oh, my dears

over a month.

that is how long its been since i've written a sentance or even looked at my google reader or visited myfavorite peoples places or even showed the kirtsy girls anything fancy.

i wish i had a very good reason.

but the thing is, for a while i just couldn't feel it. the words weren't there and well, i just could not find them.

something about this lovely holiday season has renewed my vigor though in a way i thought imaginable and for that i could not be happier.

i promise you'll be seeing me here there and everywhere very very shortly.

keeping with this once a week thing...

i should be better at this by now right?

anyway.

here is a thought for you today:

why wasn't the cosby show called the huxtables?

warm & flaky

and definitely almost gone.

this posting once a week thing does not work out does it.

i just got a blackberry.

that should help.

or so i hope.

the past few days have been catch up.

cleaning up email.

mailing packages.

making dresses.

decorating for fall.

apple picking.

apple pies.

spending time with my love.

all the things that make you thankful really. and that is what this time of year is about right.

all this harvesting makes me think that the pilgrams were onto something with this giving thanks thing. it really seems to work out for everyone.

the next few weeks will be busy ones.

i am hoping that that will prompt me to be a little more back on track. i do better when i am busy. i am way more productive.

the part time job starts next week. super excited about that. i'll have a 2 year old playmate 2 days a week. and really, what is better than that?

just a little before i go

i have not had much time today.

mainly do to the fact that my love showed up on my doorstep approximately 5 hours earlier than expected.

a very welcome surprise.

and me...well, i was still in morning mode.

bed head. jammies. a little mascara from yesterday.

a little mortified.

he tried to capture the moment on film. thankfully not. unfortunately i don't have the evidence to show you. i'll let your imagination run wild though.

but like i said. a very welcome surprise.

what is even better is that yesterday by way of being inspired by inchmark i started a journal.

Writing down 5 things that happened that day.

i can't wait to write this one down.

mama + baby

one of my favorite little people is my goddaughter julianna.

she is sweet and bright and my heart just melts when i hear her say 'auntie.'

i think i am in trouble because this one. she makes it hard to say no.

but back to the point of this post.

this puzzle is from eeBoo via genius babies.

object of the game: match the mama with the baby.

how cool is that?

i think this is perfect for a very curious almost three year old. and really, who doesn't love baby animals.

maybe incorporate this with a trip to the petting zoo?

dare i say we have an adventure on our hands.

your message here

i've been finding lots of perspective lately. in places you wouldn't think to find it.

then this morning i came across this project.

full of rather ordinary, simple sentiments.

which really do mean the most.

no surprise that the creator is something's hiding in here.

genius.

and heartwarming.

and all together lovely.

tuesday

today was filled with very good things and very hard moments.

conundrum eh?

+ a nice little part time job in the works
+ a few more rows on the knitting project
+ quality time with dear friends
+ sleeping beauty on DVD
+ homemade chicken soup

- this debate
- missing someone so much that it hurts [only 3 more days!]
- not getting some exercise in

complaining though?

not at all because the good far out weighs the bad.

ravelry

hello knitters?

i'm sure you've heard about it by now.

and if you have not. quick. go now.

but make sure that you've got a solid 3 hours to pour over project after gorgeous project.

i wish this site had existed when i first started knitting. there are some great resources. not to mention that everyone is so dang friendly!

i got up this morning KNOWING that i NEEDED to find the perfect pattern for a dear friends upcoming baby shower.

i flipped through the pages of both my 3 ring binders filled with patterns to find that perfect.

no luck.

so i logged into my ravelry and viola! i am now staring at the most perfect lovely baby something that i know momma and baby will adore.

why all the secrecy on what i am about to knit? the sweet momma reads here and well i've got to keep it a little quiet. right?

rediscover

all this silence.

but, knowing what i know now, priceless.

this girl, she's back.

favorites

this little spot next to my bed with all my red journals has got to be one of my favorites.

top to bottom:
pocket planner
red moleskin journal
the most lovely journal that i have not been able to bring myself to use yet.

sitting on top of a vintage bureau scarf embroidered by my nana.

and that little iron lamp in the back ground...i'm missing home a little bit already.

the happiest place on earth

thomas kinkade: a new day at the cinderella castle

i didn't ever think that i would love disney as much as i do. i got a print of this picture when i was there in june and every day it still makes me smile.

the swan. the deer. the rainbows and lighted walkway. tinkerbell. the weeping willow.

magical.

absolutely magical.

thomas kinkade: snow white discovers the cottage

and this. well. can i be snow white? because i'd really like to discover a happy little cottage all
snuggled in the forest.

both of these remind me that i need to go back.

soon.

new beginnings

Sunrise, originally uploaded by catmadogma.

the quiet over here, it has been the start of a new beginning.

i am taking some time - full time - to focus on the shop. to spend more time here. to kirtsy.

this beginning is such an exciting one for me. one that i have been looking forward to for a long long time.

and that photo there...just makes my heart sing. right?

pay it forward

I was inspired to by Julie over at Belle Maison and Vana at Le Papier to post about a very simple yet extremely powerful way of giving back..."pay it forward."

...Here's how it works: The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward.

I am going to agree to send something cute, fun and thoughtful to the first 3 6 people who post a comment on this entry. [I got carried away and entered to pay it forward from both of them I want to send some of the good karma I have received over the past few months onto some other well deserving people]

In turn, those six will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on.

I know that there are a few people who read here that don't blog so, feel free to comment and then send out an e-mail to your friends and family to see who wants to participate.

If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 6 people to leave a comment! [I am going to leave this posted all week or until there are 6 comments]

The little something that is sent can be something you made, bought, were given or found. Just make sure it's something that will make the person smile! There aren't any cost restraints but try not to go crazy!

By doing this, you must promise me that you will then post about this on your blog or send an e-mail and then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through you. It's a small way to bring a smile to someones face!

I can't wait to send some fun items to the three SIX lucky winners!

Thank you Julie & Vana [two of my daily addictions] for inspiring this post and for reminding us all that it's the little things we do that can really make someone else's day!

where?

where did this week go?

i am blaming it on the three day weekend.

and the fact that in 30 minutes i will be leaving the office to head home.

a little bit later today,

when i have a few more moments,

there will be something awfully special happening on this page.

stay tuned...

xo

a couple of thoughts

via darjeeling dreams

...taking a photo a day of what you're wearing is more of a commitment than i thought it would be.

...this book is in the forefront of my mind. i know what i am going to write about and i couldn't be happier that my mom is going to write in it too.

...i've been thinking a lot lately about work/life balance. it is hard. my plate has been really full lately and even though i love it, i am starting to pull away from things that i really love because i don't have time. scratch that. because i have not found a good way to make time.

...holly hoffman is a blogger i totally connect with on so many levels. i found her blog today via a non-blogger friend. she says so many things that are just so right.

...cooler days mean more baking and cooking [always a good thing in my book]

...next week i am de-stashing. pretty sure I am going to do a combination of putting it on etsy and then a giveaway here?

...nie nie and christan. i think most of you have heard by now. my thoughts and prayers are with them. the best way to help out here? donate? purchase? thinking about this one a lot because they really seem like an amazing family.

new look

thoughts on this?

do not leave unattended

have any of you heard of this?

jude of randomly run 4ist run is doing an awesome project called "Do Not Leave Unattended - Random Dispatches from the Blogosphere."

i read about it on krissy's blog and immediately knew that it was totally something that i needed to be a part of.

and then, i got an e-mail this morning letting me know that i was next on the list!

i seriously cannot wait.

this project is one that makes my heart all pitter patter. snail mail is a wonderful thing in itself but a notebook sent through snail mail full of wisdom and writings and other wonderfulness from other bloggers...that my dears is priceless.

incognito because it was 6:30am and i had yet to put my face on.

i don’t remember where i got the top, leggings from target, shoes from payless.

Trying some things out over on tumblr.

Not really sure about it yet.

I kind of like the layout?

[i have no idea where these images are from - i saved them on my harddrive before i was good at linking]

Things I like about this [line by line, left to right]

• clean white lines but its still really warm and inviting; shabby chic-ness; arched dorways.
• I think I would like these more in the bathroom; amazing use of space, the wall paper, fantastic inspiration board; ampersands and black and white photos are perfect together.
• guest room loveliness; high beadboard walls and wood floors; vintage modern goodness.

Up for discussion.

Tuesday night

Stopped.
In motion.

We went to the Marshfield Fair last night. It is a yearly tradition.

We didn't ride any rides but this picture makes me just as happy as riding the ferris wheel does.

I'm a lazy blogger

I don't have an excuse for you. I've been busy and lazy.

PEACHES

Picking Peaches, originally uploaded by adwriter.

Is there anything more delicious than a perfectly ripe peach?

ETSY LOVE

Have you visited Suann's lovely little shop Simplesong Designs?

Not only is she one of the most wonderful people you will work with, she is also amazingly talented.

Last week, when I was having a bit of a bad day, I stopped by her shop to order a few little pick-me-ups for my desk.

When I came home to this little package last night, I could not have been happier!


Push pins that will always make me smile.
And these letterpress cards. To. Die. For. I am already planning whos day I can brighten with these babies.
I really do love Etsy. The people are always so fabulously wonderful and knowing that I am purchasing from someone who put so much love and effort into this just makes it that much better.

Our view from the dinner table.

Evening drinks on a seaside patio.

Sometimes the best part of Monday is taking time out to think about a well spent weekend.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Congrats Karen! from the blog Faded Willow.

Please contact me at sfcookson@gmail.com with your address so that I can ship these out to you!

...more to come later on this weekends adventures!

100th POST GIVEAWAY

I think I gave it away in the title no?


In honor of today being my 100th post I am going to send a lucky winner these babies:

5 [very powerful] magnets made with keys from a real vintage typewriter

Aren't they magical?

Etsy seller bubbo-tubbo is sweet as can be and I think I know why. Check out her studio space [scroll down to 'phm studio spaces: natasha mileshina (bubbo)'] .

I am in love love love.

So as a little thank you for always being here when I need you most, I want to give a bit of this love away.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. All comments submitted before 11:59 EDT today will be entered and I will announce the winner tomorrow.

Thanks for being the most wonderful readers and commenters a girl could ask for.

xo

STELLAR SERVICE

I had a bit of a scare today.

It started yesterday with a lovely Etsy conversation asking for the dimensions of a quilt in the shop. A little while later after sending them off, I got an email saying that I had an order...YAY!

I log into paypal and there is no transaction. Strange.

I send a convo thanking the buyer and said:
Nice right?

The buyer wrote back:

I'd also like to note here that in the order 'Kathy' asked that we embroider the baby's name on the quilt [which we lovingly do for no extra charge].

I log onto paypal today and there is still no transaction. The even stranger thing is that now I have an e-mail from paypal with a link asking me to 'click to claim the money.' So I click and I enter my username and password ... and when I look to my history there is still no transaction.

I decide that before I convo the buyer again I am going to call paypal and see if there is a glitch.

And there was.

The woman I spoke with was Lindsey. I hope that everyone that works at paypal is like her. She was super attentive and had me walk her through the scenario. Then she asked me to read the e-mail to her. As soon as I did she said "That e-mail is not from paypal."

Then I picked my jaw up off the floor.

Apparently this is a popular scam. People set up these 'mirror sites' in hopes of getting 3 things:

a.) your username;
b.) your password; and
c.) a free item [thinking you will send without payment].

Lindsey walked me through a few things like changing my password and security questions. Then she gave me a quick rundown of how paypal works [no one can EVER get your bank/credit card info - which is relieving]. Lindsey also told me a few things to look out for.

At the end of the conversation she had me send the email to spoof@paypal.com - they have a whole department that takes care of things like this. I also got a follow-up e-mail with some great paypal information and ways to protect against this in the future.

All is well that ends well. My account was not tampered with and I learned some valuable information.

WIRED

I still don't know what this thing really is but my score was a 52 so that can't be bad right?

UPDATE: Are You Internet Famous? Use the Wired Celebrity Meter to find out how big a deal you really are. Our algorithm will dig through your personal pages to find out how many fans are following your online exploits.

There you have it. 52 fans.

Thank you thank you.

FILM

Honestly. I love Vermont.
It was my first time here and I loved every minute of it. The blue skies. The trees. Oh. The. Trees.
The awesome mountains. The entire ride on the highway was like one gigantic breathtaking view. I really dont think I'd need to go anywhere else besides the beach maybe.
Beach chairs. Fire. Corona. Low tide. Good company. I am not sure that there is a better Friday night out there.

[as i said all the photos here are taken with film - a disposable camera nonetheless - i might need to break out my old 35mm ha!]

CAMERA-RA-RA

A little treat later today/tomorrow morning.

Pictures...taken with film!

I cannot even tell you the last time I used film. The excitement of what they are going to look like is kind of killing me. For years I have been so used to the instant gratification of digital photos and this little break is quite the nice one.

I can't wait.

What's more is that I finally get to share pictures from the past few weeks of deliciousness that include the peacefulness of Vermont, summer nights spent on the beach with a fire and of course time well spent with good friends.

xo

BAD HABITS

I bought this book in a self help effort.

I am fully aware of the worst habit I [or anyone for that matter] could have.

I take on too much.

The word 'yes' is probably the most over used word in my vocabulary.

Don't get me wrong - all that I have been doing...I love it. A lot.

It just makes things like this little spot take the back burner and well...I've missed it.

So I'm back...for good...go ahead and try to get rid of me.

xo

3 DAY REPRIEVE

Things are going to be a little quiet over here at Chez Lemon Pie...I am headed up north to Vermont for a company off-site meeting.

I do however leave with with more new items in the shop.

And the promise of GREAT things to come upon my return.

Until then stay cool, stay dry...stay fly

xo

RADIO SILENCE...but not really

Remember those patterns I cut out? Here they are taking shape. By tonight they will be up in the shop.

Also this weekend I've been working on doing the calligraphy for a lovely friend's wedding invitations.

I just can't stop...ok. back to work.

LAST NIGHT

3 hours of sleep.

Not because I couldn't sleep.

Because I got involved.

Involved cutting out eight (yup, 8) patterns:

• Pinafore
• Rumba pants
• Romper [for boys]
• Blue linen dress [this one will be hard to part with]
• A few bibs
• Sundress thing

I also got involved making a dress [90% complete & sweet as heck].

The cool part: my mom and I were sewing [and ironing] together [obv. working on different projects]. I probably would not have stayed up so late had she not been. It is so great to have someone next to you that loves what you're doing as much as you do.

Getting me through right now: The fact that it is Friday and the gigantic iced coffee on my desk right now.

*it is all for the shop

A QUICK QUESTION

Why do Target models always have really terrible awful shoes that 90% of the time don't match what the model is wearing?

Thoughts on this?

SUMMER LOVE

Target. Where else?

Honestly - best $20 I've spent in a long time. So far I've worn this:

• To a cookout
• To brunch [with a long sweater]
• Doing errands
• To a birthday party
• As a beach cover-up

Each time I wear it people love it.

I went back to buy another one because when this one dies, I am going to need a backup - there were no more though so I am thinking you can only get this online now?

I got a medium and it is 100% true to size.

Love.

NOSTALGIA

This dress. This dress makes my heart oh so very happy. The shiny buttons. The piping. The ruffle. Oh, the ruffle. The little sleeve. Its A-line shape [perfect for a girl with hips]. I can't even tell you how much I'd wear this. There is even a chance I would sleep in it.

via funky etsy shop: nostalgia

PACKING & SHIPPING

Packing and shipping might be one of my most favorite parts about having an Etsy shop. I love thinking about how the recipient will feel when they open the envelope and see their treasures inside.

I honestly wouldn't want to spend my night any other way.

THE FIRST [of many]

First I'd like to say thank you for the kind words [and de-lurking] yesterday. It is those little things that make me really really want to write.

I've got a little surprise for today.

It is a shop update.

A small update, but an update.

Over the next few days I will be adding more items so...keep your eyes peeled.

And please please let me know if there is something you'd like to see in there but isn't. Ok?

I added a new section called 'Samples.' Basically, it will be a great place to get lux risa items at a little bit of a discount since they will be 'first additions.' It is always a little tough working with or on a new pattern and there are always little imperfections. The imperfections are not anything that compromise the integrity of the garment, they are just little oops here and there that no one [but me] will notice. Instead of having a growing pile of first additions hanging around, I'll put them in the shop!

So la la la. That is my great news of the day!

xo

ERR..

It has been serious.

The writers block that is.

Something happened last week - it was like all the words were just gone.

I'm pretty sure that it had something to do with time management.

And maybe a little something to do with still wanting to be on vacation.

But I am back, and I am here for good.

This weekend was a wonderful one filled with good friends, good family and good times. It was the perfect amount of relaxation and excitement. Last night I fell asleep feeling very content with it all. That my friends is how every Sunday should end - perfectly ready to face the coming week with vigor and excitement.

WALL.E

Last night I got home from work and instead of posting here, or on Kirtsy and instead of going to the gym, my mom and sister convinced me to go see Wall.E with them.

I am so glad I did.

This movie is one of the best I have seen in a long long time. Sweet and funny and 100% completely fascinating. I literally could not take my eyes away from the screen.

You have to see it.

Plus, it has robots in it and really, who doesn't love robots?

SORRY ABOUT THAT

I took an inadvertent hiatus this weekend.

I'll be posting a humdinger later so...stay tuned!

Studio Inspiration

In getting back from vacation [which I do promise to post about] and getting ready for a long weekend, I've begun to think about the best way to utilze a small workspace.

Before flickr became my best friend I would just save images to my hard drive so unfortunately I don't have the original image links. I know that 2 & 3 are Martha Stewarts personal studio. The others...well make me wish I had a space like theirs!

Until then I am going to try and incorporate some great shelving for storage, a table to cut on possibly and am going to join the hoop-la.

ON BEING NICE

The work of Banksy - author of infamous graffiti around London. First seen here and then found on BombDog's flickr

Karey M. has me thinking about being nice lately.

Being nice I think is not always easy. Sometimes...well sometimes a case of the nasties gets in the way. Sometimes even when I have the nasties but try oh so very hard to be nice, nasty gets the best of me and I really don't like that.

You see, it is pretty hard to get me all worked up but once I am there...it is kind of like a tornado and without meaning to be nasty there I am. After all is said and done I always feel terrible awful. That I could have stopped that I should have stopped but right there and then I just wouldn't couldn't.

I always say I'm sorry...does that count as being nice?

So, I am [belatedly] joining the nice contest because really, being nice is way better than having to feel nasty about being naughty.

HOW DO I COUNT THE WAYS?

Hello. I'm back. It looks like I kept you busy while I was gone though.

Tara, Mary[Ruffle] & KareyM:

You really really do. Coming home to those oh so very kind words made my heart swell with thanks.

Disney was amazing and beautiful and insanely fun...pictures and thoughts are coming soon I promise. As soon as I get over the loveliness of these women [which will probably be never] I swear I'll be able to write again.

LOVE AND FAITH...

hello. my name is karey...{insert monotone, faux-thrilled hi karey!}...and i'm a fan of sarah. which is totally better than being an alcoholic.

{blink. blink.}

oh, dear. this isn't starting out well, is it? let me begin again...

hi. i'm karey. i'm a big fan of sarah. in fact, i liked her from the minute i saw her name. sarah faith. that just sounds lovely and sweet and honest and true, doesn't it? from that point on, my admiration's only grown.

sarah and i share a love of words. she's nearly always one of my first commenters on nearly every one of my posts. i've come to wait for them, those words of hers. because when she calls me her lovely or her dear, i believe her. plus? she likes it when i leave her naughty comments that make her giggle.

but that's not why i'm fond of sarah. not really.

priceless baubles mean absolutely nothing to sarah, or to me. for us, a piece of jewelry is just a piece of jewelry. until? until you add words. because then that piece of jewelry becomes a treasure. and it all-of-a-sudden means everything.

but that's not why i enjoy sarah. not really.

for reasons unbeknownst to me, sarah loves all things moustachioed.

and this is definitely not why i like sarah. not. at. all.

once upon a time, i wrote a story about my sister. {you may read it here if you'd like.} it was insanely personal. one of those posts where you hit publish and instantaneously burst into a ball of panic. not to mention tears.

and within minutes? there popped up sarah's comment. my first. of course.

you, my lovely, take my breath away. thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story. my eyes are filled with tears. the love you all have for each other is oh-so-amazing.

with that? my panic - poof! - disappeared. her words gave me a confidence in my words that i'd honestly never before owned.

and that's why i adore sarah.

sarah and i are both fans of melanie favreau's work. her etsy shop is like a treasure chest. oh, and eterna fede is latin for forever faithful. i thought that was appropriate for sarah.

Words and pictures

Happy Wednesday, lovely folks!

My name is Mary, and I am lucky enough to know Sarah through our editor roles at Kirtsy. She was the first editor I connected with personally - partly due to the fact that she also lives here in Massachusetts, but more so because Sarah is a pretty darn fabulous girl.

Among other things, Sarah and I share a love for inspiring words and beautiful images. I can think of no better way to honor my sweet friend during my guest posting duty for today with a few of my favorite quotes paired with some great eye candy. I hope you enjoy them, too!

via m.writes

via frolic! with credit to Getty Images

via turnipkit

via Jen Gotch

via Camilla Engman

via SylviaK

via b_espadana

via speckledegg

via Let's Explode

via 500CPM

via Nothing Mind

P.S. Be sure to check back Friday for a guest post by one of the best people ever.