I was so thrilled when the UPS man pulled up today and delivered this to my front door:
I have seen some people mention it in blogland, but it is even more beautiful in real life. I am looking forward to looking at it tonight when the kids are in bed. If you are an Orla Kiely fan, this is a must have in your collection.
If you love to make soft toys and dolls in particular, then I am sure you are familiar with the fabulous Hillary Lang of Wee Wonderfuls. I have been a long time visitor to her blog so I was ecstatic when I saw that she was publishing her own book of dolls to make. I immediately pre-ordered it from Amazon and it arrived last week. It is fabulous! Every project inside is cuter than the last and the directions are clear and easy to understand. The patterns are terrific without any enlargement needed...I love it when I don't have to run to the copy store to enlarge a pattern.
Today is my mom's birthday and wanted to make her a doll. I chose to create the 'Tag-a-long' doll in the book. And here she is...Lily.
She was so fun to make. I always love how dolls/soft toys come to life when you add the facial features and a little stuffing. We visited Grandma today and she loved Lily. 72 isn't too old for a homemade doll, right? Good thing, my mom doesn't think so!
Next on the agenda is a doll for Jackson. Hillary has a pattern in the book for a boy doll named, Eddie (you can see him on the front cover). I love that she included boy dolls.
I am totally addicted to buying books.
I love them.
I love when the UPS man rings the bell and leaves me a package from Amazon.
I love snuggling up in bed with a new source of inspiration.
I love to see what other people are reading and purchasing for inspiration.
I am a bookaholic, but this is better than being an alcoholic, or a smoke-a-holic, right?
Yes, I have a problem, but I'm afraid I don't want to a damn thing about it.
Nope.
I love books and that is just the way it is!
I have blogged about our Advent tradition of the unwrapping of a different Christmas book each night of Advent for the past few years and I have received a few emails each time asking me to share the titles of the books I use. For the most part, the books largely stay the same, but a few new ones here and there are added as special Christmas books come into our lives. I finally got around to taking photos of the books this year to share with you. {The link above will explain more about this if you are not familiar with this family tradition of ours.}
Today, I simply gathered the books from my shelf, and tomorrow will get them wrapped and placed in the basket to sit by the fireplace.
Here are the books so you can see them a bit more clearly:
Merry Christmas, Davy
You are my Miracle
The Best Christmas Present of All
One Snowy Night
I've Seen Santa
SHHH!
Olive, the Other Reindeer
Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear
Santa Mouse
Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas
A Snowy Surprise
Night Tree
Who's that Knocking on Christmas Eve?
The Dog Who Found Christmas
The Very Snowy Christmas
The Stable Where Jesus was Born
Jingle Bells, Homework Smells
Joy to the World (The Story of Christmas)
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Clifford's Christmas
Frosty the Snowman
Santa and the Three Bears
The Night Before Christmas
I always end with The Night Before Christmas and I wrap this book in a unique way so it cannot be chosen until Christmas Eve.
There was one book that I didn't photograph, because it had been moved and I forgot to include it, but it is called Santa's New Jet. It was a new addition for us last year and the boys really enjoyed it.
If you have a question about a title or author, feel free to email me.
Here's to the most joyous season of the year and special family traditions.
I came across the Uppercase magazine several months ago amidst my blog/internet hopping and I was immediately intrigued. However, I tried for a while to resist a subscription because you know, if you read this blog, that I have a serious addiction to magazine subscriptions. But, I couldn't resist any longer and I am so glad that I subscribed to this magazine. When I tell you that it is so cool and inspirational and filled with gorgeous photos and fantastic articles, you will just want to get it for yourself. Don't believe me? Check out some of my favorite images from issue 2.
A magazine for the creative and curious...that says it all to me.
Amazing huh?
And that is only a glimpse at all the goodness inside. My third issue just arrived this week and it looks incredible. Can't wait to have some time to relax with a good cup of Starbucks and be inspired by Uppercase. Their blog is fabulous too. I especially love Tuesdays when they devote space to "Type Tuesday".
It is very refreshing to have a fun, hip and totally inspiring magazine available to us when it seems that every few weeks another magazine is folding. I think seven of the magazines I subscribe to have ceased publication. That makes me sad because while I love the internet, there is no substitute for magazines/books that we can hold in our hands and read at our leisure, set on our nightstands and pick up at a later time.
*These are some of my favorite titles from Compendium.
After posting my first installment of {Things I Love...}, I received a wonderful email from Kristel at Compendium. She shared a wonderful promotion they are offering throughout the month of August. So, I'd love to share it with you:
Also, we just started our Friends & Family Summer Sale. With the discount code FRIENDS30, you can get 30% off everything and if you order $50, you can get free shipping. The special is going on through the month of August.
If you are looking for some fabulous inspiration, quotes and books filled with gorgeous typography, look no further than Compendium. I can't wait to purchase lots of goodies with this fantastic sale!
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