attitude gratitude

There is nothing like spending a Thursday with the Mundays. I am thankful for a good friends.

No giveaways this week dear readers. A girl needs a break every now and again. See you next week!

we went sailing darling, then had a spot of lunch

We had a great little escape yesterday. We decided it was high time that Thom learned how to sail. And Ben too, for that matter. A survivorman needs to know these things.

So, when our good friends called with the idea of a day at sea, we were ready with bells on.


It sounds very glamorous to be sailing, but in fact, it was not. Our little boat only held four people. There wasn't even a table to set a glass of champagne or a round of brie. So I stayed ashore with Jo and we took a walk while the boys slowly tottered out of the harbor.

Jo is British and I love to listen to her talk. She makes everything sound civilized and polite. I feel fancy when I'm with her. Even when we are just drinking hot cocoa and watching people work on their boats. It feels very posh.

After their big adventure on the high (ahem, low) seas, the boys came in for some fish and chips.

After lunch, we said good-bye with kisses all around, British style. I won't have to wait long to feel fancy again. We will be spending Thanksgiving with this wonderful family. I'm planning a very proper meal with a English flare.

Cheerio for now, but don't forget to enter Friday's giveaway!

these are a few of my favorite things

This post is dedicated to Rachel and Ivory, who always say that I am their Oprah, their link to the finer things in life. If only my giveaways where as outrageous as hers!

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things.

Captain von Trapp: Fraulein Maria, did I or did I not say
that bedtime is to be strictly observed in this household?

Maria: Yes, well the children were scared of the thunderstorm and… You did, sir.

Captain von Trapp: And do you or do you not have trouble following these simple instructions?

Maria: Only during thunderstorms.

Today I have three big announcements!

First, starting November 30th, I am releasing my Secondsister mini Winter collection. It isn't a full collection, just a few pieces with lots of sparkle to wear to holiday parties and such. And. . . everything is very affordable! It is very small and limited so if you need some accessories to get your glam on, be watching!

Second, Starting December 5th I will be hosting 10 days of 10 giveaways. I contacted some of my very favorite sellers on Etsy and I will be showcasing their work with a fabulous giveaway every day. You won't believe the prizes!


Third, you have a chance to win this pair of Winter Glam earrings from the new mini collection by helping me promote my Favorite Things giveaway. Just choose between these two graphics and load one into your sidebar. Make sure it links back to Suaviloquy and leave a comment on this post giving me the link to your page where you have posted the graphic. I will pick a winner on December 15th.

I am working on adding a scroll box with the html code, which is no small task for a computer illiterate like myself. If you need this, check back in a few days, I might just succeed.

the winners and so on

Okay- I'm running a bit behind these days. The winner of the magnet is comment #19, Fbartlett in Waco, Texas. Please contact me with your shipping info. The entries are now closed for the jewelry contest. I will be perusing your blogs and a winner will be announced on December 15th! Thanks to all who posted my logo.

Here's a little something I'd like to share.

hello finland?

Photo of Helsinki

I often wonder about you. My readers. I wonder who you are and how you live. Are you happy and loved? Are you lonely? Do you like to watch people the way I like to watch them? Do you eat eggs in the morning and tacos for dinner? Do you have a drivers license? Who are you?

Everyday I like to look at a world map of my readership. Everyday I have a little dot on Finland. Who are you Miss Finland? Are you a Miss or a Mrs.? Maybe even a Mr.? Do you own a lot of really great sweaters? Do you like to sit in a sauna? I heard Finnish people love saunas.

As a young man my father lived in Helsinki for a few years. He told me many stories about the cold weather and the warm Finnish people. I would love to go to Helsinki someday, but until then, I just want to meet and know the girl from across the world who clicks into my life daily.

Old Finnish Photo

Did you see the movie The Holiday? It was a totally marginal movie but the premise is that two girls from two different countries swap houses for the holidays. I love the idea of not just swapping but hosting or staying with one of my international blogosphere friends. Wouldn't it be something to be able to say that you have friends on every continent?

Whether you are from Helsinki, Brisbane or Miami, I'd like to get to know you. I'm sure we'd be good friends.

You still have today to enter to win the Dragonflies magnets, and until Friday to enter to win the jewelry. Scroll down to previous posts to enter.

spots of fashion

When I joined Etsy a year and a half ago I became an addict. There are so many great things for sale. A person can spend hours just browsing the virtual marketplace wonderland that is Etsy. One of my very first purchases was from Dragonflies.

Leslie is one of the many many women on Etsy who have taken a very simple idea and turned it into a profitable business. She sells magnets. However, I think they are more than magnets. They are little spots of fashion on my otherwise dull wall. They are the spice in my space.

Dragonflies magnets make a great stocking stuffer at only $5-7. They would also be a great little gift for a co-worker or teacher. Click on over to Leslie's shop and see what she has to offer. Then come on back and leave a comment to be in the drawing for this free set of magnets! The winner will be announced on Thursday morning.

Leave a comment and win these magnets!

happy happy me

I've learned something about myself over the last few months. In order for me to be truly happy, I must have three things in my life.

1. My Family

2. Something fun to look forward to

3. Art

There is a fourth small variable of having a clean house, but I am working to let that one go a little. Life is too short to be cleaning all the time.

If I've got the three big ones goin on, I'm as happy as a clam and last weekend I hit all three spot on. I had the girls in my family over for a big fun day of art. We broke out all our fun papers and paint and made a huge mess in my kitchen. We cut and ripped and pasted. We all love art so much that at some point each of us actually squealed with excitement. The boy sat at the counter with his own paints and I was almost overcome with all the creativity in the room.

I loved the way my little prince bird turned out. I think I will hang him in my kitchen.

Just a note regarding Friday's giveaway. In order to be entered into the drawing, you must post the Suaviloquy graphic on you site with a link. Please leave address to the blog where you have posted. Thanks.

just the girls

Once a year, my group of really good friends undertake a project so big it rivals the filming of Titanic. All five of us arrange our lives to get together for Girl's Weekend. There are many obstacles to over come. Namely: scouts, soccer, piano, tutor, church groups, birthday parties, nursing schedules and bedtimes. We must butter up our hubbies and save up our pennies. All this before we even decide when and where to go. One thing's for sure though. Shopping will be involved.

This year everyone came to my house. The plan was to get up early on Saturday morning and hit the shops, but that plan went to hell in a hand basket when we stayed up talking until 2 am and didn't even eat breakfast until 10 the next morning. We ended up spending our time together eating and talking and laughing and diagnosing and eating and laughing and eating. We didn't shop at all. And you know what? It was great.

Thanks girls. Let's start planning for next year.

Don't forget, you have until Friday to enter to win Secondsister jewelry!

calling in a favor

Copy and paste this code to put a Suaviloquy button on your site.

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Okay guys, I've been doing giveaways every Tuesday and Friday for two months now and I'm calling in a favor.

For this giveaway, you are going to have to do a little work. To enter the drawing to win a custom cuff or a pair of sapphire earrings you must post the Suaviloquy graphic with a link on you blog. That's it. Just give a little shout out for yours truly and you're in like Flynn. Oh, and you will need to leave a comment here with the link to your blog so I know who you are.


I will be closing comments for this contest on November 21st. The winner will be announced on Dec. 15th. If you don't make it in for this contest, don't despair. I will be running another similar contest on the 28th of November.


And now to the prizes. . .



The first prize is a custom cuff. I will work with you to create a cuff that says what you want and fits how you want. You can change colors, closures and metals. This fabulous prize (imagine an announcer's voice) is valued at $50.


The second prize is a pair of hand forged Secondsister sapphire earrings. Are the sapphires real? Why yes they are. Thank you for asking. They are 1 1/2" long. Worth $75.



Which one will you choose?

if only. . .

If only I could keep all the really good ones. Alas, sometimes I don't know how much I really love something until it's gone. Isn't there a song about that? Well, it's true. Sometimes when I go to my computer and see that something has sold, I have a moment of panic. I've always thought that I could never have a Secondsister store. Customers would come up to pay for things and I'd talk them out of it. They would have to pry my fingers open to retrieve their purchases.

It is better that I have a day or so to package it up and say my good byes. Here are a few of my long lost babies that I really regret selling.


And here are a few new ones I just listed in my shop yesterday. I am not in any way attached to any of them, although I am starting to think of outfit ideas that include the Atlantis necklace. Please feel free to buy, buy, buy.

The Brave Bracelet

Ranch Hand Bracelet

Atlantis Necklace

contest winner

The winner of the Washable Art soap is comment # 23, Heidi. Congratulations!

enigma

Kids are such an enigma to me.

I'll say to Thom, "Hey come eat this homemade dinner I spent the afternoon making for you."

And he says, "No."

I'll say, "Thom, are you ready to crawl into your bed. I just washed the sheets today and they smell great."

He says, "No."

I say, "Okay it's time to be calm. Come here and I'll tickle your back and play with your hair while you watch your favorite T.V. show."

He pulls a face and runs away.

I say, "Come upstairs! I have a nice warm bubble bath waiting for you!"

He says "Not now Mom."

What is wrong with this child? He rejects everything wonderful in life. Well, he doesn't turn down sweets. We have that in common. But really, why do we adults have to force our kids to do the things we personally love to do?

Over the years we have created little enticements. We turn pancakes into happy faces with blueberry eyes and banana smiles. We tell bedtime stories again and again until the words come automatically. We coerce and manipulate and bargain until we get our kids to do the very thing that we ourselves are dying to do. It has been this way for ages. I can't see it changing anytime soon.

Here's a perfectly wonderful little enticement to get your kids in the bath.

Catherine of Washable Art has been creating soap in her kitchen for some years now. This is what she says about her work:

My love of geometrical symmetry, natural asymmetry, color, and edible, delicious things is demonstrated in soap, and you'll find extreme care in the details. Many, if not most of the plant materials I use are grown locally, organically, and sustainably; you'll find natural pigments and dyes, fair-trade ingredients (when they can't be had out of my own garden), and recycled material packaging whenever practical. I love what I do, I know you will, too, and I look forward to sending something wonderful to you!

I highly recommend stopping by Catherine's shop. Her soaps make really great stocking stuffers and they are all reasonably priced. Her shipping costs are very low for both domestic and international.

Catherine has donated a set of her Bathtub Architect soaps for today's giveaway. She sent along an extra set for the boy and I can't wait to put them in his Christmas stocking!

If you would like to enter the drawing, just leave a comment! International readers are always welcome to enter a Suaviloquy giveaway.

monday

As a kid I used to hate when Monday rolled around. These days I really love Monday morning. It is the gateway to the week. It is full of possibilities.

I have a busy few days ahead of me. I've got girls weekend at my house starting Friday night which will take a fair amount of preparation. On Sunday, I am hosting a "Papayaesque" art day which will require at least a few errands to pick up supplies. The boy has a field trip today and is off school tomorrow. I have a birthday luncheon for a good friend and a play date for Thom. The dog needs to go to the groomers. And then there is the house work. The stinking house work. Ever present.

I'm not complaining. I actually thrive on being busy. I seem to function best when there is a lot of work to do. And for the most part it is fun work. Who wouldn't want to go to the art store? The housework on the other hand. . .

the winner

The winner of the mini quilt is "Pecos Blue". Congratulations! Please contact me with your shipping information!

one fruit loop shy of a full bowl

There are some things that you may not know about me. For starters, I'm more than a little shy.


This curse, this "bashfulness" as some kind people refer it trying to soften it around the edges and make it seem somehow cute or diminutive in order keep introverted people from further running away in terror, has followed me around the earth for years now. It has cost me friendships. Many indeed.


You see, I not only suffer from social anxiety, I have also developed a rather obnoxious coping mechanism. I become the Ice Queen. I somehow am able to not only not talk to the people I'd really like to get to know, I seem to be able to drive them away altogether.


And so, three years ago, when I knew we were moving to a new community, I decided to bust out of my icy shell and turn over a new leaf. I decide to force myself to do whatever was necessary to overcome my anxiety.


I have been fighting a good fight. It hasn't been pretty. Sometimes my palms sweat and I get random fits of diarrhea upon entering a party. But I'm making small strides. I have taken homemade gifts to all the neighbors. Even the ones I don't like. I made small talk with a pregnant girl on the beach and prayed that she couldn't see my sweat rings. But the story has a happy ending. We are now good friends.


My best friends will tell you I've really changed. It is getting easier for me to be friendly with strangers. Hopefully, the Ice Queen is gone for good.


So why am I telling you all of this? Because. This is why I blog. Well, truth be told I blog to promote my business, but it didn't start out that way. I started blogging because here on the web, with a monitor and a fair amount of miles between us, you can know me for who I really am. The good, the bad and the ugly. And it is easy peasy for me to say, "Hey you, your a fun girl. I think we should be friends." And hopefully, just hopefully, you feel the same.

piece by piece

From the manner in which a woman draws her thread at every stitch of her needlework, any other woman can surmise her thoughts. ~Honore de Balzac

What is it about quilts that so completely and utterly fascinates me? The concept itself seems a little silly. Cut fabric apart just to sew it back together again. Hummm.

After some consideration I've come to the conclusion that it all comes down to tradition. I'm a bit of a tradition junkie and quilts are just about as American as it comes. There is some small business about people quilting as early as the 15th century, but it wasn't the patchwork we all know and love. Quilts were an integral part of the Civil war and the Underground Railroad and their popularity has never died.

I've tried my hand at quilting several times with mixed results. I'm not giving up though. I have some great fabric and a few ideas that have been clanking around in my head. Maybe the cold weather will nag at me just enough to do something about it.

Until then, I give you Monaleisa.

First and foremost, Leisa Wuthrich is an artist and an art teacher. For her, the magic of quilting is in the colors and design of the textiles. Leisa's eye for bold block color really sucks me in. I like to think of her work more as abstract fine art than traditional quilting. Although, you wouldn't have to ask me twice to cuddle up in one of her pieces. I simply love I idea of being wrapped up in art!

Leisa is also a contributor to Camp Creek Press which promotes learning through art. Check it out.

Okay, now for the good stuff (a-hem, the free stuff)!!! Leisa is graciously giving away this funky mini quilt! To be in the drawing, just leave a comment. The winner will be announced Monday morning.

Until then,

take it easy.

the new regime

I've just been doing a little window shopping this morning here in my bathrobe. It is so hard to get going when there is really nothing pressing to do and my big fuzzy bathrobe is so warm and cozy. Maybe today is a yoga day. Slow and stretch worthy.

I have been delegated to a strict window shopping regime since my return from Thailand. Or, uh, I should say the Thailand markets. Let's just say, I did have a wee bit of fun in Bangkok miles away from any bank statements. Naughty me.

These shoes were one of my favorite finds. They were entirely handmade my the man who sold them to me.

If you are interested, here are some more pics from my trip for your perusal.

contest winner

The winner of the Big Bambino giveaway is comment #12, Jojo. I am particularly glad that Jo's number came up because she is a friend of mine and who recently had a baby boy. I know that all of these products will go to good use. Yeah Jo!

back in the saddle

Well after having been bucked off, shut down, turned away and locked out by my HP Pavillion a few months ago, I seem to be back in the saddle. The good (?) people at HP sent out my favorite UPS man to retrieve my computer and whisk it off to Compuland, where the magic fairies crawl inside your PC and chase out all the bugs. I hope they got them all.

No more little laptop screen for me! I'm livin' large with a screen so big and vivid it boggles my eyes.

Here's another thing that's new around our abode. I procured some brown construction paper from Thom's fab school and created a "Thankful Tree". I cut leafs from different fall colored scrapbook paper and everyday we write something that we are thankful for on the back of a leaf and then it goes up on the tree. We will read all the leafs around the dinner table on Thanksgiving.

It is so interesting to me to see what the boy comes up with each day. Today he is thankful for pumpkins. I'm hoping that one of these days he remembers that he has parents and is thankful for them. But I'm not holding my breath. After all, he does have my sentimentalities and one of my leafs reads, "I am thankful for cheddar cheese." because I am.

You can still get your name in the drawing for the big bambino giveaway. I'll choose a winner tomorrow!

ye grand bambino giveaway

The winner of today's drawing will receive a binki keeper from lillitutu, a set of pee pee tee pees from Hush and a mini plush blanket from Quilt Baby! I will be choosing a winner on Thursday morning. Just leave a comment.

I am simply in love with lillitutu's products. She has a great eye for color and fabric combinations. This is what she had to say about her work:

Sewing is my creative outlet and I truly love it. My love of
sewing comes from my mother. She smocked most of my dresses when I was growing up and I still have them all. She taught me to cross-stitch at 5 and I made my first items of clothing at age 8: a ballet skirt out of a sheer scarf and satin ribbon and the ugliest blue jean skirt you've ever seen. These days I put a lot of effort into finding the perfect fabrics and then crafting the perfect item just for you.

Hannah Cardwell of Hush Boutique is a stay-at-home mom and super sewer! She creates a handful of fab product for baby that are totally unique and modern. I wish I had had a set of her pee pee tee pees when the boy was little. We had more than our fair share of showers.

Head on over to her shop. She has some products that would make a great gift for the new baby in your life.

Jesseca Bellemare started Quilt Baby in April 2006 with the intention of working from home in order to be with her children while also fulfilling her own creative needs. With her love for modern textiles and her husband Anthony's background in marketing and design, they joined together to develop a line of simple, modern, and functional baby products.

Quiltbaby's products really are chic and unique. You simply must go to the shop and check out the wall art! It is very affordable and perfect for a nursery.

Good luck everyone! I am really wishing that I was the one needing these products, but hey, at least I can spoil other peoples children if not my own.