Pear Street Studios

THANK YOU PEGGY!

I'm so humbled to have been interviewed and featured at So Shabby Pink. Peggy is just one of the sweetest, dearest people I've ever met!! Please stop by and read the lovely write-up she did on me and book-mark her blog... she always has fun and interesting posts to read about!!! Also stop by her store... if you LOVE shabby, you'll LOVE shopping at So Shabby Pink... and unbeknownst to me... she has a new website... So Shabby Pink Paper! WOW.. I"m going to check that one out now!!! 
Thank you Peggy!!!!

Join SWC Today!

If you are still NOT a member of The Snooty Woman’s Club, we want to invite you to come on over to the CLUB and join us now. May is BRING a FRIEND Month…!!!! You and a friend can join us for the price of ONE….. Just choose where you would like to be seen at The Club and you and your friend can share the membership fees therefore only paying half of the membership for the 6 month period. On top of that, we will throw in another two months FREE giving you ad space for the remainder of 2008…!!!! Now that’s a deal…! All you have to do is …Grab a Friend…. go to the club and choose from any of the 6 month plans. Split this price with your friend and you BOTH will have full membership through the rest of this year.

Fight Animal Cruelty

Happy Easter!

What a wonderful surprise that was left on my doorstep! My parents sent us Mrs. Beasleys Cupcake Decorating Kit for Easter! Both my parents are in Los Angeles for a couple weeks, so we plan on having a very quiet Easter.  This was so fun!!! My boys were so excited to get started.....

The kit came with everything needed...

CUPCAKES!

TOPPINGS!...

Frosting and pastry bags!

All you need is a little creativity!

YUM YUM YUM!

Thanks MOM & DAD!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

I'm LOVED!

Yesterday, I bought some sidewalk chalk at Hobby Lobby for my boys to color on our patio. Today, I walked outside and to my delight... saw this!  Of all things for them to draw... they drew a heart and labeled it "Mommy"... my heart melted when I saw it.  I love my boys more than anything in the world!  The thing that struck me is that they didn't even come and tell me they drew this... it was simply from the heart.

Snooty Woman's Club

Check out the March Grand Opening of the Snooty Woman's Club!  Join now to be a charter member!

Chocolate & Mocha Sweethearts

Okay, okay... I'm in the baking mood, OBVIOUSLY!

These are wonderful and SO easy! AND... look how pretty they are for your VALENTINE!!!!

Really... what can be more perfect than homemade goodies for Valentine's Day?

Chocolate & Mocha Sweethearts

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 45 min
Makes: 17 servings, about 2 hearts each

4 squares Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup flour

1/2 cup GENERAL FOODS INTERNATIONAL Suisse Mocha, or any other flavor

6 squares Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

PREHEAT oven to 350°F if using a 13x9-inch baking pan (or to 325°F if using a glass baking dish). Line pan with foil. Grease foil. Microwave 4 squares unsweetened chocolate and butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until butter is melted; stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add flour and flavored instant coffee; stir until well blended. Spread into prepared pan. BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. (Do not over bake.) Cool in pan. CUT brownie into heart-shapes using a 1-1/2-inch cookie cutter. (Reserve scraps for snacking or another use.) Dip the top of each brownie heart into melted semi-sweet chocolate. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts
From Martha Stewart

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil or pure vegetable shortening

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until combined.
2. On slow speed, beat in flour and salt until combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 2 hours, or overnight.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until 1/16-to-1/8 inch thick. Cut out hearts with a 2-inch heart cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to an ungreased baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes.
4. Heat oven to 300º with a rack in the center. Press the tines of a fork into each cookie to make designs.
5. Bake until just beginning to brown around the edges, about 18 minutes. (Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days.)
6. In the top of a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally. Stir in the oil.
7. Dip half or one third of each cookie into the chocolate mixture. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to dry, or place them on a piece of parchment paper in the freezer for 10 minutes. Serve.

These are SOOO yummy and the perfect treat for Valentine's day! I just made my family a double batch! This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper! Enjoy!

My next recipe(which I can't wait to try!) calls for Creme Fraiche... WHERE on earth do I get THAT!? LOL! Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend, but remember...

Boutique LaCour

I'd like to introduce my latest website design, Boutique LaCour.  Boutique LaCour is an upscale clothing and gift boutique in southern Louisiana. In addition to a gorgeous line of clothing, they also are known for their salon & spa services. They have clients that come from 100's of miles away! Owned and operated by Shelia Carroll and 3 other amazing women, Shelia, Kimberly, and Faye, they have built an extraordinary business! Please stop by their website and take a look! AND if you're in the area of Delhi, LA, you must stop by and say hello! They would be thrilled to have you visit!

What a wonderful way to wake up!

I received a wonderful email from my dear friend, Penny at Lavender Hill Studio saying that she has passed on to me a blog award! Penny is such a fabulous friend and mosaic artist.. I'm so honored! Thanks Penny! I'm going to pass this award on to Jo at NeereAnDear

Close-up

I've had a few inquiries about my dining room table, so I thought I'd show you all a close up. Yes, it has a glass top.. as many have asked. Is that unusual?  The glass is thick, so it has a faint greenish tint to it, but the actual table is a rubbed white.  Under the glass reveals a beautiful wicker. Couldnt eat on that! LOL! This is a piece from Lexington Furniture which we received as a wedding gift from my husband's parents 10 years ago. It's one of my absolute favorite pieces!!!  Unfortunately they don't carry this table anymore, but they have many more gorgeous pieces in their Seaside Retreat Collection.

Oh, and btw, my bed is from Lexington too! LOL! That is another one of my favorite pieces of furniture! :)  Someday, when I own a beach house... I'll have all the perfect furniture for it! LOL! For now, I'll just pretend :) :)

What I Love About My Holiday Home

Well I sure did miss Karla's party "What Do You Love About Your Holiday Home" party, didn't I?! The time just got away from me.   BUT, I always say better late than never! So here you go. Some pictures of my home decorated for the holidays  In each room I have a Circle E Candle lit with the scent called "Silver Bells".. it is the wonderful smell of cranberries & orange.. mmmm!!!  They are hands-down the best candles I've ever used!... the aroma fills your home for hours!!! :) Enjoy.

May ALL you holiday wishes come true!

Check back soon for exterior pictures :)

NeereAnDear Give-Away

This giveaway is not mine, but a very good friend of mine... so I would love to share it with you all! (and I get an extra entry if you mention you came from my blog! hee hee).

Jo of NeereAnDear is a fabulously talented artist who is giving away some absolutely beautiful items! Check it out and enter her contest to win!!!!

I'm still here!

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.  Thank you for all your emails... I've just been super busy. I'll return soon with lots to say and more giveaways!

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

Tis the season... to throw a party!

Time for another give-away!!!

Don't you feel like throwing a holiday party! Invite your friends, neighbors and family!

Post a comment to win these Wine bucket invitations.  Qty-25 

NEW this give-away... TWO WINNERS will be selected and will receive 25 invitations each!

RULES: Drawing ends Saturday November 10th, 2007, 1 entry per person, 1 additional entry for each person your refer that posts a comment (if you came here from a referral please tell me who it is so they get their extra entry:)), and only entrants from US and Canada will be accepted (due to shipping costs).

Happy Halloween

My warrior boys!

Logo Design

I'd like to share another logo I did for a fab gal! Kim of Small Words/Endless Possibilities.  After months an months of revisions to her logo, she finally decided on the simplest of designs.  Isn't it perfect!? Kim is a wonderful client and an fabulous artist. Please visit her site soon :)

And the winner of the holiday photo cards is....

DIANNE WOOD, The Desperate Diva!

Congratulations Dianne.. These cards are simply charming!!! I know you'll love them.

Golden Compass - Don't take your kids to see it!

I've heard about this offensive movie and gladly put the word out to NOT see it and definitely NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN SEE IT  or read the books.   

I am actually passing this one along, because it is true.  Check out www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp and read it for yourself.  Hope you all pass this along.

A terrible, (anti-Christian) movie called the "Golden Compass" will be coming out in early December, aimed at children and labeled as a family movie. This movie is based on a series of books by an atheist British author (Phillip Pullman) whose goal in writing the books is to be the "Anti-Narnia" series and to lead children into atheism.

The main villains in the series of books are the Magisterium, Cardinals, and the Pope, and includes a heroine that is a young girl who sets out to kill God. The truly sick thing about the movie is that they have made it APPEAR as if it is an innocent film, with exciting effects and a fairytale story. They have removed from the movie the appalling anti-Catholic/Christian themes from the book. The goal of the movie is to hook unsuspecting families into viewing the film so that children will then want to read the books (and probably buy merchandise) . Nicole Kidman stars in it, and Scholastic Books is behind it.

The goal is to let as many people as possible know about this horrible film and to have it bomb at the box office. The makers of the movie are hoping it will be as big as Harry Potter or the DaVinci Code. Let's pray that it won't! Please tell as many people as possible to avoid this terrible film. Thanks!

Halloween Pumpkins

Every year at my preschool, the teachers have a pumpkin decorating contest.. I wanted to share the wonderful creativity of teachers!  The winner of the contest was a tie between the Cinderella Carriage and Raggedy Andy :)

Prayers for Kathryn

For those of you who know Kathryn Bechen, please keep her in your prayers... She is a fabulous person and I'm saddened to know of her ordeal at this time.  Please read her blog and also Brooke's blog for an update. http://bellarosecottage.typepad.com/bella_rose_cottage_blog/2007/10/prayers-please.html.

Thank you!!!

Holiday Greetings!

Time for another give-away!!!

The holidays are approaching!!!...

Post a comment to win these adorable Holiday Photo Greeting Cards - Die Cut  Stocking with Bow.  Qty-30

RULES: Drawing ends October 26th, 2007, 1 entry per person, 1 additional entry for each person your refer that posts a comment (if you came here from a referral please tell me who it is so they get their extra entry:)), and only entrants from US and Canada will be accepted (due to shipping costs).

And the winner is.....

Brenda of

Country Romance! Congrats Brenda!!!!

Fall Invitations

I want to thank everyone's thoughts and prayers for me and my family when my grandma passed away this week.  It was wonderful to know there are SO many caring and thoughtful people that read my blog.  I truly appreciate all of you!!!!!

SO.... Time for another give-away!!!  FREE FREE FREE stuff!!!!

Thanksgiving is approaching and wouldn't it be fun to send an invitation instead of just calling them up to come over?   

Post a comment to win these wonderful Stacked Pumpkin Invitations - qty-10.

RULES: Drawing ends October 19th, 2007, 1 entry per person, 1 additional entry for each person your refer that posts a comment (if you came here from a referral please tell me who it is so they get their extra entry:)), and only entrants from US and Canada will be accepted (due to shipping costs).

Don't forget to check back next week for Free Christmas greeting cards!!!

And the winner is....

KJ of eye-dyllic!!!!

Congratulations KJ!!!!!.. you won your choice of Holiday Invitations!!!!  Please to post pictures of your party on your blog for all of us to see!!!

A Bit of Paris

I wanted to share with you all my latest logo that I created for Jen Laney at A Bit of Paris.  With her beautiful shop and fabulous products, she wanted a beautiful logo to go with them. I hope it met her expectations... thank you Jen for using my services!

Thank you Penny!

Penny at Lavender Hill Studio passed along an award to me and I'm so honored... What a wonderful thing for someone to say to me!!!  Well Penny makes ME smile all the time and I wish I could pass this back to her!  I need to choose 10 people to pass this on to... well that's easy! There are SO many wonderful bloggers that make me smile. So here goes (in no particular order)...

Dianne Wood - Homestyle Divas
Angelina - Beautiful Cards
Jo-Anne Coletti - Vintage Rose Collection
Kimberly - My Pink Boutique
Melissa - The Inspired Room
Jennifer - The Old Painted Cottage
Debbie - Beautiful Shops
Diana - Chloe's Chic Boutique
Peggy - So Shabby Pink
Jo - NeereAnDear Creations

There are so many more I want to list, but it only get 10!

Holiday Invitations!

Time for another give-away!!!

The holidays are approaching!!!...

Post a comment to win your choice of 20 Christmas Tree or up to 60 mistletoe invitations!!!

RULES: Drawing ends October 12th, 2007, 1 entry per person, 1 additional entry for each person your refer that posts a comment (if you came here from a referral please tell me who it is so they get their extra entry:)), and only entrants from US and Canada will be accepted (due to shipping costs).

And the winner is....

Penny Carlson of Lavender Hill Studio!!!!

Congratulations Penny!!!!!.. you won the set of 20 Wine Party Invitations!!!!  You'll have to post pictures of your party on your blog!!!

In loving memory of my grandma

Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown

My grandma passed away today at 89 years old.
I love you grandma!

Sweet & Sinister Swap!

I'm so excited... my package arrived today from my Sweet & Sinister Swap partner.

Wow.. I was so pleasantly surprised at the thoughtfulness and time PK put into this swap.  Here is a picture of all the wonderful goodies she sent! Thank you PK... everything is wonderful!!!!  Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the darling wrapping of each item... I guess I was too excited to rip them open! LOL!!  Each piece was wrapped in black and white toile tissue and sealed with orange/black string.. so pretty!!!!

Since this is my very first swap, I really hope PK loves what I sent her as much I love what she sent me!!!!

Never a dull moment around here!

Hoping your day is all smiles!!!!!

If only...

Weekly Give-Away!

Time for my weekly give-away. Here are some darling Wine Party invitations.  Invite your friends over for a fun evening in.  Your choice of 10 or 20 invitations :)  Just post a comment here to be entered to win :)

Drawing ends October 6th, 2007

and again, due to shipping costs I'm limiting this give-away to US & Canada only.

"What do you LOVE about your Holiday Home?"

Karla's party was such a HUGE success!... (yes I had over 300 hits the day of the party) that she is throwing ANOTHER party in December... "What do you LOVE about your Holiday Home?"

I can't wait to participate!!!!  Check her blog for details.. coming soon!

And the winner is.....

Laurie Anne of Tinker's Piggies!!!!

Congratulations Laurie!!!!!.. you won the set of 12 birthstone birthday cards!!!!

I've been tagged

Yep, I've been tagged by Barbara at Southern Lady Vintage for "7 Random Things." Here is how it works. Once tagged, you give 7 random things about yourself that no one knows and then you tag 7 more bloggers to continue the tag. Then contact each one that you have tagged to let them know.

1. I'm obsessed with clean hands... I wash my hands probably 20 times a day.

2. I don't like the smell of Lavender... I think I'm the only person is the world that doesn't, but I don't :(  Not sure why.  My favorite smells are fruit smells! Grapefruit, Cucumber, Lemon, Orange!  I feel like an outcast in the romantic smell community :(

3. Okay, this is gross but I can eat an entire pound of Little John's English toffee in one sitting. I can seriously eat myself sick with this stuff! Thank goodness I only get it once a year!

4. My husband and I raised a family of baby squirrels (that fell from their nest) until they could survive on their own. There were 5 of them, but only 3 survived :( ... At the time, I was pregant with my first child, so I got a lot of experience with midnight feedings :)

5. I hate wearing shoes. That's the first thing that comes off when I get home.

6. I love to sleep.  I'd take a nap everyday if I could.

7. When my middle child was born, I stored his cord blood in a cord blood bank. This preserves the umbilical cord blood stem cells, which have been know to treat over 70 diseases.

That's it it my friends.. that's all of can think of to tell ya! :)

NOW, I must tag 7.  Here goes...

Jo - NeereAnDear Creations
Angelina - Beautiful Cards
Natasha - Artistic Creations
Renee - So Inspired
Michelle - Vintage Pastiche
Peggy - So Shabby Pink
Lisa - Pink Lemonade

Why men shouldn't take messages!

My friend Brooke sent this to me.  If you choose to visit her blog... tell her to start posting! hee hee. Anyways, this was just too funny not to share!

What I love about my home....

I'm so excited to be participating in this party hosted by Karla of Karlas Cottage. Today, she is hosting a Romantic Country party. See her blog for details & for more TOUR OF HOMES - blog style!!!

I love my home because I have wonderful things in it... my family!  These rooms are very carefully photographed so that you can't see the mess that lies right next to them!... hee hee.   It's hard to stay clean and organized with 3 young boys!  I'll photograph my home again in 15 years and by then it will be spectacular! LOL! This the main floor of my home, nobody gets to see the upstairs where my boys reside...

I hope you've enjoyed your visit!

Want free stuff??? Just post a comment :)

Okay girls.. come out, come out, where ever you are! I want you to post some comments :)

If you do, you'll be entered to win this elegant 12 month set of Birthstone Birthday Cards.

Each card is 3.3 x 5.1 (folded), soft white, deckled edge, handmade, letterpress printing, blank inside, matching envelope, and individually wrapped.  These retail for $4.50 each... from Cartesan Graphics ($54 value!).

So let's hear from you all! :)  Tell me about yourself, your business or how much you enjoy my blog.. hee hee :) 

Ends at midnight September 28th.

Weekly Give-Away!

In an effort to reduce my stationery inventory.. I will be having a weekly give-away until it's gone. From invitations to notecards.. check back often for free stuff!  Do you LOVE throwing parties?  I'll give you an even better reason to!  The perfect start to a perfect party... is the perfect invitation!  I have invitations for christmas parties, wine & cheese parties, pool parties, you name it!  I also have note pads, note cards, calling cards & annoucements.  Some really cute stuff.  So visit often!!!! I love company :)

Due to shipping costs, I'm limiting these give-aways to the United States & Canada only.

Chicago in September?

How come the weather wasn't this fabulous when I lived there? LOL!!!

This is my brother and his beautiful family.  No, it's not his ENTIRE family... my guess is that Jacque is taking these pictures :)  It's always fun to see them! Miss you guys!!!!

Pictured... Craig, Triana, Tyler, Trey, & Talia. Not pictured Jacque:(

Another Favorite Find

One of my favorite places.... Island Girl Salvage. This is where I bought my fabulous window that I hung above my office doors. I love sitting at my desk looking at it! These Salvage girls are located in Elk Grove Village, IL and have a show room, but you can also purchase from their website! Check them out... they have some really unique items!!!