Well, here she is...in all her glory.

Let's just say cake decorating is not one of my talents.  HOWEVER, Macy was thrilled with her 'Barbie birthday cake' and that's all that matters.  I found a few recipes on Pinterest, borrowed a Fire King bowl from my mom and it all worked like a dream.

 

I also found a cute scavenger birthday party game on Pinterest.

The parent drew/photoed images of locations (refrigerator, welcome mat, etc.) and put them on recipe cards hidden around the house.  Kids ran from clue to clue until, at the end, the last card pictured the host.  When the children ran to the host they were given a prize.

Rather than use images, I wrote rhyming clues.  Here's what I came up with....

 

Clue #1

Let's celebrate Macy's special day

with a scavenger game to play!

Follow each clue and work as a team.

No running or pushing.  Adults will scream!

So, here's Clue #1 and you can't lose...

Go to Macy's room and look

where she takes a snooze.

(The clue was hidden under her bed.)

 

Clue #2

Macy loves to watch movies

like Tinkerbell and Nemo.

Check out "Monsters, Inc.",

and off to Clue #3 you'll go.

(The clue was hidden in the "Monsters, Inc." DVD case.)

 

Clue #3

Congrats on finding

Clue #3!

Now that you're downstairs...

look at the movie about a bee.

(The clue was hidden in the "Bee Movie" DVD case.)

 

Clue #4

WOW!  What fine detectives you are!

Clue #5 is hanging...

with the keys to the car!

(The clue was hanging on the refrigerator.)

 

Clue #5

You guys are good!

You can't be beat!

Now look for Clue #6...

where we keep the socks for Evan's feet!

(The clue was hidden in Evan's sock bin.)

 

Clue #6

Just a few more clues...

'til you get a prize that's cool.

Look inside what Macy puts on her back

when she heads off to school.

(The clue was hidden in Macy's backpack.)

 

Clue #7

Holy cow!  You are on a roll!

Check under the computer desk...

Clue #8 is the goal!

(The clue was under the computer desk.)

 

Clue #8

WOO HOO!  You did it!  Way to go!

It's the end of the game.

To claim the prize, see Michelle

and say the birthday girl's name!

 

 

 

 

This upcoming week the kids and I will be celebrating the holidays by doing some random acts of kindness.  Here's a sneak peek.  Stay tuned for all the details.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!

 

 

I know it's been a while since my last post.  Let me explain why in one word: 

Pinterest.

 

I can't explain what triggered my three day organizing binge.  I got lost somewhere between 'homemade cleaning products' and 'christmas decorating ideas' searches on Pinterest.  It's rare for me to accomplish so much without the aid of a good cup of coffee.  I guess I can chalk it up to a creative surge.

So, after loads of ideas and eye candy from Pinterest, I have done the following in the past few days:

 

1.  Cut out (using pinking shears) simple red felt stockings for the kids and hung a rhinestone monogram for each.

 

2.  I cleaned my washing machine with a Clorox soak/rinse, followed by a vinegar soak/rinse.  After whipping up some homemade glass cleaner and all purpose cleaner, I somehow wound up going through all of my cleaning supplies and reorganizing them to all be contained in the laundry closet.  Oh- P.S.  I hung my new homemade cleaning recipes on a measuring tape that is tied around a cabinet door in my washer/dryer closet.  (I saw this done in the kitchen for Christmas cards.  Too cute!)

 

3.  With just a few dollars worth of Hobby Lobby supplies, I made two large holiday arrangements in my black urns for either side of the entryway outside...which led to me organizing random areas of the garage.  Where in the world did that energy come from?!  Anyway, as seen on Pinterest, I'll be adding my chalkboard sandwich sign to add some fun...complete with "Baby it's cold outside" on it.

 

4.  Long overdue, I finally organized my photo CDs to be in order...even making little dividers for each year.  Nothing fancy, but a huge time saver in the long run.

 

Did I mention that this has caused a HUGE domino effect around here.  I'm sorting, organizing, donating and pitching like a crazy woman.  There is still so much to do!  My office area and studio space are next.  Eeeeeek. 

The kids and I did a strange thing...we went OUT tonight.

The window displays at Midtown Crossing debuted this evening, so we packed our winter wear and camera and headed out to see the wonderful Christmas windows.  The kids oooo'ed and ahhhh'ed over the sea of lit trees....not to mention the whole experience of parking in a parking garage! 

It's official.  We have the Christmas bug.....I'm ready to put up the tree, Macy asked to start a Christmas countdown and Evan included Santa in his prayers tonight.

It seems that cleaning is a never-ending task around here.  Can anyone relate?....
1.  An open kitchen is wonderful for family togetherness, but my dirty dishes are always peeking above the sink to welcome guests.
2.  I'm going to start conserving paper by writing notes in the dust that shows up on all my dark brown/black furniture. 
3.  Little boys mean well, but the toilet bowl really should be about baby-pool size.
4.  I'm not kidding....I think the only way my hardwood floors can stay clean is if we get a dog.
5.  P.S.  What IS that smell coming from my washing machine?  ugh.

 

 

The Weeping Willow Boutique was a wonderful success!  Many, many thanks to all of you who came out to support our family.  We were thrilled that our customers made 'the move' with us.  As always, it's wonderful to meet new people as well and share our creations with them.  Our show continues to grow each and every year and that is a wonderful feeling.  My sister would be so proud.

 

My goal is to be able to recharge during December and spend time with family.  To do that, I've got to work HARD in the next month.

My 'to do' list:

1.  Make final winter items and deliver to Prairie Hearth (Boutique) in Fremont, Ne.

2.  Paint revisions and then mail off licensed collection to The Hearthside Collection

3.  Work on special orders

 

Zip me a comment or e-mail.  I'd love to hear from you!

Wishing you all the best-

Michelle

Every year before an open house or show I panic....will I have enough paintings?....am I offering a wide variety of product and price points?...do I have a nice balance of subject matter?  I place all my work out, by season, to view as a collection.  I can spot areas that I need to add to and it also helps me tremendously with creating an inventory list and pricing. 

After looking over the collection, I am pleased to announce that there is a ton of creations begging for a home!!!...seasonal pieces for the front door...large paintings to welcome guests...sassy designs for a friend this Christmas...gifts for teachers...cute items that tell Grandma/Nana how special she is...lots and lots of one-of-a-kinds, all hand created.

Tomorrow (hopefully) I will be tagging each of my items with my business card and a price sticker, checking that my signature is on each piece and listed on my inventory.  There are several pieces that I still need to photo.  If the weather allows, I'll be taking some pieces outside for their photo shoot.  Otherwise, I may have to really push things and photo them once at the show, but before the doors open.

This week will be the big push to get all things ready and set up so that we can open the doors on Friday night!  I am so excited to see everyone!

 

Please mark your calendars!  Our family is hosting our annual Weeping Willow Boutique.  Be there when the doors open Friday, October 19th at 7pm.  As always, there will be unique, handmade creations, yummy snacks and the fun of family and friends.  The next morning, Saturday, October 20th, we open the doors at 9am. 

We are excited to announce that we have moved!  Join us at the Springfield Memorial Library.

Be sure to look for the ornamental Weeping Willow (shown above), planted in memory of my sister-- Milly Kinnally (founder of the Weeping Willow Boutique).