CHRISTMAS PAST

Architect Robert Dame and interior designer Sandra Lucas designed the beautiful home of Lisa and Jerry Simon. This beautiful plantation-styled home sits on four acres outside of Houston. You must read the history behind this family and home. ENJOY!


















Wedding Preparations


As I write this post I am preparing 8 large rectangular tubs with chicken wire inset into each tub ready for all the flowers I will be cutting from our garden very early tomorrow morning.  After the big harvest I will be loading the tubs into my car for the journey down to Northern NSW tomorrow ready for my cousin's big Wedding this coming Saturday.  We will be filling approximately 60 mismatched vintage vases with Dahlias, Zinnias, Daisies, Calendulas and Foxgloves all of which I have grown here at home in our garden.  You should see the Foxgloves.  They are amazing.  I will try to take some photos of them before they are all cut tomorrow. 

Here's a snapshot of some of the gifts wrapped at Black & Spiro today which have been purchased for Ben & Phoebe.  They were so kind to mention that B&S is their favourite store on their wedding invite and I must say they have some divine gifts coming their way!!

I won't be back here now until early-mid next week.  Hope you all have a great weekend!!
xx
Anna

PaperPlay Challenge - Tags and Wrapping

Hi everyone! It's Thursday and time for a new challenge over at PaperPlay Challenges! This week, our wonderful Deidra is asking you to make your own tags and wrapping in a Holiday theme. We're being sponsored this week  by the amazing Heidi over at Simon Says Stamp!!  So for my project, I turned to both my Cricut Expression, and my sis over at Peggy Loves Vintage!! Peggy just released a new DVD full of wonderful vintage Christmas images, her Christmas volume 14.  I was looking through and found this beautiful scene of carolers and just had to use it!




I simply printed it out onto my Bazzill cardstock and cut it out with some oval Nesties. The papers are from Graphic 45 matted with Bazzill cardstock.  I used kraft cardstock for the bag, and the Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More cartridge. The kraft cardstock made the bag really sturdy. I added some flowers and ribbon and called it a day! Please be sure and visit Peggy Loves Vintage and see all the fabulous images Peggy has available, and then pop over to PaperPlay Challenges to see the gorgeous creations from my teamies and to play along.  Thanks for stopping by to see me today and hope to see you back again soon! Hugs!

Shanese Brown is the new Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2012

Road to Miss Teen USA 2012




Shanese Brown became Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2012 after Samara Ham resigned. Shanese Brown, 17, will represent Tennessee in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.


Special thanks and credits to http://beautypageantnews.com

Kiana Benion was crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA 2012

Road to Miss Teen USA 2012





Kiana Benion was crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011. She will represent Oregon in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.



Special thanks and credits to http://beautypageantnews.com

Mackenzie Surber Crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2012

Road to Miss Teen USA 2012




Mackenzie Surber was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011. She will represent Indiana in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.


Special thanks and credits to Studio K Photography & http://beautypageantnews.com

Sierra Hadley was crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012

Road to Miss Teen USA 2012

Sierra Hadley (second from right) was crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012

Sierra Hadley was crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011. She will represent District of Columbia in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.


Special thanks and credits to http://beautypageantnews.com

Angela Viscount was crowned Miss Delaware Teen USA 2012

Road to Miss Teen USA 2012





Angela Viscount was crowned Miss Delaware Teen USA 2012 on November 28, 2011. She will represent Delaware in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.

Final Results:

Angela Viscount - Winner
Holt Querey - 1st Runner-up
Ivy-Lyn Sia - 2nd Runner-up
Nadirah Aaliyah - 3rd Runner-up
Ana Fernandez-Davila - 4th Runner-up



Special thanks and credits to http://www.missdelawareusa.com & http://beautypageantnews.com

Kiana Benion was crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011 - She will represent Oregon in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.


Kiana Benion Crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA 2012

Kiana Benion was crowned Miss Oregon Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011. She will represent Oregon in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.

Miss Oregon Teen USA 2012 results:

Winner: Kiana Benion from Medford, Oregon
1st Runner up: Ali Wallace from Portland
2nd Runner up: Kaitlyn Carson from Claskanine
3rd Runner up: Brittany Clig from Eugene
4th Runner up: Karlyn Graves from Milton Free Water
Other Finalists: Christina Haddad, Brittnay Espinosa, Sarah Manalantos, Samantha Markey, Hope Robinson, Annie Snook

source: (Thank you and credits to
http://beautypageantnews.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

Mackenzie Surber was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011 - She will represent Indiana in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant



Mackenzie Surber Crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2012


Mackenzie Surber was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011. She will represent Indiana in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.

Photo source: Studio K Photography www.studiophoto.com

source: (Thank you and credits to
http://beautypageantnews.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

Sierra Hadley was crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011: She will represent District of Columbia in Miss Teen USA 2012


Sierra Hadley Crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012

Sierra Hadley was crowned Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2012 on November 27, 2011. She will represent District of Columbia in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.

Photo Courtesy of Pageant Update.

source: (Thank you and credits to
http://beautypageantnews.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

15th Miss Tourism International 2011 World Final will be held on December 12 - 31, December 2011 at the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, Malaysia




Miss Tourism International 15th World Final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dec. 31st


Join 55 contestants from all over the planet during the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Miss Tourism International beauty pageant to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 12 to 31st. The 2011 world finals will take place at the Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa in the Malaysian capital.



source: (Thank you and credits to
http://www.misstourisminternational.com/
http://globalbeauties.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

Watch Miss Earth 2011 Online - Who will be the next to be crowned Miss Earth 2011


Watch Miss Earth 2011 Online

Who will be the next to be crowned Miss Earth 2011.

Do click here to watch Miss Earth 2011 live

source: (Thank you and credits to
http://globalbeauties.com
http://www.universalqueen.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

17 year-old Shanese Brown is Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2012 - She will represent Tennessee in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant


Shanese Brown, Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2012

The official photo of Shanese Brown, Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2012. Shanese Brown became Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2012 after Samara Ham resigned. Shanese Brown, 17, will represent Tennessee in Miss Teen USA 2012 Pageant.

source: (Thank you and credits to
http://beautypageantnews.com/
and all sources for the information and pictures)

New Pip Boydell Paintings


Just in case you missed out the first time round, I thought I'd let you know that we have 4 new beautiful paintings in store by Pip Boydell.  The middle orchid is sold however, the 4 surrounding it are all currently available.  It will be a first in best dressed situation...
xx
Anna

Must-Have -- Rings that Give Back!


We can thank The Real Housewives of Orange County, Alexis Bellino for connecting us with one FABulous small biz. Holly Freese is the Founder and Designer behind some pretty amazing bling - Expressions Rings of Hope
Black Cowboy Swarovski Ring $40 
As seen on Alexis Bellino 
Not only is the Focus Ring ($40) our go-to accessory for everyday (because it pretty much matches anything & everything) but it also supports a good cause. Bling for a cause! What's not to love? Read on to get to know Holly and see what inspired this oh-so-fabulous biz! Holly is absolutely one of the sweetest cupcakes we have ever met and has one of the biggest hearts. We admire Holly for getting the word out and spreading an amazing message to everyone! 

{1} Tell us about yourself & about Expression Rings of Hope, your biz!

My name is Holly Freese and currently I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I am 28 years old and currently a Stay at home Mom of 2 boys;  Walker is 2 years old, and Bryce is 1 year old. Before having children I was in advertising sales downtown Chicago.  I started Expressions of Hope in May of 2010.  I was inspired by my friend, Mike Kacynski, who passed last April from Renal Cell Carcinoma. I wanted to do something with my time, and also wanted to help make a difference!  So, I came up with this idea of creating a little piece of HOPE that women can wear as a accessory to their wardrobe, or as reminder of someone they loved that had passed.  Also, with the purchase of an Expression of Hope Ring, a portion of the proceeds from each ring sale is being donated to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.  I hope to make a stride towards finding a cure for cancer.  There is far to many cases out there, and we need to all come together to help find a cure!
Who doesn't love pink? Patience Ring, $40
{2} What has been the best part about having your own business?

The best part of having my own business is being able to help those who lost loved ones smile, and being able to help support a good cause.  It really makes me smile to see how many supporters I have, and how many continue to follow me each and everyday.  The more supporters I have, the more we can donate towards a wonderful cause.  I love to hear about my "Hope Fans" inspirational stories.  I am truly thankful to those who have helped me and continue to help spread my message BLING FOR A CAUSE! 

Make sure you add the Holiday collection to your wish list!
{3} When did the light bulb go off that you knew this is what you wanted to do?

After my best friend's husband, Mike Kacynski, died last April 2010 of Renal Cell Carcinoma I kept thinking about what I could do help.  He found out in February of 2010 of his disease, and 3 months later he was no longer with us.  I just couldn't believe how this could happen.  Since I was a Stay at Home Mom, I really wanted to start a business that helped my family, as well as helping out a greater cause.  I decided to start making these Swarovski Rings, and donate towards the V Foundation in Mike's name.  

{4} Do you plan to expand the line?

I defintely hope to grow this business, and expand my product line.  I have had some people recommend some jewelry for little girls, or bracelets for women.  I will eventually get a few more products, but for now, I am just trying to get my name out there. 

Make sure you check out these beautiful bracelets too!

{5} What's up next? 

Well....I really just want to get my name out there as much as possible.  Just in the last 2 months my business has really grown and I have quite a few followers on Facebook and Twitter.  I hope to keep that going, keep reaching out to those who have lost loved ones and hear about their stories.  It inspires me to keep growing and moving forward.  I am just trying to keep contacting people in helping spread my message BLING FOR A CAUSE!  The more people who are "BLINGING," that means the more money that has been raised and donated towards cancer research and finding a cure for this awful and all to common disease.  I appreciate you taking the time with me, and look forward to this upcoming year and what's to come of Expressions of Hope. I thank everyone again who has helped me, supported me, and believed in me.  Thank you!!!

{All Things Expression Rings of Hope}


{Thank you Holly for our beautiful BLING FOR A CAUSE. We absolutely adore the Focus ring you sent for review purposes and love everything you do!}

CHRISTMAS ADVERTISING

Just a few advertisements with Christmas cheer!  ENJOY!

 
Mercantile

Vintage ~ Atlanta







This was all of the Christmasy advertisements I could find :(. SEE YOU in the morning with some Christmas Cheer!
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