Merry Christmas and Happy New Year My Friends!

my dog Willow smirking and perplexed at all the snow...

Willow finally getting used to the snow and watching the little birds in our yard...

Much love to you at Christmas and hoping you are dry, warm and happy...

Blessings, Joy and Peace!

Amber XXOO

{to the best of my knowledge, above vintage images are all copyright free} 

23 year Anniversary and The greatest ideas from Blogland...

My Hubby and I celebrated our 23 yr. Anniversary on Sunday. He gave me a sweet heart necklace that I really loved, took me out to dinner and a movie while my daughter watched the boys for us...you know, I'm glad he's the one I get to share my life with :)

We've been in our home just over a year now and last year I baked cookies and took them around to our neighbors at Christmas time. It was so fun and we got such a warm happy response that I will be doing it again this year. The Melted Snowman recipe below is one I came across that made me chuckle and that I want to bake for the families with young kids on my block. I can't wait to make them...

http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-traditions-melted-snowman.html





Another Super cool find to check out in Blog-o-sphere land

http://www.artwallonline.com/about/     Art Wall Online is a virtual display space created to exhibit the artwork of independent artists. The pieces are showcased in the form of an “Art Wall,” — an arrangement of artwork placed on a virtual wall. Each one is curated by proprietor Katie Stephenson. Everything is either made by hand or is a print of handmade work and is priced between $5 and $500. Art Wall is not a shop, but a curated gallery. 




What a fun idea...XXOO!

Holidaze are here!! Hip Hip Hooray for a Give Away!

http://mbshaw.blogspot.com/2010/12/holidaze-are-here-hip-hip-hooray-for.html

Mary Beth Shaw is a mixed media artist, a teacher, a sometime designer, a writer, and a store owner who is generously giving away some wonderful stencils and Wood icing to not only 3 but to 4 lucky winners! I had to share with you , because I know my heart skipped a beat at the chance of winning!

Prize 1 - Set #1 of my new baby stencils
Prize 2 - Set #2 of my baby stencils
Prize 3 - Both of the clear stamps
Grand Prize - Container of Wood Icing and a set of large stencils. 
video demo of products @ Stencil Girl Products


Creative hugs!!!

wordle...quite fun really and Holiday inspirations

 Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide.  You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. 


The two examples are the ones I did just for fun to try it out, but I think it could even be used to make project flyers or help with the kids homework assignments.

http://blog.lobsterandswan.com
Also if you click on the link above it will take you to a post about some delightful online magazines...
  
I love finding little bits of inspiration all through the blogosphere... Here is one  of my own suggestions; 
Very cool and creative online publication  gifted-magazine

Hope this day finds you well!

festive looking visitors

We had some beautiful backyard visitors after a snowy winter storm today. The birds perched on the branches of our juniper trees and looked for the berries that were hidden beneath the blanket of white soft fluff. The robins look so Christmas-y and dressed for the season...all they need is a top hat to complete their attire :)