Sunday, December 27, 2009

this and that and this and that

Long post alert! You might want to grab a hot cocoa for this one.

presents
I thought this would make a fun(ny) opening image. It is my new elfin door and lantern directly from my Christmas list. When the backyard is not so slushy, we will hang them at the base of a tree. Ever since I was little, I have always loved the idea of elves, fairies, or mouse families living behind wee doors.



While I'm showing presents here is a stack of favorites. (I believe they are all from Amazon)



swap
Around Halloween I read this about myself at the sweet Mary's Meanderings blog:

I had never been involved in a swap before though Elyse over at
cottage is always talking about swaps. Of course Elyse has things that people are just loving to have so I can see why they would want to swap with her!!!

I was so tickled when I read this that I asked Mary if she would like to do a little swap together. I don't think either of us were thinking about the approaching holidays but we happily planned our exchange. My treats from Mary arrived on Christmas Eve!


Click to enlarge

Mary assembled the most wonderful assortment of pretty and unique and thoughtful things.



Test tubes! I think these are so cool when filled with glitter and mica. I found cork stoppers and am going to have fun filling these for experiments in the shabboratory. (tee hee)



Lip balm from Mary's shop. Did you know that Mary is a beekeeper? She is one cool lady!



A personalized packet of seeds from Mary's garden to mine.



Love this vintage ornament



This note touched my heart. It was attached to a box of mini hotel sewing kits. So fun! Thank you so much, Mary!

such pretty treats



I was the lucky winner of a giveaway from Jessica at Such Pretty Things. I GASPed twice over my win because Jessica blogs about amazing shopping trips to NYC (although even her Target runs are made pretty amazing) and I knew that whatever she put together as the prize would be stunning.



Jessica packaged everything so artfully that I am thinking of keeping it as-is, maybe placing it in a frame or shadow box.

tinkering



My enjoyment of decorating small matchboxes continues. I have just loaded up my shops with les petits tiroirs. Ooh la la!


a quiet FYI
I actually have some heavy things going on regarding my Mom that I choose to keep out of my blogging life. My blog is a happy place for me and I do want to keep it that way. Please just know that all of these "pretties" are much more than that; they bring bright cheer on dismal days, as do your sweet and thoughtful comments. thanks always. just wanted you to know.

xo




37 comments:

Melinda said...

Cute, cute, cute things. Swaps do sound fun!
I hope everything is ok with your Mom. My prayers are with you!

Melinda

luckygirlgifts said...

Oh sweetie, I hope all is well with you and yours.
I am thinking of you.
Take care of yourself.
Cari B.

Unknown said...

Wow, congrats on your win! You also have such a lovely swap gift from your partner. You spoiled her as well! That personalized seed packet is adorable! I especially love it because it matches your beautiful badge (and because you've shared that badge with me it's more special, LOL!). Anyway, thanks for the bright and beautiful pics!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You lucky girl! Lots of wonderful goodies! That Mary is a sweetheart. So many fun items to play with. Saying a little prayer for your mom and wishing you all the best. Happy Hands, Happy Heart -- it really does help to craft and create. Blessings to you and yours, Tammy

Hearts Turned said...

Such beautiful things to share, Elyse--thanks! I sure hope all is well with your mother--thanks for sharing that little bit--I think it helps when we do that...little bits of encouragement help us get over the rough patches. I'll keep you both in my prayers.

Thanks for being such a lovely, bright light in this bloggy world of ours!

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

What sweet treasures! I love the seed packet...that is a gift right up my alley, lol:)
Hope all goes well with your mom...thinking and praying for you:)
paula

Theresa said...

All so cute! Sweet swap with your friend and love all the gorgeous loot you received in the mail, you lucky duck! Love your little matchbox cuties. I will be praying for you and your Mom.

Many people don't post problems they are having in their life. But... this is one huge prayer chain:) I will be praying right here for YOU right there:) Love and hugs and many prayers from my heart to yours!!!!!

Sandi said...

What wonderful goodness Elyse! Love your little matchboxes!!
Hugs~

Claudia said...

I love the word 'shabbatory' - you make me laugh! Your swap goodies and presents and giveaway win are all gorgeous - congratulations! I love the elfin door - I bet your boys will have such a good time with that!

On a more serious note, I am thinking of you. And I'm sending healing thoughts your way. Thank you for sharing the information about your Mom with us. I know she will be in the thoughts of many bloggers, that is a lot of positive energy!

xoxo
Claudia

maría cecilia said...

Dear Elyse, lovely elfin door and lantern, and really pretty giveaways and presents, everything is so beautiful!!!

I wish you and your family a very happy 2010, and may it brings much love, health, prosperity and blessings to you all.
I´m so glad to have met you this year, you always brighten my day with your so beautiful and cheerful posts, thank you very much.
I wish your mother goes through anything she is having now and that she be totally well soon.
Muchos cariños,
Maria Cecilia

Karen said...

Elyse, everything looks so fun! I love Mary too! She is such a sweetheart! She sent you some wonderful things! And of course congratulations on winning the special give-away from Jessica. You lucky duck!
Ahhhh "creating mode". It's good for the soul. Good for whatever you need to think about. Let's face it - we'd have to be committed if we didn't have this outlet.
Think away my Friend!
Happy New Year! Karen

Roberta said...

My very best wishes for a happy & healthy 2010 for you and your family Elyse!
chin up and cheerio!
xo Roberta

Julie Ann said...

I love seeing the pretty things you feature on your blog! You bring happiness to all your readers :) And "shabratory"- lol, love it!! :D I hope things will work out with your mom- I will be thinking about and praying for you. *Hugs*

Erin said...

Cute, cute cute. I want those!

Lisa said...

You got real goodies!! Love your Christmas HAUL!
Your win is amazing too! ENJOY!
I totally understand. I too have had a really bad month and only a few people know. It is nice to come here and not worry about it! My few blog friends that know for different reasons were really helpful!
THANKS for my Christmas cardI I think I forgot to tell you!
HUGS, Lisa

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Darling Elyse! Such a pretty post! I love all your treasures and gifts that I know you will love tinkering with! LOVE the test tubes! Who would have thought to add glitter to them...only you sweeetie! You know I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers and close to my heart...like each and everyday! xox

Love,
Maryjane
xox

Ursula said...

I think a "Funday/night" is in order!!!

Unknown said...

So many cute treasures!
Thinking of you! x

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Wow! What lovely little delites from Mary. I just love the little door. Your heart is in storybook- land and I love that about you.

North West London Girl said...

Such beautiful tiny treats.. hope all is well with your mum... happy New Year and New Decade xxx

The Old Parsonage said...

What a fun months it's been for you. Congrat's on the win and great swap!

Keeping you and your Mum in my thoughts and prayers.

Leann

Cathy said...

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Yup, it is.

Please join me in my very first "Amour Valentine Swap". It's going to be easy, peezy and so much fun.

Just drop on over to my blog for the details, then send me an email if you'd like to participate. The more the merrier.

Thanks,

Cathy

Brenda Pruitt said...

Such pretty goodies, Elyse! I shall have to visit Mary. So glad I found you this year!
Brenda

Scrap for Joy said...

I love your little elf door and light...it will look so sweet by the tree. Your matchboxes are lovely with their tiny treasures inside. I just ordered a trio of Cath Kidston items from Amazon-wish her things were more accessible in the US.
Blogging friends are the best. So many of us will be remembering your Mom and you in prayer...God will give you strength if you just ask Him. Take good care.
Joyce

Paris Rags Romance said...

Lots of pretty gifts! I sent you something over a month ago I hope you got it, it was for the chain swap. I sent one of my Paris Rags cuffs, hope you got it! Will be back to read more of your adorable posts, hugs, Kimberly

koralee said...

All the "this and that" looks so pretty. One day I would love to do a swap too. I pray that your 2010 will be a blessing my friend and all will go well in your life. Sending you some blog love!

Unknown said...

Hi Elyse :) I have always wanted a fairy door!! You lucky girl :) Those books look wonderful! I adore Snow White and had to get the Blue Ray too. I could watch that every day :) So glad you had such a nice Christmas. I hope everything is okay with your mom. You are in my prayers sweetie!
Hugs,
Amy

Andrea at My Feathered Nest said...

Your gifts are all lovely. What a treat to get so many wonderful things in your mailbox!

I love your blog and invite you to visit my new blog. I love to share with you ladies and continue to be inspired daily through blogging.

Anonymous said...

I'm crazy about this post. I have plans for a fairy garden - LOVE your door, and I just discovered Jessica's blog yesterday and added it to my blogroll. I'm on a bloggy break, but HAD to come by and say 'Hi' along with ooooooooing and ahhhhhhhing!
Have a happy one, Elyse!
Zuzu

Sandi said...

Me again. I want you to know that prayers are going up for your mom.
Hugs~

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Elyse, my thoughts and prayers are with you and best wishes for a happy new year! Twyla

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love your fairy door! How cute!!
Happy New Year!!
Hugs,
Penny

Anonymous said...

Elyse, I just got back from a few days with my sister and her family and saw your wonderful post!! THank you for you sweet comments! I am so glad you like your swap goodies and can't wait to see those test tubes all Elysed up!!

An Elfin door- where ever did you find such a cutie!!! I love it

Will be praying for you and your mom sweet friend. It is wonderful to have an outlet like blog land to get away from pressure but it is also such a wonderful place for encouragement and prayer. I learned that this summer with that nasty rattlesnake bite! I couldn't believe how many in blog land were praying for me! What a blessing!

bee blessed and have a wonderful New year!!!

mary

Anonymous said...

Hi Elyse,

Your post is beautiful, I love the little troll door & lamp. I love the antique Christmas ornament (I have one like that from my German grandmother!) and your decorated matchboxes are charming!!

I also want to wish you the best in the situation with your Mom. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Happy New Year!

Janet ~from down the street :)

debi said...

Love your little elf door! That's so sweet!
And congrats on winning the pretties!
Okay, now I hope whatever's going on with your mom isn't serious. I hope she's okay.
Hugs!

Rustique Gal said...

Hi-Love your blog! you have such cute things. The elfin door and accessories are the best! My friend Trisha needs them! She totally believes in fairies and elves, and has taught her grandchildren to too. Your pictures and imagery are lovely.

Carey said...

Hi,
I love the little miniature door and lantern so much. I love your blog, I just found it by blog surfing. I will be following. Can I ask you something - the little house on your blog title - is that from a clip art site or something that was made for your blog? I am thinking of changing my template but cannot find cute cottage images. I was wondering if you know of any good sites.
Thanks,
Carey