The Things I Loved about 2010

It was a good year here at my household filled with lovely moments! I feeel the necessity to recall the highs; to remember and record the why of a successful 2010.

First was the successful Wilmington Flower Market in May. Annarella Girl clothes sold well. Excitingly there were many return customers full of praise for dresses and skirts lovingly worn throughout the year. And a suprising number of mothers who were pregnant in 2009 and came to find me with their new babies. Of course they bought something. It was a real lovefest!! For those readers who are crafters you know how great it is when people praise your work and call you genius...absolutely sublime! I am compelled to repeat Sally Fields memorable Oscar acceptance speech. "You love me. You really love me!"

Finding Mam D's has been great. Jennifer D and her Mom have given Annarella Girl a home. And just as important, they have given me someone to bounce ideas around with, advice on sewing techniques and goals to share in growing my business. Although my family tries to be attentive when I babble on about a slight change in design or a new show to try, I can see their eyes glaze over after a minute or two. Mama Ds allow me to explore ideas with endless enthusiasm. Thanks!

Last summer founded Grammy's Summer Camp, or so I like to call it. My grandchildren are getting old enough to spend days at a time with me. Luckily I have the greatest grandchildren in the world who enjoy being with each other so hosting them is easy. We saw some movies, played on water slides, went to the library, and built forts. We all had a good time doing a lot of nothing special. The older ones took care of the younger ones. Clean up was a team activity. I gained a greater respect for just how wonderful and unique they were. What fun!!

Over Labor Day weekend all of my siblings and spouses, some of their children and grandchildren spent 4 days on the Red River in Maryland. It is an all too rare event for us to be together at the same time as we are spread out all over the country. So it was a very special time. I loved those early morning coffees overlooking the river waiting for the eagles to appear. Quiet talk and laughs as we caught up with each others lives. More talk and mental exercize over the jigsaw puzzle - always a gathering place. We ate very well, but no crabs. I could wax on melodic over what an intelligent, good looking, funny and talented family we are, but a wise sibling suggested it was because we were so distant from each other that I was allowed to hold on to my illusions of extraordinariness. Ah well, isn't that what family suppose to do, bring you back down to earth? Despite his cynicism, for weeks, months and onto today I hug close the loving memories of this family reunion.

Sadly October brought the death of my mother-in-law, Ethel Curtis Skross. I got to spend a lot of time with her in the last weeks. Good memories.I talked and talked even when she was incapable of answering but felt we were sharing memories. She lived a long life and saw many changes in her world. I admired her energy and spirit of fun. May she be dancing in heaven!!!

A girls week in Naples, Florida was a treat. When you can be with old friends who know and accept all your ugly "warts," it is better than any spa. I left their company feeling as well as one can possibly be after a glorious week of doing nothing but relaxing.

Finally, it was a happy Christmas here. Three children with spouses and six grandchildren filled my house and heart with love and laughter. Since everyone pitches in with the meal shopping, planning and cooking, I'm never over worked. Even the cleaning and decorating was handled by the husband. so it was a most relaxed holiday! What fun to share in everyone's excitement opening and then using the presents.

So in retrospect I see my year was restful and loving. Yeah!!! I have high hopes that 2011 will be more of the same.

(Above - sundress, size 3, mix of old and new fabrics.)

Neglectful

I feel like I've neglected you all thia week. I don't have a good reason. I've just been moving slow and slower. Must be fall fever. LOL.

Last week I talked about how I didn't really like autumn, but in the spirit of trying to be postitive I must note that there are some delights in the fall. Crunchy, tasty apples. I especially like homemade applesauce and apple crisp. Both smelling of cinnamon and combining the tart/sweet taste of good apples. Now this is a fall treat. Anyone else love fall apples? And what is your favorite way to consume them?

Another fall treat is the crisp air which accents the first smell of a burning fireplace. How delighful to step out the door and catch the scent of smoke from those first fires. Since we're still in the 80's & 90's I'll probably have to wait awhile, but I'll be thinking of you northerners who get to enjoy it now.

And finally I have some family birthdays to mark in the fall. Two of my kids and one of their spouses celebrate birthdays in the autumn. That alone makes this time of year special. There I feel better now. Thanks for letting me ramble.

Guilty Pleasures

As we ease into Autumn here - low 90's - I fight falling into depression. Fall and winter are my least favorite times of the year. I dislike the shorter days and longer nights. As trees shed leaves I prepare for the winter palette of grays, whites and blacks. Although it is better here with a few trees staying green through the winter, I miss the greens of leaves, bushes and grass. Since I can't hibernate, I indulge in some of my guilty pleasures as a means to uplifting my spirits.

Chocolate, candy corn and black licorice - not just any chocolate but milk chocolate. Hershey's, thy name is sweet. I enjoy the whole process of unwrapping the silver foil, removing paper name strip and then popping it in my mouth. I don't want dark chocolate. I don't crave dark chocolate. For me the indulgence is in the original humble chocolate kiss! Seasonally I love candy corn. I know, I know pure sugar with no redeeming feature, but isn't that part of the guilty pleasure. Finally black licorice jelly belly buttons - ahhhhh! What candies or sweets are your favs?

Continuing summer reading. Curl up in a spot of sun with a good book. Under a soft throw during a rain storm with a good, but easy read. Loving a good thriller or shopgirl romance. My local library is my brain's candy store. Nothing too serious. I read to escape not to think. (Wow, that's hard to admit!) Got any suggestions for this autumn's reading?

Reality TV - Survivor is back, Project Runway is in full swing, certainly Amazing Race can not be far behind. Indulge me in The Apprentice as long as it doesn't get too nasty. I'm not into mean spirited Real Wives no matter were they are from. I will not watch Jersey Shore. Dancing with the Stars bores me. So you can see I have my standards. LOL. I like goal oriented trash.

What are your guilty pleasues? How do you chase away the blues? Come on 'fess up!

Pic is latest etsy listing. I like the jungle animal center panel for a bit of a difference. Very similar to dress with bird panel. Still having fun with dresses. Don't miss waiter's apron listing.

Spring Things

What I like about spring....

Flowers - Each year I eagerly await the first bluebonnet sighting. I find them in the gullies, yards and along the highway. The white tops on the brilliant blue make me smile. And that's only the beginning. For the next month Central Texans will be treated to purple, yellow, pink and white in fields and roadside. In the area visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for brilliant displays of our native wildflowers.

Flowering Trees - Much like the spring flowers, I love the trees. This year the ornamental Japanese cherry trees are brilliant. Although I love living in the South, I do miss the dogwoods. One house my family lived in for a short time in Arden, Delaware, had over 30 mature dogwoods. When they bloomed each spring, the sight was spectacular. (On the other hand, I don't miss the autumn when the leaves fall!)

Spring Green - I posted about this special color just a few days ago, so you all know about my love affair with this hue.

Black Jellybeans - Sure, you can get them all year now, but I lust after them in the spring. Obviously a hankering developed from many Easter Baskets in my youth. Jelly Bellies are the best!!!

Devilled Eggs - The first ones done from the leftover Easter Egg hunt are the best. Mayonaise, yellow mustard and a hint of vinegar. Simple but tasty. (I only eat the yellows. I'm always on the outlook for someone who only wants the whites.)

No More Heavy Coats - Don't you feel like you'vr lost 5 pounds when you don't have to wear that winter coat? Bring on the short sleeves, sundresses and flip flops. Time to enjoy bright colors and flowery prints. Yeah!!!

Sitting on the Porch - Can't beat hanging out on the back porch watching birds while soaking up some sun. A great place to take a short break from sewing. It reenergizes me.

So what do you like about spring?

My Real Life

My close friends know my deep, dark secret...I am a reality show junkie. Before you turn away in distain, learn my perameters. I don't watch shows that make fun of or are mean to people. I don't watch shows that celebrate ignorance, brattiness or bullying. The shows I love are informational or encouraging. Yeah, I rationalize my addiction.

My new fav is "American Pickers" on the History Channel. It follows Mike Wolf and Frank Fritz as they scour the country looking for junk. The characters they meet are fascinating. The junk they pick is varied. They possess an encyclopedic knowledge of stuff. They call their business Antique Archeaology." If you haven't watched them, check in to see them, Monday and Tuesday 8 cdt. It's a mix between "Antiques Roadshow" and the old Charles Kuralt "On the Road with...." Mike and Frank are out to make a buck, but clearly they enjoy the people they meet. As they scale piles of rusting cars, explore stuffed outbuildings they are like kids in a candy store - wide eyed, curious and yearning.

Picking is a dream job. Ranks right up there with Lego designer and builder. If only I were younger.... Maybe some of my grandchildren will find some of these dream jobs. I never knew you could make a living picking through junk. Oldest son loved/s trash. He also possesses an agile and curious mind. I think I've found his second job to retire into. Then I can live it vicariously. Ah, "real" life!

The Exchange at Annarella

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working at the Exchange. The owners, Angie and Carli, were spending their day at a women's retreat. Don't you think that every once in a while we need to take time to breath an enjoy the company of other women without the distractions of everyday life? I was happy to give them the opportunity to take such a break.

Working with me was Lauryl. She's one of those special people that is just a joy to be around. Always optimistic. Very caring. And a great sense of humor. She's fun to work with and fun to watch work. So I realize that I wasn't making a much of a sacrifice to stand in for Angie and Carli. It was really a good deed for me!

And it was a good day. Lots of nice customers came in. They really enjoy shopping at the Exchange. Since it is a consignment store, it provides a guilt-free experience. After all we're helping the environment by recycling while saving money with the great pricing. Plus the inventory is constantly changing as it is dependent on what the consignors bring in. Inventory changes daily.

One customer, yesterday, was excited to find some skirts and pants that were petite. Another found 4 suits for work and only paid $80. One suit still had original tags so had never been worn. (A & C are very careful of the quality of the items they accept - must be clean, unflawed and stylish.) I fell in love with a red Brighton bag for only $44. Several girls came in to look and try on prom dresses. Lauryl and I helped women find the perfect flirty shoes, jewelry to complement outfits and handbags for special or everyday.

If you haven't made a stop at The Echange at Annarella in Georgetown, go for a rewarding and fun shopping experience. By the way they do have men's clothing and vintage. They occupy the space where Annarella was, hence the name, 800 S Austin Ave downtown Georgetown next to the Palace Theater.

And don't forget to check out the sale racks - up to 75% off. Now that is really guilt-free!!!

A Muse

Meet Havana, one of my muses. When I'm creating a dress or skirt I often imagine it on some of the special girls that I know. Havana is one of those muses. She is one of the special "Annarella Girls." she has such spirit, beauty and quirkiness. When you meet her you just know she is going to grow into somebody wondrous.

So I imagine that she needs a dress that is easy to wear, allows lots of dancing, makes her feel beautiful. Sweet and spice mixed into one.

She came to First Friday to choose a dress and fell in love with the black and pink. I've spent the weekend making it for her in the correct length. What a pleasure. Thanks for the inspiration, Havana.

Lotsa of Love

I don't usually devote a whole blog about me, but for several reasons this seems like the day to do so. First my husband and I have been going through some negative experiences which have seemed overwhelming, and rather than sharing about those, I thought to think about the positive would be better for me mentally. Secondly some of you have wanted to know a little bit more about what makes me tick. Thirdly I just felt that this blog needed something different today. So here goes some of the things that give me pleasure.

FAMILY - I have 6 wonderful grandchildren, 3 marvelous children-in-law, and the 3 best children anyone can be blessed with. Intelligent, talented, caring and (to steal from Garrison Keiller) all above average.

Waiting to have fun!More waiting to have fun!!Finally having fun! (Have to look close.)

COLOR - I love the colors in the fabrics I'm working. I lay them out on my table and move them around until I like a combination. I feel like I'm working a creative muscle in the process and like with all exercise, it feels good when it comes together.

I love spring green. The new bright green seen only in the spring. This year with all my travels in April and May, I got to enjoy it over and over again from the hills and valleys near Bloomington, IN to the mountains of Virginia. What an amazing phenomenom nature is with the unfurling of leaves in such a vibrant green every year.

CATS - I don't have any cats because of some allergy problems in the family, but if only I could. They are such independent and confident creatures. Such grace of movement. All qualities I admire and am constantly trying to improve in myself. WORDS - The magic and power of words fascinates me. I love word games. Text Twist is my current online favorite. The NYT Sunday crossword puzzle is always a challenge.

I love puns and all sorts of humor about words. Commedian George Carlin was a genius in finding cultural foibles in our use of the English language. (The link is to his famous routine on the 7 words not allowed on TV. Actually not my favorite of his routines, but his most famous.)

I love poetry. The beauty and imagery of words. Check out Liz Scanlon's blog. The Austin children's writer is part of a group of bloggers who post poems they love every Friday.

Words carry me away to parts of the world I would never experience otherwise. Words have the power to hurt and the power to heal. A good example of this is Brene Brown's blog, Ordinary Courage. She encourages all her readers to live a full life despite obstacles of our own or others making.

Okay, I'm feeling better now. It always helps to concentrate on the good things in life. This is by no means a complete list for me, but this morning these were the things that popped into my mind. What are the things you love?

Last weekend continued & this weekend begins

There are a few impressions of Bloomington, Indiana that I want to share. We had a fantastic brunch on Saturday morning at Farmbloomington on Kirkwood Ave in downtown. I've eaten a lot of meals in very good restaurants worldwide, and this meal was among some of the best I've ever had. If your are ever near the area, eat here. Biscuits and apple butter were memorable, french toast was sinful and eggs were fresh. Wait staff was mid-west friendly and professional. Decor was interesting and unique. See collection of old bed pans on the wall.

You can tell by the smiling faces, we were all very happy. Good job FARMbloomington.

To walk off the good meal, we strolled around the farmer's market. Although it is off season we did find some flowers and plants to buy.

Bloomington and the surrounding countryside reminded me a lot of northern Delaware/Southern Pennsylvania with its rolling hills, tall trees, and many streams. With early spring flowers giving splashes of color against the new green of the grass and just budding trees, it was a great place to relax and enjoy family. We had sunny, warm weather so we basked in the spring sun.

Coming up this weekend here in Georgetown is the annual Red Poppy Fest. See the website for a schedule of all the music, headliner is The Bellamy Brothers. You can also find a driving map to many of the Red Poppy yards in downtown.

There are lots of vendors. In front of Annarella Home will be Nick Conde Dudding. photograper, and Mary Louise Poquette, jeweler, who also has many interesting items such as aprons, scarves and totes. Annarella Girl will have a few things outside and inside the store.

As in all festivals there's food and a children's area. The weather is suppose to be warm but not hot, so come and enjoy.

Taking advantage of the large crowds, Annarella is holding a SALE - 75% off all remaining furniture. There are even some bigger bargains for other assorted items. The sale runs for just Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 1-4. Its a great opportunity to buy quality furniture at low, low prices. Cash or check with a surcharge of 8% for credit cards. See you this weekend!

Give Yourself a gift this weekend

Check in with some of my favorite blogs this weekend.

Seven Of is on a real roll with a blog about practices. And before that one about the sayings of Dolly Parton. These are smart, clever and thoughtful. The world is a better place for her sassiness and the reminders from amy and Jane.

For a gift of sheer beauty click over to Laurel Daniel's blog. Check out her new small works section. The perfect Valentine Day gift is awaiting.

Have a great weekend. If you're in Georgetown stop in and say Hi!

Beautiful things at 1000 markets

There's a new site for artisans called 1000 Markets. It is along the same lines as Etsy in promoting sites for skilled crafters and artisans. Today I'm featuring a sampling of some items and shops that caught my attention.

This interesting pot comes from Blue Sky Pottery. It starts on a wheel and then the tear drops are applied by hand. Wonderful.

Littleput does these wonderful photo pendants. Also look at the journals at their website.

Stypecreative uses reclaimed wood to create some unusual candle holders

A fused glass pendant comes from JS Glass Art. It is cleverly designed so that the circles can be worn together as shown or as seperate elements.

The site is still growing and signing up new artists daily. So swing by and see if you can find some beautiful things.

Warm throws for a cold day

Annarella Home has always loved the throws from Kennebunk Weavers. (This is the Bedford Cottage website as they bought out Kennebunk Weavers, Browse it all or click on the KW button.) Even though we live in a warm climate, the soft throws are a perfect weight for a cool evening or even a hot summer when the air-conditioning is turned too high. Well, we still have a few left on sale for 50% off. What a deal as we suffer through our cold weather this January.


Isn't this cute? The throws don't come with the dogs, but I couldn't resist.

Picture your sofa or chair with a spot of color like these. The black is a soft faux fur with a suede back. Throws like these add not only color but texture to your rooms.

It is the little touches like the ones I've been discussing this week that create spaces that you want to come into, that make you smile, that give you comfort. This is what home is all about - a welcoming space.

Have a good weekend. Venture out to see what we have left at 50% off.

A touch of sunshine

On a blah day I love to jumpy on etsy and see what pretties the handcrafted world is showing. If you've never been on etsy, it has goods of all kinds from jewelry to baked goods to clothes to art. It is a fun place to visit. And it is a very good thing to support artisans.

Today I was just noodling around looking for things with a spot of yellow in continuation of my theme this week of chasing away winter. Here are some things that intrigued and pleased me.

A print to brighten your little one's room from Modern Pop. I believe in surrounding children with interesting prints on their walls. This one will become a family treasure to be passed to future grandchildren.

This stoneware bowl by glentypottery will make a sunny way to eat your morning cereal. I love the smooth, sensual gleam of the bowl. Pottery is a low cost way to give your table interest.

This charming art print, "Quail," comes from studio lyon. Matte it and add a simple frame for a pop of color anywhere. (Keep the frame simple so that the print is the focus.)

How about a splash of personal sunshine. Coryell Designs? The stone is oro-verde quartz. Looks like lemon chiffon.Last, a splash of red on a butter colored pillow by Insaneity. A bit of pizazz for a chair or on the bed. This is handpainted so it costs slightly more than anything else I've shown. But it is unique, and I love it!

So if you're looking for a way to brighten your spaces, browse etsy. Suppot the hand=made community.

Chasing the winter blahs, part 2

Continuing on with small and inexpensive ways to change your home's insides so that you leave the drabness of winter out of doors.


Jim Nilsen has always been a favorite photographer here at Annarella. His small framed shots are like little jewels that when grouped can brighten an entire wall but also work well as a spot of interest in a bookcase or on a table top. He shoots in South America, Europe and India capturing the colors and feels of each region. The precision of each image is juxtaposed with a mood-saturated pallette. One or several in your home will be sure to chase away any winter blahs.

Here are a few of my favorties from his website. Forget the cold outside and enjoy the tour around his world.Brazil

Mexico

France

Italy

Greece

Au revoir. Ciaio. Good by for today.

Annarella goes BOGO

These are extraordinary days for the small retailer. We are definitely feeling the effects of a slowing economy. In fact we could have told all the talking heads a year ago that this was in the wind. We spend so much time talking and listening to the consumer.And there were hints of a cooling off last holiday season. But who listens to us?

Anyway... Annarella Home is having an unprecedented sale - Buy One item at marked price and Get One of equal or lesser value at 50% off. This makes it a great opportunity for picking up gifts for everyone on your list. Or a great time to save money while stocking up on some of your favorites.

Murval bags - buy one for yourself and get one to give as a gift. These have interior pockets which make them practical as well as being fashionable.

We carry Thymes in the original Gold Leaf scent as well as Lavendar and Kimona Rose.

Cleaning almost becomes a pleasure when using the Caldrea products. All scents are essential oils so people with allergies can enjoy the smell without the tearing and sneezing.

Tea Forte offers the perfect way to say thank you to teachers and co-workers. Plus slip some in a stocking for all the over-worked mothers to relax with.

Don't forget the Lighting of the Square on Friday, November 28 at 6pm. There will be carols sung by choirs, hot chocolate and cookies. We always have a candy cane or tow just waiting for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Special Gifts

Here are some pictures of our special gift items. I just love the reds and greens of the holidays. I just love looking for the perfect gift - large or small - that will make the recipient glow with joy. For me that is one of the parts of Christmas that I love. It's that time when I can show how much I care for someone by giving them something that gives them pleasure; something they might not have given themselves; something that made me think of that person and how much they mean to me.

Small things for the kitchen make great stocking stuffers or teacher's gifts. Or this is a great way to make your own kitchen look festive. I imagine the red prep bowls holding my lemon zest and vanilla for the special sugar cookies. The organza bag is a quick and inexpensive wrap for a bottle of wine or special dipping oil. And imagine a cup of tea from the cheery red teapot. How relaxing after a busy day of wrapping or cooking or shared with a guest.Don't you love this brightly painted stoneware? It is rustic Portuguese. The berry bowls have the colander holes so that they are functional for draining as well as looking so good. The poinsetta dip dish and plate, I can see with guacamole - enhanced with the New Canaan Farms salsa - and homemade taco chips. (Not holiday everywhere, but soooo Texas.) These make great hostess gifts or a bread and butter thank you.An easy way to decorate is with a pinecone mix or a seasonal botanical. Just put in a bowl or tray, maybe around a candle, and you've created the seasonal feeling. We also have small gold dusted pinecones that can be hung on a tree or put in a bowl. A touch of glitter! Now for something a little different. The Debra Shephard jewelry is sold each element singly. For instance the 16" sterling silver ball chain necklace is available for $20 or the large hoops on the left and the small hoops on the right can also be purchased at $18 and $14 respectively. Then you choose the dangle you want. The long "bling string" is Swaroski crystals or pearls $18. There are many different silver charms $10 or single Swaroski crystals $6 for a shorter look. They slip on and off the earrings and chains easily so you can switch out the elements or hang two together on a chain or three on each earring. Lots of versatility for an everchanging look.

And if you're getting tired of red and green. (It seems like I've been fixating on red a lot in the last month of postings.) For holiday dips or fruit breads or nuts these lovely gray porcelain bowls and trays are perfect. Their great organic shapes lend a touch of class to your table or buffet. The soft, subtle grays create a restful place for your eyes among the reds and greens and golds. (The two bowls also look good in a bathroom to hold soap or cotton balls or a candle or a few gold dusted pinecones. A little touch to make a guest bathroom lovely.)

Thanks to Emily for the pictures. Thanks to all of you for listening. Come see us.

Seeing Red...in a good way

Red states, blue states.... Forget politics and the presidential race for a moment and enjoy the red at Annarella.

We just received this smashing red hutch. The finish is rubbed for a rustic but elegant look. what a spot of color for a dining room or kitchen. Frankly I'd like to design a eating nook in my kitchen around it. Where would you like to put it?Here's a close up of the finish. Although it looks fire engine red on my monitor, it is really a tad more subtle...like a red velvet cake red.

And I know it's a little early for holidays and winter (especially here in central Texas) but Tea Forte has released their holiday collections.

This winter warmer has a red cafe cup with the hole in the top for their signature leaf and stem which will only be available for a limited time. It comes with two infusers in holiday blends: Sweet Orange Spice - an enticing blend of black tea, cinnamon and orange; and Crimson Nectar - a ruby red, herbal fruit tea. Yum! Here is a box of twenty infusers for the holiday season. This is great to have on hand for guests. Its so much fun to choose the flavor that fits your mood...Crimson Nectar, winter Chai (herbal blend of rooibos and spices), Sweet Orange Tea, White Ambrosia (white tea melded with vanilla and coconut) and English Breakfast (organic black tea).

If you're a tea drinker and haven't tried Tea Forte, we urge you to sample some. This is a product which is sophisticated and simply the best.

So come in and see some red.