They're Here!

Spiders, pumpkins, candy corn- you knew there wouldn't be anything too scary about my Halloween collection. From tags, to cards, to cupcake toppers, I don't know about you but I am ready to throw a party. Hope you enjoy the newbies as much as I do.

And since I am in a party throwing mood, I might was well give something away, right? So how about a set of cupcake toppers or scalloped tags (they are basically the same thing - one just comes with the sticks attached and the other comes with a ribbon strung through). You get to choose design and color if you win. I will announce the winner at end of the week (Friday, the 24th - my birthday!)

To enter:
Follow my blog
Comment on your favorite new item
Become a fan on facebook
Share this giveaway on your social network
(do all four and increase your chance of winning)

Good luck!

Do you know yet?

What your kids are going to be for halloween this year? I have a few ideas in the works, but how cute is this little head piece - yes please. You can find it here from Sweet Pea Toad Tots on Etsy. I must say, I heart everything.

Don't forget to stop by on Monday for the unveiling of my Halloween designs. I am so excited I can barely stand it.

Happy Friday!

Plums

My boy is a fruit lovin' fool. I actually have to reserve fruit until the end of the meal because he won't eat anything else if a piece of canteloup, grape, or plum is offered with dinner. On this particular day he requested a plum. He thinks he is big stuff if he can eat the whole thing by himself - not cut up - so I let him have at it. He ran off - as usual - with the plum in hand and headed outdoors (his favorite place to be). I was inside finishing up dinner, Charlotte was coloring, and after a few moments I realized he hadn't come back inside. So I glanced out the kitchen window and this is what I saw - My little guy as content as he could be sitting in a chair on the back patio all by his lonesome enjoying his precious plum.

{silliness}

One of the funnest things to me about being a mother is the fun stuff you get to give your kids - see how they respond, watch them laugh, giggle, and thoroughly enjoy something just plain silly.

Charlotte gets lollipops for going #2 and on this particular day I had run out of our stash. Thankfully I had saved a slew of candy that Doug's mother sent the kids for Valentines Day. In it were these lip shapes with lollipops on the back. Both the kids had so much fun and while sticky got EVERYWHERE it was fun to see them enjoy this silly treat.

Girly Birds

My dear friend Suzie contacted me recently for an order. She wanted my "For the Birds Pack" and made a special request - she wanted bows in their feathers. So I set out to priss up my collection of birds and I believe Miss Penguine, Miss Owl, and Miss Chick look quite pretty all dolled up with their new accessories.

All kidding aside, I did fall in love with this idea and appreciate Suzie's creative mind. Like so many of my customers, she gave me a great idea and one that I will use going forward. So thanks to Suzie, and all of you out there, who have made special requests. It adds life, fun, and something special to my little designs. Hope you enjoy the Girly Birds.

BLT

Today is an absolutely gorgeous day. I can really begin to feel Autumn creeping in and it warms my heart. I love this season - the colorful leaves, the cooler temps, football and chilli, pumpkin carving, baking, and so much more.

One thing I will miss - the wonderful and beautiful produce we enjoyed over the summer months. The BLT is really one of our summer staples here at the English house. We don't fry much around here - I know we live in South and don't eat fried food everyday? - but Doug and I love some onion rings - especially those sweet, vidallia onions that are so delicious in the summertime.

This ensemble - the BLT and onion rings (along with some homemade chocolate chip cookes) was our "last summer meal" on Labor Day last Monday. The food was delicious, fresh, and just plain yummy!

So while I yearn the wonderful days of this upcoming season, I will miss my summer sunshine and the delicious fresh food that comes with it.

Happy Monday!

Greater Things Ahead...

Friday morning I was frantically trying to get to my church to volunteer for a consignment sale. Earlier in the week I had found myself pondering over my lay off again. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. I had no idea... Earlier in the week I had had a concerned colleague call because he had heard the news. It touched me because he didn't have to care - and showed more concern for me in that one phone call than most people have. The tears came falling again after that phone conversation - partly because of his compassion and partly because of the humble pie I am still not enjoying.

I haven't prayed much over it, just worried over it well - kind of like I do most things (unfortunately), but Friday morning I had a revelation. We had a few quiet minutes in the car. I turned up the radio - which was on the Christian station (not usually where I have it) and Chris Tomlin's song "Our God is Greater" was on.

I heard these words...
"And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us!
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
Our God is greater..."

I realized in that little moment, that God has greater things for me than Chick-fil-A. I thought over this a moment and realized that is pretty awesome. He has something better for me, a greater plan, and my lay off was His gift. Now He wants me to accept it - with open and grateful hands - and trust that HE ultimately does know what HE is doing!