Sugar*Sugar : May 2008

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May 28, 2008

A little whiney...

Oh, it's been such a long week and a half.

I just want to whine.

My wisdom teeth are still giving me pain. The doctor says the swelling from the infection and dry socket is what is giving me the nerve pain. *sigh* I'm going in tomorrow for the 5th visit.

waaaa waaa waaa

My friend Aly would say, "Waa waa, call the waaambulance!"

I do need call the waaambulance. Maybe they will take me in and give me something that will sedate me for like a week. Hey, nice hospital stay, no cleaning house, watch tv, maybe get some sympathy flowers out of it??? Doesn't sound too bad...

In other news, I'm working on some items for the next issue of Somerset Life, and I'm feeling so uninspired.

You know how that can be?

I feel like this every time I send something in.

Completely incapable of conjuring up something that looks even half way pretty. Usually I make some things that are just, well, ugly. I get all of the ugly things out of my system, by then it's 2:39 AM and I am wondering, "What I am even doing awake at this hour?"

Then the next day, things are clearer, things don't absolutely disgust me anymore and I can actually focus on a task.

So, I've completed some items, took a few snapshots and thought I would post them here, mostly for myself... I need to see that I've done something productive in the last 10 days.

It feels better when you can stand back from the things you've been brooding over for a few days and see them in a different light. Or even just daylight, for that matter....

Maybe things are not as bad as I think and maybe I just need to get out of the house a little....

Anyone want to go see a movie?

Posted at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (24) | TrackBack (0)

May 25, 2008

Show and Tell: China

Welcome to Show and Tell Sunday!

Today we are showing are beautiful China, Silver and Crystal!

Below is your list of participating blogs, we have a BUNCH of gals this week!

Side note: Typepad has (thankfully!) updated some features and the links should open in a new window... so less back and forth for ya!

Remember, if you are participating and do not see your link, just leave me a comment and I'll add you just as soon as possible!

One more note, as Cerri shared last week, Show & Tell is open to everyone to participate. If we find that you may have forgotten to post about this week's topic, we may remove your link from the list, as others are coming to see your Show & Tell post.

Also, we ask that you refrain from sending any spam and commercial advertising links in your comments. In keeping with the original idea of "Show & Tell Sunday", (being fun prompts for blogging and meeting other bloggers with similar interests) we will NOT post any links to on-line shops, businesses and/or commercial sites. Please leave your blog address only. Thanks! :0)

Okay, your list! Have fun and enjoy!

Also, don't for get to check in with Cerri at Little Pink Studio this week for next week's topic!!

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So, my china.

It's actually a cool story.

Before we moved from Texas to California 2 years ago, we sold a bunch of our junk in a huge "California or BUST" moving sale. I sold anything and everything. I wanted to start over. I literally remember pulling the sheets off of my mattresses and box springs and hauling them off of the frames and throwing them in the front yard... they sold a few hours later.

Jeff and I had to sleep on an air bed for a while after that. I remember we had to air it up every night because by morning, it was half flat and we would wake up having both rolled to the center, folded like a taco.

Aaannnnyway, I sold a lot of my dishes in that yard sale.

So, when we arrived here, I was a yard sale maniac. Looking for new treasures to quietly collect dust for me.

So, one day Jeff calls me. He says they are having a rummage sale at the church and he found "the perfect shabby chic dishes"!!!

You know how it can be when your husband finds things... sometimes it's totally right. You kiss him because you are completely stunned that he did SO WELL for you!

Other times it's totally and completely wrong, and you wonder if he's ever even met you. You smile and thank him and hide your new gadget in the cabinet over the fridge... you know the one you NEVER open. You check it only when you are moving OUT of the house and decide to just leave it as a "gift" to the next owner?

Well, this time Jeff got it COMPLETELY RIGHT! Whew! He came home and plopped this huge cardboard box down in the kitchen.

"Here are the dishes I was telling you about, 35 bucks for all of 'em." *smile*

I open them and gasp. For real.

I was like... "Uummm, do you know that these are really, REALLY nice dishes?"

"Ya, I thought you would think they were pretty."

"No, I mean, these are REALLY EXPENSIVE DISHES!!! And there are 12 complete place settings plus all the serving platters and bowls and EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!"

"Huh, let me look them up on eBay..."

Oh, you know you do it too... don't act so innocent...

So, he looks them up and this is his response:

"BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE!!!! THEY ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING WE OWN!!! WHERE CAN WE SELL THEM?!?!"

LOL

Needless to say, we still have our Spode Irene china... I only took a few pieces of it out for photos today... So if you ever drop in... I'll set a pretty table and we'll eat on it together! :0)

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Oh! Thanks again for all of the well wishes on my wisdom teeth extractions! I had all four taken out last Monday. Unfortunately, I developed dry socket and a huge, I mean HUGE swollen face. I've been to the oral surgeon's office 3 times this week and have another appt. for next Tues. I am on antibiotics and LOVING the pain medicine! YEAH FOR THAT!

*SIGH*

So, hopefully, this week I can get back to normal. Sorry if I have failed to respond to your email and you are waiting on one from me... you might want to try me again!

*chubby faced wink*

Analise

Posted at 12:04 AM in Show and Tell Sunday | Permalink | Comments (52) | TrackBack (0)

May 19, 2008

Show and Tell for Sunday May 25th

Just popping in quickly to announce the next topic for Show and Tell Sunday for May 25th.

Show us your beautiful china, silver and crystal!

You can include your dinnerware, tea service, tea cups and saucers, pretty platters, cream and sugar, serving pieces and collectible items!

You may want to set a pretty decorated table to share, or just a small service for one!

Even if you don't have all the pieces you may want someday, show us your favorite tea cup, even if you only have one!

Be creative and have fun! (Plus you might get that dusting and polishing done that you've been putting off!! :0))

Please leave me a comment if you will be sharing so I can be sure to add you to Sunday's list!

Thanks everyone! Have a great week!!

~Analise

Posted at 01:30 AM in Show and Tell Sunday | Permalink | Comments (67) | TrackBack (0)

May 18, 2008

Show and Tell- Vintage Linens

Hi y'all!

Show and Tell this week is being hosted by Cerri at Little Pink Studio! Stop by her blog HERE to see all the other participating blogs for this week!

Tomorrow I will announce our topic for next Sunday, May 25th. :0)

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Our assignment for this week is VINTAGE LINENS!

I'll be honest, I only snapped a few photos this time. If I was to pull out all the linens I actually have, this post would take you FOREVER to read. So, I just brought out a few for you to see, and I'll show you some of my favorite projects using vintage linens, sound good?

Kay.

So a few photos to begin with, just some doilies that I especially love...

I know they can seem a little "grandma-ish" but I still cannot resist doilies! There is just something about the whole "handmade" thing that I just love. I always appreciate the detailed work that some gal, maybe a gal like me, took the time create... just for the sake of being pretty! I love that!

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Okay, so I think I've shown this before, but I snapped a few piccys of my vintage pillowcase and sheets collection once again. There are some vintage tablecloths, fabrics and napkins mixed in here as well, but this is how I keep them....

My DARLING of a husband came home with this chippy vintage pie safe for me last Mother's Day... I know, I'm a completely spoiled brat....

I have all the linens here separated by color, just because that's how I do... my closet looks the same way.

Sorry, these pictures are really bad... lol, I was in a bit of a hurry.

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What do I like to make with the vintage linens, you ask?

Well, I like to make little tote bags with them... I feel like they are much more useful, rather than sitting on my shelf gathering dust bunnies.

These are a few that I've made:

Okay, now I realize I should have made a mosaic...

too late! :0)

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Alright bloggy friends, I must be off...

I am having surgery tomorrow to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out! EEEEK!

I'm totally nervous! I have had some great advice from a few of you, so *THANKS* for that! I think I'm prepared, but just not looking forward to the pain! Ick!

So, cross your fingers for me tomorrow! I'm having full anesthesia, so at the very least, I'll get in a good nap! *wink*

Analise

Posted at 01:33 AM in Show and Tell Sunday | Permalink | Comments (40) | TrackBack (0)

May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all mothers near and far!

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Welcome to Show and Tell Sunday!

Today's topic is MOTHERS!

I've decided to post the list of participating blogs at the top of my blog so you won't have to scroll so much! I've posted my blog below today's list. :0)

Please stop in and wish a Happy Mother's Day to:

Beth at http://www.bethquinndesigns.com/

Mary Ann at http://firstborn.wordpress.com/

Sarah at http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Rebecca at http://ourbackporch.blogspot.com/

Alisa at http://lifeisabeautifulplacetobe.blogspot.com/

Cerri at http://www.littlepinkstudio.typepad.com/

Carrie at http://thecrazycoopers.blogspot.com/

Margo at http://diningroomstudio.blogspot.com/

Kristin at http://www.mypolka-dottedworld.blogspot.com/

Barbara at http://smith411.typepad.com/

Lisa at http://lisasretrostyle.blogspot.com

Kathy at http://www.justbeingcrafty.blogspot.com/

Lisa at http://anapronaday.blogspot.com/

Victoria at http://www.vintagetea.blogspot.com/

Barbara at http://oodlesandoodles.typepad.com/

Cami at http://www.camillefano.typepad.com/

Di at http://mammabeesattic.blogspot.com/

Stephanie at http://www.angelicaccents.blogspot.com/

Jenn at http://www.mysteriesofthejuniper.blogspot.com/

Nancy at www.mycraftylittlepage.blogspot.com

Rosalyn-Sue at http://www.thelittlebluebirddiaries.typepad.com/

Renee at http://www.strokesofmagic.blogspot.com/

Polly at http://countingyourblessings.blogspot.com/

Mya at http://creativemusingswithmya.blogspot.com/

Nerissa at http://www.creativerantsfromnerissa.blogspot.com/

Twila and Lindsey at http://twocrazycrafters.blogspot.com/

Jill at http://bailiwickdesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Janae at http://mx2mommy.typepad.com/

Karen at http://ciderantiques.blogspot.com/

Melissa at http://www.melissaburford.typepad.com/

Linda at http://myvintagesoul.typepad.com/

Jeanne at http://jeanneszewczyk.blogspot.com

Betty at http://shessewpretty.typepad.com/

Lynn at http://www.vintageswampgirl.blogspot.com/

Suzanne at http://www.suzanneduda.typepad.com/

Sherry at http://campsherry.typepad.com/

If you would like to participate and don't see your name yet, just leave me a comment and I'll add you just as soon as I can!

Also, please visit Cerri at LITTLE PINK STUDIO on Monday for next week's show and tell topic!!

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"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw.

All I am I owe to my mother.

I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

George Washington

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I was looking for a good quote to share about moms and when I found this one, I just started crying because it is *completely* how I feel about my mom.

She is one of those kind of moms who comes to visit and cleans the house, makes cookies with the kids and then takes you out for a little shopping and coffee, as the icing on the cake of the day.

My mom is THE MOST CREATIVE PERSON I KNOW. PERIOD.

She taught me how to sew when I was a little girl, and bought me my own purple sewing machine when I came home with straight A's on my report card. (I sewed a blanket for my cat!)

She can seriously do everything. She can sew, paint, draw, embroider, decorate cakes, embellish the heck out of anything, decorate like nobody's business, throw a grand party, and the list goes on and on and on and on. She has the best ideas of anyone I know.

She is also the very best Grammy any kid could EVER want! I swear! She takes our kids every summer for a whole week to "Grammy Camp". They all spend a week together in the mountains at her cabin taking hikes, making crafts, campfires, pine needle sledding, bird watching and just getting dirty!

She spoils each of our kids, which is what grammas are made for, right? They always know they can call Grammy with any kind of news and know she completely understands.

Like most moms and daughters we have had our share of ups and downs. But I can HAPPILY say that we have shared SOOO many more ups than downs. My mom has always been supportive of our decisions and when we fail, she's totally there to help us pick up our broken pieces.

I know this is getting a little longish, but I just wanted to share with the world that I really do love my mom and I know I am lucky to have such an incredibly loving and talented mom.

Happy Mother's Day MOM! I love you so much!!!!!

xoxo

Analise

Posted at 12:41 AM in Show and Tell Sunday | Permalink | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)

May 09, 2008

New Shop Goodies

I've been working on some new goodies for my shop!

While I'm at it, I want to say *THANKS* for all the etsy love y'all have been sending my way! I love working on my shop and filling your orders and I'm CONSTANTLY looking for new goodies to share with you all. I only wish there were more time in each day.

:0)

In keeping with the Sugar*Sugar theme, I've been whipping up some crafty desserts for your artistic creations!

I have had the privilege of working with the SUPER SWEET CINDY from cutepinkstuff.com on some of my favorite goodies...

Sugary Pink Vintage Crafty Elements

I've added Cindy's signature handcrafted roses

(from cutepinkstuff.com)

atop these embellished goodie tins, they are just adorable!

Inside you'll find oodles of miniature vintage and new bits and bobs to add to your art creations... vintage millinery flowers, vintage lace, vintage french sequins, vintage buttons and lots more!

The little tins are so sweet, they can hold your embellishments, paper clips, glitter, buttons or what EVER you can imagine!

Stop in and say hi to CINDY at CUTEPINKSTUFF.COM~ she's got soooo many awesome chic and shabby goodies I know you will just drool over!

Also in the shop, Pink and White Twine Lollipops!!!

YUMMY! You'll get 10 fluffy yards of pretty pink and white twine!

I've just added these Sugary Sweet Dessert Cups of Ribbon as well...they come in a sweet little embellished dessert cup!

FUN RIGHT???

Lastly, I've added some new twine colors to the shop. I love this twine, it is really soft and simple to use on tags and tying packages. Would work great on party favors and small craft projects or wrapping your orders if you have a shop of your own.

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I was so totally SURPRISED to get a pretty package in the mail yesterday! It came from Dawn at 4:53am, she's such a sweetie pie!

Look at this adorable pink paper dress she made! So cuuute!

She also sent along these fabulous vintage trims in the very best colors!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH DAWN!! I LOVE IT ALL!!

XOXO

Thanks for dropping in!

I'll be back Sunday for the Mother's Day Show and Tell!

Scroll down if you want to sign up!!

Analise

Posted at 05:20 PM in My Etsy Shop | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)

May 06, 2008

Show and Tell for Sunday May 11

SHOW AND TELL SUNDAY for Sunday May 11th... Mother's Day will be right here on my blog!

Our topic will be "MOTHER'S DAY"!

Please share anything you have created, photos of you and your mother or you and your kids, celebrations, photos of the flowers or gifts you gave or received. Perhaps add a special message to your mom/grandmother/woman in your life...

I thought it might be nice to share something a little more personal...

if you choose.

I know some gals choose not to share family photos, but share something special and meaningful to you.

Please leave me a comment if you will be sharing so I can be sure to add you to Sunday's list!

Thanks everyone! Have a great week!!

~Analise

Posted at 10:44 AM in Show and Tell Sunday | Permalink | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)

Birthday Surprise!!

I am usually VERRRY HARD to surprise.

But, I must admit defeat when I do get a surprise because I think that no one can get anything past me...

Someone has to do A LOT of lying and sneaking to trick me!!!

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I had one of the best surprises of my life on Friday afternoon.

My husband (who is not the sneakiest of sneakers) had been plotting for months to throw me a little surprise party.

I was sitting in my driveway waiting on Jeff (yes, I was in the car...angry that my husband was not YET HOME!) when I see this car drive in with people who I have not seen in 2 YEARS, since we moved to California from Texas.

Out jump my friends Rob and Misty!

Aren't they the cutest ever!?

(I made them pose by this tree...very high school yearbook, right?)

I could only scream (very loudly!) because I was so confused and shocked and emotional and in utter disbelief that my friends we standing in my driveway!!!!

They SOOOOO got me! I was COMPLETELY SURPRISED!

Here is Misty in my dining room... I just had to snap a photo to be sure this really was happening!

So then, after shaking and staring at them for a long time, we headed out to my friend's house for "dinner".

Riiiight.

When we arrived I was surprised by Cheryl from Rosey Posey Confections!!!

Jeff had arranged for her and her sweetie of a husband to come as well! She helped with the food and decorations and also helped Jeff pull off one of my big surprise presents!

This is Misty and I at the beautiful Birthday table, decorated by Cheryl!

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PRESENTS!

Okay, so not all my photos came out, so I took a few more so you could see what I got...but the biggest surprise was from Jeff. He and Cheryl conspired with Jenny and Aaron from Everyday is a Holiday to make a Sugar*Sugar sign for my studio...

Here is when I opened it... TERRRRRRIBLE picture of me, but you get the idea...

SHUT UP!!!!!! Is this from??? HOW??? When??? WHAAAA????

Here is a better pic of the piece by Jenny and Aaron... I love it SOOOOO MUCH!!!

PERFECT right???

Look at these fluffy cuppycakes, WITH SPRINKLES!!!!!

They also sent along a plaque with the "Celebrate Everyday" print... I ADORE IT!! I couldn't get any better, I swear!!! You can get one for yourself HERE!

Guys! You don't KNOW how excited I am!! I have always wanted a piece of their work, and to think that they made something JUST FOR ME!!! I'm DYING!!!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH JENNY AND AARON! I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU IN PERSON AND KNOCK YOU DOWN WITH A HUGE HUG!!!!!!

I LOVE IT ALL!!!

To find a piece of Jenny and Aaron's completely fabulous art for yourself, click HERE, HERE or HERE!!

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More gifties!

From the SUPER SWEET CHERYL....

She shabby-fied this vintage travel case... it is AMAZING!

Goodies inside, including Cheryl's signature pink cake tag which, by the way, is currently being featured on the InspireCo website!! You can purchase one HERE!

There's me and my ponytail! :0) Say CHEESE!

THANK YOU CHERYL! YOU KNOW I LOOOOVE IT!!!

From Misty... gorgeous jewelry...totally my colors!

More gifts from Jeff...yes, he scoured the antique shops looking for these...

sweeeeet huh???

Vintage white and aqua buttons, a vintage embroidered hankie and a vintage pink hankie box the HE EMBELLISHED WITH VINTAGE MILLINERY FLOWERS!!!!!!!

He did good right ladies???

Look what else!

I have been wanting an iPod FOREEEVVVVVEEERRRR!

Now I have one! YEAHHHH!

THANK YOU JEFF, I LOOOOVE IT ALL AND YOU SOOOO GOT ME!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!! XOXOXO

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Oh! I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to DOLLY for the goodies she sent... we did a little private swap of supplies... sadly, everything she sent is not pictured because I've already used some of the goodies!!

Thanks so much Dolly, everything is just beautiful!!

I took a picture of my desk today... I just thought it was pretty... for some reason I like showing you all my messes...

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Thanks so much everyone for all the sweet comment and Birthday wishes!! Y'all are the very best!

Hugs!

Analise

Posted at 10:29 AM in Sweet Friends | Permalink | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)

May 04, 2008

Shopping Trip

Today is Show and Tell Sunday!

Out topic for today is Shopping! We are showing our favorite places to shop and find treasures! To see the complete list of participating blogs, see Cerri's blog, Little Pink Studio!

Unfortunately, I have to make mine a quick post today. My friends from Texas decided to surprise me on Friday by showing up on my doorstep! Oh, it was crazy, I was screaming so loud, the neighbors were probably getting worried!

Then Jeff surprised me with a party and the best gifts EVER! I'll post a blog with photos tomorrow. :0) Now my kiddos are not well...I was able to steal a moment to post my blog while they watch a movie!

So, back to show and tell! I had about 45 minutes to spend on Friday, so I quickly ran down to "Old Town Clovis" and snapped a few photos to share today.

I noticed that Betty at She's Sew Pretty shared a few photos of Clovis as well, so check her out!

So, one of my favorite shops is this quaint little antique shop filled with my kind of treasures. (prices are a bit high for me, but sometimes I find a bargain!!)