Sabbatical Is Over

Like many of you, there has been so much going on that it has left me little time to blog. It feels good getting back to the things I enjoy most. I have missed many of my fellow bloggers and have just recently spent a lazy Sunday in my p.j.'s doing nothing but reading blogs and catching up.

The holidays are fast approaching, like many we have decided to trim the spending by coming up with more meaningful and personal gifts. I for one have always loved handmade gifts, I call them gifts from the heart. There is such a personal approach to these gifts, finding just the right sentiment that will touch the heart of the receiver. I have 5 children, all grown and most have their own families now. So finding gifts for 7 grandchildren, 5 grown children and 3 spouses and my husband can be a challenge.

As a retailer I think we all hold our breath and hope for good holiday sales. Many of the major retail chains across the country are holding their breath as well. We all read the newspapers and hear the nightly news, so all of us are aware of this tough economic time. But in the back of our mind we are still trying to process how to have a memorable holiday without breaking the bank.

I think there are so many ways to make this holiday all about family, establish a new tradition that brings back the true spirit of Christmas. I have decided that I will share some wonderful gift ideas that are easy to make even if you feel you have no creativity. I will also add links to stores where you can purchase the necessary items to create these gifts. Food gifts are always great and I'm sure there are many great cooks that can share some of their favorite holiday recipes. Also tips on making your own holiday gift wrap and tags. I will be adding these ideas to the article section of my website, any ideas that you have for a joyous holiday send them along. Let's make this a fun, creative and stress free holiday. No need to break the bank this holiday, there are so many creative readers who can offer their tips and family traditions to make this memorable.

So let's join forces by putting our heads together. You never know, there maybe someone who loves to bake adorable decorated cutout cookies but has no talent for crafting, make a trade. This could be such a fun way to meet new people while expanding your talents. Isn't this what the holidays are really all about? Joyous sharing, so please leave a comment, share your talent or expertise.

Just as a little enticement, I thought it would be fun for everyone to come up with a creative idea on how to use this tote as a gift. What would you add? Whoever has the most creative idea will win this tote.

Tea Posies

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to offer these beautiful Teaposies. I have never seen anything like these. Teaposy is dedicated to the art and craft of tea, with an ever-expanding selection that any tea-lover can appreciate. Their wide variety of blooming, loose-leaf, sachet, and bagged teas are made from only the finest tea leaves and most fragrant flowers for a unique tea experience. No matter what the occasion, there is a Teaposy tea to meet your needs. Spend a relaxing afternoon with a bloomed teaposy.

When the Butterfly teaposy is placed in boiling water, the Silver Needle White Tea leaves open to reveal a jasmine and amaranth flower. They are delicately sewn so that the white jasmine flower appears to rest on the purple amaranth, like a butterfly feeding on a flower’s nectar. The Butterfly teaposy can brew up to 50oz of tea and can be displayed in cold water for up to a week, adding beauty to your home. I hope you will stop by and view all the lovely tea flowers.

I have also added some beautiful new tags to our paper section. These are perfect for bookmarks or for your special gift packages.

I do hope that all of you are enjoying this beautiful Spring weather.

One Lone Flower

Imagine my surprise when I looked out my window to see this one lone Snapdragon blooming in my unkept planter box. Spring has not yet arrived, apparently this lone flower didn't realize that and pushed itself to sprout and bloom. The seedling must have been dropped in the planter box by a bird, as I had not yet put any seeds out.
As I sat, having my morning coffee I realized that this little flower was much like all the women who work each day to nurture their business, family and friends. One lone web site in a vast arena of many many beautiful sites. The tenacity that each one of these shopkeepers has is utterly amazing. Not only are they caring for their family and dear friends they continue to work diligently on building a home business.
As many in this enormous cyber space venue, it takes many hours of learning and often by trial and error to get a web site known. So many times you feel like the lone Snapdragon, pushing forward against many tuff obstacles, but with determination your web site starts to bloom and you receive encouraging emails from customers and other web site owners.
Just like the lone Snapdragon, that doesn't realize it isn't Spring yet, you forge ahead with great expectations and a positive I can do this attitude. So today, I take my hat off to all the hard working women who are relentless in their pursuit of blooming. I hope they can remember the lone pink Snapdragon that inspite of bad weather, no nurturing it succeeded. I wish all of you much success.

Collections

Isn't it funny how just one little purchase can turn into a huge collection? That is how it all started with my jadite collection. I think it was the salt & pepper shakers that started this whole collection, and before I knew it I was hooked. I made the decision early on that I would try to find the rare pieces, such as the Fire-King ball jug. So many of the ones you see advertised have been through years of wear. Fortunately, I was able to find one that was in pristine condition. Most of these beautiful jugs have stress cracks by the handle or some chips on the rim. But mine was perfect. That was my first prized piece, then the hunt began for the next treasure which is my Philbe pie plate. What a gorgeous treasure this one is, the design on the bottom of the plate is so detailed with scrolls and flowers. I think part of the fun of collecting is seeking out these hard to find pieces and it is so rewarding when you can finally step back and enjoy the beauty of your collection.

I think we all reach a stage when we feel our collection is complete and now I have reached that point. I started my collection back in 2002 and now I have reached that stage in my life, where I feel it is time to down size. I think that stage comes when you become an empty nester, you finally decide it is time to scale down or maybe it's time for a new collection. I also think, once the collection becomes somewhat complete you loose the yest for the hunt.

So now I am excited to share this beautiful collection with all of you. Maybe you'll start out the same way in just wanting some vintage 30's or 40's kitchenware, like the salt & pepper shakers or you may want to take the leap and go for the prized Philbe pie plate or the ball jug. All I know, is the color alone of the jadite adds such a warm inviting feel to any kitchen.

So do stop by Sweet Yesterdays and have a look at some of these sweet treasures, you just never know when you may start a new collection.

Can't Wait For Spring

I am getting so excited for Spring to arrive, so I thought I would get all of you in the mood by offering some of our beautiful vintage tags and also some of the most gorgeous vintage seam binding. We have some yummy colors for all your art projects, so do stop by and take a look. http://www.sweetyesterdays.com/

Many of you love the Beachy look and I have just added the most adorable robin egg blue vintage fan. Vintage fans seem to be a popular accent as there was an adorable one in the latest issue of Romantic Homes magazine. So don't miss out on this, as I only have one.

I feel so bad that it has taken me so long to announce the winner of the Mardi Gras beads. But I have been under the weather for a bit. I do apologize and the beads go to Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms. Thank you to all of you who were nice enough to enter. Please be sure to check back often as I love to have sweet little contests. Congrats Cathy!

It's Mardi Gras Time In The South

We are in the throws of Mardi Gras with parades and balls. It is always a very exciting time in the South, the schools close for this event so all the kids can enjoy all the festivities, homes and communities are decorated with purple, gold and green. Everyone has enjoyed their King Cakes, with the baby inside. As tradition has it, who ever gets the baby in their slice of King Cake, they are the one who buys the next cake. There are so many wonderful traditions associated with Mardi Gras, as this is the prelude to Advent.

Tomorrow we are attending another Mardi Gras ball and as always it's quite a site to behold. The full King and Queen procession of the court with lavish gowns and costumes. My favorite is the little boys who are the pages, they are in full costume with the long velvet capes and beaded outfits. If you have never been to Mardi Gras it is an event that should be on your things to do list.

The parades are so much fun as everyone yells, "throw me something Mister". The kids come home with tons of beads and other throws and I must say some of these are very elaborate with charms hanging from the necklace.

In honor of Mardi Gras I would like to send one of you, authentic Mardi Gras beads. Just put a comment on my blog and come Fat Tuesday, I will have a drawing. I will pick out some wonderful beads for you, so if you can't be here to join in on all the festivities at least enjoy the throws.

Dear Friends

First let me say, I can't believe how fast time has been flying by. I have just been so busy adding new things to Sweet Yesterdays wonderful home accents that are great conversation getters. I love to use the unexpected like the beautiful vintage dominos, how beautiful they are in a vintage compote or on a silver tray. They are sure to get noticed.

I do hope that all of you are off to a wonderful start in 2008. Now if this crazy weather would just calm down we could enjoy the winter. I know many of you are still dealing with low temperatures and snow. Great time to just stay indoors and shop on line or read.

My dear friend Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms was just so sweet to give me this. I actually think we both make each other laugh and smile. So thank you dear Cathy!

So now I am going to pass the Smile Award onto one of my dear friends Janet, at Janet's Creative Pillows She is always so sweet and funny and she extents her kindness and joy to everyone.