Relax Y'all...

We've had some gorgeous afternoon skies around here lately.







Clouds.



More clouds. Almost looks like the ocean!

DIY Christmas Cards...

I promised a DIY Christmas card post so here goes...

If you've been to my Etsy store recently then you've seen this card...

I don't think twice about making something like this because I work on that side of the brain! But for those of you who don't, here are some simple ideas for the non-pro. It does take a little time and ingenuity but it's great fun and you get a beautiful result!

1.} Get a 12x12 basic scrapbook paper in a card stock weight. Something simple and plain works well. I order Bazzill Basics brand wholesale but you can find it at any Michael's as well. Cut it in half. Fold the halves (neatly). You are left with a folded 6x6 square card.

2.} Using MS Word, set up a simple text box and format with very thin/light grey borders, no fill and little/no margins. Format to a size of 5x5.

3.} Create a monogram. I usually create overlapping monograms manually with a graphics program but you can create a beautiful monogram using a simple and elegant type style like Joanna MT or Monogram KK for a traditional look. If you want to invest in a font for future use, check out Harold's Fonts. He has a number of monogram fonts including a beautiful diamond style. Center your monogram and then add your custom text/greeting below. Try alternating fonts for a modern look. Try some script and some clean sans serf styles.

4.} Print it out on a nice bright white cover/card stock. Trim using a paper cutter just inside the light grey borders.

5.} Center on the inside of the card and adhere using either double stick tape or mounting tape.

6.} Order the 2.75" square labels from the My Flip Flopz store with the wreath graphic customized with your initial. They come in sets of 18 for $10. Center and stick them on the front of the card.

Bonus: I'll give you a sale price of $8.00 for a set of 18 labels if you mention you're a blog follower in the Etsy convo.

7.} Hole punch along the edge and tie closed with your favorite coordinating ribbon.

VOILA! SIMPLE!

It does take some time and materials can add up when you're not purchasing wholesale but if you have the inclination, give it a try!

G.T.T.Y.

GONE TO TEXAS Y'ALL...

Just a little note to let you know that the My Flip Flopz world headquarters will be closed up tight from Tuesday, November 3rd until Monday, November 9th. :) All current orders will be shipped out before I close and any orders received during that time will be fullfilled on Tuesday, November 10th. Thank y'all and yee haw...

photo credits

A Spooktacular Time ...

I love our neighborhood and this year it sure did not disappoint! It's a real life Wisteria Lane. It's full of interesting characters and implausible adventures! After living here several years now, I've decided that south Florida has a little more than its legal limit of strange folks. But...this can be good - it feeds my vivid imagination! We had a blast and the entire family dressed up. We ditched our normal polo wearin' preppy look and headed in a new direction. I planned on being a princess but just wasn't feeling it this year. So instead I was a cowgirl, my husband was Joe Dirt (complete with mullet) and the kids were all superheros. Great fun. Here's a glimpse - trick or treating barefoot is a treat unto itself. Love this weather...

Joe Dirt and his gal pal...






I was lovin' the wig - sooooo fun!

A pink and green tree perhaps...

I've never done a pink Christmas tree but after painting these I may have to! They are mini versions of my signs in a 3x3 size. What do ya think?

{ pink is the new red this year...}

{for the traditionalist...}

Successful Saturday Night ...

A nice weekend around here lately consists of relaxing on the sofa for some SEC or Cowboys football, brownies at the end of the day and taking in a movie thanks to Comcast On Demand. This week's selection was Gran Torino! I give it a thumbs up!

Inspired by old...

There's something I really love about weathered, painted wood. It says to me that time has passed, sunsets have come and gone, storms have been weathered and memories have been made. A life metaphor maybe? While we're so quick to slap on that fresh coat of paint, there's so much beauty in the age of something that can't be seen under that new paint.

An old pink door in Oxford, UK.





The color I am always drawn back to...





Such great texture - makes me want to go paint right now...





More texture...





One of my favorites...





What a beautiful weathered sea inspired shade...





These are actually rust blisters.
Did you know rust could be so pretty...





There's always a trend with me...blues and greens...





An old window in north London. My absolute favorite of all!
I would like something like this hanging on my wall...

Time For A New Planner ...

I love when it's time for a new planner! It's like a fresh start of sorts! For the past 5 years or so I've had a Mom Agenda. I've had green, pink, brown, blue... Not this year! I happened to be browsing the CVS with my son while waiting on our passport photos when I came across a mother's planner. It came in a pink version and a blue version. I naturally reached for the blue. If only it had a little muddy footprint on it then I could relate even better. The light blue cover was a little cheesy but I discovered it slipped out! It was an AHA moment - I could cute it up at home. And so I did. Here's the best part...it's a lot easier on the wallet than Mom Agenda. It was around $7. Yes, 7$!!! I grabbed some scrapbook paper from the studio and made several versions. Here is the pink and green...




Everything looks good with a monogram!





Here's the back.
It would have a pink edge instead of blue if I got the girl version.

Great weekly layout.






Love the monthly layout.

Address & Phone that slips out just like Mom Agenda.

Christmas Signs Are So Much Fun...

I've been on a Christmas sign painting spree lately! Here are some previews...
















Can you tell I'm fond of the term "y'all"?

Goodbye Smocked JonJons...

It's the day no southern mama wants to face...

The day her youngest son will no longer wear a smocked jonjon...





This is just a few of them...


That poor first little southern gent has to nearly wear it off to Kindergarten and the next little boys down the line reject them sooner and sooner. They want to be like big brother and all...

This day has just come for me. In his words..."I don't wanna wear a jonjon. Those are for babies."

"NO! What? Who told you that? Did your big brother tell you that? That is absolutely not the case! These are wonderful. These are for big boys! They're so comfortable. I would wear one if I could! See, they're sleeveless and this is the only time in your life you're going to wear a sleeveless shirt. Right? Tell me I'm right about the sleeveless shirt sweetie! Anyways, they're neat - they button on the bottom. It's so hot and you don't want to be sweaty. You should wear this. It has the neatest fish on it! It's called seersucker - isn't that funny?? But honey we have tons of them! Oh please darlin'...mommy just loves these."

"No ma'am."






Well...it seems the comfortable argument didn't persuade him nor did a quivering lip and a fake tear so we ended up in a golf shirt. Why he's in such a hurry to wear that I don't understand. I mean seriously, he's going to be wearing khakis and a golf shirt for like the next 90 years. At least he said ma'am...

Get your vote on...

If you're a fan of classic southern clothing for children, check out Fireflies and Fairytales, a wonderful boutique owned by my cousins in Birmingham. These 3 sisters also created The Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation which exists to help children of cancer victims. This is personal to them since they lost their mom Kathy at a young age and have since set out to help others in their time of need.

They recently found out that they have been chosen out of thousands to possibly have their story featured as one of Mutual of Omaha's national commercials for 2010. The first round of voting goes through October 15 and is open to the public so hop over here to meet the girls and vote if you get a chance! It's quick and easy! They're the Aha Moment called "For the Silent Victims" from Birmingham, AL.

You can check out the F&F Blog here.




Don't forget to check out their other store, the Swanky Stork here.

Pink Tretorns...

I loved these shoes back in the 80s! My mom probably still has them packed in some box somewhere. Hmmm...maybe I'll start wearing them again. Think I could pull that off? I have some cute pink tennis skirts they'd go with...

These days I wear a different pink Tretorn...

This is 1 of 2 pairs of Tretorn wellies I own. Then there are other brands like Toggi and Hunter that make their home in my closet as well. I fell in love with wellies while living on a farm in England but they don't get quite as much use in sunny Florida!

Christmas Cards Y'all...

I finally have some of my 2009 Christmas cards available on Etsy! I had so many custom Christmas card orders this year that I decided to scale back on the mass Etsy card offerings. I'm busy busy busy with the fall holiday season rolling in! Aside from cards, when I counted yesterday, I had 28 signs in varying stages out in the studio and what a fun sight that is to see! All the colors and all the ribbon is heaven! The Gobble Till You Wobble and Merry Christmas Y'all requests are pouring in.

Here are a few of the Christmas cards this year...


My version of the lighted palmetto. Perfect for the coastal Christmas!





Pink is definitely the new red this year in Palm Beach!





I love to incorporate monograms into my designs!





Classic and traditional.





The lowest price tier. Flat 5x7 white stock.

This last bi fold card is in the highest price tier this year. It's such a tuff time for a lot of us so I thought I'd offer some ideas for a custom look DIY card. Stop back by tomorrow and I'll give you step by step directions to create these cards yourself. You need just a touch of creativity, some patience and you can save a little $$$ by using your time rather than mine. Also...a blog follower discount code in on the way so stop back by in the next few days!

Summer's End ...

I've been jogging my shadows to school each morning and today was our first slight break in temperature! It's so refreshing and we all 3 love it. We say our morning prayer but a mile isn't near enough time to list all we have to be thankful for! With these cooler temps (okay so it's still high 80s) I have to pack away summer for now (okay kinda-keep in mind we live in the tropics). So anyway... goodbye summer lemonade stand, we'll see you again next year! It's been fun...

It is so inspiring to jog over the water in the morning and see palm trees and blue water in either direction with fishing boats lining the waterway and halyards clanging on the sailboat masts. My kids look eagerly both ways for pirates that sail mysteriously up and down the Intracoastal at night (so they've heard)! We have no shortage of imagination around here and an environment that lends itself to magical adventures by the sea. Getting the opportunity to raise little southern gentlemen is such a gift and I've really learned to enjoy it! Enjoy this day that you have been given.

Social Primer...

If you aren't regularly reading the blog Social Primer, you're missing out! Etiquette classes disguised as blog posts enlighten the masses as to the fine distinctions of gracious living. Being forever a yachtie at heart, I particularly liked this post and thought I would share it. What he didn't mention is this... Ladies, Women and those that slightly resemble such, if you do step aboard (without permission) wearing Louboutins, it is grounds to head downwind and jibe without fair warning. Look out.

The following post is from Social Primer. These are his words - not mine. Enjoy and hop over to read more fantastic articles.

" First of all a yacht is just a fancy word for any boat bigger than a skiff. Defined as a vessel used for private cruising, racing, or other non-commercial purposes, sailboats, motor boats, pontoon boats, and yes, Aristotle Onassis’s Christina are all considered yachts. Do not let the word — or the invitation — intimidate you. There is nothing greater in SP’s mind than a day spent on the water on board a beautiful boat sailing the bounding main. Tasty drinks, beautiful company, the spray of the sea and a breathtaking sunset combine for one of life’s most inspiring moments. Parties on board a boat do not necessarily take place on the open sea. The boat can be tied up in the slip, on the mooring or at anchor. How you behave and the time you will have depends on the type of event your host has planned. So before you shove off, let’s go over a few things first. Drinks parties on board a boat follow the same rules as illustrated here with a few additions for the concerns of safety and respect for nautical tradition. In sailing, when you say someone is being un-Corinthian, you’re saying the person does not conduct themselves in a gentlemanly manner. Herewith your Corinthian guide to a well-spent and safe day on the water.

First, a few handy nautical terms:

Lines – the seaman’s word for rope.
Slip – A slip is where a boat is tied up beside the dock at the marina. This is the easiest to board as you walk right on from the same level dock.
Mooring – These are the buoys out in the mooring field where larger vessels tie up if they are not in a slip or on anchor, usually about a hundred yards out in the water away from the marina.
Dingy (or Skiff) – this is the captain’s little boat that shuttles you back and forth to the bigger boat out on the mooring.
Launch (or water taxi) – this is a bigger skiff that is usually run by the marina to take you out the boat on the mooring. If at a public marina, you should tip the driver a dollar to two for his service. FYI: You would never tip staff at any private club. This is taken care of by the member in his club dues.

Yacht Party Rules

Rule One: No Shoes on Deck. Do not wear hard-sole shoes on a boat. The deck of a boat is easily scuffed and no captain wants you marking up his shiny deck. To wear hard-sole shoes onto a boat is highly insulting to the captain. And tell your lady friend to leave her high heels on shore. White rubber-sole shoes are the only appropriate shoes to wear on board a boat. No Vibram black-sole work boots or any boots with a black sole as they can leave black scuff marks. Get thee to the Sperry store.

Rule Two: Permission to Come Aboard, Captain. Never climb aboard a boat until you are given permission by the captain or crew. This is not only respectful and traditional but gives the captain a chance to advise passengers on the proper boarding of the vessel. This rule is as old as the sea and still holds true today.

Rule Three: Bundle Up. It matters not if you are cruising the Gulf of Mexico, sailing out to Catalina or crossing Cape Cod Bay in the middle of the summer. Weather is a tricky friend on the water and it always gets chilly after dark. Bring a windbreaker and a sweater. No captain wants to hear you whine about how cold it is. Most boats have extra gear on board for just such occasions, but do you really want to wear a stinky mildew fish jacket that’s been stored down below for ten years?

Rule Four: Respect the Sea. Boats are mighty amazing vessels to spend an afternoon upon. Whether you are in the slip, on the mooring (or anchor) or cruising the open sea, boats are sophisticated creations sitting on top of bouncing water where at any moment things can go terribly wrong. Stay alert and stay out of the way. Respect the Captain, the crew and the vessel as if your life depended on it. Because it does.

Rule Five: Don’t Dangle. Do not wear anything loose or dangling, especially on a sailboat, that can get caught in the rigging. Scarves, jewelry, even a sweater around the shoulders can snag easily on a line or rigging. That goes for long flowing hair as well. And again, tell your lady friend this rule. Nothing can ruin a sunset cruise faster than someone being yanked overboard, getting hanged or decapitated in the rigging.

Rule Six: Be Ready to Crew. One of the joys of sailing is participating in the labor of making the vessel move. If the captain asks you if you would like to crew you should jump at the chance. Be honest. Tell him you’ve never done this before, but are eager to learn. Any captain worth his salt will relish the chance to order a novice around. Just pay attention to his orders and watch what the mate beside you is doing. If you choose to crew – and by all means don’t let the chance slip by — you must follow the captain’s directions in military style. The captain’s word is law on the sea.

Rule Seven: Don’t Jump Ship. Yes, it’s been a long afternoon at sea. You are windblown, sun burnt and probably a little drunk. You have had a great time but now that the boat in on the mooring you just want to jump in the launch and head back to shore. There are a lot of things to do on a boat, especially on a sailboat after a cruise. If there is no crew, you, my man, are the crew. Help to roll up and put the cover on the sail. Straighten out the lines and clean up the cups strewn about the deck. Many a time a generous captain has been left stranded on his boat while the guests he just spent an afternoon entertaining jump into the launch and head back to shore. Do not let this be you. You want to be invited back again, remember?

Basic Sailing Terms and Maneuvers:
The crew’s active participation is integral to the art of sailing. This applies to all passengers on a sailboat as well. When a sailboat changes its direction, the wind will shift the sails to new positions causing the center of gravity to shift to a new balancing point. This can be alarming to some passengers. An organized and controlled movement by the passengers and crew will make a much more pleasant and safe journey at sea possible.

Tacking. When tacking upwind, the captain will call out the following command, “Ready About” where upon all souls on board answer “Ready”. The captain will not start his maneuver to change direction until he has heard a reply from all on board.

Helms A Lee. After the response “Ready” the captain will command “Helms A Lee” telling the helmsmen (that’s the crew member behind the wheel) to turn the boat toward the direction of the wind by pushing the tiller to leeward slowly until the boat begins to head into the wind.

Windward is the direction from which the wind is blowing at the time in question. The side of a ship, which is towards the windward, is the weather side. If the vessel is heeling under the pressure of the wind this will be the side higher in the air.

Heeling is when a boat leans over to one side and is caused by wind or waves.

Leeward is the direction downwind from the point of reference. The side of the boat towards the leeward is its lee side. If the vessel is heeling under the pressure of the wind this will be the side lower to the water.

Tacking is the other way to change the side of the boat that faces the wind, turning the bow of the boat through the direction of the wind. This operation is also known as Coming About.

Jibing - A jibe or gybe is a maneuver where a sailboat turns her stern through the wind, such that the wind direction changes from one side of the boat to the other. In this maneuver the mainsail will cross the center of the boat while the jib is pulled to the other side of the boat. To the novice this is a somewhat violent maneuver. The most dangerous maneuver is jibing down wind. In this case the captain will instruct each passenger where he or she should be seated. The main sail (meaning the boom) must cross over the cockpit swinging directly overhead. The captain will command “Prepare to Jib”. Instructions regarding the maneuver will follow. Then the captain will command “Ready to Jib”. The crew and passengers respond, “Ready”. Then the captain calls out “Jib Ho” indicating the maneuver is underway. On a sailboat, it is critical that all on board work together. This is how it’s been done for centuries. Respond on every command. Nothing is more irritating to the captain and your fellow crew than to hear the captain call the command repeatedly waiting for you to respond. This is your duty should you choose to accept it. And you should choose to accept it. This is one of life’s greatest thrills."

High Design...

I have an ever expanding inspiration journal in which you will find these pieces from Urban Archaeology...


The Princeton hanging lantern.
Starting at $8,955.




The Cambridge hanging lantern.
Starting at $4,045.





The Yorkville hanging lantern.
Starting at $8,770.





The Hastings hanging lantern.
Starting at $13,750.





Salvaged brass lantern. Circa 1920.
Priced at $35,000.





Salvaged gothic wrought iron gates from St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.
Priced at $195,000.




Cast Iron Library Stacks.
Priced at $45,000.

Deep In the Heart of Texas...

When I first moved to Fort Worth 10 years ago I was lucky enough to work for a boutique architecture firm there called FRS Design Group. This would turn out to be a footprint in life lasting longer than ever anticipated. When I got to FW I didn't know a soul and they were the very first people I met. They showed me the ropes when it came to Cowtown and by now they seem like extended family!

I was introduced to a number of things while I was there that I can barely live without these days! From crud paper to Rapidoliner pens... From Chartpak markers to the limitless uses of Spray Mount... Architecture firms are great fun! I learned a lot about drawing from them as well. I consider their loose spur of the moment sketches to be great works of art! If only I could draw like them...

I actually still work for this firm and have off and on through all my moves around the globe. I know...you're going, huh? How many jobs does she have?? I know. I know.

I recently spent the day with them at the office and got a quick sight seeing tour of the massive development and immense changes that Cowtown has seen since I've been gone. Early on Sep 11, I was seated at the Fort Worth Club awaiting their arrival for an early breakfast when in they walked wearing pink and green! I knew that had to be a blog post.

Not great photos but it was a yucky 4 days of rain while in Texas!

Practice in Patience ...

An example of what an almost 3 year old can accomplish in under 2 minutes flat...


I used to be an IBM Thinkpad...



Now just the sad remains of Hurricane John Wells...

Boo Y'all! We Have a winner !

Good evening ladies! I just chose a winner and the lucky number is...



And...this lucky number 25 belongs to...




Congrats!

Last Call for Giveaway entries !

You have until 8 pm EST tonight to enter my pink and green "Boo Y'all" sign giveaway a couple of posts down. Good Luck!

Relax Y'all ...

How gorgeous are these colors?
Blue and red will be my holiday color scheme of choice this year. Have a wonderful weekend!

Photo credits

Boo Y'all Sign Giveaway !

I do believe I promised y'all a preppy pink and green "Boo Y'all" sign giveaway when I got back from Texas. Well...I'm back and here it is!



Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. I'll close the drawing on Monday, Sep. 21 at 8:00 pm EST. Good luck...

SEC Football Fever ...

Based on the number of football sign requests I've been getting lately, I know I'm not the only household with Fall Football Fever! Being from the south, I'm partial to the SEC. If I hadn't ventured out west to the Big 12 then I would have to be on the Bama side of the fence. I know - I'm sorry - I have many perfectly almost normal family members that went to Auburn. (Y'all know I'm just kiddin')! Between Bama's last QB (John Parker Wilson-who I still see as that adorable little 2 yr old that lived next door) and the current one (a kid from Southlake), we're obsessed! Oh and every time I see Joe Namath in the neighborhood here I want to break out the Bear Bryant hat! I just love this time of year...

Custom Christmas Update ...

FYI:

It may only be the beginning of September but I am out of slots for custom Christmas designs at this point. I have several returning clients with large orders of 300+ cards that are each individually cut, painted and embellished. As you can imagine, this is time consuming but so much fun that I feel guilty charging them! I've had a large number of inquiries this year regarding pricing for high end custom design. This isn't simply a scanned drawing of mine but rather a unique and totally hand created piece that will not be duplicated. These clients want something that will truly reflect their style and be unlike anything else received that year! The amount of detail ultimately determines the final cost but they have ranged from between $15 - $25 per card. Here is a sample of a custom card I collaborated with Megan Skeels on several years ago.

The photo doesn't show how fun this card was! Real moss wreaths with pearls and blue ribbons adorn doors matching her house that open to reveal a hand drawn background and a photo of her family. Megan and I had a blast with these! Megan may have slots available at this point so check with her here if you're interested. She has a wonderful vintage style!

For those of you who have inquired but didn't get a spot, if I finish early (which I sometimes do), I will post an update and it will be first come, first served. Thank y'all so much for allowing me to create for you yet again! I love it...

Texas Bound Y'all...

How's that Buffett song go... " I have a Caribbean soul I can barely control and Texas hidden deep in my heart" ...

I am headed back out to DFW this week and I can hardly wait! I can already taste the Mi Cocina and Joe T's! I'm excited to see some friends and take in all the changes that have taken place in DFW while we've been here in south Florida. I'm ready for that fresh perspective that comes from breaking routine and traveling. I sure wish I could sneak in a quick trip down to Waco - I could use a Baylor fix. Most importantly, I have to figure out how I can fit in a garlic stuffed tenderloin at Lonesome Dove while I'm there! Anyone up for a LATE dinner on Thursday in Cowtown?? I like to eat - you probably guessed that by now...

PS - After I get back I've got a pink and green hand painted "Boo Y'all" sign giveaway for you! Have a great week and seek that fresh perspective.

DIY Organization Project ...

Over the weekend I got motivated to fill up a blank spot on a wall in my kitchen with a very practical project. It's a simple weekly organizer blackboard for everyone in the family to pencil in what they've got going on for the week. Give it a try! I used a 2' x 4' piece of thin plywood and painted 4 good coats of chalkboard paint (I let each coat dry 6 hours at least). Then get creative! I like loose lines that look like they were given no thought. This gives it that very laid back feel. Think of all the fun things you could do...menu planner, birthdays, scriptures to memorize... I finished it off with a couple holes drilled at the top. I used a natural colored twine tied with Eastland knots to cover the nails. Give it a try!

The Last Wagoneer Post ...Well, Maybe ...

I have been so interested in vintage vehicles lately that I can hardly sketch them fast enough! I've always liked them but more now than ever! Old Suburbans, Wagoneers, Defenders, Land Cruisers and a token small car, the gull wing Mercedes. Imagine the smile when my husband's Land's End package arrived this weekend with a fall catalog inside featuring this photo! I thought for a minute that was me in the yellow jacket :)

A friend who had an identical one at Baylor told me about a great place to look in Kerrville called Wagonmaster. They restore old Woodys making them as good as new. The truck featured in the LE ad is a product of Wagonmaster. Here she is again...




And here's another restore from Wagonmaster that was featured in a Ralph ad. I'm smitten...

Check out the Wagonmaster site! It has great photos, great products and an inspiring story about doing what you love and loving what you do!

Waspy Wheels ...

This is my personal favorite of all the Christmas designs this year. It's based on my dream car...the vintage and very waspy Jeep Wagoneer. Makes me want to throw on an argyle sweater and drink hot cocoa - I can't say I've done that in south Florida yet! This design, like all of them, will be available on 2.75" square stickers, return address labels, folded notecards AND a new 6" holiday card. They're coming soon...

Christmas is Coming ...

Many of you have been asking when I'll have Christmas designs ready... Truth is, I'm a bit slow this year. The last 2 weeks handed me a little road bump in the form of a child with 21 food allergies and 46 sensitivities. YIKES - I had to learn real fast how to change everything we ate immediately-as in overnight! It's gonna take more than that to shake me! With renewed faith and a deep reminder that I am NOT in control,I'm busy doodling! The designs are almost done. Good thing I started early this year. Here's a tiny glimpse of some ideas coming together.

End of Summer ...

I always dreaded the end of summer growing up. It meant no more careless days of roaming around the neighborhood on adventures, no more bare feet, no more lazy days at the beach or the farm... And worst of all...it meant SCHOOL! But now that I'm the mom, my kids heading off to school is a welcome break! And in south Florida I never really have to pack away the flip flops or bury the toes in fur lined boots so all in all the end of summer isn't half bad. I've had fun with my shadows this summer and new chapters are always such a good chance to look back and smile on our successes and learn from our failures.

One of our favorite things to do is plant secret treasure maps and let the kids stumble upon them. Below is a pirate map we hid for my oldest blessing's birthday. We gathered the neighborhood kids and conveiently let them come across it. What a blast they had! We raced through cleverly hidden clues while trying to beat the late afternoon thunderstorm building above us. The end of the hunt unearthed a burlap bag filled with treasure. I probably had just as much fun making the whole thing up. Imagination is surely a spiritual gift, right?

Loads of Lilly P ...

I briefly had the chance to melt into my office chair and waste a few minutes on exploring the C. Orrico photos on Facebook. They have a wonderful collection of photos from the Woman With Wings and Wisdom Luncheon that you should browse through for some pink and green eye candy! C. Orrico is one of the things I love about living in Palm Beach Co. Click here to visit their online boutique just in case you won't be in PBC anytime soon. Enjoy these...

Isn't that a beautiful site - all those C. Orrico bags dangling off the chairs!



Love the limes...



It looks so good en masse!



What a fabulous lady and the epitome of classy!

Preppy Paper Giveaway...

Kate at Nautical By Nature recently won the hostess drawing I held. She's currently hosting a My Flip Flopz preppy paper giveaway so hop over to her blog and leave a comment to enter.

Beauty is in the details . . .

One of my favorite things about shipping your My Flip Flopz goodies to you is the packaging part. I love to wrap things in unexpected ways creating a strong first impression! When we lived in Texas, I remember a store at HPV called It's a Wrap - they created the most beautifully wrapped gifts I've ever seen! Does anyone know if they're still there?

I enjoy seeing all the products stacked up in the "pre -wrap" phase just waiting on their ribbon or raffia. Beauty is in the details!

Inspired by my husband . . .

Monday is almost here and all the things I need to do and want to do are dancing around in my head. Luckily, they're dancing to Bob Marley since we just got back from another little adventure down in Islamorada. That calm blue water and evening breeze never disappoints! I have some wonderful photos to share but for now the fluffed up feather bed is calling my name. An adventure with little boys bursting at the seams with energy can wear a girl out. This I know!

While I was gone I celebrated being married 12 years. Have I ever mentioned I have a husband that is, in my eyes, beyond compare! He's all the qualities I would put on my wish list - tall, Southern, Christian, Republican, devoted, great dad, amazing work ethic, entrepreneurial and he tithes - yes, tithes! Here's where I sigh...aagghhh. No really, he's flat out wonderful for all those reasons and a million more! As though he wasn't sweet enough just being himself, he surprised me with a little gift.

Just after I got ready for dinner last night I spotted that perfect shade of blue sitting on the dresser in the hotel room. You know the shade - the one that looks perfect against a white satin ribbon...

Yep, that's the one...

He complains that I'm hard to buy for but he sure does a good job most (yes, most) of the time! He found the neatest white dolomite beaded necklace. It's kind of a large trendy version of pearls (which you can never go wrong with)! Since white is my favorite color (or non-color), I'm sure this will get much use!

Inspired by My Kids ...

Black and white photos hang above my desk of my kids and their first attempts at wearing flip flops. Good effort at least! Wearing flip flops is an art that must be perfected I tell them. People always ask me why I can walk so far in flops without a blister between my toes. Years of practice, darlin'...Years of practice...

These photos inspire me because of that sense of wonder at the idea of trying something new. The sense of... I don't have any idea how to wear these but I'm gonna try...

The sense of...I've seen this done once so bring it on world!

Such sweet innocence...

Closet Cleaning Madness . . .

As the new school year approaches, I've been getting ready around here. Cleaning and organizing. I LOVE being organized - it just makes life so much easier! I'm about to spend some time on Ebay getting rid of some stuff. Several of my Texas friends wanted to know what goodies I was getting rid of before I listed them. So... to be fair girls, here's a preview! If somebody wants one, email me! First one wins...

Navy/white J. Crew Alpaca sweater. Worn once.
Not a smart purchase living in south Florida! Size small.
$25



Totem by the Sea aqua/green bag. Used a couple times.
A crinkly waterproof lining inside - would be great as a diaper bag!
Tiny wear on top of handles.
$20



Little girls Lilly pants. Perfect condition. Size 6
$25



I was going to cut this up and use the Palm Beach Patch fabric but I just couldn't bring myself to do it!
This has that great well worn cotton feel but extremely well cared for over the years! Size 2.
$30



Ralph Lauren girls cream colored critter skirt featuring the polo pony.
Size 10 (girls - not ladies). Never worn! ADORABLE!
$30



A gorgeous cotton Shoshanna skirt I paid an insane amount for. Worn once!
I think it came from C. Orrico in Palm Beach... Size 0 (but feels more like a 2)
$45 - (UPDATE...SOLD to ECM)



Brand new with tags J.Crew white lined linen City Fit pants.
Size 2 Tall (can be hemmed to any length)! Gorgeous but they swallow me!
Yes, I know I have uber-veiny skeletal hands!!! Do you think they do fat injections for hands???
I digress...
$50 - (UPDATE...SOLD to LGL)





This is the Toss bag I blogged about a while ago. It was a swag bag from the Emmys.
I bought it at a charity auction and I'd like to give the money to another charity.
Any philanthropists out there???
$250 - (UPDATE...The last offer is for $200)




This inside showing the People Magazine tag for this special edition Toss bag...

Monogram Me ...

A private post just for you PSP! A pink monogram of your own to download! Let me know if you have any problems!

XOXO- Susie

Lilly In the Morning ...

Have y'all seen the Lilly special edition grapefruit juice by Florida Natural? Great link back to the beginning when it was all just a juice stand. I love the grapefruit print!

Inspired by Architecture ...

I recently returned from a trip "up north" to my part of Florida...the Panhandle. I'm so very blessed to have that part of the country in my blood. My children are the 5th generation to rock on that squeaky porch under the whir of a humming overhead fan. My "beach" experience is special, unique and rustic. I'm not a fan of the Condo Commandos that blast the coast with sky high monstrosities. As a child, the little beach cottage by the sea lacked phone, TV and air conditioning. It was a real escape. The kind of place Hemingway could surely pen a classic. The small grocery store down the road had a payphone. Things have changed but not too much. The giant fans in the windows that shuffled the air have been replaced by window units. Phone lines aren't necessary since we're all attached to Blackberrys now. I love it with all my heart and have yet to not be inspired by it!

While the little cottage remains, everything around has blossomed and grown. I've seen so much change along 30-A over my time spent around there. While I am and will always be partial to my favorite New Urban development, Seaside, I think I've fallen in love with another jewel on the Emerald Coast! Every time I make it up there, Alys Beach has grown a little more and each time growing more beautiful. The architecture is breathtaking, the setting is perfect and the colors are dreamy. Come along...

Those windows are divine!




Simple is beautiful...




Tubby time...




This spot makes me want to read a great southern novel...





I love those shutters! What a great mojito spot...




Another view of the shutter room. Can't you feel the breezes?





Check out that secret cubby! A kids dream...





Another great mojito spot!





A loggia overlooking the town...





Movie set material...





The view that dreams are made of...




I've been leaning towards a liking of lower ceilings lately. So cozy...





Lots of levels and lines...





Can't you see kids locking each other in "jail" in this room?





Courtyards you've only imagined...





I'm envisioning yoga, a latte and a dip in the poolette.





As a fan of arches, this is one of my favs...





Pure lighted luxury...






This courtyard is oh so adorable...





4 sets of french doors is a win!






I ADORE the upper windows in this room!





All that natural light is tres bien...





Interesting arches...





I just love exterior curtains...





Gorgeous ceiling beams and delicious floors...





More curves and lines...



And now the exteriors...

The white on blue is breathtaking...





Notice the nifty"jail cell room" on this one...





Beautiful shutters...





Those roof lines are a little Amsterdam, a little Alamo, a little Greece and a little Barbados all in one ...




Yes, it's that serene in real life...





Are you ready to go?





So much interest in such a small space...





I'm ready to slip on all white and venture through those
gorgeous wooden doors...

Thanks for visiting!

Photos courtesy of Alys Beach.
Visit their website here for a vast array of GORGEOUS slideshows highlighting successful New Urban design.

And the Hostess Winners Are ...

It's taken me nearly a week to get around to choosing a winner but here we go...

I would love to have had time to scribble all the names down on cute paper and pick, but I've been SO busy since vacation that Random will have to do the job - but I at least popped on a cute border since I'm all about pretty pictures to look at! :)

#13 - Usually unlucky but not in this case! Kate at Nautical by Nature !!! I remember her winning a hand painted sign during a past giveaway here at MFF. Congrats - again! I will get all the giveaway details over your way so you can let the fun begin...

Now I've been know to choose more than one winner in the past because if truth be told... I have so much fun creating, I'd just give everything away all the time if I could! But I hear that's not great business practice :) Nevertheless, I thought I might choose someone to host a Christmas paper giveaway as well as fall quickly approaches. That lucky number is...

#12 - Kappa Prep, it's you! This is exciting because she actually hosted my very first giveaway ever before I started the MFF blog! This was a day of lucky (agains)! Thanks for entering everyone!

Y'all don't be discouraged if you didn't win this time... I'm thinking maybe a "Never Won Before" Giveaway might be around the corner!

Back to work ... But work is really play!

Vacation week is over and it's back to normal around here. Normal is pretty great though...no complaints! I feel rested, renewed and so thankful for all the blessings the good Lord has bestowed upon me!!! Since returning I've been filling orders and catching up on this and that (that would be loads and loads of laundry).

A few things...

{One}

Remember those little inspiration journals I told you about a few posts back? Well, no excuses not to get one! I was at Staples earlier today and they had them for $0.15 each. That's right...15 cents! I didn't know you could get much of anything for that price nowadays. But don't look in the Jupiter store - I bought them out of pink and aqua ;)

{Two}

Today is the last day to enter my blog hostess drawing! Click on the pink and navy button on the side bar to leave a comment.

{Three}

Vacations are good! We had a blast and I have some great inspiring tidbits I'll pass along when time allows. I'm bursting at the seams with several new product ideas and I can't wait to bring them to fruition!

Vacation Notice . . .

photo courtesy of my sweet friend, Mary Virginia

The My Flip Flopz studio will be closed from Wednesday, July 8th until Tuesday, July 14th for a little vacation. Orders placed during this time will be fulfilled as soon as I return. Thanks and have a great week!

Happy 4th from Beside the Sea...

Remember to give thanks today for our freedom which we've only had for a relatively short period of time in the course of history. People died so you can have freedom {which should be another passionate post on why we shouldn't give it away!} Have a great American holiday and enjoy summer! I can remember wearing a coat at all the expat July 4th parties in the UK so I will definitely enjoy being by the sea!

Be Inspired ...

I love to be inspired and I love to inspire others. I keep 3 ring binders filled with ripped out magazine pages I've collected over the years. But as for my thoughts - I buy thin spiral notebooks and just scribble down a date and an idea/thought or even a little sketch. I think sometimes we don't journal because we haven't found the perfect book in the right color or we don't know how to organize our thoughts, etc... I say grab a notebook and start writing. Whatever it is! Whenever it is! Maybe you have a novel developing in your head, an idea for a song or the next time-saving invention. You never know! Look at it like an exercise in creativity. Don't worry about how the idea book looks - just get one!

Heaven . . .

Jason Aldean performs "Heaven" with Bryan Adams on Crossroads.
Please Jason, release this song as a single! Beautiful...

High Style Scrapbooking . . .

What comes to mind when you hear the word scrapbooking? Maybe Michael's, tiny little diecuts, 12x12 background papers, stickers, hole punches, etc... I could go on seeing as how an entire industry came out of it! People are always surprised to hear that I've never gotten into the activity even though I'm crafty. I guess because I'm a creative person, I tend to veer away from the mass produced, fill-in-the-blank type items that lack a unique feel.

What I CAN get into is the work of my dear friend in Fort Worth, Megan Skeels. She creates "heritage albums" that I hesitate to even put in the category of scrapbook! Megan's business, Chronicles, produces high-end, luxury albums by hand that become family heirlooms and true treasures! Megan has even published a book about scrapbooking from an interior design perspective. She paints backgrounds and pages while layering rich fabrics and vintage ribbons. The result is beautiful and a real work of art! Her clients often give her a box of photos or a CD and tell her to go for it. They are never disappointed and always willing to get on the waiting list for her next available spot! If you're looking for something very unique and forever treasured, give her a call...






Scroll through more page samples here:
http://books.google.com/books?id=EmuQpFyb4TYC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Southern Sippy Cups . . .

You've gotta love that Tervis Tumbler makes lids! The 16 oz. cup with lid is perfect for my little ones meaning no more brightly colored sippy cups and mismatched parts/straws at the bottom of the dishwasher! TT makes a smaller cup as well but I love these because we are able to use them too. It's the small things! Happy Sunday...

Sample Return Address Stickers ...

Coming soon to Etsy...



These little return address stickers are 1 x 2 5/8 and come 30 to a sheet.

Preppy Paper Giveaway Host Needed . . .

That's right... You can leave me a comment on this post and I'll enter you for a chance to be the host blog of our summer preppy paper giveaway consisting of fun folded notes and matching stickers! I'll choose a hostess on Monday, July 20th so you have plenty of time to drop a comment here and I have plenty of time for more R&R in July! Thanks for playing and good luck!

Inspired by Water...

I was mesmerized when I first saw a photo of this saltwater pool... According to the UK's Daily Mail, it is the world's largest pool and covers over 20 acres with a deep end of 115 feet. Can you imagine? Wild, huh! It can be found along the coast of Chile. Those sparkling waters make me thirsty just looking at them!

Here are a few fun facts according to the Daily Mail...

"Chile's monster pool uses a computer- controlled suction and filtration system to keep fresh seawater in permanent circulation, drawing it in from the ocean at one end and pumping it out at the other.

The sun warms the water to 26c, nine degrees warmer than the adjoining sea.

Chilean biochemist Fernando Fischmann, whose Crystal Lagoons Corporation designed the pool, said advanced engineering meant his company could build "an impressive artificial paradise" even in inhospitable areas.

"As long as we have access to unlimited seawater, we can make it work, and it causes no damage to the ocean." "