Twillypop

Free Love

2012-01-27T09:33:00.001-05:00

I don't have a dedicated work space. Well, I sorta do. It's my own little corner of the toy/exercise room. I have a space, but there is no clear bounadry and there is no door. When I am working, I am just right there in the middle of everything. The mom.........trying to work...........right in the middle of everything.

I LOVE being the mom. LOVE. I LOVE being the one to meet the needs of all the members of my family. It's a high calling, a privilege, my first priority, and the most important thing I do....

Having said that, I will be honest.
Sometimes, the frustration mounts.

More times than not, just as I sit down to design something new or answer emails, I am needed. I'm the mom & wife, and I am needed. So, before I know it, the day has gone by and my little business has been neglected. I very rarely accomplish what I had set out to do where my business is concerned.
Some may say this is a lack of dedication, setting up boundaries, or planning. I say that it's just what it is to be the mom in a household of 5.

Just recently I was in the middle of writing an email that was giving me fits. One of those emails where you need to call upon all your mental faculties to make sure that it is worded just so. Yeah, one of those.

I was in the middle of writing this email and my son came to me. The son who loves LOVE. Hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation. LOVE.

The son who has been quoted on numerous occasions as saying, "I can't get enough of your love," to me.

He came to me just for a little love.

But, my frustration came through as I was trying to write this email and he thrust his ten year old self upon me {and my laptop.} He immediately noticed my frustration and apologized. Then, he thought for a minute.

"You need a sign," He told me, "A sign that says when you are working, or available."

I asked him if he could make one for me. When he asked me what I wanted to to say, I simply told him that I wanted him to decide what it should say.

Here's what he came up with:

Side One

My heart melted when I saw what he had written on the reverse side.

The Flip Side

Free Love.
It is just so him. And so perfect. And SO how I want my kids to think of me.
Except, I really don't want there to be a flip side. I don't want there to be a "do not disturb" side.................

You may wonder how the sign is working.

It's working beautifully, actually.

But, not in the way my son intended it. Because now, when he comes and loiters outside of my workspace to check which side the sign is on,{ and then double checking with me to see if I have remembered to flip it & that I mean for it to be on the side that it is actually on :D} I can't resist him.

Without frustration, with joy and thankfulness, I tell him that I am NEVER too busy for love.

God used my son to remind me {once again} of the job far more important than building a brand.
There are three young hearts and minds that need nurturing.

The rest can wait.

DO Try This At Home: White Chocolate Cinnamon Popcorn

2011-12-16T10:46:00.000-05:00

I love trying new recipes. I love even more trying to recreate something that I have had. A while back I bought a bag of white chocolate cinnamon popcorn and I enjoyed it......maybe a little too much. Don't you look at me like that...........It was really yum. :-D

I digress. {Dysfunctional eating aside}, Needing a party favor treat for my son's birthday, I thought I would try my hand at it.

This is more of a suggestion than a recipe, but that's the fun of it. Right?

First, I air popped a BUNCH of popcorn and then buttered and salted it to taste

Then I mixed up a 1/2 cup of cinnamon sugar

I spread the popcorn out in a thin layer on some foil.

I melted 2 bags of white chips according to package directions.

I filled a disposable pastry bag with said melted white chocolate and cut a very small hole in the tip ( I didn't bother with the coupler and official tip because I didn't see the need, but you certainly could if you wanted to.)

I proceeded to coat the popcorn {by drizzling} with white chocolate, while the little hands {clean, of course}of the house sprinkled cinnamon sugar on the still wet chocolate.

It was yum but here's what I will do differently next time:

I will let the popcorn, white chocolate, cinnamon mixture cool and then toss it a bit and coat it one more time with even more chocolate and cinnamon.

The kids had a BLAST making it with me and they LOVED the finished product.

Do you love experimenting in the kitchen? What was you most successful "experiment" to date? Or perhaps, you learned {maybe even the hard way :D} that you are strictly a recipe kinda girl. You KNOW I love to hear.....

a moment out of nowhere

2011-12-13T07:26:00.000-05:00

I had a "moment" last week. You know, one of those moments that catch you completely off guard and leave you thinking, {where did that come from?}

Yeah. One of those.

I saw a woman my age in the salon, nursing her 9 month old underneath her cape as she got her hair done.  I caught of glimpse of her in the mirror behind me and watched as I could see a plump little 9-month-old hand sneak up under the cape to find her face. While he nursed, he played with his mama's face......

and before I knew what was happening, a well of emotions rose in me to the point of tears.

a mixture of emotions and thoughts that seemed to roll in all at once like a huge tidal wave....

{I remember my kids playing with my face as they nursed and the utter contentment and peace and "rightness" I felt. how did I get here? as my baby is turning 7.......how did I get here..I'm really done having babies. I am, aren't I? I have KIDS, not babies. How did I get here?}

and more than anything, I felt something I very rarely ever feel about my life:
I wanted to go back.
I wanted to go back to a time in my life when my role was so clear. Love them, feed them, clothe them, teach them right from wrong, and let them know there's a creator that loves them beyond measure. I could do that. As challenging as some days may have been. It was a simple time, and a precious time. In retrospect, it was a fleeting time.

But, it was a simple time.

Because I don't let things like that go and because I have told you before that I am a thinker, a ponderer if you will, I have been thinking about it since it happened and what was at the root of it.

I think this "moment" of mine happened as a result of a culmination of many thoughts and feelings that I have let run rampant and go unchecked lately. I'll be completely honest.

I feel very much like I'm in over my head.

Sometimes I'll be in my home, looking around at  the dishes, the laundry, the decor, the kids' school books, and just think {I'm the mom? I'm responsible for all this? I'm supposed to keep all this together? I'M the grown up?}

Panic.

I'm ill equipped.........at best.

Even more prevalent are the times when I look at my kids..........
at the beauty and wonder and perfection of their creation,
at their unique gifts and their boundless potential.......
and feel like there's been a mistake.

{I cannot possible be the right person for the job. The responsibility of raising three amazing people is too high of a calling. There is no way I can do this right.}

I'm completely overwhelmed.

In letting these feelings go unchecked, and in looking at the past through rose colored glasses, I have proven that I have forgotten what it is that helped me through the first 11 years of parenting.......

and that is,

acknowledgement that I AM in over my head
and that
there is no way that I CAN do this right,
not on my own.
I need to rely on my Father God for wisdom, strength, and patience minute by minute for the every day challenges of being a mom of kids this age.

This seemingly out of nowhere "moment", believe it or not, really boiled down to one thing: I have been doing too much on my own. I have grown independent. I have forgotten to seek Him for all my needs.

The beauty in this revelation? I can ask Him now.

Ever have a moment, that at first seemed to be something out of nowhere , but upon a little introspection you were able to pinpoint EXACTLY from whence it came? Or perhaps you are up against something right now and you know that in your own strength and in your own wisdom you are in over your head. You know me.......I LOVE to hear.

....if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

`

WINNER WINNER {and a side dish to serve with} CHICKEN DINNER

2011-12-06T07:40:00.001-05:00

We have a Sparkly Stocking Stuffers giveaway winner!!
But first, a recipe!

This is SO amazing to serve with a chicken or turkey dinner, so easy yet impressive, and SO much healthier than traditional canned cranberry.

~~~~Cranberry Orange Relish~~~

Ingredients:
1 medium {seedless} orange, I usually use an organic navel. Scrubbed clean and cut into quarters
1 package fresh cranberries, washed and picked over {discard any nasty ones}
3/4 cup sugar {I use turbinado, but any ol' sugar will do. I have even used Splenda before and it has worked fine.}

~PoP the orange quarters into your trusty old food processor. Yup. Rind and all.
~Pulse to chop coarsely.
~Add in the cranberries and pulse the whole lot of it until it is evenly and coarsely chopped.
~Pour into a container and stir in sugar. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld. Keeps up to 2 weeks!!

This is the PERFECT accompaniment to any poultry dinner. Also SO YUM spread on a turkey sammich on whole wheat bread with a little green lettuce and mayo. Not only does it add a super elemnt of deliciousness, but a whole LOTTA great vitamin C.

Now for the winner:

Congratulations to Katy {katygmorris} for being the winner!!!! Email me at Twillypop at gmail {dot}com with your full name and mailing addy!!

A Sparkly Giveaway featuring OPI, Philosophy, and J.Crew

2011-11-28T10:16:00.001-05:00

It's a Sparkly Stocking Stuffers Giveaway! {retail value $80!}

FAB J. Crew bracelet

Amaaaazing Philosophy lip gloss set of 4

Ultra GLAM OPI Nail polish in 2 colors

How to enter:
Be sure you are a blog follower and then,
leave me a comment. Any comment! The more random and witty, the more you will make my day. {no pressure, though. ANY comment will do :)}

Extra Entries {leave a comment here for each}:
1~ Visit my FB Fan page and write on the wall telling me your all time favorite Christmas cookie!
2~ Tweet the giveaway mentioning @twillypop and leave a comment
3~ Visit my shop and tell me your FAVE style of Twillypop
4~ IF you take advantage of my sale today, stop back and leave a comment for 5 EXTRA entries!
4~ Follow me on Twitter

Thanks for dropping by!

This giveaway is closed :)

They Don't Care a Lick About Me

2011-11-27T06:37:00.001-05:00

I'm a Black Friday shopper. Even though I prefer to buy handmade, I do go out on Black Friday. It's a tradition for my mom, my sisters, and me. Not even so much for the sales, it's just what we do the day after Thanksgiving, and it's fun time spent together. Don't misunderstand me, if we are able to get some sales we are tickled pink. If not............com si com sa.
This year, though, I realized that it is getting harder and harder to get the actual deals......

.........as I arrived at yet another store to find out that my coupon had expired an hour ago

.........or that the coupon wasn't good for another three hours yet

.........or that supplies of what I had actually wanted were, and I quote, "very limited."

.......as stores open earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving, and force us to get out to wait in lines & fight the crowds on a day that should be spent with friends and family, in rest and thankfulness. No, we don't HAVE to go, but let's face it: some of those deals really help stretch the Christmas budget and we kinda HAVE to play along if we hope to get any of the deals, don't we?

At one point, I stood in a major department store and listened to a sales lady convince an unknowing cutomer that an appliance's "retail price" was $149.99 and that it was on sale just that day for $99.99. But, I had just purchased the same exact item the previous week for $99.99 not on sale.
It was all I could do to keep my mouth closed. I will admit that I lingered......and had to force myself to just walk away.

As a small business owner, my own sales and marketing department, and someone who cares very much about the people who support my shop, it hit me like a ton of bricks this year above all others........
THEY DON"T CARE A LICK ABOUT ME {the customer}

The sales are just a ploy to get me to their store. They don't really want to give me a deal, so long as they get me there because they know that once I'm there, I will at least buy SOMETHING.......ANYTHING.

They really don't care about me........Us.........

........and I guess we are used to it.

We accept that we are nameless, faceless, and above all, able to be replaced with another nameless, faceless shopper if we decide to shop elsewhere.

It's just the state of affairs and has been for most of the 20th and all of the 21st century so.......WHY DOES THIS BUG ME SO MUCH?

It upsets me because I fear that my customers don't realize HOW MUCH I appreciate them.

........HOW MUCH I care about the product and the service they receive
........HOW MUCH pleasure I take it packaging my product in a way that makes my customer feel "treated" to something special when they open it
........HOW MUCH I LOVE to see them come back again
........How there is a very good chance I remember them when they do come back
........How much I love their input and relish their feedback
........How much I enjoy getting to know them
........How, when I run a sale, it really is to treat my customers to a deal, and reward them for shopping with me~

I can't speak for all, but by and large, my attitude is the same as that of most handmade brands.
We care.
We just do.

I'm thankful for each and every one of my customers because I fully know that there is a veritable sea of products and I am but a droplet in that sea. Because I am thankful that a customer chooses me, I do everything in my power to make sure my sweet customer has the best experience possible.

Maybe I'm a hopeless dreamer, but don't you wish that more companies valued those people that support them? You know I love hearing your thoughts........

Hershey Bar "Muffin" Cookies

2011-11-19T09:48:00.001-05:00

Almost a decade ago {I can't believe I'm old enough to refer to ANYTHING as being a decade ago *sigh*} I came up with this recipe for a sweet friend's birthday. Her favorite candy is Hershey bars and I wanted to make something special &amp; unique to her....thus, the Hershey Bar Cookies were born. {I acknowledge that there are probably H.B. Cookie recipes aplenty floating around cyberspace.......but I bet mine's the best :D}

Twillypop's Hershey Bar Cookies**

P.s. This is a double batch, as I always make my cookie dough in double batches so I can save some dough in the fridge for those cookie "emergencies" we so often find ourselves in the middle of....... :)

Ingredients:

5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter AND 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar {I often use turbinado which makes 'em Xtra yum}

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 large eggs

3 Tablespoons strong coffee, cooled {can substitute milk}

4 cups chopped milk chocolate Hershey Bars {about 4 of the 7oz. giant bars}

**Hershey bar segments {from the mini bars}, or Hershey kisses for decoration

**optional

the beauty of chopping the chocolate is that you not only get big chunks, but also chocolate shavings which blend into the dough and give it amazing flavor and moistness

it helps to have a real live keebler elf to peel the kisses...... :D

the kisses will completely liquefy, but if left to cool will solidify and keep their shape

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter,margarine, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chopped chocolate. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. *Or, for extra fun, scoop into mini muffin pans, may increase baking time by a few minutes*

BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. {Or 15 mins. for mini-muffin pan.} Immediately upon removing from the oven, top each cookie or "muffin" with chocolate segment or Hershey kiss. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; carefully {so as not to disturb the liquefied chocolate} remove to wire racks to cool completely &amp; until the chocolate cools and sets again .

You seriously need to taste them to believe them.......

The Best Workout Bottoms of ALL TIME

2011-11-10T07:49:00.001-05:00

I'll confess that I'm pretty much a Nike girl when it comes to workout gear. I just am. Their marketing is genius, their workout gear is fashionably edgy, yet still performs well. Nike pretty much "had me at hello."

That being said, I have to tell you.........another company is slowly but surely wooing my heart......

I have found THE most perfect workout bottom the world has EVER KNOWN!!!!!!!! {in my humble, average woman, size 14, larger-than-life-thighed opinion}

Meet: The Athleta Contender Skirt Capri

the actual product photo

sad, sad pictures of me {wearing my size Large -Tall skirt Capri}
BUT I was determined not to do the post without pictures
(on a side note I should tell you that while I was trying to get the sub par pictures of myself, one of the guys at the gym came over and told me that if I wanted pictures of him, I didn't have to be sneaky, I could just ask ! :-D) #truestory

But, I digress.......

Here's the deal. Often times, I found myself tugging at workout bottoms, and CONSTANTLY readjusting.....tucking in the extra........stuff....
constantly....for reasons named in my last blog post.

BUT, not so with this skirt capri.
And I have worked it HARD.
I have RUN in it,
Kick-boxed in it,
done high intensity "insanity" type workouts in it,
as well as climb step mill and weight train in it.
It is like a dream come true. It is supportive and stays put. It makes me feel athletic and UBER sporty, thereby making my workouts that much better. Seriously, I CANNOT say enough about the Athleta Skirt Capri.

That's all. I just really wanted you to know. No one's paying me to say these things. I just know that I was on a perpetual search for comfortable, "tugless" workout bottoms and my search has ended.

Athleta, I say to you,"well done."

How about you, ever found a product {of whatever nature} that you were so pleased with that you just had to shout it's virtue from the rooftops??!! Do share.

My Take on Plastic Surgery

2011-11-09T14:45:00.002-05:00

Hi.

Where in the sane heck have I been hiding? Who in their right mind closes shop for a week in November, one of the busiest shopping months of the year??!!

Apparently , I do. But, for good reason.

Come closer and I'll tell you a secret. I'll tell you where I have been hiding. I'll tell you what I started out having NO intention telling you but feel like I want to because HEY.....you're very much a part of my life and there is a very good chance that future blog posts will spring from this very topic. So......here goes:

I had plastic surgery. *GASP*

Yup. I sure did.

A tummy tuck to be exact.

You may remember when I blogged about my weight loss and "my 300 pound mind."

Much of my "300 pound mindset" came from ALL the extra "leftovers" from the time that I was 300 pounds.
Know what I mean?
I was wearing a suit of skin that had stretched to accomodate 100 extra pounds.......and now no longer fit me. And it was uncomfortable......all the time. Especially when it came time to workout.

This decision was nothing that I took lightly. In fact, I first saw a surgeon over 2 years ago but the time just wasn't right.

The past 2 years have been a process of growth and acceptance for me. God had finally brought me to a place where I had pretty much made peace with my body. No more self loathing. No more comparing myself to magazines and movie stars....

.....Peace with being whatever size as long as I was healthy and fit. Peace with dealing with the extra skin for the rest of my life and then........

all of the sudden, it just became time. All the pieces fell into place for the surgery that I thought I would talk about forever, but never have the opportunity to have.

I can honestly tell you that I don't care what size I end up. I have no interest in looking like the magazines or the movie stars. No, really, I don't. I just want to be fit and healthy.

Why I didn't want to tell you:

because I was afraid some might form judgements before understanding the whole story.

Why I had to tell you:

Because I'm honest.......to a fault.
Because I don't want to misrepresent myself. Yes, I'm a girl who has lost lots of weight. And now my tummy will be flat. {but not worry, my thighs will still be larger than life, just how I like them :D} And I don't want to be a discouragement for others who may lose a significant amount of weight & look at me and wonder why their tummies aren't snapping back as well as mine did.( You know, the way we see movie stars 6 weeks after they have a baby and they look the same as they did pre-pregnancy and then we feel lacking because it takes us so long to lose the baby weight? {all the while forgetting that she may very well have had the help of a surgeon}) Well, I'm here to let you know that my tummy didn't snap back on it's own, but instead was sculpted back into something lovely by a KICK-TAIL surgeon. No really. New belly button and all. The results aren't all in yet but I'm pretty sure the guy is an artistic genius :-D

Anyhow, that's where I have been. Suffering physically, actually, quite a bit this past week {but that's a blog post for a different day.}

Have any thoughts? Ever thought about or wished for something similar? Think I'm a total nutjob to make this information public? Love me anyway? Have less repsect for me? You KNOW I love hearing from you........

My Online Presence {or lack thereof}

2011-10-26T14:47:00.003-04:00

I happened upon this great blog post about blogging and like so many things in this life........it got me to thinking. Why don't I just blog?! What is keeping me from it?! Is it a lack of "blogger self esteem"? Why do I go like "gangbusters" in my cyberlife for a while and then withdraw?

LOTS of you lovelies happen by when I do blog and I absolutely adore your comments and getting to know you. I do find blogging rewarding and fun.....

I even have a brand spanking new and, may I add, BEAUTIFUL blog design for my backdrop.

There is plenty I could talk about:

~I have a husband who offers more entertainment and comic relief than one family deserves. {no, really. You have no idea}
~I homeschool.
~I once weighed 300 lbs and am constantly struggling with my weight issues. I could probably focus my whole entire blog on this if I tried.
~I'm a would-be bodybuilder and fitness buff. {ther is always a workout tip or story from the gym trenches waiting in the wings}
~I love to bake and play with recipes.
~I LOVE the Lord, my God and could talk about my relationship with Him until I'm blue in the face.
~Not to mention my Etsy shop and being part of this online handmade community..

I could go on, but I think you get the point. There is plenty I could talk about, but don't. Blog posts ALWAYS bumtumble around my brain.......they just never seem to make it onto my blog.

I could use time as an excuse. While time IS often a rare commodity in my life, I don't at all think it's the ultimate cause of my periods of silence in the blogging/cyber world.

{The epiphany}
I was talking to a friend yesterday. We were discussing our propensity toward shyness, and how very much work it is for us to be social. Not at all that we don't adore people. We do. We just aren't natural talkers or socializers. I have known this about myself some time. I accept it ALL the time, and muster the energy to fight it & not be a complete introvert MOST of the time. BUT, and it's hard to believe I haven't connected this sooner, I never really thought about the fact that it extended into the blogging/cyber world. How could it not?

Sometimes I just don't feel like talking. I'd rather listen. In the cyber world this translates to reading blogs, instead of writing my own....for months on end. Or stalking tweets instead of tweeting....for days on end. Or supporting other's FB posts instead of updating my own page. As you more successful ladies can imagine, this makes online success spotty and difficult.

Here's my question. Do you think that someone wired the way I am can make a go of building a business/brand online? Do you find that parts of your "wiring" make it more difficult {or easier} to have an online presence? Can I fight against my propensity to keep to myself in order to build a successful business? I guess we'll find out......... :D

Shop Update and Early Holiday Shopping Incentives

2011-09-26T06:22:00.004-04:00

Monday AGAIN??!! *rubs sleepies out of eyes*

This past weekend I finally tackled photographing some of the ever growing stack of new pieces that need to be listed. I have more still to come, but when you have a minute, have a quick peek at the new pieces in my shop :)

I also wanted to announce that for the entire month of October, I will be offering Early holiday shopping incentives in the form of FREE stuff with purchases. I'll be taking a break at the beginning of November for at least a week, maybe two {not a recommended time to take a break, I know, but I don't have a choice} SO, I'll be offering rewards for those of you who get your holiday shopping game faces on in October! :-D

AHH!! Also and I almost forgot.... I'll be launching my new line of necklaces in team colors for you lady sports fans before next week. CANNOT WAIT!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!! As always I LOVE hearing what you're up to! I hope you are all enjoying the heck right out of what I like to call "Pumpkin Spice Latte" Season....aka fall :)

Where I am In the Creative Process......

2011-09-19T06:26:00.002-04:00

via Pinterest

Could this be any funnier.......or dangerously close to the truth some days?

Killer Coupon Code!

2011-09-18T13:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my 2 year ETSYVERSARY!!!! To celebrate and as a token of my appreciation for a FAB 2 years...........A DISCOUT code, the likes of which my shop as never given and may never give again!!! USE the code 2YEAR30 for 30% off your purchase! TODAY, Sunday 9/18 only!

Early Christmas shopping? Hostess, babysitter, or hair stylist gifts to have on hand? This is the perfect time to stock up! Use the code 2YEAR30 aat checkout for 30% off!

Just a sample of pretties........

As always, thank you for your constant support and encouragement! Happy shopping!

Fall-ish Friday Favorites

2011-09-16T07:27:00.000-04:00

One needs only to take a quick glimpse at my Etsy favorites to see that I'm ready for fall.........

Autumn Sapphire Necklace by GlitzGlitter
Persimmon Fine Art Photo by dearmachine
Autumn Harvest Napkin Rings by wishdaisy

Orange Autumn Leg Warmers by LeashasWorkshop
Felt Flower Headband Cluster by paperdollaccessories
Pumpkin Cheescake Lollipops by VintageConfections

How about you? SO ready to welcome fall?

Be sure to grab my Cider Mill Apple Bread Recipe and have a FAB weekend!

Cider Mill Apple Bread

2011-09-15T05:35:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time........... {translate: eons ago when I was in Jr. high}, we had a commercial kitchen in the back of our house and my mom's job in the fall was to bake yum treats for the local cider mill. This is the recipe {with a few Twillypop tweaks} for one of said yum treats:

If you hate grating apples, just make your youngest {or a neighborhood kid} do it. Being younger, their knuckles will heal faster when they grate them. {HA!}

Cider Mill Apple Bread

2 c. unbleached white whole wheat flour
2 c. white flour
2 teas. baking powder
2 teas. salt
2 teas. cinnamon

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2 loaf pans.
~combine all the dry ingredients and set aside.

In a mixer/mixing bowl, cream:

2 c. sugar {turbinado sugar worked fantastic}
1 c. butter {the original recipe called for shortening, but in my humble opinion........blech.}

next, add:

4 beaten eggs
3 T. buttermilk {OR sour milk...you can make it with regular milk and vinegar. If you don't believe me, just ask Mr. Google}

and then, add:

2 cups grated apple {skins and all (-minus the core-), if you wish. Which, I do wish...because that makes it yum.} Also, use the regular grater holes, not the teeny-tiny-get-all-gummed-up-because-their-so-small grater holes.
2 teas. vanilla

Once all the wet ingredients are combined, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix just until well combined.

Bake at 350 for 55 to 65 minutes {depending on oven} It took exactly 60 minutes in my oven.

{The original recipe also calls for 2 cups of chopped nuts, which is super delicious, but my kids want NO part of, so I leave them out.}

I mixed up a yum mixture with butter, turbinado sugar, and cinnamon to sprinkle on the top. Not part of the recipe, and my daughter informed me that she "didn't like the texture" of it, but hereagain......I thought it was yum. But, up to you :)

Where DID Summer Go?!!

2011-09-12T14:55:00.002-04:00

If you're like me, you've been left scratching your head & wondering........

September?! Really?! WHERE in the heck-fire did summer go?!

And if you're like me, you'll give a blank look, shrug your shoulders, and say, ".........dunno."

Just kidding! Summer WAS insanely busy. Good, but busy.

Looking back, it feels as though it was a flurry of working on my shop as much as possible {in order to head into fall prepared, ready to devote myself to homeschooling} combined with soaking up as much sunshine and summer fun as humanly possible.

But ALSO, {and this one is huge because not only am I a girl who struggles with change, but because I DO NOT fare well at all with upheaval} We did some sprucing up in our home. Almost the entire month of August was marked by one room or another being in utter turmoil.....sometimes MANY rooms at a time. The good news is that I survived. The other good news is that we are heading into the dark season in upstate NY with freshly, brightly painted walls........

Drumroll, please.......

Yay, right?! The upheaval & change was well worth it, methinks. Youthinks?

I would love to hear about your summer...did it fly by? Or was it a hazy, lazy days kinda summer?

Re: Conquering My Anal Retentiveness

2011-09-07T15:19:00.001-04:00

This post could go by many titles but they would all boil down to the same thing: simplifying.

I feel like I eventually have come around to deciding on my own what many others would have told me from the start {but I wouldn't have listened} and that is: I don't need TWO shops.

Two shops came about because I didn't like my more playful Twillypopgirl necklaces in the mix with my adult necklaces. Anal retentive, much? (:-D)

But now:
1} as Twillypop has progressed and grown, the adult necklaces have taken on a more colorful, whimsical personality than I had originally expected. The Twillypopgirl/Twillyteen necklaces fit like a glove in my Twillypop shop and add even more color and fun to my shop.
2}My hope is that customers looking for adult jewelry may be more likely to buy Twillypopgirl swag and vice/versa.
3} I wasn't doing justice to Twillypopgirl as a line or a shop and hopefully this will help me do better.

Sooooo, I'm excited! You'll see more Twillypopgirl/Twillyteen items popping up all the time!

Many of the smaller Twillypopgirl necklaces will most likely not make the trip over to the growed up shop, so if you have your eye on one, better get "her" now! Sometime within the next month or so, the old Twillypopgirl shop will be closed :)

Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon for part 2 of conquering my anal retentiveness {yes, there's more and no, I'm not kidding!}

Ocean Sunrise {inspiration}

2011-07-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

His mercies are new every morning........

Sunrise Came Softly by {SherriConley on etsy}

The sun has risen, faithfully and gloriously every day since the dawn of time......

THAT is an awesome thought.....

The waves have never ceased to lap,
wash,
crash on the shore.........
since the dawn of time...

No two sunrises have been exactly the same ........

<><><><><><>

Fort Hill Sinrise {by JimNickelson on etsy}

.......each morning, since the dawn of time, all of creation
has performed a symphony of worship without even realizing........
beckoning the light.

With many different parts, weaving and dancing, all unknowingly playing a part in a magnificent movement, welcoming the day.

Ocean sunrise.......
inspiration for each new day....

inspiration to create somthing beautiful with my life...in action, in deed
inspiration to be part of something eternal....
inspiration to play my part in this symphony called life.....

{Linking up with Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop today}

Don't forget to enter to win the Gap scarf!!

Greeting Him Expectantly

2011-07-15T09:50:00.010-04:00

{Even though this image is no longer my blog header, this post remains true to my story and my life}

I made a new blog header........by myself.

{Which, in and of itself is somewhat of a miracle, but my technical ineptitude is definitely another story for another time.} I was searching through my pictures for anything that would work for the header and I found this picture of my son. And it was perfect. Not because I'm a proud momma and he's adorbs {there is that, too :)}, but because what is going on in this picture perfectly illustrates the verse on the bottom of it.......

This verse from the message has been my blog description for a while now.

It's significant.

There was a time, about 5 years ago, when I was weary. I had been walking with God for 6 years. The newness had worn off. The joy I had felt in the beginning was slowly being stripped away by religious-ness. Life was letting me down. People were letting me down. I was burdened by all of the things I felt I "should be doing" as a christian woman, all the things I "should be", all the inner struggles I "shouldn't have" and I was tired. Worn right out. God was getting lost in the jumble of "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" that were tumbling around inside of me.

I was not sure where to turn.

But

I remembered the darkness, the hopeless, and the utter despair that ruled my life before I knew God and I knew that going back was not an option, could never be an option. I could never not believe in my God.

I opened my bible. And I read:

^15-17This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!

It was then that I knew that all the people that let me down, the "shoulds" and shouldn'ts", none of it was God.

I decided to press on.

I decided to live my life adventurously expectant. I decided to greet God as a child. I decided to let Him make me and my life into something He could use.

I decided to keep my eyes above. To reach for Him expectantly ......with blind trust, with urgency, in hopefulness, fully expecting good things from His hand, fully believing that my needs will be met...

{I want to look to my Papa God every day the same way my son is looking to me in this picture}

When I start to lose sight, when the cares of this world threaten to overwhelm, this verse is guidance and rememberance.

Thanks for stopping by. I adore your comments. I love hearing where you are in this whole mishegas we call life.....

Shabby Apple Sale!

2011-07-12T20:18:00.004-04:00

Thought you should know.........

The entire month of July, most all things Shabby Apple are 20% off!

{Cockeyed Optimist)

{Happy Talk}

{Mauna Kea}

Use the code SUMMER20 at checkout for the discount.

Go ahead, you SO deserve something beautiful :)

My 300 Pound Mind

2011-06-29T10:21:00.000-04:00

I have mentioned before that I spent most of my life as an obese woman. I registered obese on the "charts" for as far back as I can remember. I was always a big girl. Always the biggest one in my circle of friends. But I wasn't really BIG, BIG until after I had my first baby. I was tipping the scales at almost 300 pounds. I remember that when my daughter was a newborn I had absolutely nothing to wear that fit me, so I ran into a store and grabbed a women's size 26 bottom, thinking to myself, "I'll be swimming in these."..............

This is me after I had my second baby & after I had lost some of the weight

Nope. They were too small. That was 11 years ago and since that time I have been on a journey of eating better and exercising. A journey of walking with God, letting Him help me heal from the inside out. Allowing Him to show me how I was using food to stuff down the emotions I was so determined to pretend weren't there.

Ok, so.......now.
I'm much thinner. I'm still overweight, but a very fit 190 at 5 ft 8 inches with plenty of muscle.
I still am big.
I exercise like it's my job and am very careful about what I eat.
But on most days, in my mind, in what my friend calls my "300 pound mind", I'm still the girl in the picture above.
I spend most of the time FEELing very fat. I am constantly readjusting my clothes and tucking myself {the rolls of fat that I can FEEL in my mind} into my clothes. I really can't look in a full length mirror without focusing on what I consider to be the problem areas. I always FEEL like the biggest girl in the room.
I literally FEEL fat all the time. In fact, I FEEL fatter now than I did when I was heavier. All of this FEELing fat leads me to be very self conscious most of the time. So much so that sometimes I FEEL like I shouldn't even be going out in public......{yes, really}
And yes, I am fully aware of how crazy this may seem......

My inner monologue: Don't take my picture because I'll hate how it comes out

I have been very careful to emphasize that this is how I FEEL. While I know that I cannot ignore {stuff down with food} my feelings, and while I acknowledge that in my mind these things FEEL very real, I also know that I cannot be ruled by these FEELings.

How I live:

~I remind myself who I am: A daughter of the Most High God. I am valued and I am loved. I am cherished and I am adored. My worth is far above rubies and would continue to be even if I still looked like the girl in the picture.

~I throw my shoulders back, I lift up my countenance and carry myself as a daughter of the Most High. Even though my feelings make me want to slump my shoulders and hide in the nearest corner, I ignore them because they are not in keeping with what I know to be true.

~I stopped being ashamed. I am big and I am strong. I fight hard just to be a size 12. I believe that God has a purpose for me, even in this crazy struggle of mine.

~I don't look in full length mirrors. I don't look because I know that at this stage in my life I can't see what's actually there. I don't look because I won't see the truth.

~I ignore the feelings. I have acknowledged them. I have compared them with the truth and found them to be false and now I ignore them. I would even go so far as to say that they are fading. The more I ignore them and remind myself of the truth, the more they fade.

I know that many of you may not have this particular struggle, and that for you struggling with self image in this manner seems like an utter waste of time and energy ............To you, I would say: "I know. I think so, too"

But I would also tell you,"I'm walking with Him day by day and He's not finished with me yet." and in another 10 years who KNOWS what He will do.....

Is my struggle one you can identify with? Or Is there an area in your life where you know that your feelings don't line up with the truth?

You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Ephesians 4:22-24
{The Message}

This post is in response to a challenge by Liv Lane {Choosing Beauty} for bloggers to be brave and authentic in their blogging. Link up!

Happy Monday & Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway winner

2011-06-27T08:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday!!

The winner of this beautiful dress......

is entry #111.......Kristen!!!!

Thanks so much to all who entered!

SHABBY APPLE Dress Giveaway

2011-06-17T06:03:00.003-04:00

Hi sweet readers!
I have a GORGEOUS giveaway for you.......... A Shabby Apple Dress!

Shabby Apple's vintage inspired collection offers classy, yet simple ways to dress. Here are a FEW of my favorites, but I seriously could have spent the entire day perusing the beautiful site........

Alto Sax

Madison Ave

They offer something wonderfully fashionable, yet classically beautiful for girls of all ages: women's dresses, maternity , little girls' dresses , and even some of the most fabulous bathing suits I have ever seen!

I have been drooling over this beauty since early spring.......

Costa

........and the dresses. Oy! I could shop for days......

L'Artiste

Kenya

Wouldn't you just LOVE to win one??!
Ahoy

Win this fun and flirty dress!

Enter BY: Visiting the Shabby Apple site and leaving a comment letting me know which Shabby Apple apparel you don't want to live another day without. {please leave an email so I can let you know when you win} It's that simple!!

Would you love some extra entries? -{One entry for each. Please leave a seperate comment for each please}
1-Like the Shabby Apple on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest news and discounts
2-Like Twillypop on Facebook
3-Follow my blog......I can be tons of fun :)
4- Follow ShabbyApple on Twitter
5-Follow me {Twillypop} on Twitter
6-Tweet this giveaway- be sure to mention @twillypop so I can find your tweet!
7-Blog about this giveaway and/or mention it on your FB fanpage and leave a link in your comment

Plenty of chances to win this FAB dress! Thanks so much for entering. Shabby Apple has offered my readers a special discount code! When you shop at Shabby Apple, use the code twillypop10off for 10% off your purchase!! {code good until July 15th}

Giveaway ends Sunday June 26th

{sorry, beautiful international readers, this giveaway open to US residents only}

The giveaway is closed! Thank you all so much for entering!

Today I am Humble. Today I am Thankful.

2011-04-22T14:56:00.001-04:00

Good Friday.

A day unlike any other.

Ever.

The day our God. Lord. Savior. Suffered.

Was Tortured.

Was Hung on a Cross.

And had the sins of the whole world. Poured. Onto HIS beautiful.

Faultless.

Blameless.

Spotless. Shoulders.

The day HE thought of me by name.

The day HE thought of you by name.

The day HE carried the cross of my shame.

My sin.

My many sins.

With me on HIS mind as HE suffered. As HE carried my shame.

As HE experienced complete. Seperation from the FATHER.

So I would never have to.

Today is a day unlike any other.

Today I am thankful.

Today I am humble.

Today my heart overflows.

My Lord. My Savior. My Love.

A day unlike any other.

The day the sky went black.

Midday.

The day the temple veil was rent.

And we, not just priests,

were allowed.

Access.

To the Holy of Holies.

From our own hearts.

Straight to the Father.

No more priests as our go between.

No more shed blood to atone for our sins.

The day the final.

Ultimate.

Sacrifice was given.

The day Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.

For once. For all.

For you.

For me.

For all.

Today I remember what HE has done for me.

Today I am humble.

Today I am thankful.

What Love Really Means: A Christmas Post

2010-12-16T06:51:00.000-05:00

I had a Christmas moment the other day.

I was trying to park at Walmart (of all the ordinary places in the ordinary world) and the song that's playing on the mixpod came on the radio (also find it here.) I had heard the song before, but had never really listened to it.

driving my minivan around the walmart parking lot, like any housewife on any given friday
on a cloudy, gray December day,
heavy, wet snow pounding my windshield
people trying with all their might to push heavy & wayward carts to their vehicles
rushing in, rushing out................

maybe I was even slightly irritable about the slush, the people, the carts......
and then:

the lyrics of this song started to push their way into my cluttered, distracted mind

and then, slowly but surely they made their way into my heart......

He cries in the corner where nobody sees

He’s the kid with the story no one would believe
He prays every night “Dear God won’t you please...
Could you send someone here who will love me?”

wait.
........i KNOW kids (now turned adults) who have stories no one would believe.

and their whole lives could be summed up in that one prayer......

tears sprung to my eyes........

Who will love me for me

Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means what love really means

and as I listened, and tears streamed down my cheeks (yes, literally), I started to look around at the faces of the people in the parking lot.....

and etched in every face was this question:

who will love me for me?

eyes pleading:

will anyone? love me for me?

I watched the women, the ones looking their best.......
and the ones who had long given up on trying to look their best.....

Who will love me for me

Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means what love really means

Can anyone? Will anyone?

He’s waiting to die as he sits all alone

He’s a man in a cell who regrets what he’s done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
“Oh Lord, forgive me. I want to go home”
Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside
And it said “I know you’ve murdered
And I know you’ve lied
And I've watched you suffer all of your life
And now that you’ll listen I’ll tell you that I...”
I will love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love, the love that you never knew

....as I listened to the final verse and cried, I realized....

again

He loves me for me.

before I knew Him,

yet knowing how many years I would deny Him. All the while fully aware of the stuff I would do. Fully knowing ALL that is in my heart.......every thought, the innermost part that no one sees.......

He loved me for me.

He sent His son from glory to be born in a manger to live this hard life, to suffer, to die
to be my savior
because He loves me for me

and I couldn't help but think that if all the people, busy preparing for Christmas
understood what Christmas really meant

they would never need to wonder.....

who will love me for me?

Luke 2:8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

My Perfectionism

2010-11-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

I'll be completely honest, I've been hiding from blogging.

SHOCKER!?!
Evidenced by my long absence.....Yes, I've been busier than usual but it's been more than that.

I'm a perfectionist, you see. (I like to consider myself a "recovering" perfectionist.) I am not talking about merely striving for excellence. I'm talking about PERFECTionism........holding myself to standards that no one could live up to. Standards that God would never think of holding me to because HE knows me, my limits, my frailties, and HE loves me far too much to EVER ask of me what I ask of myself.

What happens when I cannot live up to the expectations I set for myself?

I abuse myself mentally, emotionally........
I build up an ever-growing list of all the things I do wrong......
A mental tally of all the ways I fall short .......a million ways I disappoint , minute by minute...
Day by day.

And then, before I know it, I am paralyzed. I don't know what to do, what to say, what to strive for because no matter which way I turn I know I won't do or say it right.

And so it is with this blog and the series of posts I have started. I only ever wanted to tell you about a girl forever changed by knowing her Jesus.......to tell you about a sea of forgivenesses for her past, an ocean of healing that crashes behind .......

But recently my perfectionism has gotten the best of me. I have felt so in error in so many areas of my life, what could I possibly have to tell you? Who am I to tell you anything? I wanted to start "doing better" before I could come here and talk more about my savior........

And then, God cuts through the muddled mess in my mind with the Truth. And I realize that I'm who I've always been:

I AM just a girl with a sea of forgivenesses for her past behind her........
an ocean of emotional healing trailing behind her......

AND
a girl

with a sea of more forgiveness ahead of her for her future......
and an ocean of emotional healing crashing on the shores that lie ahead.

And now that I remember who I am, I know what I can tell you.
The most awesome thing of all.

I am beset with frailties and shortcomings and flaws and struggles
and
HE loves me.
HE loved me first.
HE loves me best.
He knows my innermost EVERYTHING and HE loves me.

God never builds the list of all the ways I go wrong.
I do.
HE never keeps tabs on all the things I could do better.
That's all me.
There is nothing I can do to make myself more acceptable
or any more loved.
HE doesn't love me because of anything I have, can, or will do.
HE loves me because that's who HE is. LOVE.

If that's not awesome, then nothing is.........

What I Never Knew

2010-10-13T09:26:00.002-04:00

I'm in the middle of a project here. A journey of sorts. It began here and the first stop was here .

I was just sitting here re-reading "blinking back the tears" and do you know what?

It makes me cry.

And not in the "I'm such a fantastic writer" kind of way. Far from it.

In the "I LOVE that I believe what's in that post" kind of way.

I believe it with all of my heart.
I know that I know that it's true.
I LOVE that I am able to tell my kids about His love for them.

Do you know why?
Especially why?

Because it's what I never knew. Never believed. Didn't grow up knowing.

I didn't know I was

loved.
cherished.
planned.
purposed.
gifted.
thought of.
HIS. GOD's own.

Instead, I spent the better part of 30 years "knowing" that I was:

hopelessly flawed.
embarrassed.........just to be. me.
ashamed.
prideful.
hurt and hurtful.
feeling big. too big. a fatty. UN-beautiful.
unlovely.unlovable.
emotional.

and knowing that I had to appear perfect.
and do things perfect.
and knowing that I wanted to control what people thought about me. knew about me.
so it would be easier to love me. the unlovely.

Sound tiring?
It was.
It was an exhausting, hard, 30 years. Seriously.

But when I started to let the knowledge of His love sink in..........

it was like

......a deep breath of the freshest spring air. An exhale of relief.
like
...... the most loving embrace.
like
......drowning in a sea of peace.
like
......waves of comfort, washing away the hurt, insecurity, shame, pride. Washing them away.
like
......a master craftsman, gently, systematically razing the walls I've constructed around my heart

like
Life and peace I never knew.
The Peace I sought in all sorts of ways & the Life I kept waiting for....

.........to be continued

...blinking back tears: a true story

2010-09-21T15:07:00.001-04:00

My daughter is a thinker and sometimes she asks me questions..........

"Mommy, if God knows everything from beginning to end, why does He want us to pray?"

I'm driving and I glance at her and my two boys in the rearview mirror.....

It was one of those moments when I KNEW that I wanted to have scripture to quote, that I wanted to be more eloquent than ever, to stun them with my knowledge and hope they remember what an (inpressively :D) Godly mom they had.....

Lord, please help me say the right thing, what YOU would have them to know right now.......

but here's what came out:

*****************************

Because He loves you more than you could ever imagine and even though He knows what you are going to pray for , say and do, He wants to be part of it. He wants a relatiopnship with you because He does....

(all THREE little faces watching me in the rearview mirror with rapt attention)

Imagine that He thought of YOU before the dawn of time.
He imagined you, every part of your being down to the smallest detail. Not only did He imagine you,
think of you,
think about you ....

He created you in the perfect time.

You are His work of art. You are a masterpiece, completed by the Master artist.

You are the "signature of the divine."

Every part of you was known. Your amazing gifts and strengths are to use to bring Him glory with your life......
He'll delight in you........

the struggles, the flaws
those will be used to show you
His strength and
His love as
He uses them to draw you close.......

So, do you think He went to all of the trouble of fearfully and wonderfully creating you just to cut you loose?

Don't you think He probably maintains an interest in His work of art?

He wants you to pray because what really is praying?

Just talking.

He just wants for you to talk with Him

to make Him part of your waking

your walking

your talking,

your sleeping

because He WANTS you. Loves you. Extravagantly. Hopelessly. Perfectly.

He knows you infinitely better than you will ever know yourself and

He loves you not because of anything you can do or say

but

because He does.

He loves you.

**********************

As I finished, with tears in my eyes I looked in the rearview mirror and was surprised to see my age 8 son, with tender heart, blinking back tears..........

I didn't press him. I left him to look out his window and ponder. What was he pondering?

I couldn't help but wonder.........

I think what pricked his heart about what I said was something that we are all seeking from birth to death........

2 things, actually...

our heart's longing to be loved. loved perfectly. warts and all.

our heart and mind's longing to know that we are significant

To Be Continued.............

Hanging By a Moment

2010-08-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

A blog?

Who has a blog?

Oh.......... I have a blog?! :-D

It's so hard to believe that it's been so long since I have blogged. Well, it has and it hasn't......

You see, in rediscovering running this summer, I have rediscovered.............thinking. I mean, clear, coherent thinking. Cohesive thoughts. Miles and miles of road streteched out before me has meant time to center my heart & mind, my thoughts & prayers.....

and, do you know what?

Every morning that I go for a run, I write blog posts in my head.....and they're articulate & heartfelt...and poigniant.....and in these posts I spill my guts about my life, past and present, about what is really important to me. In every post my heart is laid bare.

and then the run ends.

and the reality of publishing such posts, puts fear in my gut. The thought of writing such posts and actually publishing them makes me shake my head in utter disbelief that I would even have considered it.

and the day goes on without a blog post.

Here's the thing: Because I know that I know that during those 7 miles of road each morning, my heart and mind are more fixed on God and His will in my life than during any other part of my day, I have to believe that there is something to these "phantom" posts.

I have always kind of felt that this blog was meant for more than just ribbon necklaces........

"What could she possibly want to say that would cause such hesitation?" You may be thinking....

The truth. About me. The raw truth about who I was before I met God. The picture of me....my life inside and out, unretouched by God. A picture that is sometimes even hard for me to remember because He has removed me so far from it. A picture that is by no means finished, but so different from where it started.....

and not to bring any glory or attention to myself........

but, a grown-up "show & tell", if you will.........

except I'm not bringing a book, or a toy, or a stuffed animal to the head of the class, I'm bringing my Father......
my Heavenly Father.........and I want to tell you and show you what He has done in just this one small life...

a life insignificant to most, but not to Him

Tears are stinging my eyes even as I write this post because now I know there is really no going back.

and so, I don't know how.......or where....or when I will start, but I will start.

I don't know what I'm diving in to....

I'm hanging by a moment here with Him.......

because there really is nothing else to lose and nothing else to find..

Working Like a Madwoman

2010-07-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

Hello again! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend (if you are American, that is!:) I've been working like a madwoman (in the most relaxed, least crazed sense of the word madwoman, of course) to fill the shops. I am having a BLAST making all of my older necklaces as well as designing a few new pieces for each shop. So, if you have a minute, and you haven't already, swing by the shops and have a quick peek. Thanks for popping in! I'm off to scrub my toilets (to quote Michael Scott, "BLECH...", ), fill a couple of orders, and then off to the pool with my lil' chickens. Have a great day!

Prone To Capriciousness..... Who Me?

2010-06-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

I, as you may or may not have heard, have re-opened both shops. When the school year ended and I no longer had the responsibility of a school day filling many of the daylight hours I got ta thinkin'.....

and then, when I realized that for the past couple of months I had been able to relax and let go, leaving the shop sitting there with one lone necklace (which I had left listed for special order customer purposes), I got ta thinkin'.......

what if........

I not only now had more time in my schedule, but also had perfected the art of not being a psycho about things. What if.....

I could do what I was able with Twillypop, and forget about the rest?

Well, even if it's only a "what if," shouldn't I try?

It did occur to me the other day, however, that MAYBE I should be embarrassed about deciding to open back up. The thought had not occurred to me before this because I have been me for 35 years now and I am sooooo used to the fact that I am......

prone to capriciousness....BIGTIME.

I have come to expect nothing less from me and so, as much as I had TOTALLY decided I was completely done with Twillypop and accepted it, I have now decided to give it one more go around, and I just as easily accept this.

If it is any consolation I have done enough head shaking, and poking fun at me for the both of us. But, I love you guys. You have all been sweeter and more supportive than I could have ever imagined or hoped for. So, here we go. Twillypop is 'on the road again' and only time will tell where it leads.......

An Extraordinary Daddy

2010-06-20T05:46:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day to the one that I love......

Happy Father's day to a daddy who lavishes his three chickens with love.......each and every day of their lives....

a daddy who is ALWAYS ready to fix a toy, replace batteries and otherwise solve the problems weighing on the hearts of his little angels........

a daddy who lets each of his precious beauties know that they are unique, cherished and loved for exactly who they are.......quirks and all

a daddy who goes to great lengths to make life fun, adventurous, and unforgettable.......there is nothing this daddy won't do....

a daddy who provides lavishly and extravagantly for his babies........ there is nothing this daddy won't give....

And when I pause to think about the kind of daddy the man I love is, I am more thankful than words can ever express.....because my kids understand the love of a father....

When I take a step back and watch my kids who are content, secure, loving and affectionate, outlandishly fun, hopelessly tender ......with tears in my eyes, gratitude in my heart, and a smile on my lips I realize.......they are SO like their daddy.....and I am glad. I love you, babe.

The Weekend Update with Twillypop

2010-06-18T05:42:00.002-04:00

Hi! I've been missing all of you. I have been neglecting my own blog as well as all of yours!! Real life gets in the way of all the cyberspace fun sometimes, you know? I really just wanted to drop in to say hi. Hi.

You will notice that there are tabs across the top of my blog where I have started new pages for any new items I create while I am closed. I have been toying with opening my shop back up for the summer. IS she LOCO? Ummmm, I thought we had covered that: YES!!!

The kids' school is over, and I have made another big change in my schedule which may allow time for the shop until school resumes. BUT....I have a ton of work to do before I will be able to re-open, so time will tell......

I am also planning to start a tab above for updates on achieving my fitness goals, but so far there hasn't been much to tell. The weight really hasn't budged....... I can't imagine WHY..... I will say that the running part is coming along. I ran 6.5 miles yesterday fairly effortlessly and have made the decision to run the 15k Boilermaker Road Race again this year. So, if you're on route 28, and you happen to see a linebacker in tights running at 6am, that's me training for the race. So, yay! I made a commitment and set a goal......I hardly recognize myself :D

Thanks for coming by. If you feel so inclined, leave a comment and tell me what's been going on with you!

I started a new Saturday series called "Songs I'm Pondering Saturdays" so if you are in the Twillypop.Blogspot neighborhood on the weekends, pop in! Have great weekend and I'll "see" you soon!

We Have a Winner!!!

2010-06-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

We have a winner!! The winner said that she was a fan of the ribbon necklaces and that her favorite colors were soft pink, spring green and brown.. I felt as though using all three (as pretty as those colors are together!) may be a bit much in just ribbons and beads. So here's what I came up with:

Spring green crackle beads.......

.....Matching green grosgrain ribbon & rich chocolate brown playfully woven through the sparkly beads....

Does this look anything like you? Or something you might LOVE to wear? Well, Patti from the Whimsical Fig....I sure hope so!!!!

I give you the Spring Green Patti Ribbon Necklace!

Stay tuned later in the week, anyone who entered for a ribbon bracelet, you're being re-entered for a second drawing for a brand new Twillypop Ribbon Bracelet designed just for you!

Thanks to everyone who entered & for all of the workout songs and summer reads! You are ALL the BEST!!!

The Great Chocolate Birthday Cake Debacle

2010-05-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

Debacle: n. chaotic failure; a sudden diaster, defeat or HUMILIATING failure.

So many of you have been so supportive, and thoughtful, in continuing to ask me how I am doing in achieving my fitness goals and how my training is going. The training itself is going fine. The training is never the problem for me, really. The part that is the most challenging for me is......*drumroll, please* ..........The Diet.

I did not get to weigh 300 pounds just because I like food....

Stressed?----------------------------> EAT
Nervous?----------------------------> EAT
Happy?------------------------------> EAT
Sad?---------------------------------> EAT
Celebrating?-------------------------->EAT
Tired?-------------------------------->EAT
BORED?----------------------------->BY ALL MEANS EAT........

See the pattern? And since food is not something I can ever completely cut out of my life & because MUCH of my day revolves around preparing food for my family, I struggle...Morning and noony, noony night....I struggle. I have by God's amazing grace overcome many of my food issues, but not all......

The first week after I set my fitness goals I did BETTER than fantastic, with the diet, the training, everything. And then the beginning of the end...

THE CHOCOLATE CAKE DEBACLE

It began innocently enough, with my daughter's request for my chocolate cake from scratch for her 10th birthday. Innocently enough, I had a slice, just like everyone else to celebrate her birthday....but I'M NOT everyone else when it comes to food and sweets in particular. That innocent piece of cake on Wednesday began a downward spiral of eating that at best could be called counterproductive, but more accurately I would call it self destructive... Does the word binge ring any bells? Wrong meal choices, too much snacking, and oh......how many times did I return to that cake plate for just a nip? (I draw your attention to the pathetically desperate scrape marks on the plate as I tried to scrounge every ounce of crumb & frosting)

Five days of misery and shame over my eating until yesterday when I drew in a deep breath, looked in the bathroom mirror and said, "I forgive you." I did this because I KNEW that part of why I kept binging was because of the shame and guilt. But, I need to move on, I have plenty of time, and I WILL accomplish my goal.

Am I speaking anyone's language out there? Or is this so foreign to you that you think I'm a little crazy ( I'll help you out here, I'm A LOT crazy :-D) Or can you translate this into a different area of your life, same cycle, different "issue?"

p.s. Thanks SO much for stopping, and while you're here, wanna click on the dumbell and give me a "drink of encouragement? (top, right sidebar) I need as many and as often as you think of it! :-D

Laying it Down

2010-05-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

"Man up"
"Stop being such a perfectionist"
"It is what it is..."

These are the things I tell myself almost on a daily basis concerning Twillypop. I struggle with fitting everything in: time with my God, my kids, my husband, schoolwork, housework and even time with my friends. I war with myself daily over the fact that I can't seem to relax about Twillypop even though it's NO BIG DEAL. I have wished and wished that I could just stick a few necklaces on Etsy and leave it at that. But I can't. New designs, pictures, names, descriptions, a second shop and all that these things entail constantly invade my thoughts. All the time. When I'm present, I am not present because there is something else on my mind. When I am doing anything other than working on my business, I constantly feel burdened to get back at it. Twillypop has invaded all that I think and do...

And that's just plain silly. Ribbons and beads? Really, Sara? When you look back on your life are you going to wish you had made more ribbon jewelry?

And because I KNOW how silly it is to have let this become so important I try to fight it, and stick with it, and fight what it is in my nature that so desperately wants to do EVERYTHING well......and perfect. I have come to realize that there really is no fighting this part of me..any more than there is a way to devote this much of myself to more than one area of my life. So, I admit.......acknowledge, that almost every other area of my life has suffered as a result.......

Driving home from the gym this morning, all I wanted more than anything was to think about how to best manage my household & mother my children today......to think about how I could make their schoolday more fun...how I could soak in time with them. Instead, my mind was cluttered with thoughts of orders I need to package & mail, special orders to fill, emails to answer & the ever present pressure I put on myself to keep creating new ones. I have reasoned one hundred different ways why I should keep going with Twillypop. .............but always come back to the three reasons I shouldn't.

I wish I could do it all, but am ready to stop telling myself that I SHOULD be able to and admit.......I just can't.

So, this is where I am today. My shops will be closing after this week, indefinitely. I will still be blogging & tweeting. I will still be looking forward to "time" with all of you. I am laying Twillypop down for now. I'm going to dig my heels into being a wife and mom for now......time with my precious angels grows shorter with each passing day.....

Aiming At Nothing.......and Hitting It

2010-05-03T09:39:00.000-04:00

I have come to realize that I am not a very goal oriented person. I can't remember one time in my life when I have set a goal for myself and really worked to achieve it. I didn't "work" to finish high school, I just kind of survived it. I was in the top of my class, but not because I worked hard at it......I just was because I was. I didn't "work" AT ALL in college and therefore did not finish. I couldn't correlate the connection between the hard work for 4 (or more) years and the degree & job that would perhaps one day come out of it. I cannot remember a time in my life when I was willing to work hard for something that may not pay off immediately.

Even in my weight loss, my goal has been an arbitrary "get fit & get healthy" goal. This has not been without benefits and I will acknowledge that I have seen fruits for my labor. But, I will also admit that this "goal" has led to periods of hard dieting & exercise, interspersed with complacency and resting in the fact that I am not 300 lbs. anymore. Such complacency almost ineveitably leads to some sliding back into old ways and slight weight gain, at which time I start in hard again. I do realize that there are cycles in life and that getting off track IS somewhat normal. But, I also know that if I had a goal in mind, I would have something to work for. I have never set a goal to be physically the best that I can be. I have always just been happy to rest in knowing that I am not as big as I once was.

Me, 10 years ago

2 Years ago

I am also know that FEAR of failure is the reason I don't set goals, especially this one. Do I have what it takes to really get ALL the fat off? If I keep aiming at absolutely nothing, I will have no trouble attaining it. Today, with all of you sweet blog friends as my witnesses, I'm setting a goal. By September 1st, I would like to have lost 20 pounds and be able to run 10 miles. That's it.... A goal and plenty of time to achieve it. I am going to work at it, and for it with all of you as my witnesses and accountability partners (if you'll have me :D) You will notice at the top of my sidebar I have placed a Nike widget. If you click on the dumbell 'training' icon, then click on 'keep me hydrated' you'll see a way for you to encourage me in my efforts as much and as often as you think of it. You can leave your name and a comment. Encourage me with a quote, a new song I can download to my Ipod, or just write something goofy like, "Eye of the tiger," or "Chariots of fire." If you have the time, I would love all the encouragement I can get!

How about you? Are you a person who lives knowing the value of the well-earned rewards of a goal achieved, or are you a bit like me, in that setting goals and achieveing them is something that has eluded you? I always love to hear about you......

Sunrise Symphony

2010-04-21T18:21:00.001-04:00

In my mind, vacation = the ocean. I love it and I long for it. All but two mornings I was up before the sun, anxiously awaiting its faithful and glorious appearance over the Atlantic Ocean. I am not the only one. People everywhere walk, run, sit, stand, meditate, and pray on so many beaches as another day breaks. As I sat and watched the sky lighten on my very first morning of vacation, I once again tried to find the source of my longing and fascination in watching the sun rise over the ocean. And I realized that there are more reasons than I can count and that those reasons may very well run even deeper than I can realize or articulate.

The sun has risen, faithfully and gloriously every day since the dawn of time......THAT's an awesome thought.....

The waves have never ceased to lap, wash, crash on the shore.........since the dawn of time...

No two sunrises have been exactly the same ........ since the dawn of time......

As I sat and tried to soak in what my flawed human heart & mind can barely comprehend, I watched and I imagined that each morning, since the dawn of time, all of creation has performed a symphony of worship without even realizing.... With many different parts, weaving and dancing, all unknowingly playing a part in a magnificent movement, welcoming the day.

Sunshine Came Softly by SherriConley on Etsy

Enter: the faintest light on the horizon, waves unendingly lapping. Cue: flock of gulls swooping overhead while the eastern horizon brightens, turning a brilliant crimson. Add: a gentle breeze blowing a dried clump of seaweed further down the beach. More gulls swooping, circling, landing. Cue: a persimmon globe peering over the eastern horizon, now racing anxiously to its rightful place over the vast waves. Add: a jogger scattering the foraging waterfowl, and a couple, bound by decades of love, stopping to watch & celebrate hope in the form of a brand new day. Can you just hear the symphony? Eternally hopeful.........

Once again I have left part of my heart at the ocean, but I know it will be there waiting whenever I am able to return.

Photo by FlashForward on Etsy

Are you at all like me? Does the ocean hold a special place in your heart that is almost beyond words? Or are you a person who's ideal vacation could just as well be in the fabulous excitement of a city, or the rolling hills of a quaint & long forgotten village somewhere historical & beautifully obscure? What is the other half of this equation for you? Vacation =

300 Pound Woman Makes a Storm Trooper Cake and Runs Races

2010-04-07T10:17:00.000-04:00

Admittedly,while somewhat pertinent to the post, the title was a ploy to draw you in.. Today I have the honor of receiving a blog award but didn't want you to see 'blog award' as the title and skip over me! I LOVE when you come by my blog & I'm always thirsty for more! I think today you'll find me in quite "a mood" as I am only two days away from a vacation in South Carolina....just me and my mama! Woo-triple-stinkin'-Hoo! Yes, it is bittersweet to leave the fam behind, but the fun, sun, break from housework, & the repetetiveness of my wonderfully mundane routine ALWAYS does me a world of good! I'm "sharpening the saw" as Steven Covey puts it in his Seven Habits series. Getting off the beaten path for a bit, in order to be refreshed and more effective in the life I lead. Good stuff, but I digress!

The blog award was bestowed upon my by the lovely Jessica Warrick of Punk Rock Momma. Thanks, Jessica! The rules: pass it on to five other bloggers and tell five things about myself:

5) At one point in my life I tipped the scales at almost 300 pounds and wore a (tight) size 26 jeans. Yup, I look like if a pin pricked me I might POP! (More on this in a later post :D)

4)I once made a storm trooper helmet entirely out of cake (& black licorice)

3) I have run five 15k races, a 10k, and two 5k's and I can tell you most assuredly that "slow and steady" DOES NOT win the race.....but it's still fun!

2)I have a "thing" for Bono (the lead singer of the rock band U2.) For as long as I can remember I have been enamored with him. I don't know why, it's not even really a 'crush' in the traditional sense. I just........want to hang out with him....really badly. And since there is no way this will happen in my lifetime, I have this secret hope that we get to hang in heaven. (Come on, you totally knew I was this crazy)

1) My absolute favorite movie of all time is : Napoleon Dynamite. I don't have the time or space to list the ways I think this is one of the best movies ever. I actually categorize people in one of two categories, people who get it & love it OR people who don't. :D Which one are you?

And now.....to pass it on to five of my beautiful blogger friends:

~ Diane @ That's What I'm Here For

~Beth @ The Ruby Blog

~Alicia @ Life's a Journey

~Bina @ Bina'sPad

~Lucy @ Snoweflake Farm

As always, I SO appreciate you stopping by. I wish I could pass five questions on to you, to get to know you better. If you feel like leaving a comment, I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear a random little known fact or two about YOU!

At the Core....

2010-04-02T07:52:00.002-04:00

It seems that this blog has turned quite personal. The necklaces have taken a backseat to the meanderings of my mind and musings on my insignificant life. It was only a matter of time before the rubber met the road......and with Good Friday and Easter upon us, there could be no other blog post but this......I have hinted, but never stated. I have insinuated, but never proclaimed.....and here it is: I am a Christian who could not let Good Friday and Easter pass without telling you, who have become dear to me, that the crucified savior means everything to me. So, before you click away, let's just talk......

I have written and re-written this paragraph and I can't seem to get it out. You see, I don't want what is overflowing from my heart to be reduced to cliche, or stereoteype. I'm baffled that I am able to write silly little stories about necklaces, fictional party tee shirts and nasty tweeters without so much as a moment's hesitation, and yet, I am unable to write with any clarity or impact what my heart is so full of that at times it feels like it may burst. The thing that is at the core of all that i am and do. The thing that has made me be able to handle the anger, depression, grief, insecurity, and mourning that would otherwise overwhelm my life. Why can't I get the right words out?

I can't get it out because, in black and white it feels cheapened. I wish you could look deep into my heart, as tears flow from my eyes, and SEE all that Good Friday and Easter have meant in my life. I wish you could watch one of those movie flashback reels of my life and see the paths I have traveled, the pain I have known (so much of it self-inflicted) ......and SEE how knowing Jesus has changed EVERYTHING. But you can't.......and I can't seem to find any words right now to convey to you my overwhelming, unfathomable thankfulness, love and joy as I reflect on Jesus' death and resurrection. So, it will have to suffice, for now, just to tell you that it is there.
For me, this weekend is a reflection on and celebration of my Savior, without whom I would not be alive.

What does Easter weekend mean to you? A time for family, the Easter bunny and egg hunts? Baskets full of chocolates? (oh, I like these too) Or is it one of those weekends you see as another way for Hallmark to sell stuff? (also sad, but true) I would love to hear what you will be about on Easter weekend.......

Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope, hope, hope you'll come by again........

The Nasty Tweet

2010-03-22T18:10:00.008-04:00

It has been a while since I posted and it feels as though my mind has been .......a blank. Every time I think of a potential post, for one reason or another, I think better of it. I've been feeling.........shy.....

But wait, didn't I sing the praises of cyberspace in my last post ? Didn't I recollect how my blog and Twitter have helped me to come out of my "dysfunctional party tee" shell and be myself here in cyberspace? What could have happened over the last two weeks to change the freedom to be myself that this blog had begun to afford me?

At first, I'll be honest and tell you that I really didn't know. I thought maybe I was getting lazy about my blog. But then I realized that I was even feeling shy on Twitter...writing countless tweets...and then deleting them. Not sure what to say, feeling uninspired. What happened?!

A single nasty tweet. That's right. A single 140 character (or less) tweet regarding my last blog post that cut me to the quick, and pierced my soft, exposed underbelly. I tried to reason it away, but it was unmistakably nasty and it was directed to @Twillypop. I thought I had dismissed it and moved on but realized that it was effecting me profoundly and brought to the forground one of my lifelong bad habits:

Above all other voices, I listen to, dwell on, and ultimately believe the negative ones.

There have been countless positive responses to Twillypop and yet, as soon as I received the "nasty tweet" I started to believe that that one person is the only one telling the truth. One negative voice, out of hundreds & I believe that one is the only right one....

I don't know why it is so easy for me to believe the negative about me above all else. I will say, I realize it and refuse to perpetuate this cycle in my life. Right here, right now I'm saying, the "nasty tweeter" is wrong, if only wrong in feeling the need to insult me rather than just click away. Right here, right now I am moving forward clinging to the good. Onward and upward, I won't turn back.....

How about you? Do you find it easier to believe the negative things people say about you? I would love to hear...

Or are you fabulously confident and let insults repel off of you like raindrops off of a windshield coated in Rain-X (sorry, it was the 1st example that came to mind) I would LOVE to hear about it & perhaps live vicariously....

Embracing My Cyberlife and Admitting.....I Was Wrong

2010-03-09T18:33:00.006-05:00

Not 6 months ago I rarely went online. I never checked my email, and only ventured into cyberspace to place the occasional J. Crew order (what can I say? Every girl has a vice....) When asked by friends and family if I was on Facebook, I had a little prepared speech....something to the affect of ....takes away from time with people...blah, blah.....better things to do with my time.....blah, blah, blah. I shudder to think of it now! My attitude was that I had my family and my friends, so what did I need with the internet?

Enter: Twillypop...and the blog, and Twitter. Now I have found myself quite literally thrown into a melange of social media-ery (sounded cuter in my head, but we'll keep it anyway.) At first it was all about "the necklaces." That was my reason, and I was sticking to it. Then I started to enjoy visiting blogs and getting to know people, and RELISHING the comments left by other bloggers on mine. I started looking forward to blogging, as much as spending time with friends. And Twitter? I have become downright attached to "seeing" many of the people I follow. Even friendships with customers and Facebook fans started to blossom..

The plain truth is...I do better in cyberspace than i do in real life. Remember the Party Tee post? I am all different here in cyberspace. I'm comfortable, I am bolder and I am freer to be me. I am not afraid of rejection here, because I'll never know if you click away halfway through this post...or snicker at something silly I said...or if you think my thighs are fat (HA HA you can't SEE my thighs! ) If you respond well to me here, great! If you don't, I'll probably never even know about it. Pretty sweet sitiation if you ask me....

Got ol' Twillypop ta thinkin' (yes, again) Am I making friends? Is this thing real? Is this what all the buzz was about? Considering that I am more myself here than anywhere and I'm probably not the only one, the answer is a resounding yes!

I say all of this to say I am ready to embrace my cyberlife, and so many of you who have become so dear to me and admit: I was wrong.

So, insert yourselves into one of these pictures.....at a dinner party with my mom and me, or hanging on a Sunday with one of my sisters. Yes, I like you all that much.

How do you feel about your cyberlife? Has it taken you quite by pleasant surprise? Or, perhaps you could still take it or leave it?

in just spring........

2010-03-01T08:12:00.008-05:00

...waiting, anxiously awaiting........spring.

my world is in desperate need of warmth...and the voices of the neighborhood kids adrift in the air.......

..and birds...and grass green.....bee balm red....

can you smell lilac?

In celebration of the anticipation of spring and new life I've planted a garden of Twillypops this morning for the infusion of color back into my smeary, dreary white world.......

and a poem, one of my favorites of all time...so, stay a minute, daydream and lolligag......

stomp in a puddle with me

let's try your adult bodies at jumping rope just one more time while the boys pull our pigtails......

in just

e.e. cummings

in just-

spring when the world is mud-

luscious the little

lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come

running from marbles and

piracies and it's spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer

old balloonman whistles

far and wee

and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's spring

and the goat-footed balloonman whistles

far

and

wee
...what are you most anticipating about spring?

Beautifully Distracted: An Interim Post

2010-02-22T08:20:00.005-05:00

As I was sitting down at my workspace to design necklaces for my "Twillypop Spring Into Summer: Vivid Colors" post, this little guy came to me

...........and as if the dimples and bushy eyebrows weren't enough, he was dressed in this:

...asking me if we could make a "neckwith that I been finkin' of, wif a combination of beadth wif maybe pink ribbon and pink and white beadth and wif white th-tring?"

Apparently, he's been designing a necklace in his mind, down to the last detail. I looked into his baby browns, I looked at the bright stack of brand new ribbon just waiting to be strung, I looked back at him looking so hopeful and excited at the thought of designing his own Twillypop, and my mind raced with the fantastic blog post (everyone is a legend in their own mind, right?) I thought I had planned......back to his little face.......and realized, Twillypop is so much the LEAST of all things that I am, moments like THIS are what my life is for. And I'm so thankful.

He climbed atop my lap and the designing began. The project took as long as it would have taken me to design at least a couple of necklaces, but the time that I spent with him was worth infinitely more than what little I felt it cost me. I was able to plant sweet kisses on the back of his hairy Italian neck as I watched his pudgy fingers clumsily thread the needle through what seemed like a countless amount of beads...We talked of some more ideas he had for necklaces, who the necklace would be for (he went through 5 different people in the span of an hour and finally landed on Sis.) We practiced counting to 100 and he shared that he first thought about the necklace one night when he " couldn't fall asweeep." Preciousness abounded..............but blog posts did not. Or did they?

I give you: The Beautiful Distraction Necklace:

I hope to be back very soon with some new necklaces in bold colors, but I can't promise anything.........You never know when another distraction will find it's way into my workspace............

Cupid Shot Me!

2010-02-15T07:51:00.003-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day I'm teaming up with a bunch of other blogs through my dear friend's blog Diane Estrella . If you enjoy hearing people's love story, click on Diane Estrella, and check out some more... Now, for my story....

My first day at a new job in my uncle's bakery shop.....I walk in to find a handsome (understatement) young man talking with my uncle. I walk past them, and the handsome boy and I lock eyes. I can feel him still looking as I continue to walk past, and even as I arrive behind the counter and venture to take a peek back at him I find that he is STILL looking. A hansdsome manboy staring at me? What else could I think but........

Sara's inner monologue:
'WHAT is that freak looking at? Why is he staring at me? I had better duck behind these pastry display cabinets and make sure I don't have something in my nose or smeared across my face... Nope, nothing. Why is he looking at me like that?.......'

It turns out that he was staring at me because Cupid had shot him! He loved me from the very moment he laid eyes on me. I think cupid had shot me too, except I never would have dared to dream that anyone as handsome as Sal would even consider me romantically.

The next 6 months were a blur of him making excuses to come out to the storefront from the offices where he was the manager, and me making excuses to go back to the offices to get spare paper clips and post-it notes....the flirting was...endless...and wonderful. A giant, ongoing ping pong tornament of sarcasm, wit and practical jokes......

After that 6 months of firtation, we finally had our first date and it litearlly feels like we've scarcely been apart since! Within 2 months of dating, the "M" word was mentioned.....we just always knew that we would be together.. We've been together for almost 14 years, married almost 11 and we can both say we just always 'fit' together. Sal and Sara. Sara and Sal. Itchy and Scratchy. Ren and Stimpy. Tom and Jerry. Fred and Barney. Pinky and the Brain (he's pinky, of course..)

Two best pals living life as one big comedic dialogue, raising three little mini us-es ( for better or worse!) forever knowing that we had no other choice but to love each other from the moment we first set eyes..........

Have you ever experienced love at first sight? Or just the opposite, and it all took some time? I'd love to hear it......

p.s. if you're thirsty for more love stories, check out Dianeestrella.com

Portia Wanders....

2010-02-09T10:51:00.006-05:00

"....darkness has a hunger that's insatiable, and the lightness has a call that's hard to hear. I wrap my fear around me like a blanket. I sailed my ship of safety 'til I sank it........."

She has gone by the name Portia for so long, her given name is but a distant memory. She'll never tell you what it is, for she has left it in the past along with everything and everyone ever associated with it. She hasn't spent the last decade reinventing herself, only to recall the past with the uttering of a name. She won't tell you where she was born, or grew up......the only tales she tells are of her travels. Those around her get the sense that she is running from, while Portia will always stress that she is heading to...those around her get the sense that she is searching, she insists that she has found.

Portia travels wherever the wind blows her. She is a career traveler. No one knows of her profession, if she has one at all. She has been all over the world and has trinkets and treasures from flea markets and fine boutiques alike, that she stores in her teeny apartment in the city. Her neighbors joke that the reason she travels extensively, is that there is no longer room for her in the apartment amidst her sea of collected memories. She collects, but seems to have no affection for any of it....with one exception.......

Although she travels as frequently as she draws breath, each flight is a battle. She will be found boarding the plane, always clinging white-knuckled to her vintage travel case. She never boards a plain or train without it. Those around her get the sense that it may be the last vestige of her previous life, the life before she was Portia.... Those around her see the white knuckles and sense that with each trip, she conquers fear, a little at a time. It is as if she is trying to move forward while furiously clinging to a piece of what she wishes to leave behind. Those around her see fear and longing, perpetual searching. Portia would insist that all they are seeing is her independence and disdain for attachments..and yet, she holds tightest to the vintage travel case....the only evidence of a life she chooses to deny......

....and so she'll keep searching .......

Enter: The Portia Bracelet........

Portia is antique gold tone double link curb chain, decorated with a combination of vintage and contemporary beads tied with delicate chocolate chiffon ribbon. Portia boasts giant contemporary champagne glass pearl beads, vintage white glass swirl beads from 1950's West Germany, vintage aqua glass lentil beads, also German from approximately the same era. The chiffon ties add a touch more femininity and class to the weightiness of the chain and beads. The Portia Bracelet is the now and then, the here and there, melding into something beautiful........

If you made it this far into the post, thanks SO much for indulging me! The whole post and the bracelet were actually inspired by that funky cool vintage suitcase that I won from Harlow Monroe Vinatge on Etsy! The bracelet, the colors and vintage beads, the wandering Portia and all have been swimming around my head for a while now. Is this how you would picture Portia in a bracelet? Or, in your mind would she be entirely different?

The Dysfunctional Party Tee

2010-02-01T09:32:00.008-05:00

Confession time. If I don't know you, and you don't know me, I'm very shy. Reserved. You won't get much out of me the first time we meet...or the second...or maybe even beyond that. I won't compete for attention, so in a group of people I tend to do even worse. I won't offer my true self until I feel entirely safe. In a group of adults, I revert to feeling like a child in disguise. What do I say? Surely there is nothing within me that anyone else would care to hear..........

I've been told by friends (after they got to know me) that I'm "a tough nut to crack" and that I look as though I "have it all together and don't need to let anyone else in." I truly don't mean to appear to be these things........

These things are merely the outward appearance of part of shy little girl Sara still existing in the body of this 30-something woman........development, arrested.

Why am I bringing this up? A few weeks ago I attended a party where I knew very few people. For whatever reason I was having a particularly shy night and I was forced to take a look at just how paralyzing these situations can be for me.....and I realized.....I'm weird. Or, at least, in a room full of strangers, this is how I appear. I cling to the wall, stay rooted in one place, arms folded across my chest just taking it all in...while trying to wear an expression that says that I PREFER to stand by this wall, alone.

Got ol' Twillypop to thinking....what if I could wear a sign, or an article of clothing that would spell my dysfunction out for people. Would people be MORE apt to talk to me, or less so? What would said article of clothing say?......

Are there any situations for which YOU would like to wear such an article of clothing? What situations? What would it say?

The Champagne Mom Ribbon Necklace

2010-01-28T09:54:00.009-05:00

The winner of the Twillypop giveaway, as you may already know, is Champagne Mom . She said that her absolute favorite necklace is Jocelyn.

Jocelyn is a sweet romantic....delicate and feminine without wavering, soft-spoken but will always get noticed.....for us on our most laid back of days....Delicate seafoam ribbon, tipped in chocolate, dancing in and out of petite white glass pearl beads.....

How to duplicate the feel, but not replicate the necklace?

I give you, The Champagne Mom Ribbon Necklace:

The Champagne Mom is two entirely different satin ribbons sewn together by the same petite glass pearl beads as Jocelyn. This necklace definitely has the same romantic feel of Jocelyn, without being her twin. One side of this necklace is the sophistication of rich chocolate brown satin ribbon, while the other side boasts of fresh, beautiful aqua.
Aqua, by the way, is going the be the color this spring......

The Champagne mom definitely gives the impression of being young and fresh, while maintaing her wearability and touch of class. The necklace can be worn tied in the back, off to the side in front, or even, as in the last picture, wrapped repeatedly around the wrist.

Dare I ask....do you think the Champagne Mom duplicates the feel of Jocelyn, without replicating?

Thanks again to all who entered! It's been a blast!

...........And the Winner Is......

2010-01-25T08:56:00.003-05:00

The time has come to announce the winner of the 2nd 'Twillypop: It's All About You' Giveaway! Thanks so much to all 56 of you dear angels who took the time to enter and comment on your favorite Twillypop necklace! I'm very humbled at the huge response to this giveaway! As you know, the winner of the drawing has won the "honor" (and yes, I am using that term humbly and for lack of a better word) of having a Twillypop necklace designed specifically for, and named after her. Okay, without further ado........ the winner chose this necklace as her favorite:

Jocelyn:

Jocelyn is the a member of the sweet romantics. They are delicate and feminine without wavering. They are soft-spoken, but will always get noticed. They are for us, on our most laid back of days.....on our distressed jeans, cowboy boots, soft tee and favorite blazer kind of day....Jocelyn is thin, seafoam ribbon, tipped with chocolate brown that dances in and out of petite, white glass pearl beads.

The challenge: To design a necklace that emulates the feel of Jocelyn, but doesn't duplicate her entirely .......

and the name of the winner, and the first brand new Twillypop necklace of 2010?

The Champagne Mom Ribbon Necklace

YAY!!!! Champagne MOM, YOU WON!!!!!!!!!

Keep your eyes and ears open this week, for the Champagne Mom ribbon necklace to be revealed! Fun!

Thanks so much to all who entered. I had an absolute blast reading all of your entries! I truly cherish each and every one of you who took the time to enter!

Giveaway Time!

2010-01-18T07:03:00.008-05:00

Would you like to be immortalized in ribbons and beads? Has your dream long been that you could be a Twillypop too? As I'm sure that most of you answered these tough and probing questions with a resounding "Yes! Yes! Oh pick Me!!" ..... (yes, I AM kidding...) it is Time for another fun giveaway! Let's see if we can't chase away a little of the winter "blecchhs" (be sure to really use your throat and sound utterly disgusted when you say the word blecchhs or the effect will be lost...) with a little thing I like to call "free stuff." What I am offering is a Twillypop necklace designed specifically for, and named after the winner. Or, as Valentine's Day approaches, perhaps there are some of you who would like to have this designed for a special woman in your life as a gift. The necklace will be designed uniquely for you, or for whoever you, the winner, would like, with favorite colors and personal style in mind.
TO ENTER: Please be sure you are a follower of my blog and then click on comments below and leave me a comment detailing some of your fave colors and the "Twillypop girl" (by name. if you please,) that best suits your personal style. (You may want to check my store and past posts from my blog, because I have sold some that aren't currently in my store.) There. You officially have one entry.

1. tweet (or retweet) this giveaway=1 entry for each tweet. Just MAKE SURE to mention @twillypop when you tweet so i know you tweeted me!

2. become a twitter follower of @twillypop=an extra entry (or if you already are, let me know in the comments!)

3.become a facebook FAN = an extra entry(if you already are, let me know in the comments!)

4.Any one who would want to mention this on their blog would probably earn oh...let's say...3 extra entries. Just let me know in a comment..I DO so hate HATE to have to Google myself......(kidding again.....half...... kidding.)

The comments don't have to be separate (or they can be,) just please let me know all the info, as I want to be sure everyone gets their fair share of entries!!!

The giveaway ends Sunday, January 24th at 6p.m. the winner will be announced next monday!!

(please be sure that if you are not a blogger, I have contact info and/or you make sure to check back on Monday!)

Diary of a Mad Woman

2009-12-29T10:28:00.009-05:00

When I want to leave my husband a note in the morning before I leave for the gym, it's early and I'm usually in a hurry to get out the door. Therefore, it is often messy, and borderline incoherent. Inevitably, when I return home from the gym I find that my husband (a.k.a. the funniest man alive) has scrawled 'diary of a madwoman' across the note. As I was starting to write this post, I felt like it could very well be one of the notes which my husband gleefully, yet affectionately, would consider the rantings of a madwoman....... nevertheless....these are my thoughts:

The truth is...I feel I've been running two steps behind ever since I started Twillypop in September. I was completely unprepared for the amount of time it takes to blog, twitter, make necklaces, shop for supplies, take pictures, edit photos, list items, package them, and drag them to the Post with three little chickens trailing behind....and all of these things have been squeezed into a schedule that really had little time to spare.

I've been living a life of cluttered thoughts, hurried actions, and little patience.....not at all the way I want to live. There are so many more important things in life than whether I'm making and selling necklaces. I can think of three angelic, wonderful, beautiful little masterpieces-in- progress right off the top of my head......

I tell you, my bloggy/twitter/etsy/facebook friends, all of this to say that I'm taking a few weeks to regroup, reorganize, restructure, to plan and plot how to do it all, and how to do it well. Starting January 3rd, I'll be completely offline for the sake of simplifying, rethinking, and quite honestly, praying about how (or if) to proceed with Twillypop in 2010. I'm excited to take this time to really think things through.........

The good news? My very first blog post back will be the second 'Twillypop: It's All About You Giveaway'! The winner this time will have the bragging rights of being the first brand new Twillypop of 2010! Fun, fun, fun! So, please, miss me like crazy while I'm on hiatus.....I know I'll be missing you....

P.S. I love your comments and I'm not offline 'til Sunday so I'd love to hear how you're going to make this new year better than last...or maybe just some mushy, lovey loveness......

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!

Project Surprise

2009-12-19T16:01:00.006-05:00

I didn't earn the 'Honest Scrap' award twice on this blog for nothing....I earned it fair and square, admitting all things kooky, nutty, and otherwise quirky about myself.....and I'm about to do it again.

I love the movie "A Christmas Carol." No matter how many times I have seen it, I never fail to cry at the end when Scrooge embarks on his giving spree. I'm talking, something wells up inside of me and I have no choice but to sob...the happy kind.....(honest stinkin' scrap, right?)

I have finally pinpointed the reason that part of the movie chokes me up. There is something so inherently beautiful and uplifting about giving that is extravagant and unexpected, and something magical about being thought of by someone we would never guess..... Scrooge discovered the complete joy in giving, not out of obligation, but for the sheer sake that he could......and I've been thinkin'.......

What if we all chose someone, just someONE completely unsuspecting this Christmas and gave extravagantly just because we can. Maybe someone in your neighborhood you've been meaning to get to know, a co-worker you appreciate, or perhaps a long distance friend you always intend to do something for.......Maybe even delight someone who you know has no one else this holiday season. Project Surprise..........

Choose just one person and give them and unexpected gift, tin of cookies, or even a little of your time. I know we are living in times when both time and financial resources are limited, but I can almost guarantee that the 'cost to the giver'/'delight of the givee' ratio is a VERY favorable one. I've already mailed a Twillypop to a very unsuspecting recipient and plan to add a few more people in the neighborhood to my 'cookie plate' list.

Below, please find one of my most tried and true recipes for the holidays to help make it a more handmade Christmas or perhaps for Project Surprise.

I would love to hear anyone's stories of either having done something like this at Christmas, or having been on the receiving end......

Pecan Butterscotch Squares

Crust:
2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
10. T. Butter (no subs.)

Preheat oven @ 375 degrees. Grease 9x13 in. pan, line with foil and grease foil. Mix dough ingredients til blended and press into pan evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 min.

Filling:
4 eggs
1 1/3 c. brown sugar
4 T. flour
2 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
2 c. pecans
2c. sweetened coconut
1 1/2 c. butterscotch chips

Mix first five filling ing. 'til blended and add pecans, coconut and chips. Pour over warm crust and bake 20 to 25 min. until golden around edges. Cool in pan on wire rack at least 5 hour until cutting.

Twillypop Vacation

2009-12-15T14:02:00.008-05:00

Today and tomorrow are the last days to order from Twillypop until the new year. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday the 16th, my shop goes into vacation mode and I will be kicking into high gear with last minute shopping, mad baking, and wrapping, wrapping, wrapping.

I'll still be posting because we haven't yet done the recipe portion of our handmade/vintage Etsy Christmas. So, as I'm baking over the course of the next week I'll be taking pictures and sharing recipes but, alas, the necklaces are going to be put on hold......

I wanted to take this opportunity to

introduce 2 new necklaces listed just

yesterday.......

This beauty is called Trish and has

officially replaced Tasie as my fave

necklace...silvery grey grosgrain

ribbon mingling with jet black

glass pearl beads....

This sky blue lovely is named Mare....classic satin and pearls in fresh blue......

So, please remember that if you did want to order for Christmas the time is growing short! Thanks for stopping by.....I'll be seeing you soon for some good, old-fashioned, artery-clogging, teeth-rotting, thigh-expanding recipes. Mmmmm..sounds good, right?

Funnest Etsy Miscellaneity.......

2009-12-12T06:25:00.015-05:00

Yes, my title today does consist of words that you won't be able to find in the dictionary...I find that made up words sometimes have just the impact I'm looking for, even if that impact is making people wonder if I ever really got past the second grade.....
Kidding aside, I know I promised recipes, but I realized that the time for ordering from Etsy is growing shorter and shorter, and there will still be plenty o' time for the baking when the deadline for ordering has come and gone. And so, today, we're talking 'funnest Etsy miscellaneity' which is just a really awkward and harder-to-read method of describing some other fun gift ideas from Etsy. So, please, take a moment and look....... and mull over the items..... check your shopping list and just click...the pictures will take you to the item, and then you can search each Etsy shop more thoroughly.......

'Julia' butcher's apron from SaraSmedley......
'Berries in the Snow' glass bead keychain or purse pull from GlassRiverJewelry
Flower Shower wallet by Batwa

'Have a Groovy Day' soap by ASliceofDelight

Sprouts Metallic fine art photographic print from Chefjen137........

Sunglasses case by BeeyourselfDesign

Black Flower Garden Belt buckle by JenniferKent

Women's Abbey Road vintage soft American Apparel Tee by Zenthreads

I hope some of these have been helpful in your holiday shopping and your Etsy handmade/vintage Christmas. I, for one, can tell you that if Hubby doesn't order in time for Christmas, Twillypop's gonna have one-heck-of-a post Christmas shopping spree......all in the name of supporting other Etsians......merely thinking of others.......
Thanks for stopping in again. Next week we'll be talking recipes and I'm feeling a new necklace somewhere in the mix......

Today We Talk Jewelry

2009-12-09T09:29:00.014-05:00

Christmas is fast approaching! The time left to order from Etsy shops is ticking away and we still need to talk jewelry! One of my favorite things in life is to give wonderful, original, and unexpected gifts! Nothing says thoughtfulness like jewelry that is all things creative, and anything but department store. Today I want to point you to a few of Etsy shops I have perused, favorited and pointed my hubby to for Christmas........

Lovelies from Wingbysea (doesn't that name just conjure an image?......)

...."an eclectic jewelry collection"......

.... an ethereal Etsy shop called TenThings, from Kerri...a "casual girl with a mad obsession to create".......... amazing pretties.....

......"georgous handmade gemstone and glass jewelry"..........from GlitzGlitter

Please, stop by these amazing Etsy shops and show them some handmade Christmas love.....

See you soon for a scrumptious recipe or two to help with your Handmade/Vintage Etsy Christmas!

Twillypop Tagged With 22 Questions

2009-12-06T19:24:00.007-05:00

Hi, all! I'm taking a short break from handmade/vintage Etsy Christmas posts today beacause recently I was tagged with 22 questions to answer from sweet Jessica of LoLa Vintage.

Here's what I came up with:

1. Your hair? My hair is dark, dark brown...with bright red chunks hidden underneath

2. Your favorite food? ITALIAN! Well, I should probably say American Italian...spaghetti, sauce, meatballs, and love, love garlic bread!

3. Your favorite drink? Coffee, in all it's guises.

4. Your dream/goal? ...to serve God with all that I have, and in this season of my life I believe that means being the best wife and mom I can possibly be....

My sweet little "chickens"

5. Your hobby? I love to work out! (never once said i wasn't crazy) I also love to read, but don't start a book very often because I consider myself a problem reader.....once I start a book, I pretty much just read until it's done, forsaking all other responsibility, which doesn't lend itself well to my aforementioned goals...

6. Your fear? The thing that most fills my heart with fear is the thought of my children ever having to suffer, whatever form it may take. It' one of the few things that makes me vascillate between utter paralyzing, chest gripping fear and peace in knowing and trusting the God who created and purposed them and loves them infinitely more perfectly than I ever could.

7. Where were you last night? Cuddled up with "best friend" on the couch watching a romantic comedy...I know, I live right on the proverbial edge....

8. Something you say all the time? "not an option!"..and I know that I must say this a lot because I overheard my age 4 son telling my age 8 son that not eating his broccoli was "not an option.".....out of the mouths of babes.......

9. Something that you're not? Without flaw.

10. Wishlist item? See : the top of my blog.....

11. Last thing you did? Just checked over my kids' math pages....I teach them at home, for now......

12. What are you wearing? A pink super soft j. crew tee and my rippety Lucky Brand jeans

13. Your pets? We had a flourishing colony of sea monkeys until I knocked their little container over......they never saw it coming.....

14. Friends? More than I can count, near and dear to my heart,better than I deserve.......I'm blessed to count 2 sisters and my momma in that list......

15. Missing someone? My sweet, best friend from college who lives in Tenessee..

16. Something you're not wearing? socks and shoes....I'm a barefoot gal whenever possible, which is why I have sasquatch feet...gross

17. Your favorite store? I hate to be a walking cliche, but I honestly love J. Crew...I've loved them since 7th grade....I can't seem to get over it.

18. Your favorite color? You can't possibly ask me to choose just one....pink. no, aqua. no, green...

19. The last time you cried? This morning, reading my friend's blog post about her mom. Today is the one year anniversary of her death.......

20. When's the last time you laughed? Every five minutes...I haven't yet mentioned in all of this that I'm married to THE funniest man alive. I always tell him that I used to be considered funny until I married him. Now I constantly live in his comedic shadow.

21. One place that I go to over and over? The gym.......over and over and over and over....

22. Where do you eat? mostly at the table, as family with the kids...

Thanks for stopping in and for taking an interest.....stop in later in the week for more great Etsy shops and perhaps a killer recipe or two........

Let's Talk Vintage.......

2009-12-03T13:21:00.010-05:00

For anyone new to Twillypop, this month the theme for my blog is "helping you have a handmade/vintage Christmas." I've been thinking..... and maybe, we should call this what it really is....an ETSY Christmas! This whole month I'm going to leave my favorites at the top for your window shopping pleasure. The items will always be changing...take a few minutes, browse, and maybe even visit some of the amazing shops!

Today I want to point you to a couple of the (SO very many..) great vintage shops I have found.....

Boyerpf is a "fine antique and vintage costume jewelry" shop that has......sigh....some of the most incredible pieces for the vintage jewelry lover on your list. I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves........

Beautiful, right? I have to tell you, though, that the sterling silver cuff is no longer available as a certain ribbon necklace maker (we won't name her and put her on the spot) decided she couldn't live another day without it! So, if there is a vintage jewelry lover on your list this year, Alicia at Boylerpf is your go-to gal!..........

Jenscloset is absolutely "full of fun vintage!" Lover of vintage on your list? Check out these fab finds from Jenscloset........ a sweet vintage tea towel, perhaps wrapped around a loaf of Spiced Pumpkin Bread (recipe in a later post!).... .......This great 'Bold and Bright Red Vintage Pyrex Bowl'....filled with White Chocolate Snack Mix (recipe in a later post!).......

Vintage Christmas ornaments tied with a fluffy ribbon to a vintage tin full of Oreo Truffles (recipe in a later post!)........

Fun! Fun! Fun! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found something here to help you have a Handmade and Vintage ETSY Christmas! See you soon.....

P.S. I almost forgot...there's a Twillypop giveaway for the Sweet Romantics pack at Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic's blog! Click on the picture at the right to enter!!!

A Few Steps Behind

2009-12-01T12:04:00.002-05:00

Today is one of those days when I fall three steps behind for every one step forward......A new blog post just isn't in the cards today! But, in keeping with the theme of 'Helping You Have a Handmade Christmas' , I have posted at the top of my blog a few of my favorites, please take a minute to browse, and if something strikes you, by all means, click on it and visit the seller. Thanks for stopping by and I'll be seeing you soon....

Helping You Have a Handmade Christmas

2009-11-28T12:59:00.006-05:00

Happy Weekend after Thanksgiving! Time to really start thinking about Christmas? Shopping, baking, wrapping? I have decided that from now until Christmas I want to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, and help you have a more handmade Christmas. For newcomers, Etsy can seem overwhelming. There are so many amazing vintage and handmade shops, but where to start? For the upcoming month I want to point you to some of my favorite Etsy shops. Along with that, I'm also going to be sharing some recipes and favorite handmade projects to help you really love on people this Christmas. We're bringing handmade back in a big way this Christmas!

Today I want to start with a couple shops that made it impossible for me NOT to buy a little something for myself...even if the holidays are quickly approaching!

This is a checkbook cover that I purchased from a shop called Hands Full Creations....'fun purses and accessories for your everyday life.' As you look at the picture, I'm sure it's abundantly obvious to you why I couldn't resist ordering one! The shop is absolutely full of purses, wallets, glasses cases, and more. All in the most beautiful, fun, colorful prints and styles. The wallets and checkbook covers would make fantastic stocking stuffers, and the purses.....well.....mom, are you reading? hint...hint.......

The other Etsy Shop I would like to tell you about today is called Dolce Vita Mia : Handmade Sweetness! This is a pin ordered from this shop (again, I know you don't think ill of me for buying myself such an irresistible pin!) I wear it quite often, on blazers and as shown on what I call my cutie patootie jean jacket. I love this pin and think that it would make the most wonderful stocking stuffer or gift for a coworker! Mia's shop is full of headbands adorned with blooms for girls of all ages...What fantastic shower gift! Mia is happy to put her blooms onto pins upon request........would it be excessive for me to own one in every color?

Thanks for stopping by....stay tuned all December for more shops, ideas, and recipes, some of which I have even begrudged my sisters up until now...after all, I am "Christmas Girl."

Dreamer

2009-11-24T13:55:00.004-05:00

Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling) is a dreamer, plain and simple. In fact her name, Gaelic in origin, means "dream." She is a head in the clouds, pie in the sky, dreamer. She's simple, for she's far too busy daydreaming to be wasting time with fussy details. Aisling has ribbon the color of a thousand tropical waters she's seen over and over, in her mind's eye.......Floating beneath her dreamy aqua ribbon, are giant white glass pearls beads, that resemble fluffy white clouds...the downy, flocculent clouds she stares up as she lies in the grass, watching them float by and wondering where they would take her if she hitched a ride......

......Aisling is feminine, ethereal ......and definitely dreamy........

Make More Holidays Merry and Bright

2009-11-23T15:43:00.003-05:00

I wondered if you would take a couple of minutes to scroll to the bottom and watch the video clip "Change My Christmas" before you read this post............. (you may want to pause the mixpod at the right.)

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that my husband calls me Christmas girl. I'm highly sentimental when it comes to Christmas (who isn't?) I love Christmas and all the festivities surrounding it. I'm thankful for my husband and kids, and a large, extended family with whom to celebrate. I'm thankful that we are safe, and healthy, and have a cozy home. I'm thankful that we are able to stuff ourselves silly on huge meals, and eat enough Christmas cookies to put ourselves into a sugar coma. I'm just plain thankful, and that is what makes my Christmas special to me. I am richer than I will probably ever realize....
Enter: the above video that reminds me that much of the world has not even one of the blessings I mentioned above, and the awareness that, without even realizing it, I buy into what many of the stores are selling.....you know..the things we "need" in order for our holiday to be truly "merry and bright." Last year I tried to be more aware of what I was buying at Christmas, and this year I hope to be even more careful to not buy into the commercialism.
So, going along, hand in hand, with my handmade and vintage Christmas I'm going to be donating 10% of each necklace I sell from now until Christmas to a charity called Love146 that deals with helping girls out of the sex trade industry. Please understand that this is not a marketing gimmick for more Christmas sales, it's the cry of my heart to want to help a world that is so hurting, as I stand knowing that I'm blessed beyond belief......

So, as we are committing to buying more vintage and handmade, less trips to the shopping mall, lunches out, eggnog lattes, less impulsivity and buying just because it was on sale (she won't notice that it's puke brown...) Let us be aware of what we are saving, and perhaps put those savings to good use......

The Winner of the Twillypop Giveaway: The Wendy

2009-11-20T07:34:00.010-05:00

It's time to unveil the Wendy. Wendy from All in a Day's Thought said, "I love blues and all of the colors of nature...."and, ".....blue is my favorite color....." When asked to pinpoint the particular style of Twillypop that caught her eye Wendy chose the simplest of Twillypop styles, the Melonie, understated elegance and sweetness in the simple combination of ribbon and beads.I chose a blue satin ribbon, the color of the sky on the clearest summer day, and paired it with two different gemstone beads. The beads I used are chalcedony and Sri Lanka sapphire, each a brilliant color blue, one just slightly cloudier than the other, to recall the "perfect imperfections" that are so reminiscent of nature. I wanted to keep the Wendy simple in form, in order to spotlight Wendy's favorite color and the pure beauty found in the colors of nature........

Thanks again to all who participated. I had so much fun that I've decided that I'm going to have one of these giveaways once every couple of months, so keep your eyes and ears open for your next chance to become a Twillypop.....

Venturesome Bronte: The Twillypop Answer for the 5 Word Game

2009-11-18T11:05:00.005-05:00

There is a blog game circulating around some of the blogs I visit wherein someone passes 5 seemingly unrelated words to someone else to write with, including them in a post. Karen R. Evans has extended the game to whosoever chooses to grab the words and run.......

The words she challenged us with: zone, ring, dust, pineapple, elephant...........

How would I incorporate these words into a necklace post?......Bronte is the answer.

Introducing Bronte. Bronte is strong in character and presence. She is bold and unabashed. Invincible. She is as comfortable shopping on Melrose, as she is clinging to the face of a mountain on belay.....she's equally at home in a limo on Park Avenue, or bareback on an elephant in India....She lets no dust collect under her feet, absolutely refusing to live in a danger-free zone. So, don't ring her on Sunday.....she's likely to be off on safari in Africa, or rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. Her life knows no bounds......

Bronte is reminiscent of Zoe with the thick, antiqued gold-tone chain, intertwined with signature Twillypop.... This time, earthy brown grosgrain and large cracked quartz crystal balls. Dangling in a devil may care manner from her chain are different sizes and colors of beads, from oversized grass green faceted glass beads, to baked pineapple Swarovski crystals........The colors of Bronte recall her love of adventure and nature, while the gold and crystals speak of her elegance and sophistication....

And that's a Twillypop answer for the 5 word game. Stop back this weekend and check out the Wendy......

Lil' Twillypops

2009-11-17T15:32:00.010-05:00

I want to preface this post by telling you all that I am " Christmas Girl", a nickname my husband bestowed on me while we were still dating....I love all things Christmas; music, eggnog, Christmas Cookies, decorations, and much to my husband's shagrin, Christmas movies. I like to start early and end late with all festivities. I can't help myself. I cry every time I watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' and I hope I always do........ Above all, I love to contemplate Christmas and all that it means.........

I have been thinking that the Twillypop Girls would make fantastic stocking stuffers, but I was also thinking of all the colors and how much they look like ribbon candy....and how much I wanted to take pictures of them for Christmas so...here they are.

I'll be back in a couple days with my answer in a necklace to the '5-word game' and with the new "Wendy."

P.S. Please check out the Handmade Holidays button at the top right. Consider buying more handmade or vintage this year....more love, thought, care and quality.....less impulsivity, throw-away gifts, money in the pockets of the fat cats (did I just say that?........)

The Winner of the Twillypop Giveaway

2009-11-16T09:40:00.004-05:00

Hi! I want to start by thanking each and every one of you who entered the giveaway! I had a lot of fun learning a little about each of your personal styles! I actually came away with a lot of ideas, and just beware that even though you didn't win, you may very well find yourself as a Twillypop necklace yet!
The winner is.............Wendy from All in a Day's Thought
Congratulations!!
I'll be working on the "Wendy" this week, so check back this weekend to see "she" looks like!
In the meantime, stay tuned this week for more necklace fun!

Island Princess

2009-11-13T11:07:00.006-05:00

Tasie.......in legend, Tasie was princess of an island.....she was said to have been the most beautiful woman in the world with her dazzling blue eyes and long black curly tresses.......

Meet Tasie. The newest Twillypop chic and, I'm ready to say, my absolute favorite so far......

She's so simple, yet seems so complex....Huge irregular cerulean glass crystal beads, alternated with smaller, round faceted ones of like color......the color of the sky on the clearest November day.....a color so deep, you could sit and stare and never fully comprehend the beauty....all strung from luxe, double sided jet black satin ribbon......

Tasie...island princess...can you see her dancing on the sand?.......

Velvet Love

2009-11-11T08:35:00.003-05:00

It is becoming clear that I'm favoring the velvet ribbon as of late. It reminds me of all things warm, cozy, elegant and holiday. These lovely velvets are two new additions to the Twillypop store. They are part of, but definitely not limited to, the Partywear collection and were inspired by my love of the colors of vintage Christmas. These ladies are Hope and Charity.........They are simple and elegant, their beauty speaks for itself. The pearls are timeless, the colors are fresh and unexpected........

I'd also like to re-introduce you to Bella. She's burgundy this time....She's great for the holidays because of her deep cabernet colored velvet, but like her navy predecessor, she's part of the 'Something Old, Something New' collection. Off-white pearl beads, cabernet velvet with a vintage pearl flower from the 1960's........she is Burgundy Bella.

Please click on Frenchie & Flea's Handmade Holiday Pledge Button at the right and consider going handmade this holiday season.

Also, don't forget about the Twillypop 'it's all about you' giveaway http://twillypop.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-all-about-you-giveaway.html . You have until Sunday at 6 p.m. to enter. Stay tuned for a couple more 'Partywear' pieces this week, and another 'Something Old, Something New.' Thanks for stopping by.......

It's All About You Giveaway!

2009-11-09T09:39:00.014-05:00

Time for Twillypop' s first offical giveaway. I've given necklaces away on other blogs, but never my own....and this is a special one. What I am giving away is a Twillypop necklace designed specifically for and named after the winner. Fun, right? Or, as the holidays approach, perhaps there are some of you who would like to have this designed for a special woman in your life as a Christmas gift. The necklace will be designed uniquely for you, or for whomever the winner would like, with your colors and personal style in mind.

TO ENTER: click on comments below and leave me a comment detailing some of your fave colors and the "Twillypop girl" that best suits your personal style. You can check my store and past posts from my blog because I have sold some that aren't currently in my store. There. You officially have one entry.

1. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog= 1 extra entry (if you are already faithful follower and you enter, i will automatically give you 2 entries) I would love to have more followers on my blog........not-so-subtle-hint, hint

2. tweet this giveaway=1 entry for each tweet. Just MAKE SURE if you use the tweet button at the right mention @twillypop when you tweet so i know you tweeted me!

3. refer some friends = 1 entry per friend. Just have your friend mention you when they comment...

That's it. I'm so looking forward to this! The giveaway ends Sunday NOV. 15th at 6pm and the winner will be announced Monday morning. May the luckiest woman win!

P.S. Please be sure that if you're not a blogger, I have some contact info. Thanks for stopping by...............

P.P.S all entries must have a U.S. address.....(sorry)

Xena the Glamazon Sugar Pusher: Twillypop Confessions Pt. 2

2009-11-07T08:41:00.002-05:00

Time for another short respite from the necklaces, as I continue tell you a little more about myself, peeling off the layers of crazy a few at a time.......

#7 I have been likened to xena the warrior princess by more than one man, on more than one occasion. People assure me that this is a compliment although I couldn't quite figure out how it could be one. Methinks it must be one of those little known compliments in disguise.......and leads nicely into the next one.....

#6 I love to lift weights. I mean all out "pump iron." I'm talking face contorting, guttural noising, sweat dripping, lift weights. I'm an admirer of old school arnold....use his training manual.....a lot, AND watch his 70's documentary ....a lot.... My good friend, when I have lamented being a "big" girl, has taken to calling me a glamazon. It took me a while to come around on that one....

#5 and the reason for the picture of pumpkin bread...I love to bake. I really love to bake. At Christmastime I have been known to bake upwards of 20 varieties of Christmas cookies. I love to bake, but my love of baking sweets doesn't exactly mesh with #6, my fitness goals. What is a girl who loves to bake, but not to eat the treats to do?...........give them away! This is how I came to be known to those close to me as "the sugar pusher." A certain member of my family, who I don't want to name (UNCLE CRAIG) has taken to calling me by this.....name. He accuses me of pushing sweets in the same way that a drug dealer pushes drugs, except mine is more addictive.....I just figure, that if people are going to eat sweets anyway, they might as well eat Sara (me), not Sara Lee......I just have to think of this as another one of those compliments in disguise. I seem to get a lot of these......

.......and there you have it, three more layers of my crazy. I'll be back Monday with a fun giveaway...at least I think it's fun , and I'm super sane so.............

after monday's post, more Holiday Partywear and a new 'Something Old, Something New', so stay tuned.....

P.S. I would love to hear any of your stories of compliments in disguise, or perhaps a 'layer of crazy' that you're willing to share. Thanks for stopping by.....

Cecily: Retro Bold

2009-11-05T09:59:00.011-05:00

Cecily is the newest member of the 'Something Old, Something New' collection. Cecily is strong and bold and her colors recall the 70's. She's no nonsense, she knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. Cecily makes absolutely no apologies for her style or her boldness.....

Cecily is large faceted amber glass beads, suspended from luxe double-sided chocolate brown satin ribbon. She wears a vintage gold toned pin with amber colored gems, off to one side. Cecily is one of those girls who may not be popular with everyone, but those who like her, love her.....

The Sweet Romantics

2009-11-03T09:26:00.008-05:00

These are the girls that I think of as the sweet romantics. They Sophia, Jocelyn, and Julie. They are delicate and feminine without wavering. They are soft-spoken, but will always get noticed. They are for us, on our most laid back of days.....on our distressed jeans, cowboyboots, soft tee and favorite blazer kind of day....

Sophia is tipped sweet guava ribbon, and bright white pearls....Jocelyn is delicate tipped seafoam ribbon, woven with petite white pearls. Julie, seafoam like Joceleyn except not as petite......

All three are forever sweet and endlessly romantic.....

Zoe: Simply Complex

2009-11-01T10:49:00.006-05:00

Meet Zoe. A short and simple name for a complex new addition to the Twillypop girls. She's one of those girls who seem to have no end to their depth. She's got the down-to-earth-edness of grosgrain, the sophistication of Swarovski, the mystery of cracked quartz, and the timelessness of antiqued gold. All in addition to the spontanaity and fun that is Twillypop.

Zoe is typical Twillypop and more. Zoe starts with black grosgrain winding through an alternating pattern of swarovski crystals and cracked quartz crystal balls. She has a second, and entirely different layer with the presence of her weighty antiqued gold chain. Effortlessly hanging from her chain are cracked quartz, Swarovski crystal, and faceted glass balls in all different combinations.....it's as if there is no end to the depths of Zoe....and no way to predict what may come next........

.....and you party on.....

2009-10-29T11:16:00.008-04:00

Introducing the first two pieces in the newest Twillypop collection: Partywear. A collection with the holidays in mind, but these girls don't like to be painted with just one brush.....They'll go anywhere, any time of the year......

Meet Eddy and Holly. Can you guess who's who? They both are........a 'who's who', that is. You know the type, at every party, always get noticed. People always talking about them, wanting to be near them....socialites extraordinaire.

Holly is luxe double sided black satin ribbon, dancing around bright, 'kiss me red' glass pearl beads. Classic lines, bold color and what every girl needs.

Eddy is ever the sophisticate. She is thick black satin ribbon, adorned with blue swarovski bicone crystals....and because she doen't know how to quit, she's donned herself with a single mini tuxedo bow.

Who do they think they are?

Twilight Defined and Interpreted

2009-10-27T15:06:00.008-04:00

twilight n. The diffused light from the sky during the early evening or early morning when the sun is below the horizon and its light is refracted.

I will not try to pretend that my interest was not first turned to the word twilight by the popularity of the recent books and movie. I haven't seen the movie, or read the books, but I have noticed that the word twilight is EVERYWHERE. I started wondering about the exact definition, and once I learned the definition, I couldn't help but to start to imagine what twilight would look for in the form of a ribbon necklace.....

Introducing the newest member of the 'something old, something new' collection: Twilight. She is foggy grey (the approaching light of day) melting into lush midnight (the color of the black night sky as it begins to lighten) double sided satin ribbon. The ribbon, true to twillypop form, once again weaves in and out of huge pewter glass pearl beads. The 'something old' is a sparkly vintage star shaped pin that hangs above the extra, flowing fog and midnight ribbons.

Twilight in a necklace.......would you see her differently?

Grammarama: Confessions of Twillypop

2009-10-25T12:12:00.005-04:00

I'm taking a break from the necklaces today. I received a blog award a few days ago, and when this happens i'm told that the winner is supposed to tell 10 things about themselves. I wasn't going to do it because this blog was supposed to be for the sole purpose of getting going with the necklaces......but now i'm finding out how much fun blogging can be and i'm constantly flooded with thoughts to share on my blog. That being said, i'm still doing the necklaces, but thought it would be fun to share 10 random things about myself in small, easy to digest posts interspersed with the necklace posts.
#10 and the reason for the title of today's post........... i'm a total gramma when it comes to technology. up until a few months ago i hardly even checked my email....i just don't "get" technology and i'm a bit afraid of it. i asked an old friend to explain twitter to me, while he was trying to help me grasp the concept, he was simultaneously tweeting that trying to explain it to me was like trying to help his gramma........when he was done trying and it became clear that i would need more than a long distance, 5 minute tutorial, he texted me one word. "Grammarama." i'm on twitter now, i tweet...... still don't understand it, but i tweet.........

#9 and the 2nd picture above........ i have trouble taking myself seriously. that's my "aren't i fun and goofy and if things start to get too serious around me i'll make this face at you" face.....i'm actually going to have to rethink this expression now that i actually see it.....even the necklaces, not serious......funny to me that i even decided to give it a try.

#8 and the last one i'll bore you with today. drumroll please...........i have saturday night dance parties in my kitchen sometimes while i'm cooking dinner. i crank up the xm, i play dj, changing the stations to find the best music and go for it with all of my best moves. i tell you this to tell you that my kids are 9, 8, and 4 and none of them will participate. they all come and stand at the door and gawk at me. if they think i'm going to try to get them to dance, they run away...literally. they are actually embarrassed for me. it makes me thankful that my kitchen is the only place i bust a move these days.....

if you made it down this far, thanks for indulging me. i'll be back with a couple more easy installments 'til we make it to #1. in the meantime, tune in soon for the necklaces. that is, if you can still take me seriously as a necklace designer, i mean crafter.....i mean .......girl who likes to play with colorful ribbons and beads.

Bella, Sister to Stella

2009-10-22T11:43:00.008-04:00

Bella is a bit more conservative than her sister stella, but she still makes a statement. Bella is the second piece in the 'something old, something new' collection.

Bella is deep blue velvet, waltzing in and out of buttercream glass pearl beads. She is one of a kind, like stella, because of her vintage component. I have attached a golden ivory pearl flower from the 1960's. She is plush, elegant, classy and fresh all at the same time.........Bella is quietly confident, and hopelessly playful.....

What does she say to you?

The Penelope Plaids

2009-10-20T14:34:00.006-04:00

I'm astounded as I look around and realize...plaid's back in? Plaid recalls (and I'm about to irrevocably date myself) freshman year of college to me...as i trekked off to the University of Rochester with my trunk full of oversized men's plaid shirts. Even as I sit here and write this I shudder at the thought.......and yet,

I find myself drawn once again to the plaid but I know I'll never go back......

Enter the Penelope plaid necklaces that I made, actually, with my sweet nine year old daughter in mind. She's a girl who, like her mama, prefers jeans but loves accessories. What a fun touch of plaid these turned out to be! As I was taking the photos I liked them so much that I was contemplating how on earth I could ever get away with wearing one myself...........

They look precious on my sweet girl's neck, and wouldn't they also be utterly adorable for the young teen? Or are there others of you like me......recalling the days of Pearl Jam, 90210 in its prime, and those plaid shirts we lived in who are inexplicably drawn to these?

Shocking Pink Vintage Italian Velvet

2009-10-18T15:54:00.008-04:00

This is Candice. She is made of Italian Velvet from the 1940's, intermingled, once again, with oversized white glass pearl beads. I seem to be addicted to the classic elements paired with something a bit more unexpected...... Her velvet ribbon is softer, suppler, and more vibrant than any of the contemporary ribbon I've happened upon. This particular piece of ribbon was only long enough for a knot closure and makes for a shorter length necklace. I actually, true to Twillypop self-indulgent form, made Candice just for me....I wanted to see how well her ribbon would wear, being as old as it is but also, once again, being afraid that no one on the planet would be fruity enough to wear a shockingly pink velvet necklace. Any takers?

Sweet, Un-Plain Jane

2009-10-06T14:09:00.005-04:00

Jane is anything but plain. She's quietly elegant, yet happy to go casual... Jane is luxe double sided black satin ribbon ruffled around clear Swarovski crystal beads.. I love that this necklace looks like ruffles, only sparklier...At the risk of being redundant I took pictures of Jane on distressed denim because I love nothing more than everyday denim mixed with a touch of something dressier. Jane would fit in just as well with something a bit more formal...the possibilities are endless for this necklace.....

How would you wear Jane?

Something Old, Something New.........

2009-10-04T13:43:00.005-04:00

I will start by saying that I tried to will myself to walk away from this ribbon when I happened upon it.......it's impractical, impractical, and it's also not very practical...............

then again, I reasoned, Twillypop is not really about being practical...that's what the rest of my life is for. Besides, the color that can only be described as lagoonish, turquoisish (I know, it's not a word......but it should be) kept beckoning to me and i caved, telling myself I would save it for "someday."

Well, "someday" has arrived just a short week later......too irresistable.......

Everyone, meet Stella.. She's a real charmer. She's lagoon turquoise velvet ribbon that's been laced with buttercream glass pearl beads. Here's the kicker, the reason she's one of a kind and the first piece in a vintagey collection I'm calling 'something old, something new'...(too verbose?...I...can't help myself.....) is that she's been adorned with a vintage brooch I have picked up along the way. Old pin, new soft colorful ribbon, delicate buttery pearl beads...........

Dare I ask, what do YOU think?

For the Drama Queen in All Of Us

2009-09-27T15:50:00.004-04:00

The Drama Queen is adorned by her loyal, royal subjects....The Drama Queen is a double layer of black satin ribbon, that waltzes boldly through oversized pewter glass pearl beads......and if that doesn't get her attention, the deep crimson red satin bow will!

The necklace below is called Crystal Moon, not only for the light aqua color, but because she so beautifully reflects the light.......I've worn this one.......it got some attention......................

I have been asked by Cheri at Its So Very Cheri to let you in on a big, no Huge, maybe GIANORMOUS is big enough, announcement. Be sure to MARK THIS DATE- Oct 1. All I know is that you need to head over to Its So Very Cheri on Oct 1, so you don’t miss out on this big event. She’s never done anything this big. So grab the button and place it on your side bar so you don’t forget, plus your friends will be glad you let them in on it too. Will you be there? I know I will.

Betsy and Sophia Sing the Crystal Blues

2009-09-23T18:33:00.017-04:00

All the Twillypop necklaces are going to have names, simply because it's more fun that way....and to be completely honest, fun is what Twillypop is all about....

Crystal Blues likes to get a little dressy......navy and aqua satin interspersed with two different sizes of cracked quartz crystal balls.........

Sophia is simple, yet elegant...sweet guava ribbon, gently kissed with mocha, interrupted with white glass pearl beads...

This is Betsy.....Isn't she too much? Navy satin pearl ribbon, oversized champagne glass pearl beads and a perfectly placed pumpkin bow....alliteration, anyone?

If someone doesn't take her soon I may just have to cave and start wearing her myself...

The Betsy is a tie closure so is basically adjustable and can be worn at varying lengths.

Beautiful Ribbon Necklaces!

2009-09-19T17:35:00.015-04:00

Please view my etsy shop to see my latest creations. Different necklaces will be available and updated weekly. Free gift bagging provided with all purchases.

Quality ribbon and an assortment of pearls, quartz crystal and various beads make up these must-have necklaces.

Click hereMy Etsy Shop Here!Click here

I will happily work with you to create the perfect jewelry piece. Smaller sizes available for bracelets and children's sizes too, just ask! Please contact me with any questions.