Catholic Guilt

Winter love...

Saturday morning...

I'm not sure what possessed me, but this morning I decided to take a nice long walk with Katie, despite it being rather chilly and early.  I'm so not a morning person.

But I needed my exercise, as did Katie.  Exercised dogs, are happy dogs - trust me on that.

She was excited as she just loves our walks, which are usually too short during the week for her liking.  But we make up for it by going to the doggy park...which is now closed for winter.  How dare they!?

Ahhh...now this is so much nicer than the treadmill.

And I could use my iPhone to take some pictures of...leaves.

That is until Katie halted and stood her ground.  "What's wrong girl, did Timmy fall in the well again?"

Appears Miss Katie was done walking me and decided she wanted to return home.  I figured that out when she turned towards home and tugged - hard.   So...we headed home.

 

And all was right again in the world.

Vegas...

Vegas is my family's distinguished and well poised companion of royal German Dachshund bloodline.  He is focused on those he serves and his loyalty knows no limits; cat nor squirrel will lure his attention from his duties - protect and serve is his mantra.

He dutifully takes his post beside the lady of the house, ensuring her safety and well being for it his paramount to this tiny soldier.

Always alert to danger that awaits the family, ready to spring into action and deftly handle any situation requiring his attention.

But he who sets foot near his squeaky will bear witness to his wrath as he tears your little toe off and dines upon it with fava beans and Chianti.  

Make no mistake...he is a force to be reckoned with.

What to do with all those stripper shoes?

Why...turn them into sexy plant holders of course; that's what Giddy Spinster from Berkeley has done.  Behold, stripper shoes, not just for strippers anymore.

A few of my favorite things...

I never quite understood what possesses sane people to get up at o'dark thirty the day after Thanksgiving and hit the mall.  Is it too much turkey the day before, perhaps it's a stuffing induced temporary insanity.  Are you people nuts?  Don't do it, don't give in - instead, sleep in like me.

Ironing board cover by City Chic Country Mouse

Last year I promised myself that I'd not make it to the mall for Christmas shopping, and I was pretty successful.  Most of my gifts were purchased online and I loved it.  I didn't have to battle gray haired old ladies in Cadillacs in the mall parking lot, nor deal with crying babies who's mommies dragged them to the mall...nope, I clicked away in my jammies.

Chic soap, yes soap...by Soapy Chica

This year, I'm going one step further...not only will I not hit the mall, but I will not be purchasing mass produced gift items.  Everyone is getting something hand made.  No, not by me silly, but by other way more talented folks, most of whom have fantastic little stores on Etsy.com.

Locket by M Steven Designs

These are a small sampling of the unique items you can purchase on Etsy from artists.  I'll be showcasing more of my favorite things from such artisans in hopes to inspire to take the "Shop Handmade" pledge.

What lines you have...

The gravy boat is the least understood and often overlooked of the dining accouterments.  It works hard, keeping that lumpy gravy at your beck and call.  Yet you don't appreciate it's beauty, it's mystery and wonder.  You go about your dining experience without as much as a sideways glance.  But if you did, you'd be seduced...

...by it's sultry lines.

Be still my heart...

Oh those come hither looks are killing me...

See what you've been missing.   You can thank me later.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, love and laughter...

Speaking of laughter...

A wish...

I don’t have children, and do not know what the future holds, but, if one day I am blessed with a daughter…

I desire my daughter to grow up with strength, confidence, and grace.  I want her to know that she can stand equal next to her mate, comfort her children, and have a successful career – if this is her chosen path.  I want her to know that despite failure, she will awaken the following morning with another opportunity for success.

I desire her to know what an honor it is to be a woman; to bring life into this world, and grace the earth with her presence.  I want her to spray a bit of perfume on her neck so that when she hugs someone, the last thing they will remember is her scent when they pull away.   I want her to feel comfortable in an elegant, flowing dress in Tuscany, confident in a business suit and heels in New York City and feel gorgeous in jeans and a t-shirt in her garden.

Above all else, I want to give her the grace of my style, and for her to see the strength in her own character.  I want her to know she came from a long line of hard-working, strong and confident women – who took pride in being the back bone of their family.  I desire for her to realize she may not only be tough as nails but sweet as sugar and revel in the strength femininity affords her.

Simply put, I love being a woman and wish to pass that along.

Sugar and Spice print by Nella Designs can be found here.

 
 

Love kills slowly...

Surely I cannot be the only person who is infatuated with Ed Hardy, especially their "Love Kills Slowly" line.  Oh my goodness.  It is one of my favorite images.  I love it so much, I had to get a steering wheel cover for my ride.  No joke, I waltzed into Pep Boys like I belonged there amidst the pimpled faced teen boys perving over the naked girl silhouettes for their new car - aka, the parents old, oil spewing station wagon with wood paneling parked proudly front and center in the handicapped space by the front door.

 

Behold, the newest in the "Love Kills" line.  I'm swooning in case you couldn't tell.  Me. Want. Now.

"In this Economy"...

Oh how I hate hearing that phrase.  Unfortunately, it's a reality I wish I didn't know but many of my friends and family have been effected by our economic downturn which is looking like it's begun the slow process upward.  Having been effected by it myself, it does teach you a few lessons worth learning.  "Things" do not matter as much as health and love.   I'm fortunate to be healthy and loved by friends and family. 

But as Christmas rolls around, I want to show those people how much I love and appreciate them.  And a big dose of "I love you" just won't cut it.  So this year, more than ever, I'm turning to the fine talent at Etsy.

Everytime I visit, I get lost in some amazingly beautiful and affordable items.  Having grown up in a household with a grandmother who worked magic with needle and thread, I am ever appreciative of the beauty of hand made unique items.  So if you aren't visiting my site for some pretty jewelry (shameless plug, would you expect any less), visit my friends at ETSY, I'm sure they'll have something you'll  love.