Favorite Things Party with My College Friends

Converse Girl's Weekend
Charleston, SC

Most of you know that my college buddies get together two weekends each year. We all agree that it is one of the best things in life! We have known each other since our days at Converse. (Our 20th reunion is this year.) We ride the roller coaster of life together! Celebrating the highs and comforting each other through the lows. Boy do these girls make the lows better! They will always be my girls. No matter where we are, the nights always end with us in our pajamas eating snacks, sharing stories, and laughing...laughing alot!

We ventured to Charleston last Spring and had a Favorite Things party! I'd love to share our favorites! Some of our dear friends could not go and we missed them so much! It was a party of 6 this time.

We brought 5 of our Favorite Things (under$10) to share with our friends!

Ashley shared Scales Margarita Mix...yummy!

Kirsten gave us purple water bottles with a hidden space for a key and credit cards. 
Perfect for long walks in the city!

Ashley (we have 2 Ashleys!) brought cute bottles of Essie Nail Polish.
Such happy colors!

Martha gifted us with Lolailo Sangria...delicious!

Hope treated us to a favorite from her college days... a scalp massager!
My friends will thank me for not adding silly photos here:)

I brought colorful paper straws, Junior Mints, and pink pencils with cute sayings. 
(Be Silly, Be Charming, Be Stylish, Be Kind, etc.)

This was so much fun! These treats have been a fun reminder of our trip to Charleston! Thank you for the wonderful idea, Hope!  And thank you for sharing your pictures, Ashley!

Now I have a question for you? What would you bring to a Favorite Things party? 

I'd love to know!

xoxo, Elizabeth

A New Year's Wish

Happy New Year!

2014

  Each year, I look forward to a new beginning. It is human nature to try to become better as we grow older. 
  Over Christmas, I thought a lot about how we focus on the wrong things. It is easy to get wrapped up in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and spend time on things that don't really matter. I want to spend more time on things that are important. I think each us is on this earth to make a difference. If you are overflowing with joy today, make sure you share your smile and shine your light! And if you are having a tough time, look for someone who is willing to hold your hand and share their joy with you.
  This year , I want to focus on things that matter.  Family, Friends, sharing joy, being there for people, creating beauty, building community.

  My 2014 wish for us all is...

"Less Miley and More Kid President".

Life is short, sweet friends!

 If you have not heard of Kid President, follow this link to watch his video! He will make you smile...I am inspired each time I watch this!

                                                     A Pep Talk from Kid President!

What is your New Year's Wish? What do you want more of ... or less of? I'd love to know!

Have a Happy Day!
xoxo, Elizabeth

p.s. Nothing against Miley...she is young and still finding her place in this world. (I hope she gets settled soon!) 

5 Things

Hello Lovely Friends!
Something fun to share on a Sunday afternoon!
My bloggy friend, Billie Jo, tagged me in a post and I promised to share 5 things you may not know about me.
So hear goes...

#1 I was a synchronized swimmer growing up. Yes, I started synchro in 8th grade at Camp Mary Elizabeth. When I was in college, I was on the synchronized swimming team. When our neighborhood pool is quiet, I still practice a few tricks!



Can you find me? 2nd row, 1st on the left. Such a fun group of friends!

#2 One of the most life changing books I have ever read? Kisses from Katie. It's about a girl who is getting ready to graduate from high school and decides God is calling her to go to Uganda to help orphaned children. I urge you to read it.

#3 One day, I want to live in the woods in a log cabin. I want to pare down my belongings and have our little cabin filled with only the things we truly love and use. I would like it to have a front porch that can hold some rocking chairs and pretty potted plants along the steps. Something cozy and charming.

#4 I like happy endings. When I read a book or watch a movie, I want things to end well with all questions answered and tied in a neat little bow. Harry Potter... the perfect ending!

#5 I don't like talking on the phone. And speaking of phones, I still have a plain old cell phone. It has a texting keyboard, but it is not fancy. I can not justify spending the extra money on a data plan each month. I would much rather have a pedicure now and then. (Or stop by the bakery to get cupcakes!)

So who wants to play along? I would love to know 5 interesting things about you all! Please let me know if you would like to write a 5 things post! I will officially tag you!
Update:   Carrie from  Bake No Prisoners... Can't wait to read your 5 things!
                 Jane from The Felt Boutique ... I just read your 5 things! # 4 sounds wonderful!

xoxo Elizabeth

Ready, Get Set, Go Challenge. Ask a Friend!

 

Ask a Friend!

How cute is this set of prints from Flapper Doodle!
 "Eloise and Ramona play telephone"

Happy Thursday! It's time for our Ready, Get Set, Go update! How is it going? Are you still making time to get outside and move? Some days I get so busy with family, home, and my shop... I really have to remind myself to get outside!

I was very happy when my friend asked if I would like to run or bike together.  It has been just what I needed! Last week we ran and this week we went for a long bike ride. I must say, time goes by so fast when you are with a friend! It does not even feel like exercise... it's just good "catching up" time!

This week, I've gone on several bike rides and walks... the weather is gorgeous in Charlotte!
How about you all? I love reading your comments and I'm so proud of you for taking time do something good for yourselves!

Remember to ask a friend if you need some company on your walks/runs/etc! Your friend may be wishing for a reason to get outdoors, too! (I wish we all lived closer together... I'd call you ladies in a heartbeat!)

Hope you all have a very happy weekend!
xoxo Elizabeth

p.s. If you are just hearing about our challenge, click here to see how it all started. We are finding time to exercise. Basically, just taking a few moments to get outside and move. Everyone is invited and you are welcome to leave a note to let us know how things are going! 

The Big 40 and lots of other stuff!

Hello! I hope you all are having a wonderful July! Ours has been flying by and filled with lots of fun!

On the way to Coldplay!

My hubby and I went to see Coldplay on the 3rd (love them!). It was a fantastic concert and I was a bit sad when it was over. A late-night trip to Amelie's French Bakery made me feel much better!

Converse Girls Celebrating our 40th in Atlanta, April 2012
(We missed you Hope, Sarah, Natalie, and Angel!)

I've celebrated my 40th birthday at least 5 times now. With friends...with my little family... with my big family... with my sister... with my special group of college buddies. The day of my birthday, I was in SC with my daughter for camp. While she was at camp, I helped my aunt deliver Mobile Meals to shut-ins (such a blessing) and than after camp, I took Little Polka Dot to Krispy Kreme and she softly sang "Happy Birthday" to me right in the middle of the doughnut shop!


My sister and 3 nephews stopped by Charlotte on their way back home from the beach. It was a treat to see them and there was some serious LEGO mania going on upstairs. My sister and I had dinner at a great little Indian place down the road. It was so nice to catch up with her!
My son had a fun week at camp. After a week away, I was so happy to see him! He always looks older when he comes home from camp! You can not imagine the amount of yucky clothes he brought home! It rained all week and they were MUDDY! After washing the first load, I opened the washer and a HUGE black beetle was sitting in the doorway! I'm just thankful no snakes came home in the backpack!

Along with all the good July stuff, there have been bumps and bruises. Little Polka Dot sprained her ankle and has become a pro on crutches (and a princess in a wheelchair). She is walking around on her own today, so hopefully she has healed. I'm thankful for great urgent care doctors and a pediatric orthopedist who is willing to read x-rays on the weekends!

Little Polka Dot will be back on the playground soon!

This may be the longest post I've ever written, but it's been a while and I wanted to catch you all up on things. Polka Dot Skies has been closed during July. (I'm still searching for the fountain of youth!) I have not found it yet, but I've found lots to be thankful for along the way!

I hope you all are having a good summer! If you have time, please leave a comment and let me know how your life is going. I love hearing from you all!

xoxo Elizabeth

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Handmade

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Handmade! 

Last week, I invited my readers to send in a photo of themselves wearing a treasured handmade item! Jane C. and Jane S.  joined in the fun and I just love their pictures! These gals are two of my favorite creative friends! When I'm telling my family about my day, I often mention these ladies. Not only are they extremely creative, they are supportive and caring and always make my day brighter!

Here is my pretty friend, Jane C.!

Jane C. wearing a lovely hand painted brooch from Ireneagh 

A close-up of Jane's brooch

Jane C. is wearing a pretty brooch from Ireneagh . When asked which handmade item she loves to wear, Jane writes, "Mine would have to be a beautiful hand painted brooch I bought a while back from Ireneagh.  The reason I love it so much is because it's like a tiny oil painting and when I am not wearing it I just like to have it on my desk just to admire. Irene is such a wonderful seller too, a pleasure to buy from."

Jane also makes delightful jewelry.  You can find all of her wonderful items in her shop, kooksgingerboy. 

I love her new brooches! So much fun!

Here is my beautiful friend, Jane S.!

Jane S. and her Twillypop Necklace

Jane is wearing a gorgeous necklace from Twillypop.  Here she is at a "Black Tie Optional" affair.  Colors were black, white and green.  She added a green Twillypop necklace to jazz up a black dress she already had in her closet. (Such a smart idea!)

Jane is so talented. Her shop, Maiden Jane, is filled with pretty and practical  items. 

I especially love her t-shirt memory quilts!

I had so much fun with this post!  Thank you Jane S. and Jane C.! 

And to all my lovely readers, I'll be writing another post about handmade items we love (maybe items we like to give as gifts or creations we often to use at home...) I'll keep you posted! 

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

xoxo Elizabeth                          

A Good Day Includes Scones!

It's been a good day. I made fresh scones this morning. Took my sweeties to school. Had a great discussion with my mom's bible study group. Then we went to lunch because 2 hours is really not enough time to chat when girls get together! After that, I had a great phone conversation with my friend, Kesley. (Kelsey and her husband own Quietude Quilts.) We talked about business, life, and fabric!:) Then my sister called! A day like today makes me so thankful for friends and family!

Have you ever made scones? These are easy and delicious. It's an old Southern Living recipe.

Cranberry-Orange Scones
2 c. flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp.salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. grated orange peel
1/2 c. butter, softened, cut up
2/3 c. buttermilk *
1 c. dried cranberries
1 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. sugar


Combine first 6 ingredients; cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add buttermilk and dried cranberries, stirring just until moistened. *my secret for buttermilk. I put 1 Tbsp. & 1 tsp. white vinegar in a 2/3 c. cup and fill the rest with regular milk. It will turn into buttermilk!

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 5 or 6 times. Pat into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges, and place 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with milk, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Bake at 425° for 15 minutes or until scones are golden brown.

Wish I could invite you all over for tea and scones! Hope you had a happy day too!

xoxo Elizabeth

Sharing Happiness

"Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness." Richard Bach

  Little Polka Dot just received a wonderful surprise from my sweet friend, Jane C., who lives in England. Jane creates lovely pins and I am the happy owner of one. My daughter often borrows my flower pin out of my jewelry bag and wears it to school. I recently told Jane about this. She asked about Little Polka Dot's favorite color and the next thing I knew, we had a sweet surprise in our mailbox! 

It can even dress up a soccer shirt! :)
Jane, Thank you so much! Your gift has made my girl so happy!


xoxo, Elizabeth

A Heavy Heart

This post was going to be light and airy today, introducing a new line of bows. But I have something weighing on my mind. It is not fun to talk about. It is not pleasant to write about, but I feel like I need to share it with you.
A childhood friend took her life a few days ago. We were not close, but in a small town, you know everyone and she was a girl who everyone loved. Always had a sunny smile and nice compliment to share. A friend to so many people. I just can not get her off of my mind. She left behind a family who adored her and friends who would have done anything to help her.
Life can be difficult. It can be sad and lonely and often overwhelming. Please don't let yourself or someone you love get to the point where there is no hope. Let the special people in your life know you love them. Hug them tightly and be there when they need you.
Your life is so precious and you are here on this earth for a reason. If you don't feel that at this moment, talk with your friends and family. Let them love you and hold you up until you are feeling better. Seek the services of a professional counselor who can help you feel hopeful and help you see that you can have joy in life again. Many churches and community groups can help you find support.
As I write this, I am reminded of times that my dear friends and family have lifted me up. I think of times when my friends have confided in me and I've been there for them. And regretfully, I think of other times when I could have been more understanding, less busy, and supported them more. Thankfully, we always have new opportunities to share our love with friends and family. I plan to make the most of these times.

I promise a lighter post next time,
Elizabeth

Catching Summer

The days are getting shorter. School begins soon. Fall catalogs are arriving with oh-so-cute cozy clothes. Boy Scout camping trips are being planned.


I'm not ready to let summer go.


I just need another dewy morning picking blueberries...
Some quiet minutes searching for the perfect books at our library...
Another snack time in the front yard shade eating cold popsicles...
A few more sunny trips to the pool...
One more week digging in the sand...
Another chance to watch my children climb their favorite tree...
More time playing Legos and imagining castles, aliens, and aircrafts...
And one more evening falling asleep in the mountains with the windows open.

How about you? What are you doing to catch the last few moments of summer? I would love to know!