Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!

Wishing you all joy and peace this holiday season. 

Also, the winner of my Etsy Gift Card Giveaway is Jennifer (jknick88)! 

Congratulations Jennifer, enjoy!

xoxo

Cari 

It's Giveaway Time!!

Oh my Gosh, where has the time gone? I am sorry to have been away for so long, 

life is really crazy right now. 

But...... 

I have a little treat to make it up to you all.

First:

 15% off all items in my goods shop: luckygirlgoods.etsy.com, for Facebook and blog followers only,  just use coupon code SPECIAL15 at checkout.

Second:

Etsy has just introduced Gift Cards!!! Yay!!!! So... to celebrate, I'm having a Giveaway. Here's how it works, pop over to my "goods" shop and every order from luckygirlgoods.etsy.com gives you one chance to win a $25.00 Etsy Gift Card (from me), Gift Card is good in any Etsy shop that accepts Credit Cards and Gift Cards, so.... you don't have to use your Gift Card in my shop, you can use it in any one of thousands of shops on Etsy!!! Yay again!!

Giveaway runs from today until 12:01 am Dec. 24th.  

Use your Gift Card to treat yourself to something special that your family may have forgotten to give you. lol

Have a lovely day and hopefully I will be back to post again soon.

xoxo

cari 

Marie Antoinettes Hamlet

 O.K, so if you saw Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette Movie then you might recognize this first picture.

In the movie Marie and her friends ran through this archway so that she could show them the lovely little Hamlet that she created. This actually isn't the first view you see of the Hamlet (creative license for the movie).

 You actually come across this view after you have spent a while wondering through the lovely little forested paths from the Petite Trianon.

 In my mind, the hamlet was one really sweet rustic building and some animals and a garden. NO....

In actuality, it's like an entire little village. It's so adorable. My daughter equated it to a theme park and then said that Marie was like the very first Walt Disney. (I don't know how factual that is but, that's what my daughter thinks... hahaha) 

 There are several houses and a barn and a chicken house and a milking shed and there are still animals kept there. Every house has it's own little backyard fenced in garden too.

Look at the roof!!! They are shake roofs and there are flowering plants growing on most of the roofs. Adorable!!

 At this point some of the buildings outer staircases are starting to fall apart but wouldn't it be neat if they fixed them up and then offered an opportunity to stay in the village?!! I would so be there!!

 After visiting Versaille it is very easy to see why Marie Antoinette loved the little village that she created. So open and inviting and relaxing.

 It was fun to wander around, the only thing is that there aren't any signs directing you back to the Petit Trianon so you need to leave yourself a little time to make sure you wander back before the last shuttle leaves or you'll have quite a walk back to Versailles.

 My daughter and I decided that this was by far our favorite part of the entire Versailles visit!! 

Hopefully more pictures soon. I hope I'm not boring you.

I hope everyones summer is going wonderfully.

xoxo

Cari 

Petite Inspiration Box Swap

Petite Inspiration Box Swap

Birthday Edition

 I absolutely love these swaps.  You get 2 partners and you fill up a large size matchbox with all kinds of lovingly chosen themed vintage goodies.  I have missed several of these swaps as of late so I was really excited to be able to participate this time.  I designed my boxes to look like (my version) of a cake. I might have been inspired by my recent trip to Marie Antoinettes hamlet and Petite Trianon, just saying. lol They are a little frilly.

 My partners have received their boxes so it's ok for me to give you a peek at the goodies I put into the boxes.  I love the vintage pink, yellow, and blue flower candle holders and just happened to find some wonderful vintage birthday cards and labels and even some vintage birthday sheet music. Then I made some goodies like a rustic petite pennant banner with some vintage pink chenille and vintage pink fabric. I thought that they turned out so cute that I might make a few for my shop.

Here are all of the goodies packaged up and ready to ship out.  I sure hope that my partners really liked their goodies. I had such fun creating again, I've been so busy and sure have missed being creative. 

Hopefully I'll be back with more posts soon, my oldest is back in NYC working at a french summer camp this summer so things have slowed down a bit here. 

xoxo

Cari 

The Eiffel Tower

La Tour Eiffel

 Springtime in Paris is lovely. Duh! But seriously, the entire trip the weather was lovely. Apparently it rained for days before we arrived and then rained again for days soon after we left. But, lucky for me, I was able to get some beautiful pictures to go along with the memories.

 The photos above and below are of a lovely little park off to the right of the tower, there is another equally lovely park on the other side but my Audrey chose to take a little park rest on this side. That girl LOVES her parks. 

 It really was a lovely, peaceful little setting. A nice unexpected surprise. 

 The tower was really stunning all lit up at night.

We saw a lot of the tower on our trip. We actually got all wrapped up in an In-line world championship that was taking place in the plaza across the street from the tower. We kept looking up from the athletes to see this. It was pretty neat.

Maries Hamlet (my absolute favorite place in all of Paris) photos will be soon. 

xoxo

Cari 

 Sacre Coeur

 Sacred Heart Cathedral

 This is where we went on our first whole day in Paris. Let me just say, every single day we were in Paris we had absolutely amazing weather. I mean 75 and sunny with a lovely breeze all day. It didn't even get dark there until after 10pm. 

O.K.... There are a lot of stairs. But it was so worth it. That's my oldest. It was nice to have some mommy/daughter time.

Here is the church up close. It doesn't cost anything to get in and it's not half as crowded as this picture makes it appear. This is on a weekend day too. There is a catacomb and tower area that you can access for a small fee. We went into the catacombs but that's for another day.

The entire area was so lovely. There were street performers working for tips and there was a lovely fine food festival with samples. We tasted salami, wine, strawberries, and fois gras. yummmm!

This is just a random shot of a building facing Montmarte square where the artists all set up their canvas. I do have to say the artists area is much more touristy and expensive than it was 20 years ago. 

But still, a very lovely visit and the views are spectacular. Totally worth the climb.

xoxo

Cari 

Paris

 I'm back from Paris!

 Well.... I've actually been back for a week but it has taken me this long to get caught up

I've got soooo many pictures and stories to tell but for now, this is an adorable pink building across the street from Notre Dame nearer to the Latin Quarter. I just couldn't resist grabbing a snapshot of it because of its color.

This is the view from our table at the resteraunt that we ate at on our last night in Paris. :-( It was really lovely, there was a man playing guitar on the corner across the street and every so often the church bells would ring.  If you are going to Paris and are looking for inexpensive food, definitely check out the Latin Quarter first thing.  

Summer is in full swing here, all 4 kiddos are home, things are wonderfully crazy. 

I'll be back as soon as I can.

xoxo

cari

Surprise Gift

One of the best gifts of my life!

(Picture from Graphics Fairy)

A few days ago my mom sent me a text and then the phone rang.

It was my mom. She said "did you read your text" I said, "no, what's up?" She said, "read your text." I said, "why, you're on the phone, what's up?" She said "just read it!!!"

so......

the text said.....

"Pack your bags, you leave for Paris in May"

Wow!!!

I am sooooo stinking excited.

She said I deserved it because ever sense my kiddos were born I always put them first and now I deserved a vacation.

I am in shock!!

My oldest was planning on being alone in Paris for 8 days and I was worried about her being there alone. I don't know why though, she does live in Manhattan by herself now. But, for some reason I was worried. Now, we get to have a spectacular "mother-daughter" trip.

I am soooo grateful and excited, and already thinking about all of the blog posts I'll be able to get out of one trip. lol

Hopefully I'll post again soon,

life is a little crazy.

xoxo

cari

Today

Here's what I'm working on today.

(they are all finished and in my shop)

Sweet little Easter Baskets. Perfect for party favors or a "special" little treat.

They are made with lots of German glass glitter and German silver glass glitter.

I'll have them finished up today and listed in the store first thing tomorrow with plenty of time to ship them to you for the Holiday.

xoxo

Cari

Blooms

I've been obsessed with these flowers lately.

I love them all soooo much.

So.. I bought some (A LOT).

Now what to do with them??

Make lots of pretties for my shop.

I had so much fun putting these beauties together and playing with my new macbook to design the labels.

Soon these babies will be listed, I've got rings, earrings, and hair pins all wonderfully inexpensive so that you can brighten up the end of your winter with a jewelry garden or get a head start on spring!

xoxo

Cari

Beautiful Clutter

Beautiful Clutter

Just sitting at my (messy) desk and thought I'd snap a few inspirational photos.

Love me some Vintage velvet flowers!!

And of course, rhinestones, pearls, and glitter!

Come over and check out my new (this one will be leaving soon) blog.

aluckygirlsblog.blogspot.com

Have a lovely day

xoxo

Cari

I love all of my wonderful followers.....

and.... I love these tags from mycherrytree on etsy.

Valentines is almost here. Are you ready?

My blog is moving, come visit my new spot: aluckygirlsblog.blogspot.com

xoxo

cari

It' finally time for a change.

(Picture found here:http://estatemade.com/words-to-live-by/a-reminder/)

I've been thinking about this for awhile now.

Most of you know how it is. You are so excited to start your first blog and then.....

a little while goes by and your title doesn't really suit you anymore.

This isn't a shop blog, it's supposed to be a personal journal of my art and my journey in my search for what I want to be when I "grow up".

Well..... I'm not sure it can be with this title.

So....

I'm starting a new blog. I hope that if you've hung around as one of my cherished "followers" that you will follow me over to my new home.

I am hoping that the move will help me find clarity in my blogging and help me on my new quest or journey, to find out where I am headed.

So...

If you are interested in coming on my journey with me, my new blog is aluckygirlsblog.blogspot.com I think it's much more fitting.

Working Pretties

Busy, Busy, Busy!! (aren't we all??)

Just working and thought these looked pretty.

Have a lovely day.

xoxo

Cari

Last of the Christmas Swaps

O.K, I was going to post these pictures a few days ago and then...

I got sick! ugh!!! I never get sick. Anyways...

I did a fabulous Christmas stocking swap hosted by Cerri Campbell. My partner was the amazing Wanda Clark from theratspajama. Look at what I saw when I opened the (very large) box.

(Look at the items from Julie Collings etsy shop, LOVE the trees, Wanda dyed those herself!!)

O.K, let me say that I have been a part in some fabulous swaps before but seriously, all due respect to my previous partners, I've never seen anything like this before!!

Wanda got me some AMAZING things!!

I love, love, love the vintage trim and ribbons.

Look at how sweet she rolled up all of the little pieces of fabric, and the lovely appliqué flowers.

Are you drooling yet?!? I still am! Look at the rhinestones, and how cute are those little bottles filled with deliciousness!

Everything was is in my favorite colors and all of my favorite kinds of goodies! Sooooo many lovely buttons, I could just eat them up but, then I wouldn't have them anymore. LOL

Beautiful millinery and vintage beads and broken lovely vintage pearl necklaces.

Wanda sent me the neatest set of cards, they are small and lovely, they spell out the most wonderful words. I can't wait to use them to make a banner for my desk. Oh, and look at the beads!

O.K., crazy right!? To top it off, she sent me the most amazing vintage scarf of Italy, some beautiful vintage glass flowers, and a wonderful handmade tag.

I'm sorry it took me so long to get this posted,

I still have everything in the box and almost daily, I take each little bag of goodies out of the box and ooh and ahh over them again and again.

Lovely,

I feel very blessed.

xoxo

Cari

Loving Yellow

I am absolutely LOVING Yellow right now!!

Probably because of lovely pictures like this. Check out acreativemint!! I could seriously pin about 50 boards from this blog. Soooooo visually inspirational.

xoxo

Cari

Another game of catch-up.

Here are some photos of a Christmas Stocking Swap that I recently participated in. It was hosted by the lovely Cerri from littlepinkstudio.

We were supposed to make a stocking! O.k.... I don't know how to work a sewing machine! I mean it, I won a wonderful sewing machine once and broke it, I took it and had it fixed and still can't work it.. I mean, I've even bought a few (yes, more than one) of those little tiny sewing machines so that I could sew through paper on tags, etc. Nope!! Can't work any of them.

I really don't know why I have such a problem with the machines. I mean I can work a blow torch and soldering iron competently, but a sewing machine?!?! Apparently not!

I do "hand-sew" fairly well though. So, long story less long (I mean the whole "long story short", ship has kind of sailed. LOL) Here is the stocking that I lovingly hand sewed.

I made the flower on the front detachable so that it can be worn as a brooch if desired. Here are some of the other goodies I stashed inside. My partner wanted pastel pink, blue, and green and she also mentioned that she loved mice, mushrooms, and food.

I had so much fun hunting around for lovely items to add to her stocking. I painted the inside of this little cut glass jar and scoured the area for vintage mice, to no avail :-(. I wasn't super lucky with the mushrooms either so I embroidered a small piece of linen with a sweet picture of a little girl surrounded by mushrooms. I got the image from Molliemakes magazine. I somehow didn't get a picture but it did turn out super sweet.

I also found a yummy box of mushroom cookies dipped in chocolate that I sent along with the other goodies. I had such a blast putting it all together. I hope she had just as much fun getting it. Tomorrow I will show you the mind blowing package that I received from my partner!!!

xoxo

Cari

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!

O.k, Time for some resolutions.... again....

but first..... I've got to play a little catch up. I was in a wonderful Christmas ornament swap with HollDoll from my Marie Antoinette group and these are the absolutely stunning

ornaments that she sent me. Look at all of the work that went into them!! I mean seriously, the ball ornament must have 50 handmade fabric roses! wow!!

This snowman is so precious too. I just love here crown of lace and rhinestone buttons. Fabulous!

O.k.... so onto the Resolutions.....

hmmm. Well, there are always the old standbys.... get in shape, eat better, don't procrastinate

etc..... and of course, blog more! LOL O.k, I'm making a commitment. I'm going to blog more. (That's it!) I can't commit to more than "more" but I REALLY am going to try and blog more.

I should be able to do it this time, I've worked out all of the kinks. I've got a laptop now, AND I finally figured out how to put my pictures onto it! yay!! so...... no more excuses! Well.... just life, I guess but hey, I'm going to try. I miss blogging, I miss all of you, I miss all of the creativity in blogland. So... here I go again.

(These are the ornaments that I sent to my partner. We both loved glitter, silver, cream, white and pink. I hope she liked them, it was so much fun making them. )

Wish me luck. I wish you luck in all of your Resolutions too!

More swap catching up to come.

xoxo

Cari