Tuesday's Tunes (Count down to Christmas)

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I don't know about you,..but I am NOT ready for Christmas. We only just put up our Christmas tree  and decorated it yesterday. It's just been a bit crazy this month...who am I kidding,..it's been a crazy year! My husband Tom and I were chatting last night while stringing the lights on the Christmas tree about all that this year brought to our doorstep, the stress, the blessings, the lesson to trust the Lord with everything. We are both looking forward to 2011. 

I really needed to hear this song today. Amy always know what to say and how to say it. I woke up with an overwhelming feeling that I wont be able to get all that I want accomplished done before Christmas. This song spoke to my heart,...we all need to just take some time for a bit of Silence. Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. I pray that today and the rest of the week that I will not loose focus of that. If I get my list done before Saturday,...wahooo! If I miss the mark, oh well. This year, I am taking time to enjoy the Christmas holiday without stressing myself out. (Let's just hope I can keep this promise). 

This isn't the official video for this song, (I couldn't find one) but you can at least listen to the lyrics.

Winter Wonderland (Inspiration)

The winter storm has officially passed and the sun is now out. What a beautiful winter scene outside of my window. Snow makes the world so clean and beautiful.





Makes me want to bundle up (wearing these) and play in the snow.....



Build a snowman!



Make a few snow angels.



Then come indoors and warm my toes in front of the fireplace....




 and drink a large cup of Hot Cocoa with loads of marshmallows.

That's what I want to do today. What about you?

All photo's from: Link

Tuesday's Tunes (Count down to Christmas)

It's been a few days since I have updated my blog. We have been super busy around here. Between sickness, work, and all the Christmas festivities, it seems as if December is flying by. I am taking time this week to enjoy the season. Time to take a deep breath, drink some hot cocoa and listen to some music. Hoping to get that last Christmas shopping done, the tree decorated (yes I am slacking here) and gifts wrapped.

This song is one that I LOVE. It reminds me of the time I spent Christmas in the UK. The shops were filled with people, the smell of Christmas pine and this song was one of many that I enjoyed while shopping. I swear I heard it 20 times in one weekend. Tom makes fun of me because it's "such a cheesy song". But there is just something about it that I can never get sick of. Although I do admit, it is a cheesy music video. (I was a bit disappointed with it, if I were to be honest)

So to all my fellow cheesy music fans!! Enjoy!

Tuesday's Tunes (Count down to Christmas)

If you know me, than you know how much I love Coldplay! So you can only guess how giddy I was when I found out a few months ago that they were coming out with a Christmas single. (I wish they would come out with a whole album, but I shouldn't be greedy.) The day it was released I was more than impressed! What a wonderful early Christmas gift! :)

All I want for Christmas is a (Kelly Moore Bag)

I have embarked on a new adventure these past few years! Ever since I purchased my beautiful Cannon camera, I have had this desire to take photos. There is something that was within me that I never knew existed until I started my relationship with my camera. Taking a trip to the UK I discovered once I got home, how much I really did love to take photos! (Over 4,000 photos saved on Tom's laptop we brought with us). Also, this year becoming a new mom, I have loved capturing those moments that are fleeting and will never be again. Photo's can bring you back to a place in time, and hold such dear memories.

This year, I have discovered a lovely camera bag designer name Kelly Moore She designs amazing bags that not only look stylish, but are very practical. I love how the bags hold multiple lenses and flashes, and will gap open so you have free access to them as you shoot. I am hoping to purchase one of these beauties someday. Santa,..if you are listening,......I like the Hobo in mustard or red. I have been a super good girl! ;)

Tuesday's Tunes

Have you ever heard a song on the radio/online and it gets stuck in your head for days? Not one of those "ear worms" that gets stuck in your head and you actually hate the song. I am talking the kind of song that you love and could possibly listen to over and over and never get sick of. You are cooking dinner, driving, brushing your teeth and you start humming the tune. Yeah,..that has been happening with this song. I heard it a few months ago and immediately loved it. It's a new group on the country music scene called "The Band Perry". It consists of three siblings, Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry from Greenville Tennessee. You can't help but fall in love with their sweet country voices. To my surprise, they even popped up at the CMA's and sang a little bit before announcing a winner. I have a feeling that this little group will be around for quite awhile. 

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I ran across this trailer for an upcoming movie today. It made me so sad to watch. I guess I never realized (or never took the time to notice) how big of a problem hunger is in the US. It shouldn't be like this. Children shouldn't have to go to sleep hungry. Families shouldn't have to go without food for days, just because they can't buy groceries. Watching this clip brings tears to my eyes. It may be the next door neighbor who is need, or the girl you work with. Hunger is everywhere! It could be you tomorrow. You never know what the future holds.

If you are sitting down to a big Thanksgiving meal tomorrow, thank the Lord for the blessing. There are so many out there who wont be having a nice hot meal. Remember those, and DO something! Donate to the local food pantry, drop off a bag of groceries on someone's door step, serve a meal at the soup kitchen, invite someone to your house for dinner. You can make a difference in someone's life. We can lower the number on those who are hungry. 

Tuesday's Tunes

This Thursday I will be one of millions of Americans (Lord willing) sitting around a table with family and friends, eating turkey and pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving. It will be a time of fellowship as we all catch up with each others lives. What a blessing to have some of my extended family visiting from out of town. It hasn't been since my grandpa's funeral that we have been together like this. What a blessing.

In one of our small local communities here in Ohio this month, a family will not be enjoying this blessing. During a rainy evening this past month a young family was driving home, went left of center and with a blink of an eye were taken to heaven. Mom, dad, two year old daughter and an unborn child that was due to be born not a week later. What a horrible tragidy that the family and community are dealing with. Losing all of them at once in such a horrible way. There will be seats empty at their table this holiday season. My heart hurts for them. It's just unimaginable. It's during these moments that I reflect on how fortunate I am to have most of my family together this year. (one of my brothers will be celebrating in Kansas this year) Thankful for all that the Lord has blessed me with this year. So many, that it would take me all day to list them. I know for me personally, I will be hugging my baby a little closer and cherishing my time with my grandma, parents, siblings.......you never know what tomorrow may bring.

During Thanksgiving I challenge you to think about the things which you are thankful for. Sometimes we get so busy with our lives and what needs to be done, that we forget to thank the Lord for his blessings. This song is so approapriate for this Thanksgiving season. I hope it blesses your heart as it does mine. Bing take it away!

Inspirational Wall

When Tom and I were in search of a house to buy. He asked me to describe my idea of a "perfect house." Of course I gushed and said I wanted at least four bedrooms, a beautiful staircase, a comfortable family room, basement for laundry, a kitchen big enough to bake pies in, a dining room of course (so we can have family meals) and I would love the house to have a 'red' door." He just rolled his eyes and said "of course, a red door." Since I have met Tom I dreamed of living in our own house, raising kids, having family traditions for the holidays, for the house to just feel "like home"...and that is just the feeling I get when I walk into my house. The Lord blessed us so much with such an amazing home (to us). And YES I got my red door! (It was fate I tell you!)

Since our big move to the house, I have been able to decorate (make my own) 2 1/2 rooms. It still has a bit of a ways to go. Seeing that we lived in a small apartment when we first got married, we don't quite have enough furniture to fit within the house. a lot of hand me downs and a bright orange couch that once lived in my grandparents house. But we will slowly get there. Next room to make our own is the living room. Leather couch or fabric? Bright walls or neutral? Themed, or eclectic? It will take awhile for us both to agree.

I want to show you one area that I am proud of, and that is my dining room. Tom and I spent a weekend painting it cherry red. I made some modern curtains and changed out the light fixture to an amazing chandelier that has lights and candles. (What ever you fancy) When traveling to the UK a few summers ago I was able to get some amazing photos. Some of them now grace my walls. Every day I pass it and it makes me think of the wonderful places we have been. The family history and traditions that the places hold. It inspires me and makes me happy. Do you have a wall or area in your house that just makes you happy?

Newly Found Fave

Have you ever discovered something that you love...you want to share the amazing secret with others, but selfishly want to keep the secret to yourself? ::evil grin:: Well I can't keep it to myself anymore. I have decided to go ahead and share my little secret with all of you. ::Shhhhh:: Just keep it to yourself. ;) I am wearing/LOVING Joe Fresh.  Joseph Mimran is a very successful Canadian designer who started Club Monaco & Caban (Which was bought out later by Ralph Lauren) and is a contributor to the Pink Tartan Clothing Collection. He decided to open a new type of shop that provides affordable fashion for everyone. You will never guess where his store is located,.....in a grocery store! Seriously, I am not messing with you,..it's located in Superstores all over Canada. There are sections for woman, men, children, babies and now even a cosmetic department! When taking trips out to visit Tom's parents in Canada, I am always happy to take a trip out to the store to check out what is new! I am impressed with everything I have purchased. The last time I was there, I picked up some eye shadow, concealer and nail polish. Couldn't believe how affordable they were. (Around $4.00 to $10.00) I am impressed on the quality as well. Affordable doesn't have to mean cheap. I picked up a yellow belt ($5.00 on sale), a cute light blue striped sweater ($24.00), some black socks (I was needing them) (3 pair/$8.00) a red plaid mushers cap and two plaid shirts for Liam ($10.00 each). You can only buy Joe Fresh clothes in the store right now, but someday in the future they will hopefully allow shopping via the internet. I took home a winter catalog and flip through it once and again to dream over my next purchase.

Here is a photo of Liam sporting his new red plaid shirt I bought him to wear at his Birthday party!

Here is the new 'Winter Line" commercial on Canadian TV!


I have been eyeing that cute Plaid Dress in the commercial....Who wants to go shopping!?

Tuesday's Tunes

Ok,..so were you watching the CMA this past week? If so,than you have seen the Gwyneth Paltrow (Martin) first solo performance live! I have to say, I love her as an actress, and I read her blog GOOP all the time. I was so excited to hear that she was going to sing! To top it off, she was singing with Vince Gill! (Who would have thought that the spouses of two of my ALL TIME favorite singers would be singing together?) She is all the buzz now in the music world. This week she is making an appearance on GLEE! I thought I would share the song she sings in the show. I am sure you will soon see why I think she is so cool!

Letter to my baby boy,...

Dear Liam,

I am so thankful to have you in my life. You have brought me and your dad so much joy. We couldn't have asked for anything more. When they placed you in my arms for the first time, I knew I would forever love you. I can still remember how tiny and soft you were and the smell of you hair. On that day, God gave me the greatest gift, the gift of being your mother. This year has been a tough one, with your surgery and the traveling back and forth to Texas. But it was all worth it, and we would do it again,....knowing now, how much it has helped you grow and develop. You are such a strong little boy, with such a sweet spirit. We pray every day that you will continue to grow and become the person God wants you to be. I will forever cherish this past year and all the new things you have and continue to learn. Your dad was so proud when you first called out to him, and the light in your eyes when you see him walk into the room. We are so excited to see what new things you will learn to say. You tend to be a momma's boy, but I don't mind. I like that you enjoy sitting on my lap reading books, and love when you play with my hair when you get sleepy. You are learning so much. It has been so fun watching you learn to eat real foods, sit up on your own, crawl, dance and sing. Pretty soon you will be running around! You can be such a funny little boy.

Thank you for your love, cuddles, your smiles, your raspy giggles, and those ever so sloppy kisses. I am enjoying every minute. Even when you are grown, and you become a man, you will always be my little baby boy. I love you so much William Arthur. Happy First Birthday!
xox

- Momma

Tuesday's Tunes (Wednesday edition)

So Tom's Birthday is coming up. Still having a hard time figuring out what to buy/make him this year. (If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them with me) Every year it gets harder and harder to come up with something creative. Well,..that he will actually like. Not like he is a picky person, but he is just so darn hard to buy for. So when he suggested that we go to a concert, I was all for it. He has been digging "NEEDTOBREATHE" this year and was so excited to see that they were come to the nearest House of Blues! What a great way to celebrate a Birthday! These guys are amazing! If you get a chance to hear them live, please don't hesitate to go to one of their shows. They do not disappoint. 

Me time!

I am so thankful that it's the weekend! Words can not express how I just need to get out of my house! I actually get to spend some time doing a few things that I love. (Other than my mommy duties) All of you mothers know what I mean,....just a few hours not carrying a diaper bag, making sure that your child isn't pulling items into your cart while you are sorting through your coupon book, or taking a break to change a diaper in the ever so cramped bathroom. Oh, it's so glorious, to shop with no interruptions. A few golden morning/afternoon hours I get to spend tomorrow stopping at my favorite thrift stores, maybe stopping for a Starbucks coffee, and a new adventure to a "new to me" fabric store to pick up some fabric to make Liam's Birthday outfit. Ahh I can't wait!! With Autumn here and the cool, crisp evenings, I have been in a mellow mood. Almost if my mood is reflective of the weather. A friend gave me this album a few years ago, and I forgot how much I love it. Fionn Regan (Irish!) is ever so charming. I will be listening to this album all weekend!  Cheers to all you mothers out there who work so hard during the week! Cheers to all you grandmothers that notice a frazzled young mother in need of a break! :) May you all have a wonderful weekend! (Hopefully by Monday I will have photos of a few projects I am working on for Liam's party) ::crossing fingers::

Texas State Fair

While visiting our friends Sab and Jen in Dallas, we decided to venture out to the Texas State Fair! This was by far the largest fair I have ever been to. It was massive! Here are some of the highlights.

When arriving at the main gate, a 52 foot cowboy named Big Tex greets you with a "Howdy folks. Welcome to the State Fair of Texas. Y'all have a fun time today!"

Every year at the fair there is a contest for the best fried food. They are famous for any and everything fried. Fried oreos, twinkies, cookie dough, cheesecake, PB&J, cheese, chocolate, frito pie, pizza, beer (still not sure what that is),.......we were told that we HAD to try "fried butter!!" It was umm,...interesting. They were little donuts with honey butter inside. Hey I will try anything once, but not sure I would eat this again. It's just wrong on many levels. 

Texas Treat - Hey Cupcake

What a wonderful trip we had to Texas. It was now our third time visiting this beautiful, massive, hot state. While visiting, I requested we check out "Hey Cupcake" in Austin. Of course my husband was glad to go for a little off route adventure. (Especially since it ended in a yummy treat) We were not disappointed!

Yummy cupcakes! I wanted to try them all!

Of course we got a "whipper snapper" (An infusion of fresh whipped cream injected in the center of your cupcake) Yes please!

Liam loved it!

Next trip we want to make sure we buy a pie at "Cutie Pie". When we arrived, they had already sold out for the day. These guys were featured in Martha Stewart's magazine as one of the top spots to visit in the South.

Little Taste of Indian Summer

We had glorious, warm, beautiful weather last weekend. Liam and I were so happy to be out in the sunshine for the afternoon.

Tuesday's Tunes

I am a sucker for British music. If you were to look at my playlist on my ipod, or rummage through my albums, you would see the likes of icons George Michael, Sting, Elton John,...to groups such as Travis, Coldplay (of course), Ocean Colour Scene, Keane, to fun pop like SClub 7, and Spice Girls! The country is just filled with amazing music,..and they are ever so kind to share their amazingness (I know it's not a real word) with us. The Feeling is no exception. They are just plain great! This song has been in my head since I watched the Burberry runway show. Hope you enjoy it!

Birthday Surprise Projects

When finding out that a girlfriend of mine and her daughter were celebrating both their Birthday's 3 days apart from each other,...my mind went racing with something I could create them as gifts. Of course being a true blog fan, I pulled up some of the ideas I had bookmarked this summer. I knew exactly what I wanted to make the cute little 1 year old cupcake. A tu tu!!

How exciting to make something for a girly girl. Girls are just so fun to sew for! I was happy with the results. It was fairly simple to make,..but the look on her face when she went dancing around my living room swirling around (as if she knew what to do) was just priceless. I thought I would share a few photos of the finished work. (FYI My photos are a bit dark due to all the rain we were getting these past few days)

When I saw the Runaround Bag on Anna's blog {Noodle Head} I just had to make one of these! I'm always willing to support a follow stay at home mom/sewer/blogger. The pattern is sent to you via e-mail (PDF File). Print, cut and follow her picture instructions. You don't even have to be a great seamstress to make one. I whipped one up in an evening. (only time I can do sewing without interruptions). I loved the fact that not only is it a perfect "throw anything in it and go" bag,..it is also reversible! I added my own flare by adding a peony flower pin that she can put on, or take off to her liking. She really liked it! I may have to make a few more. pssst,...click on the {Noodlehead} to buy a pattern for yourself!

Which got me thinking,...should I add a few tu tus and run around bags to my Etsy site? With so many tu tus on Etsy to choose from, I am wondering if there would be anyone interested!? Hmmm,....what do you think?

Gray Clouds Overhead

I have been under the weather lately. Which matches the mood outside my window. It has been raining here since Saturday. I don't mind the rain,...actually, I quite love it! Give me a good rainy day over a sticky hot one, for sure! That is one of the reasons why I know I would easily be able to adapt to English/Scottish weather. Any excuse to get out my rain boots (Wellingtons) and umbrella! I have a bit of obsession with umbrellas. I can't help but smile when I see them! Which is why my "Trendy Meg" etsy shop sports a cute red one on the logo. Here are a few of my favorites of the day.



Photo by Heather

photo by rk oliver

photo by unknown

photo by Bunnyspice

photo by Jennifer

And yes,..Wellington Boots go with ANY outfit! :)

photo by Heather

Inspired

Autumn I am so glad you have arrived!


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Day Dreaming,....

So,... I am a BIG fan of Burberry! I mean "BIG". Yes, I was the one who drug my husband to the Burberry Outlet in London for a few hours of luxurious shopping. (It was a hard place to find, and with all the tube changes, it took us around 2 hours?)



We did get a tad lost.

Once we finally arrived, he made me buy something,...honest,...ask him! So I picked out a really cute camel colored, burberry tartan lined, fall corduroy jacket. I was so giddy buying it,...I can't even begin to tell you. Of course buyer remorse hit me a few minutes after stepping back onto the train, when I realized how much I had just spent. But it was on sale! It was something I will keep forever! Tom just shook his head and said that I shouldn't regret it, because I deserved it and that it was for my Birthday (which was a few days prior)and when would we be back on London again, anyways. I love him for that! To this day, it's my favorite jacket and I always feel so special wearing it!! It literally goes with anything!(Try not to wear it out too much though, so I can keep it forever!)

So I heard that Burberry was going to be holding an online live feed of their new Prorsum spring/summer 2011 line on Tuesday. I logged in and watched it during my lunch! (They are 5 hours ahead) It was a nice break on a very mundane Tuesday.It was sooo good! I am loving the new embellished jackets, and the large belts. I would totally wear the cute simple dresses and of course the hand bags were to die for. Here is the link from the show,....it's a bit long, but fun watching! (I felt so bad for the girl in the end who fell. The floors were like ice!)

Someday when I become a millionaire (sounds like a song),...I'm dressing head to toe burberry! ;)

What a {cute tea}

This tea cup has become my every day, go to cup. I received it this year on my first Mother's Day. I just love it, it's so cute! (It has a secret crown on the inside of the cup) It has been a constant reminder to do just that "Keep Calm and Carry On." These past 10 months being a mom, I have learned so much. There have been some craziness and some stress. With Liam and his surgery and the follow up appointments in Texas every few months, Tom working till wee hours of the night, the loneliness that being a stay at home mom can bring and doing a lot of the parenting alone. I have tried to make it a point to take a moment for myself at least once during the day. If I time it just right, Liam will nap and I can sit, drink tea, work on a project for the shop and just sit calmly soaking in the silence for a moment. It helps me recharge and "carry on."

BIG Announcement!

I have officially opened my own Etsy Shop!!! I have been working on this project for over 4 months now. It all started when I started making home made gifts for my girlfriend's children (baby showers, birthdays etc). More than one person told me that I needed to sell the items I made. It planted the idea in my head and I thought I would give it a whirl. Who knows if I will even sell anything. But it's been really fun setting up shop! I have always said that sewing/craft/knitting has been my therapy. The one thing I get to do when I have a free hour or so during nap time. I gives me something to look forward to. I am so proud of it, and hope you will stop in and look around. {Click this link} So without further adieu,.....

County Fair Fun

As a kid I knew that summer was officially over once our County Fair came to a close. A little bitter sweet.You work so hard all year long to bring all of your 4-H projects to display. Animals raised, sewing projects finished, posters made. Then it's time for a week of competition, animal shows, good food, good music, socializing, camping, bonefires, barn dancing and just like that,....it's over. I have many wonderful memories of our county fair. It makes me feel like such a kid going back. This year I was excited to start new memories with my little one. He really enjoyed the animals, the smells and all of the people! He has turned into such a social child. Maybe someday he will be in 4-H! Maybe someday he will be the one looking forward to all the fun at the county fair! Time will tell,...

Tea for Two!

My younger brother Caleb bought me these tea cups for Christmas one year. I love them! He moved out of state this year to go on a new adventure in his life, and family get togethers are not the same without him. These tea cups make me think and pray for him every time I use them.

Tea Time!

I here by declare it, "Tea Time"! I have been a fan of tea since my first trip to England back in 2000-2001. In most English households, tea is a way of life. They have at least two cups a day. I was then exposed to the many different kinds of tea. Breakfast, Earl Grey, Peko. I came home from England with an appreciation and addiction to the wonderful stuff. I grew up in a household where coffee was boss. I never discovered all that tea could be. The flavors, the smell, the way it makes you feel so warm and cozy on those brisk fall evenings, or comfort you when you feel a bit under the weather. Tea goes well with a few biscuits and a good book. Tea can help you wake up after a night of restless sleep, when all you can think about is when your little one will ever sleep through the night. Tea can be very social! A great way to slow the craziness of the day. To sit and talk about life.

For the month of September, I will be sharing some of my favorite tea cups/pots with you all.



This is a photo I took when Tom and I and our dear friends spent the afternoon at the Pump Room in Bath England. This was my second time visiting Bath. I remember my first trip out to the Baths. It was in the winter and was very chilly. After seeing the beautiful town and visiting some of the shops, the family I was with took me to the pump room for some "proper tea and bath buns." It was very humbling to be in the same building that many of the Royals throughout time have had tea in. I felt as if I was under dressed for the occasion. The music, atmosphere and people were just beautiful. I didn't have my camera handy back then but the special memories of that day will forever be in my heart.(Of course when I visited the second time I snuck in a few photos.) I would love it if you too can share some photos of your favorite tea cup/pot.