Someone Please Translate

Things to do this week:

1. Learn French

2. See this movie

How cute does this look. Subtitles please!

Traveling Books

I'm reading a book right now that I borrowed from my sister-in-law. She borrowed it from her mother-in-law who lives in Annapolis. Her name is in the front cover so that it can be returned to her when it is finished traveling.

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It made me think about, and miss, the old cards that were in the backs of books when you checked them out of the library. The librarian would stamp it with the date and you would sign your name on the line. I used to love to see who had the books before me in elementary school.

I might buy some little cards like this to put in my books if they are going traveling. I can see where it has been once it returns to me. Does anyone else do this?

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Oh, and are you wondering what is going on in the basement?

Nothing...that's what. Boo. I'll get back to it soon I hope!

Winner: The Arden Candle Co.

So sorry for the delay in announcing the winner of the candle from The Arden Candle Co. I was out of town over the weekend and completely away from civilization or wi-fi.

Without further ado...the winner is

#22: The Snob

I'll contact you shortly for your details!

Handmade/Homemade Challenge: Baby Shower

This is gift #3 in the handmade/homemade challenge that I am embarking on for 2010.

You can see gift #1 here, and gift #2 here.

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This gift was for my great friend, Julie who is expecting twins in T-minus 6 weeks from now. I only got a photo of one of the gifts (modeled by my lovely 5 day old neighbor) but I assure you there were two of these. One for each babe.

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Inspiration struck the day before her baby shower (nothing like the last minute) when I was browsing my local fabric store and came across this book. I knew what had to be done. I got the fabric, I got the book, and I started sewing.

I only finished one (green and white dots) before heading to the shower.

Then I think I broke my sewing machine (still undecided) and had to borrow my mom's machine to finish the second one.

I can't wait to try out some other projects from the book.

Handmade/Homemade Challenge: Sister's Birthday

This is gift #2 in the Handmade/Homemade Challenge that I am embarking on for 2010.

You can see gift #1 here.

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So this gift is for my oldest sister. 2 years ago I made calendars for my whole family for Christmas. I just found out recently that my oldest sister loved hers so much that it still hangs on the wall - even though outdated. So that is where the inspiration came from for this gift.

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I had the calendar start in February since her birthday is in late January. I wanted her to get the full years worth of calendar joy.

I went back and forth on this gift a bit. It's handmade/homemade right? I didn't print it obviously, but I did put all the pictures and dates in. I'm counting it.

What do you think?

I just know she'll love it!

Coming up in February...3 birthdays and Valentine's day...

Interview with The Arden Candle Co.

There is something so wonderful about a candle. For an item so simple and economic, it sure does make a big impact. We are big on candles at our house for decorating. I don't always burn them as much as I want because I don't want to "waste" them. Silly right?!?

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I was so excited to do this interview with Allison of The Arden Candle Co. because with scents like Salty Ocean Air and Chocolate Milk...how could I not want to know more! Say hello to Allison and check out the sweet giveaway at the end!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a stay-at-home mom to a 3 year old boy, Xavier, and a 2 year old girl, Reese. I have been married for nearly 6 years and have the greatest husband a girl can ask for. I had a difficult time leaving the working world to stay at home so I decided to pick up a hobby and choose to try my hand at making candles. After a long, long time of testing waxes, wicks, fragrance oils, etc...the hobby turned into a business. I love all things crafty and when I am not tending to my little ones, I am making candles, cards, and my newest craft adventure - making clear stamps!
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WHAT DO YOU SELL IN YOUR ETSY SHOP: I sell hand poured spa candles in unique gift boxes.
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WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ETSY: My friend introduced me to Etsy years ago and I loved buying handmade items there. Then it occurred to me that I could expand my customer base by selling my candles on there.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR SHOP: Through Twitter and Facebook mostly...I've tried blogging but every time I set myself up to write an entry, I can't think of anything to write about. I am determined to get one up and going by summer though.

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR SHOP: Ohh, that is tough. I love, love, love my Joe candles - they are White Tea and Ginger and smell so refreshing. I also love my Beau candles - which are Pink Grapefruit and Ginger and oh-so-fine! I also really dig my Xavier candles - which are Chocolate Milk and so many people are surprised when they burn them because they fall in love with the scent, it isn't really what you would expect at all. Kind of hard for me to pick one favorite item.

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WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOP GOAL IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS: I'd like to get my blog going and I'd like to have 50 sales through Etsy...baby steps...

FAVORITES (books, movies, music, etc.): I am sort of all over the place on all of these categories. As far as books go, I love Nelson Demille, and if you haven't read him, you should, he's very witty. I also like Tom Wolfe, John Grisham...and I can't help but love girly books like the Shopaholic books and anything else by Sophia Kinsella and most others that have a bright, colorful cover as I am walking through the library...yeah, sometimes I judge a book by it's cover. As far as movies go, I like so many...but some of my favorites are A Bronx Tale, American History X, Love Actually, Pretty Woman, Gran Turino, and The Hangover. Oh, and I just saw 500 Days of Summer and really enjoyed it. Okay...and music, I am all over the board on this one. I love Billy Joel, Elton John, Ben Folds, David Gray, Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Kevin Devine, Matt Pond PA, Ben Lee, Ben Kweller, Kenny Chesney, Patsy Cline, George Strait, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Eric Clapton, Huffamoose, and anything my brother plays.

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Thank you so much Allison, and I can't wait to try the candles out for myself.

The Giveaway: One candle from The Arden Candle Co. (see a list of scents here)

How to win: Leave a comment on this post by Friday, Feb. 5th at noon (EST)

One winner will be chosen!