The best of 2011...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!  We enjoyed ours here in Colorado.  There had been a few days before Christmas that brought snow and the cold, so it made it feel even more like Christmas here. I just love this time of the year and remembering the importance of what Christmas is truly about.

  As I look forward to the New Year to come, it is always a great time to look back over this last year and reflect on what 2011 brought.  I feel many of the goals I had set for this last year I was able to accomplish or to start on that path of getting to the goal I had set.  Setting goals give's me a chance to try to attain them in a realistic way and if I don't get there before the end of the year, I can continue to work towards them.

I wanted to share with you all what I think was some of the best things that happened to me this year and posts I shared with you.  I am really excited for what this New Year brings and some of the goals I would like to attain.  I have something coming up that is a big change for me and my family and we are really happy about it.  I can't share just yet, but very soon!!  A new road on my journey and of course I will be bringing you all along. :)

I hope you will enjoy going back in time over this year and visiting some of my posts that I felt were the best of 2011...

Following your dreams...

Love of old books...

Smell the roses...

This very moment...

Victoria's secret recipes...

A Sunday game of chess...

Flirtatious...handbag and clutch

My Art Saves Story...

Enchanted 2011 Collection...

Victoria Hayden...

Creating Vintage Charm...

Vintage matelasse floral stockings...

I will be back in the New Year of 2012 with new designs for my shop, lots more decorating in my home and exciting things that will be happening in my business!! Thank you to all of you who stop by for a visit, leave sweet comments and have become my support as friends!! I appreciate you all so much and look forward to what this new year will bring!!  I wish you all a very Happy New Year friends and many great blessings in this new year to come!!

Hugs and love,

My Art Saves Story...

Hi friends!

  I just wanted to pop in real quick and let you know I was asked to be a Guest Curator by Jenny Doh, on her blog CRESCENDOh and share my Art Saves Story. I am very honored to be among the many and oh.so.talented artist/designers that are showcased on this amazing blog!  My story is from my heart and recalling some of the memories in my life, really made me reflect why art has been such an importance to me.  I would love for you to stop by for a visit and to read about my journey how art has been in many ways my constant safe and happy place.

I was also asked to share some of my favorite blogs and a post that I loved as well.  Two blogs and their post change daily that are featured alongside my story for the next 7 days. You can check the daily archives to see which of these blogs were shown on what day.  I would like to again mention them here and their links so if you missed them you can visit them too. I have added my thoughts on why I love visiting these blogs as well.   So in no particular order of favorites, here they are....

 The Vintage Wren 

2.   A rosy ring…http://thevintagewren.blogspot.com/2010/10/rosey-ring.html…Carrie can capture a photo in the most beautiful way. She is very talented in so many creative ways and has recently started sharing her artwork in watercolor. You always feel welcomed and inspired!

 Burlap and Luxe

3.      Beauty in the imperfections…http://burlapluxe.blogspot.com/2010/09/beauty-in-imperfections.html…I love this blog for its serene, peaceful feeling and inspired European designs.   Dore is a trompe l'oeil and faux painting artist. By recycling and restyling forgotten pieces she brings them back to their full beauty.

Frugal Farmhouse Design 

4.      Pink…http://frugalfarmhousedesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/pink.html…This post spoke to me of trusting your instinct’s over others opinions!  Lori shares great tips, budget ideas, with fresh, simple and modern design.

  

Full Bloom Cottage

5.      Buy what you love…it always works out in the end…

      http://fullbloomcottage.blogspot.com/2010/08/buy-what-you-love-it-always-works-out.html…I could get lost in this blog for hours.  Loretta uses sumptuous vintage fabrics in her linens collection and gorgeous French antique furniture.   

  Divas and Dreams

6.      Ten ways to boost your creativity…http://www.divasanddreamsblog.com/2010/08/10-ways-to-boost-your-creativity.html…This photography blog is filled with beautiful eye candy, lessons in photography and so much inspiration.  Christina is not only an amazing photographer, but she gives great insight to the everyday as a life coach too!

 Canadian Cottage

7.      Thoughts on making ordinary things pretty…http://canadiancottage.blogspot.com/2010/04/thoughts-on-making-ordinary-things.html…I love this blog!  The very sweet Janice and her handyman husband share their families  journey as they renovate on their House of Dreams.  Using lots of creativity, attention to detail, pretty cottage style all on a small budget… very inspiring!

 Tinkered Treasures

8.      Faux sew sewing jar…http://tinkeredtreasures.blogspot.com/2011/03/faux-sew-sewing-jar.html...Elyse shares diy projects for her pretty cottage, her love of oilcloth and charming  tinkered treasures. A happy place to be!

The Twice Remembered Cottage

9.      Dollhouse cottage kitchen…http://twiceremembered.blogspot.com/2010/09/dollhouse-cottage-kitchen-snapshots.html…Since my first visit here, I am in awe and admire Kim’s creativity and attention to the tiniest detail!  She shares vintage style, love of the color red and quaint cottage charm!

Cinderella Moments

10   The artist cottage dollhouse…http://shopcinderellamoments.blogspot.com/2011/04/artists-cottage-dollhouse_09.html... Artist, Caroline Dupuis creates romantic, shabby chic and French inspired  miniature cottages. Taking the ordinary she adds a magical twinkle that creates pure whimsical delight!

 Lulu and Co.

11  Life…http://www.luluandcompany.net/2011/03/life.html…Art comes in many forms and Lulu has a way with poetic words.  Wanting to hang onto her every sentence, you will be captivated as she shares about her life, family and love of design.

Hometown Girl

12   The Reveal ~A winter party…http://hometowngirl.typepad.com/hometown_girl/2010/01/the-reveal.html…The talented artist and photographer, Susan Duane shares her simple.handmade.life with love in every post!

 Na.Da.Farm Life with Anne Marie

13  7 days to a better me…http://nadafarmlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/7-days-to-better-me.html…Anne Marie lives her life with simplicity and shares in the joy of doing so. With the love for her beautiful family, strong testimony in her faith and joy in creating she inspires in so many ways!

 Air Kiss

14    Peonies and a vintage ladder…http://www.larasheleheda.com/2011/05/peonies-and-my-vintage-ladder.html…You will see why the name “Air Kiss” fits this blog perfectly.  Photographer and stylist, Lara Sheleheda captures that light and airy feeling in her beautiful styling and photos.

Bluebird Notes

Mending my mindset…http://bluebirdnotes.blogspot.com/2011/03/mending-my-mindset.html…Full of whimsy and her favorite colors: red, blue and pink there is lots of inspiration you will find in Koralee’s simple posts and beautiful photography!


Again I just want to say how honored I am to be a guest on CRESCENDOh and thank you Jenny Doh for letting me share my story!! 


I wanted to let you know that I am behind the scenes right now trying to work through some technical computer issues so that I can share my collection and Etsy.  I know my week turned into 2...bare with me, hopefully will be showing in the next 2 days!! 

Hugs to you all!!