Eeeeeeee! Whooopeee!!

As I mentioned a couple of blog postings ago, I won the March challenge at Etsy for Charity. Today, another of my winnings arrived.

First of all, do you know what this is?

If you answered "standard brown paper lunch bag" you're right. I nearly had to grab one and breathe into it when I saw this:

This bears explaining. When I won, I was invited by Valerie over at Valerie's Gallery to select an item from her shop. "An" ... meaning "one". But ... why were there two packages??

Begin extreme squeal sequence.

"Squeeeaaaaaall!!!"

When I unwrapped both packages, I discovered that the very wonderfully sweet Valerie included a bonus pair of hand knitted hand warmer muffy things - deliciously soft fingerless gloves that match perfectly to the beautiful pale pink scarf I selected as my prize.

Valerie?? How did you know?? I have been looking (drooling uncontrollably) for a pair of these for so long! I work on the computer A LOT and my hands are always cold. I think I love you. You are my new B.F.F.

How do they look? Fabulous, you say? Yes, I think so too!

In all seriousness, I want to send a great big hug to my new friend Valerie all the way in New York. You have seriously made my day and I couldn't be more thrilled with this lovely surprise in the mail today. Your work is *beautiful*!

If you happen to be surfing around and doing some virtual shopping, please make a point to stop by Valerie's Gallery - in addition to hand knitted items she has beautiful felted bowls and vases in a variety of colors. She's got clever iPod and knitting needle covers too!

Hugs,
Layla

The First Gift ...

I recently won the Etsy for Charity March giveaway with my Lime bath bomb entry. I won several really fantastic prizes and the first arrived today.

Mae Bee's pretty little silver bracelet came so sweetly packaged that I had to get a shot of everything so you could experience it too. Every detail is perfect and ready for gift-giving! Please take a moment to check out the rest of her items on Etsy - you won't be disappointed. And considering that she's part of Etsy for Charity, you'll know that you're supporting a very good cause with your purchases.

I don't know which is nicer .. the packaging or the bracelet! I'll let you be the judge!

Hugs,
Layla

Have a Heart!

Click to Play: http://www.itsmeowornever.org/valentine/

You're invited to a fun Valentine's Day contest! Give a little love to a shelter animal and win a great prize! Everyone that participates is a winner!

Please visit http://www.itsmeowornever.org/valentine/ for the details!

Love,
It's Meow or Never
Animal Rescue & Sanctuary

P.S. Help us by spreading the word and sharing this invite!

Field Trip: Wonderful Goodies at Artisan Collection

Ohh loyal readers .. you're in for a treat. Today, I'm showcasing a very lovely shop in Duvall, Washington called "Artisan Creations". You can find it on Main Street, just across from the Woodinville / Duvall Bridge, right next to Tuxedo's Antiques.


The store owner, Kristin was good enough to share some of these gorgeous photos to entice us all to come shop with her:




If you're looking for unique gift items this holiday season, get in your car and drive to scenic and charming Duvall to visit Artisan Collection. You'll get a big hug and kiss from the recipient and good karma for shopping and supporting a local business! And hey - tell Kristin you learned about her shop from The Ladyblog for an extra helping of good karma!

Hugs,
Layla

How To Make Simmering Potpourri

Materials: cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange peel ribbons and star anise.

1. To make the potpourri you need to mix equal amounts of cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise. Variations include adding bay leaves, orange peel ribbons, dried orange and lemon peel.

2. Fill a glass jar container with the potpourri with a cork top so it stays fresh. Or place into muslin bags as gifts. Use raffia to decorate the bottle and the muslin bags.

Simmering instructions:

-Place in a shallow pan and cover with water.
-Simmer on low and refill water as necessary.

Make a few of these and keep them on hand this holiday season - they make lovely "emergency" gifts!