Archive for ‘Holiday’

September 2nd, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with A Life More Fabulous

 

Sharelee from  A Life More Fabulous  (escapade) writes, ” I’ve always been one to be perpetually caught up in ‘smelling the roses’ and inspired by beauty in all its forms. I grew up in Zimbabwe and have been lucky enough to have travelled in lived in many different places across the globe. This blog is dedicated to beautiful design in all its many forms and inspiring you with something fabulous to leave your day a little better…”

Sharelee’s ability to find beauty in everyday moments shines through in the content of her blog.  This is another one of the blogs I like to visit when I need to escape life (i.e. laundry, bills, dusting, killing toddler crickets {just threw that one in there to see if you’re still paying attention}).

Here are some of her more recent posts that I find unique and intriguing: Ostrich Feather Chandelier, Rock Cushions by Ronel Jordaan and Toffee + Cream

 

OSTRICH FEATHER CHANDELIER

I was recently reminded of this stunning ostrich feather chandelier by South African designer Haldane Martin while trying on boots at a favorite boutique. Inspired by the lightness of dandelions, Haldane created this pendant to be able to create an angelically from the energy saving CFL lamps. It has been named after Dalene Mathews book “Fiela se Kind“. This heart-warming South African story is set in Oudtshoorn, the same ostrich farming district where the feathers that form the diffuser, are sourced.

I love how the softness of the feathers contrasts with the rustic wood and very smooth lines of the dining set. I think it would be equally effective in a more traditional space with ornate moldings and classic architecture.

haldanemartin via A Life More Fabulous

haldanemartin via A Life More Fabulous

 

Rock Cushions By Ronel Jordaan  

{ MUST READ THIS STORY… Inspiring & Amazing. ~keighley}

I was recently reminded of these fantastic rock cushions made of felted wool, while reading this interview with Vicente Wolf, where he mentioned that his most recent purchase for his home was a set of ‘felt cushions that look like rocks’ . While I’m not sure of the source for his recent purchase, I’d venture a guess and say it might be some of these beauties by South African designer Ronel Jordaan. I’ve known of her work for quite some time, and have been lusting away after these beautiful and unusual cushions ever since. Wouldn’t they be just perfect in a casual seating area? {We have to agree! Also, wouldn’t they be a great conversation piece? }

Ronel in 2005 began to explore the concept of using felt as a creative medium. By patiently rubbing and coaxing threads of pure wool into shapes in nature that inspire her, she found her direction and started a small home industry; her most recognizable creations being her pebbles and rocks.

Soon outgrowing the limitations of a home business, Ronel expanded and trained a group of over 40 women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the art of felting.These women are now closely associated with all of her creations. While they produce items with Ronel, they have also begun to create their own designs with her help. Through this project, they are able to earn a decent income for themselves and their families, and are felters of international standing.

With a strong ethical conscience, these pieces are produced with ecologically friendly dyes and soaps. They have even developed organic food gardens at the plant using the waste water from production. The vegetables grown are for the women who work there to either take home or sell.

To learn more about Ronel and her beautiful creations, visit her site here.

 

All images from Ronel Jordaan

 

Toffee + Cream

The fresh snow against the last of the toffee colored fallen leaves is such a beautiful contrast – warm, rich cognac tones against a stark white. There’s something so appealing about this rich combination – perhaps because of the reminiscence of delicious toffees and caramels cream white whipped cream.

 

 

 

 

 

{No wonder I love this combination so much – exactly like little Javier’s coat.}

I had to highlight this post for Javier’s presence ALONE! Us Bella Girls melt at the sight of any dog. Side note: Camberley won one of Sharalee’s giveaways (photographyartstore.com) and was awarded an adorable picture of a Boston Terrier.  See contest, hereSee winning announcement, here.

 

Rachyl and Charlie by Kenneth Chou

 

Here’s The Deets:

www.alifemorefabulous.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/alifemorefab

Top 100 Interior Design Blogs Mention

  • Share/Bookmark
September 2nd, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Archives Of Our Lives”

 

Camille from Archives of Our Lives

 

I’ve been stalking Camille since the inception of her blog, Archives of Our Lives.  It took me nearly two years to show my weasley little stalker face and admit (hands strumming together):

 

“I’ve been watching you. MUAHAHAHAHA!”

  

I kid. I kid. My email actually went something like this:

 

“I stummbled upon your blog a couple years ago and have silently stalked you ever since. OMG. I want to be friends with you so bad. Please say I’m cool, please say I’m cool, please say I’m cool!”

  

Okay.  First sentence = true story.  Last three sentences = never really happened but make this story, oh so much, better.

Then, it happened. Camille told me I was “cool”.

 

YOU GUYS ARE BELLA FINE????????????????????????????

 
Oh my gosh.  I’m not worthy.  Please stop reading my blog—I had no idea how intimidating you really were!  I mean, I knew you were amazing and had awesome taste, but…BELLA FINE???  Holy crap, my sister will be so excited to know that the Bella Fine people (or at least one person related to them {or do you work there, too?  If you do, I might have seen you at some point in my life!!!}) reads/has read my blog.
  
 
I’m both honoured and a little mortified.  I feel like Martha Stewart has been reading my blog and I never knew it.  I need to get cute or something.  AHHHH!
  
Anyway, if you couldn’t tell…I’m a huge fan.
 
—cpsf
 
 

So maybe I was “cool” by association (given the fact that I didn’t actually work down at Bella Fine). Before long, Camille and I were “virtual” BFFs.  “Come on let me tell you ’bout my beeeeeeeest friend”. Here’s why:

  • The prefix in our names is “Cam”(Camille – Camberley)
  • Our husbands drive trucks for a living (That’s right, we’re trucker wives)
  • Both grew up in Mesa, AZ.  Fortunately for Camille, she was able to escape.  She now lives in Canada. Doesn’t that sound so regal?
  • We share similar tastes in music(Or maybe Dallan and Camille share similar tastes in music. So I have similar taste by association.)

 

If that doesn’t say virtual BFFs, then I don’t know what does (Maybe someday we’ll meet in person?).  Enough about my infatuation with Camille.  Here are some of my favourite Archives of Our Lives posts:

 

I Dread the OB/GYN:  The title is pretty self explanatory.  Best two lines of this post are. #1) “I’ll be an honest-to-goodness crack whore.  A Yasmin™ whore.” #2) “I need at least a week to blog about this!”

My Day at the MVD: Don’t we all dread going to the MVD?  Well, at least Camille has the ability to find humor in her visit (unlike Moi).  I love her comparison of the MVD to Hell.  Hilarious!

Crowning Glory: Camille takes a moment to brag about one of her “clever and witty moments”  (which just happened to take place at a family get together).

Premature Menopause: Once again, the title speaks for itself and (I promise) it is H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!

 

Dear Camille – I don’t know why most of the posts I’ve chosen to share with our readers center on your lady bits.  I had such a hard time whittling down everything into four posts and that’s just the way it worked out.  Sorry!

Follow Archives of Our Lives on her:

Blog- www.archiveslives.com

Twitter- http://twitter.com/archiveslives

  • Share/Bookmark
September 2nd, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “My Little Corner Of The World”

My Little Corner of the World is delightful little blog written, designed and inspired by Angela Hardison.  Angela Hardison is a “lover, designer, dreamer” who documents her life, her work (seesaw designs), her letterpress and her vintage shop.

Take a step inside Angela’s Little Corner Of The World

 

 

 Today, we will be going on a tour of Angela’s: home, letterpress shop, and vintage etsy store.  (Please note: all of the images we’re about to see where photographed by Angela. Talk about talent!)

 

HOME

 

Being a danish mid-century modern furniture collector myself, it wasn’t hard for me to fall in love with the furniture and art pieces in Angela’s house.  One of my favorite pieces, is her bedroom set.  I love the color and lines of her headboard and endtables.  Additionally, I love how she’s used two different styles/colors of lamps to bring shape, height and color into her bedroom.

 

Angela Hardison (Master Bedroom)

 

Here are some things I love about this next space: paint color, vintage oil painting above piano, danish stacking tables in corner, Milk Glass bookends, Penguin books and, of course, the piano!

 

Angela Hardison (Piano)

 

I love all of the little details Angela puts into her design.  For example, in the following picture, she has a vase filled with colored pencils on top of a pedestal.  Or, note the small blue car on top of her letterpress tray. She’s even placed a small red oval mirror behind the wooden mannequin (next to the typewriter). Want me to keep going? I love the numbered glasses on the top shelf of her bookcase.  The clear glasses doesn’t detract from the decor; however, the yellow and blue numbers bring in some subtle colors.  Do you notice other details?

 

Angela Hardison (Office)

For a bigger tour of Angela’s house, visit her blog or visit the feature Design*Sponge did on her.

 

LETTERPRESS SHOP (SEESAW LETTERPRESS)

 

Here are a few of Angela’s letterpress pieces (SeeSaw Letterpress) that I simply adore: Modern Wall Calendar, i think you’re neat., Ice Cream, On A String.  Angela, are you working on a 2011 calendar? Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes!

 

Seesaw Letterpress - Wall Calendar

 

SeeSaw Letter Press (I think you're neat)

 

SeeSaw Letterpress (Icecream)

 

SeeSaw Letterpress (On a String)

 

 

VINTAGE STORE (SEESAW VINTAGE)

 

Over here on The Bella Life –  we love ourselves some etsy, we love ourselves some vintage, and we love ourselves some thrift finds.  Take all of the things us Galslove.  Add them together.  You get SeeSaw Vintage.  Swoon!

Take a peek at some of the items in their shop~~~

pssstt… they’re having a huge sale in the vintage shop for labor day weekend, starting tomorrow (friday). 30% off everything!

 

SeeSaw Vintage store on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

SeeSaw Vintage on etsy

 

Follow Angela Hardison over on My Little Corner of the World, SeeSaw Designs, SeeSaw Letterpress and SeeSaw Vintage.

My Little Corner of the World: http://angelahardison.blogspot.com

SeeSaw Designs: http://seesawdesigns.com/

SeeSaw Letterpress: http://seesaw.bigcartel.com/

SeeSaw Vintage: http://www.etsy.com/shop/seesawvintage

 

The above images are courtesy of Angela Hardison.

  • Share/Bookmark
September 1st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with Cafe Lynnylu

 

Cafe Lynnylu is another delicious blog filled to the brim with yummy recipe ideas.  The photos Lynne takes of her food are so beautiful, one can practically feel and smell the steam coming through ones computer screen.  Someday, I wish to have half of the photography skills Lynne and Helen (Tartelette) have.  Okay. Fine, I’ll settle for a quarter of the skill they have.

Here are a few recipes from Lynne (the Georgia based writer, foodie and photographer behind Cafe Lynnylu).

 

Grilled Summer Vegetable Focaccia

 

Cafe Lynnylu (Grilled Vegetable Focaccia)

For the Bread Machine Dough

2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
3 teaspoons sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water (105°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt

Place yeast, sugar, warm water, flour, olive oil, dried oregano and salt in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by manufacturer and process on the dough cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough from pan. Let rest covered for a few minutes before preparing the focaccia. Can be made ahead-remove to container and refrigerate for several hours or until ready to assemble focaccia.

For the Grilled Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered
1 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
thinly sliced fresh basil, optional

Preheat gas grill on high with grill basket on grate. Combine oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Brush oil over the zucchini, bell pepper and onion. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. When ready to grill, place vegetables in grill basket and grill for 4-6 minutes. Use a hot pad to remove basket from grill.  Cut bell pepper quarters into 1/4-inch strips. Set aside until ready to assemble focaccia.

To Assemble and Bake Focaccia

Place PizzaQue Stone in a cold oven and preheat to 450°F. Generously sprinkle a wooden peel with cornmeal. Hand stretch dough or roll out on oiled waxed paper until desired size. Invert dough onto peel.  Arrange grilled vegetables evenly over surface. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Slide dough carefully onto stone in oven. Reduce heat to 425°F. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven. Transfer to a wooden board. Cool for a few minutes. Cut into desired pieces. Serves 6 generously.

For more information on Lynne’s Focaccia Recipe and to view more of her focaccia recipes, click here.

 

 

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

 

Cafe Lynnylu (Blueberry Banana Smoothie)

 

1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
3/4 cup 0% Greek yogurt
1 cup apple juice
1 medium banana, sliced in the 1-1-1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1-2 tsp honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Alternatively, use a hand blender to puree ingredients. Makes about 2-1/2-3 cups. Serves 2-4.

For more information about the Blueberry Banana Smoothie, click here.

 

Lynne – thanks for letting us spotlight you!

-C

 

Follow Cafe Lynnylu at http://blog.photographybylulu.com/

 

  • Share/Bookmark
September 1st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Marriage Confessions”

 

Different time, different place, different story.

  

Meet the family behind Marriage Confessions: Katie, Chris and Bean.

 

 

 

 

 This family’s outlook on life centers on the following motto:

“Laugh. Fight. Stay Married.”

Their family motto is way better than “Poulsen Promise” (Debs, I always thought you were creative. Until now… tsk… tsk)

  

Now, I know how much you readers enjoy some of our own wedded fun & drama (cough… cough… Keighley & Michael’s food war… cough).  Well, take our awesome “marriage” posts, times them by 10, carry the x, take the square root, then raise it to the 20th power AND you get Confessions of a Young Married Couple (AKA Marriage Confessions)

About a year and a half ago, I was visiting my friend Camille (over at Archives of our Lives) when I started going “click crazy”.  I was a clickin’ all up and down that pretty little blog roll of hers. When. I. Found. It.

It may be defined as: refugee, a break from work/life, belly laughs, humor, an instant ”one-sided” friendship (she didn’t know I existed; therefore, this longing to be friends was “one-sided”), tips/tricks on dealing with my husband, a 20-something-year-old Oprah… basically “It” is whatever you want “It” to be.

I can’t remember the first story I read (Sorry Katie!).  All I remember is being sucked into a virtual sarlacc pit (minus Jabba the Hutt).  Here are a few of my favorite “Confessions“:

 

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES (which is also a favorite of many of Katie’s readers):  In this post, Katie takes the advice of her friend Oprah’s sex therapist to heart.  She tries to implement these teachings into her own marriage.  Unfortunately, Mars and Venus’s perspectives don’t match up…

THE LAST SUPPER (also a favorite of MC’s readers):  It is Katie and Chris’s last supper before the arrival of the Bean.  As they sit their trying to enjoy some of their last minutes as a family of two, Chris starts to have a one-sided conversation with himself about Katie’s impending C-Section. (Classic foot-in-mouth moment!)

HELLO, MATERNITY INSTINCTS:  This is a little story about Katie’s stay in the hospital right after she had the Bean.  I love this post because it is something I could see myself doing.  After reading this post I thought, Katie and I were meant to be friends.  However, it was still a one-sided stalker-ish like friendship.  I’m kind of creepy.  

THE BABY WHISPERER: One day, the Gals and I sat around the computer reading this Marriage Confessions post out loud.  We. Were. Rolling.  I think this is in my top five favorite MC’s posts.  In this post, Katie has an internal struggle over her son’s (Michael, AKA Bean) infatuation with his father (Chris).  READ IT!

 

Stop by Confessions of a Young Married Couple (Marriage Confessions), I promise you’ll be hooked!

 

Dear Katie,

Thanks for letting us spotlight you.  I hope the blog post lived up to your expectations.  Oh, the pressure! You’re Katie from Marriage Confessions, who also happens to be an English Major (and who is a witty writer).  Please don’t grade my grammer.

Thanks again,

C

 

Follow Marriage Confessions:

Blog – www.marriageconfessions.com

Twitter – @marriageconfess

                 @MrConfessions

Facebook – Confessions of a Young Married Couple

 

  • Share/Bookmark
August 31st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Duchess of Fork”

 

For our International Blog Day Celebrations, we are trying to feature a new foodie blog for you every day this week.  Let’s face it, the easiest way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach.  Oh wait, maybe that’s the easiest way to a man’s heart.  Regardless, I loves me some food. (Maybe a little too much at times.)

Today’s Foodie blogger is Molly from Duchess of Fork!

 

Molly from Duchess of Fork

 

Molly lives in a tiny beach town in Northwest Florida (sounds dreamy Molly!).  She lives there with her husband (The Duke of Pork) and her little fur babies.  Between a new house, and a new job (Molly is becoming a teacher) the Duchess stays rather busy.  However, amongst all the chaos, this little lady has found joy in cooking.

(Since y’all  are probably getting sick of my vegetarian recipes, I thought I would feature one of the Duchess’s meaty dishes {which only has 4 ingredients = super easy!})

 

INSIDE OUT CHICKEN PARMESAN

 

Duchess of Fork (Inside Out Chicken Parmesan)

 

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 2 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 leaves fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. While waiting for skillet to get hot, butterfly each of the chicken breasts, careful not to cut all the way through. Open up chicken breast and cover with wax paper. Using a rolling pin, mallet or pan, lightly beat chicken until the meat becomes thinner, about ½ inch thick.
  3. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Spray skillet with cooking spray, then add chicken. Cook for about 3 minutes per side. Chicken should be lightly browned, but not cooked all the way.
  4. Remove chicken from pan and spread 1-2 tbsp. of marinara sauce over each breast, then top each with one slice of cheese and a few pieces of torn fresh basil.
  5. Fold breasts over and secure with a toothpick.
  6. Place chicken pieces on prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Top with remaining marinara sauce and serve with crusty bread and whole wheat pasta.
  8. Serves 2

Click here for step by step pictures of this recipe.

 

And, since we all love a little sweet something after dinner.  Why don’t we venture on over to the dessert section on Duchess of Fork.  The following cookie recipe is perfect for the holidays.  I know it’s still HOT here, but September starts tomorrow!

 

PEANUT BUTTER SNICKERDOODLE SANDWICHES WITH SNOWY CENTER

 

Duchess of Fork (peanut butter snickerdoodle cookies)

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 12 oz. white chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp. milk

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl combine flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
  4. In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll cookie dough into one-inch balls, and then roll balls in cinnamon sugar.
  6. Place balls on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  7. While cookies cool, combine softened butter and melted white chocolate. Beat in powdered sugar until all ingredients are combined. Filling will be thick at this point, so add milk to thin.
  8. Pipe filling onto 25 cookies, then top with remaining 25 cookies.

Makes 25 sandwich cookies

Click here for the recipe on Duchess of Fork.

 

Dear Molly,

Keep doing what you’re doing.  We think you are simply amazing!

-C

 

Follow Duchess of Fork on her:

Blog: www.duchessoffork.com

Twitter: @duchessoffork

 

Recipes and Images courtesy of Duchess of Fork

 

  • Share/Bookmark
August 31st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Day with “Young House Love”

 

WARNING: We may sound a little stalker-ish

 

This little story stars the Petersik family from Richmond, Virgina. Meet John, Sherry, Burger and Clara (Burger’s the dog, not the cute little baby).

 

 

Faces behind Young House Love Blog 

Faces behind Young House Love Blog 

Faces behind Young House Love Blog 

  

A few years ago, this little young family fell in love with one little old house.  Along the way, they started a blog and documented their personal experiences with DIY Home Renovations.  Meet the said “house” behind “Young House Love“. 

  

exterior of young house love house 

 

I happened upon Young House Love over a year and a half ago.  On my first visit to their website, I took a gander at their personal house tour.  Immediately, I was in love with the house and the characters behind this blog.  Why? Because their blog is R-E-L-A-T-A-B-L-E (something a lot of blogs lack).  John and Sherry made me feel like we were DIY soul mates and I wanted to be part of their virtual community.  The pictures speak for themselves.

 

Young House Love DIY House Tour

 Young House Love DIY Living/Dining Room (After)

  

Young House Love DIY Kitchen (Before and After)

 

Young House Love DIY Master Bedroom (Before & After)

 

The day I found Young House Love, I immediately took it back to the other Gals.  “What are you doing? What?!? What?!? What a-r-e you doing?Okay. Maybe the conversation didn’t start out exactly like this. “Hop on your computer and check out http://www.younghouselove.com/.  Let me know when you’re there.  Are you there?  Click on their house tour and then check out their back yard wedding.”

We. Were. All. Immediately. Infatuated.

Then, last October something of magnificent proportion happened.  Sherry, from Young House Love, commented on a comment Keighley left on their blog.  Keighley was so thrilled she immediately sent me a text while I was at work.

Yes, it was that important. Yes, Keighley managed to sound rather creepy. (Oy Vey!) 

 

Young House Love Comment to Bella Life

 

Here is the Spook-tacular Post that prompted this comment AND here are a few pictures from this post.  (Be sure to visit their site to get tips and tricks on this DIY decor)

 

Young House Love DIY Halloween Decor

 

Moral of this story. We heart Young House Love.  We’re sure you will too.

 

Dear Sherry,

Thanks for the kind email response. We appreciate it!

-C

 

Follow Young House Love!

Blog: http://www.younghouselove.com/

Twitter: @younghouselove

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YoungHouseLove

Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/younghouselove-20

 

All of the above images courtesy of Young House Love

  • Share/Bookmark
August 30th, 2010

International Blog Celebration Kick Off!

 

carnival photograph

 

Did you know International Blog Day is on August 31st (August 31st = tomorrow)?

 

In honor of this special event, we have reached out to some of our favorite bloggers and asked them if we could highlight their amazing blogs this week.  So, hold on to your hats and glasses.  This is the wildest ride in the west.

What are your favorite blogs?

 

  • Share/Bookmark
August 27th, 2010

One Little Lady’s First Loose Tooth

 

Last month, our own little lady (she’s the only niece on the Poulsen side) lost her first little tooth.  We were so proud to hear that Katelyn (who is usually full of fear) rose to the occasion and yanked that little puppy out. 

I later heard that the tooth fairy stopped by Katie-poo’s  house, picked up her tooth, and left a little surprise.

Katelyn's First Loose Tooth

 

The best part?  Is the gummy grin this first loose tooth left behind.  Our little girl is growing up!

 

katelyn's first loose tooth

 

We love you Katelyn!

~~~Grandma, Mom and Aunties~~~

  • Share/Bookmark
August 27th, 2010

My Tooth-less Adventures

 

I was going through some of my old photos on the computer this morning, and I found some classic “tooth-less” pictures of me.  Since we’ve been celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day, I thought it was only appropriate that I share.

Here’s me and Debcakes.  Not sure how old I am here, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have any teeth.  Therefore, this picture qualifies as a “tooth-less” adventure.  Please note Deb’s hot nightgown {this is the real reason I threw this picture in here…. shhhhh…. don’t tell).

Baby Camberley with her mom

 

The following picture was taken of me before I had any teeth.  Why did I throw this picture in here? Because it is flipping cute! Who doesn’t love looking at a baby surrounded by cabbage patch kids. 

child surrounded by cabbage patch dolls

 

This next picture of me was taken when I was 8-years old. My mouth is riddled with empty Chiclets.  Plus, I love the crimp with the fluffy bangs {Debs lived vicariously through our bangs.  She was so proud.}.

camberley missing teeth at 8 years old

 

It appears that I lost a bunch of teeth around 6-10 years old and, then, IT STOPPED.  Unfortunately, I didn’t start loosing teeth again until my teenage years.  What the “H”!  Here I am in junior high with gapping holes in my mouth (Late bloomer?).  Back in the day, I thought I looked so cute in this picture.

Camberley in Junior High

 

I hope you enjoyed this adventure down memory lane as much as I did.

~~~Camberley~~~

  • Share/Bookmark
August 27th, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.  ~Thomas Fuller

 

 

Life Magazine

 

 

Norman Rockwell | Life | The Babysitters Club

  • Share/Bookmark
August 25th, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

Listen to the wisdom of the toothless ones.  ~Fijian Proverb

 

Tooth fairy bottle

 

Tooth Jewelry

 

Tooth Fairy Card

 

letter from the tooth fairy

 

Young Tooth Fairy

 

ElephantTales | LoveErica | sweetbellacards | Unknown | Unknown

  • Share/Bookmark
August 23rd, 2010

National Tooth Fairy Day

 

Did you know yesterday was National Tooth Fairy Day?  I loved the Tooth Fairy when I was younger. 

 

Tooth Fairy

 

Here are some fun facts about where it may have all started….

  1. The Vikings used to pay their children a tooth fee, simply as it sounds, a fee for the use of the children’s teeth which were then strung onto necklaces and other jewellery. The Vikings believed that the power of the children’s teeth would aid them in battle.
  2. One of the more common stories is that the teeth were buried so as to hide them from witches and evil spirits who would be able to use the power of the lost tooth and place a curse of the child much in the way that voodoo works with hair.
  3. By planting the tooth in the garden near their house they were also trying to assist the growth of the new adult tooth in its place.
    As some towns became more crowded with buildings and less land, the teeth were then buried in flowerpots and eventually moved indoors to be ‘buried’ under a pillow.

So, what does the Tooth Fairy do with all of these teeth?

  • Gives them to newborn babies who don’t have any teeth as yet.
  • Gives the teeth to Santa to give to dolls in his workshop or turn into jewellery.
  • Turns them into seashells for fish to live in
  • Turns the teeth into the stars of the night sky.
  • Plants them in her garden and grows children
  • Grinds them into fairy dust that she uses to enable her to fly.
  • Makes tooth castles in the sky.

 

Do you have any fun stories about the Tooth Fairy at your house?

  • Share/Bookmark
August 23rd, 2010

Quote of the Day

 

Other than a dimple in a cute little chin,
What’s more adorable than a toothless grin?
~Azu “Betty” Espezia

 

 

sad tooth pillow

 

Tooth fairy box

 

Tooth fairy tooth pouch

 

Tooth Fairy Pouch

 

 

  • Share/Bookmark
August 10th, 2010

Girl #1 – Smile Week

 

Guess who?

 

 

 

Did you smile today?

 

  • Share/Bookmark
August 9th, 2010

Smile Week

 

According to my calendar, today is the start of “Smile Week”. A smile can be defined as:

1. A facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth and indicating pleasure, amusement, or derision.

In honor of “Smile Week”, the Girls will be: posting pictures of their smiles, sharing  smile beauty tips, et cetera! 

 

 

Let’s get ready to smile!

Can you guess who it is?

  • Share/Bookmark
June 28th, 2010

Entertaining: Patriotic Picnics

 

 It’s time to plan your 4th of July picnic!

So why not spruce it up a little bit and add some fun 4th of July party decor to your table. Here are a few fun and easy ideas for decorating that don’t take a lot of time or money. Most supplies are easily found at your local discount and dollar stores.

 

 Napkins

 

Salute Old Glory with star-studded napkin rings.

Stamp “USA” into metal tags using a steel stamp set. (Or buy them already stamped.) Thread star-print ribbon through the tags and wrap around striped napkins. For a festive and inexpensive napkin-just cut cotton ticking in 16-inch squares; fray the edges by pulling on the threads.  

 

An easier idea for your 4th of July napkins: Roll up some towels (make sure that they are thin like cotton or linen) and fasten with checkered shoelaces for a pop of color.

 

Glasses

 

 

Turn plain drinking glasses into patriotic ones temporarily — for the holiday.

Using pinking shears, cut bands of red-and-white plaid scrapebook paper to fit around the glasses. Cut smaller pieces of white rectangular paper and glue onto the center of your plaid paper. Tape ends together to form a ring that will easily slip “up” the glass and stay in place. Provide permanent markers for guests to write their names on the rectangles so they’ll know exactly which glass is theirs.

 

 

Table Settings

 

 Combine a variety of red, white and blue patterned paper plates and cups on your picnic table.

It doesn’t matter if they match completely as long as you’ve got patriot colors. Garnish each place setting with a loose flower-then add fresh flowers to coordinating paper cups. So cute and so easy! 

 

 For a great tablecloth idea-take several pieces of red, white and blue wide strips of fabric  (choose fabrics with stripes and stars for a more patriotic look ) and lay them across your table. Then place fresh potted flowers on your table that you’ve added small flags to.

 

 

If your picnic is buffet style arrange patriotic flatware and napkins into red-white-and-blue baskets to keep the tableware organized and standing at attention.

 

 

 How about wrapping your hot dogs, hamburgers or sandwiches in white wax paper and securing them shut with a flag toothpick? I think that it’d even be cute to add some red twine or patriotic ribbon.  

  

 

 

 Ditch the food packages and line galvanized pails (or even red, white and blue buckets) with napkins to serve picnic staples, such as potato chips or buns.

 

Dessert

 

Make dessert your grand finale — just like a spectacular burst of fireworks.

Fill canning jars with sundae toppings and let guests create their own ice cream confections. These jars are displayed in a wire tree purchased at a gift store, but you also could arrange the toppings on tiered stands…

 

 Even simple cupcakes look more impressive when a flag is put on the top of the cupcake and they are arranged on tiered cake stands. Your friends will be so impressed!

 

Happy Picnicking!

Debs

 

P.S. Have a fun and safe 4th of July

 

Photos and Information Courtesty of:   Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Woman’s Day

 

 

  • Share/Bookmark
March 15th, 2010

St. Patty’s Day Craft for Kids

My kids are young so it won’t turn out this pretty but you get the idea. Happy St. Patty’s Day!
 

Kissed Blarney Stone

 

What you’ll need:
Rock
White and green acrylic paint
Sponge applicator
Pencil
Gold paint pen
White glitter glue
Paintbrush
Pattern

 

Tye Dye coffee filters

What you’ll need:
Coffee filters
Water
Bowl
Blue and yellow food coloring
Eyedroppers
How to make it:
Precut shamrock shapes out of coffee filters.

Directions: Mix water and yellow food coloring and place this into a container. Do the same with blue. Keep the colors rich and dark.  Use eyedroppers to drip colors onto the filter shape. The colors will run together and make beautiful decorations.

  • Share/Bookmark
February 10th, 2010

Come on Baby Light my Fire!!!

 

Wedding :  Supplies - Color printer - Card stock - Standard copy paper - Scissors -

Wedding :  Step 1 On card stock, print the Matchbook Scrapbook template (each template

These handmade Valentine’s Day Matchbooks are courtesy of  Brides.com. Stop by to download the actual template and make your OWN!

I found this fabulous idea through this Inspiring Blog. Check out her spin on the matchbook Valentine.

Seriously… people like her make me sick. In a good way of course.

xoxox

Keighley

  • Share/Bookmark
February 5th, 2010

Garland Hearts

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast. I am in need of some inexpensive decor for my house. These are so cute and what I like about them is my kids can do them with me and if they get pulled down, or broken, I won’t care…that much. 

Directions:

Cut colored paper into 3/4″ strips. Fold them in half, or if you want some hearts that are twice as big, splice two strips of paper together at the bottom of each heart with double stick tape. Curl the loose ends around a chopstick or pen.

String the heart garland together from the bottom up.  You can get string from a fabric store or use thread.  Push your threaded needle up through the bottom fold of each heart, then use double stick tape to sandwich the thread between the two halves of the curled tops.


Tada! Beautiful for your house (I think I’ll hang them from my chandelier in my kitchen, or in your cubicle at work… aka Cammie, you’re welcome.)

 
Have fun!

  • Share/Bookmark