Hi there! We're back.

Wowzers. I think this is the longest I have ever been away from my blog! And not just my blog. From blog surfing, internet research, twitter, and even emails that don't need immediate reply. Wow. I feel a little strange being back! Not because I didn't miss piping in about the fun things we have been up to, but because I have had an increased sense of reality.

A older woman I met with yesterday said something I will never forget. She said: "So-and-So is always out in the neighborhood visiting with neighbors, chatting with people in the yard and walking around outside getting to know people. You see, he doesn't have a TV."

Well...I think it is safe to say a replacement for TV has become the COMPUTER! The safe place to connect. And a wonderful place! Diets are just recommended to make sure it isn't our only place to connect. And now, after 12 days or so, I am in check. And for heaven's sake, I am not even an addict...just someone who loves pretty things, getting inspiration, checking in with people, and keeping up on my business. But now I am back, and happy to check in with eveyone and say a big: I have missed you! Thanks for checking in while I was away. Great things are happening, and I can't wait to share!

Happy Site Friday: Kiddie Records Weekly

Good old fashioned listening!

One of my favorite Date night activities with my husband is listening to old radio shows from the 40's online at Radio Lovers. We'll get out the popcorn and the tea, snuggle on the couch and listen to Abbot and Castello, Bob Hope and the Benny Goodman show.

I can remember the "old record days" just barely. My mom would put on a record, and we would follow a long in our books, turning out pages to the chimes. I can still here it. We'd dance along to the music...static sounds and all.

And just when I was getting all nostalgic, my husband led me to this site! Kiddie Records Weekly. Oh this is a treasure! With all the visual media out there for kids to choose from, there is very little listening going on. My kids LOVE listening to books on tape...and now...all the old classics from the 40's and 50's are available for free download! All you need to do is download it to itunes, stick these on your ipod and you have amazing car time with your kids! Or even better, snuggle on the couch with popcorn and blankets. Even better if you have the book to go with it...which maybe you do.

However you choose, enjoy! Good old fashioned family listening time is great for the soul. I highly recommend it! Happy weekend!

Live Simply.

I found this via Modeco blog today. FREE DOWNLOAD among other great prints. Just download it, print it and hang it in your kitchen when your brain gets in over-drive. Live simply.

**And thanks for all your great comments about the wall art below! Speaking of FREE downloads...I will be posting the animal templates to my blog in the next bit so you can make your own art galleries. Be watching!

Valentines 1958

Yesterday I came across these pictures and just melted. Aren't they so charming? Who doesn't love Audrey, and who doesn't wish they had a pet baby deer?

I was COMPLETELY inspired, and had the spontaneous need to get some sweet Valentine cards in the shop of a much younger Audrey (or whom ever you will) and her dear pet (no pun intended.) So, between packing, shipping, cleaning and errands, I managed to get some new Valentines cards made up. I realize it is a bit late, but I have been rather busy with some other projects I can't mention just yet.

They will be in the shop tomorrow, with a couple other things I hope. Happy Valentines!!!

Happy Site Friday: Poladroid.net

Hi. My name is Sarah and I am a recovering Polaroid-aholic.

Yes. I am hooked. I found this free download that gives you a "Polaroid" camera for your desktop, and all you do is drag and drop your digital photos into the camera, and CLICK-CLICK it pops out a Polaroid version! The photos even sit on your desktop and "develop" just like the real thing! I am in love!

The above photos come from a photo shoot my cousin at Gashlycrumbs did for me with my Toys on Wheels, J'aime ma Maman , Danse avec moi and Dress up party print. I think they look pretty nifty in vintage film!

To satisfy your own Polaroid cravings, click here.

** and THANK YOU for all of your hard work with voicing your support of changing the CPSIA. Great comments everyone!

Save handmade and blog about it!

I have been meaning to blog about this for a while: CPSIA and the death to nearly all unique, independent, and handmade products (not to mention library books, used and thrifted items) for children in the US starting February 10th. Sounds eggagerated? It is true.

Read here, here, here and here.

I am saving my words for WEDNESDAY JAN. 28th to unite my blog with all of yours in an effort to RAISE MY VOICE about this terrible law.

IF you have a blog, and feel so inclined to spread the word and the support to do ALL WE CAN to change this, PLEASE BLOG on Wednesday! Here is the link to add your blog to the list (you may need to be a member of ETSY to add yourself to the list, but NOT to join the BLOGATHON). And get your own blog readers to write their own as well. The more the merrier!!!

If you don't feel like writing your own post, here is one that you are welcome to use, or modify to your own voice.

I will have more updates on current info on this act on Wednesday, what it all means and what we can do about it. Until then...get blogging!

**above softie image from Persimmon and Pink

Closer than friends.

Click here to watch 2 minutes of happy.

Today an ETSY friend sent me the link above and said it made her think of my Wellesley and Winslow images (my elephant and bunny...which I must be honest are my favorite images and I have big plans for the two of them). I saw this video and totally ended up in tears...good tears...this is a happy, INCREDIBLE 2 minute clip. Amazing. Infact, I think I need to start working on Wellesly and Winslow a bit more before bed tonight.