some silly facts from me and google ...

2008-10-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

I am in a silly mood this week, so I thought I would delight and annoy with a few silly facts and finds ...

Did you know that 175,000 blogs are started each day? Makes one wonder who does not have a blog?

What is the most popular Halloween treat? Snickers! Who would of "thunk"?

The average family spends $44 on Halloween candies!

No one source can tell you how many pet costumes are sold each year, but E & E Hallstrom offers finds upwards of $200. Their coats and costumes are sold at over 700 shops through out the country, making Tinkerbell better dressed than you! ....And me!

The largest pumpkin pie on record was made in California, in October of 2003, and weighed 418 pounds. Wow, how much whipped cream would that pie require?

Libby's guesstimates that over 50 million pumpkin pies are made each year, using their product. Okay, someone is baking my pies!

Joe, the plumber would be the easiest costume for you to make this Halloween! Love you Joe!

Do something wacky!...Google silly facts and you too will find that rubber bands last longer when refrigerated and a dime has ......enjoy!

Chrissi B! sharing a bit of pumpkin inspiration ...

2008-10-18T01:58:00.000-07:00

My local grocer, had a wonderful display of baking pumpkins yesterday. Perfectly symmetrical. No scars. Picture ready, but what to do with such a find? My mind began to dance.

Past Autumn seasons have found me:

Dipping small pumpkins in white glue and rolling them in glitter for use as mantle and table decor.

Hand drawing patterns of dots and swirls with gold inks and paints. Quite impressive on white pumpkins and a lovely Thanksgiving decoration.

Hollowing out the small finds, then removing the seeds and goo ...once clean I drilled small holes (Cutest Hubby, not loving me borrowing his drill), and used these treasures as tea light holders around the Thanksgiving table.

If pumpkins play with your imagination, I have found a few sites that may prove a fun visit.

Halloween decorating ideas for you pumpkin can be found at FamilyFun.com, Hallmark magazine, Better Homes and Gardens and Sunset. Each source offers a different look at carving and use of your pumpkin, all are worth a look.

Perhaps you are in search of a recipe or two when you see a pumpkin? Please, then consider these:

The Roasted pumpkin with stuffing may be a nice choice for a cold night. After baking, slice and serve this savory offering.

These Pumpkin Pots de Creme would be a nice addition to the Thanksgiving menu, check it out.

A Savory Pumpkin Tart may take a bit of time and effort, but the end result sounds promising.

Keep in mind that pumpkin is a vitamin gold mine, low in fat, high in fiber and due to that brilliant orange color, it is naturally loaded with the antioxidant, beta-carotene. In short, a pumpkin recipe may be a winner for your family. ...enjoy!

Chrissi B! Christopher Garren's Let Them Eat Cake ....you gotta love it ...

2008-10-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

I have a secret to share. Not a huge secret, just a small tidbit that I feel I must share before I chat with you today. I am not a huge fan of cake. Oh I love a small bit of a cupcake now and then (as posted in our chat the other day ....All true). I do simply love to bake cakes for my family, but alas, I will not indulge in your big box bakery cake, or be upset if no cake is offered at a birthday affair. I can do without. What I cannot do without is the artistry of a great cake.

Have you seen the show on The Food Network, The Ace of Cakes? Love it! Or perhaps you have seen the challenge shows, when artists from around the country meet to make a themed cake? Love those too. So, strolling around the web the other day (I can't remember why or how) and I found the most amazing cake artists in Let Them Eat Cake!, right here in southern Cali. Costa Mesa to be exact.... Imagine!

Christopher Garren's Let Them Eat Cake, is not your ordinary cake purveyor. This place is magical. Have an idea for a special occasion? This must be a resource if you are in the area. One stroll through the portfolio will amuse and inspire. The possibilities seem endless to this shop of talent. Piles of Tiffany' boxes stacked among bags from Nordys ....Each made of cake! An array of movie tins and films, decorated with realistic images from the big screen. Simple flour, eggs and sugar dance in the hands of these artists. What fun!

On closer look, you will also find, that this great shop offers classes! Love it! Perhaps you would like to make your own cakes a work of art? This is a resource for you. Classes in all areas of sculpting and designing can run from a few hours to the better part of your day. Grab a friend and indulge in your cake passion. A must for a budding caterer or baker.

Let Them Eat Cake, is just minutes from amazing shopping, beaches and other creature comforts. A grand destination for fun ....enjoy!