Montmartre~Paris part 2

This was the one place on top of my list, could not wait to see it! Montmartre is talked about by Parisians the way New Yorkers talk about the village. This incredibly unique village within the metropolis hosts the Basilica of Sacre~Coure at its very peek.
 Our friends Tom and Jenni who live in France while studying french (in preparation for their missions trip to Mali Africa) joined us for our New Year's Eve celebration. It was amazing to see them after a year away; their french was magnifique, and their GPS app, even better! We took the metro to Abbesses station and stepped out into the heart of Montmartre, cobblestone streets, a vintage carousel and a Christmas market greeted us. As we walked further up, the narrow streets widen and a courtyard/park  filled with oil painters, watercolors, portrait sketchers and caricaturists appeared, it was so inspiring to be standing on the grounds where  Picasso, Vlamenck, Derain, Modigliani, Van Gogh and countless others lived and worked. I got myself a little oil to remember the day by.
We continued our way up to the basilica, where we enjoyed unbelievable views and in the midst of sweet sounds of strolling violinists, there she was... our first peek at the Eiffel Tower, looking at us through the cloudy day. I felt so alive!        

We strolled the streets taking in every little detail, the Christmas decorations, the shops and the laughter in the streets. The flower shops were so inspiring and full. We stopped for an espresso at the  cafe where Amelie worked and felt like part of the scene. Dinner for the evening was picked up at a delightful delicatessen, we stayed home that night, relaxed listen to music and made plans for our grand New Years Eve the next day!

 

                   An unforgettable day, filled with joy, exquisite smells and the laughter of sweet friends.







 . 

paris...where to start~part 1

We left London the 29th in the late afternoon, on a train, with hundreds of others. You could feel everyone's excitement and festive spirit , New Year's Eve in Paris ha!!!

We stayed at my cousins Sebastian and his girlfriend Celine's apartment, while they spent the holiday in Argentina with his family. Two girls pretending to be french, living amongst the locals, communicating, shopping, eating and loving life...well.. in my head that's what it would be. It was dark , misty and grand.

We took a ninety  dollar cab ride to the apartment and viola! We were french! We made ourselves comfy in their incredibly charming apartment, ate the most gorgeous cheese, drank wine they left for us and passed out. 

The next morning we explored and this is what we found!                                                

Our front door, lobby and staircase. 

at our footsteps a neighborhood that met all our needs!

London is quite lovely

After a tremendous holiday season,  I headed to Europe with my friend Nea, we've been planning it for a while and  talking about it longer then that, seems like ages, every time we sat here at the shop,  late, wiring boutonnieres, Nae works here par-time and has a gorgeous online boutique.
The plan was to go to Paris for the new year, which we did (more on that later), but we really wanted to fly British Airways so we thought it would be fun to visit London for 3 days!
I have to say, I did not know what to expect of the city itself , I was excited for the countryside and sheep blocking the small winding roads...you know.  I thought London "the city" would be uptight. Was I wrong!
It was large but charming, so pristine and diverse, people super fun and helpful, quite possibly the cleanest, most manicured European city I've been too. The food was yumms and the train station no words....unbelievable! I had a blast, the only regret is that I only had three days. Going back for sure! So much I didn't see yet! What about you? Have you been?

 

a day of frolic got me thinken about branding

Sunday~Monday are my days off and because of one of God's many blessings (work) I have not enjoyed a full day off since before Thanksgiving (not counting trip to Europe) but more on that later...still catching you up on blog posts.  So I had this Monday all to myself, and I choose to take Louise for a long stroll down the river walk and then hit some of my fav stores. First Two Bostons to get Lulu a treat for leaving her in the car while I perused around (it's true what they say about parenthood guilt)  Two Bostons is Louise's favorite doggie shop, I also picked up some omega oil to add to her food, hoping this helps with her shedding. Then I moved on to Paper Source (I love their style) and picked up some fun treats for me!  A skip and a jump to Sur La Table to pick up my coffee capsules, come to find out they where on clearance!....because they won't be  caring that brand any more :( that's what I get for picking a machine based on it's looks. A few blocks over I hit Penzeys, my favorite spice shop, not only do I love the way my spice rack looks with the cute jars, they also send me coupons every month for a free jar of something , they  also take expired coupons, today I bought sea salt for for 3 bucks and scored 20 of  free stuff ! Last stop~ Trader Joes for some almond milk, according to my doctor the dairy industry is slowly killing us all, so am trying something new, maybe it will help with my shedding :)
As I drove home I thought about my choices, and how much they were influenced by the packaging , that got me thinking about my logo; I've had it for ten years now,  it was the first big investment when I opened the shop, "branding"  was a fairly new term ten years ago and I felt it was a good investment in my future, I love~loved my logo for ten years now (thank you Echo Design Group), but my question is, should it be updated after a while? if so, after how long?
I dropped Louise off at home and went to the movies with a friend, again I was bombarded with visual choices in the lobby, the movie distracted me here and there, but it too was loaded with brand options.
I  got home took Lulu out for a bit and did some research; this is what I came up with...some change but not extreme and all about ten to twenty years apart (except for PEPSI'S trail and error period).
What are your thoughts should I play around with my logo? would you? P/S you can see my logo if you look to your left!

 

 my fun goods!

Indie Wed...we WON!!!

We had the opportunity to be part of the Indie Wed's~Inspired Creations Contest in January, and we WON!!!

We had a fantastic time planning and putting it together! Lots of laughs, trips to resale shops and the Home Depot. A super fun collaboration, our cake was fabulous, and made with so much love by our friends at Creative Cakes , our business cards and menu wraps designed by Julie Usalis my go to girl at Echo Design Group, gorgeous blooms hand picked by Laura London at Mayesh Wholesale and a to dye for vintage inspired gown and model from Monirose. It has been a fantastic experience! We are so grateful  to all of those who helped us, voted for us and also a special thanks to Elizabeth Anne Designs and Indie Wed for allowing us to participate :)

   Team: Petal Play Design, Pemberley Events, 11 Eureka, and Image Icon.

A hard week

It's so gloomy and damp outside, I need a nap, I needed a nap since 10:30 am. This has been a depressing few weeks. We had so much funeral work I am emotionally drained. I normally enjoy this type of work.  I like the scale, and truly enjoy making beautiful pieces that are not the norm; small gardens if you would, a little bit of sunshine amongst the sadness. But this week it was harder then most. Too many tragic stories that broke my heart. A tiny little girl died (here in town) and I just don't understand it.  Last night was the first night without funeral work in two weeks and I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to watch the Whitney Huston Funeral on Youtube; I cried for 3 hours.
I was in the 7th or 8th grade when she first came in to the seen, the first compact disc to ever sit in my hands. She was something else, her voice like no other and beauty beyond words. I felt a bit angry as I watched, so many people there, at the funeral, many of great resources. How is it that nobody could help her... some deaths (early ones) feel so unnecessary.
To all the families that have resided in my heart this past few weeks, may your loved ones rest in peace, may their memories forever be imprinted in yours, may your hearts mend, and may you always feel that love is stronger then death.

 Whitney Houston 1963~2012

a heatwave of thoughts

Trying to stay warm channeling summer events. Some of you may know a few years back I started a

 farmers market, here in town, in front of the shop. I've been running it with sweet Donna from the village.

I truly love this market and all that we've accomplished in such short amount of time. 

This past summer we were blessed with an incredible amount of wedding work and it became difficult for me to run market and my business at the same time. We got through it, and after much consideration I decided I wouldn't be running the market this year :( I'm sad about it, but excited for what this summer will bring. I still get to enjoy the market right out my door, all of the happy faces early in the morning and a plethora of goodness to make dinner with. I will still run the facefook page and keep you updated on all new vendors and tempt you with yummy pictures so that you'll sneak out for lunch. Please continue to support our market so that the hard working farmers continue to come and share their goodness with us!

a quick getaway before Christmas

I ran away to Florida before the holiday madness; a chance to see my parents and have a belated hang out with Angelina , my niece. She turned eleven this year, I'm so proud of her, she is kind, sweet and super fun, creative and an awesome big sister. It was Louise's first trip on a plane, she did great! Even made friends at the doggie beach. The girls got along  magically :)
I stayed at my parents and Angelina slepted  over the weekend, we spent hours drawing in the lanai, got our nails done and went to the movies and the beach; we had a blast. Just what I needed before the madness begins. Can't wait till her 12th birthday!

ExCuses...

It was a busy summer; hard to keep  my postings up, so many weddings. It's been a whirlwind. I love

creating a brides vision and the opportunity to share in the special day; building relationships through the 

proses and the rewarding feeling I  get when I walk away and it's all in place as planed. This year we enjoyed 

working with a rock star and TV personality, a South African  backdrop, a Michigan Barn, a cupcake 

extravaganza ,  Ramona the pug  (worlds loudest flower girl), a Bollywood of colors, a ton of vintage, a sea of

coral peonies, a carnival masterpiece, a peacock, city luxury, country charm, scotch pairings and these are just a few... Here are some of the fabulous ladies! Thank you ladies! For the opportunity to serve you :)

                                                                            

Photos~ Joshua Abanese, dwjohson, Paul Boyd, and me :)

Event Planning~ Pemberly Events, Weddings by Denise.

Flowers~ PetalplayDesign

4th of july + nat + fireworks= fun

 We planed a grand evening, the carnival, cotton candy,singing, hot~air balloons, fireworks, singing, rides, skipping, singing (lots of singing when Natty and I get together) and the night would be topped off by her very first sleep over in a homemade tent for her and Louise in my living room. We skipped home 2 blocks singing rolling down the river, swung the doors open and got to worken on the tent; sheets, chairs, a couch, broom sticks, pillows, blankets,string, flash light, TED (her favorite nite nite teddy bear), and her  princess book which I read 14 times that evening. I tucked her in and told her I had the time of my life....she looked at me with her beautiful big brown eyes and said.....I wanna go home...  

fun at the lake house

 This summer has been packed full of good hard work and lots of fun with good friends and family. Lots of new experiences for Louise and I. It's been fab. Sorry I haven't posted much, I'll try my best to catch you up!

inspiring friendships

Through the years I've enjoyed and basked in amazing friendships, now more then ever I come to realize how pivotal these have been, always entering at the perfect time, with arms wide,  and ears willing to hear, no matter how unrealistic my thoughts have been, these girls have indulged my day dreaming and allowed me to work it, live it,dream it....out. Sisters in a way, on the same path of discovery, willing to share and compare notes and most important willing to laugh...at  life's joys and setbacks, sorrows and cheers, we are getting through it. Getting a bit wiser and much better looking :) Today I celebrate you...friends, sisters and soul mates. Thank you for being you and letting me be me...

a summer tuesday

Lake front breezes, great friends and sweet sounds....life's good.

the thing about summer

It's finally summer....hot and humid, but bright and easy going, I love summer and all of the things that make me feel so carefree, like driving with the windows down and singing at the top of my lungs. Lazy Sundays floatin in da pool, barba~Q~n and hanging out with friends, food tastes better, music takes on a deeper more nostalgic feeling and problems roll of my back easier....I wonder what it would be like if it was summer all year round...mmmm...
What about summer makes you happy?

booked

like my money back on spring

Louise and I are full throttle in wedding season and it's so hard to feel part of the summer when you are working so much and when the sun don't shine...what is going on in the Midwest!?
I'm staying true to my promise and scheduling blocks of time for myself.  I found Lulu a walker for Saturdays (my busiest day ) this makes the guilt lessen a bit. Farmers Market is starting next Tuesday and am knee deep in preparation, this year we have new vendors and children's activities. I've let go of some of the events I had taken on, in an effort to be kinder to my body and mind, it was a hard proses to try to figure out why I put so much on my plate, who am I really do it for?....and the guilt that comes along and those feelings are horrible....but I love being involved with  this market! It's the kick off to the summer! and a reminder of my childhood and a bountiful blessing, I love it!  Come visit the Lemont's Farmers Market its awesome!

four T

Went with sisi to the rolling hills of Sonoma for the big celebration. God's hands are all over this place.It's my resting place...not dying...just feel there like I don't have a care in the world...I know what you are thinking, I'm not a wino!
I just have a connection to this place, the earth, flora, fauna....God.

I will live there some day and I will make...music...love...wine...art...food and anything else I can...and this song will be playing in the background.

hello!....it's been a while

According to my 39 things, I could lie and say that I was focusing on # 14 , truth is I went to visit my family and to recharge before wedding season. When I got back I hurt my back and could not sit in front of computer and type away, and after that...life happened and I got crazy busy with the shop, weddings, birthday celebrating. I should warn you.... I'm forty now and much wiser...so hang on to you pants...because we are going on a ride!