A Trip To the Zoo

We had a gorgeous weekend here in South Carolina with temperatures in the low 80's. Strangely just the weekend before, parts of South Carolina had several inches of snow, and lows in the 20's and 30's!
This time of the year our weather is always a bit unpreditable, so we figured we would take advantage of this warm weekend and take the babies to the zoo.

I had forgotten how much "stuff" you have to bring along for an outing with two little ones! We had two strollers, two diaper bags, bottled water, bottled juice, AND it took two cars to carry all of us, and all of their stuff... since there were three adults, and two car seats in the back of one of the cars.

This was Braedens first stroller ride, and he seemed to enjoy it very much!

Ashleigh had never been to the zoo, and her absolute favorite thing right now is zoo animals. She has several books, and videos of zoo animals, and she gets so excited when she spots a picture of a giraffe, zebra, or elephant!

It appeared as though everyone had the same idea as us, since the zoo was more crowded than I ever remember it being in the past!

We had a hard time finding room to take many photos, but I did get a couple of sweet girl with her mommy, and daddy.

All Lanterns Are On Sale

This week all of my lanterns listed on my site are on sale for 20% off. This sale will run through February 7th. I thought I would share a few pictures of some of my favorites.
I love this unique cottage style garden candle lantern. This can hang from a post, or wall with its own wall bracket. I love the sweet little bird, and the delicate design!
Here is another design that hangs from its own wall bracket. This rooster wall lantern is perfect for any French country theme of decor.

The large white romantic lantern is the most popular style I sell. Many women have purchased this style for their wedding decor.

This smaller white scrollwork lantern with it's pretty cutwork design is another favorite choice for weddings. I think it fits in with any romantic style of decorating.

Here is another one of my personal favorites... this pretty lattice style tabletop lantern.

If you click on the links it will take you straight to the product description. I hope you enjoyed my preview of my favorites....

We Miss Him

It is an odd thing when JOY, and PAIN come so close together.... I was so happy when my sweet grandson was born on December 19th, then on December 24th I had to say goodbye to my sweet Chablis Mishka. He died at a very young age of four from cronic kidney failure.
Our house is too quiet now, and there is an emptiness that happens when a family member is gone... and you know they are not coming back. He was loved so much, and missed terribly.

A New Grandbaby!

My new grandbaby was born on December 19th.... just in time for Christmas. The psychic was wrong, and the ultrasound was right.... it's a BOY. My daughter had a false alarm two days earlier which had us at the hospital until 3 am. This day she woke up having contractions again, and she thought it must be another false alarm, so she kept waiting, and waiting. Finally after several phone conversations I told her to call her husband at work, and I decided to go over and see how she was doing. When I arrived I asked her how far apart the contractions were, and her reply was "I don't feel like timing them... it hurts too much" What???? Once hubby, and I started timing them we realized they were only two minutes apart, so rushed her to the hospital.
Once we arrived at the hospital they were literally running to get her to her room before the baby was born. No time for an epidural... he was ready to come! Braeden Allen was born at 4:40 pm weighing 9 lbs 4 0z, and was 21 inches long

Mother, and baby are doing great. I have been staying at my daughter and son in laws home to help out... but honestly haven't been much help at all since all of us are so sleep deprived! Ashleigh is adjusting to becoming a big sister, and really seems to be enjoying her new baby brother... except for the few times she woke up from his cries for the 2 am feeding, and couldn't go back to sleep!

Hopefully all will settle down soon, and little Braeden will sleep a bit more.

Adorable New Addition To The Family

We have an adorable new addition to the family... not the new grandbaby I am STILL waiting for, but a sweet little girl pekingese.

This sweet little puppy was an early Christmas/birthday gift my brother Ronnie received.

Is this a BOY or is this a GIRL??

In my last post I mentioned that we are expecting a new grandbaby... a boy according to the one ultrasound my daughter had. She had this ultrasound pretty early in the pregnancy, and was told it was a boy. We were very surprised since both myself, and my daughter "felt" like it was a girl, and we couldn't see any proof ourselves from the ultrasound pictures the technician gave my daughter.

We have been shopping for clothes, blankets, bibs, and wall decor for a boy, and my daughter picked out the crib set she wanted to decorate around. Everything was planned.

A few days ago while shopping in Walmart, a lady came up to my daughter and asked her if she knew the baby was a girl. Of course she told her it was a boy according to the technician who performed the ultrasound. This lady smiled, and said "They are wrong, it's a little girl, and you are going to have her soon, very soon". We thought it was a bit amusing since everyone guesses it is a girl. This lady (whom we have never seen before) told us that she wasn't "guessing", that she was a psychic, and knew it was a girl.

Well, after hearing that... and feeling like it was a girl ourselves, we tried the old "ring trick". I don't know if you've ever heard of this before, but supposedly you are supposed to dangle a wedding band from a thread in front of the expectant mothers tummy. If the baby is a girl the ring should swing back and forth ,front to back. If the baby is a boy the ring should move from side to side. According to the ring trick this baby is a girl. Now... for those of you who are laughing at this"test". It accurately predicted my three children, and every one of my friends that I tried this on.... so I have always believed it works.

Anyway, since we are now having doubts, and feeling like this might not be a baby boy afterall, the decorating of the room has been put on hold. We figure we should wait until after the baby is born to decorate.

My daughters due date is December 24th, yet the lady told her she thought it would be born on December 1st. My daughter had a doctors appointment a few days after running into this lady, and the doctor told her to expect this baby any day now, it is definately coming early! They are not planning to do any more ultrasounds, so I guess we wont know until after the baby is born whether this lady really knows what she's talking about!

Either way, we are very excited and can't wait to welcome this new little family member!

Sweet Girl Turned Two

My sweet grand daughter just turned two. On Sunday the family gathered together for her birthday party. We had quite a crowd with her Mimi, and Pop pop, Grandma, and Grandpa, nana (me), two great uncles, two aunts, three uncles, and one cousin.... and of course her mommy, and daddy. She was so excited to have everyone at her house at one time!

The Elmo, and Cookie monster cake that was made by a neighbor of my daughter, and son in law was a big hit!

We had lots of good food, and enjoyed watching Ashleigh open all of those gifts. She received so many new toys she didn't know what to play with first!

Here's the birthday girl getting a big hug from Daddy.

It really doesn't seem as though it has been two years since we were standing in the hallway looking at that tiny baby through the hospital nursery window! LOL

Now she will soon become a big sister. Her baby brother is due around Christmas. We have been having fun planning the new nursery, AND shopping for the new baby. Ashleighs room is also getting a makeover... so I will post about both rooms soon!

Pre Christmas Sale

Here is a sneak preview of some of our products that are on sale now.
This pink ceramic vase features a unique dandelion design, and some of falls new popular color combinations... pink and chocolate brown... yummy!

This pretty Victorian heart shaped lampshade is handmade with beautiful beading, floral accents, and a decorative cherub.

Our guardian angel candle holder looks perfect with Shabby Chic style decor, and makes a great gift for anyone who collects angels.

Our parisian rose vase will add a romantic touch to any decor.

Chloe's Chic Boutique is having a pre-Christmas sale. All of our decorative vases are 10% off now, and many of our candle holders, and best selling items are specially priced as well.

New Boxes just listed

I just listed a couple of new decorative storage boxes on my website, and these pretty Paris style boxes are back in stock also. I only have one set of each, so wanted to let my blog friends know first since these usually sell out fast!

I love this set of nesting boxes. Lots of pink, and I love the girly bows and ribbon trim!

This set is the perfect size for storing your magazines and are such a pretty way to organize your desk, and store papers out of site. I am always on the look out for pretty storage ideas, and will share some pictures of my own boxes... and what I keep in them when I post again :)

Shabby Lane Shops ~ Christmas In July

Shabby Lane Shops is celebrating Christmas In July. This would be a great time to start your Christmas shopping, and avoid the crowds later.

If you are not familiar with Shabby Lane Shops, it is an online shopping mall filled with beautiful shops offering a variety of merchandise.

Join us, and find some great deals!

A New Website, & Another Design

Gosh, I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. My only excuse is time flies when you are busy!

A few months ago I posted about my new website design that Bev from In My Cedar Chest created. Well... Things have changed since then!

I recently decided that I wanted to open an online boutique offering childrens gifts, and room decor. I thought that the pink and blue polka dots on that "new" design would be perfect for my childrens boutique, So, that design was moved to my brand new site, and Bev created something different for my Chloe's Chic Boutique website.
My polka dot design moved to my newest site, and now I have another new design instead...Are you totally confused yet?? LOL

Things have changed, and I am now totally happy with the design of both sites! Thanks Bev!!

My newest site "Little Rosebud Cottage" is now online. If you get a chance I'd love for you to stop by and sign my guest book.

Decorative Storage Boxes

The New year always makes me start thinking about getting organized. I love using pretty decorative boxes to store and organize. Boxes are perfect for storing keepsakes, jewelry, sewing needs, photos, and they work great for hiding those little odds and ends that never seem to have a particular place they belong!
I am always searching for storage ideas, and thought I would share a few of the boxes that are available on my site now. This nesting set has a fun girly diva look with shoes and handbag print, and black satiny bow.
These nesting suitcase style boxes are great for holding photos or keeping your papers organized... and the pastel rose print looks perfect with Shabby chic decors.
This set of boxes is from The Romantic Victorian Home collection and feature gorgeous beaded lace and florals... Gorgeous!

I'd love to hear some of your storage ideas...

A Special Day

One Sunday a month my entire family gets together for lunch. We each take a turn choosing the location. With everyones busy schedule it is a great way to stay close, keep up with news... and try out new restaurants too ;)
This Sunday was a special day... my parents celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary! I thought this was the perfect time to introduce them, and share some photos of my handsome daddy, and beautiful mom. My brothers and I are truly blessed to have them for parents... they are the best!

My parents met while my father was in the Air Force stationed in Japan.

Dad taught Mom to speak, read and write English... I cannot even imagine moving to an unfamiliar country, having to learn a new language and new customs! I also cannot imagine the time involved in teaching someone how to speak, read, and write a new language.
They overcame many obstacles... and I remember this when I feel faced with obstacles (small compared to theirs).
Here is my mother in her kimono.

Mom tells me that one of the first things she wanted after receiving her citizenship was an American name... Daddy called her "Rose" after her favorite flower. This is one of the first pictures of them as a couple. I'm happy to say their love is still strong... they still do everything together... shop, cook, exercise...etc, etc.
I love you Mom, and Dad, and hope you have many more Happy Anniversarys together!! XXOO

A Merry Christmas... And a Happy Birthday!!

Once again I am way behind on my post!
I had such a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends... and had every intention of posting a few pictures... At first I was having problems uploading my pictures (finally it is working again)!
Then water damage to my home from burst pipes... not ONCE, but TWICE! Repairmen in and out....
Anyway, slowly, but surely once again... here are a few pictures from a wonderful Christmas Day!

This year Christmas was hosted by my brother Ron, at his house. He has a GORGEOUS house, and has always been a natural at decorating!
He also has a local gift shop "Burns Gift Shop", and a new website where he offers home decor, and gift items.
Christmas day is also Rons birthday, so every Christmas we have two celebrations.

I love everything about his diningroom! This is where we ate our Christmas dinner.

Ron always decorates a tree in several rooms of his house, here is the tree that was in the livingroom. The picture doesn't do it justice... it was just beautiful!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas!

Slowly... But Surely I'm Decorating For Christmas!

Normally I put up my tree and decorations within a few days of Thanksgiving... but this year I am way behind! It has been very difficult to get into the Christmas "mood"... having temperatures near 80 degrees last week didn't help!

Slowly... but surely I did pull out the decorations, and my 6 foot artificial tree.

This year my tree will have shiny silver and gold beads, and ornaments.

I love the vintage Shiny Brite ornaments that were given to me by my parents... these were on our tree when I was small. They have a place on my tree every year.

Pretty sparkly silver ribbon, and colored lights.

And my Christmas bears that I have been collecting for many years!

Maksim - Somewhere In Time

My daughter sent me this video... She knows that "Somewhere In Time" is my favorite movie! This is just beautiful! Enjoy......

Two Awards!

I was so surprised to receive these two awards this week.

First Jenn & Jacqui from The Bowerbirds Nest were so sweet to pass along the "Friendly Site Award", then Jo from Neere an Dear Creations passed The "Rockin' Girl Blogger" award to me. Wow! Thank you so much ladies... I consider myself blessed to have met all of you!

Now it is my turn to pass these awards on to some wonderful women whose blogs I enjoy visiting. It is always so difficult just to choose a few... when there are so many blogs that I enjoy. I think that you will enjoy visiting each of these wonderful women, and friendly sites as much as I do!

Friendly Site Award:

Ali... Ali's Spot

Ruth... Artful creations

Bren... Brendas Little Cottage

Stephanie... Angelic Accents

Penny... Lavender Hill Studio

Dawn... Hydrangea Home

Lori...Katies Rose Cottage

I think these bloggers rock, and think you will too!

Rockin' Girl Blogger:

Jennifer... Pear Street Studio

Jo Anne... Vintage Rose Collection

Barbara...Barbara Jacksier

Natasha... Natasha Burns

My website has a new look

Chloe's Chic Boutique has a brand new look! Lots of pink polka dots, pink stripes, and beautiful pink roses. I love it!

If you are in need of a designer for a website, banner or business cards... who specializes in feminine web graphics I recommend you check out " In My Cedar Chest".

Ebay sellers... You will love her large selection of auction templates, and store front designs available in her Ebay store.

Bev has designed both of my websites, my Ebay store front, all of my banners, and business cards... Does it sound like I'm hooked on her work?? LOL

Not only is Bev one of the most talented designers available, she's one of the nicest women you will ever meet!

A Nice Surprise!

This morning I woke up to an email from Jenny from The Bowerbirds Nest with this adorable picture she created from the photo of me and Chloe. What a wonderful surprise! I just love it! Thank you so much Jenny!!

Doesn't it look just like us... and I am even holding Ashleighs birthday cake!

If you haven't met Jenn and Jacqui yet be sure to check out their wonderful blog!

Two Birthday Parties!

Since Ashleighs birthday was on a week day not all of the family could come, so she had a second party on the following weekend.
Her second party began with a family get together for lunch at a restaurant. Ashleigh had a window seat.
Doesn't her pink cart cover/ highchair cover look so girly??

After lunch we all we went to her Mimi and Pop pops home for cake, ice-cream and gifts.

I love the way her birthday cake matches the table cloth!

Don't you just love this expression?? I know she must be thinking "I can't reach my cake and ice-cream way over there!"

Finally... a taste!

Thank you for joining me for both of my Birthday parties!