We're Home!

My husband and I drove back from California last night. We had perfect weather on the drive down (not even rain), but we hit some heavy rain on the way back. Our poor dog just hates the long car rides; she even tries to hide from us before we leave on the trip back home! I completely understand - I don't enjoy the long ride either!

We had a nice Christmas. I spent some time with some relatives that I had not seen in years. I have a grand niece that I met for the first time (that makes me sound so old)! She looks exactly like her mom...so cute!

Sneak Peak at New Earrings

I have a new pair of pearl earrings that I am about to list in my Etsy shop. These are dainty earrings that are a little less than 3/4". I've been having fun with these teeny tiny glass beads, and I think I will incorporate them in some of my future designs. They are so tiny that if I drop one, I don't even bother looking for it!

My Minimal Holiday Decorations

I finally got around to decorating my mantel last night. Other than a wreath on the front door, this is the extent of my holiday decorations. It's been a few years since we had a tree, and it's just not worth the battle of Cat vs. Tree!

 

Week Six - Fine Art Gift Ideas

Here are the picks for my final gift guide. I know I should have made this earlier in the week...sorry!

ACEO Spring at the Eiffel Tower Print

by Smelly Rhino Studio on Artfire 

Moonrise over False Bay

by Beach Scriber on Artfire

New Orleans Pirates Alley Original Watercolor Painting 9x12

by Paintings on Palmer on Artfire

Morning Mist 8x12 Original Art Photography

by Rainwolf Studios on Artfire

I never expected to write a movie review

I never expected to write a movie review on my blog (in fact, I have NEVER written a movie review anywhere), but I watched a movie on DVD a few nights ago that I feel deserves a review. The movie is called ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’.

I am so, so glad that I never watched this movie in a movie theater. And it's not because I’m not willing to spend $10 or so to watch a movie at the theater; it’s because this movie left me feeling like an emotional wreak! Now I am known to cry at movies probably as much (or a little more) as any other woman, but movies that center around animals usually get to me the most. I read one sentence on the DVD jacket and said to my husband, “I’ll bet this movie is going to make me cry”. That was an understatement.

This movie is rated ‘G’ and it really is a simple story. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who has not seen it, but it is based on a true story that took place in Japan almost a century ago. This is the American version of the story, and it was done very well. It is about a dog, his owner and the loyalty between them. The movie was done in such a way that it is so hard not to be overcome with emotion. Not only was I crying during the last 30 minutes or so, but for another 30 minutes afterwards. I looked at my eyes in the mirror and I looked as if I had just finished chopping a few onions. It is one of those movies that you will find yourself thinking about afterwards. And if you are an animal lover, it may make you wonder about the emotions of your pets (and in my case, my own emotions).

Well, this turned out to be more of a review of my reaction to the movie than the movie itself! I didn’t want to spoil it for people who haven’t seen it yet. And if you do decide to watch it, make sure you have plenty of tissue.

Silver Holidays Etsy Treasury

I just put together a new Etsy treasury, my first one in a while.

Silver Holidays



Week Five - Bath and Body Gifts

Oh boy, I had a hard time picking just four items for this week's gift guide! There were so many beautiful products to choose from. These are perfect for dealing with dry winter skin. Enjoy!

Buttercream Cupcake Natural Beeswax Lip Butter

by Cozy Moments on Artfire

Orange Cranberry Marmalade 9oz Jar Sugar Body Polish Scrub
by KB Shimmer on Artfire

Lilac Shea Butter Lotion by Body Language Soaps
by BL Soaps on Artfire

Green Tea Handmade Vegan Soap
by blushie on Artfire