It's All About The Glitter

UHU Glue Stick. Check.

Martha Stewart Rose Quartz Glitter. Check.

Pink Cardstock. Check.

Walnut Brown Ink. Check.

Bunny & Cupcake Stamps. Check.

Ribbon. Check.

Are you sure you have enough glitter?? 'Cause, you know, I am all about the glitter. Check.

2 Weeks Later...

Seriously. These are the flowers that The Hub gave to me on Valentine's Day. They have a special place on the kitchen counter and I think they are still lookin' pretty dang good.

Instant Smile Maker :)

Big Ol' Tuesday

The real world job took over my Monday but yesterday was a pretty good day overall...

Yea, okay...who saw Oprah yesterday?? If you did, lucky you...and if you didn't, what a shame! Her first guest, in all of his cuteness was Rick...as in Springfield... **sigh** He talked about his kids, got teary when talking about his wife and gave a pretty good performance of "Jessie's Girl". he even managed to visit & surprise some lucky lady at her place of work. Just my luck..wrong place, wrong time...

Anyway...that was so much fun to watch, but I also got the Bloggy Yard Sale packages ready to go, got to watch American Idol with Bailey, did some grocery shopping, went to the Post Office and sat through a horrible rain storm that has chilled us off here in Central FL...it's now 48 degrees, will be about 35 degrees tonight and only a high of 60 degrees tomorrow. Nice change since it's been about 80 degrees for the past week.

So, there you have it...and I do have the info on The Little French Girl Print...so get ready for that!

Hmmmm..60 degrees sounds like Disney weather to me... :)

Shut The Front Door...

Yep...what you see is what you get! (and hear if you turn up your speakers now!) 4 nite cruise starts in Miami, visits Key West and Cozumel. Guest musicians, concerts, meet & greet's...the Hub says "Book It"!! Oh, yikes...what to do, what to do???

Thank You Very Much!!

The Big Kiss Award

Sweet Sandi over at Holding Patterns has honored me with this award and I am so proud to share it with you all!! How exciting... ;)

And, thanks to everyone that stopped by the Bloggy Yard Sale. Sold a couple of things and had some sweet comments and emails...so THANK YOU!! What fun..and I may switch some stuff around, add some stuff, take away some stuff...just see what happens. There are treasures all over the place and maybe we can do some sharing...hmmmm??

Can't spend too much time visiting you all today...many errands to run and things are poppin' in my little Real Estate world...lucky me!! Have a closing on one house tomorrow and just got a contract on one of my listings in late yesterday afternoon. Oh, it's a good thing, but so much paperwork...ack.

So, anyway...thanks for the cool award, thanks for visiting the Yard Sale, thanks for stopping by here...***MWAH***

Okay...It's Ready!!

Since there are so many pictures, I have put everything on a separate blog, so head on over and take a peek!

Mockingbird Hill: Vintage, Whimsy & Hoo-Ha

Thanks a bunch!

It's 9:51....

...and I am working on the pictures for the Bloggy Yard Sale! Give me just a few more minutes...please!!!

No News Is Good News, I Guess

President's Day. It's a holiday. Not that George Washington and Abe Lincoln shouldn't have a celebration for their birthday, but why can't they have it ON their birth day like everyone else? And, why wouldn't they want to get mail on their birthday?

So..in honor of "The Birthday's", the guy that does the scanning/giclee process was not in his studio today and I'll just bet he wasn't out having birthday cake, either. So...I have no info on the Little French Girl. Hopefully, he will be done celebrating by tomorrow and have an answer for me. Pfffttt!

Next...I will post tomorrow, Tuesday, some of the remaining Yard Sale stuff that people have asked about. To be fair, I want to post at a time when everyone will be home from work or not distracted by kids or retired hubs so look for the post at 10PM Eastern Time.

I will warn you in advance that the pictures may not be great and I don't think I will be able to display everything like a magazine ad! Thanks to the lower interest rate, I am having a very busy week and have to be out and away from home everyday this week. Gotta show that property whenever I get the chance!

So, that's it for now...catch up with you all tomorrow!

The Little French Girl

Don't you love the music???

Okay, all you Little French Girl lovers...here's what I have been able to find out...






I can get this copied in 2 different ways. I had a copy made at a regular FedEx-Kinko's and it came out so-so. Not all that bad, but as I told you, and as you can see in the photo above, there is some water staining on the bottom. It's not close to the little girl herself and does not affect her at all...but, when copied, it does leave a slight shadowing. Now, it's all far enough down on the edge that you will probably want to cut it off anyway to make it fit in a regular sized frame. As you see her, she is 13" x 17".



Of course, the down side to this is that the copy is just on regular "tabloid" paper and is very thin. If you just want to trim it up and frame it...probably okay. The colors aren't quite as vibrant, but it's okay. I can get it copied and mailed, priority mail, for a total of $8.








So...have you visited my Mom over at Pie In The Sky Studio? She's an artist working in many different mediums and one of her "art connections" will scan and print this as a giclee', but the price goes up! This is basically a professional scan/printing process that many artists use to sell cheaper prints of their art work...my Mom does this with her work. So, we are now talking more in the $20 dollar range. I was supposed to get the final price today, but he had to leave his shop for something important and couldn't meet with me...now it will be Monday before I know for sure!!



So, on Monday I will have the final price for the professional print and then you can decide. If anyone wants her at the $8 price, I will get it done and out as soon as possible. For those that want to wait and see what the other one will be, that's okay by me!





So, now dear friends, I will leave it up to you! Another post on Monday...sometime, cause I have real world work that day...will give you the info you need to decide. Just let me know what you wanna do...and have a great weekend!!

L-O-V-E

L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore, and

Love is all that I can give to you

Love is more than just a game for two

Two in love can make it

Take my heart and please don't break it

Love was made for me and you.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

People Are Just Plain Crazy

Yard Sale. Worked for about 2 weeks getting everything sorted and ready. This was a huge process for me..putting it in the "to go" and then taking stuff back out. And, while I had sorted most of the vintage/antique pieces I held off on pricing..waiting for Dawn to come down and help me!!



To save time, I'll let you know that we worked until 2:30 or 3 the morning before and were up and ready to begin set up at 6AM. We weren't very pretty, but we were up.







Opened the garage door at 6 to start setting up the tables and as I peer out into the DARK I see cars already parked in front of the house!! We got the tables set up...we had 8 long banquet type tables and 3 medium sized tables...and the setting up process began. My good friend Jill, who brought her bunch o' junk over, was the table supplier. Her Hub works for the city and he borrowed them for us. Good thing. I had originally asked for 3 tables..whatever was I thinking??



Anyway...the crowd began to grow and even though we had the end of the driveway blocked by a table, the people kept creeping in. "I want that quilt", "I want that teapot", Can I see that chair?", "Can I look at the linens?" Now the newspaper ad was very clear...NO EARLY SHOPPING. Obviously these people don't read well or they just don't care.



At 7:40 one lady says "It's 8. Why don't they just open? What's the big deal?". Well, I had heard just about all I wanted to hear and I spun around on my converse sneakers and through clenched teeth said. "It is not 8 o'clock...can you tell time? We will open at 8!" I knew at that point we were facing a hostile crowd....



At 7:45 we let them in and they RAN...RAN to the tables. One guy pushed another guy down to the ground to get to some reproduction Americana bunting that was priced at just $3. Dawn was yelling, "Dude...it's just fabric and it's not EVEN old!" I mean...it was like nothing I had seen before. So, the first 30 minutes were pretty scary and I do think we made the bulk of the $$ then. As it got later and hotter, the crowds thinned and most shoppers were there because of the sign we put down on the corner. It really had nothing to do with the great old stuff. We did have some dealers there and we negotiated on some of the stuff, but not on everything. We did ask one lady to leave because she was incredibly rude and guess what?? It's MY stuff and I'll price it however I want to....if you don't want it, put it down and leave...and she did.



After a much needed run to Dunkin Donuts, we got a second wind and began re-organizing. Finally, the end was drawing near...it was so hot and we were sunburned, so we put the "good" stuff in one pile and the "donate" stuff in another pile. I was amazed to see what was left and what had sold. It's true...one man's trash is another man's treasure. Thank goodness. ;)



SO...how does this sound? I will take some decent (ha) pictures of the stuff that's left...and that some have asked about...and post them all at the same time. Then if anyone wants anything, just post a comment and whichever post time is first will be the one who gets it. We are planning another sale sometime next month, so whatever doesn't go will just be added to that pile. There are some sweet sweet saucers..so shabby...some linens and hankies, old kitchen stuff...good stuff. I will have to take some time to get the pictures done and all of that, so I'm thinking maybe Monday or Tuesday..but, I'll let you know the day and time, so it can be fair to everyone. Yes??



I don't think I want to do another big sale like this for a while....such stress can't be good. Ack.



I will let you know on FRIDAY about the little French girl...and yes, she is on the potty, hence the title "Business Is Business"!

You Can't Even Imagine...

No...seriously...you can't imagine what went on here on Saturday!! I have to leave in 20 minutes for my real world job (ick) and have to show property today, so this will be short!

The sale was a huge success...for a quick overview visit my sis Dawn over at Maebelle Park... and there is still so much good stuff left over! I've had some questions about what was left over and I am thinking I'll just do a Bloggy Yard Sale and post it all and if anyone wants something it will go to the first one who asks.

But, a quick re-cap: the little French girl drawing is still here and so is the child's chair, the picnic basket, linens and some beautiful glassware/porcelain. Anyway...I'll let you know exactly what's left and post it all at once...it would make me happy to have some of this go to a place where it will be appreciated. What stories some of this could tell!

Oh...and the little French girl?? Well, Susie-Q had a wonderful idea and I've already done the research and gotten the information so that there is a way we can all enjoy her! Hmmm...someone thought a polka-dot mat would be a good thing...how cute is that??? I'll tell you all about that, too...

Can I just tell you that the sale started at 8AM and there were people parked in front of the house when I went outside to set up tables...at 6AM?? Craziness.

Just One More Day

My head is so full of Yard Sale stuff that I can't even think about posting anything else! My friend came over last night and brought 3 huge boxes of stuff...I mean these are boxes that garbage cans come in!! Then, my sister is coming down tomorrow and bringing some of her stuff. We've got 5 big tables and a couple of card tables and I don't think that will be near enough space....*sigh*

But, I have emptied all of the boxes and sorted through it all, keeping some things that we just cannot part with. Don't get me wrong...if it was just up to me, I'd keep most of it! But the truth is we won't be displaying it since it doesn't go with anything we have and it just doesn't seem right to keep it in a box. How important can it be if it sits in a box or a cupboard for years??

Anywho...since you enjoyed looking at the last bunch of pictures , here is part 2. This is just skimming the top of what's here...it's almost frightening. Having to clean out 2 homes within 3 months of each other was a big job! So all of you that have boxes or cupboards full of stuff you don't/won't use, do your family a favor...share it now if that is your intention. And...be sure to let someone know who made the quilt or embroidered the pillowcase or made the apron and whose wedding dress is in the box??

So...here ya go....

Glassware

Handpainted Bowl

Old Advertising Plate (sorry..it's blurry)

Crystal Lamps




Cup & Saucer





Quilts

More Tins

Old Tin Picnic Basket, Very Cool Light Up Clock

Hankies

Napkin Holder That Folds Around Napkins....

...And The Napkins Inside

Wedding Cake Topper
(not a family piece, just something I had)

Wonderful Child's Chair, Just Needs Seat!

Watering Can, Shabby Stool, Child's Enamel Top Table

Old Iron & Holder

Iron Bunnies (not old)

Americana Bunting and Flags

The ad in the paper will come out tomorrow and I am also posting on Craig's List. In this area, everyone reads it and uses it. Hoping for a big turnout...sure wish those of you that enjoy this kind of thing could be here! I'd be so happy to see some of this special stuff go home with special people! Wish us luck....!

Dear Diary

This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.
Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.



MONDAY:Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me.She is something of a Greek goddess - with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was a round. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!



TUESDAY:I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.



WEDNESDAY:The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the Hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other shit too.



THURSDAY:Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late; it took me that long to tie my shoes.Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny witch to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.



FRIDAY:I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I d on't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?



SATURDAY:Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner. However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.



SUNDAY:I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little shit) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

This Is My Boo

Thanks so much for all of the nice things you said about my earlier post on Daniel, our table cleaner at Steak 'N Shake. Not only did it seem like we inspired you to do some random kind thing for someone, but I got some beautiful messages in my email, too. Since The Daughter was a big part of that I showed her the comments and messages and the little tears began to fall. She has such a big heart and I asked her if it was okay for me to post a picture of her and share her real name with everyone. When I started this whole thing, I promised my family that, even though I might share some stuff about myself, I wouldn't expose them without asking first! So, I am so very pleased to introduce you to my daughter, Bailey...



She is 23 years old and is an only child. A college grad, she is a manager at a very well known restaurant and concert venue in Downtown Disney (how appropriate is that??) and is the light of my life. She has also become the daughter that The Hub never had...

Just one more quick story and then I will stop bragging...but, just a couple of days before Halloween she turned onto our street and saw that one of the yards was completely covered in toilet paper! And, to make it worse, the owner, an elderly man with a walker for support, was out front trying to clean it all up. The TP was everywhere...lawn, bushes, trees...and the morning damp had made it break apart and stick everywhere. She happened to be talking to me on her cell phone at the time and as she told me what she was seeing she just said, "I have to stop and help him." And she did. She cleaned up and bagged up all of that paper...even getting it out of the trees. Once she got home she couldn't stop talking about it and wondering how he ever could have gotten it all. She had never seen him before and even though she passes his house every day, she hasn't seen him since.


I am so very proud of her and her accomplishments at this young age...and I am sometimes in awe of her kindness, caring and concern for others. The Hub and I are so lucky to have her in our lives...and no matter how big she gets or how far away she goes, she is now and will forever be my Boo.

My Very First Win

Oh yea, you read it right...I was a first time winner in a giveaway last week...sweet!! While so many were wrapped up in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, I put my name in the bucket over at Chia's House Of Stirfry and she chose me ;) What was my prize? It arrived in a small plain brown wrapper...hmmmm...and there was something all snuggled in bubble wrap....



How cool is this? 6 brand spankin' new bottles of Distress Ink!! For those of you that stamp and collage and make tags, you know how super these are. For those that don't, well just know that these are what give all of those projects the cool effects of old paper and linen. Since I am trying to move my skill in this area up a notch, I am thrilled to have these...thanks so much, Chia!!

In other news, I am off to get my permit for the Yard Sale this week. Yes...in this itty bitty neighborhood town I have to get a permit to sell junk in my driveway. Ack. But, the pile is growing and now my sister and her junk and one of my friends and her junk, as well as the junk from a couple of neighbors will all be available for sale in my driveway...gotta love junk...wait, I meant to say treasures!! Hoping a good time will be had by all....

And, The Winner Is.......

First...thanks so much to everyone that took part in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival...I was amazed at the number of entries, not to mention the fact that there are so many Cath Kidston Fans out there!

As before, I used the Random Number Generator and here's the magic number.....

Now...I am counting them out...it just breaks my heart that there are some that have to be deleted...no contact address...and the winner is.....

Sandi over at Holding Patterns...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

This is extra exciting for me because Sandi is one of my most special friends..what are the chances of that?? I will be getting this wonderful book and the extra surprises packed up and sent out sometime in the next couple of days.

No word yet on the next Giveaway date, but it will be sometime in the Spring. I am going to go ahead and start searching for something amazing to add to the list!

Thanks again everyone...this was great fun!!