Success is Sweet

Whew! That was the sound of me exhaling with relief...the Soiree and Market was a TRIUMPH! After many, many hours of effort everything was pulled together beautifully and I couldn't be more pleased with the fruits of my labor. My prayers were answered and I was blessed with countless strokes of genius and inspiration. I had the opportunity to meet so many LOVELY people and taste the pleasure of their compliments on my handmade beauties. Thank you from the deep down bottom of my heart to all of my new friends for making the event magical.

The whole affair could be described in two words...sensory overload! Each booth was packed with the most fantastic treasures and displays. Inspiration GALORE...an explosion of talent and creativity! It was an extreme honor to have been showcased with the likes of these ladies.

The Soiree was divine. Music filled the evening air as bejeweled, bohemian beauties meandered through the enchanted atmosphere. There was no shortage of glamour, style, funk, and pizazz. The excitement ran through my veins long after I returned home and made it impossible to sleep. (That AND I still had much to do for the Market.)

Without a wink of sleep I arrived bright and early Saturday morning to set up for the Market. Jessi and I clinked cans of Rockstar Juiced as we toasted to the success of the previous night and our total lack of sleep. (Figuratively) My loopiness had me at a loss of words at times (literally), but brought out a quirky side of me that had me feeling like a social butterfly. I thrilled at the chance to meet so many fun and friendly people. My family's support was the cherry on top (cause I'm not really an icing kind of girl) to a truly BLISSFUL weekend.

Now for the snapshots. Be prepared...there are many.

Mimi and Me

A proud pose

Hubby, Moi, Josh & preggers Jamie

My booth on the evening of the Soiree


Market morning (some changes)

In Overdrive

Shame on me for posting when I have a KAJILLION things I need to be doing right now. I am working at warp speed (someone saw Star Trek recently) to be ready for the Soiree tomorrow and the Market on Saturday. I am happy to report that many MAJOR accomplishments have been made, but I have so many little tasks left to do. Everything is turning out BEAUTIFULLY! (If I have a second later I will add some pictures.)

In the midst of all the chaos, Grace struck fever of 104 last night. This poor child is so tough. I was monitoring her temp all day yesterday and giving her plenty of water and children's Motrin and she was just so sweet. (Like any other day!) She is the most stoic child I have ever known. (Though, I bet Jeff was a tough cookie through all of his cancer treatments.) When this kid falls down, she pops right back up. I'll notice some blood on her and she never even whimpers. Even with her BIG accidents she cries for just a minute and calms down rather easily. If she is really sick she doesn't get grumpy...just more cuddly.

After giving her a lukewarm bath, she hopped in bed with Dad (I was at my desk making headbands) and she played her usual game of repeating "Goodnight...I WUH you...Sweet dreams." So sweet!!!

At 4 a.m. we got up to take her temp, give her some more medicine and Jeff gave her a blessing. We all fell back asleep, and at 9 I woke to the most wonderful sight. Grace smiled at me with her twinkling brown eyes and said, "Good morning Mommy! Djou (did you) have a nice nap?" She no longer had a fever and we cuddled in bed.

My Wheels are Spinning

Yesterday was such a good day. I had the extreme pleasure of going to work with my man. I used to work with him all the time (before Grace came to us) and I miss those days when we spend every waking moment. (However in this case I did a fair bit of running around too.)

One of my major objectives was to go to the Brass Armadillo, an antique mall in Phoenix. They were having a sale and I was in search of some items for my hair pieces and a dress for the Bohemian Soiree. I didn't fair well on the tidbits, but I SCORED BIG on the dress. It caught my eye and two things ran though my head: Will it fit me? How much does it cost? I checked the tag and to my amazement it was my size. I searched for the price, but it was not to be found. After inquiring about it's cost, I was introduced to the booth owner who gave me the news I had dared to hope for...$9.99! (Plus 15% off!) I almost couldn't believe it. I continued to wind my way thorough the maze of booths and happened upon a pair of gloves that seemed as if the could match the dress. With my fingers figuratively crossed, I brought the gloves with me to the cashier's station. I was amazed for a second time. They matched so well one would think they came together. Lucky, lucky me! (It was strange to have spent nearly the same amount on the gloves as I did the dress...but I'll take it.) Now, my wheels are spinning as I am dreaming up how I will embellish and accessorize. Oooh...the fun I will have. The icing on the cake will be the chance to spend a whimsical evening with my dashing husband. I can hardly wait!

Speaking of husband, we found an awesome place for delicatessen style sandwiches called the Dilly Deli. There we shared a quiet and tasty lunch break. One thing is for sure, they haven't seen the last of us.

Once home, I was able to spend a few hours snuggling with Grace. It's true...absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. It is so nice to get a little break from the munchkin and have a complete change of pace. Two year olds are full throttle and bounce around from one thing to the next. That's both the fun and the exhausting part. A little break can recharge the batteries.

Almost as if our intent was to completely wear Nana out, we called on her again to watch Grace and Corbin as we went to the midnight showing of Wolverine. I got the chance to interrogate my newly coupled brother about his budding romance. Those two go together nicely...romance and mutants. It was an enjoyable close to a delightful day.

So are you dying to see the dress? Thought so...

What Do You Think?

I need your opinion. Would these children/baby hair clips and headbands be even CUTER if I added silver glitter to the edge of the petals or should I leave them alone?

I saw this done to some flowers on THIS beautiful blog. Instead of the sparatic placing of glitter like she has done, I planned on rimming the edge of the petals.

So, whatta ya think? Yay or Nay? (Why would be helpful also!) Perhaps you have an even better idea. Thanks for your help...I feel like my mind is going to blow right now. So much to do...

{Busy Bee}

I have been hard at work to create mass FABULOUSNESS for the upcoming Bohemian Bliss Soiree & Vagabond Vintage Market. I couldn't me more thrilled to be a part of this event. (Many thanks to Mimi!)


Don't live in Arizona? Not to fear...you can buy my handmade creations at the Laurel Lane Etsy store. (Items will be posted closer to the market date.) For now, a little taste of the good stuff...