Elegance. Redefined.

New Blog, Y'all

2008-05-05T08:38:00.002-06:00

Check out my new bloggity home:

I'm Typepadding-It!

iHappy

2007-06-30T17:40:00.000-06:00

Yep.
I'm a happy girl.
Usually I'm not a techo-gadgety-obsessed-nerd, but I'll tell you what, whenever this thing hit the media months ago, I fell in love. (Similarly to the way I fell in love with the Dodge Charger whenever I saw one of those for the first time on the street. Took my breath away. Isn't that weird? I'm so not a car person, but I dream about one day owning a Charger...)

Isn't it strange how some things unexpectedly grab us at times?

Party on!

2007-06-25T18:54:00.000-06:00

So, I thought I'd try my hand at making a regular sized party hat, rather than the Mr. Potato Head size I attempted first... The "leaves" are actually made from the insulator around today's Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.... Such fun. You know, I think I finally found my "trademark"... I really like the whimsical look of black and white next to color, as seen here. What's your trademark? Do you find yourself reaching toward a favorite thing each time you go to create? Is there a technique you lean toward? Something that differentiates your work from that of others? Do you think it's important to have a trademark? Hmmm... Things to ponder...

Get Carded...

2007-06-23T20:36:00.001-06:00

Hope y'all had a happy Saturday!

Just a few photos of what I did today...

XO,

Delaney

Simply, the unexpected...

2007-06-21T09:53:00.001-06:00

A beautiful frame can make even the most simple things look spectacular, don't you think? I had so much fun creating this little piece. It makes me happy to look at it... I just love framing unexpected things like this. It adds a bit of whimsy to one's home... Now, I must hunt for a place to hang it...

P.S. I was so excited to see that this project was featured at the top of the Two Peas in a Bucket gallery today! Made my day. :)

Sorry ladies... He's taken...

2007-06-19T10:19:00.000-06:00

Yep.

Mr. P.

Completely taken.

By my son.

A birthday gift.

A Transformer Potato Head.

I thought he looked better with his new hat instead of his helmet though.

So, for the sake of the photo, we switched.

My first attempt at hat making.

I thought I'd start small.

The last photo is my son's hat.

He made it himself.

I see he's partial to my new Martha Stewart punch as well. :)

That and some crazy cut rectangles.

A little Scenic Route.

A little Amy Butler.

He has good taste for a four year old rough and tumble boy.

He wore it while we painted on the sidewalk this morning.

Fun times.

Who would have known?

2007-06-18T22:23:00.000-06:00

Who would have known that four years could have gone by so quickly?
Silly boy.
Night all.

Simply Chic

2007-06-17T16:46:00.000-06:00

Finally!

I used my new fabulous Martha Stewart punch!

Such a tasteful company.

I'll never get tired of their stuff.

Have a happy Father's Day everyone!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

2007-06-17T00:04:00.000-06:00

Check out THIS PAGE if you want to know what really makes me tick...

That weird-quiz-inside-my-head-how-in-the-heck-did-they-know-that kind of stuff...

Go HERE to do it yourself!

What's your personal DNA?

(I'm a Considerate Visionary.)

Leave a comment & lemme know!

Let's indulge... Shall we?

2007-06-15T23:26:00.000-06:00

Okay. So if you made it all the way down here without gaining five pounds or running to your pantry for a sweet treat, I totally commend you.

Let's just let our thoughts wrap around these dreamy confections for a moment...

Classy. Chic. Stylish.

And yes.

Utterly and completely edible.

So, in the spirit of living vicariously through one's blog, which ensemble is your favorite?

Snag 'em here, at Eleni's...

Amazing little works of art, aren't they?

Never Enough...

2007-06-15T01:31:00.000-06:00

So, I feel a girl can never have too many black dresses...

If I had the budget, I would totally purchase all of these.

Like, ten minutes ago.

Such fabulous little unique details on each and every one.

I love them all.

(Especially the last photo of the jacket!)

From Nordstrom.

First in forever...

2007-06-15T00:13:00.000-06:00

All right, here is a glimpse of the first actual scrapbooking layout I've completed in FOREVER. It says, "We always knew you were a great grandma. Now, it's official."

The lady in the photos is my Grandma Elaine, and the little dude, is my little man in one of my FAVORITE outfits of his- a little sailor suit.

(For those of you who kind-of know me but kind-of don't, NO, I didn't have another child! This is just a three year old photo. Lol.)

Have a happy evening everyone!

With this post...

2007-06-11T19:32:00.001-06:00

Wow.

Who would have ever imagined I would have a one hundredth blog post?

I surely wouldn't have.

I do enjoy writing.

I must be in the right mood to write though.

I haven't been lately.

My mind has been on other things.

Good things.
Funny, the first postings to my blog were lengthy musings about how everyday situations reminded me of a bigger picture...

My, my posts have gotten shorter, haven't they?

Ah, well.

I'll think of something blog-worthy to contemplate on tomorrow...

So, the name of my blog is Elegance. Redefined...

Let's talk about that, shall we?

I'm all about timeless, classic elegance, with a modern or whimsical twist.

Then simplified.

Nothing too fussy or frilly.

Nothing too old or distressed looking.

Nothing too modern.

Somewhere in the middle.

A mish-mash of Ballard Designs, if you will.

A trendy take on traditional elegance.

That's me.

That's my blog.

And that, my blog friends, was my 100th post.

So, what's your style?

I've had a thing for...

2007-06-09T21:50:00.000-06:00

So, lately, I've had a thing for argyle.
I only have a moment.
Just wanted to share.
Sweet dreams everyone! :)

And two shall become one...

2007-06-06T22:21:00.000-06:00

This post signifies the end of my other blog, Divine Pick of the Day. From now on, any Divine Picks are going to become Delaney's Picks and they'll all be shown right here.
On this blog.
So, adjust your bookmarks everyone.
You're in for some eye candy here!

That being said, isn't this scarf smashing?
Oh, I just adore it.
I'm really not a scarf person.
But I'd like to be.
I could be if I owned this.
It's linen and silk people.
Click on the photo above to check it out at Anthropologie...

What's left behind...

2007-06-06T13:33:00.000-06:00

The drying paint on my son's palette before his nap today.
Isn't that the sweetest thing?
He's only three. Almost four.
I'm teaching him color theory.
Gotta love that.

Wanna know my favorite song?

2007-06-06T00:22:00.000-06:00

Song Removed By Blog Author... :)

Backyard playtime...

2007-06-05T13:08:00.000-06:00

My son and I were playing ball in our backyard this balmy afternoon when I noticed our neighbors roses creeping over our fence. Thankfully, our neighbor has a greener thumb than I... So, amidst catching and throwing, I grabbed my ever-present camera and attempted several quick photos.

I'm saving my pennies for THIS. In the meantime though, I'm still making due with my 3.2 MP FinePix I bought years ago... My birthday is coming up though...

*grin*

Yet another haiku...

2007-06-03T13:42:00.001-06:00

Pretty please?

2007-05-31T09:07:00.000-06:00

All right ladies and gentlemen, I need your help.
Yes, you.
Please go to this site:

www.shopdelaney.com

and tell me how it loads for you.
Does it load too slowly?
Does it take up the appropriate amount of your computer screen?
The goods aren't stocked yet.
It's not finished yet.
But it's my baby.
And I'm working on it.

Just leave a comment on how it works for you!

Thanks y'all! :)

Just for fun y'all...

2007-05-27T15:39:00.000-06:00

there once lived a girl
who fell in love with art
experimenting with mediums
right from the start

with school paste and scissors
flute and oboe too
then drama and writing…
the love affair grew

she took endless lessons:
art, ventriloquism, and magic
some talents kept secret
for they’d be socially tragic

photography and dance
there’s bound to be more
many forms of expression
flows creativity galore

now that she’s older
happy with her odd skills
content with herself
creating by Ozark hills

acrylics and watercolor
mixed media too
sometimes even poetry
for a special few

a penchant for whimsy
a passion for style
her mind never stops
behind that sure smile

thoughts always adrift
thanks to new inspiration
combining what she loves
a new venture formation

the feeling of newness
a fresh creative endeavor
if there’s one thing she’s learned
it’s to never say never

Looking back...

2007-05-06T21:45:00.000-06:00

Above are some of the different banners I've created for clients in the past... Isn't it amazing how people's tastes differ? I love that. I love looking over past work I've created just for fun. Sure, it's important to look forward toward the future, however, I feel one can benefit at times from looking back as well... Maybe one of these days I'll post some of the first projects I created... I'm sure y'all would get a good laugh out of 'em. :)

As an aside, I made a fun dinner tonight! Have you ever had a McGriddle from McDonalds? I made them! (~Sandwiches created from pancakes, butter, syrup, scrambled eggs and bacon.) I know that technically it's classified as breakfast food, but sometimes we eat breakfast for dinner for fun. :)

It's all good.

Night night!

Park it.

2007-05-05T20:25:00.000-06:00

This afternoon, we attended a picnic for all of the Bravo Battery guys and their families. The weather was sensational, and the geese were in heaven with the overabundance of hot dog and hamburger buns. Plus, this park had an amazing playground for the kiddos, even complete with a hanging bridge and also a "fireman's pole" for the little ones to slide down! (So perfect, as my little guy is going through his wanting to be a fireman phase right now!)

Good times...

Have a happy day everyone!

Secret Scrawl

2007-05-03T18:59:00.000-06:00

So, this little book goes with me just about everywhere I go. It has a handy magnetic closure and is created in a to-die-for color. Very elegant, don't you think? It stays by my side when I read magazines so I can jot down websites of interest, and overall, is very devoted to me. It's not a regular journal. It's more of a "resource book" per say. I write stuff down that I'm going to want to reference at a later time. Not stories. Just cool stuff. Funny things I've heard. Great websites. Things like that.
Thought you'd like a peek.
P.S. I actually write pretty- this scrawl is really random, ugly, and [usually] for my eyes only. :)

Weird Randomness...

2007-05-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

So it seems I've been "tagged" by the uberfabulous-talented-stylish-beautiful Wendy. I'm supposed to list seven (7) weird/random things about myself...

1) I have an odd "Things To Do Before I Die List". I've already crossed one thing off. Though it may seem odd to y'all, I always wanted to visit Pike Place Fish Market, a central location in a book about a philosophy that changed my life. It was an amazing experience. I stood there at the market in Seattle for a good half hour, taking in the Event by myself, just happy that I was finally able to check it off my List. (I also checked off another thing too during that trip... I visited the very first Starbucks! Cool, eh?)

2) I'm constantly coming up with new home-based business ideas. Seriously, I could write a book on them.

3) It's hard for me to create something to keep just for me to enjoy. I always feel like I should be selling it to "do my part" to help out with the family budget. It's not that we need it- I just feel like I'm not being productive if I don't sell it.... It is hard to part with some things that I make... I've gotten used to it though. It's what I do.

4) I grew up fast. I owned a home and had a happy little family by age twenty. Even during my school days, I always used to feel that my brain was 10 years older than my friends... Weird... (In fact, I didn't attend school as much as I probably should have. I just thought, "Hey, if I can still get an "A" in a class without being there, it's a complete waste of my time.") Fun facts...

5) I could probably start a library for infomercial workout DVDs. I have many complete sets.... Still in the manufacturer shrink wrap... Um, yeah.

6) I'm a total stickler for proper social etiquette. The day after birthdays, Christmas, etc., you'd better believe I'm getting out those thank you notes! I have wondered though if this is partly due to the fact that I enjoy using pretty stationery... It makes me happy to get out my monogrammed wax seal stamp and collection of different colored wax sticks to use as well... I'm old fashioned like that.

7) I wish that I could dress like Jackie O every day and not receive weird looks walking down the street in a little pillbox hat.

Well, there was a little bit about me... I now need to tag seven people to do the same!

2:08AM

2007-05-02T02:13:00.000-06:00

So, it's 2:08AM.
What am I doing?
I need to be up in three and a half hours from now.
Insane.
Listening to a little Jack Johnson right now.
Love him.
Adore him, in fact.
A section of my favorite lyrics to hear him sing?

"I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep"

So very true.

Memories, here I come.

P.S. Is it weird that I get an odd sense of gratification when I click the spellcheck button and it tells me that no misspellings were found?

(I'm a grammar, typo and spelling fanatic.)

So what gives you an odd sense of gratification?

Don't be shy everyone! :)

Night night.

I'm in love!

2007-05-01T14:17:00.000-06:00

Seriously.

So in love with Martha's new products.

(Yeah- that's them. Did you find your way down here after wading through all of those photos? I had to display them. They're too fabulous not to be displayed.)

Proud of myself.

Why?

~Because I avoided buying those amazing little labels seven photos down.

Why?

Because I already make my own.

Just like those.

*sigh*

How I would love to move to New York and work for Martha.

Scratch that.

I want my own empire.

Based right out of the Ozarks.

Can you swallow that?

I'm in a funny mood today.

Out of sorts, I suppose.

It's rainy here.

Cloudy.

Even the birds are in hiding.

I don't blame them.

I did, however, save three lives today.

Earthworms.

Moved three of them from the sidewalk to grass.

Weirdness.

Martha to earthworms.

Like I said, I'm in a funny mood today.

I just want to cuddle up in a blanket and finish the marketing book I'm in the middle of.

I just decided I really don't want to have to think for the rest of the day.

We had an appraiser at our house this morning.

Yuck.

Not fun times...

Yep. Done thinking.

Waaaay too much deep cleaning and scrubbing for a couple days...

Okay.

This is so freaking random.

I feel random today.

Like I could take a nap or go take a road trip.

In the rain.

Listening to Harry Connick, Jr. or something.

Love his voice.

I think it would blend well with the rain, don't you?

Okay.

My marketing book is calling my name.

So are comfy clothes, a blanket, and the couch.

Until next time...

Finally!

2007-05-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

So, ever since I've seen Breakfast at Tiffany's, I've wanted a sleep mask...

Finally found one worthy of purchase.

So excited.

Can't wait for Mr. Postman to bring it up the front walk.

I bought the pink one.

(Of course.)

Just call me Holly G.

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

Color Me Happy

2007-04-30T07:13:00.000-06:00

Don't you love being a parent?

A Sunday afternoon with brand spankin' new markers and a chocolate ice cream cone equals utter bliss to my little guy and I.

Ah, to pretend to be a child again...

Going back for a few hours via ice cream and markers...

"Mama! May I have some orange juice please?!"

Then I wake up.

A new week.

Back to reality.

As an aside, what really astounds me is the fact that my three year-old actually requested to have his work uploaded onto my blog!

Ah, the ways of a child growing up in the twenty-first century...

So, here it is:

Oh what the heck, here's another of his:

Where is the line drawn?

2007-04-28T13:41:00.000-06:00

So, where does craftiness intersect with art?

I'm puzzled by that.

Technically, I "doodled" on this card.

I designed it.

Does that make it art?

When does a paper-crafter become an artist?

What defines an art piece?

The composition?

The complexity?

I've seen abstract paintings that are considered art which look like the work of a preschooler.

Is it just a $3.00 greeting card or a $30.00+ mixed media assemblage?

I've seen both ends of the spectrum from equally successful artists.

Is it just the marketing?

Who defines it?

The artist?

The buyer?

Is it different for everyone?

What's your opinion?

Sure, I've had my work published in magazines a few times. Nothing to speak of really...

Sure, I've sold a few paintings. Some assemblages on canvas too... (See below.)

Sure, I've been "hired" countless times to create things for people...

Anyone could do this stuff though... It's not complex.

What defines an artist?

Below, is the definition from Dictionary.com:
1.
a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria.
2.
a person who practices one of the fine arts, esp. a painter or sculptor.
3.
a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.
4.
a person who works in one of the performing arts, as an actor, musician, or singer; a public performer: a mime artist; an artist of the dance.
5.
a person whose work exhibits exceptional skill.
6.
a person who is expert at trickery or deceit: He's an artist with cards.
7.
Obsolete. an artisan.

—Synonyms 1. Artist, artisan are persons having superior skill or ability, or who are capable of producing superior work. An artist is a person engaged in some type of fine art. An artisan is engaged in a craft or applied art.

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Signed,

A girl who plays with paper and doodles on stuff...

Divine Picks

2007-04-27T12:14:00.000-06:00

Do you dig preppiness? Elegance? Fabulous picks that one shouldn't be deprived of?
If you haven't already, check out my other blog, Divine Pick of the Day. You'll be glad you did. Honest.

Simplistic yet true...

2007-04-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

Briefly Weightless...

2007-04-27T07:30:00.000-06:00

Stephen Hawking.

Such a brilliant individual.

Weightless eight times.

My heart is so happy for him.

Bound for forty years, he finally felt brief freedom!

Adore this book of his.

Have it around here someplace.

Read it cover to cover.

Check the article HERE.

At this hour?!

2007-04-27T01:32:00.000-06:00

Five-Seven-Five be gone!

2007-04-27T00:55:00.000-06:00

'Nuff said.

Goodnight all.

Want a blog-exclusive sneak peek?

2007-04-26T18:11:00.000-06:00

As some of you may know, DivinePapers.com (My baby.) is launching in the very near future. In the coming week, I'll be showing some sneak peeks on my blog for all of you fabulous people!

However, Divine Papers is changing a bit... Don't get all up at arms- It's for the good, I promise.

Divine Papers is becoming a bit more upscale, shall we say. Sure, I'll continue to sell what I do on Etsy. I just adore that community. I've met so many wonderful artists. The new site's products will be a bit different though. Preppier. Timeless. Elegant. ~Everything I love. The above is a new greeting card design from the Stitched Label Collection. It's all I can show right now... Check back later for more...

(Shameless self promotion over.)

I have soooo much to do this weekend! Sooo much work to do on my site. It's completely designed from scratch and built by yours truly. The products are designed and created by yours truly. Photography? Mine. All verbiage on the site? Mine. I'm a wearer of many hats in this little endeavor... :) That's a good thing though. I feel human beings should never stop learning. Never stop gleaning knowledge from each and every possible subject he or she may be interested in. Life is short y'all. Live in the moment and make your dreams happen now.

Look what I found in my mailbox...

2007-04-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share two more cards from artists across the country mailed to Operation Hokie Hope. The first, is from Houston, Texas and the second is from Joan in Indiana.

Thank you so very much ladies for your participation in this important cause.

Remember everyone, it's not too late! If you'd like to send a greeting card to the Operation Hokie Hope cause, please mail it to:

Operation Hokie Hope

2308 S. 17th Street

Rogers, Arkansas 72758

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me!

On its way to me...

2007-04-26T13:42:00.000-06:00

I just had to take a moment and share this fabulous card that Renee' Dezember created for Operation Hokie Hope! She thoughtfully photographed it for me before she sent it!

Thanks Renee'!

I need your help...

2007-04-26T10:04:00.000-06:00

So, those of you who know me well know how big of a stash of art supplies I have... I'm trying to get organized, but I need your help. I just purchased three of these fabulous containers, and I need help deciding what to put in the one on the far left... I have silk flowers in one and stamps in another one... What do I have that will fit in the last one??

What's in it for you?

I'll tell you.

A RAK.

Yep, a deliciously fabulous one, at that...

Sooooo, this delicious RAK will be bestowed upon the person who gives me my favorite usable suggestion of what to put in the third container...

Thanks in advance for your help!

(Please excuse the blurry photo. Less than desirable lighting and my camera are not friends.)

And yet another...

2007-04-25T20:19:00.000-06:00

So, this Haiga thing is fun.
Addictive really.
It combines much of what I enjoy.
Photography? Check.
Writing? Check.
Adding a little Photoshop goodness here and there? Check.

Gotta love that.

Totin' it Amy Butler style...

2007-04-25T19:23:00.000-06:00

So stoked here.

Just had to share this.

My new purchase.

To tote my crafty notions around in when I work away from home...

Amy Butler has now crossed over into the scrapbooking world as well.

Gotta love that.

More later.

I have 90 cards I must ship out to a shop tomorrow!

Must. Have. Starbucks. Now.

(A Venti Peppermint Mocha, to be exact.)

It's going to be a late night y'all...

P.S. I know I owe emails to many of you- I've been crazy-busy lately, so please bear with me and know that you'll receive a reply ASAP! Thanks so much for your patience!

Operation Hokie Hope

2007-04-24T21:13:00.000-06:00

(Click on the Operation Hokie Hope link at right for info, for those of you just now hearing about it!)

Okay everyone, please remember that the deadline to mail your card for OHH is May 1st! It's quickly approaching and I would love to send as many physical representations of our prayers and thoughts of hope that I can to those at Virginia Tech. I know you do too.

Also, thank you soooo very much to those of you who have posted about the cause on your own blogs and in your online groups. I really, really appreciate it. What a wonderful age we live in where knowledge has the potential to be spread instantaneously. Amazing, isn't it?

Send your cards to:

Operation Hokie Hope
2038 S. 17th Street
Rogers, Arkansas 72758

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at delaneygates@yahoo.com.

Lastly, please feel free to use the OHH image I created at the link in furthering the cause.

So, this is me being poetic... Again...

2007-04-24T12:26:00.000-06:00

So, I thought today's earlier post needed a friend...

So here it is... They belong beside each other, don't you think?

Click to enlarge, if needed.

P.S. See today's earlier post for my uber-uncharacteristic delve into photo poetry.

Poetry?? What the &%@#??

2007-04-24T09:30:00.000-06:00

So, I was surfing through different blogs last night, and low and behold, rediscovered a form of poetry which I actually received an "A" on in AP English waaaay back in high school... Haiku, it's called. I know you've heard of it. What I hadn't heard of was something called Haiga. Though I'm sure I learned about it during that little unit in class, I have since forgotten. (Sorry Ms. Fields. Lol.) Anyway, it's like Haiku, but with a photo. Sooooo... Being the artsy-creative person that I am, I grabbed my camera and went outside. Unfortunately, I do not have a green thumb, so the only thing worth taking a photo of in my yard was this dandelion... So, I did what I could with what I had... Maybe my brain was way out there and no one gets this? Or maybe it's just too simplistic that it's laughable? Ah well... It's my first (~And most likely last... Lol.) crack at Haiga- I suppose I can't be tooo hard on myself, now can I?

Anyone know anything about poetry want to take a crack at critique?? Go ahead. I have a hard shell. I can take it. :)

Happy Tuesday ladies and gentlemen.

Vintage Made New...

2007-04-23T07:56:00.000-06:00

My sweet mother left this fabulous (~And super long! Lol.) comment on my blog... Rather than "approving" the comment, I thought I'd share it here instead:

Nothing fancy is required for a quick "handbag refreshening kit." For any metal trim, Brasso is great, but also MAAS brand All Metal Polishing Cream is totally awesome at returning any kind of metal to a sparkling shine.

For cleaning the outside, use GOOP original waterless mechanics hand cleaner (~Found in the automotive section of any Walmart, Dollar General, ect). Rub it on and wipe off with a damp cloth.

If you are blessed with a patent leather bag: For a super shine, rub patent leather with vaseline, let set overnight, wipe the purse off with paper towel in the morning, then buff with a dry cloth towel. Car wax is also an oldie but goodie at restoring shine. Shoe polish (~Not liquid, but the type in the little can.) is also terrific at restoring new life to any kind of leather. Just match the color of the shoe polish with the color of the purse.

To remove a mildewy smell, line bag with crumpled newspaper, place in a few charcoal briquettes, close back up and leave for a week or so. Also, you can try spritzing the interior with lemon juice and placing purse (opened) out in the sun.(test small area for color fastness first).

Can we say genius?? Thanks so much mom for your tips! They are much appreciated!

Random Photos of my House

2007-04-22T14:21:00.000-06:00

I wanted to show you a bit of my style.

It's called champagne taste on a beer budget, as so eloquently defined by my mother. Lol. I suppose I've always had that kind of taste. I do what I can with what I have. I have to remind myself sometimes that hey, I'm only 23. I've got the mama thing down. The creative thing down. I have a lifetime to "build up" my happy little abode...

So, I'm content with where I'm at.

Just a lazy Spring afternoon here at the Gates house...

Catching up on the news...

Catching up on some creative time...

Catching up on custom orders...

Etsy has been down, so that's been a bit of a challenge...

I do, however, hear my new Jane magazine calling my name...

Divine Pick of the Day

2007-04-21T07:56:00.000-06:00

So, I've started a new blog...
Check it out HERE.
It will be updated each and every day!
What do you think?

2007-04-20T17:54:00.000-06:00

Trying to be artistic here.

Executing a photo shoot and all...

With my new best friend.

It's vintage.

Ooh la la.

It needs some lovin.

Brasso...

Some polish of some sort.

But oh, I'm in love with it.

My dear mother gave it to me today.

I'm stoked.

Indeed I am.

Anyone have any tips on vintage purse care?

I'd love to hear 'em.

2007-04-20T14:39:00.000-06:00

Operation Hokie Hope is really coming together. I really appreciate everyone who has emailed me and offered to spread the word. The more prayers and thoughts of hope that are sent, the better.

See the post below this one for more details about Operation Hokie Hope.

In synopsis:

Operation Hokie Hope is a greeting card drive meant to gather physical representations of our prayers and thoughts of hope for those at Virginia Tech. Please send your greeting card with your sentiment written inside to:

Operation Hokie Hope
2308 S. 17th Street
Rogers, Arkansas 72758

All cards received will be mailed in a large box to the appropriate parties at Virginia Tech.

Also, feel free to forward this information on and use the banner to help further this cause.

This weekend, I'll be working on orders for Divine Papers, but I'll report in again on Monday with an OHH opdate.

Blessings to all.

2007-04-19T21:31:00.000-06:00

All right ladies and gentlemen, here it is: The info for the greeting card drive I've been planning...

Please feel free to click on the photo to enlarge it, then save it and add it to your own blog or website.

Please spread the word.

As many prayers and messages of hope are needed.

2007-04-17T19:02:00.000-06:00

I was going through some old photos I've taken and ran across this one... I took it quite some time ago while the fam and I were having a picnic lunch in the park. Those are some pretty piled high sandwiches, eh?

Anyway, just wanted to share a happy moment with y'all... I won't be posting any new creations for a day or two as I am catching up on custom orders and some wholesale orders...

Also, and most importantly, tomorrow I'm going to be posting information about a greeting card drive I'm putting on for Virginia Tech. I'm going to gather as many cards as I can from scrapbookers and indie artists throughout the country and send them to the university. I can't fathom what they're going through. I mean, some of those people are my age! I think it would be nice to send a physical representation of our prayers and positive thoughts... Check back tomorrow for more info, please!

P.S. I will be photographing every single card I receive and sharing each of them on my blog, along with the person's name who sent it, and a link to each person's blog or shop.

Warm Regards,

Delaney

2007-04-16T17:16:00.000-06:00

Oh dear me, just how did this end up in my cart at Walmart today? I'll tell you how. Those darn complimentary frozen food bags at the end of the freezer aisles make it too tempting sometimes to smuggle something such as this through the entire store up to the front to check out... Especially if one says in a loud voice, "Oh, I hope our 100% fruit juice sorbet doesn't melt in this heat we're experiencing outside today!" Completely believable, don't you think?

Um. Yeah.

So, thank you Walmart, for providing those fabulous non-see-through paper bags for my ice cream. For some reason, I just feel better buying it when no one is able to glance over and see it next to the Healthy Choice diet dinners in my cart... Yes?

Sheesh. There's my daily calorie allowance all in a single pint.

Let's see... There are four (4) servings per container at 260 calories per serving... That's 1,040 calories in one pint.

Soooo... If a person, hypothetically of course, ate the whole thing and drank Diet Coke for the rest of the day, 1,040 calories for a day isn't too darn bad!

*grin*

2007-04-15T12:33:00.000-06:00

Well, as some of you may know, I was contacted about a prospective media opportunity...
It seemed like a for sure kind of thing judging from the way the individual was talking about it.

Alas, it was not.

Sadly, I will not be appearing on The Martha Stewart Show.

(Well, any time in the near future anyway...)

Although, I feel honored to even have been contacted in the first place.

That, I am proud of.

Soooo... I'll continue on doing what I'm doing, enjoying life and having fun.

Just as I always have.

Only, without Martha. :)

The above photos are brand new things listed at my Etsy shop today!

Does anyone else that reads this have an Etsy shop?

If so, I'd love to check it out! :)

Also, if you're waiting on a proof from me, I'm working on it! :)

2007-04-14T15:05:00.000-06:00

Just some random stuff I've done lately.

I've been so busy with orders.

I am thankful though.

I always say that's the best kind of problem to have.

Today, my son said taking naps wasn't fun.

So...

I told him to enjoy it while he could, because when he grows up...

He'll want to take a nap.

Like I do.

Then, I made a fort over his bed with a bedsheet.

That was cool.

More fun, I think.

He's asleep right now, in fact.

I think I'm going to take a quickie power nap too.

After all, I had to get up and work on orders at 6AM this morning.

On a Saturday??

Yep. I'm insane.

And tired.

2007-04-11T12:17:00.000-06:00

Tell you what, I feel like I'm living in a wind tunnel it's so windy here today! Before I stopped by the market today, I had my hair tied back in a knot. As I walked through the double doors (which thankfully acted as a mirror this morning), I pushed up my large Jackie O style sunglasses and had wisps of hair sticking out all over the place! Lol. I'm sure I was a sight to see. Ah well. I contemplated just putting the sunglasses back down over my eyes and hiding behind them as I walked the aisles in the store. Sadly though, this is Northwest Arkansas, not LA, so I'm sure I would have gotten some strange looks wearing my sunglasses in the building...

Also, I just have to say I am so thrilled to have overheard a little girl in C's preschool class today say, "No, I, want to do it!" Now I know my son is normal. Just kidding. He's a great kiddo. Exceptional really. (Although I suppose I am a bit partial.) It's just nice to be reminded that I'm not the only parent on the planet whose three year old insists on doing everything himself. :)

As for me, I am sore beyond belief. My husband and I started the Power 90 program. Google it. It's good stuff. I'm sure my muscles are in culture shock right now though.

"What's this? Working out? ~Annnd drinking water??!!"

Lol.

Now, in the world of Divine Papers...

The Filigree Fun Collection debuted today in my shop! (See photos above.)

Have a fabulous day everyone!

Cheers!

Delaney

2007-04-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here are several designes that debuted this week at Divine Papers!
There are many more in the shop!

Have a fabulous Monday everyone!

Oh, and if you missed it yesterday, scroll down and read about our happy Easter day!

2007-04-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

Whoa. It has been for evah since I've updated this thing! I really need to get blogging again..

So much to say.

Not enough time to say it in.

Mucho magic today folks.

I am proud to report that the Easter Bunny did eat the salad we left for him on the front porch.

He then left a trail of foil-wrapped chocolate eggs from my little guy's room to where his Easter basket was hidden in the living room. Kind of a scavenger hunt like that. You know. Make the kid work for the goods. Lol.

Anyway, the service this morning was very nice. After that, all of the extended family on my hubby's side congregated for brunch at his grandparents house. Seriously- it was like a classroom at an elementary school or something, there were so many kiddos running around! One of my jobs was "official egg hider". I had a blast. We had tonnnnns of eggs for the kiddos to hunt. Sooo much fun. What a memorable Easter.

Cute aside here: On the way home from church this morning in the car, my 3 year old asked "where Jesus was if he came back alive every Easter". Too darn cute, eh? Ah, the things kiddos say...

I'm thinking about adding Divine Papers to Myspace... Anyone else on it?

Have a Happy Easter everyone.

Oh, FYI: Before the chocolate-induced coma that I just awoke from a bit ago, I did still manage to stress the importance of the real meaning of Easter, amidst the bunnies and eggs, to my kiddo. Gotta do that.

Keep it real.

Have a fabulous week.

Check back soon. I'll write.

I promise.

P.S. Are you an indie crafter? Wanna link up? :)

2007-03-09T07:20:00.000-06:00

So, on the Yahoo! homepage this morning, I awoke to find a research article headline stating this: Child's Sleep Disorder Affects Parents Too. Um, you think? Here is the first paragraph of the article: "NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When children have sleep problems, their parents -- especially mothers -- often have sleep-deprived nights too, research shows." Here is the second paragraph: "In a study of families with children seen at a sleep clinic, researchers found that when children had multiple sleep problems, their parents were more likely to have daytime drowsiness." Seriously? That is what the researchers at Brown Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island are doing with their time? Good Lord! Any parent on the street could have told Dr. Julie Boergers and her research team that, don't you think? That's all for today everyone. I just had to share it. Lol.

2007-02-25T10:39:00.000-06:00

The moment I saw this necklace, I fell in love with it! I purchased it from Paper and Glue on Etsy. (For only $12.00 ladies and gentlemen! What a deal for a handcrafted piece such as this!) Here's the funny thing- everything in her shop is made from neither paper nor glue! What a clever name. Most definitely memorable. Anyway, Paper and Glue has a few more button necklaces left, so if you'd like one, click on over there right now! They ship to the States from Canada and they appear to be very, very well made. I can't wait to receive mine!

2007-02-24T21:45:00.000-06:00

I'm in the pink and black groove tonight! The top item is the first design in a new series of correspondence cards! Only $6.00 for an ensemble of six! Check out www.divinepapers.com for details!

I'm exausted. I've been working all day. (Working with paper, that is.) Who knew that this could be tiring? I would never have guessed it. However, there is the prospect of a huge opportunity happening for my little business, so life is good. :)

2007-02-24T10:28:00.000-06:00

These monogrammed calendars are sure to be a hit at the office on your filing cabinet or on the family fridge in the kitchen! Now at Divine Papers, these are made right when ordered, according to your specifications!

It's a little dreary here in Arkansas right now. It's raining. However, my morning latte cheered me right up! I was up by 5am on a Saturday morning! How crazy is that?! A wise man once told me that in order to have a productive nine to five, one must have a productive five to nine. That is oh-so-true. I can't believe all I've gotten accomplished already this morning!

I have to run- lots of orders to ship out today!

Have a great weekend everyone!

2007-02-21T15:03:00.000-06:00

Check out these fabulous postcards brand new in stock at Divine Papers! Thoughtfully chosen and separated into coordinating ensembles for fashion addicts or chic mamas (There's even one for a young and happpenin' guy!), these images have been hand-cut from magazines and permanently adhered to postcards!

So, do your part to help the environment- purchase a set today!

Pssst: After your purchase, send me a note that you saw the postcards on my blog and receive 10% off! Don't pay until I send you a revised invoice, okay?

Have a fabulous Wednesday, everyone!

2007-02-17T14:55:00.000-06:00

Showing a bit of Valley's Day love y'all.

A bit late, I know.

The first two valentines, I made.

Gotta love the loot from the preschool class in the last photo too.

Miss those days.

Sooo busy here.

Anyone need custom wedding or shower favor tags?

Give me a shout! :)

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!

Cheers!

Delaney

2007-02-13T00:54:00.000-06:00

*Sigh*

Please bear with me as Etsy is currently down!

Thanks everyone!

2007-02-11T08:22:00.000-06:00

Here are some highlights of what is in my store right now at http://www.DivinePapers.com!

Life has been going well down here in the South. We managed to cram in a few good snowball fights before all of the snow melted. (With some yummy hot cocoa after, of course.) It's so nice to be able to drive about the city again without worry of slipping and sliding into anyone!

Love is in the air! I love Valentine's Day! It quite possibly may rank in my top two holidays... This afternoon, I expect my little guy and I will be creating valentines for all of our relatives. He just loves that. When we're through, I'm sure we'll be sitting in a sea of patterned paper scraps, with ink and paint all over our hands. Gotta love that. Oh, how I love being crafty. :)

Well, the coffee pot is calling my name.

Pssst: 50% off stickers, clear stamps, paper punches, and other scrapbooking goodies at Hobb Lobb this week! :)

Oh, how I do appreciate a good sale.

Happy Sunday everyone!

2007-02-06T09:49:00.000-06:00

Acrylic and found papers on gallery wrapped canvas.

No need to frame.

Ready to hang.

Now available at Divine Papers !

My new store web address is:

www.divinepapers.com !

If I still haven't responded to an email of yours, trust me, it's coming today! Please bear with me as I'm taking more custom orders than usual due to the response of my new store.

Thanks so much for understanding!

Have a great day everyone!

Cheers!

Delaney

2007-02-03T07:16:00.000-06:00

Good morning all!

Just have a second.

Off to make blueberry muffins for the fam.

Check out my Etsy store (Link at right.) to see these newly added wonders of paper goodness!

Happy Saturday everyone!

Cheers!

2007-02-02T23:29:00.000-06:00

Good news peeps!
Check out Offbeat Bride to read about purchasing wedding supplies through Etsy, the home of my new store!

The good news, you ask?

Divine Papers was one of the selected merchants featured in today's write up!
(You'll have to scroll waaaay down to the bottom to see the featured merchant section.)

Here's what the reviewer said about my happy shop:

"New to Etsy, this professional (and beautiful) graphic designer specializes in custom work for special occasions — everything from favor tags to thank you cards and beyond — and comes with tons of experience."

I know it's short and sweet, but I am seriously *stoked* ladies and gentlemen!

Okay, shameless self promotion over.

Continue on with your regularly scheduled program.

Nighty night!

P.S. Tomorrow I'll include some photos of what I've been up to lately!

2007-01-31T09:54:00.000-06:00

I've been so busy lately.
Many clients.
Many orders.
Nooo time for the fun schtuff.
~Like blogging, for instance.
Or sleep.
*Sigh*
However, congratulations to Miss Lauren Nelson, who was crowned the new 2007 Miss America on Monday evening!
Did you miss the pageant?
Consider this my public service announcement to you all.
If you're interested in catching it, the pageant will be re-aired!

Here's the schedule:
This is on CMT, by the way.
All times are Eastern/Pacific.
Thursday, February 1 at 10:00 p.m.
Friday, February 2 at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 3 at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m.

I am proud to say that two of my top five picks that I chose at the beginning of the pageant made it to the first runner up (Miss Texas) and snagged the title herself (Miss Oklahoma)!

So next year, I think I'll have a Miss America watch party and take bets...

Lol.

Have a happy and creative day everyone!

2007-01-28T09:44:00.000-06:00

Just have a moment.

A few photos of goodies.

Find 'em in my Etsy store.

Fun valentines.

Wild Asparagus tags.

Good times.

Happy Sunday everyone!

2007-01-28T00:56:00.000-06:00

I'm a bit late posting Saturday's Divine Pick of the Day, but better late than never, right? Cup Couture is a must-have staple for today's caffiene-addicted albeit stylish individual. I found this fab invention at Wishing Fish. (Click on the photo above to check out their site!)

(Pssst- this one is only $10.00!! A bargain considering it's super-easy to clean and will last for practically forever. Well, until those innovative entrepreneurs come out with a new must-have design in your favorite color...)

Cup Couture.
Who would have thought?
Genius.
Utterly genius.

Well, it's after 1am here.
I'm going to hit the rack.

Night all.

2007-01-27T00:39:00.000-06:00

This isn't a Divine Pick of the Day.

This isn't a creative project I'm dying to share with you.

This is a letter.

To my husband.

Chances are, he isn't going to read this.

That's okay.

Here goes:

Seriously? How on earth can you get a Toblerone in your Christmas stocking over a month ago and still have some left? Please enlighten me, because I really don't understand. If I was the one to receive it, it wouldn't last a day in the cupboard. So I have a sweet tooth... We know that. But a month? C'mon man! Please, do me a favor.

Hurry up and eat it.

So it stops calling my name.

There.

Rant over.

Thanks for listening.

And [maybe] understanding. :)

Goodnight all!

Sweet dreams.

2007-01-26T10:07:00.000-06:00

Today's Divine Pick of the Day hails from Ballard Designs ! These fabulous clipboards make an elegant accessory for an otherwise ho-hum desk and add a bit of fabulousness to any project in progress. Available in shades of pink, green and chocolate brown, these retail for $29.00. Enjoy!

Have a happy Friday everyone!

Cheers,

Delaney

2007-01-25T19:59:00.000-06:00

It's time for "Divine Pick of the Day"! Aren't these little baby shoes to die for?! I happened upon them today and couldn't resist sharing them with you. That's what the Divine Pick of the Day is for- to share things that must be shared. These cutie shoes are completely handsewn and are one-of-a-kind.

Ready for the really divine part? They're only $22.00!

Quite a bargain, if you ask me.

Check 'em out here, at Herbst Handmade:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=102440

Have a fantastic Thursday evening everyone!

2007-01-25T06:32:00.000-06:00

Just have a few moments to chat.

That's some rockin' jewelry, eh?

I think so too.

It's created by a fabulous new-to-Etsy shop called Dreamin' of Beadin'.

Check it out here:

http://www.dreaminofbeadin.etsy.com

See the banner at the top Dreamin' of Beadin's store??

I made that!

Which brings me to my next exciting endeavor...

I'm branching out into digital design!

So excited.

Teaching myself...

Now there's a party...

(I have soooo much to learn!)

In the short time I've been selling on Etsy...

I've already had several custom banner requests!

Look for premade banners as well as custom banners soon!

I'll have detailed ordering info here on the blog as well...

I have to run now, my fellow creative souls~

Look for a new element of my blog soon:

It's called "Divine Pick of the Day".

It'll be worth the wait.

Promise.

*Wink*

2007-01-23T16:13:00.000-06:00

I've reached a milestone today. My first ETSY purchase! I thought it was only appropriate that since I've started listing on ETSY (Shameless plug for Divine Papers, I know... Lol.), I should also purchase from the said site as well. This is the find of a lifetime for me. Now, I can bring a little of the Starbucks-understated-fabulousness into my home! These are mosaic coasters created from used Starbucks gift cards! Aren't they wonderful?!

Pssst: They're created by Flawed Flock. I've heard they have a multitude of giftcards sitting around... Check 'em out and maybe if you ask nicely, they'll create a custom order for you!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8366

Also, since we're in the world of fabulousness today, that brings me to the oh-so-talented and personable (~Not to mention the fact that she's a total cutie!) Wendy Updegraff! (She blogs! http://www.updycrafts.blogspot.com/ ) Wendy is the co-owner of POPIN Children's Boutique in Jacksonville, Florida. If you're ever in the area, you should totally stop by. ~Complete eye candy, judging from the pictures on POPIN's homepage, below:

http://www.shoppopin.com

If you're not in the Jacksonville area (Which, sadly, I'm not either.), you can shop online!

Anyway, tag, I'm it! Wendy tagged me earlier to list six weird things about myself! Good times! Here they are:

1. The security guards at the National Archives in DC came after me once. (Note To Self: Make sure camera flash is off before taking photo of the Declaration of Independence. Um, yeah...)

2. I sometimes purchase things I don't need on the basis of color alone. (Example: A few months ago, I bought a fab turquoise car washing bucket. Lol.)

3. I hoard Crane & Co. Stationary. Hoard it.

4. Back in the day, Lee Greenwood once sang to me. (God Bless The USA)

5. Whenever I smell the scent of PVC plastic, it takes me back to the days of Mc Donald's Happy Meals. (You know- with the really fun plastic chicken nugget toys... Remember those?)

6. I purchase my salad dressing right from Olive Garden. Love that stuff.

Psssst! Here's proof of #4...

(Like I said... Waaaay back in the day!)

Have a happy and creative day everyone!

Cheers!

Delaney

2007-01-21T19:13:00.000-06:00

I'm. So. Excited.
I finally opened my ETSY store!
I only have one thing listed right now...
But there will be more soon!

Check it out!

http://www.divinepapers.etsy.com

Lemme know whatcha think, k? :)

2007-01-20T18:56:00.000-06:00

Those who are closest to me know that I unintentionally over-analyze things at times... Heck, I even catch myself analyzing my analysis... Case in point:

I'm walking through the grocery store a few days ago. I have a habit of leisurely browsing through the produce section first. Don't ask. It's what I do. We always have a variety of fresh fruit at our house: Pears, nectarines, kiwis, oh my! Good stuff...

Anyway, my last stop (due to the layout of the store) is the chip aisle. We just happened to be out of both tortilla chips and good ol' Lays Classic Potato Chips on the same day... So, I put both bags into my cart. Here is the question of the day though people:

Why did I feel the need to adjust the location of the produce in my cart, to where those bags were clearly visible next to the oh-so-unhealthy chips?

As I wandered to the magazine aisle, I was subconsiously forced to dwell on that!! Am I that concerned at what Mr. or Mrs. Joe Schmo thinks while I pass by them in the aisle?! "Yes, I'm a good mom! Yes, my family eats healthy! Yes, I know I could be in better physical shape, but I'm not just eating these chips! The fruit is right here too, see!?"

~Or maybe it's more for myself than anyone... ~Almost as if I need a reminder that "Yes, I do eat healthy. It's okay to have a couple of chips with a sandwich and fruit for lunch!"

Who the heck knows...

Food for thought....

2007-01-18T14:01:00.000-06:00

Seriously? Two months? Where in the heck have I been?! For my first post in seemingly forever, I'll just add a bunch of pictures of what I've been up to lately... I've been dabbling in watercolour a bit as well. Good times... :)

More soon!
(I promise. I have a really funny quirk to tell you about myself!) Lol.

Pardon The Dust...

2006-11-26T01:16:00.000-06:00

Please pardon the insane formatting on my blog during the next few days as I updated my Blogger format and now have to re-customize a few things!

Thanks!

:)

The Queen

2006-11-26T00:36:00.000-06:00

Yes.
Indeed I am.
The Queen of Pancake-Making.
They're perfect every time.
I almost took a picture of the golden stack this morning, drizzled with warm maple syrup and butter...
Almost.
That would have been waaay too scrapbookerly of me though.
I'm not in that deep yet.
Yet.
Had to share.
I'm proud of myself.
Taking off my crown now.
Going to bed.
Sweet dreams everyone.
Lol.
What a strange blog entry.
Sheesh.

In A Nutshell...

2006-11-24T23:36:00.000-06:00

Whew.
What a crazy couple of days I've had.
My Ebay goodies are now {finally} online!
Check 'em out!

Let's see...
Today's events...
Starbucks...
Company of people whom I love dearly...
Long car ride...
Bass Pro Shop...
Lots of cutie animals...
Nascar experience...
Loads of people with carts filled with mossy oak...
(Lol.)
Starbucks again...
Another long car ride...
Yep, that's about it...
Good times...
Fun times...
Sweet dreams everyone.
I'll update again soon.
I promise. :)

Sneak Peeks

2006-11-23T15:06:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! These are a few sneak peeks of some items I'll be listing on Ebay tonight after Grey's Anatomy! Check back for more soon!

A must watch...

2006-11-23T08:28:00.000-06:00

I found this online.
Please watch it.
For the sake of the little guy in the video.
Watching this could save lives.
Please.

Thanksgiving Twenty

2006-11-21T09:55:00.000-06:00

Good Tuesday morning everyone! Here are my answers to Sophia's blog challenge! Love those challenges!

Do you cook all or part of the meal?
Seriously? All of the meal? Not a chance. Lol.

How much do you spend buying groceries for the meal?
Since I don't cook the entire meal, not much!

Do you eat at home or go to someone else's?
Depending on the year, either my parent's house 20 minutes away or the in-laws relatives in Oklahoma.

Describe your perfect bite?
I'm a seperator. I don't combine ingredients on my plate. Ever. Everything is in its own little section.

White meat or dark?
Most definitely white if I have my choice. I'm not too picky in that department though.

Stuffing with giblets or without?
I don't do stuffing. Craziness, I know. (Others in my family prefer without giblets though.)

Anything you won't eat at the Thanksgiving meal?
Not a huge fan of sweet potatoes. Until my eighteenth birthday, I was forced to take a couple bites of everything though. Lol.

Carve Mr. Gobble at the table or serve on a platter?
Serve it on a pretty platter baby!

Favorite pie?
Mom's homemade Chocolate French Silk. Sinful, I tell you.

Formal table or Chinet?
Depends on the place of dinner consumption. I prefer a pretty table with the formal dishes and stemware.

Your menu?
Traditional stuff. Nothing more or less. Once we ate dessert before the meal though. That changed things up a bit. Lol. Good times in my family...

Favorite leftover?
Mashed potatoes with a lot o' butter. My arteries are still recovering from last Thanksgiving's leftovers. You only live once, right?

Extended family, friends, both or just the immediate family for dinner?
Extended family from out of town. (And friends, if they need a place. Of course.)

After dinner, do you go to the latest movie or football on TV?
Dallas Cowboys baby! Every year. Without exception. I married into a HUGE family of Cowboys fans.

Do you watch the Macy's Parade?
You betta believe it! One of my favorite parts of the day!

Christmas decorations up before or after?
The weekend after. Always. It's tradition.

Black Friday shopping or sleep in?
Sleep the heck in. (Oh, wait, that was BEFORE kids. Sleep in now? Ha! I wish.) I shop online, by the way. No patience for crowds.

Any special Thanksgiving tradition?
We all tell what we're thankful for while sitting around the table... It's nice. A little mushy. But nice.

Favorite thing about Thanksgiving?
Can I say guilt free consumption of French Silk Pie?

Favorite Thanksgiving memory?
Hmmm. That's a toughie. Not one memory for me in general, I suppose... Probably just the feeling of bountiful happiness. I'm serious.

Crossed Over

2006-11-17T20:33:00.000-06:00

It's official.
I've crossed over.
No, not to the Dark Side.
To the Mom Side.
No longer is a holiday an excuse to rip open a want I've so graciously purchased for myself. Now don't get me wrong, I like to think I have style. Class. Trendy taste.
I'm preserving it.
Not with money though.
Not any more.
It's right here.
Proof that I've crossed over.
Right on this page.
Not in my closet.
11.17.06

To see a full view of this scrapbook page I created today, check out my gallery link on the right...

Have a happy Friday evening everyone.

Do you believe things happen for a reason?

2006-11-17T12:01:00.000-06:00

I do.
I read the phrase below on a scrapbooking layout today.
I really needed to read those words.
I feel as though I read that for a reason.
It helped.
A tiny, tiny bit.
"I need to be my own number one."
Interesting...
That's all for today.
It's enough.

So Very True...

2006-11-13T11:19:00.000-06:00

Footprints on the Heart

Some people come into our lives
and quickly go.
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us
to new understanding
with the passing whisper
of their wisdom.
Some people make
the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for awhile,
leave footprints on our hearts
And we are never, ever the same.

Ever.

How Divine.

2006-11-08T17:04:00.000-06:00

Since the title of my blog is "Elegance. Redefined." I thought I'd include quick tidbits every now and then that focus on that exact theme...

These Santa-list inspired towels I ran across online today are the epidome of simple elegance. They're so divine! (Which towel would you use?) Just thought I'd share a little holiday eye candy. Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday eveyone!

Changes, changes...

2006-11-05T17:09:00.000-06:00

Wow.
Changes are all around me.
The weather.
My appearance.
My little boy.
My home.
Change can be good.
Remaining true to oneself despite impending change can be even better.
So, here's to me:
(Raising my Starbucks Nonfat Vanilla Venti Latte...)
May I deal with change and stay true to myself.
May the upcoming Winter bring great things.
May all of the love I am fortunate to have in my life remain strong.
May I continue to be alert to all of the blessings I have and be thankful for all of the fabulous people I am so fortunate to know and be related to.

That's all for now.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Self Preservation

2006-10-20T19:23:00.000-06:00

As I type these words, I'm snacking on a bit o' Papa John's goodness, I'm anticipating the Jennifer Aniston flick I'm about to pop in the DVD player, and I'm contemplating whether or not to go for the Diet Coke I want or the bottle of water that I seriously need and should be drinking instead.

During the last year and a half since my husband has been in Iraq, I've done a lot of soul searching. I've found myself. If someone told me two years ago that I'd be spending every single night alone (Well, except for the company of my little guy, of course.), I'd say 'Nope. I think I would go insane for fear of intruders in the middle of the night.' Lol. Seriously.

Glad I got over that.

(I don't even sleep with the police-grade baton anymore.)
Aren't you proud?
On occasion, I've even fallen asleep without the pepper spray too.
Seriously.
I. Was. That. Freaked. Out.
I'm strong though.
I'm independent.
Very.
I'm going to preserve a bit of myself on this little happy blog tonight.
I might even print it out.
Stick it in my little memory box.
Maybe I'll read it again in (God willing) fifty years or so.

Here goes:
I'm a list maker.
I try to be organized.
I suffer from what I've learned is labeled as "Perfectionist Procrastination".
I don't want to start something unless I can execute it perfectly.
According to my list, that is.
I've purchased a book about organization.
Reading it is on my To-Do list.
This is really me.
Not one of those I like scrapbooking and the color pink lists.
The real me.
Shamefuly honest and unedited.
I'm brainstorming about a new business.
Okay, when haven't I been doing that?
I'm always coming up with hair-brained business ideas.
(I think I get that from my Dad, by the way.)
Those close to me can attest to that.
I seriously should write a book on home business ideas.
Add that to my list of home business ideas. Lol.
I analyze.
All the time.
About everything.
The wheels never stop turning.
I read into things too much.
It gets me into trouble at times, but I can't help it.
It's how I think.
I'd be content eating Lean Cuisine glazed chicken and rice for the rest of my life.
It tastes good.
With no effort.
I could not live without my microwave.
My sister cooks elaborate meals.
I just am not like that.
It drains me.
I'd rather be doing creative things.
I suppose cooking can be creative.
Maybe I'll get into it one day.
I think I will.
I do enjoy cooking desserts though.
That, I get from my Mom.
I enjoy having a system.
A process for doing things I do on a regular basis.
For example, I put my makeup on in the exact same order every day.
Does anyone else do that?
Is it a girl thing or just a Delaney thing?
Who the heck knows.
I enjoy developing my son's mind.
We read all the time.
He really amazes me sometimes.
His memory is better than mine.
I think I have a photographic memory.
I have a humorous, sarcastic outlook during really crappy situations.
I've found this helps me stay sane.
I'd rather laugh than cry, you know?
WOW. This is so random.
It has no flow.
This is totally not how I write.
I'm seriously considering deleting all of it and just going to watch my DVD.
Hmmmm.

Things I Love: (Besides the people in my life.)

"The Way I See Its" on Starbucks cups.
That I sometimes wake up at 3am wide awake. I feel like I have an advantage starting out the day early.
The fact that things like kiwis, pineapple, and Mackintosh apples are actually good for the bod.
The fact that I indulge in Coke Icees even though they aren't.
The feeling of people loving me for me. Not for who I was. Or for who I could be.
Checking off a task from my list.
Finding a really cool color combination.
The sense of urgency I feel in airports.
Accomplishing something on my own when people tell me I should ask for help.
The way my son shouts "Mama!!" when he first sees me at the door to his preschool classroom. Being needed is good. Needing can be good to, I have found.
The fact that I was taught how to be a good mother by a good mother's example.
The way my supplies smell from Signed Sealed & Delivered.
My featherbed. Totally.
There's more. Of course. I just want to hurry up and watch my movie.

Anyway... There's so much more to write. I just don't feel like I have the time right now to do it all justice though. I'll write more tomorrow. More self preservation. Take two.

Well, I suppose I didn't delete all of this. That's good. Off to grab a Diet Coke.

Yeah, I opted for that.

Carpe diem, you know?

I'm just a creative soul trying to preserve herself.

That's all.

Renewed

2006-10-15T06:22:00.000-06:00

I feel renewed.

Excited about the ideas I have.

Ready to turn them into reality.

I have a plan.

Nothing too huge.

I'm all about family.

It's good for me though.

Wish me luck.

Thanks Kayla.

By the way, here is my super-simple Ebay auction banner that I created for the top of my auctions! Check out www.divinepapers.com to see my latest creations!

I'll be adding an album entitled "Pregnancy Memories" tonight!

Honoring Bravery...

2006-10-14T05:06:00.000-06:00

My God.
This was just released to the public.
I have no words eloquent enough to do justice to the honor of this great hero.
Read the news story below for yourself.
Send prayers to his family.
It's the least we can do.
Please.

A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite force said.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret.
"He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs' lives, and we owe him."
Monsoor, a 25-year-old gunner, was killed in the explosion in Ramadi, west of Baghdad.
In an interview at the SEALs' West Coast headquarters in Coronado, four members of the special force remembered "Mikey" as a loyal friend and a quiet, dedicated professional.
"He was just a fun-loving guy," said a 26-year-old petty officer 2nd class who went through the grueling 29-week SEAL training with Monsoor. "Always got something funny to say, always got a little mischievous look on his face."
Other SEALS described the Garden Grove, Calif., native as a modest and humble man who drew strength from his family and his faith. His father and brother are former Marines, said a 31-year-old petty officer 2nd class.
Prior to his death, Monsoor had already demonstrated courage under fire. He has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions May 9 in Ramadi, when he and another SEAL pulled a team member shot in the leg to safety while bullets pinged off the ground around them.
Monsoor's funeral was held Thursday at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. He has also been submitted for an award for his actions the day he died.

30 Ways to Eat a Pumpkin...

2006-10-12T03:39:00.000-06:00

Yep.
Pretty crazy huh.
Thirty ways to eat a pumpkin.
Right here.
So, get in the spirit of Autumn,
and check out this link...
http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/43189/30-ways-to-eat-a-pumpkin
I know.
I'm up at 4:30am getting ideas on how to cook a pumpkin.
How Martha Stewart am I?
Wait. Don't answer that.
Have a fabulous Thursday.
Grey's is on!
Life is grand.
Over and out.

Blog Challenge

2006-10-11T01:15:00.000-06:00

Here are my answers to today's blog challenge!

1) When was the last time you truly watched at a sunset?
Two-ish? years ago in Michigan the night before my best friend's wedding.

2) What are you most obsessive about?
Proper grammar.

3) Last thing you ate?
Aside from my late night Starbucks vanilla latte, glazed chicken, wild rice and green beans.

4) Any plans for Halloween?
Trick or treating with my little Superman, of course! What the heck, I may dress up too...

5) What kind of shampoo do you like?
Pantene, baby! (With "matching" conditioner, of course. They must match. Always.)

6) What do you do with your change?
I don't change. I'm a creature of habit. *wink* Oh- you're speaking in a monetary sense, I presume? I toss it into the super-convenient change holder in my car after it clinks around in my purse for a bit.

7) What do you usually do/eat at lunchtime?
I eat lunch every day at home with my son and have some of the greatest conversation in the world. God, I love him.

8) When was the last time you called someone for help? What was it for?
I honestly can't remember. I have this complex about needing to do things on my own... Seriously.

9) If you could have one TOY for Christmas, what would it be?
A monogramed embosser.

10) How many people have you currently not forgiven for something/do you hold a grudge against?
Ooh, I'm going to keep thinking happy thoughts today! I plead the fifth.

Flying Down Highway 102

2006-10-10T00:42:00.000-06:00

I swear, my mother's words traveled down Highway 102 and came flying out of my mouth earlier today...

"Would you talk to your teacher that way?" I asked my three year old after he protested something random I asked of him. I honestly don't even remember my request, but that's beside the point.

If you're reading this Mom, then I suppose your teachings stuck with me a tad more than you thought at the time, eh? Lol.

After my amusement at what I had just spoken, trying to hide the half smile on my face from my son, I contemplated this very concept:

Why do we as human beings, at times, give more respect to those we barely know, rather than to those we love most? After tossing this back and forth in my mind all day, my analysis took shape.

I mean, I'm probably more polite to the lady at the checkout counter in Walmart than I have been in years past to my own family members. Ever do that? It's not real though. You put on a fake smile, say you're doing well... Ask how she is doing, in her little blue vest, with her required twenty pieces of flair on it...

(Anyone catch that allusion? Diehard Office Space fanatic here.)

Sometimes I'm tempted to tell it how it is.

"I'm doing horribly, thank you for asking. My son is overdue for a nap, I'm tired of reading signs in Spanish, and I have a deadline I'm late on."

Yeah right. I'll stick with the fake stuff for people I don't know.

My point exactly. Save the real stuff for people I'm comfortable with. The true life stuff. Coarse. Sucky at times. But that's life. Thank the good Lord the happy days outweigh the not-so-good ones, right? :)

In continuation, showing lack of verbal respect usually occurs when the guilty party is upset with the said loved one. The guilty party has a high comfort zone with the said loved one. Therefore, the guilty party feels comfortable opening themselves up to sharing the frustration through the venting of their frustration on the said loved one. While this level of comfort is a good thing (It shows trust.), it can temporarily harm the relationship through utterly verbose streams of nonsense.

Here's the bottom line: If you find yourself in the shoes of the guilty party (wildly waving hand here), take a step back. Take a breath, and explain to your loved one that you only had a temporary slip of the tongue due to your high level of trust and comfort with the object of your most unnecessary negati-

Seriously. Like that battle plan would work in a heated verbal war. Lol.

Anyway, you get the point.

Random thoughts for the day...

Take 'em or leave 'em.

It's 2am here.
I'm freaking tired.
How insane am I to be up at this hour blogging about analytical nonsense I've been tossing around?

Don't answer that.

Goodnight all.

Worthy homepage headline? You decide.

2006-10-09T16:16:00.000-06:00

So I'm at the Yahoo! home page to get my daily dose of news headlines and after I study the North Korea situation, my eyes skim down a few headlines and...

Oh. My. Lord.

"Hilton, Richie seen together at LA Steakhouse"

Wow. Can you imagine the effect this has on the American people? Thank goodness it was on the Yahoo! home freaking page or else I might have missed this must-read tidbit. Don't get me wrong, I love to live vicariously through my People magazine as much as the next stay at home mom who wears comfy pants, an Old Navy t-shirt and StazOn ink on her hands from an album she's about to post on Ebay at 5:17pm. ~But I digress....

My point is: Seriously? Seriously?

If one could only see the look of exasperated-I-don't-give-a-darn-confusion on my face right now...

On a home page? A few lines away from prospect of nuclear war?

That's all for today ladies and gentlemen.

Back to my hole filled with patterned paper, ribbons, ink, and embroidery floss...

Sneak Peeks!

2006-10-09T09:53:00.000-06:00

Here are a few sneak peeks of a luxurious 6x6 Princess album I'm going to list on Ebay later today! It's created with different shades of pink and brown! So fun. I spent two days creating it! Just click on the link to the right to see my latest Ebay auctions! Have a very happy Monday!

5 bottles of Jergens on the wall...

2006-10-05T14:03:00.000-06:00

Call me obsessive compulsive. Call me resistant to change. Call me a traditionalist. ~But don't call me out of my favorite lotion!!!

(At least, not anymore.)

When I discovered that Jergens lotion changed their lineup, I was crushed. So, being the resourceful individual that I am, not to mention "creature of habit" that I've been referred to on more than one occasion, I made a phone call to my Jergens representative whose phone number was so conveniently listed on the back label of my empty bottle of Jergens lotion. Alas, my favorite lotion is being discontinued. No longer can I walk into my local supermarket (More commonly referred to as a supercenter by Walmart USA residents here at the hub of the retail giant's home office where I reside.) and purchase my Jergens. It's official.

~And now for the reason why most of you are probably here reading this... :)

Have you ever had a product discontinued that you adored? My friendly Jergens representative helpfully gave my the name of this fabulous website:
www.medichest.com
Inside this so-called chest of yesteryear, a desperate soul will find just about any product that has been discontinued! It's a great site! A bit prehistoric in design, I'll admit, however, it is packed with items who used to to have their very own SKU number... Check it out.

My, um, five bottles of lotion were just dropped off at my doorstep today!

A Seemingly Random Photo...

2006-10-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

So, here is the new wallpaper on my phone. ~Pretty unexpected coming from someone who usually gravitates toward girly-girl inspired decor, I know. However, if you haven't watched Superman Returns, run [don't walk] to go watch it! Elements of romance, drama, and fabulous conspiracy are entertwined throughout! Anyway, just wanted to share...

*wink*