Happy Holiday... 12/28/2010
Christmas was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and special memories...and we even got a bunch of snow the day after! Even in the 30+ mph winds, Phil took the kiddies sleddingJ...Some parts of our yard the grass peeked through the snow—other areas it is up to my hip!...Anyway, the week has been delightful, lazy, and relaxing. I love the week leading up to New Year’s...It’s always so refreshing and fun to spend with the family! Hope your Christmas was bright and happy as well!!...And have a lovely New Years! XOXO, Krista           3 Comments Christmas Elf... 12/07/2010
Pokey is our Christmas elf. Each year after Thanksgiving, he comes out of the attic to watch the kids’ behavior and report to Santa each night. He is quite magical...cannot be touched by children...and hears and sees ALL they do for the month of DecemberJ. (Bedtimes have improved exponentially since this past Saturday...I hear absolutely no whispers!!;)...He is our very favorite Christmas tradition. I swear, after we unwrapped him from his cozy blanket, his cheeks got rosier when he saw my kiddiesJ!!...Ask Niamh, she agrees! He came to our house three years ago along with his story book, The Elf on the shelf A Christmas Tradition by Carol V. Aebersold and Chandra A. Bell. The book tells the story of your elf and gives the elf rules that children must obey. First thing you should do is name your special elf. Niamh shouted Pokey right when she saw his face—and I must say, it is the most perfect name for him!! Each night, he comes back from visiting Santa and ends up in a different spot in the houseJ...Sometimes he even gets a bit messy and pulls the cookies out of the pantry...making quite a little crumb mess on my counters!...    He started this year in Niamh’s Barbie house. She and Philly set up a nice little spot for him in the “den.” We even got him a girlfriend, a little statue Christmas fairy we call Peppermint...just so he can talk to someone when we are gone. I highly recommend taking a peek at the book and the little elf that comes nestled along side of it next time you visit your bookstore. It makes Christmas so very magical...We are actually suppose to send him back to Santa each year after Christmas...but Niamh cried and I gave in—so we got special permission (thank you, Santa!) to keep him in storage instead of giving him up after the holidaysJ. What would we do without our little Pokey?;) Speaking of the big guy, the kids had breakfast with Santa at my mom’s elementary school on Saturday...another tradition we have come to look forward to each time December rolls around. Philly was surprisingly shy this year and sort of looked through the corner of his eye the whole timeJ...They both asked for a new bike. Then they made some Christmas cookies (with enough sprinkles to even make an elf cringeJ)...and enjoyed the whole morning thoroughly!!...I love the holidays; such fun!!     On another note...I was awarded a stylish blog nod from my new blog friend Juyle this week...I’m suppose to tell you eight things about myself and then pass it along to a few blogs I find especially stylishJ...I will give the list of blogs in a following post as I’m crunched for time tonight. A quick eight things about myself...hmmm...  1. I lost to Phil in Jeopardy twice this week. Serves me right, bragging as I did:( 2. I drink excessive amounts of coffee and diet sodas. If I could get an IV of soda right into my veins, I probably would. 3. My favorite meal is crab cakes, coleslaw, French fries, and a cold light beer. 4. I don’t wear any wedding rings because I hate rings on my fingers (except my thumbs...like rings on them)...so, I am going to get a P tattooed on my ring finger with the number 301...One of my favorite movies is 300...and Phil always tells me his is my 301. HAHAHA, I love thatJ. 5. I’d love to spend one day of my life entirely in bed...a really cushy, poofy bed with feather pillows and princess coversJ. 6. I am not a morning person. Please don’t talk to me before 10:00am;) 7. Whenever there is a big flock of seagulls in a store parking lot, I drive through them for the kidsJ...We’ve done it so many times, I think they consider it a normal thing to do...I am positive I will be stopped by mall security some day. 8. I have only received one speeding ticket in my life. I’ve been pulled over more times than I can count...Luckily, my speeding has coincided with days I‘ve done my hair and put on make-up. Heaven help me the day I’m stopped looking like I do right now!! J Thanks Juyle for the nice awardJ...I think you’re quite the stylish blogger yourself! Have a lovely Tuesday everyone! XoXo, Krista Holiday Gift Guide 2, For the Girls:)... 11/27/2010
 Here are some pretty ideas to inspire your gift giving this season—for the girls on your listJ. I have two younger sisters (three if you count my soon to be sister-in-law who I luv like a sisJ)...so, I’ve given lots of girly gifts over the years. It seems that girls are a little easier to buy for; little things like a collectible or nick-nack will be special and exciting...even if all it does is sit prettily on a shelfJ. Guys not so much—I feel like they require something practical and useful. Anyway, these are some of the gifts I’d love to give this Christmas. Maybe I’ve even bought one or two already;) SSSSHHHHhhhhh!!!   Martha Stewart Weddings  Philosophy Body Lotion    The Sartorialist Book  Calico Critters make cute present toppers:)  Michaels.com  pinupgirlclothing.com  Love the idea of giving a bunch of smaller things...homemade soaps and a tiny deer necklace...Does it get any sweeter than that?...And I saw this lazy susan craft storage in Michaels yesterday...I talked myself out of it—but it was hard leaving such a nifty little device on the shelf!...Gingerbread lotion is my mom’s favorite...it does smell so festive!!..And calico critters are just too adorable to pass up!!... Hope you enjoyed this little gift guide... XOXO, Krista I am ever so slightly inching my house to be Thanksgiving readyJ...It is at least within sight—luckily I have 20/20 vision, or else I wouldn’t see it!...We had a major house overhaul over the past week—changing rooms, cleaning out old toys, making a play/hangout room for the kiddies. Needless to say, if you need something to get done in your house, just invite guests over. Works every time!! I am excited to have lots of family over—even all my brother/sisters’ in-laws are coming...so it will be a fun, mixed group of people with lots of conversation and laughterJ. I am most looking forward to my Thanksgiving staples (and the foods I tend to take seconds...and thirds ofJ)...sweet potato and marshmallow casserole, homemade macaroni and cheese, and stuffing. I could skip the Turkey all together; but I HAVE to have those three dishes!...Of course my thighs are the worse for the ware, but my tummy does enjoy a feastJ.  www.mccormick.com  www.portlandmonthlymag.com  www.mccormick.com Speaking of which, I like to plan my outfits for holiday dinners; and I thought this dress was perfect. I bought it in an olive color, and it is all the way to the floor. I’m going to wear mine with a long, cream colored vest and big earrings (I love big earrings...the bigger the better!:) I am partial to pretty, long dresses—but they are hard to find. Especially a long sleeved one. So, when I spotted this beauty on the Free People website, I bought it. It’s great for a huge dinner (especially with a forgiving swingy vest;)...because it isn’t tight...so nobody is going to see the seven pounds I gain instantly after dinner! Hahaha...No, actually its true.  FreePeople Never posted November Giveaway winner this weekend...but the cards will be ready to ship out by this coming MondayJ Promise!...Julye, I loved your two ideas; loved the Santa one most...please email me your address and I will ship them this coming week!...Congratulations!! I am off to cook Phil some deer meat sandwichesJ. Late dinner tonight...Oh, on a final note—Phil wanted a Jeopardy re-match last night. He claims I don’t always beat him in it...Hmmm...Final score??...Phil 10, Krista 12 (Questions right). WAAAHOOOO!! The streak lives on, baby!! Night!! Krista  Wish List:) 11/17/2010
Today, my Christmas wish list...actually, just things I love. My wish list is really just one wish:—that my two kiddies have the best Christmas everJ...Funny how things change when you have children. My whole holiday season hinges on their faces when they come around the bedroom corner Christmas dayJ. It’s the best! But...were I to hand Santa a “list”, it would consist of these beauties!!...  ETSY I love this egg holder from Etsy. I use to eat the soft boiled eggs at my grandmom’s house when I was little. Don’t think I ever really liked them, but it was so exciting just because of the cute display they came in. So, I ate them up.  ETSY What a creepy, lovely ring...(Do those two words go together?)...I don’t know; but it is sort of edgy and whimsical at the same time. Love it!  ETSY I found this store on Etsy this week and already bought two cuties for Niamh. I will go back soon and get one for myself. They are too adorable and even sweeter in person! (plus, they come with a little story of how they are “acquired”.)  ETSY Pretty. Just plain, old pretty.  FreePeople I’ve looked at this dress repeatedly, but it is a bit on the expensive side...so it sits on the wish list but someday...someday!  Anthro This rhino is from Anthro. It’s probably my number one. Not sure where I’d put him, as our house is an A-frame...so most of our walls are at a noticeable angle...But I would find a place. It’s just so unique and chic!  I can’t say I’m much of a reader. I love my magazines, but don’t read many books. I wish I did...but, it is hard to find the time. Occasionally, I get a book in my head that I know I will set the time aside for. Last book was Dear John. Read it in two days. I have never been much into politics, but I think Decision Points would be a good read...no matter what your affiliations or beliefs.  Finally...I need my own Monster High doll!!...The Toy Maker needs to stop making different versions of these girls and boys...I’m committed now and need every oneJ...for Niamh. But, I would like my own, preferably the zombie. She is exactly my type of girl!! (I have a slight addiction to anything zombie...Has anyone seen the Walking Dead (AMC)...Totally insane!!!) So, there it is...for a little elf to seeJ... Oh—and don’t forget to leave an idea for a set of Christmas cards to enter the November Giveaway...just comment with an idea and become a follower of my blog. That’s it to enter...and maybe you will receive your own specially designed cards for freeJJ!!  Here is my "Wonder" Christmas postcard. I love the story of the Grinch. It's our number one most watched Christmas movie. Have a lovely Wednesday!! XOXO, Krista Holiday Gift Guide Number 1 11/11/2010
When I was younger, I remember my mom making lists of people she had to get Christmas gifts for. Mostly, just family and friends...but as she sat thinking about all the people she cared about and saw regularly (from neighbors to teachers)...the list would grow...and grow!:) Those people would be under the “Pumpkin Bread” Category. She would devote an entire day and the most ridiculously large bowls (maybe they were laundry baskets?:)...I just remember them being so enormous!:) to making her very famous pumpkin bread. Unfortunately, as I’ve stated before, I didn’t inherit that pumpkin bread-making gene...or any baking/cooking gene for that matter. In fact, were I to be very honest with you, I don’t even enjoy making cookies. Much rather go have a Christmas visit and eat someone else’s. My first “Gift Guide” for the season is for those extended family and friends gifts...the names you didn’t pick out of the hat, but still want to give a special little “thinking of you” to...I’ve done it all (even attempted the baking once or twice) from little homemade ornaments to wintery crafts...But food seems to be the gift with the widest appeal. Through some searching, I’ve found lots of little goodies to choose from!  Mrs. Prindables Candy Apples. I’ve bought a box of 24 from QVC for the past two years. They are DEEE-licious and special. Who doesn’t love a candy covered apple? They average out to less than $2 an apple...and are always a hitJ. My only complaint?...The box doesn’t come with a pre-set dead lock—so each year (before I can hand them out) I find one cut up on a plate right in front of me during my favorite mid-week show. Funny how that always happens... Other treats you can order and send to far away friends and loved ones...  ETSY Cinnamon Guava Shortbread Sandwich Cookies (Dozen) The picture looks so yummy, I instantly hearted this item on Etsy...I have a couple of people in mind to ship a box full of these gourmet goodies to...One of them being my husband (only because we share the same address...hehehe).  ETSY Homemade marshmallows, 32 count, 4 flavors...This is one of those things that no one is ever going to buy themselves (well...maybe those of us with a super sweet tooth...), but how fun will it be to open up yummy marshmallows in flavors never tried!! It’s a sweet, simple, and tasty gift.  ETSY Jar Caramel Apple Preserves Jam All Natural 8 oz. Even a small homemade treat can be thoughtful and special...You won’t find anything like this on the jelly shelf in the grocery store—so it’s perfect...unique, sweet, and delicious!!   ETSY Cake Pops, dozen. I have wanted to try these soooo badJ!! They are so cute and perfect for a family with kiddies!! I know that the best of you bakers out there could make similar treats in your own kitchens...and I wish you the best Christmas baking everJ...But, for those girls like myself who know the odds of turning out a plate of perfectly baked cookies is slim to none—it just makes sense to order someone else’s masterpiecesJ!!...And just for the record...I can cook a mean chiliJ...Unfortunately, it’s the only thing I can make! XOXO, KristaJ Postcards, Charms, and Shoeboxes:)... 11/10/2010
Hope... Love... Wonder... Believe... I’ve been thinking about what sentiment to put on my Christmas postcards...And, since they will come as a set of 4, I thought these words sort of summed up Christmas time for me. They will be depictions (or really my interpretationsJ) of my four favorite Christmas stories...I already posted the artwork for the matchstick girl. Here is my artwork for The Gift of the Magi, my very favorite of allJ. Isn’t she pretty!?...  Love will be the word for this postcard. Hope for the matchstick girl. Can you guess the other two stories?:) ... Hopefully, I will have these in my Etsy shop in a few days! J I am super busy with custom orders right now, which takes up most of my time...Artwork this week includes pocket mirrors for 16 bridesmaids (not all in the same wedding...can you imagine!)...a “Muddy Princess”...a fairy...a nine year old who loves Tae Kwon Do, ballet, her cat, and chickensJ...a nerdy math girl...and a few more I can’t remember right now!...Oh my!! I’m ahead of the game right now...(Unfortunately, my house is WAAAAYYYY behind the game;)...Christmas Wish #1: Santa, Please send elves to help with housework! I’ve added a couple more stocking stuffers to my shop as well...Little shrink paper charms. I love these, but I get so nervous making them...Once they start shriveling I start freaking outJ...As long as I get them out of the oven and under a book quick, they are actually pretty easy to make!...Phil even humored me and helped with a batch. (Don’t tell anyone!!;)...   I am off to take the kids Christmas shopping for a Christmas project at Niamhy’s school...We need to fill two shoe boxes with small toys, a penpal note, and some special candies...Then all the boxes are sent across the world to needy children. How exciting!! Just think of a little girl opening up a tiny, new babydoll...or a little guy getting an action figure...When normally, they would never see new toys for the holidays...It makes me want to cry...AHHHH...Okay, not going to go with red eyes to shop, so for now... Thanks for checking in (don’t forget to leave an idea for Xmas cards—November’s giveaway!!!...) Hugs, Krista November Giveaway Open:) 11/05/2010
I love sending out Christmas cards! I try and do a fun theme each year. Last year I did a ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas rhyme, with a few changes to make it “ours.” The year before that, Philly and Niamh were Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch (see pics below for a giggleJ ). Boxes of greeting cards are already crowding store shelves with lots of choices to send to family and friends.   Philly actually looks kinda scarey;)...but how do you turn a kid green after Halloweeen??...I did my best with Green coolwhip and a little photo editing... :) It is time for me to put some Christmas ideas in my ETSY shop, and I would like to do a greeting card set and a pack of post cards. The postcards will feature four of my favorite Christmas stories, two of which will be the Little Matchstick Girl and my all time favorite (can’t even read it to my kiddies cause it makes me cry!), The Gift of the Magi. The other two you can check out in about a week when they are complete! J  For November’s Giveaway, I thought it would be fun to do a design your own set of Christmas cards. What sort of image would you love to see on your cards this year?...Keep in mind—it should have a character (because that’s what I doJ)... It can be a child OR an older, little bit more realistic girl/boy (like my Trixie girl). Feel free to include animals, as I do enjoy drawing them as well. And I’d LAAA-ooove to do something out of the ordinary, so don’t be shy about something off the wall! J Traditional ideas are welcome as well;) Post your comments/suggestions until Saturday, November 20th (It will take about a week to illustrate and design the cards, so they will be mailed out to you right after Thanksgiving). Winner must be a FOLLWER as well. Set includes 10 extra special Christmas cards and envelopes. Enjoy your Friday...Looking forward to catching up on my DVR shows with Phil tonightJ...and getting some orders completed. Might even have a glass of wineJ. Xoxo, Krista A Sight for Tired Eyes... 11/04/2010
Just a few pretty things on a quiet Thursday night at homeJ...      ANTHRO    FREEPEOPLE  MARTHASTEWART I love this table setting for Thanksgiving. I am having—oh my goodness—almost 30 people over!!...My mom and I are getting things together (I desperately need help planning the food, as I didn’t inherit that great cook/hostess geneJ )...Deciding on colors and décor...Since we will be in the basement, where there is little natural light, I’d like to go with a cream/ neutral color scheme and little lights strung everywhere... So, gonna fall asleep tonight imagining my basement turned into a pretty thanksgiving wonderland!...Hope you enjoyed seeing the sweet images I found today...Good night <3 . Krista Kid at Heart... 11/03/2010
With Christmas fast approaching, I finally have an excuse to wander down the toy isles...Although, I’ll be the first to admit, I’m good at finding an excuse no matter what time of year it isJ. I’m not really sure why I never outgrew that stage of life—maybe I never really grew up at all;), but I love to look at all the fun new things in the kid’s section during the holidays...and well past. I think it’s because my mom always encouraged us kids to just “be kids”...My sisters and I would spend hours and hours setting up Barbies during the summers...We would even give our little brother a Ken doll and his “own town” (it was the ugliest Ken doll...and his town was across the hallway in his own room...but at least we did try and include him... )J Anyway, I think I take a lot away from being able to just love playing with toys—Being allowed to leave our creations up for two or three days, no matter how much of the living room or bedrooms they consumedJ...and I do draw and illustrate with those ideas and memories in mind quite often. So, now with my own two children, I love watching them create and play...just have a good old time...And boy, have I got some really great pics to show them some day J...And some really inspiring ideas to draw from!!   Pet shops are one of my favorite things EVERJ...Why did it take them so long to come out?!! I collect them for Niamh (although I feel like her collection is a little bit mine, tooJ ). She will set them up in little cities and name them after our family membersJ...Oh, and the fridge creation—that cracked me up!!...  Little towns of Disney and dolls and super heroesJ  And the day Philly turned into Iron Man J  Philly and dad play “armies” in the living room...I love to watch Philly play a battle with his soldiers! It’s so hard not to giggle out loud...he is all boy!...  Oh—and my kids are obsessed with tents. I’ve put up so many tents inside the house, I can’t count...They just love them, especially with lights draped around!  Hmmm...Playing with markers behind the couch. Phil and I both knew we had to correct them, but we couldn’t bite the insides of our cheeks hard enough to keep from laughing. I scrubbed and scrubbed—but they still went around with faint purple and green faces the next day.   And my favorite –All Time Favorite—toy pics..We were playing dinosaurs (Phily) and babies(Niamhy) at the kitchen table, and I knew I’d get a laugh with this setupJ...It’s still good for a fit of laughter every time Niamh sees the pictures!...So creepy and ridiculous!! Each Christmas, the kids are allowed to ask Santa for ONE thing...Sometimes it is a difficult thing for Santa to make (Last year Niamh wanted a baby manatee. Santa came through;), but that was a close one!!) It’s just such an exciting time for a parent—making little wishes come true, with the help of some Christmas magicJ...And it’s sort of nice to feel like a kid again yourselfJ...Keeps us young at heart! J...What are the toys that bring back memories for you—or do you have a collection of new onesJ??... Leave a comment...I love reading them...and then I won’t feel so bad when I head down the toy isle—more for myself than my kids;)!! HugsJ, Krista  |  My name is Krista. I am an artist and this is my blog about lovely things in life that inspire me, make me laugh, and keep me a kid at heart. Enjoy!
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