inspireco

Merry Christmas!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Merry Christmas, Everybody!

Matchbox 24 by Marsi Bennett, with a beautiful Christmas angel inside.

getting there...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:44:00 +0000

It all started with sweet little jars from Ikea. (Sassy, that's where I got the little ones you saw yesterday!) I picked up ten little jars thinking that filled with candy, they'd be nice little gifts for Rich's brothers.

Then I bought the candy online. Too much candy. 30 lbs of candy! So I expanded the list of folks getting jars of candy.

I didn't want to go back to Ikea to get more jars (it's next to a very busy discount shopping mall and it's a zoo anywhere within a 10 mile radius of that place). And when I was in the Container Store the other day, I thought the prices on like jars were too high. I wish I'd just bought them then because this turned into a bit of a wild goose chase trying to find jars about the same size and style as the ones from Ikea.
I didn't find them. Instead I found $5 canister style jars at Target that I'll give to couples. The smaller jars will go to singles.
The larger jars are filled with these colorful ball candies. They are so jolly and fun, aren't they?
Some of the smaller jars have apple candy...

And the others have pink taffy.

By the way, 30 lbs is a lot of candy.

Shall we look at today's matchbox, made by Kelli Flitton...
And look at the tiny magic wand inside...
Doesn't it look sweet in Santa's hand?
And today's door...
We're so close I can taste it...and we are all so excited we can hardly stand it. I don't know who is more excited, me or Alfredo.

uh-oh...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:19:00 +0000

I have a story to tell. Yes, I do have a million things to do (and I know you do too) but this is a good story.

Remember last week, when I took Alfredo to the Christmas Spectacular? Well, I didn't really want to dwell on the bad parts (or even mention them) but now I will. It's important to the story.

First, I wore these beautiful shoes...

(Important thing to know for later)

The timing of the whole Christmas Spectacular was a little problematic. At 4:00 in the afternoon, it meant waking Alfredo up from his much-needed afternoon nap. Unsuccessfully, I tried to get him down early for the nap. He finally went to sleep just a little while before I would need to wake him up to get ready to go. Reluctant to do so, I pushed it until the last possible moment...waking, dressing, and putting him in the car in record time.

We would have made it on time, perhaps, if a car along the way hadn't stalled, blocking traffic for miles.

But maybe not...there were thousands of cars piling into the parking lot and there were not nearly enough spaces. I finally found a space, looked at the time...4:05! To make matters worse, I had dressed Alfredo in his Santa suit (over his clothes) and his coat didn't fit over it. I hadn't really thought it would be a problem because 1. I didn't realize how very cold it was 2. I didn't know that I'd have to park about a mile from the place.

So, you can see, the whole thing started a little shaky. Picture me, all dressed up, carrying a pint-sized santa, RUNNING to get to the performance.

Then, once we got there, I had the unpleasant discovery that Row X, Seats 6 & 7 were not worth the combined $100 that I paid. Not by a long shot. To make matters worse (didn't I say that already...it's a theme) the lady at the end of Row X refused to let us in. And it was the only way to get to our seats.

Still carrying 30 lb Santa, I climbed up the next few rows to Row Z (the top of the whole stadium!) to two empty seats. We watched happily for 10 minutes until the owners of those fine seats arrived. Booted from the seats we were squatting, and not willing to face the bully on the seat at the end of Row X, I carefully descended the 26 rows of dimly lit and awkward stairs without rails to talk it all over with the first official looking person I could find. I asked said official looking person if we couldn't just please stand right there at the entrance and watch Santa and his reindeer prance around. Please?

Evidently not. It was a fire code violation. Of course it was.

This official looking person offered that I could go to the information booth, halfway around the outside of the performance, to request better seats. Even though the lady there berated me for five minutes about buying cheap seats (???!!!) she offered me what she referred to as better seats.

Having missed a huge chunk of the show arranging these better seats, we arrived at them to find that, while not as far up, they were probably the worst seats in the house. They were flush with the stage. So, while Alfredo could certainly get a good appreciation from this vantage of the high kicks of the beautiful ladies, they were in no way better seats.

When the show ended, I carried little Santa back to the car, spilled the popcorn all over the car, got lost and arrived home exhausted.

And when I looked down at my beautiful shoes, I had managed to lose the bottom part of the heel.

The sad state of my beautiful shoes nearly did me in.

As a whim, I contacted the company, Oh! Shoes, to ask if they might be able to repair my sad shoe.

Here's the best part of the story...and after that story, don't you need it?

The owner of Oh! Shoes just called me. The owner! And he is sending me a brand new beautiful pair of shoes. Did I mention that they are the most comfortable shoes ever? That they were designed by a team of chiropractors, foot surgeons, and countless other experts to be the most comfortable shoes ever...

And she lived happily ever after.

again?

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:35:00 +0000

First, let me tell you about this matchbox. It was a bit of a mystery but the person who was to make matchbox number 21 wasn't at Silver Bella. So we all had this almost complete set of matchboxes counting down the days for Christmas...but how could we countdown without a day number 21? So Suz Reaney and I decided to make each other a special number 21 matchbox. Suz is so completely together that she whipped hers up and sent it to me before I even unpacked from Silver Bella. Seriously! She wanted to make sure I had the complete set (including number 21) for December 1. (I am not so together, as you might already know from previous experience, so she didn't get hers from me until a few days later)

So look how completely special this number 21 from Suz Reaney is:
The flip side is even adorable...

And look how wonderful...

And more wonderful still...

The ittiest bittiest Santa paper doll EVER!

She also sent a bigger size of the same paper doll and Mrs. Claus and Alfredo plays so sweetly with them. But he has a little problem keeping the clothes on the paper dolls. So I overheard him as Santa saying to Mrs. Claus "I'm just going to wear my pajamas to deliver all the toys!" Good thinking, Santa.

Before I give you the other updates...I'm going to tell you a little about how crazy I am.

I have a million things to do. We all do, right? A million and one, to tell the truth. I'm quite busy doing all of these millions plus one things. Too busy, really, to make up projects to do.

Like this...
I can't say much about it because it's part of a gift. But really? Seriously? Does even Martha hand embroider gift tags at this point in the game?

And do you know what else I did?
I made gifts for someone else to give...

Our favorite priest (who was moved to another parish this summer) stopped by last week for some coffee. As we chatted and caught up, I showed him an ornament that I had made with a miniature nativity scene in it. He loved it and the next thing you know, I'm offering to make them as gifts for him to give. How many? 15. FIFTEEN ornaments that take about an hour or two each to make. No, even Martha would not take on such a project one week before Christmas, would she?

I'll show you the ornament later this week (I'm making some more for gifts) but for now, let's appreciate these finished and wrapped. And let's mark that one off the list, shall we?

And look how beautiful the tags are? They are by Brenda Walton and I love them so much I could barely bring myself to use them, not even for gifts for a priest to give. But I did in the end, and they are so lovely, are they not?

So as I was thinking today of the frenzy that I've whipped myself into with all of these extra helpings of stuff to do. And I started to think of what Christmas really, really means. And that maybe it's in these beautiful acts of kindness...like taking care of a priest so that he can show love to the people in his new parish...and by taking the time to make an extra special touch on a gift...where you really spread the joy and love of Christmas day. And I really started to think about how much more important these tiny little things are than a lot of other little things that I have on my list. And that maybe I'm not so crazy afterall.

Speaking of things to be done...I've gotten a little behind again, haven't I?

Without further ado, may I present today's matchbox by the very talented Hope Ellington...

And inside? lovelier still...

Yesterday's door...

And today's...

Stay tuned tomorrow for more Christmas chaos...

helloooo?

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:41:00 +0000

My sister Jessica called again to fuss at me about not posting. She said that she was the voice of all of my other blog readers who were wondering about matchboxes for days 17, 18, 19 and now 20!

Well, Thursday morning we left before the rooster crowed to go to my parents' house. I had a delivery to make...something that was a little too big for Santa's sleigh ride. Since it's a bit of a trip (3 hours) I decided that we'd stay until Friday morning. We ended up staying until the afternoon, arriving home just before the biggest snowstorm I can remember dropped 26 inches of snow in our backyard!

Here are Alfredo and Rich digging out last night. Note the wall of snow up to Alfredo's shoulders!

So let's do some catching up, shall we?

Day 17: My sweet friend Pam Keravuori made this beautiful matchbox...
And inside? Look how sweet! (Jessica, can you believe it? Adorable!)
Day 18: Matchbox is by Lisa Orme...
And look how lovely this little dove is!
Day 19: by me...
And inside...a little peaceful scene...
Day 20 was by my sweet friend Sue Elseth...
Very appropriate, wouldn't you say? And this is ingenious! I love this itty bitty pearl snowman with a rhinestone cap!
And there are a bunch of doors to catch up with...
Day 17....
Day 18...
Day 19....
And today's...

We're pretty much snowed in today. I took my shower this morning and changed into a fresh pair of pajamas! We're not going anywhere and, by the looks of our snowcovered street, we'll have no visitors. Rich spent all morning digging out the driveway and sidewalk. The street is impassable and since there's an abandoned car stuck in the middle, I'm not sure we'll be plowed anytime soon.

Oh, but it sure looks pretty...

cupcake scarf

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:42:00 +0000

I bought this blanket (from Ikea)

and a bunch of these containers (from The Container Store)

Because I had an idea for a really cute, really cheap-o gift...

A scarf disguised as a cupcake!

I used to sell something similar (a ruffled scarf rolled up and sold in the same sort of large cupcake-like liner container) so I can't really take credit for this being a totally original idea. (The one I sold is no longer available but it was distrubuted by Two's Company).

I'm sure you can guess what I did. I cut the blanket into strips about 8 inches wide and got 8 scarves from one $20 blanket. I started to roll hem all the edges but decided (after it took forever!) that it was okay to keep the frayed edges. And then I sewed felt beads all over it. I cut the beads in half to be extra frugal but I'm thinking that the next one might have fewer whole beads on it.

Also, I'm working on some flowered versions...

Alfredo and I had an extra special Christmas treat today. We went to the traveling version of the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular. We had possibly the worst seats but it was still wonderful. Alfredo really loved it. And when I asked what his favorite part was he said "the beautiful ladies". How cute is that?

Today's matchbox is by the very beautiful lady, Maija Lepore.

And look how delightful the surprise is inside...

And today's door...

how can it be?

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:02:00 +0000

I really don't know how it snuck up like it did...
I've been counting down the days...
And paying close attention. But still, I can't believe Christmas Day is next week! How can that be?

We went to see Santa again today. It's a long story but I just really wanted him to see the really, really special Santa at the nice mall. He has a real beard and he calls each child by name. When the visit is over, Santa takes out his big book and makes a note next to each child's name. And this year, believe it or not, as each child leaves, they make it snow, REAL snow! It's so magical.

Alfredo told this Santa that he wanted a mama dinosaur and a papa dinosaur and two baby dinosaurs. Last week he told Santa that he wanted the Hot Wheels Color Change Garage. And even though everyone rated it as a piece of junk, I got it for him. I also got a roller coaster. Yes, you read it right. A Roller Coaster.
I'm just really glad he's not still asking for a REAL hippo or a REAL rhino or a REAL pony like he was earlier this month.

Today's matchbox is by Vicki Flinchum and it's so beautiful...

The photo of what's inside doesn't do it justice (my camera is acting up!)

And today's door reveals a little angel...again sorry about the quality of the photo.

visiting with santa

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0000

We went to see Santa last week. Alfredo treated him like a good old friend. He whispered what he wanted in his ear (I think he got that idea from a song) and hopped down and said "Thank you, Santa!" so loud and happily. (The pint-size santa suit is from Babys R Us! And it looks so sweet on him...and hanging on a little hanger by the door at home!)

Yesterday was so dark and yucky all day that it was impossible to take photos. So here are yesterday's...

Yesterday's matchbox was by the very talented Valerie Jones...

And inside, the sweetest little duo of deer and a little tree.

And look at what a coincidence...here is yesterday's door:

And today's matchbox was made by sweet Marlene Haveron...

Inside? A pair of angel wings ala "It's a Wonderful Life!"

And today's door is a couple of presents. Alfredo wanted to open them!

more kits!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:31:00 +0000

I sold out of those ten kits pretty quickly yesterday so I just added 8 more. It will take me a little while longer to get these together, but if you want one, grab one. I'll probably ship them out sometime next week.

Today's matchbox was made by my sweet friend Suz Reaney...
Just look at this darling little angel wing that was found inside...
And today's door...
I have fun news...both my sisters are coming with me to Charlotte's class in New York! We are so excited! We're taking the train (Jennifer from Williamsburg, me from DC, Jessica from Philadelphia) and we're going to plan it so that we are all getting on the same train! Won't that be fun?! And when I was talking to my mother about it this morning, there's a slight chance that I may have talked her into coming too! yay!

Hope you have a really great day! Don't forget to stop and appreciate the wonder of today in all your hustling and bustling to get ready for Christmas. You are only one person and your health and well-being matter. A lot. Take care of yourself. (Just in case you needed to hear that today!)

Storytime with Alfredo

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:11:00 +0000

Lots of you have emailed saying how much you enjoy seeing Alfredo. So when he woke up from his nap, prompted by Becky's request, we made this little storytime video. How many times will you watch it to figure out what he's saying?

kits for sale!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:58:00 +0000

This is more of an inspiration kit than a true learn-how-to-stitch kit. There are no real instructions for how to make each stitch. One stitch in particular, the french knot, is used frequently. If you do not know this stitch, you can familiarize yourself with it online here.

I gave up embroidery as a little girl because I couldn't get even close to the perfection and neatness of my sisters' and mother's work. I picked it back up recently, embracing my chunky texture and playfully imperfect style. This kit is an inspiration for you to let go of the rules of embroidery and get a little messy. Use all of the strands at once and make luscious mounds of french knots. Have fun with it.

(Please note: if you are an accomplished embroiderer or someone who enjoys the perfection and neatness of fine embroidery this kit is probably not for you.)

Everything is included, even a pair of folding metal scissors and a tiny wooden embroidery hoop. You're all set to take this little tin with you on the train or while you wait in the kiss and ride lane at school.

What's included:

A pre-marked gridded bit of linen (The grid is approximately 4" square)
7 full skeins of embroidery floss in a fun color palette
1 tiny spool of black floss
A sample of the finished embroidery piece printed onto fabric for reference and inspiration
A tiny instruction flip-book (10 pages) featuring each square and notes and tips for stitching
A small pair of folding metal scissors
A 3" wooden embroidery hoop
An embroidery needle
Vintage bits for completing the design including vintage lace and buttons

It's available as a white tin with red ribbon or a shiny metal tin with a green striped ribbon. The contents are exactly the same but if you have a preference for the packaging, just let me know and I'll be so happy to oblige.

If you want to order, click here.

whoops!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:03:00 +0000

My sister Jessica called this morning. No hello. No how are you. Just "Where's the matchbox and door for yesterday?!!"

Here's the beautiful matchbox from yesterday, made by Lisa Thomspon, co-hostess for this amazing swap.

And look at this beautiful glittery star that's inside..
And today's matchbox is by my sweet friend Lonnie Jenck.
Look at this adorable snow angel that was inside...so cute!
And here's yesterday's door ...
And today's (a bit of a glittery mess but oh well!)
And I'm working on something to add to the shop this afternoon...
Can you guess?

It's stitch kits! I had a few requests for them before Christmas and I nearly forgot! It was my waking thought a couple of days ago and I put my rear in gear to make 10. They are sure to go quickly as I think almost that many were requested specifically. I'm going to try to make more next week if that's the case...

heaps and piles and beautiful messes...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:16:00 +0000

I've been cleaning my studio today. Doesn't it seem like I'm cleaning it all the time? Well, I'm not...therein lies the problem. I pull out all the stuff to make a project...finish the project (or not...but that's another issue) and then bag or box or pile all that stuff up. If you do this once or twice and then deal with those boxes or bags or piles, that's not really a problem. But multiply it by dozens and dozens of times and, well, it's a problem. A problem so big that you no longer really want to go into that room, even to stash and dash. So then other parts of your house become the stash and dash spot. And that, my friends, is a real problem. A problem so big that one day your husband might call Oprah and she'd show up at your doorstop on the day when you didn't shower to announce that a whole crew of gorgeous people are going to solve your problem by basically throwing it all away.

No, that hasn't happened...yet. To avoid such a thing from happening, today I'm setting about the business of emptying those bags and boxes and piles, sorting my way through them and trying hard not to get too distracted by all the wonderful things I'm finding buried underneath.

Here's a photo of my progress. This isn't exactly an after picture but it's not really a before picture either. It's a midstream picture.

In other news, remember the squashed roller skate? Well, I think I fixed it. Not all the way but at least it resembles a skate. Meanwhile, I won both of the ebay auctions for the other pairs of skates, which are both a bit larger than my original one. I'll have to think of something fun to do with this sudden wealth of itty bitty roller skates.

So here we are on Day 9, if you can believe it.

Here's the beautiful matchbox 9, made by Cammy Pollack. (sorry about the blurry photos...I think there's a peanut-butter-and-jelly thumbprint on my lens)

And inside, a sweet little ornament.

Today's door reveals another little horse...

a day of fun...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:15:00 +0000

My friend Charlotte just posted information about her next session. The last one was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again. January 23rd is the date. I'll be there...will you?

Click here to read all the delicious details...and sign up by sending an email to Charlotte. chlyons9 (at) gmail.com

my wish list

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Every year I post a wish list of what I'm asking for and links to get it. It's so much easier on Rich to know exactly what I want. I don't get everything on the list, and I make the list purposely long so I don't know exactly what I'm getting.

Click here to see the list in full.

And can you believe we are already on Day 8? I'm getting the feeling of it all slipping through my fingers! And we're still staying close to home, tending to this cold that has its grips on my little boy.

Day 8's matchbox is made by Kris Malone...isn't it darling?

And here's door no. 8 for Alfredo's house...

Happy Holidays from Open Sky...Take Two!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Last week there was a quick run on the generous coupons from Open Sky...and who could blame anyone? It's not everyday someone gives away $25 without any strings attached.

Well, it's time for another promotion...and this one, everyone wins!

First, click here. Enter your email address and Inspire Co. as your favorite shopkeeper (right?) and you'll be emailed something wonderful.

What, you ask? Well, that depends on how quickly you respond. The first 50 will get a $15 off Holiday Coupon ($20 minimum purchase, free shipping (for a limited time!) good for any OpenSky product. Limit one per customer.

After those 50 are snatched up, you'll still get something wonderful...Wonderfulness ranging from 10% to 50% off, and $15 to $100 off (minimum purchase prices and expiration times will vary by coupon)

Good luck, and have fun shopping around!

I felt fine...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:44:00 +0000

I joined my friends Lorraine and Claudine last night and took a class taught by Betz White at Fibre Space. We had so much fun making all sorts of things, at record speed, all from felted sweater material. I mean, just look how wonderful...

And I'm inspired to try my hand at a few other projects too...some featured in Betz's book. This class really put me in the mood to make gifts. I haven't a lot of time, do I? Here we are at day 7 already!

I have a tiny bit of catching up to do...

Here's matchbox number 6, made by my sweet friend Hope (who's recovering from the flu, poor dear!)...
And inside? The sweetest little wreath made from tiny antique glass ornaments...
Today's matchbox, lucky number 7, made by the ever so talented Pam Kern...
And just look at these lump of coal earrings, with festive jingle bells, to ring in the holiday! I love them and will don them proudly today, even if just 'round the house...
Yesterday's door features a jaunty vintage ice skater...
And today's is a sweet little flocked teddy bear...check out that kissing under the mistletoe picture in the background!
I'll be back soon with a great offer from Open Sky!

snow!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Alfredo has a bit of a fever this morning so we're taking it easy. And what better way to take it easy than to lazily watch the snow come down...We're watching the snow and the television and drinking constantly.

Sorry these pictures aren't great...the snow has cast a greyness over the whole house...But here's beautiful matchbox number 5 made by the swap co-hostess Susie Vergenz...

And inside, the sweetest, tiniest cookie cutter...awww...

And behind door no. 5...

His little ears and one of his legs is broken but he's still awful cute, don't you think?

What will you do to enjoy Day 5? You know what I would love? Some warm-from-the-oven gingerbread with a dollop of whipped cream served with milky tea. Alas, I think we are homebound for the day without the groceries necessary to make this particular dream come true. I'll have to make do with just the milky tea part.

nativity

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:28:00 +0000

One of my very favorite Christmas decorations is this nativity set. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus were carved by my sweet father. He made each of my sisters and brother a set. I love everything my daddy makes but this especially. The shepherd, sheep, cow and donkey are all old chalkware pieces from The Cottage. The above picture is what it's supposed to look like. I showed it to Alfredo telling him the amazing story of our Lord's birth. He listened carefully.

Soon after I found him quietly playing...
Just look at the party gathered to welcome Baby Jesus! Yes, that is Spiderman! And he's always tipping the poor baby Jesus' cradle up. When Rich was little his mother said that Baby Jesus was always missing...and then she'd find it in someone's pocket or another's bookbag.

There's a tradition of waiting to put Jesus out until Christmas day...building up the anticipation for His coming. But I really love having it all set up.

Are you ready for the advent countdown. We're already on Day 4...by golly! How did that happen?

This beautiful matchbox was made by my sweet new friend Lynn Lebsack.

Just look how beautiful this mini ornament is...

So special!

And here's what's behind door #4 today...

We might get snow tomorrow! Just an inch but, to me, that's perfect. Not enough to get in the way but just enough to make you feel extra warm and cozy looking out at it coming down. This will be Alfredo's first snow so it will be extra special.

Happy day, my friend!

December 3 and all is well...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Shall we continue the advent fun? Here's matchbox #3, made by Donna Robinson...
And look what wonderful little treat is inside...a tiny ornament inside a bottlecap!

And here's Alfredo discovering door #3 this morning. I plum forgot to make it last night until after I'd tucked myself in bed. Then I jumped out of bed and quickly put this one together. There was a bit of a glittery mishap but I think all's fine now.

Speaking of glitteriness, I thought I'd show you my new star treetopper. I had a ho-hum ornament for the top of the tree which I decided not to use this year. While at Walmart with my folks last week, I spied this and the wheels started spinning.

It was pretty enough but a little too plasticy.

This picture really doesn't show it so well but exercise your imagination and trust in me...clear glitter on the clear parts, silver glitter on the silver parts and...
The lights are softly diffused a bit and it looks vintage and nice. Here's another picture I took last night...maybe you can see it better here...

If you need great glass glitter to make your own, get some here.

advent

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:18:00 +0000

I have two advent countdowns going...want to see?

My friends Ann & Linda gave me my Christmas present early...

(Except of course mine doesn't say "Williams"...this is the catalog picture.) When Ann gave it to me she said "I just know you'll do something fun with it to make it yours..."

I loved it just as it is but that thought planted a seed in my mind and I started imagining it in brighter colors, with different doors...

It took much more time than I'd thought it would. One night when I was hunched over it even though I had a crazy backache and a list a million things long, sweet Rich suggested ever-so-carefully that perhaps this project wasn't a priority...
The house itself is no longer available online. My friend Ann bought it at the Pottery Barn outlet in Leesburg...maybe they still have some available. I put it on a lazy susan so it would be easy to access all the doors (on all four sides!) If I can find the time, I'm going to decorate the lazy susan too. Or maybe I can buy one from my friend Jean.
There are 25 doors in all so it counts all the way to the big day itself.

I decided to decorate inside each door the night before so that it would be a surprise. I'm glittering the outside of the door so he knows which ones are ready...we're of course on door number 2 today and he loves this already.

Here's what yesterday's door had inside...

And here's today's...

My second Advent calendar was a Silver Bella swap. Each of us made 24 matchboxes in our number (mine was 19). I hung them all garland style from a wire strung under the boxwood garland above my mantel. If there's an ornament inside, we'll hang it on the garland.

Here's yesterday's box (made by Stephanie Oyler)

And look what's inside...

And today's box (made by Stacy McGinnis)

And this adorable felt bell inside...

So the countdown begins...I'm going to try to not let panic take over and enjoy each moment with Alfredo as he discovers the wonder of this holiday season.

oh no...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:08:00 +0000

It was one of those proverbial "I looked away for just one minute and..." moments.

I had just placed this little treasure on the coffee table as I cleaned a little cabinet and took out all the decorations to get ready for the holiday decorations to take their place. I thought this little doll skate (That's what it used to be!) would look sweet under a little doll-size tree or something like that.

He asked what it was and I told him...I told him that he could touch it but he had to be oh so careful with it because it is old and precious...

Maybe I could put it back together with some glue...and maybe I should pray for a little extra patience with this little guy who is new and precious.

(Sorry, Daddy...yes, that is the doll rollerskate you entrusted me with a few years ago. I'm scouring ebay for a replacement and I think I found a PAIR! Let's just pretend this never happened...)

Meanwhile, I'll be back later this afternoon to show you my advent calendars...

$25 FREE!

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Can you believe this? OpenSky is offering a $25 gift certificate (no minimum purchase, free shipping!) to all of you! Just use this coupon code: amy2509 and you'll get $25 off just like that.

The fine print...$25 off coupon, Good for any OpenSky item (not just in my shop!), No minimum purchase, Free shipping, Limit one per customer, Starts: NOW!, Expires: When they run out of coupons...it's for the first 1000 customers across all of the shops at OpenSky. Good only for US and Canada shoppers (sorry rest of the world!)

If you have any problems, email customerservice@theopenskyproject.com or call (877) 734-OPEN (6736), Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM Eastern time.

Tell me how you spend your $25...you could get something small for free...or really splurge and save $25!

Have fun shopping!

YIKES! there's so much traffic going over to OpenSky that the servers crashed...they're on it! Try back soon if you can't get in now....

DOUBLE YIKES! They went through the 1000 codes in record time...sorry to all those who tried and weren't quick enough. Let's try again next month, shall we? This time, I'll give you a heads up!

A Thanksgiving Gift

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Hello, friends. I wanted to tell you about a special promotion over at OpenSky. For a limited time you will get a coupon for $25 off a $50 purchase when you make a purchase of any value from my OpenSky store.

And check out this very cute glitter sampler...

Buy it, get the coupon via email and splurge on your next order! You'll get free shipping on both orders and $25 off the second order of $50 or more!

It would be like getting a whole jelly bean assortment of Angelina Fibers for free!

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Now we'll return to the regularly scheduled program of stirring and mixing and heating and boiling...)

Happy Thanksgiving...

amy@inspireco.com (amy) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000

The biggest turkey I've ever seen is in my oven. Rich's whole family plus my parents are here for Thanksgiving...25 of us in all. Since this bird cooks for 7 hours and we're eating in the early afternoon, I thought it best to cook it today and slice and heat tomorrow. I hope it's a good plan...we'll see.

I also made the stuffing and cranberry relish today. My mom made broccoli caserole and sweet potato pudding today. Tomorrow morning, my father will make potatoes augratin and macaroni and cheese. As soon as I wake up, I'll put the rolls out to rise. And all of Rich's family will bring a dish. So I think we're set.

I'm sure you are up to the same sort of business I just wanted to pop in to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving. Count your blessings each by name and, if there's someone missing from your Thanksgiving table today, may you feel their presence in your heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!