Last Minute Gifts for MMP Friday

Christmas is just around the corner, but there’s still time to find just the right gift for that someone special on your shopping list this year. Whatever her interests or tastes, here are some last minute gift ideas that will fill her holiday season with delight, and remind her that you think of her all through the year. Check out the boutiques at Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com) and The Polka Dot Rose (www.thepolkadotrose.com) and see if Santa and his elves have left a few goodies for you to finish up your shopping with. Happy Holidays!

Our Animals Need Toys Too!

Who needs to buy toys?? Animal toys, that is. Yesterday I came home from the butcher with a brown paper bag. Emptied it out and threw it on the floor and it has entertained the cats since then. I am getting quite a kick out of it as each one is into playing hide and seek in this crinkely brown bag. I put it under a chair so it is out of the way and yes, if anyone stops over there is a paper bag under the chair here, and a big mailing box (for cats only) over there....it's all about the furry kids after all. So...when out shopping for your furry friends, remember just to buy something nice for yourself in a paper bag and bring the bag home for endless hours of joy!

"It's All About Christmas" for Pink Friday!

Christmas is all about sharing the blessings of the season with family and friends and believing that everything about the Christmas season is magical. Please join The Polka Dot Rose and all the boutiques participating at Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com) and capture the joys of the season. Have fun!

The Ultimate Gift Basket is Here for YOU to win!!!

Finding the Ultimate Christmas gift for someone special has never been easier. From lavish baskets filled with all of her favorites, to distinct, ultimate, one-of-a-kind gifts, the boutiques listed below can help you create the Ultimate gift.
Find the boutiques at: http://www.makeminepink.com/ultimate-gift/

Commissioned Work

Here is a little project a friend of mine commissioned me to do. This is a beautiful brooch and earring set from Sarah Coventry called 'Fashion Spendor'* from the 1950's that belonged to her Mom and it was very special to her. She loved my 'Old meets New" framed brooch within the tated lace I did and asked me to make a treasure keep for her Mom's lovelies.

*For all the collectors out there, this set is shown in my reference book for Sarah Coventry, at a value of $195.00-$225.00. (An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors by Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser Clements, by Schiffer copywrite 1999)

Colors of Autumn for This Friday!!

Won't you join us this Friday, October 30th for "Colors of Autmn" at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com). This is the time of year we start warming up our homes with decorations for warmth and whimsey.

Beautiful October Wedding in Maryland

I just returned from attending my nephew Doug and his new bride Holly's wedding in Maryland this past weekend. It was a beautiful time. The weather did not cooperate the entire time, but that did not stop the celebration and joy of the day. My camera does not travel well. I won't blame it on me, of course, but most of my pictures came out blurry and/or the lighting was not correct. Since all my sibblings were taking pictures I just relaxed and decided to await their pictures once I returned home. The tablescapes were just gorgeous for the season. So colorful and rich looking. Our great niece, Leyna, two years old, was the flower girl and played the part perfectly. Her flowers were bigger than she was! Picture to follow. She was adorable and we were so fortunate to have stayed with my nephew Andy, his wife Jami, Leyna (2) and Cora (2 months) and be their guests. They spoiled us and we loved every minute of it.

Here Comes The Bride

Here comes the bride! All dressed in white. Bejeweled to the hilt with glitz and glam. Plenty of tulle. Anyone that knows me knows that I am coo coo for romance. I have a little bit more tweaking to do on this gal but she wanted to come to Show and Tell. Love is in the air!

Simply Pink for Make Mine Pink Friday Shopping Event

These are all the rose buds taken from my sweet little bouquet. Now I can enjoy them as potpourri too. I thought it would make a nice picture for "Simply Pink" our theme for shopping with a twist at the boutiquest at Make Mine Pink tomorrow, Friday, October 2nd. Come join us and see what the pink fuss is all about.

Beauty Abounds for Show and Tell

Here is the little 'pick me up' bouquet I got yesterday. I have been carrying it with me wherever I go so I can enjoy it every minute. And, it was half price! Woo Hoo!

Here is our "Flora", the picture of beauty and poise. Sweet and demure, Flora graces all the society pages with her simple elegance. She is always at the right place at the right time. Her dance card is always filled. Hearts tend to get broken quickly as Flora simply cannot find enough time to dance the night away with all the young gentlemen. It sure keeps them coming back to the dances when Flora is on the guest list.

Meet "Charlotte". Lovely little lady from Savannah. She has lived in the South her entire life and met her dearest husband, an officer, at the debutante ball. Life has been a whirl wind of social activities since they were married. Black tie events are her most treasured evenings to dress up for. So far she has been the best dressed and most admired amongst the officer's wives (and the other officers!!) and she intends to keep it that way!

Introducing Miss "Olivia", daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billingsworth, of St. Louis, MO. Olivia is their third child of six children, a real girly girl and growing up in the old Victorian home on Main Street was the envy of all the neighborhood. Mrs. Billingsworth hosted the Summer social teas out on the lawn under the canopy and it was there that Olivia realized pink and lace was becoming to her and she liked the attention she received. She could even play croquet in her dressy clothes, much to her Mother's dismay.

Remember last week I filled a box at an estate sale all for $5.00? Well, this sweet pink and white teapot was scooped up so quickly! It was waiting for me. I just know it. They did not have prices on anything so we shopped cautiously with our few dollars. This was a steal. It now sits proudly with my other pink and white pretties and brings so much joy to my day.

Join us for "Timeless Textiles" Friday, Sept.25th

There are some fabrics that never go out of fashion. As the years pass, they grow more beautiful by adding the threads of history to their own. The original colors might fade, but these timeless textiles stay bright with the memory of the hands that created and cared for them. The stories they know are never truly forgotten when we make room for them in our lives and in our homes.

Found Treasures

The above brooches are new additions to my treasure chest of jewels and baubles. They are Sarah Coventry, adding to part of a collection I have had since the 1960's. My sweet Mom always hosted Sarah Coventry parties and I kept all her jewelry and wonderful memories. Some of my brooches end up on my romantic Cinderella slipper shoes. Others I just cannot part with yet.

My oh my, what is in this box? Well, I was fortunate to attend a contents of sale of a home of a dearly departed friend of DSIS Liz's who passed away in the Spring. As much as I love going to these sales, when they are someone I know, it is bittersweet. My outing Saturday with my DSIS Nancy took us in that direction so we went to show support for the family. They were overjoyed to see us. I found great treasures and filled this box. I only took my heart's desires. When I asked for a talley, I was told $5.00!!!!! Five dollars????????? One Lincoln? Now that, my friends, is the deal of a lifetime. You'll be seeing my loot soon. Right now it is sitting on the table overloaded with goodies that will bring me total joy for days to come. Thank you "Mrs. B.". You are missed!

So there are my treasures I found for this week. Added to that, I found huge fresh raspberries, strawberries, lemon squares, and a few other yummo's at a local farm stand. Oh happy day!

Scented Delights Bath and Home for Make Mine Pink Friday

All types of "Scented Delights for Bath and Home" are being featured September 11th at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com) for Shopping with a twist. Whether it is a candle, herbal shower gel from Switzerland, rose potpourri, fabulous soaps, or an entire spa treatment for you to enjoy, stop by and take a look. Oh if you could only smell all the lovely aromas and aromatherapy. Remember that your body has a double healing effect using the aromatherapy (herbs) with hydrotherapy (water). Relax and unwind. You deserve it.

Show and Tell

Variety is the spice of life, 'they' say....and so is my show and tell this week.

Here is a wonderful little set of six rose melamine dessert dishes I came across awhile ago and just rediscovered them. Did you know I can go treasure shopping right in my own home too? It is amazing the goodies I have tucked away just waiting in ernest to be brought out. The picture to the right show the new additons to my gift tag line.

The next picture is a new project a did and I love it so I wonder if I'll be able to part with it. Since I have collections of old laces, and gorgeous pins and brooches, I am constantly thinking of how I can debut my lovelies. Of course, I have my "If The Shoe Fits~Altered Art for Cinderella Dreams Slipper Shoes" but I needed to spread out in my creative space. It is a blend of old and new; tated lace surrounding a brooch of purples, enclosed in a classy new silver frame. Kind of sounds like me...old and tatered, covered in purple all dressed up in my classy new silver frame! Hey, I think I'm on to something here! Now, where do I get that frame????.......

Working Round The House Friday Sept. 4th at MMPFriday

With the arrival of September, our nesting instincts return. With the kids back in school, there is more time for yourself and to care for your living spaces. It's time to create a cozy fall home in preparation for cooler days and more time spent indoors.Living spaces that were moved outdoors over the summer will now come back into the house. Afternoon teas in the garden return to the kitchen or dining room. A favorite vintage tablecloth spattered with hints of autumn flowers pulled from the linen closet and ironed to get ready for the first guests. Your reading nook on the patio will be returned to the living room or den. Favorite pillows ad cushions stitched in deeper shades of autumn, are fluffed to make the corner cozy again.This is traditionally the time of year we start fall cleaning, tucking away summer accents and decorations until next year. Summer curtains are put away and replaced with warm fabrics in vibrant shades. The fragrances of fall fill your home now too, coming in through the windows and wafting from the fall bouquet you placed in a vintage metal bucket on the table in the hall. The scents of a fresh apple pie in the oven, and apple cinnamon scented potpourri that fills bowls throughout your home and simmers on the stove. The familiar scents inspire feelings of comfort and home.Fall is also a perfect time to begin a few of the projects you’ve been putting off. The small pieces of furniture you picked up at summer flea markets now hold the promise of becoming your next painted projects. The vintage fabrics you found at neighborhood estate sales will likely become your next stitched masterpiece. The possibilities are endless as we happily work around our homes. Somehow, we never seem to mind. Instead, we settle back into our routines and enjoy the first hints of excitement of upcoming family gatherings and holidays not far off.

Joyce Lucas, FounderMake Mine Pink

Getting Organized is Really Easy!

Make Mine Pink's Friday Shopping Event
Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday August 28, 2009 as we present "Getting Organized"

Getting Organized has taken on a new look! From being strictly functional to being functional and stylish has become the latest and greatest way of getting and staying organized. Pretty and stylish organization means that you no longer have to hide everything away in back room closets and filing cabinets. Instead, old locker baskets painted pink and stylishly chic organizers help you get organized in creative ways. By using decorative boxes, vintage baskets and embellished magazine organizers, you can carry your decorating theme throughout your home, office, and even your laundry room.Storage boxes filled with odds and ends, office supplies or ribbons and trims can fit into the décor in any room. A repurposed basket or box can beautifully organize your odds and ends while keeping them out of the way. A vintage metal file box hand painted with pink roses keeps your papers safe while adding romantic charm. Elegant wooden boxes painted with flowers store photos, CDs and letters in plain view.A vintage china plate might hold a stack of favorite napkins on a table or open shelf. A pretty pink basket can store clean dishtowels by the kitchen sink. A white wicker basket keeps guest towels or magazines, or perhaps organizes your craft space. Vintage nursery jars can hold cotton balls and other necessities while a refinished side table can keep your address book and notepaper handy.When you need to organize, forget about boring boxes and folders that will keep everything out of sight. Instead, look around you for creative ways to accent your décor and store everything you need within arm's reach.

Writen by Joyce Lucas
Make Mine Pink

See all the organizational ideas at the boutiques at http://www.makeminepink.com/

The Secrets of Mother's Jewelry Box for MMP Friday!

Mother's jewelry box is a treasure trove for little girls and grownup daughters. No matter our age, our imaginations become colorful and childlike when we open her box of secrets.. As a child, we’re convinced that somewhere in the magnificent box lives a fairy who can tell all the secrets that lie amongst these treasures, and if we listen hard enough, we’ll hear the stories it can tell.

Come check out all the boutiques at Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com) August 21st for Make Mine Pink Friday! The wonderful theme is "The Secrets of Mother's Jewelery Box".

Katherine Takes the Cake

"Katherine" was all girl. Dressing up was her forte and she was a show stopper. From the moment she was born, her Mother dressed her like a little princess from head to toe. Taking her in her pram for a walk on Sunday afternoons so they could show off their little girl brought them so much pleasure. She grew up always wanting to surround herself in the finest of fabrics, crenolines, laces, buttons. Her strawberry blonde hair was coiffed in curls that hung down and encased her face with just the right amount of dreaminess to draw those nearby in to her just so they could capture her femininity, her style! Sweet as could be. She never outgrew the desire for fashion. She was all girl and that is just what she wanted to show the world. Just look at that smile!

All decked out in heirloom laces, a rose silk brooch by artisan MeadowStreet and pink rhinestone brooch, the softest pink ribbon and drizzles of pink gems adorn her with simple sophistication and elegance. Comes with three beautiful jeweled straight pins. Katherine is part of a collection of one of a kind handmade designs called "If The Shoe Fits~Altered Art for Cinderella Dreams", pin keeps and romantic home decor and you can see more of these glamour girls on my website, The Polka Dot Rose www.thepolkadotrose.com

Children at Play Gift Tags for Show and Tell

I took myself on a creative detour today and pulled out more of my wonderful boxes of this and that. I could stay in my home for the next twenty years and never run out of creative things to do. Don't you just love that? It goes back to my childhood days of Summer. "Go and do a project" Mom would say. She wouldn't have to twist my arm. Off to my stash I would go.

I enjoyed creating these three gift tags showing children playing with farm animals and one another. Sweetened up with tiny pearls and German glass glitter and decked out with soft satin ribbons. Oh what a great time I had! I will be listing these on my boutique this week.

Pretty Pillows and Purses for Pink Friday

If there's anything a girl can't have enough of it's pretty purses by day and pillows at night.

A woman's purse can reveal a lot about her personality. If you're fun and flirty, you might carry a giraffe handbag or a pearl patent purse with pink polka dots. For the more reserved - a collector of all things pretty and vintage - perhaps a romantic summertime bag with roses and bachelor buttons. You can even show your "green" side with a straw handbag decorated with rescued jewelry, belts, buckles and various embellishments.You can celebrate the many sides of your "purse"-onality with a purse that allows you to change covers and quickly as you change your mood. Or announce your uniqueness with a one of a kind "little black bag" - a vintage beaded black handbag.Pillows can change their personalities too, as easily as changing a pillowcase. For sweet dreams, there are sweet heart hand-embroidered pillowcases. Feel nostalgic with vintage cutwork pillowcases. Or create a fun look by layering a bed with lots of pillows covered in different Southern Bell pillowcases. Pillows make a statement all their own. Rescued vintage needle point pillows grace the finest parlors and boudoir chairs. They can be reminiscent of a special event or a special someone, like a floral monogram pillow with the initial of someone you love. A wedding keepsake pillow made with an antique style certificate or your favorite wedding photograph. Beautiful pillows made from antique doilies and vintage dresser scarves.Some pillows are fun and used to make a space colorful and whimsical,like a chocolate dipped strawberry pillow, a blue cupcakes pillow, or a handmade slice of cake pillow with satin pink roses and pink lace trim. A whimsical teapot pillow with Battenburg lace to set on the guest bed or porch swing. You can even grow a garden of pillows with mauve ribbon flower hearts, heart pillows with roses and pink ribbed chenille, and a pink roses throw pillow.No matter what your style or what mood you're in, you can surround yourself with pretty purses and pillows designed to express exactly what you're feeling.

Photo Contribution 1: Mama's Pocketbook Photo Contribution 2: C'est Chouette
Photo Contribution 3: Gail Friend Designs Photo Contribution 4: Janets Creative Pillows

It's Officially Christmas in July!

It is officially Christmas in July at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink (http://www.makeminepink.com) starting July 20th through July 26th. There are gifts to win, specials going on, free gift wrapping, gifts with purchase, and so much more. I know it is difficult to think of the holidays but they are right around the corner. Shop at your leisure, in your jammies or beach wear, any time of the day, and your packages will be delivered right to your doorstep. No one will suspect Santa coming this time of year! Have fun! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Show and Tell ~ Angels on my Doorstep

BINGO! BINGO! BINGO! Just five little letters when stated out loud with glee brings the most wonderful gifts to my doorstep! This time I won a gorgeous angel, a piece of Heartwood Creek by the artist Jim Shore, called "Summer restores the Soul". How true. A Summer Angel. Who doesn't need more angels in their world? I will cherish this forever. This lovely was donated by the beautiful on line boutique of Coeur d'Alene (http://www.coeurdalenegifts.com) which is part of the shops on Make Mine Pink (http://www.makeminepink.com/). Thank you Nancy!

Okay, now I have a confession. I need to unload my heavy Bingo heart. You see, Make Mine Pink holds Bingo games every now and then for everyone to take part in. I won the last two Bingo games! Me. Little ole me! Now I have winner's remorse. I have had too much fun. Is there such a thing? I won a beautiful necklace and earring set from The Sassy Beach (http://www.thesassybeach.com/) and now my sweet angel. I am going to try real hard not to win the next game. I wanted to say I will not play but it is so much fun that I must play! Come on! Play! What do you have to lose?

An English Garden at Pink Friday

The English cottage was introduced by British aristocrats who admired the simple beauty of the homes of farmers and craftsmen. These nobles hired architects to design similar buildings for them. The English cottage soon became popular with the general population, especially in North America, because its small scale made it more accessible. Today, the country charm of an English cottage can be created in any home, not just those with thatched roofs and ivy covered walls. The windows of an English cottage are often decorated with delicate lace curtains or a floral fabric, like cabbage rose print. A cozy window seat provides a perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea in the china cup passed down from a grandmother.On the walls of an English cottage hang framed nature prints or memories preserved in vintage frames. A bird tin wall plaque, a collection of framed vintage postcards, or a carefully stitched sentiment, are equally at home here. Favorite family photos in antique frames might hang in the hall, a vintage framed mirror in the entranceway.

The cottage cupboard is an essential element of the English cottage and is used for storage or to display a collection of treasures. On its shelves you might find a glass vase painted with pink roses, an antique English teapot with plum flowers, or a vintage cottage plate. This is the place to store the embroidered tea towels from your mother or the vintage pure white linens you bring out for special occasions. Outside in the cottage garden, you'll find colorful blooms and roses, or ivy that climbs trellises and arbors. Homemade bird houses wrought iron bird baths, welcoming garden statues, and sweet garden plaques create a cottage feel here too. With cottage touches in just the right places, the simple beauty of a country cottage can live anywhere, not just in the English countryside.

by Joyce Lucas, Founder of Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com)

Photo Contribution 1: C'est Chouette Photo Contribution 2: Petite Bookstore

Artist's Reception at East End Winery

Take one talented artist, who happens to be my sister Liz, add a beautiful Summer evening in July, have a wonderful east end winery, Palmer Vineyards of Riverhead, Long Island, New York, invite her to feature her art for the entire Summer into Harvest, invite everyone, and what do you get? A perfect Friday night with the arts! Liz parked her 1951 red Chevy truck out front with a banner to let the world know her reception was at the winery that evening.

On the grounds between the two buildings a beautiful, healthy array of nibbles was set out for everyone to enjoy in between their wine testings and art appreciation. Liz and her friend Ronnie set the display inside vintage toy trucks!

I cannot pass up a hydrangea without taking a picture. The grounds were so beautiful!

This is a little display that was on the bar where the wine testings went on. It shows the reflection of the sun, but if anyone knows what type of Summer we have been having, who am I to compain about the sun? :) Notice the little red truck to the left holding Liz's business cards. Do you know she loves old trucks?

I captured my sister Nancy and nephews Rob, Dave and Matt finding a special seating area right near the rows and rows of grapes. The sun was starting to set and everyone was beginning to move to the deck and ground area to take in more of God's glory of the day.

A couple of Liz's newest additions.This show was called "Big and Bold".

This last picture Liz called an abstract of a truck. She loves trying new techniques. There was so much more. This is just a little inkling of the evening and the artist's work.

Summer Porch and Garden at Pink Friday

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday June 10, 2009 as we present "SUMMER PORCH AND GARDEN"There's nothing more inviting than a summer porch and garden. It can be a source of shade when the temperature gets too warm, a place of shelter during a gentle summer rain, or just a place to sit with someone special on a lazy summer day. It can be a welcoming start your day with your favorite antique tea cup in hand or a front row seat to watch the sunset from the weathered oak rocker, that in it's day sat proudly in your grandmother's home.
A welcoming porch and garden can create a friendly entryway to your home. A welcome sign hand painted with pink roses perched against the railing or a lilac berry wreath with a scent as inviting as it looks, letting guests know that you're glad they're here before you've said a word. If entertaining guests, perhaps vintage chairs, refinished and made comfortable with dainty floral needlepoint cushions, or a white painted table set with a vintage lace-tablecloth like your mom and before her - grandmother used.
With the right accessories, a porch and garden can even become an extension of your home. For candlelit evenings, a candle inside a topiary lantern casting a romantic glow. For lazy afternoons, a daisy metal basket filled with fresh cut flowers, a knitting project, or even as cliche as this sounds, a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade and a favorite books. Tucked in the corner, a vintage pink metal watering can kept handy to water the flowers in the window boxes while the lace curtains on the windows gently sway in the afternoon breeze. As much comfort as your home, with the right accessories.

You can add a cottage touch to your garden with decorations like ceramic garden mushrooms and inspiring garden plaques sprinkled with just the right amount of glitter. Tea cup bird feeders, handmade birdhouses, and antique iron birdbaths are all welcome sites for feathered friends. Remember to add a touch of whimsy just to make you smile - like a basket of flowers placed on a pink bicycle.
No matter what your summer days hold, a porch and garden can provide the ideal setting for friends, family and even a private retreat. Won't you join me for a cup of tea as we help you design your summer porch and garden. Photo Contribution 1: Camelia Cottage Photo Contribution 2: Shabby Shan's Cottage