Happy news!!

Sorry to have been a little absent here. I hope you all have enjoyed your start to the new year so far. 

Our new year has brought us a big change that is coming our way over this next month. If you had asked me 5 months ago if I would be making this change my answer probably would have been "no".  Little did I know that there was a change ahead. Life has a funny way of doing that you know, changing your plans. 

 Being a military family, our family has learned that changes can come at anytime.  The good thing...we all have learned to be flexible and adapt to anything that comes our way.  One of my husband's favorite joke's is "How do you make Heavenly Father laugh?"...tell him your plans.  This is so true...no matter how much we think we have it all figured out and know the plan...Heavenly Father knows what he has in store for us and things can change at any moment.

 This change is a blessing...a bigger blessing than we knew when we first realized we would have to make a decision.  It is very happy news for our family...

So, what is our happy news? 

Well...

We are yet again...

Moving!! 

 However...not to another state this time, only about 10 minutes away.  We are all very excited and can't wait to be in our new home!  This house is somewhat a dream home for us.  It has so much more of what our big family needed and wanted in a house.  I love the peace that we have felt there when we have done our walk through's.  I just knew the moment we walked in the door it felt like home. 

 I truly believe after having to move so many times in my lifetime, home really is where you make it.  Yet, there have been different houses I have lived in that just feel more like "home" to me.  This house feels just like that.  Looking out my kitchen window makes me feel incredibly blessed for the beautiful view we will get to enjoy!  I might even like doing the dishes just so I can stand and look out my window...maybe. We have no neighbors in the back of us and our home sit's up on a ridge that looks down to the valley with the back drop of the beautiful mountains.  I know I will want to spend a lot of time sitting outside enjoying this beautiful view, along with my family.  

 Another exciting thing I get to share...lot's and lots of new home projects with you all!!  The ideas have already been on overload, we are motivated and ready to get to work!  The first project on our list...installing more hardwood floors, sanding existing floors and refinishing them.  It is going to be quite the challenge and already the money is adding up for all the supplies, but it is something that will be worth it and add value.  So as thrifty as I want to be, it has to be done right. :)  

I will be taking photos of our home over the weekend and I will share soon!

 Some of the other things I have been up too?  Finding beautiful fabrics to create with for our new home!  I have decided to only fill our home with mainly vintage french fabrics that I love.  In fact, I have already made my first purchase from France for some pillows.  It is a beautiful french vintage floral that dates to around the 1930's to 40's.  There are more that I have my eye on as well.  I am going to have to be patient and purchase as I go, being that vintage french fabrics can be a little pricier, but to me worth every penny!

 Here is some pictures I took of the beautiful fabric I just purchased and some sweet vintage monograms...it called to me when I saw the V!  This etsy shop, Petits Details and shop owner Shannon was wonderful to work with and I definitely will be back to buy lots more! Shannon also has a beautiful blog www.petitsdetails.com  that I have enjoyed visiting. She has quite the eye for colors, design and photography. Her blog is one of my new favorites! I think you all will love visiting her too!

Love these paper labels she sent tucked in my package...

Such beautiful floral fabric...love the reds, blues and soft gold tone background!

 Came wrapped in a pretty package and some sweet notions...

Vintage french V monogram, 6 of them...

Pretty vintage crocheted trim she sent along with it too...

Here is the paint colors I picked out for the main living room. 

 A hint of blue on the ceiling, warm creamy gold for the walls and a crisp white for the trim. 

I think this fabric looks great next to the colors for the room!

I can't wait to show you more and so excited to share this journey with you all.  

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,

SALE!! Vintage French Cutwork Embroidery Pillows...

Hello to you all!!

Things always get so busy this time of year as I am sure you all can relate!  I have had many projects going on and am looking forward to getting to share some of them in the coming weeks with you all.

I wanted to let you all know of the SALE I have going on in my Etsy!  I just marked all my items in my boutique down 30%!!

 Just in time for Christmas shopping!  

 Every item you buy with me comes beautifully wrapped with a special "pocket of love" added as well!  You won't even have to worry about the wrapping...each gift personalized and the work already done for your loved one's!!  Here is just an example of an order I just mailed...

 A pocket of love...

Personalized glittered initial...

A sweet little nosegay...

Pretty details....

Brown paper all packaged up...

Each one is done differently in colors and unique for each gift.  I'm happy to take requests on colors too!

The beautiful vintage cutwork(60 years old) embroidery paneled( from France)pillows, are some of my favorite in my shop.  These are one of a kind pillows with unique details on each one.  I love the contrast that the osnaburg and linen fabric give with the sheer detailed panels.  These too are marked down from $45 to now $35!! The perfect pillow for that someone special who loves vintage, french and wants to add a touch of elegance to any room.

Here are some of my favorites...

Vintage French cutwork embroidery pillow w/white fleur garden design

Vintage French cutwork embroidery pillow w/cream medallion and scalloped design

Vintage French cutwork embroidery pillow w/cream and big floral design

Vintage French cutwork embroidery w/cream and fleur medallion design

Vintage French cutwork embroidery pillow w/cream and whimsy floral design

Would love to have your visit and would be grateful for you to keep me in mind for some of your Holiday shopping!! 

Before I go I just wanted to share just some of the things I have been up to...

•  Working on a memory quilt for my Grandma who turned 80 this week!!  Such a big celebration in life! I couldn't be where she lives to celebrate with her, so I wanted to make something for her that would let her know how much I love her. I will be sharing step by step my work for this, so maybe you too might want to make one for your loved ones as well. 
•   I hosted a very fun Hot Tamale night for the sisters in my ward at our church. I shared my love of growing up in the Four Corners of New Mexico and the food I have loved for so many years. One of our family’s traditions is eating posole and tamales on Christmas Eve. We had a big tamalada or tamal (as it's called) party so they too can now share in this tradition with their own families. I too will be sharing the yummy recipes and step by step instruction on how to make tamales...don't miss that post if you would like to know as well!! :)
•   A GIVEAWAY for next week you all are going to love... :)
•  I worked on something I am VERY EXCITED about sharing...have to wait for the reveal and then can share with all of you!! I had a lot of fun creating and one of my dreams coming true...
•  Orders for my boutique and new shop goodies...very soon I will share!

So as you can see...staying busy here!!  I hope all is well with you and your family's!! 

Be back soon!!

Hugs and love,

Season of change...

Hi everyone!

Have you all been enjoying the wonderful change in the season?  It definitely feels like fall here in Colorado.  Beautiful colors on the trees, leaves falling and piling up and the brisk coolness in the air.  I love Fall time!  The time of year that for me, makes me want to be in my cozy, warm home and in the kitchen cooking more...great for my family...not so good for my waistline! ;)  

Just as the seasons change, there is change going on here as well...  

I mentioned this summer I had some changes coming.  Well I finally have had a few days to work on that change.  One of those...my new blog look...I hope you all like it!  My blog now will also be called~Victoria Hayden...just me, living my life creatively and sharing it with all of you.  To reassure many of you who love whimsy...still lots to be found here.  I can't live without having a little whimsy in my life...so, no worries. :)

My new blog address will be up soon, re-directing traffic... once I get it all figured out.  I am excited for this change and all that lies ahead. I look forward to continuing on this journey and sharing whats ahead with all of you...my sweet friends!

Now that my collection Enchanted has been revealed and my Etsy is open...I feel I can breathe a little easier again!  I have been working on some more designs that I hope you all will love and finding some vintage goodies to add soon into my boutique.  I will post when I do.  I am really excited to keep adding all the things I want to have in my Etsy and I hope you will find things you love too!  I will say that the designs I am working on now are beautiful with  rich colors.  I love how pops of color can add warmth and interest to a room.  

I of course can't share a post without some eye candy, so here are some of my favorite fall pictures from my Pinterest board harvest happiness...

This makes you wish you were there and walking down this road...

A great idea...crocheted pumpkin!

Vintage turquoise pickup love!! 

A book to read by the fire and a leaf pressed as a bookmark...

I adore Cinderella pumpkins...my favorite!!

I hope your week is off to a great start and getting to enjoy the

 change of season wherever you might live!!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit...be back soon with shop goodies.

Hugs and love,

shabby apple giveaway...again!!

  I hope everyone's summer is off to a great start so far!  I have been enjoying the sleeping in and not having to be on an exact schedule.  I know however by August, I will be tired of hearing "I'm bored" and ready for the kids to go back to school! :)  For now though, I am  just enjoying listening to the kids fight play nicely together and the lazy days of summer.

I am happy to once again be sharing a shabby apple giveaway with you all!!  Who doesn't need a new summer dress?!  I for one, love wearing dresses in the summer and shabby apple has so many great styles to choose from.  I especially like their new summer line Set Sail !!  So many cute styles, colors and patterns to choose from.

From the collection "Set Sail" ~ Overboard

This is just one of the beautiful and fun women's dresses you will find at shabby apple!  They carry a variety of vintage inspired styles for everyone!  They have everything from dresses, girls dresses, maternity, bridesmaid, plus sizes and so much more!!

A playful and pretty aquamarine swimsuit~Costa

The Rosso dress can take you from the beach to ballet and back again!

shabby apple carries beautiful accessories and jewelry as well, like this Genoa ring!

Needing a perfect white dress? 

 You will find this dress Freshwater Pearl under the "white" category.

 With their Fit Guide you will also have a great way to find the perfect size for you!  Shabby apple carries modest, beautiful, and vintage inspired styles that you will love!  Are you ready to start shopping?!  

Well, before you go...shabby apple is giving one of my lucky readers a chance to win a beautiful dress!!!  You get the option to pick your favorite from these 3 dresses...

Choice #1

        

This hollywood starlet inspired-summer frock the Ahoy! has a beautiful carribean-cool turquoise color! 

Choice #2

The San Gabriel dress in light grey cotton poplin, a playful air of femininity!

Choice #3

A  Crisp cotton poplin that is tailored into a classic silhouette with a slightly fuller

 skirt and higher neckline—prefect for the modest modern woman.

A beautiful red dress always say's summer to me!  

You will make a statement in this dress Duck Beach  a cherry red shirt dress! 

 A classic style with a fun sash!  If cherry red is not your color, than you can pick the apple green instead! 

So there are your choices to choose from if you win!!  Shabby apple is also offering my readers a 10% off coupon on their entire order for the next 30 days!!  All you have to do is put in the code "whimsy10off" at checkout!  So have fun shopping!!

Here is all you have to do to enter to win...

Go to shabby apple's FB page and "like" them! So easy!! Please let them know I sent you and come back here and tell me you did.  

Here are a few more ways to win!

1. Blog this

2. Tweet this

3. FB this...don't forget to link back here!

4. If you follow me or let me know if you now are.

5 ways to win to enter! This giveaway starts today Monday June 13th, 2011 and ends Thursday June 16th, 2011.  Winner will be posted on Friday June 17th, 2011!  You must have a US shipping address and there will be no exchanges for the winning dress.  I wish you all luck!!

Have a great week friends!! I wanted to let you all know how much I love hearing from you and enjoy your visits...thank you!!  There is also some new changes that will be happening here soon...I will share more as they are closer.  :)  Hugs to you!!

Thank you to all who entered! This giveaway is now closed!

Queen for a day...blogaversary giveaway!!

I am a little late in celebrating my actual blogaversary, but I am a big believer in "better late than never!"  Hard to believe this is already my 2nd year!

I have learned a lot about blogging and myself over the last 2 years.  When I started my blog, I did it with the intent of sharing my creations I would be designing for the opening of my Etsy.  That plan did not happen.  We found out that we would be moving unexpectedly. Then with the move to our new home we started lots of new projects with remodeling.  It has been a whirlwind to say the least!  I am just at a point that I finally feel I can focus on a few other things other than our home.  Still lots to do, but I know in time it will all come together.

In thinking about celebrating with you all for my blogaversary, I wanted to not only celebrate my success of being able to keep my blog a float with all the changes in my life, but I really want you all to know how this little blog would be nothing without you! Your visits, sweet comments and love really keep me going.  I know I have not been able to blog as often as I would like too, yet you all are still here and giving support.  Thank you!! It means more to me than I can put into words.  Blogging has brought me happiness with lots of new friendships, inspiration and connection with other like minded women.  That has been very fulfilling!

As I thought about how to celebrate my anniversary this year, I became lost in deep thoughts...you know daydreaming.  I really want to honor each and everyone of you.  Of course I wish I was rich enough to give you all something, but I can only give you each an opportunity to win a gift that I have put much thought and love into.

As women we give so much of ourselves to others.  Whether it be family, friends, work, charity's, schools, neighbors, churches...you know, just life! Many times we might feel overwhelmed and even at times unappreciated.  We love to give of ourselves to others, but a lot of the time we cut our own rope too short and leave very little to take care of ourselves...are you all still with me?!

So I started thinking and asking the question...what is it that we as women really want for ourselves? Many times the answer is "just a day for me".  A day to do whatever we want, when we want, to be treated in a way that makes us feel appreciated, refreshed and rejuvenated. Hmmm...how could I give this to you all?  A "a ha" moment came to me...wouldn't it be great if I could make you feel like a "Queen for a day?"  

so the thoughts started coming.  If I was "Queen for a day", I would...

*you can find some of these images on my Pinterest boards*

start my day with some yummy strawberry crepe`s and not worry about the calories...

proudly display my "Queen" badge so that my family doesn't forget that it's my day...

surrounded myself with beautiful and fragrant flowers...

If I was "Queen for a day"....

I would spend my day doing things I love, like...

going on a romantic picnic with my sweetheart...

or do a little shopping in my favorite boutiques...

I would take some time to pamper me, maybe even get a pedicure...

Hmmm....If I was "Queen for a day" I would... 

find a special place to retreat to and read a great book, like...

Romantic Prairie Style by the ever so talented, pretty and sweet Fifi O'Neil...

*Photo permission from Fifi herself*

I would also be enjoying some of these in my little getaway...

then to finish off my day,  I would have the luxury of soaking in this...

with lots of bubbles and a wonderful fragrance filling the air...

my own secret wonderland!

This is how I envision my "Queen for a day"...

A perfect ending to a perfect day!

So...I want to know.  How would you spend your day if you were "Queen for a day"? 

Here is my gift to you to help make your day even more special...

Your own Romantic Prairie Style book signed by Fifi O'Neil , Bath and Body Secret Wonderland bubble bath and lotion, A $50 Visa gift card to spend however you would like, A decadent box of Godiva chocolates to enjoy, a whimsy "Queen" badge handmade by me with vintage lace, ric rac and ribbon, and a crown to wear on your special day! 

I hope you all know how much I appreciate each and everyone of you that has brought joy to my blogging experience...Thank You Friends!! Here is to many more years together!!  

All you have to do to enter...

Leave a comment on how you would spend your day if you were "Queen for a day"! 

Here are a few more ways you can enter too...

1.  Let me know if you follow here along on my journey or if you are now.

2.  FB me on my business page...you like me, you really, really like me! 

3.  Put this on your sidebar or blog this!

4.  Share a Tweet!

5.  Post it on FB!

That gives you 6 ways to enter!! Let's celebrate big! I would love for you to share my blogaversary with your friends and family too!! This giveaway will end on Saturday April 30th, 2011.  I will announce the winner on Monday May 2nd, 2011!  The random generator will pick the lucky number!  Good luck to you friends!!

Hugs and love to you all!