bebe & alice

Times, They are A'Changin'

2012-01-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Things are going to look a bit different around here. With the new year there are many new adventures ahead and it's time for the metamorphosis to begin! I've officially closed my two Etsy shops: bebe + alice and Go Small. They were so much fun but with all of the activity in my life I neglected them and they were suffering for it. It was a hard move to make but it was necessary. I may reopen in the future but for now you are STILL welcome to contact me with any custom orders for scarves, aprons, bunting, baby wares, etc. I am still selling my paper wares and will try to pour myself into that even more so be sure to check periodically here for new items!

I'll be making some changes to the look of the blog as well. Don't be confused if you show up here one day and the banner, background and layout is completely different. Thanks so much for your faithfulness to read what I have to say even when I disappear for awhile or ramble on making no sense at all.

Holiday Swing Thing

2011-12-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of the vendors and shoppers that participated in the Holiday Swing! Though it wasn't the most busy event it was definitely special for me. I was able to visit more with sellers and get to know them (you). I enjoyed every single one of you. So much! Plan on another summer bash because I hope to make it a spectacular event to live on in your memory....and then I just may be handing off the baton to another lucky YOU! Again, thanks ladies. Your kindness and creativity amaze me. xoxo

Did I Share Already?

2011-11-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

i promised not to share the engagement session photos of my sister and her fiance that i took last month....but she is just so beautiful and he is just so handsome....i can't help myself! oh, and if you are reading this makenzie, the best photos i've kept hidden! dreaming with you about your bright future!

xoxo

The Holiday Swing is a WINNER!

2011-10-25T19:40:00.000-06:00

wow. i am blown away by the Etsy community.

again.

i applied for another grant from Etsy for the Strawberry Swing Indie Fair team

and..........

we WON! AGAIN!

A Holiday Swing!

2011-10-06T08:01:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to announce a Holiday Swing coming December 4th to Kansas City!
A smaller event but festive none-the-less. Taking applications now through October 20th.
Notifications go out to all submits early November. Let me know if you would like an app by leaving a convo with your email address.

Only 20 spots available and a maximum of 2 vendors per category.
Let the fun begin!

Holiday Prep

2011-09-23T09:15:00.000-06:00

I have NEVER been ahead of schedule when it comes to product development for seasonal or holiday events. It felt really weird in August when I was choosing designs, ordering supplies and crafting items for christmas. CHRISTMAS! Seriously, I almost felt like I was doing something universally wrong. I skipped the Halloween holiday completely. I just can't settle on any design ideas for that holiday. Oh well. Here is a peek at what is available in the shop for the holidays. I'll be adding a few more designs as well. Enjoy!

ironic isn't it?

2011-09-09T08:31:00.000-06:00

I've been working on new journals for paper junkies.

I am inspired by this calender full of fabulous quotes. I was able to make a garland out of part of the calender and will be making more journals similar to the one pictured below using the other calender pages. I have plans to make up a new line of journals using this calender...Inspiration Journals perhaps?

Hand stitched with baling twine this journal has the most ironic message doesn't it? Do what you can, where you are, with what you have!

Thank you Teddy Roosevelt for this applicable and lifelong truth!

Labor Day Fun

2011-09-05T18:16:00.000-06:00

My darling daughter spent her day off of school modeling for me. Isn't she so sweet? I've had these cuffs

and brooches waiting their turn for fame and fortune for months. I have so many more photos but these are teasers :)

Just What I Needed.

2011-09-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, while checking the analytics for my shops I found a giant increase in the number of views for my paper shop. Using my detective skills that I keep honed for moments like this I tracked down the source responsible for this spike in views. The Etsy Finds newsletter that went out yesterday included one of my journals in their picks! This was a much needed boost for me. I have been feeling completely out of sorts since I abandoned my shops in the busyness that is my life. The journal sold, too! Someone is looking out for me....taking care of everything :)

the fisherman with a story about the arm that got away

2011-09-01T15:23:00.000-06:00

so many things i have yet to photograph and list on Etsy but i will not give up! the accident and subsequent loss of this fisherman's arm hasn't stopped him from his sea adventures....http://www.etsy.com/listing/80935313/the-fisherman-with-a-storyand-im-not

how long will it take?

2011-08-25T20:55:00.004-06:00

(george in an airport at some point of our travel, wasting time during a layover)

I would be kidding myself if I believed you all were wondering how long it would take for me to come back to this blog and post an entry. It has been a wild four month ride since last I visited this blog and though I have plenty to blog about, maybe too plenty (?) I have been STUCK. Not sure where to begin....a trip, a fair, another trip, a surprise engagement, a trip back home, a surgery and back to school preparations.

I can barely wrap my head around all the activity these past months. So be patient while I try to slowly wade back into the blog pool, won't you? I've missed my life online and hope to find a nice paced schedule soon. Hope all of you out there that I've grown to love and miss terribly are healthy and happy. xoxo

that "other" project- SCORE!

2011-04-29T11:58:00.004-06:00

i have been busy, you know, with that "other" project.................the Strawberry Swing!

today i received an email from Etsy awarding me with a team grant for the Swing! Yep, Etsy has chosen to give the fair 200.00 for our advertising campaign! can you believe it? i can't believe it! it is snowing out today........yes, SNOWING, but i am warm and sunshiney on the inside!

THANK YOU ETSY! XOXO

The Twitterpated Toad

2011-04-28T08:31:00.003-06:00

I was goofing around on Etsy this past week........."researching" for my work you know, and I found this FAB-U-LOUS shop with a FAN-TAS-TIC name: The Twitterpated Toad. I mean, come on! Is that not just adorable? But this here illustration below:

this is what stopped me in my tracks. Isn't it wonderful? I guess for the perfectionistic creatives out there this is exactly what we need to hear and repeat over and over to ourselves. Of course, all you others who end up visiting us at our homes....well, you may want to think twice before stopping by if you prefer cleanliness to craftiness.

Growing up in my family we were reminded all the time of this bible verse or that bible verse; ESPECIALLY "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you". I think the above design is a super fun way to consider that verse.

Many many years ago my mom gave me this much needed framed print she found that said "Heather, Do not worry. I have everything under control." ~Jesus

It has been sitting near my bed all these decades and is always such a calming reminder. However, the design of it is very early '90s and I have been wanting to have the same message but in an updated version and lo and behold here comes The Twitterpated Toad with my wants all ready for purchase!

.............and this? well, it's just too cute. i had to share. head to The Twitterpated Toad on Etsy to view all her fun stuff AND you can find her on FB and Twitter, too!

Busy doing THE SWING!

2011-04-06T22:07:00.006-06:00

no, not dancing................ i wish! but take a gander at this graphic design the amazingly talented Katie Runnels kicked out to me today! a poster/flyer for the indie fair i am working hard to pull together for KC this summer! believe me, i KNOW how freaking lucky i am to have this gal in my contact list :) someday.....SOMEDAY.......if i can just start making some stuff that is worth showcasing i will hire Katie to create magical designs for my own shop. (i can't imagine i will ever make ANYTHING good enough to be represented by her skills!)

business as usual

2011-03-16T07:48:00.004-06:00

things have been a bit slow in the etsy world for me as of late; not that i mind. i am so busy with LIFE that it is a bit of a relief not to have packages to race to the post office...but i wouldn't be mad at you if you decided to buy something from me ;)

i am currently busy helping my daughter study for the State Spelling Bee that will take place this Saturday in Denver. i love that she loves to spell; i was/am the same way. i am also buried under piles of vendor applications for the Strawberry Swing fair that i am organizing for this summer in Kansas City. this is a lot of work but i LOVE all the people i am meeting because of it. one thing i have been putting off for months- redecorating my girls' bedrooms. i finally got a jump on it yesterday....though the rest of my house was ignored and shows it's disappointment in unlovely messes all around and piles of laundry both clean and dirty. c'est la vie!

what has been going on in your life lately?
do tell! ~ heather

too many things

2011-03-11T08:22:00.002-07:00

i have been gone for....well, for absolutely FOREVER it feels like! so many things to share.

one.

at.

time.

forgive me for my absence. i'll be posting on this page regarding biz and the lack thereof.

i'll be posting on the family page with explanations of my long absence.

and i'll be posting again on my gratitude page. thankfully ;)

i've missed all you cyber friends out there! i am keenly aware of your presence somewhere in the world and your friendship and love has been appreciated greatly as of late.

xo,

heather

i've gone all mushy

2011-02-20T14:47:00.005-07:00

Thanks to the book Wee Wonderfuls by Hillary Lang I have gone all mushy for the PLUSHIE!
Have you seen her book? Her website? If you have....you must be smiling ear to ear at the thought of it...if you haven't seen them, do yourself a favor and FOLLOW THE LINK ABOVE ASAP!

Strangely enough, I thought making plushies would be quite difficult but in actuality once you have completed a couple different projects you realize how simple it is really; though, they are a bit time consuming...but TOTALLY WORTH IT!!

have you made any? do tell!

we interrupt this program....

2011-02-08T16:35:00.004-07:00

you may have noticed over on the sidebar of my blog i have added a "sticker" that says:
STRAWBERRY SWING

I am currently organizing an indie craft fair for the Kansas City area. This fair will take place in Kansas City but IS NOT only open to Kansas City vendors/crafters. Anyone can apply as a vendor. This is a juried show and only 35 spots are open. Applications are made and will be sent out at the end of this week. If you are interested you can visit the STRAWBERRY SWING blog and leave your email address there so I can include you in the application email.

You can also copy and paste the sticker I have displayed on my blog onto your blog so more people will know about this fair in the making! I am going to need a lot of help getting attention for the vendors so this will be successful....so spread the word!

and now back to your regularly scheduled programming....

head fun.

2011-02-04T19:54:00.002-07:00

warm and wooly

2011-02-03T10:17:00.004-07:00

felted wool yardage lined around the neck with a soft corduroy and upcycled lace; conveniently attaches in the front with a magnetic clasp.

the girl, of course, is not included :)

GO SMALL goes to your head!

2011-02-02T10:29:00.004-07:00

new to Go Small....

headbands for the girls!

perfect for the soon to be Spring season...

a valentine's day gift, perhaps?

an Easter "bonnet" even?

still more.

2011-02-01T20:50:00.003-07:00

pretty paper garlands (and a few questions for you)

2011-01-30T12:25:00.004-07:00

i have been very busy this past week creating, photographing and listing some new garlands in the paper junkies shop on Etsy... here is a sneak peek:

what do you think? do you have a favorite? i am wondering if i should be offering both the stitched garlands AND the twine strung garlands or just one version?

AND

i have made up images to use as listings for gift certificates but i am not sure if that is a good thing to offer or a waste of time? as a seller, have you tried that before? what would you suggest? as a buyer, would that even appeal to you?

i'd love feedback from any of you if you have a moment :)

hope your weekend has been full of peace....

xo, heather

new to me music

2011-01-28T11:58:00.002-07:00

A far away friend sent me this music knowing I would love it.
Sharing this song....one of my favorites!
Invisible Love by JJ Heller.
Love to all of you friends who I have yet to even meet face to face!

Pinch Me.

2011-01-27T09:55:00.007-07:00

I think I must have been dreaming last night when while standing in my kitchen helping one daughter with her homework my teenaged daughter said to me unexpectedly "I missed you today, Mom". Seriously. Was I dreaming? Did that really happen? I've been warned by too many people to count about the dangers of teenage girls. "You better be ready for some tough years", "Oh no, you have FOUR daughters?", "Boys are so much easier as teenagers" and so on and blah blah blah.

I have to say (though I know I am a little premature) I am excited about having teenage daughters! What fun! And every morning and every afternoon they hug me and kiss me and show me their outfits they chose and ask my opinion about what shoes they should wear and it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside because they CARE what I think! They like me enough to ask if I approve of their choices! Granted, my four year old isn't quite there yet but I suspect she will be because she has three older sisters who for some reason or other respect and admire me. LOVE ME! I am a blessed woman, indeed. Because, let me tell you, I am not an easy person to live with or be parented by I am guessing. I am short tempered, impatient, adverse to chaos and the list goes on. Just ask my sisters. Or don't. (They tell the truth ;)

My thirteen year old daughter said "I missed you today"! I am documenting this on my calendar.

so incredibly wonderful i HAVE to share!

2011-01-26T14:22:00.002-07:00

Adam & Eve from dolly on Vimeo.

I found this via the blog A CUP OF JO. Dreamy wedding video....ahhhhh.

Oui, Sil vous plait! i LOVE me a pretty apron!

2011-01-25T08:09:00.003-07:00

My friend, Leslie, from Chickaboom and Liza Jane alerted me to this wonderfully perfect challenge posted at The Angry Chicken blog site. She and I are participating and I wanted to invite you along!

I am learning French right now and very much enthralled with aprons....it's like this challenge was made for me! I haven't ever taken part in a challenge of any sort so it is a bit daunting but I think it is good for me to stretch myself, try new things and be accountable for completing a task.

Just for fun here are some French style items I found on Etsy recently that I am in love with....

enjoy!

just click the photos and you will be magically transported to the etsy shop!

xoxo

i'm takin baby steps....

2011-01-21T20:18:00.003-07:00

in the craft fair organization direction.

wish me luck.

no seriously.

do. it.

my grand idea is to organize a craft fair for this coming July in Kansas City with an

INDOOR venue. i used to live in Kansas City and KNOW WHAT I'M TALKIN ABOUT

when KC in July is the topic of conversation....GROSS.

not only that but i CHOSE to be married in KC in July! what was i thinking?

i was thinking that the Loose Park Rose Garden would be blooming with color

at that time. i was right, you know. but there were the expected complications:

sweat pouring off our foreheads, into our eyes, making people think we were crying

tears of joy. i kid you not.

back to my grand idea:

INDOORS!!

so, i believe i'll be posting some now and then regarding the steps and direction i am taking

towards seeing this idea come to fruition.

follow along.

or don't.

but believe you me, i am DETERMINED.

Snow Day Creations

2011-01-19T19:28:00.003-07:00

well, it wasn't an official "snow day" but it was snowing all day so i used the time to craft! (and clean the kitchen cabinets and tables)

no pictures of the cleaning but here is some of the crafting! what do you do on a snowy day?

Valentine Aprons

2011-01-19T09:31:00.002-07:00

Just a peek at the aprons I shipped to Dolce Bakery in Prairie Village, Kansas yesterday.

I sent six...photographed just these :(

My favorite is the mushroom heart pocket. Think of the sweet treats you could hide in there!

New House Photos for Rental

2011-01-15T13:58:00.001-07:00

whatcha think?

Adele Enerson- Creative Genius.

2011-01-14T08:38:00.006-07:00

this morning my mom sent me an email with these fantastic photos attached....apparently some genius mum in Finland uses her time WISELY (imo) and creates wonderfully dreamy photos while her baby sleeps soundly.

i love elephants.

little red? ADORABLE! look at that tongue on the wolf?

this one may be my favorite. seriously. reminds me of the Coldplay video Strawberry Swing!

this has to be the most creative, i think. Mary Poppins? amazing.

yes. i like worms if this is what they consist of...snuggly buggly book worms.

laundry day? i would look forward to it if i had this to look forward to :)

the frog prince!

Adele Enerson, you AMAZE me.

So friends, which is your favorite?

HOUSE FOR RENT

2011-01-13T10:59:00.004-07:00

(photos taken from our front porch)

We are so blessed to be able to go on an extended vacation this upcoming summer and so excited! Many plans, ideas and dreams the six of us have and I can't wait to see what adventures await our family :)

While we are away from our home in AMAZING Estes Park, Colorado we will be renting it out to those who want to vacation in the beautiful mountains! Our plan is to be gone for six weeks and rent it out weekly. We have one week rented so far which thrills us!

I think it would be much fun to do a house swap someday with someone in an equally beautiful destination. Ahhh....dreaming :) Have you tried this? Wondering....

If YOU want to come stay in our lovely home....send an email to me bebeandalice@gmail.com and ask for details. I can send you a link to the listing and or work something out with you.

J'apprends a parler francais!

2011-01-05T23:28:00.002-07:00

It's true! I am learning to speak French...slowly but surely. I feel like these guys at this stage in my foreign language education but hoping to improve rapidly! Enjoy...

http://www.spike.com/video/flight-of-conchords/2883651

2011-01-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.spike.com/video/flight-of-conchords/2883651

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

2010-12-16T17:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks, Jeanne, for sharing this fabulous video! How creative!

One of my favorite christmas songs of all time. Enjoy!

2010-12-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Tis The Season!

2010-12-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

25% OFF SALE

2010-12-02T10:12:00.003-07:00

today through saturday, dec. 4th you can save 25% off all hairpins, aprons and tank sets in my shop. hairpins make great stocking stuffers and best friend gifts. the tanks sets for teens are my version of the best friend bracelets/necklaces; so cute for your teen girls and their friends!

HUGE Cyber Monday GIVEAWAY!!

2010-11-28T20:04:00.003-07:00

Listen up all you lovers of free things:

a HUGE GIVEAWAY (one winner- $2000 worth of prizes) going on tomorrow...Monday...
at this web address. i have contributed a g.c. for 40 and there are a zillion adorable etsy
shops that have done the same!

GO
ENTER!

paper and thread and garlands oh my!

2010-11-24T13:15:00.002-07:00

mini communique

old hollywood in peach

old hollywood in iris

abc's christmas

these are just a few of the newest garlands that i'll be adding this weekend to the paper junkies shop. limited numbers of each so keep a watch if you see something you like!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you lovelies who have had immeasurable patience with me as I slowly get back to blogging.

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas!

2010-11-22T14:31:00.003-07:00

i know. i know. speeding things along, aren't we? i can't help it! it is snowing outside and has been for the past 4 days and with a turkey for the table in a few days it really is beginning to FEEL a lot like christmas here.

in preparation for the intense shopping that takes place right after thanksgiving i have been working in my three shops, marking prices down, clearing out shipping costs and rethinking the direction for next year.

you will find free shipping on most items in my paper junkies shop AND free shipping on many items as well as big price reductions in my go small shop and bebe + alice shop.

contemplating the status of the two former shops. i love working with fabric but have found it difficult to sell children's items on Etsy. so much amazing competition! my favorite thing to make these days for that shop is the gnome hat but it is hard to sell even those!

so, go grab yourself some boutique christmas presents at great prices this week... and hold on tight...the speedy holiday roller coaster is leaving the station!

posting via the itouch

2010-10-26T13:13:00.001-06:00

I've been incognito for awhile, I know.
My excuse(s): birthdays, house guest and
three computers down. No kidding.
Both desktops have power sources that
have failed and my laptop is, shall we say,
out of sorts. In other words, my bravado
and curiosity got the best of me yet again
and my laptop now lies disassembled
next to my bed. Why do I have this idea
in my head that I can fix anything and everything?
Nevermind that I have taken no courses
and have no training. Argh!
If machines could shudder they would
all tremble at the sight of me with a
screwdriver in my hand.

Here I sit in my husbands leather recliner
trying to punch out this post on his itouch.
My meaty fingers working as nimbly as possible
on this microscopic keypad. In addition, I awoke
with a kink in my neck so not only are my
fingers in a difficult position but my entire
body aches for working technology!

Do not hold your breath dear friends for
another post anytime soon.... I will be using
the breath I have to blow out birthday candles
today and my fingers will be busy shoving
cake into my 39 year old mouth.

I miss you guys!

tee for two

2010-10-17T12:42:00.002-06:00

I am failing miserably...

2010-10-13T19:58:00.005-06:00

at finding those black boots i mentioned. FAILING.

but all things considered, i think anyone would be in the same place if

they shopped the way i do. on the internet.

it's true. i don't go to stores. i avoid them. and malls? forget about it!

there are a handful of stores i enjoy going into: anthropologie and.....hm.

(rephrase) there is one store i enjoy going into.

so. i have NOTHING to report on the shoe front. however, fear not.

i have a few things to show you that i DID find while perusing the internet

and these things are DARLING.

behold:

a necktie. okay, not for me. but still, YUMMY. i need to buy it for my husband.

and this:

mr. fox. again, not for me. but ADORABLE. i need to buy this for my Lucy, the fox lover.

and finally:

this. bridal shrug. i know, i'm not getting married. but COME ON. i need it. yes, for me.

well, that's all i got for ya. go have some fun shopping. in stores. where normal people shop.

xo~ heather

trying to keep warm

2010-10-10T17:50:00.002-06:00

the cool air has arrived so i am trying to keep warm by working my fingers to the bone. i opened that etsy shop, Go Small, and stocked it somewhat full which took me some time. i didn't stop there though! i got all cold and inspired and worked even more and harder still and opened an etsy shop for the sole purpose of listing all my paper arts/crafts and this i named paper junkies. it was going to be bebe + alice are paper junkies but the way etsy allows new shops to register and list their biz names requires a single word, no spaces, etc. Can you imagine searching for the shop by having to type in bebeandalicearepaperjunkies? of course, it was too late for me the first time around. i didn't realize this when i created Go Small so you actually do have to type in bebeandalicegosmall to find that shop. Of course, you can always come here and click on a link. I'll be updating my actual website bebeandalice.com with links to the respective shops so that would be the quickest most effective way to land in the land of all things bebe + alice.

all this to say, i am a sweaty hot mess and now need a shower from all the hard work.

39 is the new 59 OR boy, am i feeling old

2010-10-05T10:53:00.003-06:00

observations: my right knee swells up and aches for no apparent reason; i have to widen my eyes in order to make out the time on the clock from just 15 feet away; my pants are feeling a little tighter and the gray hair on my head is increasing it's takeover.

all this comes on the heel of me reuniting with dear old friends...and by old friends i mean childhood friends. they may be the same age as me, (actually i am older by some months) but they certainly don't look like "old" friends.

when did this happen? HOW did this happen? yes, rhetorical questions both.

explanation: my birthday is approaching. again. it's like i am hearing the song Again and Again by The Bird and The Bee haunting me with each and every reminder that in just 3 weeks exactly i will turn 39. i know, still in my thirties but MY LAST YEAR in my thirties! what is to be done of this looming occassion?

solution: i will conquer. AB-SO-LUTELY conquer my quest for the elusive perfect black boot. i've been searching for two years and have yet to find and obtain the boot. so, i have given myself the goal of finding the boot that was seemingly made just for me before my birthday in three weeks. i am on a mission. who's with me?

just a reminder...

2010-09-30T08:35:00.003-06:00

IN MY ORIGINAL ETSY SHOP....TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!
(that is me speaking enthusiastically, not yelling at you...just an fyi)

weeping and celebrating

2010-09-27T13:36:00.003-06:00

my very dear friend lost his mom today...a long battle fought. can't help but weep...but must celebrate the beauty she is now experiencing. we love you, kathy.

i bribe my children with candy and i am not ashamed.

2010-09-25T07:38:00.003-06:00

all new to the Go Small shop.... (as of the 1st...you can still find them here on sale!)

the child is not for sale.

but if you are really nice i just might send you some candy ;)

have a great weekend everyone! xoxo~ heather

and more....

2010-09-24T09:15:00.004-06:00

looking for somewhere fun to play? check out this new shop on Etsy selling vintage, handmade and repurposed goods. seeing as i am a sucker for paper dolls this shop caught my eye (see below?) and i am hooked!

pretty treasures like this one below are for sale in the shop right now and i am tempted NOT to share this photo with you. what a piece of art this flapper era purse is! i have one from my great grandmother that is similarly beaded but nowhere near the condition of this beauty! makes me want to find an occasion to attend with this on my arm...forget the date!

unique finds draw me in and i've not seen a book like this one before! what fun! bartenders and historians alike may find this super intriguing to have on their shelf.... or wall.... or bar.

shop LIZA JANE on Etsy for some "new" finds for gifts this Christmas! i have been informed there is much more to come in that shop so keep popping in for treasures daily!

and now....

2010-09-22T08:29:00.004-06:00

as promised, here is a new-to-me shop that i adore and i think you will too! full of all things party pretty for your little one's celebration, the photos of the items for sale will make you smile awhile!

Jes, owner of oh, buckets, loves to use earth friendly supplies for her crafting and it makes me love her shop even more! go take a look at her halloween items- they are sure to be a treat at your party this october ;o

i was tagged...or...get ready, it's your turn next!

2010-09-21T11:26:00.005-06:00

My very far away but close to my heart Etsy friend in France, Iris, has tagged me with a little question/answer game. I so enjoyed learning about her a little bit more and I really look forward to learning about all of you that I am tagging at the end of this adventure. So, you have been warned!

********************************************************************************

Question 1: What is your dream job?

Answer 1: I think I would love to be a photographer. Not landscape. Maybe a photojournalist would be fun. Yes. That's it!

Question 2: Where would you like to live?

Answer 2: So many places; I was just discussing with my husband that when the kiddos head out of the nest I want to sell the house and live in a bunch of different places. Not just visit, like a vacation...LIVE. I want to be part of each place. Make my home there. Buy a house, grocery shop, play cards with the neighbors, talk about the city like locals do. Where? Ireland. Greece. Brazil. Oregon. Vermont. West Virginia. etc. etc. Yikes. 2 years in each place makes me like...well, OLD.

Question 3: What century would you like to live in?

Answer 3: NOT the first or second or third or fourth or fifth. Maybe the sixth, seventh or eighth. Ninth. Yes. Ninth. or Now. does now count?

Question 4: What would you want your last meal to be?

Answer 4: It truly depends on the day. And honestly, now that I think about it...would anyone really have an appetite if they knew it was their last meal? I don't think so.

Question 5: Why did you start a blog?

Answer 5: I was bored and I have a very strong curiosity.

Question 6: What is your favorite piece of clothing?

Answer 6: Generally, shoes. Specifically, all my shoes.

Question 7: What is your favorite film?

Answer 7: SERIOUSLY hard to answer. Life is Beautiful. or... Spanglish. or... Stranger Than Fiction or.... Sense and Sensibility or.... Emma................

Question 8: What do you want to do before you turn 100?

Answer 8: If I live that long...relocate. relocate. relocate.

That was fun! You try:

1.) stacy jehle

2.) barbara bechtel

3.) janet metzger

4.) leslie doughty

5.) meredith hayes

6.) kristin morris

7.) sandra monat

8.) tiffany spegar

ohboyohboyohboy

2010-09-21T07:14:00.004-06:00

i woke to a wonderful little feature on my shop found here!
thank you SO MUCH bonnie for taking the time to look and share....
what a nice thing to do!

and i understand there is a move in process for bonnie...
may i be the first to welcome you to Colorado!

pouring in to GO SMALL

2010-09-19T21:21:00.003-06:00

2010-09-16T18:44:00.003-06:00

okay. it's official.

this really is the name/banner for the new shop dedicated to just the stuff for the kiddos.

i hope you like it.

i refuse to make another.

same with the name.

not suffering through choosing one, checking etsy to see if it has been used,

checking the web to see if it has been used, registering with etsy all the details for the shop...

etc.

bebe and alice GO SMALL.

it's that simple.

and true, really.

ahhhhhh.

and, below is my new bebe + alice shop banner for etsy which does not include children's items any longer.

remember,

all children's items in my bebe + alice shop are 25% off! EVEN the items already on sale. once i move the kids items to their new etsy shop they will not be on sale anymore...spread the word, silly bird!

Snapshots of the Festival

2010-09-15T11:23:00.005-06:00

we saw beautiful horses.....
yes, they had heads along with their hooves.

knights on horses

some knights that knocked other knights off their horses

leprechauns that rode around in golf carts

(did you see the size of that guy's flask?)

mel gibson wasn't very happy with me interrupting him for a photo op. oh well.

we saw two more fires surrounding our town that day. smoke was billowing upward and my girl was worried for the rest of the day.

her feet told a different story. happy happy feet!

the bottom of mike's fourth but not last beer.

the most beautiful dresses that the dancers were wearing for their competition

and dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors...this bloodhound gave us the full experience by baying a dozen times. it was adorable.

though the day was so much fun for everyone our littlest girl just couldn't make it without her nap. somehow she slept through the bands we listened to under the tent.

i have movie footage of one band playing on stage as well as footage of the jousting tournament.

i will try to post those soon if i can make them presentable. however, if you get ESPN on your t.v. they will be airing the tournament sometime. it was so cool to see them in our little town with their big cameras!

Happy Fall, Everyone!

Off to the Festival

2010-09-12T09:37:00.003-06:00

We are heading out to the Scotch Irish Festival here in Estes Park! When the festival was established way back when there were 1,800 attendees. Today there are 80,000 attendees!

Everyone is very excited to see the river dancers, jousting, dog show, nessie in the lake and so much more. I found a few fun things on Etsy with today's theme. Click on the pictures to be taken to the respective shops. Cheers!

well, hello saturday morning!

2010-09-11T10:37:00.003-06:00

I woke up after bad dreams last night to find one of my "indispensible little black shirt"s was included on the FP of Etsy. Busy weekend ahead but I've got the energy to tackle it now!
Thanks mihermanayyo and Etsy for the exposure!

I'll be posting later this weekend about our time at the Scotch Irish Festival. A lot of pics to come.... wonder if I'll see anything like this while I am wandering?

Good Day Sunshine

2010-09-08T09:20:00.003-06:00

Scarves and Cool Weather

2010-09-07T07:21:00.002-06:00

My favorite weather has finally arrived and with it the warmer clothing, the comfort foods and very very soon the Scotch Irish Festival! So many things I love about the autumn...

what do you love about this magical season?

today was a good day

2010-09-05T21:03:00.005-06:00

with it being a long weekend and all my husband is more at ease and willing to wander around with me. yay for me! i hope yay for him. :)

we dropped our Scoutie off for a play date, left the big girls home with the baby and headed into the BUSY national park at the far end of town. it was the most beautiful day i've seen in a very long while. just perfect! we "hiked" around Beaver Meadows all along trails (and a little off trail if you must know) but thankfully we were not attacked by the mountain lions that most certainly occupy the area. we can attest to this fact by the numbers of skulls and bones we passed along the way. at one windy point my husband mentioned we should evacuate the area we were in because of all the dead trees just dying to fall down. i ignored his worry but just a short half hour later we heard a huge crack bang and he was absolutely right! dang those beetles that have killed so many of our trees!

we passed a number of trees that had been visited by bear which was disconcerting. we passed a number of humans that had not been visited by bear which was encouraging and we were blessed to find that God had been watching over us the entire time; get this!

apparently, Mike left his wallet (!) sitting on the front seat of the car in plain view of all the zillions of tourists that are here in Estes Park this weekend and it wasn't JUST the front seat...it was the front seat of the Landcruiser, the topless, doorless Landcruiser.

we returned to the car uninjured and found the wallet just sitting there, like it had been tossed onto the seat and not a thing was missing! yay to God and our angels.

wondering what you were up to this sunday?

H is for Hat

2010-09-04T20:53:00.003-06:00

and now for the real babies...a few gnome hats being listed in my etsy shop along with the doll hats!

celebrating the AMERICAN GIRL store opening in Kansas City

2010-09-04T13:47:00.003-06:00

i am loading a bunch of stuff into my etsy shop these days...up to 50 items so far and have at least that many more to add still. these are my gnome hats for dolls. i have a whole lot of these for babies 0-12 months that i'll add to the shop soon enough! these will be great little stocking stuffers for kids this christmas i think :)

have a great weekend everyone! see ya next monday .... xo, heather

mixed media journals or i junked up your journal for you

2010-08-30T16:34:00.002-06:00

these and more now available in my etsy shop! yay! xo- heather

These Days...

2010-08-27T20:22:00.002-06:00

I have been stumbling through my days.
Things seem foggy and unmeasured.
Though this is nothing new for me, a familiar
place, it has been daunting in the past when
I find myself here.
However, these days I am not fearful.It is what it is and this too shall pass.
It always does.
But for now...I am moving slowly and quietly and alone.
I like alone.

Btw- when looking for a photo to depict how I am feeling I found the one above and
tripped over a brilliant photographer from Brussels. Click the photo above to see his photostream on Flickr. Beautiful.

tangible goodness to you, h

so thankful

2010-08-22T11:56:00.001-06:00

that i have a daughter who doesn't mind modeling my wares. takes a HUGE load off of my back...thank you Hannah!

the time has come or back to school night!

2010-08-20T18:37:00.002-06:00

i am totally lame and didn't go to back to school night this evening. i worked all day in my husband's third grade room and just didn't have it in me to head back in there this evening. wimp. right? plus, i stood and talked to the girls' teachers in the hallway when i would pass them on my way to the volunteer room for staples, construction paper, glue sticks, my sanity, etc.
i don't know why my sanity was shelved in there but i did find it and vowed not to lose it again, hence, not returning to the school grounds tonight.

(btw- how cute are these vintage school supplies? me likey a lot!)

trying to keep my mind sharp these days by playing scrabble online. do you do that? i play wordbiz and love it. addictively love it. like, i can't wait for the kids to head to school monday morning so i can play for hours straight. oh crap. i have a 3 year old; i forgot. guess i won't play non stop.

my life is so colorful with all these little girls around! seriously, it is either filled with scrubbing paint off the wall (but, it's my mural!) or juggling four conversations at the same time which gets mixed up and i answer one girl with an answer intended for another; kind of like when you play telephone and whisper in each others ears all around the circle...you start with "the cat is in the kitchen" and end up with something like "i like to play dressup with my dad's underwear".

i've been back from my trip to KC for about 2.5 weeks now and haven't opened the sewing room since the day i arrived. well, today i headed in there to find the necklace i wanted to wear and thought i had left there but i tripped over two boxes, slipped on a piece of remnant fabric, caught my balance on the edge of the sewing table but on doing so placed my hand in box of stamps and ended up wiping black ink across my collarbone as i thought about where that necklace was hiding.

on another note, my mom is coming to visit me for my birthday!!!!!

what are you up to?

xoxo~ heather

remembering my sisters today

2010-08-19T10:50:00.002-06:00

one sister loves nautical anything....that would be Brooke. one sister's nickname is Hedgie....that would be Makenzie.

this sister loves them both dearly....that would be me.

photo layout, yay or nay?

2010-08-18T10:35:00.003-06:00

messing around with editing...wondering if this layout would work for etsy thumbnails. any opinions? do you like the double view or is it better to do single views with many thumbnails?

tanks and tees and cuffs, oh my!

2010-08-17T20:06:00.005-06:00

first things first

2010-08-17T10:40:00.004-06:00

WELCOME to all my new followers...so happy you could join us! And congrats to those winners from last weekend...I will be packaging and shipping this week to you. Thanks for the addresses all of you and I do hope you will post a pic on the bebe + alice facebook page of whatever you create with the goodies that I send to you. It will make me SMILE!

I've been busy editing photos for my Etsy shop. I can't BELIEVE how long that takes. Here are a few shots of the new tshirts I am listing soon. Whadya think?

Winners

2010-08-15T12:41:00.002-06:00

Stephanie
Jeremy
Katie
Tiffany

I'll email you tonite to grab your mailing address.
Thanks for playing!

xo~ heather

2010-08-14T15:11:00.003-06:00

So, which one wasn't like the others? So many great guesses and very good reasoning by so many of you! Well, I am sure you could argue your point and be accurate but if you think like me then you would have chosen IMAGINE PEACE as the odd man out. All of the others were about getting the kids back to school; shopping, mending clothing, teaching, rules, etc. BUT PEACE? you won't find associated with middle or primary school. and that is the only one i posted in the group that has to do with ME! that's what i've been doing, imagining the peace that will surround me on the glorious day, August 23, when school starts!

Yay to all who entered...and I have so many goodies that I'll send some to each of you that guessed correctly! Yipee! Thanks for playing... xo, heather

ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHERS...

2010-08-12T16:08:00.010-06:00

one of these things just isn't the same.... it's back to school time....ALREADY!? i've gathered here a group of art prints that have one thing in common- back to school! however, one of these just isn't the same...it fits but it's one of a kind. can you figure it out?

not that hard, i know but still some fun for you and totally worth your time! because....

whoever guesses correctly will have their name thrown into a lunchbox and one person will win

a random assortment of goodies including craft supplies, fabric squares, pretty papers and a few back to school treasures.

sounds like some fun, right? so use your educated brains and figure out this puzzle. i'll be announcing the answer on saturday and choosing a winner on sunday. don't miss the bus!

be sure to leave me an email address with your comment/answer so i will be able to contact you

on sunday if you are the winner. in other words, be sure to write your name on the top of the paper so you won't get a zero.

loves! heather

I Need You Now

2010-08-11T21:02:00.010-06:00

lyrics:

when i woke there was no sunshine, when i spoke there were no words, when i loved there were no feelings at all....then you came into my life, and i had a world of light, and i knew i would not be the same at all

oh, you changed me and oh i will never be the same...i need you now oh yah and i need you here, i need you now all the time....

when you're gone i'm not the same, feel like i will go insane but i know you're coming back to me....i'm so blessed you are my wife, we've created a great life and i know that you are mine always

and oh you changed me, and oh i will never be the same....i need you now, yah and i need you here, i need you now all the time...

just some fun in honor of my husband

2010-08-08T21:10:00.004-06:00

"what did the 7 year old say to her dad....."

2010-08-07T14:50:00.004-06:00

"when he flipped her pancake but missed the plate, athletically catching it by pinning it between his hip and the oven door?"

"i don't know, what did the girl say?"

"whew! at least it didn't hit your cheetah!"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

this is what happens when you marry a man who makes silly out of everything in life.

my husband has a hernia, or as he likes to say "i have a hyena"; "my hyena is killing me"; "no, i can't ( ) right now; my hyena is acting up" and on and on it goes.

you can see how a hernia turned into a cheetah now, can't you?

i love my husband, cheetah and all!

happy saturday friends! make it a great weekend full of laughter and love! xo~ heather

CH-CH-CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

2010-08-04T08:53:00.005-06:00

maybe it is this time of the the year? it's natural to be feeling the need to change things up in life especially with kids that are heading back to school and gardens that are slowly fading the need to implement change presses on the very core of me and i am unable to sit still and just be.

BUT when things just aren't working the way i have been doing them....well, it's smart but difficult to make necessary changes.

things i have been considering:

monthly budget
needs vs. wants
house cleaning
things vs. experiences
relationship investment
physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health
UNschooling myself

weighty subject matters that impact one another....a heavy wet snowball on a downhill rush.
sometimes i feel exhilarated by the change that is building and sometimes i feel frozen by the
weight of it.
i am reminding myself:

take. time. to. breathe.
take. time. to. sort.
slow. down.
be. intentional.
work. it. through.
embrace. it. all.
enjoy. the. ride.

Ric Rac photos (thanks to my friend, Nancy)

2010-08-02T08:46:00.005-06:00

I have this super great friend named Nancy that is a photographer. She showed up at the Ric Rac Roundup with her cameras and helping hands early in the hot morning to pitch in and make my booth happen! Upon departing, she left with us a cooler full of ice and two dozen water bottles. What a friend! You can see the other photos that she took by clicking on the above photo and following to her blog Inside Out Photography. I am one blessed girl. Thanks, Nancy!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

2010-07-20T23:10:00.000-06:00

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I

2010-07-17T19:36:00.005-06:00

i love.

love.

paper dolls. anything vintage tugs on my heartstrings and makes beautiful music in my mind, drawing me to its beauty. it doesn't matter if it is a vintage book, piece of furniture, fabric, even a contemporary photo of something vintage...maybe even a photo of something contemporary that evokes a vintage era....music, music, music to my heart!

i found this card above by enchanted quilling on etsy. it is so darling, the nautical design and the vintage map of mississippi! looking at it reminded me that my mom used to do beautiful crafts when i was little including quilling!

another vintage map of mississippi above but framed with a beautiful preserved butterfly! it makes me want to have an overstuffed library of my own, similar to my grandfathers, full of vintage classics and the smell of his pipe and dust from the books on the very tip top shelves. piece of art was done by real butterfly gifts on etsy.

how long has that bridge been standing? when was it erected? oh my goodness, i am a sucker for bridge pictures! always have been. black and white photography itself is vintagelicious even when it isn't vintage! photo is offered by artsy angel on etsy.

i M-I-S-S hearing from you...what have you been up to this weekend? hugs, heather

birthday suprise trip for hannah

2010-07-15T08:48:00.003-06:00

stopped off to see the pets in the pedigree store. this precious basset/beagle mix gave hannah a birthday kiss :)

out to dinner family style at buca di beppo

happy birthday, my sweet hannah! i cannot believe that 13 years ago today you came into my life and changed it for the better by immeasurable amounts! you amaze me. daily. i couldn't have prayed for a better first born daughter.

i love you! ~ mom

i have a teenager?

2010-07-14T12:10:00.001-06:00

It was fun while it lasted............

2010-07-10T13:37:00.004-06:00

as you know, my sister, brooke, has been staying with me since the end of May and i am dreading the thought of her moving out of here in a few weeks. grrrrr.

but this past week was super special because 2 of my 3 sisters were here with me! really true!

my youngest sister, Makenzie, drove out with a family friend, Emily, and brought her smiley sunshiney feisty self to our already crammed house. it was WONDERFUL! one special day she and her boyfriend (i like to call him Goo) took my four girls to the Estes Park Tram to ride up and feed the chipmunks some peanuts. I sent my camera along and they gave it back to me with these sweet photos. i do hope she and her boyfriend, David, come visit again soon. they are so special and dear to me! missing them already and they just left the house a short 4 hours ago.

have a great weekend, friends! whatcha got planned?

The start of a new year!

2010-07-07T13:39:00.002-06:00

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!!!

Installment 3

2010-07-06T22:42:00.002-06:00

Me: where are you?
Him: right here.
Me: oh, the bed is so big i lost you.

(hours pass)

Him: good morning
Me: yawn.
Him: happy anniversary, love.
Me: (big smile)

Him: what kind of muffin do you want?
Me: blueberry
Him: coffee?
Me: white chocolate mocha

Him: what?
Me: nothing.
Him: why are you looking at me like that?
Me: i'm just so glad you are my husband.

Him: thanks for the getaway.
Me: thank you...you planned it.
Me: i love you
Him: (silly smile) that's right, babycakes.

Installment 2

2010-07-05T14:45:00.002-06:00

Him: is this spot good?
Me: yep.

Him: you hot?
Me: yep.

Him: i'm jumping in for a minute, okay?
Me: yep.

Him: want the umbrella?
Me: yep.

Him: book good?
Me: yep.

Him: did you see that girl?
Me: yep.

Him: a lot of fake there.
Me: yep.

Me: wish I was fake?
Him: nope.

Him: wanna go back to the room now?
Me: yep.

14th Anniversary Getaway

2010-07-05T07:54:00.003-06:00

Installment 1:

Him: Hot tub?
Me: What the what?
Him: It's not raining.
Me: Then what are all these wet dots hitting me in the face?

Him: Wanna get out?
Me: We could.
Him: You tricked me; why are you still in?
Me: I didn't say I wanted to get out.
Him: Want me to bring you your towel?
Me: Yes, please.

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-04T20:01:00.002-06:00

thanks for making my life lighter

2010-07-03T07:21:00.002-06:00

friday funny

2010-07-02T09:20:00.002-06:00

43 years ago

2010-07-01T23:37:00.006-06:00

(click photo for source)

my parents were married on July 1st of 1967.

david took nancy and nancy took david......and here we all are today, celebrating together!

i love you guys!

where i've been this past week.....

2010-07-01T13:15:00.003-06:00

............... in playland!

a little help, please

2010-06-27T15:53:00.003-06:00

i'll be making a handful of laminated shoulder bags for the ric rac roundup...outside consisting of wipeable coated cotton and inside consisting of upcycled fabrics. so, wanna help me? i just need you to leave a comment for me telling me which two fabrics above you LOVE and which one you dislike. it would help me oh so much...OH SO MUCH! gotta order the materials soon, you see.

i will be posting another round of options in a day or two so check back then as well. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your opinions, all.

love you and super duper appreciate your comments...always. always.

xo~ heather

Bright Love

2010-06-26T09:58:00.003-06:00

i am loving all things bright and beautiful these days. not sure why, since i typically go for neutral everything (my house is like a blizzard, colorwise) but these fun finds grab my attention and heart.

(the fuzzy monkey) (desiree salas)

(kelleystreetvintage)

(dolan geiman)

hope your days are warm and wonderful!

have a fantabulous weekend,

heather

lollygagging

2010-06-24T20:22:00.003-06:00

yes, i am a lollygagger.

i am a slow poke jones.
and you would be too if you were wandering down the aisles of Flordity.

i just received these in the mail this past week and am in LOVE.

as usual. pretty much anything Barbara Bechtel creates causes my heart to beat extra fast.

see, the hairpins in the photo above are hairpins that were gifted to me and similar to a pair i purchased in green but say FLY rather than grow. i'll be wearing these with the new dress i bought for the ric rac roundup.

the earrings...well, those were bought specifically with the purpose of wearing them next summer when my husband and i have a vow renewal ceremony or our 15th anniversary! you know the whole "something borrowed/something blue"....not sure if that applies to the vow renewal ceremony but i'm using it anyhow.

Barbara has the most ADORABLE coastal collection in her shop as well. Come on, you know you want to lollygag in her shop, too!

half way through

2010-06-20T20:17:00.002-06:00

last thursday we dropped our Lucy off at camp timberline.............................................

it was a very encouraging and calming feeling as we walked down the path to the registration building after arriving at camp. we found these sorts of signs posted at each turn

it was much easier leaving her there after seeing her already bonding with other girls in her cabin

we are halfway through now; her term ends Wednesday and everyone in the family misses her.

i can't wait to grab her up in my arms and pester her with kisses and questions! I LOVE LUCY!

Betsy Lemon Knits

2010-06-19T11:31:00.003-06:00

this past week i was able to spend some time with my cousin-in-law, betsy. who knits. yep! betsy lemon knits and does a fabulous job at it, i might add. we were able to give each other some feedback on one another's projects and i was ecstatic to be able to photograph her with some of her completed hats!

aren't these hats delicious?

"adorabilities", my daughter would say.

the hats are scrumptious and warm. darling on anyone and will be available along with many other pretties of hers at the ric rac roundup this July 24th in westport, kansas city, mo.

SELAH (a pause)

2010-06-17T09:53:00.001-06:00