Survival Skills 101

I received theses today, thought I would pass them on. Thanks Rachel.

Survival skills 101

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, "My purpose is to __________ today."

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan Salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, Will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

(Gretchen chillin' at the airport, doing her best to help out with #6)

I'm a great! twice!

Cute idea I found it here, At Home With Kim Vallee.

My niece, Shelby is having her second baby. Her little guy Trey will be a big brother next month and I will be a Great Aunt, again. Actually, I am a great Aunt, not just a great-old Aunt but a great Aunt, if I do say so myself.

February is a big month for our family birthdays. Trey and cousin Kristi Ann on the 9th, Shelby and her brother Archie on the 17th and now baby Shaylee will be born on my Grandma's, her great, great grandma's birthday. I did mention to my sister, baby Shaylee and Trey's grandma (GRANDMA) that is if Shaylee decided to make an early appearance she could have the same birthday as me. What's a month? My sister, oh no, February is THE month. Just an FYI January is a great month too. Andy and Becca have matching birthdays and I'm part of triplet birthday girls, 2 of Amanda's friends Liz and Taylor. (so there Grandma Christa! just kidding, Feb is a good month too.)

Here's a glimpse at the fab, Baby shower invites I'm making for Shelby and crew.

Version 1

And yes, the shower is in January. A very good month. Version 2.

Here are the steps. Easy to do. Step 1: stamp the background of card or you use a patterned paper.

Punch or cut out a circle. Cut a piece out of the circle, looks like pac-man, or 1/4 of the pie.

Cut a solid piece of paper for the background. Mine is 3" x 4". Stitch the cut out of the circle with a zig-zag stitch to the background paper. Keep the circle with cut out close to the top of the paper. Stitch the legs of the baby buggy with a straight stitch. Start at one wheel, stitch up to center of circle on a diagonal, across the circle and down diagonally to next wheel location.

Cut a ribbon the width on background paper, add a rhinestone buckle. Tape ends on ribbon on the back of card. Hot glue the buckle in center of card. Hot glue decorated piece to stamped background card. If you want to skip the ribbon/rhinestone buckle add buttons for wheels. I saw a version of this card somewhere and would love to give them credit as the inspiration, let me know if you've seen it.

Version 3.

The inside is going to be typed on a separate paper then stitched with a zig-zag across the top. I think I will line the envelope with pink stamped paper for a little added fun.

Congrates Shelby! Trey you are gonna make a great, big brother. (and I do mean a GREAT, BIG brother.) love you both!

Yorkies for New Year

This is not the kind of yorkies at our house.

This is as close as it's gonna get.

Didn't Amanda do a great job? Great inspiration!

A few of my favorite things

These are the products of a few of my favorite Christmas things.

But really, my favorite things happened because of the people

I met and worked with during this very busy, special time.

We glittered, decorated, fluffed, laughed and shared.

It was a special experience. Thanks to all who helped make it happen.

Can't wait till next year!

Thanks to Petunia's for loaning Westwood the beautiful birdbath

and Carol Z for the beautiful music, love your version of My Favorite Things.

Going Shopping!

Stop by and see my friend Stacey at Hot Ice. Her showroom is open this Thurs, Fri and Sat. Great gifts! Lots of sparkle! Tell her I say hi! Directions.

One of my favorite, new storesin Excelsior is Petunia's. It is a great mix of vintage treasures and new finds. I have found quite a few great gifts for others (OK, a few for me too). Betty, the owner has graciously loaned Westwood a birdbath for our Christmas display.......beautiful! Stop in and take a look around this is definitely a happy place!

I love her tags and logo! Wait until you see how your things are wrapped. I would show you but each time it's different, it just keeps getting better and better. A hint to guys; this Thursday, Dec 18th there will be 25% off all jewelry & free funky gift wrapping included! Saturday, December 20th any Christmas item store wide will be 25% off. I will see you there!

Isn't this a beautiful candle? Eclectic, fun, collage-y? and yes it was a gift.

A Very Vintage Christmas

A Very Vintage Christmas


A holiday market show inspired by all things vintage, funky and Euro. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items to decorate your home and gifts to please everyone on your list.

Sunday, December 14th, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dunn Brothers Eden Prairie West in the Smith Douglas More House
8107 Eden Prairie Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
952-934-0145

Featuring: Savage Mosaics, Pritz, Nancy Polacek , Mary Jeans , Fleur-de-She,

For Ewe Baa Linda , Bel Cosa , Bongo Boys Art , Feather Your Nest, Linnea Sexton Jewelry

Please bring a non-perishable food item or paper product to benefit Second Harvest Heartland.

For more information, call 763-482-9625

Stop by and see all the wonderful, unique things. I will have many one of a kind vintage-y treasures (other than handbags). I have had so much fun creating these little gems I can't wait to share them with you!

Thursday at Mainstream

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Stop in and see me today at Mainstream Boutique. I will be there noon to 4. Katie and Kim from Mainstream are having a great sale, 50% off clearance with an additional 15% off on top of that. If that isn't enough now is the time to get Santa Bucks. For every $25 you spend you will receive $5 Santa Bucks to spend Dec 26 - Jan 31 on regular priced merchandise. That's, like I don't now, free money. What's better than that? It's really too bad I didn't take photos of their really cute and fun clothes. There is something for everyone. When you stop in ask me about the skirt, love it!

(Mainstream is located right next to School 2 bistro and wine bar/coffee shop, by the movie theater in Chanhassen)