Happy New Year Everyone!

(my dad, as it started to snow on Christmas morning)

Did everyone have a very merry holiday? We did! It was even a"white" one here as you can see above...which is all just a memory now...
We ate yummy food (too much of course) and what are the holidays without trying the Holiday flavors from Jones soda (pear tree this year)
I must have been a "good" girl this year, no coal.
I received some really nice things...a bird bath for my garden, I eyed it awhile ago and there it was under (next to) the tree! The complete audio book series of Harry Potter, I can't wait to start those! Hand-made bath goodies, I love my baths! Kurt surprised me with a framed picture of Anthony, he had taken the last time we were at the coast (I love it!)
Kurt custom painted me a "scraps the dog" trailer hitch cover for my car (LOVE it!) Lots of gift certificates to my favorite restaurants and coffee place (Starbucks of course) A sterling Chihuahua head pendant from The Magic Zoo (it's the cutest thing) and I can't forget all the yummy cookies (which will take me the whole year to work off my thighs)

We seen our share of moves too, The Day the Earth Stood Still (ok) Seven Pounds (a must see, bring tissues) Benjamin Button (I LOVED IT)
Speaking of tissues, for stocking stuffers this year,


I went to Kleenex and custom made everyone penalized tissue boxes using photo of mine or theirs. Of course I had to make one for myself too, using Miss Molly's pictures with a bright green top of course...

I also saw a trailer for the new movie Coraline, I can't wait!

So do you have something fun and exciting planned to bring in the new year?
I usually can't stay awake until midnight...so when I heard that Neal was in concert on New Years Eve I talked Kurt into getting tickets and I do mean talked him into it, but he came through and got us some great seats. But now I'm wondering what was I thinking? Neal Diamond? I hope we have fun...
I've been working hard behind the scenes on little fairies too (as you can see above) thanks for all the orders and the kind words about the "Design of the Month", I too think it will be fun! I'll be putting the first batch in the mail before I leave on a short road trip, where am I going? I have no idea...really! North, East, South or West, ok...probably not West...but with all the crazy weather I'm not sure which way we'll be going, it will be an adventure I'm sure...I'll bring my computer, so I'm hoping I'll have "daily" post cards from the road.

So until then, Happy New Year Everyone!
Maria xo

Design of the Month

Do you remember the Earring of the Month Club, that I had a few years ago? Well, some of you have emailed me over the last couple years asking if I'll bring it back. Well, I've decided to go one step further...
Every month I'll offer something new, something fun! It might be a pendant, a bracelet, necklace or earrings, but something fun!

I will take orders for "The Design of the Month" all month long. But once the month is over, the item will no longer be available, as I will be working on orders for the next month's design.

• I will post a picture of the new Design of the Month, here on my blog a couple days before the first of the month.



• I will then begin taking orders. Please allow 7-10 days for me to complete your design piece.
  
  

~Winter Fairy Pendant~

(January)
She is adorned with a little pretty pansy (my favorite Winter flower)
Swarovski crystals, sterling silver findings.

I will only be making "The Winter Fairies" from now until the end of January, where she then will fly away into the Winter Forest, never to be seen again...

Molly and I...

...would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

As this year comes to a close, I'd like to take this time to thank all of you for the wonderful friendships I've made through out this year and in years past. I've actually have been lucky enough to meet some of you in person, which is always fun!

I have so many fun things planned for 2009, I can't wait to share them with you!
I'll share one of them in a couple days, but would you like a little hint?...Do you remember the Earring of the Month Club, that I had a few years ago? Well, some of you have emailed me over the last couple years asking if I'll bring it back. Well, I've decided to go one step further, which I will unveil here in a couple days...But, I think you will love it!

Lastly, If you are looking for a stocking stuffer for the guys on your list, how about this months issue of Truckin' magazine. They did a tech article on the inside of Kurt's truck (page 140)
Then in next months issue, Kurt's truck will be on the cover with a big spread inside!

Happy Holidays, Maria xo and Molly too ^..^

Santa Baby

I wish I would have seen this earlier, maybe Santa Baby would have brought Molly one, maybe next year...I think Molly would enjoy cruising around in this spiffy wicker basket though.

*Newsletter update
For those of you that emailed me, letting me know my newsletter server was full (you're only allowed 500 names)
I just added a new list on my homepage, so feel free to sign up as I have some new things I'll be announcing very soon!

Princess and the Pea

It should be a crime for as many blankets as Miss Molly has, but she sure does enjoy laying on them next to the toasty wood stove. At night, when she is not snuggled up next to me in bed, she burrows her way under them all to stay snug as a bug...life is good

Snow Cones

Ready...Aim...Fire

With "The Kid" coming home from college soon, I'm thinking I may need to arm myself with one of these. He has a way better arm & aim then I do. So I could use all the help I can get!

Beefcake

For the "beefcake" on your list...

When I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke...but it's for real.

The new flame broiled fragrance FLAME for men from Burger King (if you go to the link keep spraying the cologne bottle)

I'm sorry, but Mr. BK, you are just plain CREEPY! But funny...

Jammin'

Years ago (I mean years ago!) I bought and planted these plants called "Pineapple Guava" (Feijoa) for a few reasons...

1- They were deer proof (a must where I live)

2-They had these pretty pink/red flowers
3- They bared fruit

Over the years I've enjoyed not watching the plants disappear from the deer nibbling on them, enjoyed the pretty blooms, BUT NEVER have they bared fruit! That is until this year. You could imagine my surprise while I was mowing the grass last week (remember it was 65 degrees here last week) and noticed the plant was full of (egg sized) fruit! Not all the plants, just one. I was in shock. I picked one of the fruits and headed inside. Because I've never seen the fruit of a Pineapple Guava plant before, I went to the trusty internet for a little info on my new found fruit.

I decided to make jam with them. Which is quite tasty, it has a gritty texture (kind of like a pear) with the most unusual flavor.

Anyone want to come over for breakfast?

Let it snow

This was the view out my front window yesterday. The flakes were falling...

Today the skies are clear (for now) with a coat of fresh fallen snow.

Snow is always exciting for us here in CA, but the best part...by the time you start to get sick of that white fluffy stuff (about 2 days) it's gone...melted away...

Ho Ho Ho

Thanks so much again to everyone who placed bids on the "Toys for Tots" beads...
Merry Christmas!

24 hours

Here are the last of the holiday beads for 2008!

I put them on Ebay for 24 hours (1-day auction)

First class shipping is free and I will ship them out the same day payment is received. But if you are in a hurry, you may want to pay a little extra for Priority...it's up to you. I hope you find something you've been wanting...

Here are just a few things you'll find...

Ho Ho Ho

It's begining to feel...

a lot like Christmas...

The tree is trimmed...

My favorite ornaments are hung...

The fairies are feeling festive too...

I just need to finish my Christmas cards, which would have been done and in the mail, but I was having trouble with the glitter glue (bummer) so I will finish those up this weekend. Along with wrapping up a few more goodies.

"They" say a cold front is coming through this weekend with rain and snow. Which is hard to believe because it was 65 degrees here yesterday. So I'm stayin snug as a bug at home, making snowpeople, having snowball fights and sipping eggnog lattes.

Hope you have a cozy weekend too...

Best of Show

ORSON the DOGGE won Best Dog in Show!

more: dog pictures & breed info

Something to make you smile today...
Meet Orson the Bulldog! He won best of show over on Dogster...I love this picture! Congrats Orson!
Check out more pictures of Orson here
I love the one with the cheese puffs & the ball in mouth.
lol

Tagged, Give-away, Twilight

I've been Tagged (again)

I was tagged by Quite the Crow

Here are the rules...

1. Link to person who tagged you.

2. Mention the rules

3. Tell 6 quirky but boring, unspectacular details about yourself

4. Tag 6 other bloggers by linking to them

5. Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged

Hmmm...6 quirky, boring, unspectacular details about myself?

1. I am the middle child (whatever that means)

2. I've seen Tom Cruise in person (on the Oprah show)

3. I have a motorcycle, I bought it in 1978 to ride back and forth to work, but after about a week...that got very old. But it still sits in my garage with only 675 miles on it (anyone looking for a bike?)

4. My picture was on a Hang Ten tee shirt.

Actually it was me and my sister Lynette's picture. We were riding our bicycles. Does that make me famous? lol

5. During my whole "married" life (28 years) We have always had a dog or two.

Which were always Cocker Spaniels (they are so cute!) Brandy, Dutches, Ziggy and Teddy Bear.

Miss Molly who is a Chihuahua and is our first non-cocker dog!

6. I do not wear make-up. Not that I don't need it or anything, I'm just lazy. I do wear chapstick though...

Because I received "hate" mail (just kidding Jenn) last time I tagged others, I've decided not to tag anyone (this time)


As for beads, J.D. was the lucky winner of Rosie (Toys for Toys give-away)

But no worries, everyone will be receiving a little something in their packages...once again Thank you for all the bids!

Plus, a little reminder that The Twilight auction is ending tonight at 6pm (PST)

$572.00

WOW! $572 was raised for The Toys for Tots!

A Big Huge Thank you to everyone who placed bids on the Toys for Tots Beads!
I really wasn't sure how it would go this year, with a lot of people going through hard times and all, but you guys opened your hearts and for that I thank you so very much...
Because of you, so many kids will not be going without on Christmas morning...they too will have a little something...Thank you so very much, all of you!
You guys are angels!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

Love, Maria

Toys for Tots...Ends Today at 6pm

Here is how it works...

If you see something you like, You can bid on it...

Please Note...This will not be like ebay.

(Please read below)

For Example-If you place a bid of $14 on something that has a bid of $9, that item will now jump to your high bid of $14.

SO BID ONLY WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY

(If I get two bids for the same amount, the person who emails me first will be the high bidder)

And yes, you can bid as many times as you wish, so if you are out bid and you would like to bid again, please feel free to do so...

I WILL UPDATE THE BIDS THOUGH OUT THE DAY

Once the bidding is over. The person with the highest bid buys that item for that price.

I will send out invoices to the winning bidders.

Once I send out the invoices, I'm asking everyone to pay ASAP (PayPal only please)

I am asking that all payments be made on or before Dec. 12th or I will offer the item to the next highest bidder. I'm trying to get the money to The Toys for Tots ASAP.

I will then buy a Money Order made out to Toys for Tots for the FULL amount of all the winning bids. I will scan the money order and post it here on my blog so you

really know where the money went!

To place a bid...Please put your full name, first and last please in your email

(so I can place your initials next to your bid)
Where you are from (City/State)

The name of the item you would like to bid on, with your bid.

Please keep bids in dollar, no cents please. If you send me a bid of $7.04, I will make it $7.00.

(Sample bid)

Jane Doe

Any State, USA

$10 on item #2

Shipping is free (US and Canada) Global 1st Class $3

Insurance is extra and highly recommended,

as I can't be responsible once the package is in the hands of the post office.

ok, enough of the small print...let's see the beads!

Last update was at 5:54 PM (PST)

BIDDING WILL END ON TUESDAY DEC.9th at 6pm,there is a clock over there>>
Email me here

~FREE DRAWING for Rosie~
I will put a ticket in the bowl for each of the winning high bidders (a total of 8 tickets) and draw one lucky winner...My little way of saying thank you!

Item #1 ~Kitten in Mitten Pendant~

This was my favorite kitty, so I saved it for the Toys for Tots auction! I hope you like her too. Black and white kitty, sitting in a red mitty with a little mistletoe on the side. She is 35mm long ( about 1 4/10") Sterling Findings.
Bid is at $80.00 (P.P.)

Item #2 ~Sterling Snowflake Pendant~
Sterling silver charm. Stamped snowflakes with raised snowflake. I have antiqued it to bring out the details. 22mm x 14mm
Bid is at $43.00 (P.M.)

Item #3 ~Ms. Wreath the Alien ~

With berries and a bow. She stands 19mm high x 19mm wide

Bid is at $30.00 (J.R.D.)

Item #4 ~Santa's coming~

6-Lampwork bead. A Santa, Christmas Tree, Snowball, Encased with Flowers, Encased Polka Dot, Sculpted Flower. 3 1/4" long
Bid is at $69.00 (T.F.)

Item #5 ~Snow Angel~
This is my only Snow Angel this year. She sits on a bottle of snow (German glass glitter) 65mm high. Sterling findings.

Bid is at $53.00 (G.T.)

Item #6 ~..GROW... Necklace~
I almost kept this one for myself, I hope you like it too. The 33mm x 25mm sterling silver charm has a sterling wheelbarrow with riveted vintage enameled flower (pinks & blue) Sterling 20" chain. I have antiqued this piece to bring out the details.
Bid is at $47.00 (B.F.)

Item #7 ~The Mistletoe Fairy Pendant~
Sure to bring you lots of kisses this holiday season. She is 32mm high ( about 1 3/10") Sterling Findings. Swarovski crystal.
Bid is at $125.00 (J.R.D.)

Item #8 ~ TEA TIME Pendant~

This cute little 20mm x 25mm sterling charm has a cute little sterling cup & saucer with tiny spoon. I have antiqued it to bring out the details.

Bid is at $125.00 (J.R.D.)

I hope you found something you like...Thanks so much for your bids, it means so much to so many kids this time of year. Happy Holidays

The Kitten in the Mitten

This is the last item for today, but come back tomorrow as I'll have lots of fun things!

Black and White Kitty sittin' in a Aqua Mitten with a snowflake on front.
35mm long (about 1 4/10")
Sterling Findings
SOLD...Thank you!

Peppermint Candy Fairy

The Peppermint Candy Fairy loves those little peppermint candies that you find sitting around this time of year. So when they start to disappear it must mean there is a fairy close by...
She is 19mm high / 23mm high (wing to wing)
SOLD...Thank you!

Penguin

When I made my first sterling-lined penguin (weeks ago for the greenhouse goodie give-away) I was planning on making many more, but these days...time goes by so fast.
So this will probably be the last one of the season...
It is sterling lined by hand (not glued it)
Fits Pandora chains, 20mm high (8/10")
SOLD...Thank you!

Bake it Pretty

If you are looking for some fun baking items for the holidays, you may want to head over to Amanda's Shop, Bake it Pretty...I just placed my order for cupcake picks, wrapper, sugar glitters and the best ever cupcake icing kit. There are so many fun things...

Come back tomorrow I'll have a few more goodies to offer you and than Monday is the Toys for Tots Beads! Fun Fun Fun....

Kitten in Mitten

This is the last bead for today...

Black and White Kitty sittin' in a Red Mitten with a white heart on the front.
35mm long (about 1 4/10")
Sterling Findings
SOLD...Thank you!

Let it Snow

This cute little snowgirl wearing a pink scarf sits on a tiny bottle of snow (ok it's really German glass glitter, but it looks like snow)
Sterling Findings
58mm Long (about 2 3/10")
SOLD...Thank you!

The Christmas Tree Fairy

This time of year, we all could use a little help from the Tree Fairy...

She is 22mm high / 25mm high (wing to wing)

SOLD...Thank you!

Kitten in Mitten

Black and White Kitty sittin' in a Red Mitten with white polka dots.
34mm long (about 1 4/10")
Sterling Findings
SOLD...Thank you!

Mistletoe Kissing Ball Pendant

I've been playing with new ideas...and came up with a Mistletoe Kissing ball with red bow(perfect for the season)
The ball is 18mm wide. The pendant is 33mm long (1 3/10")
Sterling findings
SOLD...Thank you!