Saying goodbye...

Although I cut back way back on blogging and staying on top of reading blogs, thank you so much for stopping by throughout the year. 

Thank you for saying hello or for just being a silent observer.

Thank you for letting me show off pictures of the girls, my latest crafting endeavors, playing with my dollhouses, decorating for Halloween, my quest for the perfect vintage item, or our obsession with remodeling our Aframe cottage,

It's so nice to "meet" so many wonderful people from all over the world that share my same interests. 

Thank you! I am truly inspired by all of you!

Happy New Year and Goodbye 2015.

Ringing in the New Year!

Just like that 2014 is about to move on...

Thank you so much for stopping by throughout the year. Thank you for saying hello or for just being a silent observer. 

 Thank you for letting me show off pictures of the girls, my latest crafting endeavors, decorating my dollhouses, our obsession with remodeling our A-Frame cottage, decorating for Halloween, or my quest for the perfect vintage item.

 It's so nice to "meet" so many wonderful people from all over the world that share my same interests. Thank you! I am truly inspired by all of you!

Wishing you all a crafty and thrifty 2015!

Thank you and Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of our lives this year.

In 2014, we plan to keep on playing.

 Keep on creating.

 Keep on collecting.

And keep on making special memories.

 Please know that I enjoy your company and sincerely thank you for viewing my blogging adventures. 

Wishing you much love and happiness in 2014.  Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve preparations at the dollhouses...

New Year's eve preparations have already started at the dollhouses.

I found an image of New Year's eve tiaras online, reduced the image size and then printed them out on photo paper. Tin foil glued to the tiara form the crown, but pipe cleaners work equally as well.

To make cone-shaped party hats, I used some of our foil Christmas bows and trimmed them to size, glued the edges shut and then dipped the rim of the hat in glitter.


Sparkly-fuzzy ribbon were also glued on the tops of the hats and the party horns. I used a few of my miniature plastic icicles to create the horn on the party hat.

As you can imagine, my craft room dollhouse is also having a special New Year's eve gathering.

The kitchen is filled with all sorts of desserts, a bit of champagne, as well as, some cheese and crackers.

Both girls are wearing paper tiaras and even have gifts to open under the tree.  A gentleman friend is joining them for the evening.

May your weekend be filled with some play time.  

Wishing you a Happy New Year!
 

Ringing in the New Year...Chinese New Year Style!

We tend to be pretty tame at our house on New Years eve...lots of food, board games and party decor. If you've been a follower of my blog, you know I love any excuse to decorate for parties!!


This year, I asked the girls what kind of food they'd like (we usually make loads of appetizers in place of dinner) and both agreed that Chinese food sounded like fabulous alternative. Any excuse to bring out my special fan plates makes me happy!

Our favorite Chinese restaurant closed at 3pm, so I spent some time in my kitchen preparing a few of our favorite dishes.

Needless to say, we have lots of leftovers for New Years Day!!

Josie received this Richard Scarry's Busy Town game for Christmas and we had fun learning how to play it last night.

We are so thankful that our 13 year doesn't mind playing board games with her 5 year old sister. Thank you, Emma. We let the girls stay up until midnight and we were all a bit slap-happy by the end of the night.


I'm excited to see what's in store for 2012! We have a month-long celebration with Chinese New Year on 1/23! Get ready for Dragon decorations and a CNY give-away featuring Kay Bratt's new book Mei Li and the Wise Laoshi (separate post to come soon). I've bought several copies of her latest book to share with other adoptive friends.

Happy New Year!

Linking to:
The Thrifty Groove: Thrifty Tablescape Link Party
XOXO

♥

2011 - A Pictorial Review

Just like that 2011 is about to move on...

When I wasn't at my 9-5 job , I was filling my craft room with favorite antique and thrift store acquisitions and new crafting projects.


Over this past year, I marveled at my husband's ability to finish a MAJOR treehouse construction project where we all benefited from several picnics and sleepovers in this special dwelling. You can find the "official" treehouse tour here.

I also plotted 2 special birthday parties.

We even took an unexpected yet amazing, family vacation on Mackinac Island and through Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

We also attempted our first vegetable garden complete with a beautiful gate made by Chris.

Over the year, I've shared several holiday craft tutorials and give-aways and plan to continue the tradition in 2012!

We added a new kitten to the family
in the fall of 2011.

We even got to celebrate the end of 2011
with the removal of Emma's braces!

But despite all our joy, we watched Chris's mom
battle several scary health setbacks
and finally find peace in heaven.


2011 seems to be over in a split second
in a flurry of Christmas excitement.

Thank you so much for stopping by throughout the year. Thank you for saying hello or for just being a silent observer.

Thank you for letting me show off pictures of the girls, my latest crafting endeavors, our obsession with Halloween, or my quest for the perfect vintage item. It's so nice to "meet" so many wonderful people from all over the world that share my same interests. Thank you! I am truly inspired by all of you!

Wishing you all a crafty and thrifty 2012!

Get ready! Chinese New Year is January 23rd (the year of the Dragon) and we can't wait to celebrate with you!!

XOXO

♥