This little blog has moved...

I've moved my blog Here still on blogger just changed the name. See you there!

A short hiatus

Happy St. Patty's day. Although I'm not Irish I love the spirit of they day. My future SIL is Irish so we will be heading to her house for some yummy corned beef ( is that the right spelling?) and cabbage and Irish soda bread. My mouth is watering now.

For my real news. We are closing on our first home next Wed ( I can't wait ) so I will be taking a little hiatus from my blog to finish packing up the apartment, close on the house and move. I'm dreading unpacking BUT it will be fun to start painting and decorating.

After the move comes my long awaited wedding on May 3. I say long awaited because it feels like we've been engadged forever! 2 years but it seems longer. I'm actually looking forward for it to be over so I can enjoy the house. People aren't kidding when they say planning a wedding is work. We did it small I'm talking only about 50 people in a resturant. I can't imagine going all out.

Thank you for all the well wishes and I will be back blogging after May 3.

Kisses-K.

2 More Weeks!

2 more weeks and Joe and I close on our new home. I'm so excited I could scream. I not however thrilled about packing. For the past week we've been packing here and there trying to get a head start. Slowly we are loosing space in our apartment. There are boxes every where! Today I tried to clean out one of our storage closets. I really, really thought I would be able to toss a lot of stuff.

Well I thought wrong. I'm a huge classic pooh fan and in my early 20's I collected A lot I mean A LOT of classic pooh chotchkie's. I didn't realize a lot of my chotchkie's are collectables. Well know names like..Lenox, bradford exchange, Disney store figures - snow globes. Aah to be 20 something again living at home not paying rent. I think now I would have bought less and saved more. So my point is I couldn't throw them away. They got re-packed and will be moving along with me. I did throw a few odds and ends that were junk so I felt a little better. At least I know if and when I have a baby they will have a well dressed nursery.

Tomorrow I tackle the other storage closet we have. This has a ton of crap in it mostly my Christmas decorations a lot of which are ready for the old dumpster. I ready to do the old heave ho to anything that is broken, cheap looking and just plain useless. I really want to try to be a minimalist? to an extent. However I know I'm a bit of a pack rat. I have to work on that.

Happy Cleaning. Oh don't forget to turn you clocks ahead. I love that spring is coming but I do hate loosing that extra hour.

TTFN- K

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.....

OH baby! is it nasty outside. If you live on the east coast you know exactly what I'm talking about. March has roared in like a lion. Normally I wouldn't be so happy about it snowing on a work day but with my new home access I couldn't be happier. Let it snow, snow, snow while I work toasty warm in my house.

The wind was so wicked in the middle of the night I thought the windows were going to shatter. This nasty little storm has left approx 5-6 inches were I live in jersey. I'm near the water so we don't get as much as North Jersey where I grew up. They probably have a good foot. Sometimes they get snow and we get nothing.

This weekend Joe and I picked up some packing boxes as Home Depot to start packing up the apartment. I'll be happy when were all moved in and somewhat unpacked. I don't mind the unpacking it's the packing that stinks. I'm trying to do a major overhaul and throw out anything not used, worn, smelled or looked at it the past year.

I finally got my wedding invitations out, one less thing to worry about between the house and the wedding. I'm pretty much done. I do have to figure out a maid-of-honor and matron-of-honor gifts for my sister and niece. I'm thinking a simple diamond pendant or some type of jewelry. Any suggestions please let me know. Oh and we ordered our wedding bands. I can't wait until they come in.

I'm off to make some tea and get ready for Hero's.

Stay warm

K

Live, Laugh, Love, Dream

A new trinket box I just finished. I love the way it came out very shabby chic. I think it makes a great gift for anyone. This is made of wood and measures approx 4x4x4. I'm working on some smaller paper mache ones that are perfect party favors, wedding favors. You can purchase this box Here





Happy Crafting

K

A brief breakdown...

Friday night Joe and I had dinner at his parents house. I've had my wedding dress since last May. Purchased at Davids Bridal, it fit perfectly just needs to be shortened since I will be wearing ballerina flats. I've kept it at his parents house for safekeeping and prying eyes and hands. After dinner I decided to try it on b/c I need to get it altered and wanted to see how short I may want it and re-assure it still fit. WELL I put it on and couldn't zipper it. I was freaking out. Even with the help of my MIL we could get it to zipper.

I was devastated to say the least. How could I have put on weight. I run 3-3 1/2 miles a day 5-6 days a week. I watch everything I eat occasionally indulging myself but hey the run counter acts it right? My MIL says they must have given you the wrong size I don't remember you trying this size on. I couldn't remember. I went home with dress in hand ready to throw myself off our balcony. The wedding is 8 weeks away.

Saturday I woke up bright and early and took the dress to Davids Bridal hoping they could either exchange it ( I knew in the back of my mind it would be hard. All Sales are FINAL!) I walked in the store shaking. I spoke to a sales girl (actually the one who sold it to me) and explained that I think I got the wrong size dress. I haven't opened it since I bought it and just tried it on for the first time last night. Can someone please help me maybe I'm putting it on wrong. We went to a dressing room and she help me put it on. At first again to no luck with zipping it up. I know I haven't gained a tremendous amount of weight. Luckily Amanda(the sales girl) said "wait your holding the dress to high, bring it down. Once I did that she was able to zip it up like a glove! WHEW! crisis overt ed. I was putting it on wrong. It's and empire waist to I was pulling it up way to far therefore were it narrows it wouldn't zip past my back.

It is a tiny bit snug but they can let it out an inch or two. no problem. I was so relieved. All is happy in the world again LOL. This coming Thursday I go for my fitting to have them let it out just an inch and have it shortened. It will then be perfect. I will be watching what I eat from now until then though.

While I was there I purchased my tiara. Now I just need shoes....

Have a happy Sunday. I know I can now

TTFN- Kathy

It's a SAMPLE SALE

I'm having a sample sale at Bedknobsnbroomsticks If you have a baby shower coming up or a new baby to buy for snatch them up. I'll be listing more throughout the week. I'm trying to clean house!

I had a nice relaxing 4 day weekend. Joe and I did some wedding stuff, met with the celebrant on Friday to discuss the ceremony. It should be really nice. Now I'm undecided on whether I should get married in the restaurant as planned or we should be in our new house by then to just get married at the house in front of our family? I have to think about it more.

I also finally found part of the tile I want to put on the back splash of my kitchen. It will be the trim part. I'm going back to Lowe's this weekend to get a sample to have on hand so I'll take a picture then and share. Now I just have to find a co-ordinating tile to go with it.

We'll that's about it. Check out the sale. I also have a new treasure box to share. Just have to take some pics.

TTFN- Kathy

New Ornaments

I hope everyone has enjoyed the long holiday weekend. I know I did. I created some new ornaments / gift tags even though I still feel like I'm in a creative slump. Here are a few that are now in the shop I can't decide what direction I want to take my shop plus I'm still undecided on wether to close bedknobsnbroomsticks well here are 3 new ornaments 1 wedding and 2 baby's first. Great to use as gift tags too.

Seaside Mushroom Cottage

A quick hello and my latest Mushroom home.



For Sale by Owner:

Seaside Mushroom Cottage Bungalow.

This is your chance to own a great little vaction home for you and your family. Right on the beach this home has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths with an additonal outside shower to wash off all that sand from the beach. Living room/Dining room combination with beautiful ocean view. Eat in kitchen with washer and dryer hook up. Small patio for midnight BBQ's.

TTFN- Kathy

3 More Months...

I just realized the other day I'm 3 months away from my Wedding! I can easily say I'm not your typical Bride. I barely talk about my wedding to friends and co-workers. Family here and there. It's going to be small. We originally were going to Key West however with buying the house now thrown in the middle and the cost of airfare, Joe and I are now getting married here in NJ at our favorite Italian restaurant. My mom and sis will be flying up from FLA. The rest of my family is here brother, cousins, aunts and so on. I hope my Aunt, Uncle and cousins in SC can make it but I know the expense might be much PLUS my cousin Nicole is getting married herself in June.

Honestly I wasn't that little girl who dreamed of her wedding day so I guess that's why I feel it's not big deal and since Joe and I lived together it's like we are married already. Don't get me wrong I am looking forward to it mostly to see all my family and friends together.

I just ordered my invitations yesterday I hope I'm not sending these out too late. Should they have been in the mail already? Oh well. I don't have much left to do but get a tiara ( it will make my future-MIL happy ) shoes, gifts for my sister and niece and a new suit for Joe.

ttfn-Kathy

Slowly feeling better

I'm slowly feeling better, less stuffiness, coughing, and sneezing. I still can't taste too much and have a barely there appetite but all in all things are looking up.

I finally got my home acess for work up and running which I'm super excited about. I will do a test run on Thursday in my first attempt to work from home. Fingers crossed.

Pretty quiet otherwise. I'm working on some more mushroom houses, condo's and townhomes along with some "Irish cottages" and other Irish goodies. I hope to share on the blog this weekend.

TTFN - Kathy

Tissues, Tea and even some art

How is it you can feel absolutely fantastic one day and POW the next day you have a full blown cold? This weekend I was pretty much laid up in bed. It started on Thursday with a slight dry throat (not soar just dry) I fought it saying nah I'm not getting sick. Friday came, I went to work and as the day wore on I got tired and the dry cough / throat got worse. I get home from work I'm achy, chilly one minute, hot the next. I'm off to bed.

I roll over Saturday morning and finally gave in I'M SICK (yuck). So I sleep all day, drink lots of tea and juice, and cuddle with the pooch. Other than being sick not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

Today I feel a lot better, still tired, a little nausea here and there and slightly stuffy but all in all better. I have to say if you get sick use Zicam. It works wonders. Cuts the cold in half just like it says. I use the gel swabs for the nose great stuff.

Oh I got my work issued laptop on Friday! I'm so happy right, I tried it this weekend and of course because I want it to work, it doesn't. I can't remote to my desk top at work. Now I have to lug this back to work and fight nicely with the IT guys that it's not me, it's the computer. I hope it gets resolved so I can utilize it when I need it.

Now for some fun stuff, although I was sick I did get to work on some new stuff for the shop. We have a cupcake wall sign, Mushroom townhouse, and cupcake magnets. All available in the The Shop

I've been tagged

I've been tagged by Candy over at sobellacreations

Here are the rules:
Step 1: Respond and Rework. Answer the questions on your own blog. Replace one question that you don't like with a question of your own invention. Then add one more question of your own invention.
Step 2: Tag eight other un-tagged people

1. Make a list of things you can see without getting up.
A. TV
B. Phone
C. Chapstick
D. Post-it Notes
**Just some of the things I see from my desk at work**

2. Favorite Football Team.
Penn State - Nittnay Lions

3. What are you wearing now?
Jeans and a cable knit sweater

4. What's the last thing you read/are currently reading?READ???
On the third Twilight book ( Eclipse ) LOVE THEM, ready to start the fourth

5. Who was the last person you hugged?
It's a tie... My fiance Joe and Zoey the cutest pug ever.

6. What's you current obsession/addiction?
Juju Hearts - yummy

7. What was the last thing you said aloud?
This woman on TV looks like she had one too many plastic surgeries.

8. What was the last thing you bought?
Zicam. I'm trying to fight off a cold

9. What are you listening to right now?
O & A on sirius/XM Radio

10. What is your favorite type of bath product? (my question-go figure)
A toss up between Body Wash and Body Butter

11. What is your most challenging goal right now?
To support myself from my art.

12. Say something to the person who tagged you
Thanks for visiting my blog Candy!

13. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
ITALY,ITALY,ITALY

14. Favorite vacation spot?
Hands down Disney (I can't wait to go this summer)

15. Favorite children's book?
Now "Harry Potter" as a kid "where the wild things are"

16. What is your most favorite Candy Bar of all time?
without a doubt 100 Grand!

17. What was the first tape or CD that you bought for yourself?
I think Adam Ant - goodie two shoes (am I dating myself?)

18. Describe your perfect day.
Staying home with my finance Joe and the pugster, then painting all day

19. Who is the most famous person you know?
my Mom - she's always be "famous" in my eyes

20. What would you do if you won the Lottery?
Make sure everyone important in my life never had to worry about money, buy my dream house that will have a hug dog rescue in it.

21 Aside from blogging, what is your favorite past time?
Painting and drawing of course.

22. If you were a fish what kind would you be and why?
is a mermaid a fish?

23. What is your most favorite movie of all time?
that's tough. I have so many. I'll pick 16 Candles.

My Question:

24. What is your favorite food to eat?

And the people I tag are: Here are 3 I love to visit.

1. http://amariahrauscher.blogspot.com/
2. http://bettymaeartistry.blogspot.com/
3. http://sylvias-journal.blogspot.com/

Enchanted Imagination...

Can you feel the magic? I found these adorable, mystical fairy doors on etsy. Created by Enchantedgardens They make me day dream about what mystical creatures reside inside. A fairy, gnome, sourcerer, witch (the good kind)? Maybe it's a door to Tinkerbell's enchanted world? A secret land just waiting to be explored.


If I ever get a chance to visit this mystical land in my head I would reside in this house also found at Enchantedgardens Doesn't it look so cozy? I can smell the misty dew that will greet me each morning.



Well back to reality and work....

TTFN - Kathy

Productive Sunday

I'm a girly girl, so the Superbowl really holds not interest for me. As a child while the men in the family watched any type of professional sport the girls would either go to a movie, SHOP!!! or really do anything but watch the game. I do love watching the olympics or going to an actual game. Other than that I can take it or leave it (sports that is)

Staying true to my childhood "superbowl" sunday I got creative. I spent the whole day doing what I love PAINTING. Here are a few of my finished creations now in the SHOP

Ladybug Pin


Proud to bee Irish Pin


Easter Ornaments

Makeup Application

Isn't it amazing how us girls apply makeup the same way? It comes to my mind because this morning on my way into work, as I rode the train, I sat across from a girl who was applying her makeup. Trying not to stare but too fascinated not to watch ( carefully sneaked peaks ) I proceeded to analyze her makeup application.

First she applied foundation. To me there are 2 ways to do it, with your fingers ( her preference ) or a makeup sponge ( my preference - however I very rarely wear foundation makes me breakout ) The finger method to me can't possibly be the better way. How can you get an even application? Not to mention when on a train how clean can your hands be after touching all the gross things your hands touch in a dirty train station.

Second came the liquid eyeliner. I must say she did a great job considering the movement of the train. However I was confused as to why she used 2 different types of liquid liner. Both black. I think it's in our DNA, we can't just have 1 of something we have to have several of the same exact thing and usually in a similar shade, shape, fit.

Third came the mascara again 2 different brands but the same color were used in the application. My real reason for this post is the way the mascara was applied (as was the liquid eyeliner), why is it when applying these most necessary products in the makeup process that we can only apply it with our mouths wide open? You know you do, I know I do. Just thinking about applying it makes my mouth hang open.

Now tomorrow when you apply your eyeliner and mascara as much as you try your mouth will be open, it's nature.

TTFN - KR

3 Triplet Cats... Now in the shop

It's a snowy day here in NJ. Unfortunately I trudged into work. I wish they would call snow days like in school. Oh well, I'm still waiting on my home access. I guess that will happen when I retire but hopefully I can quit my day job before then and just create. Ahhhh to dream. Any way....

I have 3 new creations in the shop Meet Collin, Liam and Philip. They are 3 polymer cats, Triples. This is a new line I'm calling chubsters. Custom orders are always welcome. They are not intended for young children under the age of 12. Purchase them here

Here are a little bit about them...

Collin is studying for his real estate license. He loves watching flip this house, house hunters and design on a dime.

He is life's goal is to have his own real estate / re-decorating reality show. If you adopt him he may try to convice you to let him "practice" his remodeling skills just to you know.



Philip is huge on the professional Monopoly circuit. He has a ranking of Grand Master and takes it very seriously. It's a sport and I wouldn't debate him on it ( just a warning).

If you adopt him he likes to have huge monopoly parties that can last into the wee hours of the morning.



Liam collects rocks and spends all day everyday outside exploring to find that one perfect rock. He's dream is to be a geologist. He has quite a collection, if you adopt him he asks that he can have one room dedicated to his prize collection or a corner in the house.

Don't you want to squish this face?

I know you do. I do. Here is the puppers (aka Zoey, Zoey girl, little girl, the girly) Snug as a bug in her bed. She loves to sleep underneath the cushion of her bed all cozy warm. She had a big day today. My future in-laws were over for Anthony's 25th birthday dinner. With tummies fed and lots of laughs we are all ready for a good nights rest. Zoey is a Pug like the dog from men in black!

Just a quick hello

Popping in to show off a recent custom. 6 4x4 gallery quality canvases painted with your favorite Disney characters.

Featured on Steals and Deals

I was so honored to be contacted last year by Abby and Mandy of Steals and deals They run a fabulous blog featuring you guessed it steals and deals. They personalized test/scrutinizes each product she promotes on her blog.

I'm so lucky to be featured as tomorrows Feature Friday , as a part of the feature she will be offering one of my hand painted shirts as a give away. All you have to do is post a comment on the blog Take a peak and enter.

Thanks Abby & Mandy!

Not feeling crafty? Slump?

Do you ever have those days where everything you make ( in my case draw ) looks like crap or isn't how you envision it? That's how I feel today. I have this idea in my head for a drawing and it's just not working out on paper. I guess it's a day I have to leave it at the drawing table and relax my head and that's just what I'm going to do. Cuddle with the puppers ( I need to post some pictures of her ) and idulge in "New Moon" the next book in the Twilight series. Are you reading it yet?

Oh and on a side note.... We offically got approved for our mortgage! Whoo. We close at the end of March. I am so excited, not only to own my first home but I actually will have my own office/craft room!!!

TTFN - Kathy

Are you reading it?....

OMG this book is incredible. In a word intoxicating. I can't believe it has taken me this long to pick it up. Thank you to my good friend Dyana for recommending it. I'm now on the second book New Moon. I can't get enough of Edward and Bella. I want my own Edward LOL! If you have a chance to pick it up I highly recommend and if you've read it leave me a comment I would love to hear your take on it.

Off to read but for a guilty pleasure....Brett Michael's "Rock of love bus" It's such a train wreck I can't not watch.

Baby it's cold outside....

If you live on the east coast like me you are probably asking the same question as me is it spring yet? It's a blistery 20 degrees out with a wind chill of -10. It's nothing compared to living in ND or MN I'm sure but it's still cold. It's one of those days when the alarm goes of at 4:30 (yes 4:30) that I want to turn over and pull the covers over my head instead of going to work.

I do like the winter though I'm really not a hot summer person even though my B-day is in August. A summer baby. Weird right? I prefer the Fall and the Winter but I do get to a point where enough is enough and I'm ready for spring. Today is one of those days. Dewey mornings where flowers are just about to bloom and you can smell the rain from the day before.

What I do love about winter is a nice fireplace A REAL one (we have a gas one now and will have a gas one in the new house) I grew up with a real one. On days like this every night my Dad would make a fire. I would love to help "build" it and once it was really going sit in front with my dog sneakers soaking up the warmth, listen to it crackle while rubbing his belly. There is something about a real fire that just screams winter to me. I just love that smell too. That woodsy burning smell.

They should make a yankee candle like that LOL. Stay warm east coasters!

Another new ACEO

I love being inspired and productive. I just finished this new ACEO now available in the shop It's called "The Bunny Suit" I'm also working on another suprise for the shop. I hope to have them done and listed this week.

TTFN - K

New Watercolors....

I worked on some new watercolors today. The first is called "mailing a letter" and the second is "monkey business". Check them out in the shop

What I do at work....

Until my dream job of creating art works out I have a full time job as a data analyst. A button pusher so to speak. Don't get me wrong I'm very grateful I have a job however it's not my dream job BUT it pays the bills at the moment.

I can't complain really I have a great boss and pretty much come and go as I please, but it is creatively frustrating for me to sit 8 + hours a day in a stuffy office while I think about all the creating I could be getting done. You see I have a lot of down time at my job but don't tell my boss LOL.

Soooo this is what I do at work... I draw on anything handy, scraps of paper, napkins (mostly napkins) and sometimes my sketch book if I bring it. Here's what I did this week.....







TTFN -K

Treasury Love

My Pizza baker sign made a treasury today. Check it out
here

A Congratulations is in order.

Congratulations to my soon to be Niece Kelly. Today she graduates from nursing school. Joe and I are so proud! May all your wished and dreams come true. Congrats Cookie!

Fairy Dwellings on the brain

Lately I've been facinated by little houses and dwellings where a fairy may rest her wings. I came across 2 favorites on etsy the other day. The first is from mayvar This mushling/fairy house just amazes me. She is truly talented.



The next is from etsy seller cocoondesigns partly made of recycled wool this little home is too darling and amazing in detail.




Maybe one day these 2 cuties will find their way in to my studio. This is inspiring me to sketch a new painting, hope to share something new soon.

TTFN - K

Sharing some pictures of the new house

Just wanted to share some pictures of the house. Can't wait to move in april

New Watercolors

Just sharing some of my first attempts at painting with watecolor. 2 are ACEO's and a 9 x 12 (That's the Rapunzel one) now in the shop

A Cozy Saturday Night

Right now I'm spending a cozy Sat night with the puppers cuddling in bed and watching my first place on HGTV. Matt and Joe are watching football in the living room.

We had a fun day exploring our soon to be new town/home Tinton Falls NJ. I can't wait to move in, start painting and decorating. I went to WalMart for the first time today. I had fun exploring and picking up a few things here and there. We also went to Home Goods. It's a store you need alot of time to search for those great finds and deals that they have. You can't be rushed. Joe is good he likes to shop but dragging a 12 year old around a home decor store is not his idea of fun. So alas I will have to go back and really take time to find some buried treasures.

Other than that it was a pretty quiet Sat which is just fine with me. Joe made some yummy chicken soup for dinner - perfect on a cold day. I'm so lucky have him to cook for me. A chef I am not. Baker yes, chef NO.

I have some watercolor paintings to share once I get a new printer (tomorrow I hope) to scan them. I'm really enjoying working with watercolor.

Off to make some tea.

TTFN - K

New Signs in the Shop!

A quick hello, I just listed 2 new signs in the shop. Cupid bear signs for Valentine's Day and a Princess Castle sign fit for a princess. Hop on over to the shop to check them out!

Happy New Year!

Ok so I'm a day late. My resolution this year is to be a better blogger ( I promise ) I've never been a huge New Year's party type person. I like staying home with family and good friends, and that's just what we did. Joe, my future in-laws, and Joes youngest son Matt stayed home, ate great chinese food, watched the first 2 episodes of The Soprano's ( I bought it for Joe for Christmas ) then finally watched the ball drop. Good times to me. I hope you enjoyed your night just as much as we did.

I hope 2009 brings all your hopes and dreams to light. I have a big year ahead of me.... Moving to a new house in April(yeah), getting married in Key West in May with a family honeymoon to follow in DISNEY - I think that's my favorite part. I haven't been there since 1997. It will be Matt,s first trip ever he's super excited.

We'll I'm off to do tidy up the house, get some drawing in and then off for a hair cut. Oh I've been off from work this week and can I say LOVE IT! Can I do this full-time? Alas with normal bills and a new mortgage coming that would be a no, well maybe one day!!!

TTFN