we must have been good

Our Christmas celebration was fun and full of joy... so much of it.

Santa must have thought I was good this year because not only did I get my top Christmas wish, but I got two of them...Ben is just the most wonderful. He tried for weeks looking online for a polaroid and the research nerd that he is, he tried to find one with a timer and tripod attachment ability, but beggars can't be choosers right? Also, wanting to be reasonable about buying a polaroid camera, he refused to pay the exorbitant prices they were going for on ebay. So what did he do? He called a ton, I mean a TON of southern California thrift shops. It must have been God's will because 2 days before Christmas he struck gold. A super close by thrift shop had two cameras and sold it to him for 5 bucks. Yes, 5 bucks. Imagine his elation when he had both in his hands. This guy really loves to make his wife happy. I am super glad to be that wife.

On Christmas morning, I opened up a box, which was from Anthropologie. Well, since I thought he couldn't find anything for me, I just told him to get my favorite candles from Anthro. I was a bit bewildered at first because inside the box were two things that were not shaped like my candles, but when I took off the tissue paper, I was so excited and just laughed because not only did I have one polaroid camera, but two! Yup, my Benny is really just the best. I think he spoils me too much. Plus he got me another little contraption for my camera to aid in my photography love. 

Yes. I must have been a good girl. 

And my little girls, well, they were good girls too. They got their dream kitchen or maybe it is more like my dream kitchen. Nevertheless, they love it and True claims to already have "burned" something as she cooks. 

Ben. He was good too. He is so good that all he wanted for Christmas was to give to those in need (I did give him a few practical things). Yeah, he puts me to shame. Just another reason why I love him so much. 

Well, this will be my last post for the year (so I did manage to sneak one last one in). I am thankful to God for all the blessings and friendships he has poured upon me this past year and I joyfully look forward to this new year. 

Happy New Year to all of you!!!

to all of you

Though it is so busy, we must stop and remember the reason we celebrate this season. Tomorrow is a wonderful birthday celebration...I can't wait to see/read everyone's celebrations. I have really been encouraged by so many of you and all of you are so so appreciated. From our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year...

Yes, those fantabulous mustaches made it into this year's Christmas card... poladroid style.

See everyone next year, though I may or may not pop in here before then.

so so sweet

The Christmas sweets, which I like to call "chocolate crispies," are officially packaged and ready to giveaway. Though I think I ought to make a bunch more because I am short a few on my list. I guess it isn't really good that I go "one for this box and then 2 for me." Yeah, not so much. I guess I will make more today.

Chocolate Crispies Recipe

(as made by mama who taught me years ago)

Ingredients:

1 - box of regular corn flakes

6 - big bars of Symphony chocolate (tastes the best, especially with toffee)

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler of sorts.

2. Dump the box of corn flakes in a big bowl.

3. Dump the melted chocolate in the big bowl of corn flakes.

4. Mix and mix, but try not to smash too much.

5. Using a tray with parchment paper atop, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate coated corn flakes.

6. Stick in the fridge for a few hours so the chocolate can mold the crispies together.

7. Take out and eat, and share (if you are able to).

This makes for such a quick yummy sweet and guaranteed to be loved by everyone, especially if you use the Symphony chocolate.

There is still so much to be done and my house is a mess... yikes! I will attempt to clean it sometime today in the midst of my errands and more present and crisipies making. 

Happy merrymaking today!!!

wintry morning

It was so cold out, there was even ice in the front yard, which is rare here in southern California. I am wearing extra layers and our mornings are a bit frosty and gray.

I love the feeling of winter...We will continue with the baking, crafting, and savoring of the reason for this season.

Oh and if you missed out on a Lela doll, but want one, visit Grosgrain and enter to win a fabulous frock and Lela doll together... good luck!!!

Have a wonderful wintry weekend wherever you are...

it's a wrap

White drawing paper, yarn, baker's twine, and doilies all found around the house makes this year's gift wrapping paper...
Simple and clean lines... just the way I like it.

relaxed and ready

All the orders are out, the shop is closed and I am relaxed and ready to dive into some Christmas crafting and baking with my girls. Thank you to all who has helped push Cakies forward (via blog or shop) this year. I have made so many crowns and clips that it is crazy to think they were all made by hand, by myself (with my mom occasionally helping hand stitch the leaves), but each one made with lots of love and excitement (thank God for the strength). The shop will be closed January and possibly February, just to be able to take some time off, but I hope to be back with lots of new things... the sketchbook is oh so full.

The flurry of Christmas crafting has begun as we, True and I, made these softie Christmas trees (thanks to the courtesy of Stephanie Barnes). I sewed and she stuffed. Hence a bit of lopsidedness, but really, we wouldn't have it any other way...

The special tree among the bunch is on its way to a special home for the ornament exchange. I hope the receiver loves it as much as True had fun stuffing it with love.

There is also a little forest of vintage petite sisal trees sitting atop our fireplace mantel. The trees are cute and super tiny...

So tiny that they fit nicely in the palm of a super tiny girl...

Lots of excitement going on as Christmas draws near...

out and about

This weekend came and went so quickly and we were everywhere... 

On Saturday afternoon, we went to Knott's Berry Farm because it was sort of free to get in, as you just had to bring a brand new packaged toy worth at least $10, so we brought 2 and in we went with the girls (This special is on next weekend too if anyone is interested). 

This was the girls first time in an amusement park and Ben's first time at Knott's. We rode 2 rides together, but mostly just walked around. We came to the conclusion that while we had fun, Knott's definitely lacks the "magic" that Disneyland has. Though, we will have to wait to go to Disneyland because it is just too darn expensive to get in.

On Sunday, after an already full day at church, we went to Unique in Los Angeles. It was like going on etsy, but in real life, and they had some other funky non-etsy designers. Karen (Misha Lulu) was there and it is always a treat to see her, her funkiness, and her family.

The only problem here was that the girls were already so tired and napless that they were cranky. The only thing that pacified them was Brave pushing the stroller and True wanting to walk around with one shoe...

There was a bag there (some clarification for those who might need it: it was much, much cheaper at the show than stated on the website) that I wanted from Rebe, but with the girls cranky (fighting and crying), it was really hard to do any shopping. I guess the bag could go on my Christmas wish list. Ben keeps asking what I want, so here is a little help for him, but I still really want a polaroid camera and lots of film (that may be #1)...

Starting with top left: vintage royal typewriter, acorn necklace, vintage locket, house slippers

Other than that, those things aren't needs, just likes and wants, so I think we are going to be a bit more practical with our gift giving, so who knows what I am gonna get or get him for that matter. I think I am done with others, though I do have a few things to make (and bake)... oh i can't wait for some Christmas baking.

Eek! Christmas is almost here... time goes so fast. 

What's on your Christmas wish list? 

some stashin' fun all day long

Yesterday, we declared it Ben's "More-stashin' FUN Birthday" because we had fun stashed for him all day long. Of course, it started with the traditional breakfast in bed...

And his little present to get ready for the "more-stashin" fun day ahead...
I totally loved this when I first saw it on Something's Hiding in Here awhile back, and knew I would have to get us all one and use it as a surprise for Ben, so his birthday was the perfect opportunity.
Little did he know, everyone had their own little 'stache...

When we finally got on the road (and after some arguing, yes, we argue), we gave Ben his first poladroid clue...Where do you think we were headed off to?
Santa Monica Pier!!! We had some fun, of course took some pictures, and played a bit...






Then, back in the car and we gave Benny the next poladroid clue...
Where are we headed off to next?
Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball!!! Thanks Jen... I learned something else from you.
The rain came down and the floods came up and we all had fun exploring the interactive exhibit...


Of course, we 'stashed away good memories here too!


We loaded in the car once again and gave Benny his next (and last) poladroid clue?
Where are we gonna go next?
We went to 'stash a lot of yummy food in our tummies at Joe's Sushi!!!

Thank God for our wonderful day! I have to admit it started out kinda bad cause I was mad that he was late and he was mad that I was mad, so there was tension. Though, praise God he softened both our hearts and we had to do a little communicating and asking forgiveness and then we were able to enjoy the rest of the day that the Lord has made just for Ben (and whoever else shares his birthday).
We 'stashed lots of memories for sure... and we will be sure using these wonderful mustaches to 'stash away more memories. We just love them... and when (and if) we add another to our little clan, we will be sure to get another little mustache.

As for the poladroids... oh I love them so much! Best of all, the program is downloadable and FREE! The only thing I paid for was to print it out at FedEx Office. They were exactly what I needed to get the effect I wanted for Ben's birthday. Funny cause on my Christmas wish list is Polaroid camera (and loads of film), then I found this and it is just grand! So much fun... you could really just poladroid the day away!!! Now, I still want the real deal, but poladroiding is just as fun.

I hope y'all 'stash away lots of fun this weekend, we will for sure... we have got an exciting weekend planned!

on his way up

Because today is his birthday and my Babe-iliscious turns 34. He is just the coolest (and hottest) guy I know (that's one of the reasons I married him)...
Happy Birthday Benny... we love you!!!

Will be back tomorrow to share all the fun we are going to have today...

Please don't forget to read here ,here, and here. Also, Little Ida has some good information about the disheartening future of handmade toys and what can be done to help.

a handful of favorites

I love etsy and I am sure you do too. There are so many wonderful artists on there and I have made many wonderful friends through here. If you aren't done with Christmas shopping, I would check out some of these...

From top left corner: Projectgrabbag, Elsiemarley, Goose Grease, Little Alouette, Mummysam, Discovery Denim

These are just a handful of my favorites (I so badly want one of those diggers and wooden toy teethers are the only way to go... boo to plastic). I have many, many more favorites... check Nat's tutus, Becky's tutus (but her shop is closed temporarily) or Sarah Jane's beautiful art, really the list could go on and on...

These toys are absolutely and positively wonderful and what really makes them special is that they are made with love. Okay, sounds cheesy, but really... they are made by women who don't just do them to get a quick buck because so many of them probably would have given up a long time ago (believe me, I know), but to them it is fun and an art. Something they love. 

Now what's sad is that this may soon be taken away. I am not sure if you are aware but there will soon be legislation requiring that ALL things (clothing to toys) made for children in the U.S. undergo third party testing to check for hazardous materials in these products. I think checking for safety is wonderful, but this third party testing is super expensive and will put all the little guys (like me and others) out of business. 

It is all because big toy makers got greedy and stop caring about the safety of children and more about mass producing for more money, thus using cheaper and some hazardous materials. Okay, I am not too good at talking about the logistics of all this, but you can read it about it on Our Green Nest. She says everything much better than I could, so instead of me ranting about it, just read it here. 

Please do what you can to help. This means so much to me and many other artists all over the U.S. and to those who value something special in buying handmade.

Read Our Green Nest's post on The Future of Handmade Toys...

Oh and thank you again everyone for your continuous support and enthusiasm in viewing our home!!! 

a little funky

Mummysam, an ultra cool & talented artist who will be at the BUST Holiday Craftacular this coming weekend, commissioned me to create a funky, vintage-like, hair piece for herself. I must say that I was excited about the challenge and this was the result...

Rose-ish type flowers using wool felt and some free motion embroidery. I am quite pleased with the result and want to try my hand at a few more for myself and Christmas presents. I always have my hair in a ponytail these days, so maybe I should give it a little pizzazz!
Maybe I could try some teeny ones as well... we'll see.

And you if you weren't tired of seeing my house already, I have one more interview to share with you for CafeMom's Show & Tell Home Tour. I am so elated to have my house featured along the likes of SouleMama, Hula Seventy, and Fine Little Day... these women have fabulous homes! In this interview, things are a bit different cause the house has been decorated a bit for Christmas (just a bit) and you can see other parts of the house as well (the non-messy parts). So come on over and take another peek inside!

It is kinda funny cause all these interviews just happen to come out consecutively, though most of them have been in the works for awhile. I guess Sheri said it best when she said, "You are on the super home tour circuit." This little circuit has been a lot of fun and I am really so grateful!

P.S. Don't mind my messy hair.

two cookies and six grams of fat

These Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's are super duper delicious, but they made my Ben freak a little. He said, "1 serving is 2 cookies, 6 grams of fat and 140 calories. You can only eat 2 (a day)!" Thankfully, there is no hydrogenation in them, otherwise, they would be off limits. Well, that is my loving dietitian husband for you... 

Anyways, I had to try them after seeing Jen's post and luckily today T.J.'s was giving samples of them. I took one bite and fell in love... Jen was so right. I am hooked, you really ought to try them too. Thanks Jen for getting me in trouble!

Speaking of cookies, I did a little interview for Cookie Magazine's Nesting blog and it just came out today. I love all their house features, so the fact we are there too makes me smile big! So to see the True and Brave's rooms again or to read me babble a little, go here... 

I am really thankful for all the love our house has been getting in blogland considering only I know how messy our house really is! I hope you all aren't sick of my house just yet...

Happy Monday and I will be eating some of my yummy cookies... but only 2 (well, maybe three)!!!

take a peek

The lovely ladies of Sugar City Journal asked me to be part of their new home sweet home tours. I am so honored because Lynne and Melissa are two of the most creative ladies I know! Have you seen their creations (and their homes)?!! Each piece they make is a work of art and are simply beautiful and timeless. They have inspired me to create garments with a little more meaning in mind, a dress with its own story. So the fact they would ask me for peeks into my home means so much! Our house is far from done, but it is our home and a reflection of us... so go ahead and take a peek.

Thank you so much Melissa and Lynne!!!

Oh and come and join Nathalie's ornament swap... I'm in.

elvish

sfskljie dfi sldkfjioie kjle!

That was Elvish for... Christmas is almost here!!! So that means so are the Christmas elves...

Handcrafted by me and True (she used fabric markers to make the apron and color the baby Elf), they are positively friendly and very helpful in getting the house ready to celebrate our favorite holiday. They helped get out the decorations and put up the trimmings, but most of all they keep us entertained as they speak to us in Elvish. It sounds kind of funny.

And how do we know they are elves? Because of their shoes of course...

True had the most fun playing with the baby Elf, who likes to be tuck and hidden away with his Elf mama...

If you need some help decorating or just doing things around the house, maybe you should make some Elves. They aren't just Santa's helpers... they can be yours too!

i love to take pictures

My Babe-ilsicous and both my babyCakies are my favorite subjects, but fruit works just as well (just not as gorgeous as them)...

Taking pictures is a lot of fun (so is eating fruit).

owls + sun = don't go together

Thanks everyone for the get well wishes. After two days of rest, I am feeling a little better, not quite 100% but I am on my way there. I did get to work on a little something. Come on, being sick couldn't keep me away from making at least one thing! 

This is going to a sweet little K who will be celebrating her 2nd birthday with a hootin' (is that even a word?) fantabulous party this Saturday. I hope she (and her mama) love it...

So at first, I made a little, teeny mistake. I was super proud and showing my Babe-iliscious what I made, but then he told me, "Ruby, owls come out at night." Oh... yeah. I forgot. 

Now see where the moon is, I had a cute little sun with a vintage button, but I forgot that minor detail (thanks Benny!). I had to remove my cute little sun and put an equally sweet little moon. A perfect little moon for a perfect little owl. Good thing I put the moon, cause maybe Mr. Owl would sleep through the party if the sun stayed out! 

I have a few other ideas for more crowns that stem from this. I can't wait to try it out, but I probably won't get to it until next year. I already have a long list of projects for next year, but good thing I will be closing shop for January (maybe even February). It will be time to try some new things. 

My body is now telling me it's time for bed.

Happy December everyone!!!