How adorable is this little print from Valentina Design? 
Adoring this swell bag from Holly Aiken. I mean, dang!!!! All her handmade lovelies are so very cool, and she's in NC to boot. I love to support locally, but it's a bonus when the bags are functional AND stylish.
This fab little sweetie is from Becky OH!, and I've been swooning over her bags for a couple of years now. This Cameo above is my current new fave. 
Finally, I picked up this idea from my "neighbor-I-know-only-through-the-web" but really, I must have it for Spring. I found it in a swanky metallic gold at Regency Resale in Fort Mill, and Amy mentioned hers came from Birds of a Feather.
Thanks to everyone who came out to Saturday night's crawl. The Mafia was well-represented, with Jessica, Emily, Neesy and myself showcasing our goods and promoting the Mafia. If you're in the area, be sure and stop by Century Vintage, who hosted our little gathering this weekend. Allison has a swanky collection of cool finds. Be prepared to spend some time in there discovering all the little hidden treasures!! 
Rarely do we have the opportunity to engage with people who are truly making a difference. I had the pleasure of meeting Renee Garner of Wolfie and the Sneak at a show last year, and was impressed not only with her work (check it out here), but with her giving and thoughtful attitude. She's the type of gal who inspires with her art AND with her actions.
I got these sweet chalkboard mats in the mail this week from Gretchen at Aunt Art. Aren't they darling? One is for Owen, and the other is for another little sweetie in our life for Christmas (can't spoil the surprise!). The packing itself was a nice surprise, as Gretchen had made a little pouch out of oilcloth to ship the mats in. So sweet!
I've been so busy lately, got disheartening news last week (on three occasions), and have been generally in need of something inspiring to brighten my spirits. Such a thing arrived on Saturday in my new Yuzen Pendants from A Planet 4 Creation!! Lilie handcrafts these little treasures out of balsa wood and Japanese Yuzen Chiyogami papers (I ordered the green with flowers and brown with flowers). They arrived in sweet little purple packaging, nestled in tissue, waiting to be adored.
This little treasure is from Raymond Overman's Mad Hatter Teapot Series. It's WOOD. Unbelievable. His pieces are so carefully and artistically crafted, I assumed they were stoneware before looking closely. 
Some {recent experience-based} tips:
Wait until the crescent roll crust has really cooled before spreading on the cheese mixture. Remember, this is a CRESCENT ROLL, with delicious flakes that attach themselves onto your knife and make a mess of everything. Patience.
A fantastic addition would be to sprinkle some flavor or dip mix into the cream cheese mixture, like these from The Dippy Chick. I'm gonna add "Gettin Piggy Widdit" to my next round {cause really, what goes better with veggie pizza than bacon??}.
You can purchase the pre-cut, pre-washed, bag of assorted vegetables that works out great for this recipe. Also, only make what you need {i.e., cut this recipe in half, at least if you're not gonna eat it all within a couple of days}. Cream cheese + crescent roll + 3 days in fridge = mushy mess. :-)
I made my first, from scratch {almost}, blueberry pie last night. Although it needs more blueberries in the filling, I'd say it came out a-ok. I was quite proud of myself, as I stood over the stove, successfully thickening my sauce. Holy canoli - I don't think I've ever {intentionally} thickened ANYTHING while cooking. To see something change state, that was actually supposed to do so, was nothing short of amazing!!! I was tempted to grab my camera to film it happening because I knew the hubby wouldn't believe me, but I knew if I stopped stirring for even a second, all hell would break loose and the sauce would burn onto the bottom of the saucepan, and I would continue my streak of disaster in the kitchen. So I refrained, but next time ... it's all gonna be documented!! :-)
Jennifer makes the most darling little aprons and goodies. I recently received this one from her ~ and I can't wait until my next show to put it to good use! The gusseted pockets are perfect for storing cash, coins, pens and a pad of paper or receipts. And don't think I haven't donned this apron around my studio already ... you know ... have to break it in :-)
{Aqua Bloom Flower Ring with Swarovski Crystal: $28}
