Real Life!

This morning I tried relaxing on my shabby couch with feet raised on my shabby ottoman.

When I reached for the remote control hidden in a pink box, I had to laugh.



This is REAL LIFE! Everywhere I looked there were toys! On my shabby couch, on my shabby ottoman and inside my shabby box. There was no place to relax in our shabby living room. Our youngest son of 4 years is our reminder that a shabby home is not a home without toys in abundance on every pink surface. His toys are always underfoot, but his innocence and candor keep us humble and true to what is important in life.

Next Stop, Valentine's Day!

For several years I have hosted brunch in my home to celebrate Valentine's Day. Out comes the china, crystal and silver. Girl's day! While kids are at school and husbands are at work, my girl friends gather to dine on homemade lasagna, salad and raspberry cake. This year I have new quilted, heart-shaped place mats to share with friends. (Now available at cutepinkstuff.com.)

Well, I must get going on the invitations and party favors! I'm thinking about a PINK theme. Is there any other color? When my invitations and party favors are completed, I will post them here. I am also thinking about coupling that post with a giveaway. Stop by later for the details!

White Romance For 2008

The New Year brings rejuvenation. A fresh start. Revival. Cleanliness. Purity. Restoration. Change.

Cutepinkstuff.com welcomes 2008 with a new category of items, White Romantic Home!

Spring Cleaning

I may be rushing the season, but I am ready for Spring! Our Christmas trees are out of the house. The Christmas decorations are in storage for next year. The sun is shining. Yes, I am ready for spring cleaning!

That may explain my sudden need to create a clothespin bag! When a package of fabric arrived the other day, I set aside everything, pulled out my sewing machine, and presto, two clothespin bags appeared!

This bag is made from "Monkey 'n Around" fabric. I am not typically a fan of sock monkeys, but add a pink background. . . . I'm now a fan!











The second bag is dear to my heart because it is made from a line of fabric created by Anne Sutton at Bunny Hill Designs. The Beary Boys and Girls Flannel Pink Bouquet fabric is ultra soft and gorgeously PINK! Anne's newest fabric design is Miss Emma's Garden. Love it, Anne!











I don't have a clothesline. I have no need for a bag holding clothespins. Yet, I always have a need for cutepinkstuff fashioned from cute pink fabrics! I envision my bags holding socks, mittens, baby items, ribbons or bows. For now, they just make me smile!

Holiday Home

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WELCOME TO MY HOME! Our Christmas decorations are done save and except the place settings for Christmas dinner. No gifts are wrapped, but that is next on my list. For now, I am joining Karla's party and sharing with you what I love about my holiday home. Enjoy your tour!

I'll be home for Christmas. . . . candlelight church service on the Eve, 4 excited kids opening presents early in the morning, dinner at home with our extended family, and amazement that another year has passed us by. Amid all the commotion that the season brings let's take the time to remember the reason for the season. . . .
I saved my favorite decoration for last. Below is a drawing done a few days ago by my 4 year old son. He calls it, "Baby Jesus in the Manger." That says it all.

Thinking Outside of the Mall

As much as I try this holiday season, I don't think I can stay away completely from the mall. Before I venture out into the crowds with my holiday list, I am enjoying my online visits to Etsy and to a few of my favorite websites. Below is a sampling of some items that caught my eye. If everyone on my list shared my love for PINK my shopping would be much easier!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8215374

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5341141



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7604058



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7688254

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7354687



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7824752

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7894726

Awwww. . . .

I started a group called Shabby Pink Cottage Chic Ladies over at Etsy. Membership is open to all ladies who enjoy the shabby pink cottage chic decorating style. It's a place to share ideas and make friends while sipping on a cup of virtual java. No rules, just fun!

Today, I was asked by MudpiesandMoonbeams whether I miss practicing law. I miss the suits, high heels and the courtroom when I haven't had a chance to shower, my laundry is piled high (family of 6!) and my toddler is cranky.

I also have my moments when I would not trade in my current day job for my former profession. This is one of those moments: My 11 year old son made his bed, didn't tell me and left me a priceless message. Awwww. . . how sweet is that?

Best Find To Date!

I wish I could say I found this chandelier! My mother-in-law and father in-law bought this chandelier at a yard sale in the Palm Springs area. It is definitely one of the best gifts I have received! It came with many of its original tear drop crystals, a green plastic bead garland, duct tape and plenty of dust! It works, too!
This is the same chandelier painted white and fully dressed in it's original bling. I added only a few crystals that were missing, removed the duct tape and plastic beads. It now hangs in my home office which replaced a ceiling fan. My husband reluctantly agreed to replace the fan, but he knows how much I love chandeliers! When the summer heat returns I may miss the fan. For now, I am enjoying my yard sale chandelier!

Home Office Debut!

Our family's former breakfast nook is now my home office. It spans an area of 64 square feet. Just enough space for a printer, two cabinets, a glass top table/desk, a chair on wheels, a side tray/table, a magazine rack, and two old wicker chairs. My "corner window office" even has an ocean-like view of our pool!

Around the corner of the nook is a large table my husband constructed. It doubles as a homework table for my kids and a packaging/shipping table for cutepinkstuff.com. Across the room, under the stairwell, is a former play room that now serves as a storage room for small inventory items and shipping supplies. There is also another desk, storage unit, lamp and larger inventory items.

As I venture out into the small business world, I often wonder if this how Martha Stewart, Mary Engelbreit, Rachel Ashwell and others began. The challenge is balancing family and business all under the same roof!

Thanks to all who have visited and commented on my office re-do! More photos in video below!

Home Office Slide Show