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THiRSTY THURSDAY 

defined as a day to...

share something...
ANYTHING...

that makes my mouth water...

quenches my creative tastebuds...

satisfies my thirst for inspiration...

or leaves me "creatively parched"
and ultimately wanting for more...
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You've seen it...
I know you have!
The craze that touches on every facet of gorgeous typography...
through the magnificence of hand-lettering...

CHALKBOARD ART

source: Chris Yoon

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST

iNSPiRE | Aedriel Originals

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THiRSTY THURSDAY
defined as a day to...
share something...ANYTHING...
that makes my mouth water...
quenches my creative tastebuds...
satisfies my thirst for inspiration...
or leaves me "creatively parched"
and ultimately wanting for more...
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Dear Santa...
I've been a pretty good girl this year.
So I was thinking...
You know how much I'm in the kitchen?
The place I never seem to leave?
And you know how much I LOVE baking...
typically treats for my family and friends as long as I don't eat them myself.
And you know how I do my best to make dinner for my family every night?
as long as it doesn't cut in to any precious baking time & if I don't order pizza because I'm too tired to cook.
Well I would be SUCH a happy girl if you'd kindly
bring me one of each of the following...pretty please.

I pinky promise your Christmas cookies will never be store-bought again...

The Farm Table Kitchen Collection by Aedriel Originals

Oh...
and Santa...
I'm seriously in love with all of the hand-painted gorgeousness from  Aedriel Originals!
Like these...

Uber Cute Cupcake Pedestals

(in a variety of different colors)

Sophia Collection Cake Plate

shown with the Uber Cute Cupcake Pedestal

Hello Piggy Tapas Plates

Personalized Monogrammed Plates

Stripe-tastic Tea Set

Farm Table Kitchen Porcelain Tags

personalize with a Sharpie Marker for every celebration

Santa...
Can you see why my sleigh bells are ringing?

Well...
surprisingly...
although this letter screams may seem to be all about "Me! Me! Me!"...
I'm actually writing to share with you something I'm completely excited about...
the beautiful tradition I'm starting this year...

Give - Pass it On Plate by Aedriel Originals

I'll be filling up one of these gorgeous Aedriel Originals plates with some homemade deliciousness...

and then I'm going to pick a special someone to give it to.

The idea is for the receiver to then refill the plate and pass it along!

Brilliant, selfless idea, right?

Thanks for listening Santa.
I know it's such a busy time of year for you...
so I appreciate you taking time to assure I receive these much-deserved gifts read my letter.

Our family is looking forward to your annual visit!!

Merry Christmas!!

P.S. Please tell Mrs. Claus I adore her and I'm still waiting on her Christmas cookie recipe.
Also, let Stuart know we can't wait to see him...

and give Rudolph a "fist/hoof pump" for me!

In all seriousness my friends...
I'm SOOO in love with these beautiful things.

It's not surprising Aedriel Originals has been featured in some fabulous places like

Martha Stewart Weddings, HGTV.com, Apartment Therapy, 100 Layer Cake and so many more!

Her most recent feature was in Southern Weddings Magazine.

I hope you've been inspired to add something from Aedriel Originals to your Chirstmas Wish List...
or perhaps you've found the perfect gift for me someone on your Holiday Gift-Giving List. *wink*

Not only does Aedriel create lovely hand painted items for your home...
she's also quite a lovely person on the inside too!
Remember me introducing her to you in this post?

I encourage you to connect with her...I promise you'll be inspired:
Aedriel's Blog
Aedriel's Shop
Aedriel on Pinterest
Aedriel on Twitter
Aedriel on Facebook

KEEPiNG iT REAL
My mom wants one of the plates to start the "Give - pass it on" plate tradition in her workplace...
LOVE that idea!
I'm pretty sure she was trying to hint to me she wants to be my first "receiver" of the plate. *wink*
Love you Mom!!

iNSPiRE | Thirsty Thursday • Eden's Bouquet

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THiRSTY THURSDAY
defined as a day to...
share something...ANYTHING...
that makes my mouth water...
quenches my creative tastebuds...
satisfies my thirst for inspiration...
or leaves me "creatively parched"
and ultimately wanting for more...
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You know those sites you stumble across...
the ones with visual inspiration...
the ones that make your heart race with excitement...
the ones that draw you in to the point that you unexpectedly get lost in the imagery for hours  awhile.

Well that's exactly what happened to me when I found this gorgeous online store...
a lovely site featuring vintage children's clothing and toys.
The variety of heirloom-type collections available are incredibly dreamy.
Introducing...

Eden's Bouquet

Annie Dress • Cobblestone Collection

Taken verbatim from the Eden's Bouquet Website: 

"Nestled in the foothills of Mt. St. Helens, Eden's Bouquet is a small business owned and operated by a large family.

Created in 2003 and inspired by our nine children, each piece is designed with comfort in mind using a palette of faded colors & earthy tones. Everyone from Grandpa to the baby contribute in some way. The wee one's job is to simply inspire and she does it for free. Our philosophy is to stay small and concentrate on fine quality & exquisite detail. To create collections that are timeless and without season."

Organic Bloomer • Earth Friendly Collection

Gossamer Tie Dress • Cobblestone Collection

Betsy Dress • Stagecoach Collection

 Sabra Gown • Cottage Heirloom

Angelina Drawstring Skirt • Saturday Market Collection

Linen Drawstring Skirt • Garden Gate Collection

Josephine Skirt • Friday Harbor Collection

Vintage Crochet Pacifier Holder • Heirloom Infant & Toddler Collection

Heirloom Diaper Bag • Mama Collection

More about Eden's Bouquet:

Eden's Bouquet was founded by "a fashion designer (Jen Stenerson) and [her] fisherman raising 9 children on 80 enchanted acres in the Pacific Northwest."

"Designs are often drafted from vintage patterns found on treasure hunts, this combined with luxurious fabrics & local production make for a fairy tale ending.

Our heirloom pieces look beautiful all year long. Each style is made especially for you upon order by a team of skilled seamstresses."

Seriously?!

Even the "fashion designer + fisherman raising 9 children on 80 acres in the Pacific Northwest" part melts me...

It was quite difficult to choose which images to share with you...
there are so many beautiful things to look at.
I'm definitely thrilled to have found a gem...

I encourage you to head over to their site to browse through the wide assortment of pretties...

You can also find Eden's Bouquet on Facebook...
get lost on the Eden's Bouquet Blog "Windy Ridge"
or follow along on the Eden's Bouquet Twitter handle

KEEPiNG iT REAL
This may sound silly...
but these clothes represent the kind of life I hope to live:
Organic...
authentic...
with an heirloom quality...
and a fairy tale ending.

Oh that was good!!!
I'm keeping that one.
(and sooo making an art print out of it). *wink*

I wish they carried adult sizes...
I would SO wear some of those dresses and outfits.
Seriously lovely things.

SHARE | Thirsty Thursday • Silhouette PORTRAiT

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THiRSTY THURSDAY

defined as a day to...

share something...ANYTHING...

that makes my mouth water...

quenches my creative tastebuds...

satisfies my thirst for inspiration...

or leaves me "creatively parched"

and ultimately wanting for more...

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Stop the presses!

Look what hit my inbox yesterday...

It was exactly one week ago that I shared with you the Silhouette Cameo™...
and how it has been on my radar for some time.

To my delight...
Silhouette has now announced the release of "The Silhouette Portrait...a smaller, lighter version of the popular Silhouette CAMEO®."

Here are the details taken from the email I received, quoted verbatim...


"The Silhouette Portrait™ has the same motor and cutting mechanism as the CAMEO, yet the entire unit weighs only 3.5 pounds. The Portrait can cut all the same types of materials that the CAMEO can (including all Silhouette branded materials) and includes a cutting mat that will accept Letter (8.5 in x 11 in) and A4 sized sheet goods. Like the CAMEO, the Portrait has an optical scanner so it can be used with a home printer to create print & cut projects. Of course, the Portrait also includes our powerful Silhouette Studio® software—allowing users to create their own designs and cut the fonts already installed on their computers. 

Perhaps the most appealing feature of the new Silhouette Portrait™ is the low cost. With an MSRP of just $199.99, the Portrait will appeal to individuals who want a quality electronic cutting tool at an amazing price. 

With the release of the Portrait, we will still be offering the Silhouette CAMEO® so that our customers can choose between the extra features of the CAMEO (wider cutting surface, LCD display, SD card compatibility) or the lower price and portability of the Portrait." 

Fun fabulous projects...just minutes away...

Here's the scoop:

The Silhouette Portrait™ is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac® with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 8" wide and 10 feet long. The machine also has the ability to register and cut printed materials.

HERE'S WHAT COMES IN THE PACKAGE:

Silhouette Portrait™ electronic cutting tool

Silhouette Studio® software for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac® OS X 10.5.8 and higher

50 exclusive cuttable designs

Power cable, USB cable

8" cutting mat

Cutting blade

$10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store

Basic Instruction Guide

Item Number: SILHOUETTE-PORTRAIT 

MSRP $199.99

Are you excited??

Be sure to check in tomorrow for...

Fun PRiNTABLES and simple DiY ideas

KEEPiNG iT REAL

You WANT me to get this machine...

Can you imagine all of the templates I'll create for you Silhouette users??

What's your vote?

The Silhouette Cameo or the brand-spankin' new Silhouette Portrait?

SHARE | Thirsty Thursday • Silhouette Cameo

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THiRSTY THURSDAY
defined as a day to...
share something...ANYTHING...
that makes my mouth water...
quenches my creative tastebuds...
satisfies my thirst for inspiration...
or leaves me "creatively parched"
and ultimately wanting for more...
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I have been drooling coveting admiring this amazing piece of technology for almost 2 years now...

 Silhouette Cameo

source

WHAT IS THIS EXACTLY?

Answer taken straight from the Silhouette Cameo website

source

THE THiNGS IT CAN HELP YOU CREATE

Custom cupcake wrappers and etched glass (using vinyl cut outs and etching cream)

source

Paper Elements and designs for creating embellishments for cards, scrapbook pages and paper crafts...

source

Sketched Designs, Vinyl Art for Home Decor, Custom Apparel and more!

source

There is even "Specialty Media" available through the Silhouette Store

including Magnet Paper, Wood Paper and Temporary Tatoo Paper.

Want to know the newest product just announced??

Gold and Silver Foil Paper!!

source

It pains me to say... 

I still cannot call myself "the proud owner" of this powerful creative tool...

especially since I know it was designed specifically with ME in mind.  *grin*

I am currently working on acquiring it...

by adding it to the very top of my upcoming birthday wish list...*wink*

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

I highly encourage you to follow Silhouette on Facebook...

Learn more about the Silhouette on the Silhouette site...

And keep updated on new product releases and fun projects on the Silhouette Blog...

In the meantime...

there are LOTS of Silhouette Cameo Giveaways going on RIGHT NOW.

You can either google them to find them all... *wink*

or here's a direct link to a giveaway going on over at Brown Paper Packages.

Speaking of Giveaways...
Last day to enter the SPiNNiNG LEAF GiVEAWAY going on right now...
THREE winners will be picked to win SIX of their amazing Oreo® Cookie Molds.
Winners will be announced on Friday!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I can't tell you how many blog contests/giveaways I've entered to try and win one...*blushing*

Oh yes...

yes I have.

SHARE | Thirsty Thursday • Mini Cast Iron Skillets

It's back...

THiRSTY THURSDAY

defined as a day to...

share something...ANYTHING... 

that makes my mouth water...

quenches my creative tastebuds...

satisfies my thirst for inspiration...

or leaves me "creatively parched" 

and ultimately wanting for more...

Mini Berry Cobblers

photo source

I discovered these gorgeous minis during a Southern Living Facebook Chat I participated in the other day.

Several Test Kitchen Chefs were available to address any questions regarding "Fall Menus and Parties". 

The link to "14 Mini Festive Appetizers" was referenced and there I was...

completely smitten.

As if the Cobblers weren't enticing enough...

Those sweet mini cast iron skillets...

I mean how cute are those!?

Seriously adorable.

I cannot get them out of my head...

and I already envision them as part of my Fall celebrations.

So far...

the lowest price I've seen on the web is around $4.50/piece.

If you happen to find them cheaper - let me know, will ya!?

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I only NEED five...right?

And yes...

I'm feeling quite guilty right now.

There are people right now who are without electric...

without homes for crying outloud because of Hurricane Isaac.

And yet here I am...

obsessing over mini cast iron skillets?! *sigh*

My heart really does go out to all of those effected by the storm.

The devastation/destruction is always worse than what the media is capable of sharing.

So, I can only imagine the reality of the situation.

Be safe everyone...

{thirsty thursday} janet hill studios

• THIRSTY THURSDAY •

defined as a day to share something...ANYTHING...that makes my mouth water...

quenches my creative tastebuds...or satisfies my thirst for inspiration.

Talk about quenching my creative tastebuds...

i've been in LOVE with the art from Janet Hill Studios eversince stumbling upon it a month or so ago.

"Ladies Room" by Janet Hill Studios

SO in love with it in fact...

I completely pushed aside my inhibitions and reached out to this amazing artist to see if she'd be open to doing an interview.

With Janet's work having been published in Romantic Homes Magazine and featured on fabulous websites like design*sponge, I admit I was a bit intimidated.

I was beyond thrilled when she kindly obliged for the interview.

I can't wait to share it with you...

Tomorrow.

Yep.

Not until tomorrow.

Consider this a little teaser for what's to come tomorrow.

I'm going to let you get lost in this one piece of art today.

Relax a little...

Pretend it's YOU in that gorgeous tub.

You're going to be plenty excited tomorrow.

I'll not only be sharing the fun interview with Janet & more lovely art from her studio...

There will be a giveaway of one of Janet's pieces of art.

Did I just say "giveaway"?

Why Yes...

Yes I did!

This is a rare opportunity you do NOT want to miss out on.

So...today...

kick back...

relax...

Tomorrow?

Well tomorrow is a different story. *wink*

Enjoy your Thursday!

{thirsty thursday} glass bottles

• THIRSTY THURSDAY •

defined as a day to share something...ANYTHING... that makes my mouth water...

quenches my creative tastebuds...or satisfies my thirst for inspiration.

Give me a pretty vintage glass bottle and I'm happy...

Add a pretty flower to it and I'm even happier...

source: Dreamy Whites

Corks, rusty caps & peeling labels...even better for some "Fall" charm

source: Alice W. Photography

Pretty bathroom decor...

source: The Haystack Needle

A splash of color is always fun too - even on these "made-to-look-vintage"

source: My Sweet Savannah

Display them on a dresser...

source: Dreamy Whites

Or hang them for a touch of whimsy...

source: That's Happy

Like I did for the Lemonade & Sunshine themed party

Add vintage family photos for personalized home decor...

source: apartment therapy

They also make great centerpieces...

source: The Ruffled Blog

Vintage Chicken Feeder + Vintage Bottles = Vintage LOVE THIS!!

source: Better Homes & Gardens

And here are a couple from my own collection...

Glass bottles are simple...

pretty...

easy to use...

and as you can see...

oh so versatile.

The vintage ones are fun to find too...

if you like flea markets, antiques and those sorts of things...

and I definitely do... *wink*

Inspired?

REMINDER:

Today is the last day to enter THIS GIVEWAY...from Vintage Confections!

If you haven't taken the time to enter...do it now!!

Free adorable Candy Corn Lollipops could. be. yours!!!

Winner will be announced tomorrow, Friday, October 8th!!

Good luck to all of the many who have already entered!!

KEEPING IT REAL

I have become obsessed with trying to find a vintage chicken feeder like the one pictured above.

I've found plenty of other versions out there...but nothing like the photo I posted.

A sweet elderly gentleman at the last flea market I went to said he would make me one.

He said he knew EXACTLY what I was looking for and will have something ready for me to look at during the next monthly antique extravaganza...

How sweet is that!!??

{THIRSTY THURSDAY} milk bottles

"THIRSTY THURSDAY" - defined as a day to share something...ANYTHING... that makes my mouth water, quenches my creative tastebuds or satisfies my thirst for inspiration.

if you follow my facebook fan page then you know i've been on the hunt for milk bottles.

(all in hopes to incorporate them into the upcoming lemonade & sunshine party...)

"well butter my butt and call me a biscuit!" (said with 100% southern charm)...

would you look at the lovelies i've stumbled upon from stanpacnet.com

how adorable!

and THIS size! yes! THIS size and shape is perfect!!!

my creative taste buds are salivating ALL. OVER. the place.

but wait.

(i'm reeling myself back in and wiping the drool from the corners of my mouth).
huge sigh!

seriously....

i CANNOT pay $150 bucks for 24 of these little gems.

besides...i only REALLY need about 6...maybe...??

as cute as they are i just CANNOT!

but all is not lost.

thanks to some creative resources i stumbled upon this week...

i can TOTALLY make THESE work instead...

picture souce: celebrations at home

chris, from celebrations at home posted this information on how she transformed these 9.5oz. bottles into the perfect milk bottle.

let's see...

4 bottles for around $5?

plus a little elbow grease in removing the label and spray painting the cap?

pouring the product down the drain since i don't drink it?

hmmmmm???? (pretending to hesitate as if i'm unsure)...

definitely worth it!

so long my favorite little 1/2 pint bottle from stanpacnet.com posted above...

ours was a love affair short lived...*sniffle*

hello starbucks frappucino!!

i'm telling you upfront...

i only want you for your bottle...*wink*

Keeping It Real

I bought a couple of different products yesterday - strictly for the potential of the packaging.

I'll share them with you tomorrow...

Oh the visions I have in my head for this lemonade & sunshine party! LOVE it!

343 update - it's DAY 3 and I'm right on track! 9 miles under my belt...54 miles to go! (*high fiveing* all of you)...

and....

Ella's back to being 100%.

the fever from Sunday night was short-lived and we've been having a great week together!