Sparkles Make Me Smile

I Think I Have Another New Favorite

2008-09-15T17:23:00.001-07:00

So I think I have another new favorite picture. There are so many to choose from, but this has been my screen saver and I love how it brings out her personality. I also love that this is my blog and I am free to be as obnoxious as I want and post as many pictures of my little pumpkin as I want! : )

We Love You Papa

2008-09-11T15:25:00.001-07:00

This week was so exciting with starting school, but we CANNOT forget it was also the one year anniversary of losing our sweet Papa after his battle with cancer. We met at Arctic Circle (one of Papa's favs), then ate our dinner near his grave site. We reminisced about Papa and then went to Barnes and Noble to pick out books for charity. Papa would have been all over that! We love you Papa!

First Week of PreSchool and Flower Fairy Tenny

2008-09-11T14:58:00.001-07:00

We had a great time last Friday getting pictures. We just got the proofs yesterday. These are a few of the fun ones. It was a great end to the first week of school.

Tenny is LOVING school and not loving the days mom helps in class. : ) Here are some pics of her first week of school. Thanks Grammie for the first day of school dress. (green stripes......oh, "white stripes, white stripes....no green mom!" I also die over the
pose she just had to do with her leg up on the porch

Nana and Grandpa Boss also gave her money for Ugg boots she has on order for school! Thanks!

What Is Old Is New Again....well, at least for me!

2008-09-08T13:51:00.001-07:00

I really loved this shoe several months ago when it came out. I first saw it in silver and thought I could never pull it off. Over the summer I've been working on just being me....and ME wants these shoes.

On sale now, but hard to find. Couldn't resist the steal of a sale I found today in the purple like these. I also have this color in the picture (white, beige/oatmeal) and pink patent on order. Hey, Victoria Beckham and I are so much the same with the no flats thing.......and when your 5 foot nothin', ya gotta get a little height (sort of wedge going on here...why I love this Puma Spadrille!) even when you're goin' casual.

When I say we are so much alike, I mean......in every way......except I am not a pop star, have a skeleton bod, own 15 Hermes bags, married to a professional soccer player etc. But still similar right? ; )

Bless Her Pea-Pickin' Little Heart

2008-08-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

'Ole Shannon became post worthy when I heard it said that she ORIGINALLY WASN'T going to take a role on the all new 90210 TV series, but then she did it for the fans. Bless her Hollywood heart for taking one for the team. That must be rough! : )

More Cousin, Cupcakes and Tie Dye Pictures

2008-08-26T16:37:00.001-07:00

For some reason these didn't all go through on the last post. What a great day!

Tie Dye Fun

2008-08-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun with our sweet cousin AM. TN loves all her cousins.

We went to Mini's Cupcakes. I LOVED the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" presentation, but the actual taste of the cupcake was struggling. TN loved her orange one and AM thought her frosting was G-ross! They are cute little cupcakes, but pricey!

We made tie dye shirts and it was so much fun. Our day was filled to the brim with activities, yet we still made time for them past bed time and I'm glad we did.

Yes, I had to make a bow to match...two for double pig tails no less! This one says, "Posh", but I have other things in mind too.

I realize they date back to Woodstock, but I feel like I invented it. We did a little embellishing with stitching and then my imagination took off with all the possibilities....and hello.......sparkle iron-ons are next baby!

Any Dream Will Do....

2008-08-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Red and yellow and crimson and polka and green.......
My husband was dry-heaving when he came home from work yesterday because I had J-J-J-Joseph ATATDC on.

What can I say?....I love Donny.

2008-08-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

So I haven't really been inspired to blog lately until I heard the coolest quote by Diane Sawyer the other day. I know I've heard it before, but I really loved it:

"It's a lot more fun to CATCH fireflies than it is to TALK ABOUT catching fireflies." -Diane Sawyer

So, here's to catching some of those fireflies I previously let go!

Photo courtesy of shellybdecorandmore.blogspot

Sparkle Heaven

2008-05-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

So how do you know your best friends really are your best friends...and know you so well? When you have a blog entitled "Sparkles Make Me Smile" and one of them sends you a pen like this! I love it!

Thanks so much Nan!

Toppers With Glitz

2008-01-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

While researching Barbie Cakes with my little buddy we ran across these little sparklers. I love them.

Scooby Dooby Doo

2008-01-29T16:55:00.000-08:00

The 'ole blog has been on a bit of a hiatus, but what a way to bring it back with Scooby and of course, my Tenny Penny.

Scooby is all the rage at our house. I think the 70's cartoons are weird and a bit psychedelic, and I'm more of a Pixar/Disney gal, but once Tenny Penny's Dad turned her on to Scooby Doo on the cartoon network (so old school), she was hooked.

She's having a Scooby birthday party (with a Barbie cake.....her idea). She got this puzzle as a reward for staying in her bed. I neglected to read 100 pieces on the cover....but we made it through and did it.

My "Purple" Room

2007-09-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

So this is my "purple" room. I must give credit to my friend Stef and to my #1 gal who gives me huge inspiration, Nan. All others were skeptical of the plum walls and said it would be too dark. At this point (below picture), I was even a bit scared, but I love, love, love this room now. It was completed in just enough time for my sweet Mother-in-Law to enjoy it due to the sad passing of my Father-in-Law. I'm glad she has a place to call her own in our house.

The room has also turned out to be a bit of a Tenny Penny shrine of some of my absolute favorite pics from her few short years of life so far. What better place for them though! I love to go in there and see them. Crazy my little blond girl was this dark at one month old. This was her birth announcement picture and still love it.
I am so glad I had these pictures done in her blessing dress. I "visited" this dress for 2 years in hopes of being able to have a little girl to put it in one day. Lucky I didn't jinks myself with all the visits, eh? Probably never would have gotten a girl if I would have actually bought it before I she was born! : )
This is one of my all time top favorites (again, in her short little life thus far). It was at Temple Square in her Easter dress.
This little dresser I featured on a previous post is still so fun to look at for me since it is my first "antique" buy. I found it at "Second Hand Chic" in Salt Lake City. The painting was a birthday present from my parents a few years back.
This lamp below is also another item I "visited". I was so afraid to buy it because it was just so bold and crazy, but I love it. I found it for a steal and saw one quite similar at Anthropologie for close to $400! Cheap and fun...can't beat that.
Here's the completed room. (below). I love it and I'm so glad I went with the plum. I think the crown molding, dresser and sunlight make it not too dark! Fun to be daring...it is a good thing the next time this room is changed it will be to a nursery, because it would be the only reason I'd want to change it!

Tenny Penny's Room Almost Done

2007-09-11T08:49:00.001-07:00

Tenny Penny's room is almost done! It has been a fun project. We just need to hang a few more things, do finishing touches and paint some sort of mural on the window wall. The bed turned out even better than I thought. I love it! This is where the green paint meets the small pink magnetic wall behind the door. The magnetic wall is still a work in progress. You can see the old taupe paint behind the black. We're hoping to get this completed soon!

The green paint is a very pale, pale green. It is the exact green as the lightest color in her bedding. I originally was going to do pale pink, but I'm glad I went this way. We've got plenty of pink in there!
The entry to her door is this fun wreath I found accented with the pearl "T" that was on her nursery room door in the old house. It's fun to incorporate a few items from her original room. I found the wreath at Target marked down to 8.98 from 39.00. Yeah! What a deal! One of those things you aren't looking for and then you just chance upon it!
This is her cute dresser. I love the scallops! Thank you to sweet Elsa girl and her mom for letting us be "scalloped" inspired! (and copy the wood scallop idea!) I still need to find a picture to go in the fun pearl frame. I found a painted pink fence that still needs to be placed above the dresser. I was going to have a mirror made in the scalloped wood, but the fence was so unique. I'll post later! The lamp of course was my splurge for her nursery (from Anthropologie), so fun to use again. The shade WAS adorned with fairy costumes, but has transitioned nicely as a "tie in" (no pun!) to the sashes on the canopy bed. The frame is from "Aunt Tim" (Aunt Kim) with a picture of her when she was just 24 hrs old. The doll is a Mary Engelbreit I found at a Mary Engelbreit store in St. Louis in anticipation of her birth.
The Princess Bed is here! We felt bad with all the moves of the bedroom situation when we first moved, so I told her she was getting a "princess bed". It sounds like "pizza bread" when she says it. I don't think a "pizza" theme is quite what I'm going for! : ) I'm so happy I had the idea for a matching doll bed. If you look closely you can see the scallops even on that! The pink and white crystal chandelier and painted mural on the window wall will be a nice finishing touch!
The pillow! Can there ever be too many pillow! The "sweet dreams" is part of the Target "Shabby Chic" line. The large stripe in the Euro in the back and the bolster are custom made out of the extra sheets I bought. All sheets were a copy cat of the original look I wanted, at a 75% discount! vs. the $2000 Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic version I found online. With the huge savings I was able to buy extra sheets for the pillows. The euro is trimmed with crystals! I love it, but the bolster turned out even more fun than I thought!

Stay tuned.....more to come. It is nice to see all my work this summer coming to fruition!

Before and After Pictures

2007-08-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry to disappoint...I won't be posting these types of "Before and After" pictures of myself. However, I have had some requests to do before and after pictures of my house since it has taken the better part of my summer. They should be posted in the next few weeks.
Things have come together so nicely and I feel lucky to be living in our home, with such great neighbors. Most of all, I am lucky to have a husband who appreciates some of the things in life that make it more enjoyable and his all together passion for new things and the things I am into.

Fall Denim

2007-07-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

I'm really loving this denim ditty for my Tenny Penny for Fall. It is so feminine and cute. See more Mini Boden apparel here.

Summer Fun

2007-07-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

My latest Tenny Penny favorite.

No Buyer's Remorse

2007-07-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

How much am I loving this vintage dresser? A LOT! I found it at a place in Salt Lake City called "Second Hand Chic". I've never bought anything "vintage-ee" before and the more I look at it, the more I love it. It is going with my bedding I love and found for a great deal in my guest bedroom and will always be a fun piece I think because it was my first vintage "find". It currently needs to be cleaned out and filled. I can't wait to paint the room and complete it all with the bedding and decor. My sweet husband asked me if we were going to paint it and said it looked "old" when it was first delivered. It has grown on him and he too likes it.

Don't Quit Your Day Job

2007-07-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

I love Harry Potter and hats off to J.K. Rowling, but really this guy is crazy. Never mind my friend and mother of 4 boys had red eyes in the late hours of July 21st from reading all day, or during the British Open a golf fan was reading more than watching a major sporting event, but 'ole Jeff here is NOT messing around. He cracks me up.

On the other hand, I don't get people who say, "I just can't get into Harry Potter." I love it!

Catch more of Jeff here.

Cottage Room

2007-06-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty set on doing a "Cottage" theme Tenny Penny's room. I'm a little OCD about it and can't wait to just get going. It should be way fun. I hope it all turns out how I see it in my mind. I'm excited to get Shabby Chic bedding to help create the "look".
I'm also thinking about duplicating this cute sign above her closet.

Lacoste Clothing

2007-05-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

So a bit of useless information I actually found quite interesting is how this little crocodile got it's start.
French tennis champion Rene Lacoste created the world's first polo shirt. (I always thought it was Ralph Lauren...interesting). And that famous crocodile? Lacoste won a crocodile-skin suitcase in a bet over an important match-and that reptile became his signature. (information found via Neiman-Marcus)

Euro Dress Too Cute

2007-05-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

I found this very adorable dress on a euro site...not even sure where now. I was looking for Charlie and Lola clothes because I "absolutely completely must find" a shirt for myself and Tenny Penny...or at least my Tenny Penny. I think this little girl makes the dress and is so sweet. (can only find Charlie and Lola clothes in the UK...so I'm still looking)

Happiness Found...with a little effort

2007-05-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am very much loving this limited edition beach towel from Vera Bradley. I saw it online about a month ago and thought it was pretty cute. Then, my mom bought what I swear is the last one one the West Coast; and in person it is even more bright and fun and cheery. Today, the UPS man delivered it to my door. I called about 20 or so Vera Bradley retailers to track this puppy down. I'm so excited to have it for summer.

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

2007-04-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

So, I love my Louis Vuitton. I waited a long time for it and my sweetie-pie has now invested in two of them. I sold the first on ebay to pay for the next. A few days ago the strap broke. I am so sad. I love it. It IS a material possession, but it is so fun to have a designer bag. I have to send it to the official Louis Vuitton manufacturers to get it fixed...so I will be Louis-less. I am however, planning to sell the refurbished one on ebay and have my sights set on the one shown in the picture. Don't if it's a good or a bad thing Jessica has it. I'm sure for her it is one of MANY and she doesn't even appreciate it. Oh well, being sans Louis will just make me love mine even more.

For Love Boxes...

2007-04-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

I think my cute friend needs this Pottery Barn sorting basket for all the books she reads. Of course, she would have to get pastel chalk colors and do some more fancy, girly signs. Check out her "Love Boxes" here.

Would Love These For My Tenny Penny

2007-04-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

The last thing either of us needs is new pair of shoes, but I'm really loving this new brand I've found called "Morgan and Milo". She's doing fine in the shoe department for now, but next growth spurt, I think we'll be buying some Morgan and Milos.

Reality Stars With Values Worth Watching-Run's House

2007-04-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Never in a million years would I have thought I'd pick a show on MTV, much less a reality show, for one of my favorites, if not MY MOST FAVORITE, for family values.
For those born before the year 1980, you remember Run DMC as the King and one of the original rap groups. Joe Simmons, (Rev Run) is now a happily married reverend and amazing father. He and his wife Justine are ga-zillionaires, but they have such great family values. They talk to their kids...REALLY TALK...and listen. We all could learn something from them.

The Simmons family is close and funny and just like any other...except their wealth. Usually the episode is full of comedic entertainment of how each member of their family is coping with the current family drama.

However, the last episode was so sad. Justine carried a baby girl to term, who died at birth. Of ANY celebrity family, this would be the last that needs humbling. They are so down to earth for their status and wealth. The way in which they handled this tragedy is amazing and commendable.

One of the most noteworthy parts of the episode was when Rev Run was trying to talk to each of the children about how THEY were dealing with the loss of the baby. Telling them to "Draw from [his] strength and they will get through it." Also, when one of the sons asked if his Dad saw him crying at the hospital he said something back like, "Yes. You were perfect. You handled it in your own way. You are a perfect son." He also told each of them how the loss made him look deeper into each of their eyes and see how lucky he is to have them.

If ever you caught an episode of the Osbournes (Ozzy)...think the exact opposite...then you have the Simmons. Run's House...Monday nights on MTV. I believe old episodes are "On Demand" if you have Comcast in Utah.

The Right To "Soap Box"

2007-04-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have realized the older I get, the more I get on my "Soap Box".* I should probably be more wise, more humble and more knowledgeable. Yet, I think I just get more opinionated.
My first intro to the "Soap Box" theory was my senior year of high school when my politics teacher taught us "I may not agree with your opinion, but I'll fight to defend your right to have it".
I've quickly realized just how many opinions are out there with our next presidential election with candidates such as a Mormon, an African-American and a female.** I realize there are MANY opinions out there and probably not enough soap boxes to go around to stand on for all of them. I hope to teach my children the same principles I learned at 18 years of age. The ironic thing, is in my mature age of 30-something, I realize that politics teacher and I have vastly different political views........but I still respect him.

*It's worth mentioning the best take on the "Soap Box" I've seen is the custom made actual Tide soap box, complete with foot shaped cut-outs for proper standing placement, made by my sister-in-law for her highly educated and politically aware husband. :)

** Have you heard the joke about killing 3 birds with one stone for the presidential candidates? Gladys Knight.......Mormon, African-American and Female! Love it!

Pineapple Obsession

2007-04-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

So thanks to Lorinda's link on my previous pineapple post, I have this lovely picture to view whenever I want. Is it too much for my front yard? : )

It's The Simple Things In Life

2007-04-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much I love my new blender. "Smoothie" mode is the best. In an attempt to do the "Bob Greene" Best Life Slimfast for dinner thing, I've found a new way to make my Slimfast a little more interesting. I feel like I've ordered a protein shake at a smoothie bar every time I have it. I love it.
Recipe:
Slimfast
1/2 tbsp peanut butter
1/4 scoop of a normal scoop size of protein powder (Apex brand)
8 or 9 ice cubes

It's A Shoe Thing

2007-04-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

I love these. Cole Haan always has a unique, classic twist on the latest fashions, which make most their styles timeless. I bought some fun Cole Haans last year that I haven't seen anywhere and still love, love, love. My friend K is thinking of these and I told her they are a MUST if they are in her budget. Only draw back of Cole Haans...the price. However, I have some from 8 years ago I just love and they still look quite new.

I Love Pineapples!

2007-04-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

I love pineapples, so of course I pick this number up for my Tenny Penny! I love pineapples for three main reasons: 1. On our honeymoon in Hawaii, the highlight of my sweet husband's day EVERYDAY was to order fresh pineapple. He couldn't get enough. So, it always reminds me of him and our honeymoon. 2. A dear sweet friend of mine is Hawaiian and we share the pineapple love. She is also the same person who shares my bundt pan love....and 3. When I learned you have them in your home to mean "Welcome", I loved them even more.

On another note, this tee is from JCrew Crewcuts line. Why in the world, with all the kids here in Utah would they not bring the line to local stores? Oh well, for now I'll order online.

Jazzercise! FIT-IS-IT!

2007-04-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

Not sure why this cracks both me and my husband up, but we were not aware Jazzercise still exist. He took this picture with his phone. (note the reflection of the cute photographer in the window). I said, "I used to Jazzercise when I lived in San Francisco in 1996. He said, "EXACTLY". I guess it's not so much we're surprised it's still around as, we didn't realize there's still a serious marketing initiative for it.

Charlie and Lola

2007-04-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

I think Charlie and Lola is my favorite cartoon. Or as Lola would say, "It is my best cartoon." I love, love, love Lola. My dear husband says it is because I AM Lola. I absolutely completely think I must get all DVD's for my Tenny Penny.

The Mormon Way of Doing Business

2007-03-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

My husband introduced me to this book which is getting a lot of buzz in the media right now. I know my Dad has read it as well. I just read the "Author's Note" yesterday and plan to read the whole book. It is a good read that focuses not on the religion, but why these Mormon CEO's are so successful in both business AND life. None of the featured execs have been divorced and all credit their success in business to the values and concepts taught by their religion.

Grown Up Kids Chair

2007-03-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Love this grown up looking kid's chair. We got two of them for Tenny's new play room. OF COURSE I'll be on the look out for sparkly hot and baby pink pillows as accents. We may get a pink sofa as well.

When we were at Target this weekend she made me get one down off of the end cap and let her sit in it.

Handcrafted Jewelry

2007-03-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am quite impressed with some of the latest creations of my good friend Natalie. (not talking about myself in the 3rd person). I love these pieces that have a Sundance-esque feel. She sells them for a fraction of the cost Sundance does.

I especially love the little girl's baptism bracelet with 8 pearls.

Starbury Sneakers

2007-03-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

These new sneakers from NBA'r Stephon Marbury are the hot new thing. They are only $14.98. When he was a poor kid growing up in the projects his mom said there was no way she would buy him Air Jordans. Their grocery money was only $20 per week....sometimes even per month. He doesn't take any cut for having his name on them.

At first I thought it was great, but kids wouldn't go for it. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but this last Friday's 20/20 episode showed kids and moms storming stores at opening just to get them. Mother's are crying that they can afford the hot, new shoe for their kids.
Marbury says they are "affordable"...not cheap. A shoe making analyst (they have those?) cut apart a Nike shoe and a Starbury Sneaker and found they were made of the SAME materials and were the exact same quality of shoe.

My Tenny Penny and Her Mini-Me

2007-03-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

On a previous post I mentioned the outfit I commissioned for her 2 year old pictures. Yesterday presented an opportunity to go get them done. The full length shot is more representative of our experience, which I was expecting. I still love those pictures.
The close-up (smile) was a total miracle.

Thank you to Boss and Nana for the doll and inspiration for the look-a-like. Thanks also to Nan for the matching custom bracelet and KaLin for the finishing touch of flower buttons on the shirt!

A New Favorite GOOD Carbohydrate At Our House

2007-03-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

These All Natural Alexia potatoes are delish with some egg beaters for breakfast. A few sliced strawberries on the side make you look gourmet...and feel a little special.
I originally looked for them in the frozen section with other potatoes and hash browns. Make sure to look in the "Organic" frozen section of your local Target if you want to try them.

"Making Choices"

2007-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

I love this book. I finally finished it. I think I will read "Things I Want My Daughters to Know" next. See more about the author, Alexandra Stoddard here.

Many thanks to Tiffany for giving it to me and introducing me to the world of Alexandra!

Pink Jewels

2007-03-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Grammie and Papa (Alex's Mom and Dad) for my new sparkles. I love them with a button down, or even just a simple T-shirt.

Madras Everywhere For Spring

2007-03-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

So, of course, it's been a few days since a "shoe" post, so I've got to say it, I love these......and, despite my past comments of not "needing" anymore shoes, I bought them. My generous husband knows how much I love shoes.....and no matter your weight.....they always fit!

So the funny thing is that I was shopping with my cute, fashionista Mother-in-Law and my Tenny Penny and as we passed JCrew, she said, "Oh, all that madras stuff was in when I was young." I didn't tell her this, but I didn't know what "Madras" meant. Thank you for the enlightenment, M. I now know and it's EVERYWHERE. Hey, I think I had a Guess madras short outfit in the fifth grade. I'm sure I thought I was stylin'....and I didn't even know I was "madras-in".....err....a....whatever.

Also, EVERYWHERE this season are babydoll shirts. I'm working on a few style ideas for some and even perhaps one with a little madras goin' on. I need to get some tailored for my five foot nothin' frame and extra...uhh.....curves.

Easter Love Boxes

2007-03-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

So these beautiful little babies will be mine in a matter of days for my Easter center piece. I'm so excited. See more of the talented Tiffany's creations here.

The Most Isolated Country On Earth

2007-03-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

I love the show "Explorer" on the National Geographic Channel. I have it Tivo'd. It has been continually showing "Inside North Korea". I knew it was communist and ruled by a dictator, but I had NO IDEA how isolated it is. No cell phones or Internet is allowed; except by "The Dear Leader" who lives a lavish life and is adored by all. Whether by fear or sincere worship, "or both", all North Koreans hold him in the highest regard from birth. If a foreigner (usually foreigners not welcomed) photographs even his likeness in a picture or statue in the wrong way, they will be thrown out of the country. A large majority of North Koreans believe the Korean War never ended and hate Americans. No decorations are allowed in private homes EXCEPT that which displays The Dear Leader. Also amazing, the North and South Korean border (pictured) and their bizarre means of communication. (Bizarre because the North forces the American Troops and South Korean guards to use some simple, regimented practices)

"Explorer" features everything from the gestational path of a fetus in an elephant, to contracted security agents making upwards of 160K in three months to put their lives on the line to protect officials in Iraq.

Lelli Kelly Love

2007-03-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

I have been admiring Lelli Kelly's for quite some time (over a year) for my little Tenny Penny. There are many adorable styles in older girls, but somewhat limited in her size. I settled on and purchased these ones yesterday and keep looking at them. I'm excited for her to wear them. You can't have buyer's remorse for something you "visit" and develop an online relationship with over so much time, right?!? Thanks to "Ya-Yin....KaLin" for helping us pick them out. Thanks to Daddy for letting us splurge!

Dylan's Candy Bar

2007-03-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

So apparently I am one of the last people to find out Ralph Lauren's daughter has a candy store called Dylan's Candy Bar. It looks so cute. I think the fashion items look darling... and of course the candy looks scrumptious.

Dr. Phil Potty Training Doll

2007-03-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

So I realized it is not Tennessee that is lacking a commitment to potty training, it's her mother. However, dear sweet Shana turned me onto these anatomically correct potty training dolls that help follow the Dr. Phil one day method. I think I will make an online purchase in the next couple of months.
The funny thing is I just realized when I mentioned to Tennessee's Dad this morning that I was thinking about getting the "Dr. Phil doll" and he said, "There is a Dr. Phil doll?" with a horrified look on his face........he was picturing....a DR. PHIL doll. Too funny. Can you picture it saying, "You've got to get real!"

Snowboard Celebratory Belt

2007-03-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

I'm pining for the snow and clear blue skies I'll be enjoying this Saturday while snowboarding at Snowbasin. I've decided on a celebratory belt (not happening this season) next season for my first Gondola ride/run. Last time out, I conquered the "Little Kat" and had a humbling experience on "Becker Chair". I think I need this belt in a brown or pink or cream to match my snowboard attire.....or maybe a sassy sparkly number. Now, if only a five year old doesn't run me over!

Galapagos

2007-03-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

While visiting one of my best friends living in the D.C. area several years ago, I attended an IMAX, 3D showing of Galapagos at the National Museum of Natural History. It was an awesome viewing experience. I am not clear if this is the same feature or not, but it will be on the National Geographic channel beginning March 18th. I can't wait.

Glamour Pals

2007-03-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

I just love this picture. Tennessee is so lucky to have such a great Daddy! What a good sport! Too fun!

Thanks "Bophie" (Sophie) for the cool hair stylist kit for my birthday! (available at Deseret Book)

LOVE BOXES...I can't get enough

2007-03-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I am absolutely in love with Love Boxes by Tiffany (tm). I received my first Love Box from a very special friend when my Little Tenny Penny was born. It was a fairy box to match the nursery. Ever since, I just can't get enough. I love to receive them and give them. The artwork is unique, bright, beautiful and just amazing. The ARTIST (Tiffany) holds the same attributes.

See Love Boxes by Tiffany here.

Mommy Couture for My Tenny Penny

2007-03-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

I never knew how much I would love doing Tennessee specific projects. I love designing something unique for her. It is so fun to come up with something that is custom made for my little Tenny Penny. The inspiration for this outfit comes from the doll she received for Christmas from Grandpa Boss and Nana. She has two little blonde pony tails like TN wears sometimes and just looks so much like her. I decided they needed matching outfits(so they can get their picture together, but not exactly, because the doll has overalls on and I didn't picture that on TN. Although I should have picked more turquoise, I am really excited about how it turned out. I think Leilani (the tailor) did such a great job. I scanned all the material and made a mock up of those pieces for her to go off of. I then cut and placed the flowers on the T-shirt and took a photo so she could see how I wanted them to lay. I got the over all style of the skirt from a Meli-Meli cupcake skirt. (see it here)

Now, if only Tenners wants to get her 2 year pictures taken. Christmas pictures were crazy, so we'll see. I always like to have flowers or some sort of a prop when she gets her pictures, so I think the doll with matching pony tails will be fun.

Check Out the Comparison

2007-02-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

So last year my dear sweet husband let me splurge on some fun summer shoes. Hence, since they are pretty much still in style, I feel I don't need to buy designer shoes this year.
Not that I'm above it if I see the "to die for pair", but I'm good for now. I did however pick up these puppies at Payless (bottom photo) after admiring them in the Michael Kors (top photo) version at Nordstrom. I think real leather is leather and pleather just can't compare. However, on something as trendy as this, I can go for the copy-cat version. I'm not blind, I realize the stripes are thicker on the copy-cat.......but really, would you guess there is a $80+ price difference!?!

Bundt Love

2007-02-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

Haven't tried it yet! Can't wait!

Ingredients:
5 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
20 tbsp. (2 1/2 sticks/10 oz/283g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces
2 tbsp. kirsch or other fruit liqueur
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of salt
3 1/2 cups raspberries
1 1/2 cups blueberries or blackberries
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat an oven to 325°F (160°C). Butter and flour an elegant heart cake pan.

In a large bowl, blend the eggs and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat in the butter and liqueur until fluffy. Add all but 2 Tbs. of the flour and the baking powder and salt, and beat until well incorporated and no lumps remain.

In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the raspberries and the blueberries with the remaining 2 Tbs. flour. Toss to coat the berries evenly with the flour. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the berries into the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan for 20 to 25 minutes. Unmold the cake onto the rack and let cool completely.

Fill the center of the cake with the remaining 2 cups raspberries. Dust the cake with confectioners' sugar.

Makes 10-12 servings.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Outdoors Series, Picnics and Tailgates, by Diane Rossen Worthington (Time-Life Books, 1998).

Shoe Sparkle Heaven

2007-02-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

I love these little numbers! They just are so fun and girly!

Sparkles Make Me Smile

2007-02-20T17:36:00.001-08:00

Sparkles make me smile. If it has sparkles, I love it. That's probably why I love being the mother of a girl. We get to be "sparkly" together. She loves what I love. (for now) She is my little pal. That being said, I can't wait to be a mother to a boy (hopefully), because I know he'll sparkle too. Not in the same way my Little Tennessee does, but every child has a sparkle in their eye. Children are what make the world go round and I love being a mom. It is the greatest thing I've ever done...and that makes me sparkle inside and out!