This Happy Girl

When I picked her up from school today she skipped all the way to the car. Talk about making her mama happy and teary eyed too. Shes got a way about her. She came into the world smiling and has not stopped. Now don't get me wrong, she still tries my patience from time to time, but for the most part, she is a happy, smiley girl that makes others happy and smiley too. I thank God that he sent her to me, that I get to be her mommy every day for the rest of my life.

P.S.--Note to self, remember to read this post when aforementioned child drives you crazy tomorrow, LOL!

A Quote For Today

When you are reading this today I will be working at my bread and butter job. I will be missing being in front of my computer and at my studio (kitchen) table creating new items to put in my shop. I will be missing being here with you. I will be wishing that I was still in Paris or Venice. But who wouldn't? I am working on getting back there. It will happen. It is a dream that is achievable. A dream worth fighting for.

So I found this wonderful quote today that says a lot in just a few words-

"We are the hero of our own story."

Mary McCarthy

Go out there and be the hero of your story. Create and be happy. And I will see you after my short stint at work..............

Dream #3

"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow."

Robert H. Goddard

US physicist & pioneer rocket engineer (1882 - 1945)

This quote seemed to sum up the journey towards my dream thus far. I love it! Dream, Hope, Reality! I suppose work really hard needs to be added to that also, LOL

I am busy working on a Tangerine Dreams sign for my little shop space. So far so good. I will take a picture of it once it is finished and hanging. I also ordered some vintage wallpaper to wallpaper the back of my display cabinet. This should be fun to do. Although, time consuming I know the end result will be worth it.

I received some goodies in the mail yesterday. It seems that my dreams in tangerine are taking over my life- as seen in the pictures above, LOL. Bruno looks quite handsome in his new collar from Lucky Fiona-http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5179515 If you have a fur baby at home you must take a look at the shop. I have had Shannon's shop bookmarked since we found out that Bruno was born. He is finally pretty close to his full size so I knew it was time to splurge. Shannon keyed in on my tangerine them and added a little tangerine charm. How sweet was that? He actually was one of my tangerine dreams come true. We waited for him for almost a whole year and he is even more dreamy than we thought he would be, LOL!

I also received the gorgeous tote from France yesterday. I am telling you, it was like my birthday when Paul brought the mail in! The embroidery says Tangerine Reves- Dreams in French. So I can carry around this beautiful bag and maybe advertise my shop a bit. You will love this shop- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=75129 and Tanya is a so sweet and does quality craftsmanship. Plus, you can tell everyone you got your bag from France! Oh La La!

Dream #2- Remember To Feed The Hungry

I have a very giving heart. Sometimes to the extreme. I would rather go without than to see a child suffer. I would rather go without than to see a hungry animal, I would rather go without than to see a human outside in the cold. Now don't get me wrong. I don't give money away. I give my heart away. One place that lets me give without having to spend money that I don't have is

The Hunger Site: http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1&ThirdPartyClicks=ERH_022508_THS

Just click and help to feed the hungry. On the same page you can also donate to:

Breast Cancer

Child Health

Literacy

Save the Rainforests

Animal Rescue

Notice the tabs up above when you get to the Feed The Hungry link. It is so easy, and it feels good, and it gets the big guy to contribute more. Now I can't think of a better way to start or end my day. How about you? Give it a try, and then put it in your favorites so you can link to it whenever you feel the urge. It doesnt cost a thing, it may cost you a peice of your heart though.

Dream #1

Today I decided to use this blog to talk about my dreams along with my creations, my shop, and the treasures that I find. I heard a little voice inside me telling me that this is the direction and the definition that my blog needs to have. A focus if you will.

All three of those areas mentioned above are part of one of the dreams I am working on right now.........(my dream in tangerine) that I can sell my creations world wide, that I can make money doing it and that I can travel because of it. Not to mention other aspects that include meeting other creative types doing the same thing, loving what I do for a living, and being able to have flexibility with my work schedule to meet my families needs. It is more involved than just that, but these other areas will be discussed on another post.

This is probably the biggest most involved dream that I am starting to make happen right now, today, yesterday and tomorrow. I have been thinking and wanting this for a very long time. I have been taking classes, reading books, reading blogs, hoarding treasures in order to be at this point in my life. This point that- I am working at my medical job less, my girls are in school full time, and I finally have the confidence to put myself out there. The good, the bad, and the fabulous. Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery, creativeness, failures and hopefully many successes. Thank you for helping me acheive my dreams.

I Dream Of Spring Vintage Swap

Here is a fun little swap I am joining at Vintage Indie. I have some questions to answer for my secret partner and that gives my readers the chance to get to know the answers too!

a. What's your favorite part of spring?

I love to watch my bulbs begin to spring up from the ground that has been frozen solid all winter. It gives me hope that winter is almost over. In fact, my tulips are about 1/2 inch about the ground already. I also love the crisp, clean, sweet smelling air.

b. What are your favorite flowers?

French Tulips! Hands down.......

c. What types of hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?

I love making anything with beautiful papers. I especially love being able to find something vintage and reusing it for another purpose or just being able to pretty it up in its original state. I also knit believe it or not. But my paper craft hobby has sort of taken over lately.

d. What types of vintage do you collect or look for?

I am always on the hunt for vintage buttons, ribbons, seam binding, cards, papers and images that I can use in my crafts. I hit the jackpot the other day at this tiny little church thrift store that is rarely open and they had vintage ribbons and seam binding for 25 cents for all you could fit into a lunch paper bag! I almost fainted. And yes, I filled the bag with all that was there! LOL And don't even get me started on the stuff I found at the Paris flea markets! Oh my...

e. Any allergies or things that you absolutely can't stand?

I am not allergic to anything! Well, except an over the counter female anti-itch medicine! LOL (I know too much information!) Things I can't stand? Hmmm....anything cheap, cheesy( as in ACK) or if anything smells like cigarette. I also cant stand mean, rude, jerkish people. But that doesnt really apply to this swap does it?

So now you know a little bit more about me! I would love to hear your answers too.

Another Day In Paradise

I put these three kits together today after the kids left for school. It was definitely time to share some of my vintage ephemera with others. I am starting to overflow my work area with all the vintage goodness I have found lately.

I met with the manager of the new store that I will be a part of and I am set in stone (or wall space) for my items to be included. Just need to fax the lease back to her and give her the $$$.

I even found the find of all finds today. A perfectly pink, just the right size, cabinet/shelving for my display space. Very vintagy-shabby chic looking. I got the goosebumps when I saw it and it was marked down to $80 from $200. WHaaaaatttt!!!! It will picked up by my ever so helpful and handy husband tomorrow and I will get some pics for you this weekend. I am almost in shock that all of this is happening finally. I have been wanting to take the plunge for so long and here I am.

I also signed up for a class on Starting Your Small Business- Secrets to Success. Just what I need to get things going on the right track!

I hope you are feeling you are on the right track today. Tack the plunge and the risk- whatever it may be. I just know it will be worth it!

Happy Presidents Day

Happy Presidents Day! This seemed to be more important in the 1920's or early teens as I have quite a few postcards with this holiday. One of my favorites is pictured above. Ahhhhh the vintage days. I wish I could go back in time.

I suppose that is why I love vintage treasures so much- I can go back in time each time I find one. And boy did I find a lot of them this weekend. As you can see above, and those are only a few. I will list some in my etsy shop and some will go into my downtown store. Check my shop if you have fallen love with any of the items that I fell in love with.

I also worked on some great art projects. I altered some candles , two dayplanners- for Paul and I, I made a little magnetic bulletin board, and started a cork bulletin board too. Busy, busy hands this weekend. Now off to create some more.

Featured on Vintage Indie Today

Come and take a look at the article that Vintage Indie featured about my vintage postcard collection.............

http://vintageindie.typepad.com/vintage_indie/2008/02/vintage-collect.html

Gabreial is the operator of this site and a real sweetie. I appreciate that she took interest in me and my collection. Wow, my first feature! This is so wonderful.

Sneak a Peak at My Easter Goodies

Just wanted to add these little Easter darlings today. I was on a role two days ago creating with a couple of copies of my vintage postcards. I just love the Easter postcards especially.
Yesterday was a clean sweep day. I reorganized and cleaned my whole work area. It is so good to know where everything is and to come across some things I had forgotten about. Now off to make some more goodies.

This is My Hero

New Specks
Originally uploaded by obd.design

This man is amazing. He has been cleaning, making dinner, taking care of the girls, vacuuming, doing dishes, emptying the dishwasher, putting the girls to bed, making our bed and all while encouraging me to keep working on building my dream business. Oh, and did I mention that he is working atleast 60 hours a week to boot? How many men would do that? Not many from what I hear from other wives. God blessed me in a huge way when he introduced me to this guy.

I never would have guessed that it would be like this way back when we met. We have been through a lot of difficult times and those times have actually made us stronger, wiser, kinder, more appreciative, gentler, and better communicators. We actually came very close to divorcing more than once but worked REALLY hard to learn, grow and change. If you are in a rough patch- keep on keeping on. God has some amazing times in store for you.

Good News For You

Little girl ballet slippers
Originally uploaded by obd.design

Just wanted to post this photo that I took when the girls were waiting to go on stage for the Nutcracker this year. Another one of those interesting photos that is a little blurry, but I love it!

One of the many reasons I decided to start this blog is that I wanted to have a place to remember what I am grateful for. To infuse some goodness into my little slice of the world. So today I want to post this News link that will link you to "Good" news. Now that sounds like an oxymorron (sp?) in our society, but it is true- good news does exist, it just doesnt make it onto CNN or NBC ets. Check it out. I hope it infuses your heart with extra gooey goodness today. We can all use a little bit of that.

http://extra.msn.com/goodnews.aspx

This is one cutie patootie

Tessa Feb 2008 2
Originally uploaded by obd.design

So I had this wonderfully fun time taking pictures of my neice yesterday, and for some reason this picture just stood out to me. Why? I dont know. It is even a little blurry, but i really loooove, love, love it! Is it because she has super awesome catch lights (thats what they call the little flecks of light in her eyes), that she looks very babyish, or just the composition? I am not sure, but I know I love this one.

Today was another day at the bread and butter job. Not much fun but pays the bills right now. I pretty much spend all day wishing I was home at my studio table creating more for my store. I even have a note pad that I write ideas down on when they come to me. Pretty funny if you knew what I did for a living! LOL Lets just say it has something to do with imaging a part of the female body. Did you guess it?

So now I am off to bed because my hubby needs a back massage after shoveling waaayyy too much snow this week. The girls are in bed, but not asleep yet. And I am pretty sure I will be up late creating so my dreams in tangerine can become a reality.

***EDITED*** Hey, have you seen my little map over to the right and down a little? I have some international readers. Who'd of thunk? This is very exciting to me. Thank you to everyone who visits my little slice of life every day or so.

Oooohhhh Pretties.......

This is what I got done today! Lots and lots of altered clothes pins! Did not take much time at all really. Of course they are not for hanging out my laundry to dry silly! They are for many other purposes, like clipping receipts together, or maybe helping to put some order to that bill pile. We use them at our house to keep chip bags closed. I just love to use something pretty when I can. Especially for those mundane things.

The other thing I got to do today was take loads of pictures of my sweet neice Tessa and my sis and bro in law. Although, Tessa was the star of my show. I think I got a few really good shots. Still playing around with them. I put my favs so far on my flickr site if you want to take a peak. There is a link to the right.

Tomorrow and Fri. are my bread and butter job days. So may not be here until Saturday. Oh and those clips will be for sale at my downtown store. It is just the beginning of getting
my inventory going. Have a fantastic day, or night which
ever it is for ya!

Yes We Can

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4

Take a look at this video and please tell me I am not the only one that has tears in my eyes. I swear I am not PMS. I think it just got me because there is sooo much brokeness in our world and this little video just gives me and my children some hope. I know that may sound so simple minded but you have to grab onto the little bits of goodness in this world.

Speaking of goodness....I am going to do a photo session with my almost 10 month old neice today. Squishy goodness all around.

I Heart my French Press

This is what was going through my mind this morning while making coffee. Ever since I got home from my Europe trip in Sept. we have been using only the french press for our coffee and can no longer drink drip and enjoy it. I usually have my hands on this baby atleast twice a day. Although my second or third pots are decaf.

So the thing with the french press is I had no idea how to use it until my trip to Europe. It makes a much stronger coffee like what we drank while we were there. I can't even go to starbucks anymore unless I order a double cappachino or it tastes too weak. I thought I would do a little tutorial on it for those of you that are not in the know- like I was. First you need to coarse grind your coffee-the fresher the better. We grind it when it is time to make a pot. Then you need almost boiling water. If you have instant hot water at your sink-lucky you, this is going to be sooo quick! If you don't-like us- we bought an electric kettle like we used in Europe. It is much quicker than doing a kettle on the stove and it shuts off once it is ready. That way you don't have to hear that whistle blow when you are on the other side of the house and get scared to death that we are having an air raid even though it is not the 1940's. LOL So...now you add your grounds to the carafe, then the hot water, stir and let it sit for about 4-5 minutes depending on how strong you want it. The amount of grounds you use is basically the same as when doing drip coffee-one heaping tablespoon per cup of water. Got it? Then, as you see in the first pic, you put the lid on and push down on the knob and all the grounds get "pressed" to the bottom. Viola......French Pressed coffee! Mmmmmm................

My other happening today is I finished that heart collage that is mixed in up above with my french press coffee pictures. If it was not for my french pressed coffee that would not have happened. Last night I stayed up until midnight working on the collage and then did not sleep well {as per usual lately} because I am so full of ideas for my creations and my shop that my mind does not want to shut down. This staying up late thing will sound very strange if you know me. I am NOT a night person usually. I love to hit the bed and be asleep no later than 10pm. But since beginning this dream of mine I can't seem to tear myself away from my work table. Anyhoo...I had to get up by 8 this morning to get the girls to school and I was working on about 9 hours of sleep for the last 2 days. Well, my little french press saved the day and gave me enough energy to get the girls out the door and finish my collage in record time. I heart my french press coffee. That is why I needed to share the french press love here today. LOL

EDITED to add: I got a nap in today. It took awhile to fall asleep, but I did sleep for an hour!

Thank You For Dinner Bertolli

This is what we had for dinner tonight:

http://www.bertolli.us/classicdinners.aspx

Honestly, the best thing out there for a quick at home dinner. We tried the chicken florentine & farfalle. It seriously is ready in 10 minutes people! Now, I can cook, I just hate it! So any easy dinner is a fabulous dinner for me. Even my picky 5 year old ate it and asked for seconds! Thank you Bertolli for making my dinner easy tonight! There is a GOD! LOL

Now Showing At the Blue Moon Market Place

This morning was my meeting with the owner and the general manager of the new market place going in downtown next to the post office. They were very excited about my stuff and I got all sorts of compliments. I still get surprised by compliments. Isn't that weird? Especially if they come from someone that is not a family member or friend. I guess because they don't know me? I am not sure. I love what I do, but I don't know who else will. Well, they really want me in there and so I said YES! They also said I better get busy as my items will probably sell fast! Woo Hooo I hope they are right! This has been such a 10 day whirlwind for me. I feel very excited about my designs being sold online and then getting to have them in my own little booth/shop. I seriously have not had a good nights sleep in 10 days. Unless you count the one night I finally gave in to the Tylenol PM, LOL. That on my husbands insistence that I really needed some sleep already! Sheesh, I could have come up with some more ideas that night! LOL

So, the weather outside is frightful. Perfect for staying inside and crafting up some good designs. I have a list of different items to make. Take a look above at the pictures outside our little cottage yesterday. Can you say.........."I am sick of shoveling snow and then having the snow plow come by and throw it back up on the sidewalk! UGH!" It makes no sense, you get a fine if your walkway is not clear, yet the city comes by throws more snow on it. Whaaaat????

Okay, off to make dinner for the kiddos. Not sure what we are having until I look in the cupboard. Wish me luck on that!

How to Make a Comment:

After you read the post for that day look at the very bottom and you will see the COMMENT- click on the word, it will bring you to a page with a comment box and at the bottom of that box you will need to create a google account. All that is, is your email address and a password. Super easy to set up. Then you can comment all you like about what I posted that day, or any day.

I really appreciate comments as that helps me know who has been visiting my blog and helps me to communicate better to all of you. So I hope you take the time to post a comment. Thanks!

Tangerine Dreams

So as you can see above, I worked on a couple of ideas for business cards this morning. The one on the right is an upload mistake that I can't seem to delete. UGH! I wish I was more computer literate right now! Of the ones above- Which one do you like? Or should I have two different styles to hand out, just for fun? I can print them at home so its easy to do.

I have been busy with my etsy shop. Doing a new banner and editing some other areas. Take a look and tell me what you think? www.tangerinechic.etsy.com

I have my meeting with the downtown store tomorrow. I finished my portfolio to take with me. It turned out really pretty and functional.

Well, today is an errands day. Need dog food, a Michaels stop, and Staples too. The snow is deep and the roads are awful so I have been procrastinating.